422 No man's land

"Ah, General Eldric. It's been some time," Tang Yue relaxed her fingers, allowing the choking elf to gasp for air as he collapsed back onto his throne, visibly shaken.

"You seem to have... aged," she remarked, noting the strands of silver in Eldric's otherwise golden hair.

"A consequence of time and worry, my Princess," General Eldric replied gravely, walking forward. "The situation has grown complex since you vanished."

"So I gather," Tang Yue retorted, her eyes darting back to the elf who still occupied the throne. "Now, where is Charlotte and Xander?"

"Before I tell you that, might I inquire as to why you returned?" Eldric posed, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as if measuring her intent.

"Oh, should a wife not be concerned for her husband and her friend?" she smirked.

Eldric winced at the mention of the word 'friend' and then sighed, "Concerned you may be, but much has happened that you should be aware of."