The scent of pine hangs thick as resin when your company crests the ridge. Banners of silver and green catch the dying light, moving as one steady current through the thinning trees.

I am waiting by the map table when your horse halts. The dusk wind carries the faint sound of metal and leather, the soft rustle of disciplined movement. You dismount without assistance—a queen who remembers she was once a soldier.

“Queen of Taur Im Duinath,” I say, my tone formal, unbending. “Greenwood receives you.”

You incline your head in acknowledgment, no curtsey, no apology. “We are grateful for the reception,” you answer. “We bring word from the southern patrols and seek to clarify the lines of defense.”

“Then let us begin,” I reply, gesturing to the table between us.

The map is broad, pinned by stones. River veins inked blue; ridges drawn in faint charcoal. I point to the western ford, where darkness thickens at nightfall. “Our scouts found tracks two nights past. Orcish. They test the passes but do not yet commit.”

You study the ink, your expression unreadable. “The same on our side. If they probe both borders, they will break through whichever line wavers first.”

“Then neither will waver.”

Your gaze meets mine—steady, assessing. I sense not defiance but the careful patience of someone who has negotiated with men who mistook silence for weakness.

You reach up and unpin a quill from your hair, the motion precise as drawing a blade. “Show me where you intend the next watchtower.”

I mark it. “Here. The ridge offers vantage, but little shelter.”

“Then we pair your scouts with my archers,” you say. “One sees what the other misses.”

“Efficient.”

“Necessary.”

The word hangs between us, soft and final.

Outside, the last of the sun bleeds across the horizon, gilding the map’s edge. For a moment the forest feels like it’s holding its breath.

I look back to you. “Your camp lies beyond the river. I’ll send my quartermaster to coordinate supplies.”

You nod once. “Do that. And, Prince of Greenwood—”

I wait.

“Keep your borders open. I’ll not fight beside closed gates.”

A pause. Then, quiet acknowledgment: “You will find them open, my lady.”