>>6283764
The elven ship lay serenely in the open sea; it dwarfed your own ships. Magnificently rigged and built, the hull was made from the famous pale wood from their home region. It cut a slender figure in spite of its bulk size, and the bow was adorned with a carved wooden dragon's head. As white as the rest of the ship.
It was said that the Elves are only at a fraction of their former glory, and that their present civilisation is but a remnant of something greater. But if this ship was something they made in their decline, what would they have made in the times of their glory?
''Stop gawking; it doesn't suit you.'' You mockingly told Sophia as you, she, and a few advisors boarded a rowing boat to be transported aboard the elven ship.
The groaning of the rowers and the sound of the waves were so far the only real noises you heard. ''It would seem we're before the Svengalians,'' One of your advisors noted.
''All the better, then we can ingratiate ourselves more with Artuileno.'' you said while the boat came in close to the elven ship.
You were then brought aboard the elven ship, which in plan and build did not diverge that much from convention. Though in some ways it was build more like a floating palace than a ship, with a menagerie of different shrubs and flowers about
They were always weird fellows, the elves, patient to the point of apathetic, weirdly patronising, but never in an obtrusive manner. You didn't count yourself among the ranks of elf-friends, but you also weren't all that distrustful or hateful of them. They simply exist, and as long as they don't bother you, you find them fine enough to get along with. You wouldn't give them the key to your house, but you would lend them a book or whatever.
Artuileno was on the same deck as you were, and the two of you were soon formally introduced.
''Hail, noble son of the southeast, we are pleased to extend our greetings to you. It is not every day that we may receive one of the king of men abroad our ships.'' He said in an antiquated Tauten dialect. He was classically handsome, as was typical of his kind, and tall as well, with deep blue eyes and dark hair. His expression was one of a strange, reserved warmth.
Distant and mysterious, but friendly and approachable at the same time. You, of course, replied in kind.
>I find this meeting favourable as well; it is not every day one may meet an Elven King.
>It was most gracious of you to take initiative in organising this matter; we hope for a positive outcome.
>We are most touched by your kind words, your majesty, we find your vessel to be one of maginifence.
>Write-in.
