Thread: Dude X Imogen

Elowen could not explain her strange compassion for Thoril. As most Elves, she valued the sanctity of life and it unsettled her to let the human be cast back into the wilderness beyond their borders where a number of threats - familiar and unknown - waited to prey on the wounded. However, her companions resented Thoril for his unwelcome venture into their lands regardless of his purpose and would have considered such actions a just punishment for his trespass. Elowen had earned no favors from her peers and she caught Elidyr's incredulous expression as she guided Thoril from the throne room and over the labyrinth of bridges. Elves lived much longer than other races and thus took more time to change their perspectives - if at all. Thoril would have a difficult time in Sylvari, of that she felt sure. It is you I should thank, Elowen replied. You did not have to brave death to protect people beyond saving. The traders were our guests - to let them die so close to our borders...it is shameful. Elowen led Thoril down one of the staircases encircling a large tree and angled toward the borders of the Elven city. As a prestigious warrior in Lord Gawyn's ranks, Elowen could have inhabited an equally grand home closer to the heart of the city but she chose to reside on the outskirts, set a little apart from her brethren by a small stream that capered over the forest floor. It had been her grandfather's home in ages past and Elowen had been loathe to relinquish it. Unlike her, Elowen's grandfather had spent his time immersed in the mysteries of the forest and had played a considerable role in erecting some of the magical borders shielding their land from unpleasant visitors. Abandoning his home, gracefully grown from one of the largest trees in the forest, would dishonor him. And Elowen appreciated the beauty of it - the quaint forest on one side and the pleasant city on the other. A perfect balance. Since her grandfather had poured so much attention into his natural home, there was ample space for Elowen and others. None had yet shared the residence with her - Thoril would be the first. Although Elowen felt vaguely uncomfortable about sharing her home with a foreign man she barely knew, she hesitated to find him housing elsewhere in the city far from her protection and closer to those who would mean him insult. You may stay here with me. There are many chambers to choose from. I encourage you to choose one you will feel comfortable in - you might be here longer than expected, Elowen instructed, inspecting his dreadful wounds with an experienced eye. She began to mount the stairs, lined with strange trinkets from the forest and some of her grandfather's most elegant illustrations of Sylvari. Most of the beds are on the upper floors. After you have sated your curiosity, you should eat something. No doubt you are starving. Elowen gestured at the curving corridor - the home was an interesting study in architecture, adhering to every natural movement of the tree's growth and resulting in some strangely shaped chambers and arching halls. She then left Thoril alone, retreating to the kitchen where she prepared a simple meal of fruits and greens for her guest.