[ Pausing, she shakes her head. After a moment, she lifts her hand and draws down her hood. In place of pointed ears, where once the mark of her kind would have been obvious, there is ripped marks, scars, proof of a blade against her skin, done uneasily and with an adolescent hand. They healed wrong, the remains of her ears a little twisted. ]

I cannot say their names. They are old, creatures of habit, but the council of my people, their elders, mean no more to me than the council of other clans.

[ Her gaze turns away. ]

I was once Aellyn. Their land is cloaked in shadow, hidden, and none that are not guided might find their realm and speak to the council. They are wise and proud creatures, birthed in magic, but they keep their secrets are surely as they cast out those that deny their rule.

[ She breathes out. ]

It has been many years since I was near home. I will not betray their secrets and they would not allow me to step forward if I were to come close.