Golden Glade cymydog

The woman who answered might well have been the most striking individual Madhuri had ever seen. Black as night, with gimlet orange-gold eyes—and a white patch across one side of her face that lent a skeletal aspect to her visage.

After closing her mouth—which had fallen slightly agape—Madhu smiled and bowed her head in greeting, appreciating the quick response.

I am Tywysoges Madhuri Rhian verch Taliesin, of the Kingdom of Mynydd, she said, getting all that out of the way. I have been sent by my father and king to establish a foothold in these lands.

She turned and gestured to the northwest, then returned her gaze to the woman. We are settled a few hours' distance from here, so I wanted to introduce myself and discuss the possibility of an alliance, Madhuri continued. And to learn more about our neighbors, at least.

This land must be gorgeous in better weather, she surmised. Even in winter, the shimmer of snow upon the plentiful trees was nothing to turn one's nose up at.