[The Great Forest of Life - The Heart Tree]
Deep within the verdant sanctuary of the Elves, the air was usually filled with the melodic humming of the forest spirits. Today, however, the air was choked with the smell of ash and the weeping of Dryads.
Queen Thalandra sat upon her throne woven from living roots. She was ancient and beautiful, but her face was etched with a weariness that spanned centuries. Before her stood the Imperial Courier, flanked by two anxious Elven rangers.
"Prayers?" Thalandra's voice trembled, not with fear, but with a cold, sharp fury. "The Empire sends... prayers?"
The courier shifted uncomfortably. "Your Majesty, Duke Pendor sends his deepest regrets. The threat in the East is... significant. The Empire cannot spare the legions."
