Hiroshi paced up and down the grand council hall, scratching the nape of his neck uneasily as the three faction leaders glared at him. The air was thick with tension, and Hiroshi was bearing all the weight of being referred to as the "Chosen Sovereign." Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of strained quiet, he stuttered, "What if I… visit all of your kingdoms? You know, in order to learn about your cultures and try to come up with solutions to all these problems?
There was absolute quiet in the room. Brunhilda folded her arms, her giant hammer unbuckling on the chair beside her. "You? In *our* worlds? You can't even hold a sword in your hand, boy."
Altheria raised a slender eyebrow. "And what in the world do you expect to reap by wandering about our worlds? Diplomacy is an art and a knowledge—both which you lack."
Lila, seated in silence at the table, gazed out over her pile of scrolls. Her fox-like ears quivered uneasily. "I… I think it may work," she whispered softly.
Hiroshi blinked with surprise. "You… you do?"
Lila nodded uncertainly. "If you view our homes, perhaps… perhaps you'll get it. And we'll get you too."
Brunhilda laughed aloud. "Hah! The fox girl trusts you, lad. I suppose it could do no harm to test what you can do."
Altheria shook her head, drumming her fingers on the table. "Very well. If this is the road you want to walk, I will allow you to enter the Elven Kingdom. But don't be a fool—and don't be a fool about me.".
"Great!" Hiroshi shouted, having to grin. "So, uh… where do we begin?"
Arkanis slapped his hands together, a twinkle in his eye. "The Elven Kingdom, naturally! Their capital is nearest, and it makes sense to begin with the most civilized of the factions. Don't you think so, Princess?"
Altheria rolled her eyes but said nothing.
---
**The Journey Begins**
The following day, Hiroshi stood by the border of a dark, primeval forest that no one could cross. The air was sharp and sunlight filtered through the leaves and reflected on the ground in patches of dappled light. Arkanis, pulling at his wizard's robes, followed him, while Altheria remained there with her usual aplomb. Two elves stood guard beside them, their faces inscrutable as they quietly assessed Hiroshi.
"Get close," Altheria ordered, her voice slicing. "The woods have little patience for idiots."
"Good to hear," Hiroshi muttered, adjusting the strap on the satchel Arkanis had given him. It contained a assortment of items Hiroshi had no idea what they were, but he didn't dare ask questions. The group disappeared into the distance, their footsteps quiet on the soft forest floor. Hiroshi gazed all around him in wonder at the enormous trees, their trunks as wide as a circle of several people standing around it with arms outstretched. Vines dangled like curtains, and glowing mushrooms covered the ground, casting an otherworldly light.
It's… beautiful," Hiroshi breathed, his voice full of wonder.
Altheria looked at him, her eyes softening ever so slightly. "The Elven Forest is ancient and sacred territory in the realm. Be respectful, and it will be respectful of you.
As they strolled, Hiroshi couldn't help but catch the tension that was present beneath. The guards were on high alert, their hands never more than a moment's reach from their guns. Altheria's eyes flicked between the road ahead and the shadows that appeared to move among the trees.
"Is it just me," Hiroshi began hesitantly, "or does it seem like something's… watching us?"
Altheria's lips were pressed into a thin line. "The forest is alive, Hiroshi. It watches everyone who comes in. But you are under my protection, as long as you don't do something foolish."
"Understood," Hiroshi replied, making a mental note not to touch anything.
The group arrived at a clearing and saw a big, gnarled oak tree in the center. The tree's thick roots stretched like giants' arms, and its branches had glistening crystal balls. Altheria approached and touched the trunk of the tree. There was a gentle hum everywhere they were, and facing them was a glimmering portal at the base of the tree.
Through here," Altheria said, moving back so Hiroshi could precede her.
He hesitated, gazing at Arkanis. "What if it doesn't take to me when I go through?"
"Then you'll most likely be vomited up somewhere unpleasant," Arkanis said with a cheerful smile.
"Great," Hiroshi said under his breath, bracing himself before stepping through the doorway.
---
The Elven Capital
Hiroshi stepped off balance as he came out from the other side, blinking his eyes as they adjusted to the light. What he saw made him gasp.
The Elven Capital was a city unlike any other when it came to beauty, for buildings had ripened perfectly into the landscape. Blistering white spires towered up over treetops, interlinked by delicate bridges veiled in flower-trees. Waterfalls from secret fountains crashed their shining creeks which widened outwards like veins on an opulent velvet across the city.
Elves moved with purpose, their steps light and measured. Some wore flowing robes, covered in intricate patterns, others lightweight armor that was lovely as well as useful. Wherever he looked, Hiroshi saw a harmony that he could hardly fathom.
"Wow," he gasped, his initial nervousness forgotten for the moment.
Altheria smiled briefly. "Welcome to Elandrial, the heart of the Elven Kingdom."
Hiroshi's awe was short-lived as he noticed the stares directed his way. Elves paused in their tracks, their eyes narrowing as they whispered among themselves.
"Why is a human here?" one muttered.
"Is that the Chosen Sovereign?" another asked, her tone skeptical.
Hiroshi chuckled nervously, leaning toward Altheria. "I feel like I'm not exactly… welcome."
"They distrust outsiders," Altheria answered in a straightforward tone. "You will have to earn their trust."
"No pressure," Hiroshi complained.
As he walked through the city, Hiroshi couldn't help but feel as though he was being judged with every step. But he couldn't help but also feel the beauty and wonder of the Elven Capital. He was beginning to see just how much was at stake—and how far he had to go to make himself worthy.