Silmarien the Sly

The meeting had been adjourned.

As Prince Silmarien Vael'Ennis exited the Grand Chamber carved deep into the bark of the Father Tree, the sounds of fawning praise behind him grew louder. He turned only once, just long enough to see the crowd of elders surrounding his older brother, Aetherion. They clapped his back, bowed their heads, and murmured words thick with flattery.

"You are your father's son indeed..." "The intruder will become your proving ground." "The next King of the Elves must be you…"

Some even pressed their palms to their chests in reverence, trying to curry favor before the crown was passed. Silmarien watched it all with a blank expression, then turned back to the path ahead.

No one followed him.

No one called out his name.

He exited the capital alone, leaving behind the amber-lit canopies and radiant rune-infused walkways of the inner city.