"Good morning, highness." A raspy voice said cheerfully.
Ellena wiped the sleep from her eyes and found herself staring down the beak of a particularly starved looking crow. Were that not disconcerting enough, it was easily three times her size and leering at her. She simply stared back as fear gripped her. Even her best spells would not work quickly enough to prevent her being snapped up if the animal so wished.
"What, I wonder, is a member of the Elven royal family doing out in this forest? What with your snooty kind being exiles from the rest of us common creatures."
The princess's look of dread spoke for her. She knew that outside of their hidden world, other beings regarded them as arrogant and egotistical, hoarding the secrets of magic to themselves. And though Ellena could certainly understand and speak the language of the winged ones, she doubted any words here could help her. This bird was no friend.
"What's the matter, highness?" The bird mocked. "Scared of becoming my royal breakfast?"
"H-How do you know me as nobility?" The elf finally said nervously.
"Don't insult my intelligence!" The crow glared. "Beneath these tattered robes you bear the adornments of a princess. I wonder, highness, why have you broken your exile? You are an outcast, perhaps? Troubled? Or simply mad? Either way, you are not welcome in these woods."
"I-I mean no harm to you, winged one, or to your kind. I am but an explorer to this realm. Nothing more."
"So you say." The bird squawked. "But I'm afraid that all you'll be exploring is my gut soon enough. I will savor a delicacy such as yourself."
"Wait, friend!" Ellena pleaded. "It is true I might be a meal to sate your hunger, but what if I were to trade my life for your gain? Surely my... my magic. My powers. Surely they might be of some use to you!"
The bird cocked his head to the side, considering. "Perhaps." The crow nodded. "But if you're planning to use them against me, I would remind you that there is one of you and many of us. Even now there are eyes in the trees, watching. If I do not snap you up, highness, certainly one of my brothers will."
"I understand." Ellena nodded, gulping. "Then perhaps we might make such a trade?"
"That depends, highness..." The bird considered and then seemed to grin evilly. "Tell me, what *can* you do for me?"