* * *
Islanzadí Dröttning, Queen and sovereign ruler of the elves of Du Weldenvarden, walked with calm and graceful steps as she approached Tialdarí Hall, her grand tree palace. A flurry of activity surrounded the hall, a call to arms of the rest of her personal guard that hadn't occurred since Galbatorix's betrayal. Some of them she hadn't since the last Blood Oath Celebration, which was... she counted down the years in her head.
'Hmm. Near a century ago. How time flies. We'll soon have another on our hands.'
Thinking of passing time caused a sharp pang in her stomach, reminding her of a great grievance, and she unconsciously laid a hand upon her stomach. Her attendant gave her a slight look of concern, but wasn't so uncouth as to remark on it.
According to her orders, additional archers would soon begin to roost themselves in hidden nooks high above the hall, concealing themselves with clever spells that made it seem as though they blended in with the roof itself. Her spellcasters were triple-checking the wards and enchantments that surrounded the hall, and she had donned her battle armor.
It had been many years since she had done that, as well. The beautiful set had been a gift by her beloved Evander, late King of Ellesméra, and was crafted with the utmost quality as a gift to celebrate their union. He had even hinted that Rhunön, the elusive blacksmith, had a hand in its craft.
It was made of hundreds of small, interlocking green-and-silver plates, and was sleek and gorgeous. Wearing it was like wearing feathers, the make was so light. She had also donned a dark green cloak round her proud shoulders, the color of pine needles, which was expertly embroidered in a lighter green with the designs of vines, leaves, and the shape of firs and pine cones.
An attendant easily kept pace at her side, informing her of the situation with quick, respectful words. Islanzadí frowned slightly.
"This is most surprising. Gilderien The Wise has never done anything like this before... I'm sure of it. Who will guard the forest in his absence, as he escorts this individual?"
In addition to the scroll they had recieved, the courier of the message had met with Gilderien personally, and so had briefly met his companion.
Despite how awed the messenger had been by meeting the awesome figure, he did not fail in memorizing what he could of the person that traveled with him. The companion he escorted was described as wearing dark clothes the make of which he had never seen before, resembling in places the form of leather that could potentially support a martial style of combat, and sported the fearsome mask of a snarling beast that looked vaguely humanoid, with three twisting horns that rose from its crown, like a more disturbing version of an Urgal's features. He had also mentioned the individuals unsettling eyes with shaking words.
"...like bottomless wells of cold, chilling darkness. He looked at me like one would a rotting corpse, like I was beneath even acknowledgment. With disgust and cruelty that I haven't seen in..."
The courier had seemed haunted by the experience, and wasn't able to say much more before being reduced to stutters, and, with a pale face, had to be dismissed and supported by an accomplice as he left.
Islanzadí's attendant, an elven man with long blond hair, sharp eyes, and a pronounced jawline, wearing silver livery that would fit a princeling human, inclined his head as he replied to Islanzadí's question.
"He assures us that there will be no sacrifices in matters of protection, regarding the border."
Islanzadí frowned.
'He has politely refused all contact, besides that which would have made him appear rude, for generations. I've only ever met the man in person on two occasions, and never spoke to him at length for either. First was when he attended my wedding, and then when I was crowned. What in the world could compel him to take action now?"
She sighed. Why were so many things today reminding her of family?
She unrolled the scroll which had been printed in what was presumably Gilderien the Wise's lettering, re-reading the cryptic and too-short message of loopy words and beautiful brushtrokes that she regretted not having the time to fully appreciate.
"
Ready yourselves. The disturber of our border approaches in half a days time. He has no ill intent, and I believe it would be in your best interest to take hold of the opportunity he presents, before we give Galbatorix the ability to do the same.
But be wary and on guard, my Queen.
He is powerful.
"
She couldn't help an involuntary shudder.
'Gilderien is myth, even amongst our standards of longevity… he and Rhunön both have been here as far back as our people's first landfall on this continent. Some believe him to be an extension of the forest itself. For him to call someone powerful… well. The intruder seems to have already received his blessing of entry, elsewise he wouldn't have allowed him to get so close. I'll put my trust in our longtime protector, this time, no matter how much it irks me.'
Her emerald green eyes flashed dangerously, and she tossed her raven black hair over her shoulder, finally entering the vast hall. Everyone inside stopped and turned to her, bowing and holding their hands to their hearts, muttering greetings. They wouldn't move until she was seated.
She gave them all a single, regal nod, approaching her throne. As she crossed the threshold, two dozen of the Queen's Guard, dressed in emerald green armor with leaf designs and battle skirts of green mail, appeared on both sides of the throne, holding towering shields and wielding long spears. Etched on their chestplates was the Yawë. She suppressed biting her lip at the accursed symbol, thinking back to her daughter. These loyal men were born to wield it, and lived according to her desires, so she knew it was wrong to give them anything but thanks. As she sat upon the throne, they slammed the butts of their spears into the living wood of the hall's floor in one unanimous movement, causing the noise to echo throughout the chamber.
Their captain, who stood directly to the right of Islanzadí's throne, a prestigious position, bellowed out with a commanding voice:
"The Queen is in court! May the stars watch over Queen Islanzad!"
The inhabitants of the room echoed the phrase with fervent voice.
"May the stars watch over Queen Islanzadí!"
It had been too long since she had taken her rightful seat, in recent times.
The corner of her mouth quirked upwards slightly as she looked calmly toward the entrance, crossing her leg and resting her hand on her chin in an imposing visage.
'I'll be sure to speak with Gilderien at length, this time. Whether he likes it or not, I am his Queen. And he owes me an explanation. I must admit I am curious of the newcomer... After the courier's description, I am most eager to meet him personally.'