Location: Quess’ar’Teranthvar – ‘Golden Grove of Hidden Knowledge’
Nephinae rose from her seat and looked to Caiwynn, "I need to deliver Prince Fenrith to his Grandfather King Calaveria Stormcloud. I am deeply sorry that our appearance has disturb you all, but we will leave once we are better equipped for the environment. That is, if you will grant it. I don’t want to cause his highness anymore pain or discomfort. The men after him killed his mother and continued to hunt him."
Nephinae paused for a moment in thought.
"As to the male we are traveling with, I am not sure where he went. But I do know he was ill equipped as well. Maybe an escort through your lands so that we don't get lost? I need to speak with Emry, the drake, as he is also protecting the prince." She sat back down and contemplated the distance of travel and how many days. Maybe Emery could transport them again, at least a bit further south.
The doors to the room opened and a handful of younger Snow Elves came in. Each carried something different. Two held pitchers, one a covered bowl and the last two covered trays. A sixth young elf came in and set up a small table closest to Nephinae where all of these items were set down. The youths bowed and left as quickly as they had entered. Caiwynn motioned to the newly delivered items.
“I know you may have eaten something at Ashinaya’s, but it would be rude of me not to see to your needs while you are my guest.”
She rose and walked around the desk and raised the lid on each item and explained what was within.
“A warm broth of antelope bone. Hearty and hot to warm you up. A collection of berries we collect and grow here in the forest. A freshly killed and cooked wild boar, personally one of my favorites as my people do know how to spice it. Finally, a warmed, mulled wine and spiced ale. As they did not know what foods your people ate, they brought a collection of everything.”
Caiwynn poured herself a glass of the mulled wine and took a piece of the boar before returning to her seat. She ate and drank casually with a smile.
“I wanted you to see that there is no poison or trickery, just good food and drink.”
As Nephinae looked over the dinnerware and the items supplied, the doors opened again. This time a male Snow Elf came in. He nodded to Ashinaya who returned the nod before coming around the desk to Caiwynn’s side. She nodded and he leaned down and said something which caused her to frown deeply. When he stood, he stepped back and Caiwynn rose from her chair.
“I regret that Ashinaya and I must leave you for a short time.” Caiwynn looked over at Ashinaya. “It appears that there is trouble outside within the grove.”
Ashinaya rose from her chair and Nephinae noticed her look darkened. “They have returned?”
Caiwynn nodded, “And with greater numbers.”
Ashinaya nodded and turned, heading for the door immediately with the soldier right behind her. Caiwynn stepped around the desk and placed a hand on Nephinae’s shoulder.
“I have sent additional soldiers to Ashinaya’s home to make sure your Prince is never aware of what is happening outside.”
Nephinae looked up at her with concern. “May I ask what this trouble is?”
Caiwynn smiled and nodded, “A constant nuisance we have been dealing with for some time. The undead.”