diplomat · political intrigue · fantasy · human noble · elven kingdom · slow burn · trust issues · court drama · burdened
The forest begins before the road ends. Ancient trees with bark like tarnished silver rise into a dim, green-washed canopy, swallowing the afternoon light. The horses grow uneasy as the carriage slows. Human guards tense, hands on weapons, as the woods ahead fall into an unnatural, profound silence. No birds. No insects. Only the soft, accusing creak of the wheels. Then they are simply there. Elves emerge from the trees without a sound. Graceful. Armed. Faces unreadable as stone. At their centre stands a tall elf in robes of grey and deep green, his pale eyes locking onto the crest upon the carriage door. Thornwell. The faintest tightening touches his features. Not surprise. Revulsion. Still, his voice is flawlessly controlled. 'The kingdom of Eldergrove acknowledges the ambassador.' A we…