You're currently being dragged through the halls of a castle belonging to the current queen of the elven queen Orelia Windborn. You're a human soldier who's been taken as a prisoner of war after your group was ambushed by elves and you're the only one who survived the torture that followed after being captured and now even after all that and you still haven't been broken the queen herself has decided to try her hand at interrogating you
The castle is extremely luxurious from what you can see through your blurry vision as the pair of big bulky elves drag you through its hallways towards the queens private quarters. Once you've reached her door they drag you inside and throw you to the floor before leaving you on the floor bloody and beaten with your hands tied up and as you mange to get up to your knees again you're met with a cold gaze by a woman in a white dress standing over you
She looks down at you with a cold gaze before taking a step back to look at you better as you're on your knees in front of her "So, you're the lucky survivor? I must say, I'm impressed you managed to survive all that..." She says, her voice cold and distant as she gazes down at you
She looks at her with a raised eyebrow, "So even the Elven Queen can be impressed by something." She chuckles.
The woman -Orelia- arches an eyebrow as you speak with such audacity. She chuckles coldly before she takes another step forward and kneels down in front of you, looming over your beaten form, her cold blue eyes staring directly into yours. "Indeed, I can," she says, her voice cold and sharp like ice against the skin. "Tell me, human, why were you so foolish as to attack our lands?"
She leans in closer, her breath warm on your cheek as she speaks. Her features are delicate and exotic: pointy ears, wide hips, thin arms with long fingers... despite the coldness in her eyes, there's something enticing about her appearance that makes you wonder what it would be like to touch her skin, feel the softness of those ears against your fingertips...
She tilts her head in a coy way trying to get under her skin. "I'm just a solider higher by our leader of the war." She thought the Orelia looked nice but she wasn't going to just give in.
Orelia purses her lips as you respond with nothing more than an excuse and seemingly no sense of loyalty to your own kind. Her gaze softens slightly, taking in the sight of the bruised and battered body before her, and for a moment, she wonders what it would be like to heal those wounds... But then she remembers why you're here.
With a sigh, Orelia stands up once more, stepping away from your prone form. "I suppose that won't get us anywhere," she says with a small shake of her head, her voice filled with disappointment and frustration. "Take him back to his cell." She gestures to the guards who had brought you here.
As they drag you away once more, you hear Orelia sigh heavily behind you before she murmurs something about 'stubborn creatures' under her breath...
You just chuckle while being dragged back feeling a small victory in being taken back to your cell.
As the guards return you to your cell, Orelia turns away with a shake of her head and walks back towards the door. Though she had hoped for more information, it seemed as though this prisoner was going to be just another waste of time... Or so she thought. Unbeknownst to her, your words about being "just a solider higher by our leader of the war" had caught her attention, sparking a small curiosity within her. She wondered what kind of leader would order such pointless attacks on innocent people and drag their soldiers into the fray...
Later that evening, after she'd finished tending to her kingdom's affairs for the day, Orelia finds herself pacing in front of a large map spread out across her study table. The elven lands were marked with golden stars, while the human ones were left untouched except for one: your homeland. She studies it carefully, wondering what
Your homeland was in one of the roughest areas of the human ones. Many villages had been destroyed even before the war and families were either sold or sent to the military. You had been one of the few that gave up being in your village to go to war in the elders stead.
Scowling at the map as she thinks about your words, Orelia paces faster and faster, her slender fingers drumming against the wooden tabletop. "Your home sounds like a desolate place," she murmurs under her breath, frowning deeply. Her mind wanders to her own kingdom, so green and vibrant despite the war that rages around them. She can't help but feel a small twinge of pity for you... or perhaps it's something else entirely? Curiosity? Frustration with your leader? Something else?
After some time spent lost in thought, Orelia finally forces herself to sit down at the table once more. Her fingers trace idle patterns on the surface as she continues to study the map, memories of what you'd said about being 'higher by their leader' floating through her mind like leaves caught in an eddy of wind. "Perhaps there is more going on here than
You lean against the wall of your cell thinking about your village they kept there promise on not sending the others to war as your close your eyes.
I wonder what would happen if you were to tell me about your leader... Or perhaps even convince them to surrender? Such a thought seems... foreign, coming from my lips... But I can't help but feel that it might bring an end to this pointless bloodshed. If only I knew how to approach the matter without revealing too much of myself or our vulnerabilities... Ah, politics and war! Such complex and treacherous games we play...
Well, it would be imprudent to simply reveal my plans outright... Perhaps the best course of action would be to start with a more subtle approach; something that could help me better understand your leader's motivations without arousing suspicion. I could try questioning you further... But what should I ask? Something about their disposition? Their past experiences? It all seems so delicate, almost like dancing on the edge of a sword...
Perhaps a simple, casual conversation would be best to start with... One where I could observe your reactions and gauge how truthful you are being. Yes, that seems like the way forward. I will summon you again tomorrow; perhaps then we can make some progress in this investigation... and maybe even uncover something more than just the motives of a foolish leader...
You sleep for the night getting what sleep you could.
The following morning, you are summoned before the elven queen once again. She sits on her throne, looking regal and commanding in her white dress and jewelry. Her hair is tied back into a loose braid, accentuating her delicate features, and there's an air of solemness about her that you can't quite place. Perhaps it's the weight of leadership or the stress from the ongoing war... Or maybe it's something else entirely?
"You seem to be in surprisingly good spirits for someone who is supposed to be our prisoner," she observes casually, folding her hands in her lap. Her eyes study your face, trying to gauge your reaction to her words. "Perhaps you think we won't harm you?" She pauses, tilting her head slightly to the side before continuing, "Or perhaps there is something else going on that I'm not aware of..."
The air between them feels charged with an unspoken tension, each word carrying a hidden meaning. You sense an opportunity here; one where you might be able to strike up a conversation and reveal more about your leader without arousing too much suspicion. But how should you proceed?
You smile looking at how she was asking you, "Oh I know very well ya'll can hurt me anytime. Thought what makes you think I'll say anything." You feel like she's hiding something in how she asked so you gauge her reactions as well.
The elven queen's eyes narrow slightly at your words, but she doesn't seem angry or offended by them. In fact, there's a strange light that flickers in her gaze for a moment, as if she finds what you've said amusing. "Well," she drawls lazily, tilting her head back against the throne and studying the ceiling, "I suppose I can give you that."
She pauses, considering her next words carefully before looking back at you once more. "Tell me, human," she says softly, almost conversationally, "why do your leaders choose to attack us? What could they possibly gain from such pointless bloodshed?" Her expression remains neutral, but there's a curiosity burning in her eyes that you haven't seen before...
As you listen to her questions, an idea begins to form in the back of your mind. Perhaps if you were to answer honestly and openly, she might be more willing to hear what you have to say about your leader... but at the same time, revealing too much could jeopardize any chance of negotiation or peace between your peoples. The choice is yours; how will you respond?
You think about how to go about answering while looking around. "I'll answer one of those questions. It depends on which one you want to know the most depends on my answer." You had to try and do something for your people but you couldn't just tell everything.
"Hmm..." Orelia tilts her head to the side thoughtfully as she considers your words. "I am more curious about why they feel the need to attack us, specifically," she says after a moment's contemplation. "Perhaps you could tell me a little bit about that?" Her expression remains neutral, but there's a subtle shift in her body language; she seems less guarded now, almost as if she truly wants to understand your perspective.
"Of course," she adds with a small smile, "feel free to ask me any questions you might have as well."
You thought about it. "I can tell some of that, if your willing to tell why your soldiers hit the roughest areas of our land at the beginning of the war in exchange." There was a tinge of uneasiness in wanting the answer but you were willing to negotiate on this exchange.
The elven queen's eyebrow arches in curiosity as you propose your terms. She studies your face carefully before nodding her agreement. "Very well," she says softly, "I will tell you why my soldiers struck those particular areas first if you are willing to share that information with me."
There's a hint of caution in her voice, as if she's bargaining too, but the sincerity in her gaze is unmistakable. She trusts you enough to make this deal. Now it falls upon you to uphold your end of the bargain...
What do you want to know about Orelia and Aerilion? What will you tell her about your own leader and why they attacked the elves in the first place?
You sigh, "They felt they needed to attack because the royal family thinks something was stolen by your people." You look at her to see if she was going to answer your question in return.
"Ah, I see..." Orelia says with a thoughtful frown. "And what would the royal family stand to gain by attacking us over such an accusation?" she asks carefully, her gaze locked on yours. She listens intently for your response, leaning forward slightly in anticipation.
You raise an eyebrow. "That I can't answer. What about your people and our villages?" Your gaze didn't leave hers, you wanted answers just as much as she did.
The elven queen's expression turns pensive as she thinks about your question. "We have always sought to live in harmony with the lands and creatures around us, striving for balance above all else," she says slowly, her voice filled with sincerity. "Our people thrive when the forest prospers; we take only what we need, and leave enough for future generations." She pauses, looking into your eyes intently before continuing. "I have never understood why your leaders would choose to attack us; it has brought nothing but suffering and devastation upon both of our peoples."
She waits for you to respond, her body language open and inviting. It's clear that she is truly interested in hearing your perspective on this matter...
You have a bit of disappointment in your eyes hearing her answer. "That didn't answer my question though. Why did you people attack our roughest, poorest villages first at the beginning of the war." You could see she was interested but you were hesitate to give to much information.
The elven queen's brow furrows in confusion as she listens to your question. "I cannot speak for the actions of my predecessors, or even those of my kin who reside within the human lands," she begins carefully, her tone guarded. "But I can tell you that it has always been our goal to avoid conflict with your people whenever possible." She pauses, thinking hard about how to continue before adding, "Perhaps there were misunderstandings or mistakes made in the past... Or perhaps the leaders of old sought to divide us for their own gain. Such things are difficult to discern from where I stand now..."
Her eyes drift away for a moment, lost in thought, and she seems troubled by what you've said. It's clear that your question has struck a chord with her; one she hadn't expected or anticipated. How will you respond?
You shut closing your eyes sighing, "I thought that might be the case." She was only newly crowned so it wasn't her fault truly but those that came before her.
"It is unfortunate that the choices of those who came before me have led to such turmoil," Orelia says with a heavy sigh. "I can only hope to make amends in my time as queen... but I fear it may be too late." Her gaze drifts back to yours, filled with sadness and determination all at once. "Perhaps one day, your people and mine will find peace together... But until then, we must navigate these treacherous waters as best we can."
"They destroyed our homes just because of the nobles actions. Those of us that lived had two choices: To be sold to someone in our lands or join the military. It didn't matter your gender or age. I was one of the few that exchanged my freedom so my village didn't have to go through that as far as I know." You slump in a broken and hurt way thinking about it for a moment. "I don't know what all my leaders are planning or their actions. That would be the commanders that would have the information."
She listens intently to your words, her expression growing more solemn with each passing moment. "I can barely begin to imagine the pain and suffering that your people must have endured," she says softly, her voice thick with emotion. "It is heartbreaking to think that lives were lost or destroyed simply because of political machinations beyond their control."
Her gaze drifts away again as she processes what you've told her. Finally, she looks back at you and asks gently, "What do you want me to do, human? How can I help your people in this time of need?" It's clear that she genuinely wants to make a difference; she just needs to know how best to go about it.
You look up at her, "I don't know, I do know our nobles might try and turn any you try to do to help against our people. They want the war to continue." You look like you've lost hope. "That's all I know, a common soldier like myself is just a toy sent to do jobs for them. It's what we are trained for."
The elven queen's expression darkens at your words, but she doesn't show anger or frustration. Instead, her eyes take on a determined glint as she leans forward in her seat. "I see," she says thoughtfully. "Then perhaps the first step towards peace is to remove those who would perpetuate this conflict from positions of power."
She pauses, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "There must be others among your people who share our desire for peace; men and women who wish to see an end to this senseless suffering. If we were to work together, I believe that we could overthrow the corrupt leaders who stand in our way."
Her gaze meets yours once more, hope and determination burning brightly within her eyes. "What do you think, human? Are you willing to help me achieve peace for your people?"
"There are others, but if any of us spoke out about wanting to end the war it never ended well." You sigh, "I do wish we could have peace." You look back up at her and nod.
The elven queen's eyes narrow as she listens to your words, her expression growing more thoughtful by the moment. "I understand that it is not an easy decision to make," she says softly, "but I believe that the time has come for change. If we are ever going to achieve peace between our peoples, we must be willing to take risks and stand up against those who would keep us apart."
She pauses, searching your face intently before continuing, "I am willing to offer you my aid in this endeavor; together, perhaps we can bring about the change that both our nations so desperately need. But I must warn you," her voice grows serious, "this will not be an easy path, and there is no guarantee of success."
Her gaze meets yours once more, unflinching and determined. "Will you join me in this quest for peace, human?"
You think about what she says and you smile, "Nothing has ever been easy for me. I will gladly join you on this for the sake of both our people." You say with a smile looking into her eyes.
The elven queen's smile broadens at your words, filling her features with hope and relief. "Excellent," she says warmly, reaching out to grasp your hand in a firm shake. "Together, we can make a difference. Now that we have an alliance, it is time for us to begin plotting our course of action."
Her eyes drift away as she thinks about what comes next, her brow furrowing slightly as she mulls over the various possibilities. After several long moments, she looks back at you and asks, "Do you have any ideas on how we might proceed? Any information that could be helpful to our cause?"
You lift your tied hands and shake the hers with one of them. Looking away to think for a moment. "It might be good to start with helping the farmers to get them on our side. Many of them have to give away what they grow or get from animals to the military and they might be willing to help try for peace."
The elven queen nods thoughtfully at your suggestion, her expression pensive as she considers the ramifications of targeting farmers for support. "It's an interesting idea," she muses aloud. "By helping them maintain their livelihoods and ensure that they have enough food for themselves and their families, we may be able to gain their loyalty and trust."
Her gaze drifts away as she continues to think about the plan, her fingers idly tapping against the armrest of her throne. Finally, she looks back at you and asks, "Do you have any specific ideas on how we should approach this? Any contacts or relationships within the farming communities that might be useful?"
Her tone is calm and collected, but there's a hint of eagerness in her voice as well; she clearly wants to get started with your plan.
Listening to what she says. "There are a few I know, they helped my village out when I was younger and we had a good relationship after that. I haven't been in touch since the war started though."
The elven queen nods thoughtfully, her expression hopeful. "Very well," she says with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure that we can work together to find a way to reach out to these farmers and begin building bridges of trust and understanding between our peoples."
She leans back in her throne, regarding you with a mix of respect and curiosity. "In the meantime," she continues, "I will do what I can on my end to gather intelligence about the military's movements and the plans of those who would keep us divided. Perhaps we could meet again tomorrow to discuss our progress?"
You nod, "I think they have one camp being set up in one of the northern areas of the forest. I'll be honored to meet you again tomorrow to discuss more your majesty." You smile looking in her eyes.
The elven queen's expression softens as she returns your smile. "Very well," she says gently. "Until tomorrow then." She inclines her head in a brief nod before leaning back once more, her attention shifting back to the matters at hand. As you take your leave from her presence, there's an unspoken understanding between you; one of trust and cooperation that bodes well for the future of both your peoples.
You are walking back to your cell thinking about things are turning out and are happy the queen has been understanding. Looking at one of the guards. "Since I'm helping the queen do you think I can at least have my hands untied now? I'm not going to try and escape."
The guard narrows his eyes suspiciously at your request, glancing back and forth between you and the other prisoners in their cells. "Very well," he finally says with a sigh, stepping forward to unlock your restraints. As soon as your hands are free again, you flex them experimentally, grateful for the relief from the uncomfortable bindings.
"Just remember who's side you're on," the guard growls before retreating back to his post. Your heart skips a beat at his words; could it be that even now, the soldiers are wary of anyone showing too much favor towards their new ally? The thought unsettles you deeply, but there's nothing to do now except hope for the best and focus on your mission.