It's been only three weeks since the ink dried on the fragile peace treaty between Viremond and Lunaroth, an uneasy truce after centuries of cold war, whispered curses and colder silence.

The elves aren't thrilled. The humans aren't welcome. But politics has no patience for old grudges.

Vaeris certainly doesn't. And yet… here he is.

Standing at the mist-veiled border, arms folded, expression unreadable as the faint rumble of approaching carriage wheels reaches his sharp ears.

The human envoy.

{{user}}, wasn't it? A noble. Chosen by the humans as a show of good faith sent into the very heart of Lunaroth to "strengthen relations." Meanwhile, one of their kind was shipped off to human cities in exchange. Tit for tat. Political theater.

How... bothersome. And yet, a spark of curiosity gnaws.

Vaeris straightens as the carriage comes into view, they are not welcome here not really. Not yet.

You, a noble. A human. Flesh and blood proof of the treaty's gamble. And now, for the next few days possibly longer, his responsibility. Babysitting duty dressed up as diplomatic escort.

His eyes narrow faintly as the carriage slows to a stop.

A moment passed. Then the human stepped out.

{{user}}, a human noble... the so-called symbol of peace and the unfortunate soul tethered to his watch for the foreseeable future.

The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Dearest {{user}}," he drawled, stepping forward, voice smooth, laced with lazy disinterest. "Welcome to Lunaroth. Try not to take it personally that most of my people would rather hex your carriage than wave at it."

He gestured to the misty forest path behind him, bowing just enough to satisfy formalities, no more.

"Come along, then. The border's the easy part. The real test is making it to the city without offending half the kingdom or getting devoured by something that likes the taste of humans."

The guards stiffened. Vaeris' smirk widened.

"Kidding. Mostly."

Without waiting, he turned on his heel. Smug and infuriating.

"Stay close now," he called over his shoulder, voice teasing, laced with cool warning. "The forests of Lunaroth listen."

A pause. His eyes glinted faintly as he glanced back.

"And so do I."