Location: Quess’ar’Teranthvar – ‘Golden Grove of Hidden Knowledge’
Nephinae shook herself from staring at the fire. Seeing spots of light, she closed her eyes and explained. "We are called this because of our skin and eyes." Opening her eyes and looking at Ashinaya, "No, we aren't from the moon, or below the ground."
Her head tilted to the side, "How did snow elves come to be? You have less covering and walk outside like it is a sunny day."
Ashinaya laughed. “What you call ‘cold’ I call comfortable. What you call a warm day, I would call ‘hot.’ My people have existed since the Fey were made. In ancient times, a great war broke out amongst the Fey. It was a war between the light and dark-skinned elves. We tried to broker peace and it did not go well. My ancestors retreated from civilization and we found a new home in the places uninhabitable by most. We adapted and are now what we are today. I was born here on Avalorn so of any place before that, I know nothing.”
She looked over to where Fenrith had settled on a fur-lined chair and Nephinae followed her gaze to find the young prince fast asleep. As seemed to be tradition, Emry was curled up on his chest. Ashinaya smiled and then shook her head.
“The young have so few cares and can sleep almost anywhere.”
Nephinae nodded as there was a light tap on the front door. Ashinaya rose and answered the knock. Nephinae could hear someone talking and then saw Ashinaya close the door and come back to where Nephinae was.
“That was a messenger from Omah Nin Caiwynn. She calls for us to join her immediately.”
Nephinae looked over at Fenrith and Ashinaya shook her head. “Let him sleep, this is a meeting for adults and while it is about him, it is best that he rests now. Besides, there are enough eyes upon my home currently to assure his safety.”
Nephinae looked uncomfortable for a moment, but nodded. She rose and followed as Ashinaya led her out the front door and through the treetop city. They made their way to the largest of the trees that supported a structure. As they neared, Nephinae noticed a number of hidden archers and guards, all keeping watch and their eyes on her as they passed.
Reaching the doors to the large building, the two guards standing outside snapped to attention as Ashinaya approached. Without hesitation, the double doors to the building were opened and they were allowed to walk inside. Once through the doors, they were closed behind them. The inside was very much like the finer places Nephinae had seen when she had gone to answer the King’s summons that had started her on this road. Ashinaya led them through a number of rooms until they finally arrived in what appeared to be a large study. Several rows of ancient books lined the walls with a large desk and regal chair at the rear. In front of the desk sat two chairs. Ashinaya motioned for Nephinae to take one as she did the same.
“When Laranlas enters, rise as I do, but there is no need to kneel or any foolishness like that.”
Nephinae nodded. They only waited a few minutes before the doors were opened once more. Both women rose as they were joined by a third. Nephinae took in the woman, memorizing all that she could. The new arrival stood tall amongst elves in general at five foot, ten inches tall. Her long, white hair was braided in the back and swept over her left shoulder. She wore a silver gown of what Nephinae could only assume was the Snow Elven equivalent of elven chainmail. As she sat, the tall elf motioned for them to sit as well and Ashinaya nodded to Nephinae who retook her seat. The woman looked over several papers on her desk before she looked up at the pair before her. Nephinae noted that her eyes were the palest blue she had ever seen. With a nod to Ashinaya from the woman, Nephinae’s host rose and spoke.
“Quex Etrielle, in my patrols this day, I cam across a shelter inhabited by this tyssir of ours. She has been open and honest with me and says she is Teu’Tel’Quessir.”
The woman behind the desk looked over at Nephinae as Ashinaya continued.
“Her name is Nephinae Facaryn of Lorienheim. She is in the company of others. Two I have met. A young elf named Fenrith who is of royal blood and his companion, Emry.” She paused for a moment. “A young gold dragon.”
The woman behind the desk snapped her attention to Ashinaya.
“You have seen the drake?” The woman asked and Ashinaya nodded.
“It is with the young prince in my home now, asleep.”
The woman nodded and Ashinaya sat again. Nephinae tried to recall the meanings of all the words that she knew as the old elven. ‘Laranas’ was Regal Lady. ‘Omah Nin’ meant Highest Chief, while ‘Quex Etrielle’ was Supreme Lady. Finally there was ‘Tyssis’ which she was sure meant cousins. The woman behind the desk sat quietly for a minute before letting out a long sigh.
“May I call you Nephinae or do you have a title you prefer?”
Nephinae smiled, “No title, Nephinae is perfectly fine by me.”
The woman nodded. “As you are the first of the Tue’Tel’Quessir to enter Quess’ar’Teranthvar in recorded history, I will not bother with titles myself as we should be less formal in this manner. You may simply call me Caiwynn, or Cai if you prefer.”
She leaned back in her seat and looked to think for a moment. “It is troublesome that you are here and a number of my subjects will not be pleased. We have avoided most contact with the warm-bloods of our kind as their politics are something we do not wish to be a part of.” She looked at Ashinaya. “You mentioned another, one you had not seen?”
Ashinaya nodded, “Yes Laranlas, another tyssis like the young prince. He went out of their shelter for a reason unknown to Nephinae and appears to have gotten lost.”
Caiwynn nodded, “Have you informed the patrols about him?”
Ashinaya nodded. “Yes. They will be on the look out for him or his body.”
“Good.” Caiwynn looked over at Nephinae. “So, you are a long way from your summerlands in Lorienheim. I have been told that the young drake used its magic to take you all away from trouble and by accident delivered you to our forest. You surely understand that you are many weeks travel from Lorienheim and that would be if you were mounted in this weather. Let me ask you this, what is it that you would ask of us for your young prince?”