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<li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"There is very little that comes to mind. His Majesty did not think the matter important enough to take any sort of action other than fortifications of Hieronidan itself when I left this more. However, I believe you all know just how dire the situation really is in the world. If the tales are true, then you were all there when Her Majesty the Queen of Light was murdered. Therefore, I believe you absolutely must make it clear to him that, as it stands now, it isn't just a matter of defending and hoping not to be invaded, but a matter of just when Hieronidan will be invaded. And Sir Valen. . .I thank you for allowing someone such as myself to come along with you on your travels. I'm only sorry that I can not be of more help in the current situation,"</span> Arioch said to the eldest knight, bowing her head slightly. She had gone to retrieve her things, and joined with the others as they approached the palace, built within the tallest of trees in the city of Cam.<br/>
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Centuries ago, when the kingdom was first built, it was said that this very tree was the biggest and most robust tree in all of the Elvanlands, and that the first King decided that this was the place where he wanted his palace to be. So, the architects worked and worked, carving out sections of the tree and building within the halls of the palace. It looked as if a castle had been built through it rather than just inside of it. Truly, it was a sight that left even those who frequently gazed upon it's splendor of awe.<br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"I shall await your return here,"</span> Arioch said a distance away from the main gates of the palace. Any closer, and it was likely that she would place them all in danger. It wasn't everyday that a general abandoned their position, and it was even more rare for a general to approach the palace on the very same day.[/list:u]<br/>
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<li data-xf-list-type="ul">The Elven King had been thinking for a time about the confrontation that he had with the youngest of the generals, the young woman from the lowland area's. When he first met her, she was covered with dirt and mud and blood, and yet, she carried herself with dignity and pride. And in her eyes there blazed a fire that would make even the sun weep with jealousy. He had always known that she was fierce and somewhat stubborn, but never would he have imagined that she would so quickly cast away all that she worked for and built because she believed in a matter so deeply. Truly, it was hard to know if he should be impressed with her gall, or insulted that she had done such a thing.<br/>
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Word came that the Windwalker, the Champion Knight, was requesting audience with the king. The High Elf long thought Valen and the other knight's dead, as they completely disappeared after the death of the Queen of Light. To suddenly be visited by someone claiming to be the knight champion on the same day? Surely, this was just coincidence. But no, here he was standing before the King of High Elves Sauren Acarissat himself, wishing to discuss something?  The king lowered his head for a moment, thinking carefully about what the matter could be.<br/>
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Suddenly, the man rose from his throne, the guards tensing as he descended the steps before him, his long golden hair flowing impossibly as he walked, his robs dancing as his feet carried him down the finely woven red carpet, past the earthen columns that lead up to the intricately carved throne behind him. Each and every one of the guards tensed as he passed wondering just what their king was doing. The sun-kissed skin of the elf seemed to glow, as if radiating the light of the sovereign star itself. Clearly, there was something very different about himself and the high elf that they met, something outside of the noble aura that the king carried that was. The king stood before Valen and the other knights, as well as their hooded companion and his tiger, his deep green eyes carefully examining their faces.<br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#004000">"By the Gods. . .we all thought you dead! Where. . .no. Now is not the time for such questions. You sought audience, and it is granted. Speak freely Windwalker. What is it you wish to discuss with me,"</span> Sauren asked.[/list:u]</li>
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