Amethyst Visits Calenhad

The Enchanting Elven city of Calenhad

Amethyst McMahon raises her head and her eyes pass over the monumental sculptures standing guard and slide up the long, steep stairway leading to the Haven of the River Land Elves, Calenhad.

Amethyst McMahon sighs and begins the ascent. She rarely enters Calenhad... the Elves were a solemn and aloof race and she felt terribly shy around them, although those she knew always treated her with kindness and respect.

She squares her shoulders and continues climbing, losing herself in thoughts of the Druid, the reason she had decided to go to Calenhad on this morn, before the day had fully dawned. 

"I wonder what is the cause for Jaek's long hours with the Elven Council now? Surely nothing is amiss in the Lands...," she pauses, catching her breath as she reaches the utmost step and Calenhad reveals itself in all its surreal beauty. 

Amethyst McMahon hesitates, searching the courtyard and pavilions for movement. Enchanting music wafts across to her, but its source remains unknown. Unsure of where to look for the Druid, she turns right, passing the bridge between the Elven residences, trying to move noiselessly across the marble courtyard.

Amethyst Arrives in Calenhad

Calenhad appears unsettlingly quiet, aside from the music fading with each step she takes, the rippling of the waterfalls and birdsong from the giant trees swaying gracefully in the light breeze.

Amethyst McMahon stops abruptly as she reaches the pavilion where the Elven Council meet. Standing in a tight circle she recognises Feanor, one of Jaek's most trusted Rangers, with him two Elven women and a stranger, all deep in conversation. She smiles shyly as they turn and Feanor acknowledges her with a curt nod. 

Amethyst McMahon opens her mouth to speak, but decides against it as she notices the stranger is wearing a travelling cloak and carrying a staff. A hat covers his long hair, but even without catching a glimpse of Elven ears, she realises the unknown man is no Elf, his aged face marks him as a human.

She quickly turns to continue on her way as Feanor leans towards the man, speaking in soft tones impossible for her to hear and she feels the strangers gaze follow her as she walks away.

Amethyst McMahon lets out a breath, murmuring to herself, "No sign of Jaek, but I guess I'll just have to wait at home." 

She stops to take in the magnificent view over the Lands from Calenhad, although she unconsciously begins chewing on her lip. 

Amethyst Views the Lands from Calenhad

Tension lies inexplicably in the air as she returns to the stairs and begins wandering down them again...