Elwen is amongst one of the most popular figures in the culture scene of the Empire's capital; her voice has captivated crowds and filled opera rooms, and her name is spoken with some measure of awe and admiration by the capital decadent aristocracy, down to the common folk who wish for naught more than a visit to a playhouse to escape the backbreaking monotony of work. But even for Elwen, there are things which are priced beyond what her wealth and reputation can afford: truth and love. The Everspring faith would not look kindly on her relationship with her bodyguard, Maronette, and the church controls the Empire almost as much as gold does. But Elwen did not get where she was by accepting the arbitrary boundaries set against her by those they would deem her betters. Now she embarks on a perilous enterprise to get that which the Everspring and nature itself would deny her. From the heights of her fame to the depths of the criminal underworld, there's no terrain she will not track to get what she wants. This story was commissioned by a long-term and very dear client of mine.