Luna and the company of elves followed the stream through the woods of Nisse. The gentle and calming sound of the running water eventually gave way to the sound of water crashing down. Looking around trying to find the source of the sound, all she could see were dense trees and their branches sprouting in every direction. Jeez, good thing I have these elves to guide me. If I got lost in this place I don’t think I’d ever find my way out.

After following the faint trail a few hundred yards further, they passed through a tunnel beneath the massive roots of an ancient tree. On the other side she finally got a clear view of the source of the sound that she had been hearing. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the view. Luna craned her neck in order to see the steep mountainside with a towering waterfall that poured down into the stream. About halfway up the cliff a beautiful granite bridge with sweeping arches connected a path near the falling water.

The pine leaves and yellowish-orange leaves littering the ground smelled of lemon grass and cloves. A red sun was setting behind the top of the sharply angled rock face sending glimmering strands of light down through the trees. Woah, I wish my brother and gang were here to see this. I wonder what dad would’ve thought. His daughter, standing here, in the forbidden forest of the elves. I bet he might even be proud of me. Stoic faced elves atop their muscular steeds kept moving along the path while Luna was frozen by the unbelievable beauty of the scene.

Tyriel noticed her look of amazement and trotted up beside her. “What’s the matter, thief? Never seen a waterfall before?”

Luna smirked at the elven leader, “I’ve never seen anything this wonderful in the entirety of my life. It’s stunning.”

Outstretching his arms and grinning at her, Tyriel replied. “There’s no land anywhere more beautiful than the domain of the elder race. You should consider yourself fortunate, you know. Not many humans have taken in the beauty of our home and lived to tell the tale.”

Luna scrunched her brow and cocked an eyebrow, “Thanks…I guess?”

Tyriel laughed and waved his hand. “Come on now, we’re almost to the capital.”

The group rode along following the winding path up the treacherous cliff face and over the bridge.

After some time the path turned into the mouth of a cave and they moved through a maze-like set of tunnels. The sound of the horses' hooves echoed melodically through the passageway almost like an ancient song. Eventually the stuffy underground passage opened up into a gigantic cavern filled with trees as tall as towers. The ceiling of the cavern had a large opening the sunlight streamed down through. I’ve never seen trees so tall. That they can grow so huge in a cavern is incredible, I wish my home was full of lush green trees.

Buildings with intricate trefoil arches and flying buttresses were built into the trees and a maze of bridges and walkways connected them. The city was lit by countless candles and torches that cast a warm and inviting light on the elven capital. At the base of the towering cedars was a winding waterway full of elegant ships. The water flowed to an opening in the mountain then out to sea.

Luna blinked repeatedly as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. She tilted her head to the side and muttered. “Well I’ll be damned…”

Tyriel looked over at her and winked coyly. “What do you think? Is Nylaena Malthir more wonderful than the waterfall?”

“I think you clearly know the answer to that,” laughed Luna, rolling her eyes. “Not to be rude, but do you think we can complete our transaction soon? I’m really missing my friends and family back home.”

“You’re the first human that’s received permission to enter my domain in decades, are you truly so eager to leave?”

“My apologies, it was certainly not my intention to come off unappreciative of your hospitality. I just can’t help but worry about my gang and brother. The capital can be a dangerous place.”

Rolling the tigerseye amulet around his neck in his hand effortlessly, Tyriel looked down at her. “Your desire to protect them is admirable. In the morning we will get your payment sorted and you may be on your way. For tonight, enjoy the splendor of my homeland.”

At the center of the elven capital stood the tallest tree Luna had ever seen. The leaves on it were a lovely pale pink. They reminded her of the lilies that bloomed in Cloudreach each year around mid-summer. It’s even more beautiful than the fables I was told growing up. Mariska will never believe me when I tell her of this place. The cavern that hid Nylaena Malthir from invaders smelled of wildflowers and honey—the delectable aroma reminded Luna how terribly hungry she was. As if her stomach had been woken up by her thoughts of food, a thunderous rumble erupted from her midsection.

Tyriel’s gaze shot over to her torso. “Sheesh! Hungry?”

Luna’s face turned redder than a tomato and she rubbed her belly with a coy smile. “Well….it has been a little while since I ate more than trail rations.”

“I suspect we can remedy that.” Said Tyriel, winking at her and spurring his steed gently on towards the tree with the pink leaves.

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Luna sat next to Tyriel on a balcony overlooking a huge auditorium. The long table they sat at was elegantly set with over the top flower arrangements, shimmering silverware, and porcelain plates with ornate swirling patterns. Luna closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. This whole scene is like something plucked from my eight year old brain. Though to be fair, this is probably far better than anything I could’ve dreamed up.

Tyriel reached out and picked up a porcelain teapot the hue of jade, then poured a small cup for himself then for his guest. Luna admired the way the elven king took great satisfaction in the littlest of things. He held the teacup to his nose and slowly breathed in the fragrant floral steam of the jasmine tea, making a soft sound that implied he very much enjoyed jasmine tea.

“I can’t believe your palace is inside of this spectacular tree. The architecture of your race is so much more interesting than where I come from.” Luna said, with an unintentional hint of envy. Though, I guess it’s not too hard for anything to be more interesting than a shanty town that perpetually smells of urine.

“Well, we have had quite a long time to develop our design process,” Tyriel laughed, pausing to sip his hot tea. “My father would turn over in his grave if he heard me say this, however, I’ve found myself quite curious about life in Cloudreach as of late.”

Luna’s dark eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Really? Your world seems so much more wonderful than mine. What do you find interesting about my home?”

Tyriel looked up towards the chandelier intricately carved from bone hanging overhead and pondered her question. “To be fair, my world is in fact more wonderful than yours.” They both laughed at the brazen remark for a moment, then Tyriel continued, “The discovery of amethite seems to have breathed new life into a tired old nation. It’s unrecognizable from the poor mountain country I once knew it as. Would you share with me what it was like growing up there?”

“I think you’d be surprised.”

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Tyriel placed his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. “Now I’m even more curious. Care to elaborate?”

The softness in Luna’s eyes was replaced by a subtle hurt as she spoke, “Cloudreach isn’t quite what it seems from the outside. It may look like the amethite has transformed the nation into a modern wonder of the world, but looks don’t always tell the whole story.”

Steam billowed up from the teacup in Tyriel’s hand. He took a sip then nodded gently at her, “I do love a good mystery. What is it really like?”

“Divided.” Luna said with a frigid tone that raised Tyriel’s eyebrow. “The upper class hoard more wealth than they could spend in twenty lifetimes, all in the name of pride. Just so they can say that they have more than their neighbor.”

“And what is life like for everyone else?”

Luna crossed her arms tightly and her jaw clenched. “Like a pack of dogs fighting for the scraps. They herd the common folk into the Undercity. Prices are inflated through political schemes to keep us stagnant and trapped in our place. Most people can barely afford to eat moldy bread.”

Tyriel leaned in, looking her in the eyes and placing a hand on her shoulder. “And this is the way you grew up?”

Luna looked away from him.

“If the memories are too painful, you don’t have to speak of them.” He whispered “Forget I ever asked, I did not mean to pry.”

“No,” Luna sighed through her nose. “People need to know of the injustice if it’s ever to change. Progress is never fueled by silence. I’m going to be the fire that ignites that change.”

He sipped his tea and nodded. “I find your ambition intoxicating, Luna Stone.”

“Growing up in the Undercity you have two options. You either work in the various mills—they’re hazardous death traps with long hours and shit pay. Or you join up with a gang.” She brushed her dark hair out of her face.

Tyriel pointed his index finger at her. “And you opted for the latter.”

"What gave it away?” She laughed.

“I don’t know of many mill workers capable of robbing heavily guarded caravans…Though, to be fair, I don’t know many mill workers in general.” He said with a grin and a shrug. “What was life like in this gang?”

Luna exhaled loudly. “Difficult. My father died in an accident at a textile mill when I was young. I had to grow up fast to provide for myself and my brother.” She closed her eyes.

“That’s noble of you to shoulder the weight for your brother.” He said.

“When push comes to shove, humans will endure quite a lot in the name of survival.”

“Humans and elves are not too different in that regard. Is this gang where you learned alchemy?”

Luna nodded. “Cyrus, the leader of the gang, took me under his wing. I never really understood why. He was highly unstable, but the most skilled alchemist I’ve ever met. He taught me as his apprentice. I had to do a lot of things I’m not proud of.”

Tyriel rested his hand beneath his chin. “Such a fascinating thing, alchemy. My kind never really explored it, the closest thing we have is botany.” He poured himself another cup of tea, then examined Luna. “Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Though steeped in hardship, you appear to have done well for yourself.”

Luna laughed and playfully hit him in the arm. “Not so fast now, mr. questions. How about you tell me about your life?”

Flashing his radiant smile, Tyriel pointed at himself and lifted an eyebrow. “Me? I think you’ll find I’m rather boring. But, if you insist, what would you like to know?”

“Oh I’m sure, the legendary king of the elves is rather boring?” She rolled her eyes, looking down at her empty teacup then picking his up and taking a sip.

Tyriel doubled over, howling with laughter. “Sure, help yourself!”

“Is ladies first not something taught to elves?”

His brow scrunched and he looked at her as if she were out of her mind. “I’m the king. Should I not be first?”

He’s hopeless! Luna rolled her eyes again. “Alright, now you tell me what it was like growing up?”

“Growing up? It was quite some time ago.” He stared off trying to remember. “My mother was very strict, she hated your kind with a passion and she wanted nothing to do with humans.”

“That seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

He shrugged. “She had her reasons.”

“Did something bad happen?” Luna asked.

Tyriel nodded. “In hindsight, I believe that would be an understatement. My uncle, Syar, thought that it was best for everyone if our people coexisted with humans. He went on a diplomatic mission to Bohlkov. While he was away he fell in love with the queen.”

Luna gasped. “That seems problematic…”

“Again, I think that would be quite the understatement. When the king found out, he ambushed my uncle. The Bohlkovians tortured him for thirteen days, making the queen of Bohlkov watch. When they were finished flaying him, they sent his head back to my mother in a box.”

Luna's face contorted as if she had eaten something sour . “That’s horrible! I’m so very sorry, Tyriel.”

“Don’t be, I hardly remember it.” Shifting his gaze down to the auditorium floor below as elves streamed in while stretching and talking amongst themselves, he sighed, “And yet, I’ve spent my whole life navigating the ripples of that unfortunate chain of events. In many ways, I believe it changed the fate of my people forever.”

A heaviness hung over the two as they quietly observed the elves below. The warriors who had entered began training with wooden weapons. Not long after, an elven woman in gleaming golden armor entered carrying a wooden chest. The warriors gathered around. The woman opened the chest revealing the purple amethite crystals Luna had stolen for them, excited murmurs filled the great hall. Not moving her eyes away from the scene below, Luna hummed a sound of understanding.

Two elven men stepped quietly onto the balcony from a door tucked behind a sheer curtain that danced ever so slightly in the faint breeze. Luna’s mouth watered as the elves filled the table with dish after dish of exquisitely plated culinary delights. Her eyes became as big as the plates sitting before her and her eyes darted from dish to dish with unbridled excitement.

Tyriel’s gaze was transfixed on the warriors below, who were now beginning to distribute the violet rocks and practice harnessing the power within. If he noticed the food, he sure isn’t giving off the slightest signal that he cares about it.

Luna shifted impatiently in her seat. Stars, I should probably be polite and wait for him before eating. The intoxicating aroma of the dishes filled her nostrils and she used every ounce of restraint not to dig in like a wild animal. Her stomach roared like the savage beast was in the midst of a life or death battle against her faltering restraint.

The sound caught Tyriel’s attention and he looked over at her momentarily before his focus darted right back to the training below. “No need to wait for me. Please, help yourself.”

Without another moment of hesitation she began frantically stuffing her mouth with the most delicious foods she had ever eaten. Her first bite was seared tuna with a tangy pepper sauce that made her tongue tingle. Luna’s second bite was a bell pepper stuffed with a vegetable tartare that had a creamy dill sauce drizzled over the top. She closed her eyes and savored the moment. If I could I would freeze the sands of time and live in this moment forever.

Luna ate until she thought she might explode and then she leaned back in her chair and exhaled loudly. She sat still for a time, pondering the story Tyriel had told her. “You know, it seems that despite all of our differences, we’re not so unalike you and I. We both had our lives dictated by the uncontrollable stream that was our environment.”

Tyriel was hunched over the intricately carved wooden railing of the balcony, still transfixed by his soldiers far below. A moment passed before he looked back over his shoulder at her with his eyes like waves in the ocean and smirked. “What a pleasant surprise you’ve turned out to be. Not so different indeed, and I think it’s about time we destroy the dam.”