Thread: Against the Dark Ones (Emperor_Nero and I)

Ethril's eyes, surprisingly, were not on her body, but rather upon her grey eyes, watching her, trying to puzzle his way through her hidden thoughts and desires. Good night, fair Lady Teysa. He said quietly as the door shut behind her. Then the soft leather of his boots allowed him to quietly climb to the topmost level of the spire, where the royal bedchambers were located. With a soft sigh, he paced through his door. Inside, a four poster bed was draped with semi-transparent silk curtains and the windows curtained in the same material. On the wall opposite the bed, two large glass doors opened onto a balcony, letting a soft breeze into the room, stirring the light fabrics slightly. Golden glowing orbs hovered in the air above the center of the room, giving off a light glow to light the room. Ethril paced across the room and out onto the balcony, leaning on the railing and considering the fortress below. In twelve hours, most of them would leave this place. The children and those that could not fight would hide away in the hidden caverns. And the High Elves would reclaim their homeland. And what about his human bride? Could they have children together? Would they? Would their two nations become one under a family of mixed blood? A half-elf, half-human nation, ruled by half-elves, half-humans? With another soft sigh, he turned and walked back into his room, picking up a small candle on a metal base and moving to the center of the balcony, holding the candle in his hands. A soft spell lit the candle as he sat cross-legged, meditating, clearing his mind and his thoughts. He sat there for many minutes, until standing quietly, extinguishing his candle and going off to bed. The next morning he was awoken by Alaric calling to him softly from the balcony. Ethril sat up slowly, eyes opening as his white hair spilled across his pillow. He motioned for the bird to come to him as he sat up, the brilliantly-colored creature perching on his shoulder. Go and rouse the soldiers. We march today. He instructed, and with a chirp, the bird flew off. Ethril crossed to a side closet, which he threw open, revealing his armor. What he had worn the day before was hunting armor, designed for speed as the greatest defense. What hung in this closet was war armor. Elegant curves of metal fastened together to light leather. It was nothing like the heavy suits of plate worn by human males, but it was more tough than their usual armor. He began to fasten it around his linen-clad body, strapping the curves knives to his belt and to his inner shin, on the outside of his tall leather boots. The golden accents on the metal and leather announced his rank and status, but other than that, his armor was just like all the other elves. Except his helm. It was designed in a manner similar to the others, which was a metal hood-like creation that slid over the head. Ethril's was not. His was instead a laurel crown, golden and intricate, which sat upon an elegant metal helm. He placed it under his arm, fastened his quiver and how to his back, his sword to his hip, and strode out the door. As he descended the step, he cast his mind out to check on the Fortress. He located everyone, and was about to relax when he felt something. A man in Teysa's room. With a little focus, he identified the man as the human male. Hm. Nothing was happening, but it was worth his notice. He moved past the door just as the other man was exiting, and the stare that came from the Prince's eyes would have terrified a Drow. But his pace didn't break, and the tall, lithe Prince stormed past the human and down to the meeting room. When Teysa arrived, Ethril was standing by the map, considering it. Good morning. I trust you slept well? He said softly, glancing up at her. The soldiers will be gathering in a few minutes. I plan to address them before we depart, heading for the battleground where the Drow will meet with your father's force. We should arrive a day or so before the Drow do.