The King's Grace : Strange Developments

[Meleth Darkshine]

Since the shapeshifter's introduction to the rest of the civilized world and all of the things that came with it, the still new Princess of Silvanus found herself terribly intrigued with those things she might have once never known. Among these, one of the most curious was the incredible differences between social classes, even within a race that prided itself upon social equality such as the elves. So perhaps, to those few that knew her far-from-delicate nature and insatiable hunger for knowledge, the placement of her today would be little surprise. And again, perhaps to those few who would see past her garb for what she was, it would be little surprise that she had taken a knack to disguises that might fool even her clever husband.

Her hair was dark now, streaked with single strands of grey that looked natural to the slightly withered flesh of her magically veiled face, and the enchantment that made her look far from her natural appearance – older, paler, and ultimately less easy on the eyes – was strong enough to fool but weaved well enough to seem too light to detect. Who had done it, of course, was a mystery, as the power of illusion was far from the godsend's own arsenal, but such a thing was inconsequential at best when most merely glanced in her direction for a second before disregarding her and looking back to their drinks.

But who could blame them, truly, in times like these? Even inns and taverns were weighed down by the problems of the world, the war that was quickly consuming all inhabitants of Dustanova also consuming their joys and their souls. There was an odd time after a winning skirmish where smiles would be worn, or when an enlisted family member would be seen alive that laughter could be heard, but it was just that – an odd time. Silvanus, despite the beliefs of many who lived outside of it, was no better off in morale than the rest of Dustanova.. Especially without Queen Oriel's guidance.

It damaged her in a way, but the hurt was masked well save for behind those eyes that Meleth would be spotted for if she was spotted for anything. Golden and glittering as always, it seemed that whoever had transformed her looks had been unable to shift that one particular aspect of her. All the same, few noticed or, if they did, few lingered in sight. The commoner elves spoke quietly among themselves, a human here or there dotting the full but still seemingly solemn room and the staff whisking across the floor with ease. The King's Grace was unlike human taverns because it was no tavern – merely a common room that was more akin to a restaurant than a rowdy bar, that stood underneath the actual reason for the buildings creation which was the inn itself. The place was decorated beautifully for that very reason, the owners unworried that the patrons might drink too heavily and go on a smashing spree in human styles, or steal the gold and silver linings that intricately accented much of the dishes and finer decor.

"Greetings, elder! And what might I get for you?" came the instantaneous reply of Meleth's finding a seat for herself. With the people troubled, it seemed the already talented elven staff were having a much easier time getting everyone served in good order, and the younger male who assisted her was of a grace that said the empty aisles of the room were a cakewalk for him compared to the over-capacity nights he was used to. His long blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail that draped over one shoulder, and his features, while masculine to a keen eye, were effeminate in their beauty by human standard. He was a beautiful boy, but because of it, he was little more.

Amused by his referencing her as an elder, as surely the true elf showed no sign of such a breed now, the lips of the seemingly human patron twisted into a gnarled looking smile and she blinked up at him. "Something sweet today, I think! Juice! What is that juice you elves are always running on about?"

"Elderberry!"

"Yes, that one! Fetch it for me, and a small helping of the special today. Your chefs do have specials here, right?"

As he nodded, seeming pleased with someone being even mildly amiable, and turned to run off, the Archdruid looked back to scan over the rest of the room and seemed startled by the sight of an estranged looking merfolk sitting miserably beside one of the elves.