Somewhere far to the west

The sun was shining down onto the clearing and filtering through the branches at its edges, casting both constant and dappled light onto the small groups of wagons arranged in a circle in it. A small band of elves stood next to one of the wagons, having what seemed to be a serious conversation. Standing slightly apart from them and not taking part in the conversation was an imposing looking male elf. Taller than the others, who were all already tall by human standards, he cut an impressive figure.

To human ears, the group’s speech would sound strange indeed. When one of the elves spoke, the actual words themselves sounded short and the sentences seemed oddly stilted with lots of harsh cutoffs and glottal stops. But when they spoke there was also a constant background melody. As if a soft song were being sung in the background.

The conversation was growing heated. One of the male elves, a soldier judging by his garb, was getting worked up. “I just don’t see why we should send a diplomatic mission. Why should we seek their cooperation in this, they are all born of chaos!” A female elf who was sitting on one of the wagons, clearly identifiable as an archer because of her longbow, spoke up in reply. “Because we have to be realistic. Like it or not, the Toranian Empire is the largest power on this continent. If we are to face what is coming, we will need them on our side.” One of the other male soldiers chimed in. “But why do we have to send one so exalted? Not only are the humans unworthy of her melodies, but we are also risking her safety!” This time one of the carriage drivers spoke up in reply, to human eyes determining their gender would have been impossible. “Because we need the imperials to see the gravity of the situation, and how important this is. Besides, royalty is always proud regardless of species, the empress will respond better to a princess than some noble.”

The first soldier spoke again. “Why should we bother playing nice with them? If their empire is a problem we should-“ The beautiful archer cut him off angrily. “If you think we can win a war against them, you are a greater fool than She Who Sought To Bind The Winds.” The soldier gasped, clearly offended. But before he could reply, the hooded one who stood apart finally spoke up.

“Your thoughts on this matter not. We are tasked, and so we will do. The princess needs not your approval. Cease your bickering, it is grating.” Everyone fell instantly silent, looking chastised. Something had been slightly different when he spoke. The others all had a single background melody as they spoke. They were all distinct from each other, a careful listener might be able to differentiate between all of them. The tattooed one, however, had two melodies that fell in and out of harmony as he spoke. He spoke again, in a more conciliatory tone. “I can understand worries for the exalted one’s safety, but that is why we are here. Besides, she is hardly helpless. To discount that is to stray close to disrespect.”

If he was planning to say more, or if any of the others intended to respond, they did not get the chance. A female elf rode into the clearing. To call her gorgeous would be to do her a disservice. She was simply beyond words. As one all the other elves, including the hooded figure, inclined their heads in respect.

As the beauty spoke, three melodies sounded in the background. “Are we ready to carry on, my brave warriors?” One of the carriage drivers responded. “Yes, Princess.” She looked across them, worry was visible on all faces except the one with tattoos. To a human, it would seem silly that they were worried that she might have heard their conversation. She had not even been in the clearing! But worried they were, and not without reason. The princess spoke again. “I appreciate your concerns for my safety, truly, but they are misguided. You are all fine and proven warriors, and with us is a weaver of words!” She indicated the hooded and tattooed elf, then took a breath before continuing. “As for the merit of this diplomatic mission, that is not for any of you to question. Do so again at your own peril.” This was met by nods and apologies. Seemingly satisfied, the princess dismissed them and preparations to depart began.