Halyen Halamook, the elf from Anglurea

The elven emissary from Anglurea was sitting alone at her table when Riekan walked by, sipping on a silver cup of wine. Riekan had never talked to an elf before, since relations between Kinwald and Anglurea were just stable, at best, centering only around diplomacy and trade, and the elves seldom traveled outside their country as well. It struck him how beautiful and exotic elves looked, Halyen Halamook had pale skin and long green hair that was tied in a ponytail behind her back, along with green eyes way clearer than his emerald ones, and of course, the unmistakable pointy ears. She was wearing a long silver gown that looked more like a cloak, so the contours of her body were well concealed. Fashion from Anglurea, I guess.

From what he had been able to see, no one had asked the elf to dance so far, probably the reason why Riekan could spot a few weird looks thrown his way as he made his way to her table.

“Lady Halamook,” he said, causing the elf to turn and face him. “I believe we have not been introduced yet, I am Riekan Lionwell, King Albran’s youngest son and third in line to the throne of Kinwald.”

Halyen stared at him for a few seconds, an unreadable look on her face, before a small smile grew on the corner of her lips. “Ah, so you are the youngest one,” she acknowledged, a regal, calm tone on her voice, even if she wasn’t royalty. “As you seem to be already aware, I am Halyen Halamook, an ambassador sent by the King of Anglurea for your father’s announcement.”

“Indeed, pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady,” Riekan nodded, giving the elf an exaggerated nod. “I was wondering if you would like to dance?”

The elf raised a curious eyebrow. “Are you sure, Lord Lionwell?” she asked. “You are the first one who asked me that question this night.”

“I am quite sure, Lady Halamook, someone has to show the others they do not have to be afraid of dancing with a striking woman such as yourself,” he stated, wondering if he wasn’t being too inconvenient.

Halyen gave him a long appraising look and nodded, a small smile on her face as she stood up, revealing to Riekan the fact that she was a bit taller than him. “Very well, young prince, let’s dance.”

The two of them started dancing to a melodic, happy tune the musicians were playing. When the elf got closer and placed her hands on his shoulders, Riekan found himself trying to guess her age. She seemed to be either in her late-twenties or early-thirties if he was correct. He put his hands on her hips, but she did not get any closer, something that prevented him from feeling her curves.

By Alxer, I’m dancing with an elf! No one here had the guts to attempt this! he marveled at his own bravery. Deciding to use the same tactic he employed on Sarine, Riekan cleared his throat before speaking. “What are your impressions of Kinwald, Lady Halamook? Is everything to your liking?”

“First of all, if we are going to keep dancing, I will have to insist that you call me Halyen, young prince,” she responded, giving him a small smile. “As for your question, I wish Anglurea had as many forests.”

“Anglurea is almost predominantly rocky and mountainous, am I right?” Riekan asked as they swayed to the song.

“Indeed, Prince Riekan, forests are rare in our country,” Halyen replied, somewhat impressed that the young man from Kinwald knew anything about her kingdom’s terrain. “The few ones we have belong to noble families, mine included.”

“Mmm, is that why the King of Anglurea named you to attend this ball?” he continued to question his dancing partner, noticing she was open to answering him.

“Partly, he is also reaching out to your father with an inquiry over setting up an embassy here in Kinwald,” the elven woman answered. “Strengthening bonds, I believe.”

“Warming news, my lady, I think our kingdoms would benefit greatly from closer relations,” Riekan told her, but in reality, he was simply stunned. Anglurea ceased almost all diplomatic contact with the other nations in Atlarcton a long time ago, and now the elves were actually taking the initiative of reaching out.

“It is comforting to know that someone thinks that way, your father, the King, did not seem to agree with it at first from what I could perceive during our conversation, but I think your mother and sister convinced him,” Halyen told him. “As you said, it would be to the benefit of both of our nations.”

Riekan nodded in agreement, his hand unwittingly lowering down to the elf’s small back over her gown. “I suppose you are going to act as ambassador?”

“Correct again, young prince. My, aren’t you a smart one?” Halyen gave him a brief grin.

The prince returned her grin and shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I try.”

Halyen chuckled, the King of Kinwald and his second oldest son, the newly engaged one, seemed to think only about past and future wars and conflicts, focusing too much on their old Alliance, and so did the majority of the King’s advisors. The Queen and the Princess, though, were a different matter, those two seemed to strive for a peaceful future, where all the kingdoms could live together in Atlarcton without the shadow of the war holding them back. Prince Riekan seemingly shared the same thought as his mother and sister, and she still hadn’t talked to the oldest prince so far.

“So, Lady Halamook,” Riekan said, bringing the woman out of her musings. “My father told me Anglurea has a princess about the same age as my sister. I am sure Adallis would like to meet her sometime, and so do I for that matter, I think it would help to strengthen the bonds, as you said.” In truth, Riekan was trying to get some information on how the Princess of Anglurea was like, in the case his father decided to arrange a marriage between Adallis and her as one of his plans entailed.

Halyen raised a curious eyebrow, the first thought that crossed her mind was that Riekan wanted to know about a potential bride for him, but she was sure that the King and the Queen would never allow a marriage between their daughter and a human despite their recent intention of befriending the other kingdoms. Nevertheless, they would surely judge Riekan a little young for the Princess. Halyen had to admit she shared both of those views, although she agreed that friendly relations with Adallis Lionwell could be really good for her princess in several different aspects.

“Well, the Princess is a very bright, kind woman,” she began. “I am sure she would have an excellent time in Lady Adallis’ company, young prince.”

Riekan nodded, not exactly happy with the short answer, and Halyen fell silent after that. He wanted to keep dancing and ask more about the elves and their culture, but unfortunately, the song ended. Halyen pulled her arms back and bowed at the prince with a small smile on her face.

“It has been an honor, and a pleasure, Prince Riekan, you were a great dancer,” the elf said. “I hope we can meet each other again if I become the ambassador of Anglurea.”

The young man returned the smile. “Likewise, Lady Halamook,” he bent down and kissed the back of her hand, taking note of how smooth the skin felt. “May our paths cross again.”

The green-haired elf bowed again and walked away to return to her table. Riekan took a deep breath, intrigued by the classy elf before his eyes wandered the ballroom again in search of a new partner just as his mother and father stepped back into the room. He was not tired at all and wanted to keep dancing. I’m finding out many interesting things this way.