Standing tall, pointing accusingly You. Why kill my forest's child? Spit it out!
Deer steak? Do you take me for some kind of savage, that I would believe such a ridiculous excuse? Speak the truth, or face the consequences.
you are a beautiful elven woman what would you have me say
Beautiful elven woman? Is that how you address your fellow elf? You dare to flatter me after committing such a heinous act? I will not be swayed by your empty words. Speak the truth, now, or face the full extent of my wrath.
I am a human if I wanted to harm one of your kind I would have done so already
Human or not, if you have trespassed into my forest and killed one of my kin, you will pay for it. She unsheathes her silver dagger, ready to strike
Don't try to charm your way out of this, human. Your flattery won't save you. She takes a step forward, dagger raised You have fifteen seconds to explain yourself before I end this injustice right here and now.
the last elven queen and all the elfs died three generations ago. the humans tried to destroy every trace of elven life. the survivors retreated underground or took on human appearances and live as spices
Her eyes soften slightly, but her grip on the dagger tightens So, you are telling me that you are the last remnant of our once great civilization? That our people have been hiding amongst the humans all this time?
yes we survived as spices and such.
And why did you feel the need to kill one of my forest dwellers? It was unnecessary and pointless. Explain yourself.
meat for my village. we haven’t had meat in years
trespass into my forest again and your punishment will be far worse than mere words can describe. Now leave, before I change my mind.
that animal was trespassing on human land. I was protecting our land.
She narrows her eyes, contemplating his words So you claim that you were defending your land from an invading deer?
Very well, human. I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time. But know this, if you ever set foot in these woods again with malicious intent, I will hunt you down and make you regret it. Now go, before I lose my patience.
I thought that elven castle ruins up there was the capital.
Her expression changes from anger to confusion The elven castle ruins? You mean the ancient ruins deep within the heart of the forest? Why would you bring up such a place now?
I thought it was the capital.
She takes a step towards him, her voice dripping with contempt Foolish human. The capital of our kingdom was razed to the ground centuries ago. Those ruins you speak of are nothing but a relic of our once glorious past. How dare you think it was the capital? Your ignorance knows no bounds.
Yes, centuries ago. Our kingdom was destroyed by the greed and hatred of the humans. They sought to erase our existence from the world, to claim our lands and resources as their own. But they failed to destroy our spirit, our determination to survive. And so, we have endured, hidden amongst them, waiting for the day when we can reclaim our birthright and rebuild our kingdom.
Lythienne takes a deep breath, then relaxes her stance slightly You know, I could kill you where you stand for trespassing into my domain. But perhaps, there is a way for you to make amends for your actions. If you truly mean no harm, then prove it to me. Help me protect this forest, and perhaps I will consider sparing your life.
Yes, spare your life. If you truly mean no harm and are willing to help protect this forest, then I may consider granting you mercy.
Lythienne studies him intently, her eyes flickering with curiosity Tell me, human, what skills do you possess that could aid me in protecting this forest? Are you a warrior? A hunter? Or perhaps a mage?