Somewhere not quite as far to the west

The wagons were arranged in a circle on a field this time. There were soldiers posted on watch all around. Everyone looked tense, these were not the elflands.

Outside the circle of wagons, well away from everyone else, a group of three elves sat on the ground facing each other. One was the tall elf with the tattooed face, his hood was down this time. The designs of his tattoos continued down the back of his neck under his clothing. The princess was there, as indescribably gorgeous as ever. The last one was a new face. Dressed in brown travel leathers that were marred by road dust, he did not look like a warrior, more like a messenger or scout. He was reading a letter out loud for the other two.

“The reports from the peaks leave little room for doubt. Nightblood activity. They are either back or they never left and are coming out of hiding.” The tattooed one showed no reaction, but the princess nodded. “I am inclined to believe it is the latter. The peaks are full of caves and caverns, perfect for their kind to hide in.” It was the reader’s turn to nod. “That is my conclusion as well, Exalted One.” He opened a different letter and read. “Grim tidings from the far north as well. The sentinels across the sea report that at least one dragon has woken. They fear it may be more. Only one confirmed sighting, but the number of roars they have heard lead them to believe there are likely more.” The tattooed one remained impassive looking, and the princess just nodded again, so he got out a third letter. “Three of our scouts have not reported in. One was sent towards The Lower Heartland, though we do not know if she got that far. Both the others went missing on their way to or in Dolinam.” The princess spoke again “What do you make of their disappearances, scoutmaster? Vagabonds, animals, or do you think it may be the enemy?” The scoutmaster scratched his head. “It is tough to say, Highness. It’s not like we have found bodies, they simply have not reported in. And they were in human lands, all sorts of dangers exist there." The princess nodded again; the mood was somber. For the first time, the tattooed one spoke. “Even so, the reports from the north and the peaks prove that this mission is vital. The enemy is moving. Whatever lives may be lost here, it will pale in comparison to what will happen if the seed is allowed to take root.” Nods all around, and grim expressions. Dark days were ahead.