In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“Nice to see you again,” Elliot said, smiling and looking up—no, actually, across, when had that happened?—at Swift through his eyelashes. “Thank you for all your letters. Elvish life is so fascinating.” “I am glad to amuse you, my dear, though I am but a rough soldier who has no great readiness with a pen,” Swift said heartily. “Your dear prattling and jesting missives in return have cheered me on many a lonely night out on patrol.” “Heh, really? Um . . . cool,” said Elliot, and looked around for help. Serene had Luke’s arm in a death grip and was now screaming in elvish while her mother bellowed cutting remarks. No help there, then. “I was saddened to hear Serene had launched a successful attack on the citadel of your virtue,” Swift said. She sounded genuinely grieved. Elliot was grieved to be having this discussion. “The citadel was totally into surrendering. Also I personally would not have referred to it as a citadel,” Elliot observed. “Like, ever.” “No doubt you tempted her. Ah, a man’s morals are frail as they are, sweet silly creatures,” Swift said. “I do think it was up to Serene to control herself, though. She must have known I was considering you as a bride. Your humanity would not have mattered so very much, up in the wild north where I am stationed, but now you have been sullied, of course it is out of the question.”