positively charmed

Arriving at the castle, It stood as a majestic structure at the heart of Mythrandil. Built into the side of a towering black granite cliff, the

castle seemed to merge with the natural rock, as if it had grown out of the earth itself. It was breathtaking and looked formidable strength, designed to both awe and intimidate.

The walls of the castle were constructed from dark stone, almost black, which absorbed the light around it. Dark Elves. These carvings seemed to shift and change with the light, creating an illusion of movement.

Massive towers rose from the corners of the castle, their spires reaching towards the sky. These towers were topped with glowing crystals, emitting a soft, eerie light that bathed the castle in a haunting glow. The light from the crystals was not bright, but it was noticeably beautiful.

The castle doors were made of ebony wood, reinforced with iron, and adorned with silver runes that glowed faintly, a testament to the powerful enchantments protecting the castle. As the doors swung open, they revealed a grand hall with high vaulted ceilings and columns carved from the same dark stone.

Inside, the castle was a blend of darkness and light. The grand hall led to a series of rooms and corridors, each more impressive than the last.

They were brought straight into meet with the Queen of the Dark Elf Clan, Akio Ryuu.

Her office had pillars made of obsidian, and tapestries of different stars and planets aligned the walls. It was stunning and intimidating all at the same time. Orion utterly amazed at how impressive their castle was.

The queen walks in and greets the six people standing before her.

"Good evening, I'm happy to see you finally made it. I am Queen Akio Ryun of the Dark Elf Clan" The queen said Bowing to Theo and Orion.

"Good evening, your grace, I am Princess Orion Serrias Brimmed of the High elf clan and heir to the throne of Elysium." Orion announcing her title to the queen was a reminder of her status. "I apologize for the delay, but we faced some troubles along our

journeys which has delayed us to everyone." Orion stepped forward and bowed in return.

"Well I hope to hear some interesting stories over dinner later, please I dare you to impress me." The queen said with a hint of sarcasm hidden in her voice.

Okay, she's got sense of humor, I can work with this. Orion thought to herself.

T: You could do it even without her having a sense of humor.

O: are we at this again with you rudely ease dropping on my thoughts?

T: well don't think so loud and I won't.

Rion stuck her tongue out at Theo. The queen furrowed her brows confused at what just that was and whether or not to be offended.

Oleander kicks the back of Rion's heel, reminding her where shes at.

"My queen, if you are not impressed with our journey so far, I think you'll find that you are the problem." Rion giggled as to make sure the queen knew she was being playful and to test the waters on where she currently stands in the eyes this queen.

"Well let's move this conversation to the dinning hall. Is this a story that I will lose my appetite over?" The queen said walking toward the door.

"Depends how strong your stomach is," Theo answered.

"That's right, my apologies, my prince, we have not been properly introduced and I fear my manners were left somewhere, and I'll have to find them later." Queen Aiko said turning and bowing to Theo and his companions.

"Queen Aiko I am Prince Theo of the Sun Elf Clan. It's been a very long time since I've been in your clan's territory, its more beautiful since you took the throne I must say."

"Well, my prince, I changed the whole damn clan when I took the throne and we've never been as prosperous" She laughed.

Rion's eyes widened in surprise, "Now THAT'S a story I want to hear."

Oleander and Arragon walked up and

introduced themselves.

"I am Prince Oleander of the High Elf Clan." Bowing a hand over his heart and a step a back.

"I am Prince Arragon of the High Elf Clan, positively charmed my queen." Arragon bowed.

Carter and Joselyn bow with their hands over their hearts and introduce themselves.

After the late introductions they head to the dinning hall.

The queen looked extremely beautifully

and intimidating. We're all the royal families fiercely beautiful. Her face had delicate but fierce features. Her eyes were almond shaped and hazel colored they screamed power and authority. She had long, silky, ebony black hair that fell down her to butt.

Her dress was armored with dwarven mithril on top of her silk gown. The gown was black

and green and embroidered with dragons with silver thread. Her sleeves were long and flowing.

We take our seats at a dark hardwood table with silver candle holder. They had an impressive design of a dragon imprinted on its stems.

"So please tell me what exciting things delayed your arrival to Mythrandil?" Queen Aiko insisted.

"Well, your majesty, I was kidnapped attacked and lost in the Netherworld. Which story do you want first?" I asked sarcastically.

"You have my undivided attention, please start from the beginning, I am ever so intrigued." Queen Aiko said eagerly.

"Well I guess I'll start with the fact we had a riot on our wedding night." Orion said.

"A riot! Well, thats certainly aninteresting way to start a marriage." The queen responded.

"You tellin me." I said rolling my eyes. I didn't wanna mention my brother. Didn't feel like crying or hearing anymore I'm sorry's.

"After that we left for the Sun Clan when I was attacked and kidnapped by some villagers when we stopped to stay at an inn."

"I cut off their hands and then their heads. Don't ever touch whats mine." Theo interrupted.

"Don't interrupt when your wife and queen is speaking." Queen Aiko said sternly.

T: ouch that was harsh.

O: but she's right, I'm a story, don't be rude.

"Yeah, he did that. Frankly I thought it a bit harsh, but according to Carter that was mild compared to what he would have done."

"But after that when we arrived in Teloria, we were attacked by creatures I've never seen and only just recently learned the names too. So many were lost. That night." I had a sad look on my face.

"I know the creatures you speak of, they aren't from this world." Queen Aiko said with concern "we have also been dealing with creatures of the rot. As well our mountains are crumbling into ash and then the ash fades away."

Queen Aiko sighed and took a deep breath "This is one of the things I actually want to speak with you about. I know the sun elf has also been dealing with far land decaying. But this is they first I've heard of the creatures reaching that far north!"

"Do you think they are spreading further north?" Queen Aiko asked.

"I'm starting to think so, and while were on the conversation I wanted to ask permission to use your library and speak with your scholars about Tai and Tan and what it has to do with the netherworld."

"Certainly I'd be interested to learn what you learn if you don't mind sharing your findings. I can see what I can acquire on my own here in the castle." Queen Aiko said.

While we're conversing, food is being served; Theo and my brothers and our friends were chatting among themselves eating. There were salads with a variety of wild greens and fruits with a tangy berry vinaigrette. There were peppers stuffed with cheese. Baked crispy bread with butter.

"I never did hear the part about the Netherworld. Don't think I forgot." Queen Aiko said.

"Well thats one I don't know if you're going to believe."

The main course was being served it was roasted venison seasoned with a rich red wine. Along side it was sautéed vegetables and baked asparagus.

"I'm a vegetarian I don't eat meat is it possible I can get a dish with more vegetables and maybe some nuts and seeds?"

"I'll see what I can put together for you, your grace." Said a servant "I'll be back shortly."

"That is yet to be seen. Tell it" she said.

"So, confession time. You know of the gods, correct? There origin story? Yours is the same right? If I recall the dark elves' worship Jessera the goddess of wisdom and water?"

"Yes, and I believe so." she replied.

"So Nether the god of death. I'm his vessel. I am death. Which means I'm like a bridge between the Etherworld and the Netherworld." She looked confused so I explained. "I can enter the Netherworld and roam it freely. Just as I can here. Nether and I trade places. Sometimes I can get a bit stuck and its Theo who brings me back, he's my tether to this world, my way back."

"That's wild you're right about this story its really this story its really unbelievable." The queen said.

"I know it kinda is isn't" I say trying to laugh off the reality of that statement.

"Can you enter the Netherworld when ever you choose?"

"No, it happens when I lose control, Nether takes control of my body and then I can access the power of the Netherworld, its only happened a few times, but I get more and more comfortable as I get more familiar with it. It gets harder to leave."

"I've only ever met with Jessera once and it was right before I took the throne she said 'you must change the clan or it will not survive the coming war they will turn to nothing as well all of Elysium.' You can imagine how freaking scary that was, with you having a god inside you." Queen Aiko said.

"You've met an actual goddess? I've only met with The Sisters. They're a bit eccentric, to say the least. Nether lives inside me, but I've never actually met him."

"Well that seems pretty rude, doesn't it?" Queen Aiko said with a straight face.

I laughed so hard when she said. "I've never thought about it like that. That's so funny."