Melinir is Questioned

“So, what are a pair of high elves doing in our part of the woods?” Tiryna-the female who’d captured Melinir asked.

“We were merely looking for a shortcut,” Melinir said from his position seated on the rotten log. Nystar sat beside him, multi-coloured mushroom growing in the gap between them. Both of them had their hands bound behind their back with sharp rope that scratched the wrists.

“Hmmph. And why should I believe you?”

“Because of my charming, good looks, my impeccable speech, or maybe my infectious personality?”

The dark elf couldn’t help but smile. Melinir couldn’t help but see some form of beauty within her. Her skin was a blueish grey, her eyes a smouldering dark red, like the embers of a fire, black warpaint was smeared around both eyes, a single spike running like a tear down one cheek. Her hair was silver and long. The pointy tips of her ears were the longest Melinir had ever seen. She wore brown leather and bronze armour in separate sections, with a little cleavage on show between.

“You must realise,” Tiryna said, “that it is hard for me to trust a high elf, after what your people did to mine. After what your queen did to my people.”

Melinir gulped down saliva. If she found out he was a prince, he’d be in for a sticky end.

“Find a tent and tie the other one up,” Tiryna said. “I’ll question him later.”

Another couple of dark elves came and took Nystar away. Melinir didn’t look at him, now wasn’t a time for either elf to show weakness.

“You’ll be my prisoner for tonight. I’ll deal with your friend tomorrow. Let’s go.”

Melinir stood, following Tiryna. He couldn’t help but look at her from behind. She wore a brown skirt that matched her leather armour, and high boots that went just below the knee.

He’d never met a dark elf before; he’d always been taught that they were disgusting and repulsive, but Tiryna seemed beautiful in a way. Even though she was also terrifying.

One thing that scared him more: he knew that dark elves took pleasure in the pain of others.