"The acquisition of the Torch would assist in our work, but would not ensure nor hold the Wayfarers to do any of what you ask my young adventurer." With an arrogant grin he continues: "What you can take away from this meeting as the pledge of the Wayfarers is this: if and only if, we are able to repair the teleportation problem, we will then make a decision as to the parameters of any alliance with Seaquen. You are merely a delegation from another player at this table. You do not represent Seaquen, the Lyceum, Simeon or his Head of the War Department. You are therefore in no position to state terms." He turns his back to Alric and speaks to Simeon directly. "Headmaster, as I have said, we will make a decision when the teleportation problem has ceased. Unfortunately that is the best I can offer at this time."
The aged Gnome from Sindaire nods and says: "You must understand our position. Ragesian forces are in our nation, its army roaming the land unopposed except by the ongoing winter. Any action by Sindaire to align with this resistance movement would bring bloody retribution down upon my people. I asked for success at a notable battle or the dealing of a grievous wound to the Empire in order to convince my nation that it is worth the risk to resist. What you offer me Alric, and I mean this with respect, bears no resemblance to what I have requested."
The ambassador from Dassen sneers at Alric: "You claim that Leska will only grant neutrality if we allow her to enter Dassen? I am baffled by your logic that neutrality equals open borders. Do you know the Empress' mind personally? Have you drafted diplomatic agreements between nations? Methinks not. You are out of your element here warrior, leave the discussion of diplomacy to the diplomats. If you or this resistance movement wishes to convince myself or the King that his wisdom is misplaced in seeking neutrality, then I hope you have something beyond what you have said here today."
"Kiefer," says Simeon with a calm voice, "I am happy to discuss this with you outside of this council if you would prefer. We can show you copious information that makes it clear that Ragesia will accept no neutrality and has designs on Dassen as much as it does on Gate Pass, Shahalesti, Sindaire and beyond. Furthermore-"
Simeon's voice is cut off as the doors to the lecture hall fly open and a robed student comes bounding in with a hand up and his mouth open to speak. He takes two steps in before being hurled back out of the room. The thrum of a telekinetic thrust shakes the room. Everyone turns to see that Kiernan was responsible for knocking the interloper back, his hands raised from recent spellcasting.
Simeon looks at Kiernan in shock and says, “That was Johund you just attacked. He is one of your students!”
Kiernan shrugs. “Just being safe,” he replies.
Two other students bring the shaken and dazed Johund back into the room. He shakes his head to clear his dizziness and frantically says: "A group of elves have just flown over the walls of the Lyceum and are heading to the tower right now! There are seven and they carry the flag of Shahalesti!"
Out of the window overlooking the harbour, everyone turns to follow Johund's gaze and his pointed hand. You can see, perhaps a mile away and spread out along the horizon is a fleet of approaching elven warships, their broad white sails flapping in the wind and drizzle.
An uproar of arguing and comments spring forth from the council members. Simeon calls for everyone to calm down, saying that the group should meet their new guests politely, but to be prepared for anything just in case.
So it is amongst yourselves and the other council members as weapon grips are fingered, spells brought close to memory and nerves raised in anticipation, that you you hear the armored steps of many feet walking down the hall. They soon arrive at the entrance way and step inside.
All the elves are dressed in silver chain armor with leaf motifs and blue cloaks, and stand tall and bright with straight blond hair and straight swords at their hips. Their leader is a pristinely beautiful elf woman whose eyes shine like sun on the bluest sea. Two men stand close to her like bodyguards, and one in the center holds a flag ceremoniously, while the rest of the elves watch warily.
The Shahaletsi leader takes in the sight of the council and says: "I did not intend to frighten you. I am Princess Shalosha, daughter of the Shining Lord Shaaladel of Shahalesti and I have been sent to treat with you.”
[sblock="for Arnir"]Arnir, the elf holding the flag of the Shining Land of Shahalesti is none other than Calladan of House Galavir, brother of the man you slew. He bears the arms and equipment of a mage-knight of Shahalesti. He does not seem to notice you under your hooded cloak.[/sblock]
