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Description
Location: Silvein

It was hard at first, traveling through the tundra, the snow swirling all around me, convincing me that I should give up and go home. After my fingers went numb and my eyelashes froze I decided I was fine. I was most likely halfway to my destination anyway and my purpose for coming this far north was important. In the end, my mission would affect every elemental. At least that's what I hoped.
I made it over a large mound and my spirits were elated. Lights were twinkling through the thick snowfall, showing me the way to Silvein, the ice city. Anticipation for what I had to attempt clawed at my stomach. I am just a lowly Light Elemental with no standing in court, nor does any of the royal family know my name. So why then, do I expect Queen Islaeri to hear my words?
Because I had an idea, a different notion of how Elementals could live. She will want to listen to that. I stared down at the city. Small huts dotted the edge; no doubt they served as the watchmen's homes. Deeper into the city, the huts turned into sturdier structures, then there was the palace itself. Compared to the palace in Liesenfolde it was small, less elaborate. I imagine if the sun could break through this storm, the light would reflect off the ice encrusting its walls. "That would be a magnificent sight…" I murmured to myself.
I felt a light prick at the small of my back. I began to turn but then he spoke in the common tongue of Elementals, with a Silveinean accent. "We will take you to the city. Do not speak, only walk."
"I understand," I replied. I felt a small but sharp pain on my back as the Ice Elemental shoved me forward with his knife or short sword.
"I said don't speak." He led me towards Silvein and judging by the footsteps behind me, there were at least four. Even when I stumbled in the snow, I saw none of them. Excellent at camouflaging, I see.
They took me into one of the small huts I saw at the edge. I was shoved into a chair, which allowed me to see my captors, three male and one woman. One of the males, whose voice I recognized as the one with the knife, spoke to the woman in Silveinean. She left without a word and he turned to me. "What has brought a Light Elemental to Silvein?"
I nodded to him. "Must be strange, isn't it?" He didn't reply to my attempt at making the mood of the situation light. I coughed slightly and said, "Well, I have a message for the Queen."
He glanced at his two companions. "From Liesenfolde?"
I shook my head. "No. From the Rogue City. Well," I looked to the side, "it's not so much a city yet but-"
"I have not heard about this 'Rogue City'."
"You wouldn't have. It just came into existence about three days ago."
Another exchange of glances. "What is this city?"
"A city where any Elemental can live, free of the restraints put on them that bar them from ever coming in contact with another Elemental species. Where you can walk down the street and meet an Elemental of different origin but whom you can also call your friend. A city of coexistence, a mix of cultures, a place with no war, no arguing. A place where you don't have to hide who or what you are."
His stunned silence told me I had hit the mark. The seeds were already being planted. "What's your name?" I asked him.
He looked away from me. "Umm, Voskain. I uhh… lead this group of soldiers."
I nodded in greeting to him. "Hello, Voskain. I am Jin, leader of the Rogue City."
He turned to me and began to say something but his female colleague came back and whispered something to him. His face paled, then he looked at me. Suddenly, a woman came in dressed in pale blue leather that was lined with pure white fur. Her hair was silver and her eyes an icy blue. She walked with an air of elegance and grace, but also had an edge to her that showed me that she was a formidable warrior as well.
"I am Crysilla, Princess of the Ice Elementals. We received no message to expect someone from Liesenfolde," she said, her voice sharp.
I stood and bowed to her then replied, "That is because my message is from the Rogue City. I am Jin, their appointed leader. I've come to speak with your mother on behalf of my people." I straightened up and looked at her. "There is much to explain."

************************************

Location: Silvein
I was lead deeper into the ice city. Elementals stopped their daily tasks to watch me and my escort walk by. This was probably the first time most of them have seen a Light Elemental. Lower citizens were never permitted to join in the yearly meeting between the races. It baffled me, why the royals and higher ups could meet one another, but the common people were forbidden. I saw no point in it.
A shove through the castle door brought me out of my musings. Guards lined the great hall leading to the throne room. I frowned at the door of the room, not at all what I expected. Usually these types of rooms had magnificent doors to reflect the royals' greatness. It was small, as if I was being lead into the Queen's room instead.
Crysilla nodded to the guards and they opened the door for her. She stalked through without a glance back. I looked to Voskain who merely motioned me forward. Calming my nerves, I braced myself to face the Queen of the Ice Elementals. She stood with her head lowered towards a table, examining sheets of paper. She was a taller version of her daughter, her long silver hair kept together in a braid down her back. Her sharp eyes narrowed as we entered.
"This is the messenger Jin?" she asked.
Crysilla bowed her head as Voskain sat me in another chair. "He claims he is not from Liesenfolde." She glanced my way then muttered to the Queen in her own tongue.
The Queen waited patiently, then turned to me. "My daughter says she doesn't trust you. Imagine, a Light Elemental liar." The sarcasm didn't go unnoticed.
I smiled slightly. "It's not unheard of." At her unamused expression I added quickly, "I assure you, I'm telling you the truth. I've left Liesenfolde. At first it was just a journey to see the world, then I met three individuals. A Nature, Wind, and Dark Elemental. They shared a dwelling by the river trailing out of Farren Forest." Through my monologue, Queen Islaeri said nothing. As I explained how my three companions and I were able to sit through a meal in our little cottage and not declare war, she raised her hand to stop her daughter from interrupting.
She was particularly interested in the conversation I had with Roan, the Dark Elemental. It's funny how other elementals want to know every single detail of a Light and Dark Elemental encounter, whether it's aggressive of not. "After we got over the initial shock of each other we discovered we had a lot in common."
The Queen made a sound between a scoff and a snort. "Everyone besides Light and Dark Elementals knows that they have plenty in common. You both are too prideful to see your sworn enemies' weaknesses and realize they're your own," she said. I began to retort, to deny her claim but she continued. "Even you, who says he made a Dark Elemental friend. So what? Because your races are sworn enemies doesn't mean everyone will do the same."
"I'm not-"
"We all know that these wars are always caused by Liesenfolde's disagreement with Dhostvardaen. Your little 'friendship' won't last a week."
I ignored the personal comment. "I never denied that Liesenfolde and Dhostvardaen cause more trouble than they solve, but you blame only them for the wars? They are everyone else's enemies? That is not-"
"Then you don't condemn their egos? Their pride?"
"Everyone has pride. You yourself, you act like you know exactly what they think because in your isolation you do not realize that not everyone is the same! You only know our royalty, not the common people. You judge us for the ideals of our Kings, for decisions that we have no say in! You-" I stopped myself abruptly. The cold stare of the Queen and Princess told me I had gone to far. "Forgive me. I merely-"
"You're very adamant in your ideals, elemental," the Queen stated. By not even addressing me by name or even by what type of elemental the Queen dismissed me. Voskain took me by the arm, gently but firm, and lead me out. As we walked back through the hall, I could hear Crysilla arguing with the Queen in Silveinean.
Back out in the cold snow I turned to Voskain. He wouldn't meet my eye but seemed like he wanted to say something. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to insult your Queen," I muttered. I was angry with myself. I couldn't believe I drove on like that. I must be more careful. "What I said was true. There isn't just good and bad."
Voskain looked at me. "Is it possible?" he murmured.
I nodded. "Yes. If Roan and I can be in the same house and not kill each other, than any elemental can do it."
"You seem different, though. Different from what Light Elementals are supposed to be," he said.
"So are you. I thought all Ice Elementals were cold, calculation beings who cared for themselves and whatever's theirs."
He turned away. "I will take you to the border, than you must find your own way home. I… will provide supplies to get you through the storm."
We reached the hut I was first taken to, which I figured was actually his. "Do you have family?" I asked as he prepared food and a warm drink in a fur lined sack.
"Yes… my wife and I have two boys. They… live deeper in the city. When I'm not on duty I reside there." I nodded slightly. Could I ask him to endanger his family? Could I put it on him to spread the news about the Rogues, which will draw the attention of those who want to silence the notion? "Here. This should hold out until you make it out of the tundra."
"Thank you…" I took the sack and fur coat he handed me.
"Jin… right?" he asked. I nodded. "You're serious… about the city?"
"Yes, it's the only thing in my life with meaning."
"I want to help."
I stared at his determined look. "They won't like it," I murmured.
"The Queen? I understand… but I also understand what the city means. Here, the only news we hear are the news the Queen wants us to know. I know she wants to protect us, wants to remain isolated because isolation is security, but…" he looked down. Expressing himself was new for him.
I put my hand on his shoulder. "Thank you… truly thank you." I could not express my gratitude enough. "If you do become endangered, take your family and leave Silvein. Go south until you reach warmer climate, then follow the river that you'll find to your left. It will lead you to the city."
A small smile appeared on his face. "A small cottage?"
I laughed, I will make sure more houses are built." I pulled the coat on and swung the pack over my shoulder. "I cannot thank you enough, Voskain." He nodded and I turned away to continue my journey.

Halfway though the tundra a letter flew towards me on the wind. My eyes widened as I recalled the way Xan would contact me. Sure enough when I caught the paper protected against the cold, her familiar writing warmed me. The message did not.
"You must come back. Roan is gone."

Description
Location: Silvein

It was hard at first, traveling through the tundra, the snow swirling all around me, convincing me that I should give up and go home. After my fingers went numb and my eyelashes froze I decided I was fine. I was most likely halfway to my destination anyway and my purpose for coming this far north was important. In the end, my mission would affect every elemental. At least that's what I hoped.
I made it over a large mound and my spirits were elated. Lights were twinkling through the thick snowfall, showing me the way to Silvein, the ice city. Anticipation for what I had to attempt clawed at my stomach. I am just a lowly Light Elemental with no standing in court, nor does any of the royal family know my name. So why then, do I expect Queen Islaeri to hear my words?
Because I had an idea, a different notion of how Elementals could live. She will want to listen to that. I stared down at the city. Small huts dotted the edge; no doubt they served as the watchmen's homes. Deeper into the city, the huts turned into sturdier structures, then there was the palace itself. Compared to the palace in Liesenfolde it was small, less elaborate. I imagine if the sun could break through this storm, the light would reflect off the ice encrusting its walls. "That would be a magnificent sight…" I murmured to myself.
I felt a light prick at the small of my back. I began to turn but then he spoke in the common tongue of Elementals, with a Silveinean accent. "We will take you to the city. Do not speak, only walk."
"I understand," I replied. I felt a small but sharp pain on my back as the Ice Elemental shoved me forward with his knife or short sword.
"I said don't speak." He led me towards Silvein and judging by the footsteps behind me, there were at least four. Even when I stumbled in the snow, I saw none of them. Excellent at camouflaging, I see.
They took me into one of the small huts I saw at the edge. I was shoved into a chair, which allowed me to see my captors, three male and one woman. One of the males, whose voice I recognized as the one with the knife, spoke to the woman in Silveinean. She left without a word and he turned to me. "What has brought a Light Elemental to Silvein?"
I nodded to him. "Must be strange, isn't it?" He didn't reply to my attempt at making the mood of the situation light. I coughed slightly and said, "Well, I have a message for the Queen."
He glanced at his two companions. "From Liesenfolde?"
I shook my head. "No. From the Rogue City. Well," I looked to the side, "it's not so much a city yet but-"
"I have not heard about this 'Rogue City'."
"You wouldn't have. It just came into existence about three days ago."
Another exchange of glances. "What is this city?"
"A city where any Elemental can live, free of the restraints put on them that bar them from ever coming in contact with another Elemental species. Where you can walk down the street and meet an Elemental of different origin but whom you can also call your friend. A city of coexistence, a mix of cultures, a place with no war, no arguing. A place where you don't have to hide who or what you are."
His stunned silence told me I had hit the mark. The seeds were already being planted. "What's your name?" I asked him.
He looked away from me. "Umm, Voskain. I uhh… lead this group of soldiers."
I nodded in greeting to him. "Hello, Voskain. I am Jin, leader of the Rogue City."
He turned to me and began to say something but his female colleague came back and whispered something to him. His face paled, then he looked at me. Suddenly, a woman came in dressed in pale blue leather that was lined with pure white fur. Her hair was silver and her eyes an icy blue. She walked with an air of elegance and grace, but also had an edge to her that showed me that she was a formidable warrior as well.
"I am Crysilla, Princess of the Ice Elementals. We received no message to expect someone from Liesenfolde," she said, her voice sharp.
I stood and bowed to her then replied, "That is because my message is from the Rogue City. I am Jin, their appointed leader. I've come to speak with your mother on behalf of my people." I straightened up and looked at her. "There is much to explain."

************************************

Location: Silvein
I was lead deeper into the ice city. Elementals stopped their daily tasks to watch me and my escort walk by. This was probably the first time most of them have seen a Light Elemental. Lower citizens were never permitted to join in the yearly meeting between the races. It baffled me, why the royals and higher ups could meet one another, but the common people were forbidden. I saw no point in it.
A shove through the castle door brought me out of my musings. Guards lined the great hall leading to the throne room. I frowned at the door of the room, not at all what I expected. Usually these types of rooms had magnificent doors to reflect the royals' greatness. It was small, as if I was being lead into the Queen's room instead.
Crysilla nodded to the guards and they opened the door for her. She stalked through without a glance back. I looked to Voskain who merely motioned me forward. Calming my nerves, I braced myself to face the Queen of the Ice Elementals. She stood with her head lowered towards a table, examining sheets of paper. She was a taller version of her daughter, her long silver hair kept together in a braid down her back. Her sharp eyes narrowed as we entered.
"This is the messenger Jin?" she asked.
Crysilla bowed her head as Voskain sat me in another chair. "He claims he is not from Liesenfolde." She glanced my way then muttered to the Queen in her own tongue.
The Queen waited patiently, then turned to me. "My daughter says she doesn't trust you. Imagine, a Light Elemental liar." The sarcasm didn't go unnoticed.
I smiled slightly. "It's not unheard of." At her unamused expression I added quickly, "I assure you, I'm telling you the truth. I've left Liesenfolde. At first it was just a journey to see the world, then I met three individuals. A Nature, Wind, and Dark Elemental. They shared a dwelling by the river trailing out of Farren Forest." Through my monologue, Queen Islaeri said nothing. As I explained how my three companions and I were able to sit through a meal in our little cottage and not declare war, she raised her hand to stop her daughter from interrupting.
She was particularly interested in the conversation I had with Roan, the Dark Elemental. It's funny how other elementals want to know every single detail of a Light and Dark Elemental encounter, whether it's aggressive of not. "After we got over the initial shock of each other we discovered we had a lot in common."
The Queen made a sound between a scoff and a snort. "Everyone besides Light and Dark Elementals knows that they have plenty in common. You both are too prideful to see your sworn enemies' weaknesses and realize they're your own," she said. I began to retort, to deny her claim but she continued. "Even you, who says he made a Dark Elemental friend. So what? Because your races are sworn enemies doesn't mean everyone will do the same."
"I'm not-"
"We all know that these wars are always caused by Liesenfolde's disagreement with Dhostvardaen. Your little 'friendship' won't last a week."
I ignored the personal comment. "I never denied that Liesenfolde and Dhostvardaen cause more trouble than they solve, but you blame only them for the wars? They are everyone else's enemies? That is not-"
"Then you don't condemn their egos? Their pride?"
"Everyone has pride. You yourself, you act like you know exactly what they think because in your isolation you do not realize that not everyone is the same! You only know our royalty, not the common people. You judge us for the ideals of our Kings, for decisions that we have no say in! You-" I stopped myself abruptly. The cold stare of the Queen and Princess told me I had gone to far. "Forgive me. I merely-"
"You're very adamant in your ideals, elemental," the Queen stated. By not even addressing me by name or even by what type of elemental the Queen dismissed me. Voskain took me by the arm, gently but firm, and lead me out. As we walked back through the hall, I could hear Crysilla arguing with the Queen in Silveinean.
Back out in the cold snow I turned to Voskain. He wouldn't meet my eye but seemed like he wanted to say something. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to insult your Queen," I muttered. I was angry with myself. I couldn't believe I drove on like that. I must be more careful. "What I said was true. There isn't just good and bad."
Voskain looked at me. "Is it possible?" he murmured.
I nodded. "Yes. If Roan and I can be in the same house and not kill each other, than any elemental can do it."
"You seem different, though. Different from what Light Elementals are supposed to be," he said.
"So are you. I thought all Ice Elementals were cold, calculation beings who cared for themselves and whatever's theirs."
He turned away. "I will take you to the border, than you must find your own way home. I… will provide supplies to get you through the storm."
We reached the hut I was first taken to, which I figured was actually his. "Do you have family?" I asked as he prepared food and a warm drink in a fur lined sack.
"Yes… my wife and I have two boys. They… live deeper in the city. When I'm not on duty I reside there." I nodded slightly. Could I ask him to endanger his family? Could I put it on him to spread the news about the Rogues, which will draw the attention of those who want to silence the notion? "Here. This should hold out until you make it out of the tundra."
"Thank you…" I took the sack and fur coat he handed me.
"Jin… right?" he asked. I nodded. "You're serious… about the city?"
"Yes, it's the only thing in my life with meaning."
"I want to help."
I stared at his determined look. "They won't like it," I murmured.
"The Queen? I understand… but I also understand what the city means. Here, the only news we hear are the news the Queen wants us to know. I know she wants to protect us, wants to remain isolated because isolation is security, but…" he looked down. Expressing himself was new for him.
I put my hand on his shoulder. "Thank you… truly thank you." I could not express my gratitude enough. "If you do become endangered, take your family and leave Silvein. Go south until you reach warmer climate, then follow the river that you'll find to your left. It will lead you to the city."
A small smile appeared on his face. "A small cottage?"
I laughed, I will make sure more houses are built." I pulled the coat on and swung the pack over my shoulder. "I cannot thank you enough, Voskain." He nodded and I turned away to continue my journey.

Halfway though the tundra a letter flew towards me on the wind. My eyes widened as I recalled the way Xan would contact me. Sure enough when I caught the paper protected against the cold, her familiar writing warmed me. The message did not.
"You must come back. Roan is gone."