The Envoy and the Centauri Seren

Drazhan was the name the envoy had chosen when he had subjected himself to association with the humans. Their ability to pronounce elvish names was boorish and however entertaining to see them struggle to say it, it was easier to provide them with something their primitive tongues could process.

It had been a great burden to subject himself to the menial living standards of the Bastion Fortress. Though it was large and expansive, and despite the careful attention in attempting to present what would be available to them in Nocturn, it was impossible to separate it from its vulgarity. He was dressed in trousers, tunic, and layered robes, his form hid away in layers of silks so fine no human could have woven it. A maid from the capital attended his long glossy hair, braiding it elegantly in a fashion she knew would please him.

The elves had managed to make Eventide’s capital something close to their standards. Running water, both hot and cold, proper sewage disposal, no need to sully oneself with cesspits. It had been a wonderful idea made five hundred years ago to move the capital from the seaside city of Dusk to the forest bound valley of Nocturn. By having it so close to Gloam Forest and away from the sea they had been able to shape the architecture and surroundings into something that mildly reflected the elvish kingdom while also being closer to Lune Mountain where the ceremony for the Centauri Seren was held.

And it’s all thanks to humanity’s ability to be easily molded. What a gift it was to come across the sea.

When the maid had finished and been dismissed, he stood examining himself in the full-length mirror, adjusting micro sections of his attire to fit his standard. There were a few drawbacks though. There was not as much magical energy in these lands and the way it displayed itself was primitive, in simple elemental magics and magecraft that could hardly be brought to a civilized level. In the Elder Forests they were capable of regular teleportation, here it was almost impossible to use telekinesis naturally. Yet, the resources were worth it, and they had found ways of accessing magics of a similar quality to what they had previously been used to.

Stepping out of his room he swiftly entered the courtyard where the Centauri Seren’s miniature palace stood in austere difference to the fortress it was hidden within. Drazhan smiled, pleased at the small sign of civility.

There was a minor pause in announcing him, within no more than a minute he was sitting before the Centauri Seren. It had been the elven concession that the humans were allowed to tend to the Maiden of the Moon. Their preexisting reverence had been easy to cultivate, most were not brave enough to take steps against her well-being. Nor had there really been an incident of any note to cause concern. Outside of actually being worshiped she was treated like a veritable goddess. The girl who ‘assumed’ the position and was presented as the Maiden of the Moon was collected by the highest local gentry with the means to care for her and then delivered to the capital upon request.

This was the first time Drazhan had seen this particular maiden and she was by far the most beautiful and satisfactory Centauri Seren that had been cultivated since the moving of the capital. In form and elegance, she was perfect. Her essence shone like the evening star. The magic emanating from her was intense and yet as gentle as a moonbeam, so much so it could easily have gone unnoticed.

“It is an honor to be in your presence my lady.”

It had been thought that the maiden was produced by the sea. The moon and the ocean’s ancient connection was well known and documented. Yet, this one from the mountainous forest lands on the outskirts of the kingdom had far surpassed his wildest expectations.

“I’m grateful your excellency has come to see me and so soon after your arrival. I hope your journey was not too wearying.”

Even her voice was faultless. He could hardly contain himself. “The margrave saw that we were well protected and cared for through our journey. It has heartened us all toward the one yet to come.”

“I’m pleased to hear you were so well treated. The margrave and his family have been very generous and kind to me over these short years. I have no doubt they will extend the same courtesy to the escort party.”

Poor child, her innocence is simply too delicious.

“I imagine your up-and-coming departure is difficult for you to reflect on. You have called this place your home for over eight years.”

Drazhan wanted to laugh at such a paltry amount of time being looked on with sentimentality, and yet the game of trust required strategy and tact to win.

“I was aware, even when I first entered the margrave’s care, that remaining here was not fated and that my time here would eventually come to an end. So, though I regret my departure, I was prepared for it from the beginning.”

“Reality does not always prevent the heart’s despair.”

Her smile was exquisite, the way it remained delicate, not stretching into her cheeks but rather setting them on fire with subtle emotion.

“Your very kind in your concern. I will not lie and say I am not apprehensive about my coming departure from a place I am so accustomed and from all the things and people within it that have come to make up my world, and yet, I know that when I assumed the Centauri Seren and became the Lady Menodora that my destiny was far from here. You needn’t concern yourself on my behalf your excellency, I will muster the courage in the end and perform my duty to Eventide.”

This creature had shattered his hopes, displaying such superiority his wildest dreams couldn’t have invented her. Drazhan could only contribute the suppression of his overwhelming elation to hundreds of years’ worth of practice in self-governance.

“You have put my mind at rest on the subject.”

Drazhan had planned to go into what was expected of her during the farewell ceremony that would take place in the coming days but stopped abruptly when he noticed her expression.

“Is there something you wish to say my lady?”

“You are very wise and perceptive your excellency.” She adjusted her hands upon her lap. Those too were perfect, white appendages appearing graceful water lilies in the pooling of her voluptuous skirt. “I am right in thinking it is a great honor to be a part of the escort party to the Centauri Seren, am I not?”

“You are correct. It is common for the king to give special privileges or gifts to those who have had the honor.”

Was it happiness or relief that expressed itself so tenderly in her shift of expression?

“Then I insist that his lordship Till Bastion son of the margrave who has shown me such kindness and care accompany us.”

It wasn’t often that Drazhan was at a loss, but in this request he found himself dumbstruck. “You are requesting his presence personally?”

“Yes. He and his companion.”

“May I inquire as to the reason why?”

“You may, but I cannot rightly express it in words, at least not those that will seem satisfactory.”

“Forgive me my lady, this is such an unusual request that I will have to insist you try.”

She fell silent, her eyes searching his face with such intensity he didn’t dare say another word.

“I want him to accompany me to the capital because he sees the sun in the clouds.”

At this her smile changed, it rose into her eyes causing blue fire to flare within the pale blueish white of her irises. There was such sincerity, such pure affection she shone like the moon on a clear night.

Is it possible such an expression could be yet more beautiful than a moment before? It is such a pity she was not born of my kind, maybe then the unfolding events could have been avoided. It is such a great pity.

Later that night as he sat in his chamber Drazhan went over his conversation with the Centauri Seren, recounting her request. He had met Lord Till Bastion, the son born to the margrave by a consort, a lesser wife. Despite his gifts and the creature that accompanies him he was meant for mediocrity from before his unfortunate conception.

He had been told that Lord Till was cold, withdrawn, and though he had spent time in the Centauri Seren’s company it had never been to cultivate a close relationship. Until recently he had never once visited her without an official reason. Even his position in her guard was more administrative than active duty.

It would be too difficult now that she had asked for him to come to insist he remain behind. It was trying to think of a way to remove him from the picture of his own volition that was important. Least he wittingly or unwittingly get in the way.