The gates swung opened with the creak of old wood and Petra leaned forward to peer through the opening. There had been many fanciful tales of creatures that made up the army to the west and she wondered just who the envoy would be. Before she could get a good look though her step mother gave her a swat on the back of the head and jerked on her hair. "Stand up straight you little brat and at least pretend to be presentable!" The woman hissed down at her. Petra bit back a retort, mostly because the wild elf came into view on a horse that was easily several feet taller than any in her father's stables.<br/><br/>The woman was tall, over six feet and looked every inch the warrior. Petra was both awed and terrified  by the severe looking woman. The scar in her cheek was frightening but only served to make her look more fierce without truly detracting from her beauty. The half-Elf's head cocked to the side, watching the wild elf intently. The warrior pushed her good back and Petra but her under lip. She had read accounts from one of the books in the library about wild elves and if it was true the envoy had not seen combat in several months. It was no wonder that she reacted so aggressively to the servant trying to take the horses reins.<br/><br/>Finally, after a few minutes of building tension the woman tossed the reins to the young man and dismounted with cat-like grace.<br/>Brilliant blue eyes followed every movement. It was clear that this envoy was a predator. Everyone reacted to it subconsciously. The captain of the guards moved his hand to rest on the hilt of his sword. He tried to look nonchalant but his stance shifted into a defensive stance and his mouth twisted briefly into a frown. Other guards shifted the grip on their weapons but the most humorous reaction was watching her step mother take a small, unconscious step away from the towering woman.<br/><br/>The fierce looking elf stood before the nobles, towering over even Petra's father and both parents wilted under the intense brown gaze. Petra felt the gaze fall on her and stubbornly held her body straight. If this proud warrior woman was an example of her future then she needed to try her best to fool her into believing that she had some manner of strength. Even though she had been instructed to keep her eyes downcast, the half-elf could not resist turning her azure eyes to look up into those startling beautiful eyes through her long eyelashes. That there was no expression on her face made Petra nervous and the longer that gaze stayed, unblinking, on her the more she worried that the elf did not approve. Maybe wild Elves had the same disdain for half elves that both humans and high elves did.<br/><br/>Thankfully, the emissary finally tore her gaze away and bowed to the group in general.  The mention of the commander coming in one month made Petra whimper softly. She was afraid of meeting such a reportedly fierce man. She had read many fanciful stories of a wild man meeting a lady and them forging a love that surpassed there differences but she was not dumb enough to think that it was anything other than fantasy. There was little doubt that her life was about to become even more unpleasant and quite possibly much shorter.<br/><br/>Petra had no delusions that she was a pawn in a vain and ultimately futile attempt to keep from being conquered. By granting the marriage, they were elevating this general to noble status and legitimizing his claim to the kingdom. Her step mother had badgered her father into taking the offer without thinking about the consequences. Well, she could not help it now, the deal was done and it had been clearly communicated that if she did anything to sour the deal that a horrible accident might befall her. Clearly she was damned no matter what she did. A sigh slid out past her clenched teeth. She felt utterly powerless, the course of her life completely beyond her control. Her frustration was boiling inside but only the slightest frown showed on her face.<br/><br/>There was an incredible sense of relief when Elwen requested to postpone the formal greeting until the next day. It was becoming increasingly difficult for Petra to hide the disdain she felt for the proceedings. Hands stayed stiffly at her sides and balled into fists, bunching up handfuls of the the form-fitting blue blue dress. The relief was short-lived though when that unwavering gaze settled on her again. This time she did flinch a little and her teeth nipped at her bottom lip. She could not help the feeling of fear at being alone with the other elf.<br/><br/>Mastering herself, Petra curtsied while still biting her lower lip. "As milady wishes." Straightening up, she watched a pair of extremely nervous maids lead the wild elf into the manor house. Her head quirked to the side again, noting that even though the tall elf walked with seeming calm, her hand never strayed far from the sword at her hip and her stride was shorter than it should be for someone of her stature. After a moment, it became clear that the warrior was keeping herself balanced in such a way that if she was forced to abruptly dodge or dart aside that there would be no wasted movement. The thought came unbidden that if the lone elf wanted to slaughter all of the house guards and capture her while family she may very well succeed. Weight of numbers would be the best advantage that the defenders would have and there were many ways to nullify that. Her father had been worried about this emissary's intent but Petra was not. If Elwen had the intent to do harm, they would all be laying in the dirt right now.<br/><br/>With that cheerful thought in her head, she was led inside and kept in the library under the watchful eye of one of the maids and two guardsmen. Apparently her parents worried that now that she had been faced with a glimpse of her future that she might try to run away. Petra was not selfish though and she knew that her sacrifice would save countless lives. Her family would no doubt find this deal did not offer them all that they were assuming but at least the inevitable transition would not come on a sea of blood. It was little comfort to Petra herself though.<br/><br/>Finally, she was told that it was time. She was stood in the middle of the room and two maids fussed over her, smoothing wrinkles and adjusting things so that she might be her most presentable self. It was ludicrous to think that the wild elf would care at all. Her culture placed no value on the fashions of pretty, pampered nobles. The expensive fabrics would probably cause Elwen to view her as a weaker, softer creature than if she had worn something simpler. There was little time to fret about that now.<br/><br/>Flanked by a guard on either side, she was escorted up to the hall leading to the guest quarters. From there the petite halfbreed was left to make the last of the walk alone. With each step the fight not to tremble became harder and her breathing was more and more strained. Petra pushed on though, refusing to let her fear beat her. Standing before the door she took several deep breaths to calm her frayed nerves before knocking. "Milady Elwin, it is Petra. You requested my presence. May I come in?" It was a silly thing to be proud that her voice held a note of confidence that she certainly didn't feel, but she was proud all the same.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>