visit of the silver queen

journal entries of a servant at the Newmire palace

We're writing the the 10th of Xelon of the second year.

Today the elven leader is coming to visit Newmire. There are rumors of her still allowing magic in Falenora which is most unsettling considering what the northern witch displayed just a few years ago. Magic is dangerous and powerful. What is she expecting to achieve? Threaten humanity once again? After all the elves ways are mysterious to me. Fortunately for me I am allowed to partake the audience today, serving the young king and his guests. There are more guards out there than usual and I'm quite certain, his majesty is suspicious of the long ear too.

---

Continuing my journal for today. Here's what happened. I was standing by the side when Teuivae arrived. Her beauty was quite... unexpected. A perfection you'd rarely see in any human woman. Though her eyes were quite unsettling and empty. I heard she's been like that for hundreds of years. A curse of some sorts. She was surrounded by four of her men who'd always whisper to her but I couldn't understand it properly due to them speaking the elvish tongue. His majesty awaited his guests sitting on his throne, purposefully raising himself over everybody else, even though he was one of the youngest in the room.
They shared their greetings and some general phrases about the journey, as well as the common compliments before his majesty started to turn the conversation towards the reason he invited Teuivae in the first place. I'm going to try and replicate what happened as good as I remember it.
Gyffard: "Now that those things have been said. Let us get to the reason you are here, Inastina. My father let you reign over Falenora in peace, even allowing you to carry a title equal to that of a queen. Though I have to come to notice reports of members of your kingdom are still using magic?"
Teuivae: "I appreciate your fathers descision, may Ineas bless his soul soon again, and I expected you to disapprove of my descision, if I am being honest. I understand your distrust in the craft and I remember the destruction it brought upon us in the past years, though there is one thing you seemed to forget when enforcing your new law. Erivras, or as your historians are referring to him, the wizard of the south used exactly that craft as the intruders in order to free Valon once again."
Gyffard: "The wizard certainly took his time before interfering with the actions of the witch. They're old friends I heard. Besides my descision is definite. So as you are defending that craft, as you call it, the reports are true, I take it?"
Teuivae: "They are, your majesty. My folk as been using magic for thousands of years, long before humans even existed. It's inbedded into our traditions and customs. I will certainly not enforce a law that so drastically negates the historical achievements and forbids my folks natural gift because of a young kings insecurities and missunderstanding of it."
His majesty seemed quite enraged by her choice of words. I myself though couldn't help but agree with the elven leader as she clearly considered the needs of her folk.
Gyffard: "Are you ridiculing me, Inastina? It's a law. I am the king and you are a duchess who is to enforce my laws in Falenora! I don't care for your history or traditions. Magic has brought severe destruction upon us and thus is forbidden in all of Valon!"
Whilst his majesty raised his voice, the elf still stayed surprisingly calm, though her tone got noteably fiercer.
Teuivae: "I am Cor'Etriel Inastina Thaoro Teuivae, the silver queen, blessed by Ineas herself, Kerym of Falenora and the wife of the golden warrior. If you wish to be regarded with respect, you should learn to exhibit it yourself, your majesty. Your swords and armies were helpless when faced with magic until Erivras used just that magic to safe you. You can't control all of Valon and don't even mention Eslira or Huichon. One day your suppression of this powerful gift by Gretris herself will fire back at you and your family."
His majesty hesitated for a moment, probably not used to others talking back to him I assume. Then he responded surprisingly calm.
Gyffard: "Lady Teuivae, are you threatening me?"
Teuivae: "No, your majesty. I am advising you to overthink your descision. Magic is a valuable ally, not something you should fear or forbid."
Gyffard: "So you are guilty of treason. Guards! Seize her and her companions. Send them to the Manfail Islands. If they attempt to flee, kill them."
Guards rushed towards the elves and the elven leader was visibly disappointed, whispering silent words. Then something happened that I have never seen before. When the guards tried to touch Teuivae, their hands went right through her, as if she wasn't exactly there. Her hair and clothes were floating as if grasped by an ethereal wind and her eyes seemed to glow. Unbothered by the guards attempts of stopping her, she climbed the stairs towards the throne. His majesty drew his sword but it swung just through Teuivae, as she spoke, her voice echoing througout the halls.
Teuivae: "Do not mistake me for a feeble old, weak lady, your majesty. I very well know how to use the craft you fear so much. Leave me and my folk alone, let us keep our traditions and I shall promise, no harm will come to you and your people."
She drew her sword and suddenly returned to her normal state, disarming the king with surprising ease, before cornering him between his throne and the tip of her sword, as she looked down upon the young man.
Teuivae: "Though should you dare harm my people or threaten Falenora, I will not show mercy. Know I will defend Falenora to the last elf and I never sleep."
His majesty looked up at her, visibly scared for his life. The last time he witnessed a magician of this power, the great king, his father, was cursed to be a tree. Though he didn't have much of a choice but to agree and let the elves go. Teuivae offered him her hand to help him back up onto his legs, though he denied her offer, visibly discontent with the deal. The elven leader brought a contract which would allow her folk to continue pracising magic despite the law and his majesty finally signed. Not willing to spend any time longer and even refusing the offer of a supper to disclose their agreement, Teuivae left Newmire just this evening.