Spoiler (click to show/hide):
The High Council of Vaalniya, nearly as old as time itself, has always met in the center of the Woodlands within the Elder Tree, whose roots reach into the deepest parts of the world. Underneath its ancient branches, the fate of the High Elves has been decided since time immemorial. It's here that the council will brief their newly formed envoy, who's success could very well decide the fate of not only the Elves, but the known world. The individual summoned to be part of the royal envoy is escorted by a dozen royal guards across the walkway leading to the massive tree. .
Only at the base of the Elder Tree can one truly appreciate the hundreds of feet its branches stretch into the sky. The royal guards, accustomed to this sight, waste no time entering the fifteen to twenty feet tall and wide hollowed out tunnel. If this were a human capitol, it would be wrought in stone, wood, and steel, but the Elves learned long ago how to live with nature, not against it.
Once inside the tree, the guards lead the bard into a single massive chamber of which there are five seats arranged in a semi-circle and only one is occupied by an older Elf in dark green and gold robes. Thirty feet behind these ornate wooden seats are four rows of wooden chairs numbering into the dozens. Doubtless those were the chairs for the full assembly, but today, only one councilman is present. To already be before one of the five most powerful wizards in Vaalniya, possibly the world, you've already accepted the charge for one reason or another. The council promised gold, power, and the glory and fame that goes with those who would save the oldest and greatest civilization from destruction.
Once you're inside the council chamber, the wizard gives the guards a single order, "Go."
With that, the envoy's escorts depart the assembly room and take position outside of the entrance. The wizard chants something arcane and the massive doorway closes. Wood seems to naturally form and seal the entrance, as if there was never a door there in the first place, only ages old bark.
A voice resonating experience and wisdom comes from the man seated on the far left, "Now that you're here, I wish to go into greater detail on the daunting mission before you. I am Elder Mage Vorn, High Magistrate of the Woodlands. The other Mages were in disagreement to you joining, due to your lack of education and social standing. However, I think your sense of duty, your martial ability, survival skills, and pragmatic view of the world are exactly what the envoy needs. We must do whatever is necessary to survive, Saralyn."
"Our former allies have ignored, blocked, or otherwise cut off communication with our normal ambassadors and diplomats. Some of them face great adversity themselves, but we no longer have armies or money to send their way. The decision was made, with some disagreement, to find individuals with a variety of skills that are willing to do whatever is necessary, by any means necessary, to secure allies, manpower, and materials for the great war before us; though, the war may not be so great should you or the rest of the envoy fail."
Elder Mage Vorn taps his staff on the floor twice and a wooden table grows instantaneously from the center of the room. You have to back up in order to not be standing on top of it as it forms. It's perhaps twenty feet in diameter and on it is a map of the known world, with several important places labeled, including Vaalniya and the capitol Valin.
"If you have any questions or requests, I will consider them and help as we can. Since I selected you, I'm allowing you free reign to start wherever you may. The rest of the envoy has departed for the southern reach, Iometolis. Reclusive at best, zealous at worst. I can send you to join them there, should you wish it, but if you wish to go someplace else, that's your decision."
OOC: If you want context, read the first post of the RP and you can get some minor information on the places that are of interest at this moment.