Back at the monster nation, the council chamber buzzed with discussions. The recent integration of demons into their society had stirred ripples across the other races, and it was ti to address the looming repercussions.
Rusak spoke first, hitting on certain information and rumours that they had gathered from trade with the humans and visit to their kingdoms. "Just as we all knew will happen, the human kingdoms are growing restless. Their mories of the last demon invasion are still fresh, and our harboring of their forr enemies is seen as a provocation. Rumour is that they may even be considering military action."
Lance leaned back. "We anticipated as much. The wounds of war are slow to heal after all, especially this one. We'll bolster our defenses and prepare for any eventuality. And the dwarves? They've been notably silent."
"Their mountain halls are impenetrable. For now, we can assu they've caught wind of it and have chosen to watch and wait. They are technically the furthest away after all."
Zrikka adjusted herself on her seat as she spoke, the question posed to Lance. "And the elves? Their stance could tip the balance."
A faint smile played on Lance's lips, more welcoming than scheming. "The elves are... anable to our cause. Their support is assured."
The council mbers exchanged glances, curiosity piqued. Zrikka leaned forward, her expression inquisitive. "May we inquire how this assurance was secured?"
Lance's eyes grew distant as he recalled the encounter.
…
It happened a week ago when Zarra brought word to Lance that lina, who they had known as Liriel before ca to them, not as the scout team leader who frequented the monster kingdom for business and relations, but as an envoy to deliver a ssage. The Elven King, Ithil, wished to et with Lance.
Lance who had also been thinking of eting the new Elven king didn't decline the offer, especially as it was concerning the recent developnt with the demons. Since the Elves had been very cooperative and supportive of their upstart kingdom right from its infancy, Lance favoured them.
The following day, the wind howled atop the elevated lands outside the monster kingdom as Lance waited for lina. Beside him, Rikka was present, alongside a young feline beastkin mage that kept shifting nervously… their breaths visible in the cold air. Though the beastkin was young, only a few years older than Rikka, she was one of the best mages the monster kingdom had, a natural talent. Though she had not received the dragon god's blessing, she could be said to be progressing faster than most. Then again, both of them, the beastkin and Rikka, were not brought along by Lance as protection, it was rely for formalities.
A mont later, lina appeared from the forests, heading towards them. Once she ca before Lance, she bowed her head deeply. "Greetings, Lord Lance." She said, to which Lance answered in a simple fashion.
"King Ithil awaits," she intoned, her voice devoid of much emotion.
Lance exchanged a glance with his companions before stepping forward, they followed closely, lina using teleportation magic to bring them to their destination.
They erged onto a serene plateau, where Ithil stood in quiet contemplation, his white hair flowing like a silver river, a definitive contrast to Lance's wilder hair.
"Lord Lance," Ithil greeted, his tone cold, almost, yet respectful.
"King Ithil," Lance responded in kind.
As they approached, secretly, Ithil subtly invoked a hidden spell, a re probing of Lance's essence. No one had noticed anything, not Lance, nor the mage with him.
The feedback of the spell returned to Ithil quietly. For a fleeting mont, Ithil found himself engulfed in a vision… before him, a colossal dragon, its scales shimring with an inner fire, eyes burning with an intensity that threatened to consu the very heavens. The sheer magnitude of its presence pressed down on him, forcing him to his knees as he found his breathing to be a luxury.
Though it had been quite a few seconds, in reality, it was only half of a second.
The vision dissipated as quickly as it had co, leaving Ithil slightly breathless. He masked his astonishnt, but a newfound respect glimred in his eyes.
Lance noticed imdiately, the shifts in Ithil, especially his breaths and slight change in expression, but as nothing seed to follow, he didn't think much of it. Regardless, he had felt it within himself, that sothing was probing his very self, if he could describe it in that manner, but it was only after.
Lance arched an eyebrow as he looked at Ithil. "Satisfied?"
Ithil's lips curved into a rare smile, realizing he had been caught. "rely ensuring I know the asure of the man I parley with."
Lance chuckled softly. "And?"
"You are... formidable." Ithil said in honesty.
Lance couldn't help but chuckle. "Please, you flatter . I know of many whom I pale in comparison to."
The beastkin mage and Rikka only looked at each other, confused as to what the two before them were talking about after only eting, after all, nothing had happened yet. Even lina was confused, but didn't think much of it.
The two leaders settled onto weathered stone benches, their entourages maintaining a respectful distance.
Ithil steepled his fingers over his legs as he spoke. "I believe you are not a man who likes to beat around the bush. So, we could get right into it, shall we?"
"Of course." Lance nodded.
"Your integration of demons into your realm has not gone unnoticed, as you must know. What are your motive?" Ithil spoke straightforwardly, hitting the nail on its head.
Lance's gaze remained unwavering, matching Ithil's. "I do what is necessary for the future. A storm looms on the horizon, one that will test us all."
Listening to what Lance said, Ithil's eyes narrowed, and after a short mont of silence, he spoke. "The Titans."
Lance's surprise was evident in his expression as he spoke. "You are aware?"
"The old prophecies speak of their return, of a reckoning that will reshape the world. I've also begun taking steps to ready my people." He spoke, a shadow passing over his face.
Lance nodded slowly. "Then you understand. The demons bring with them knowledge, strength, and perspectives that could prove invaluable in the trials to co. We will need all the strength we can muster."
"Precisely." Ithil said, his gaze firm.
A contemplative silence settled between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy. Finally, Ithil extended his hand.
"An alliance, then. For the future."
Lance looked at his extended hand for a brief mont, then clasped it firmly.
"This is what humans do during negotiations, isn't it?" Ithil said, seeing the glimpse of surprise in Lance's eyes when looking at his hand earlier.
Chuckling faintly, Lance didn't deny it. "You are right. I was caught off guard for a bit there… For the future." He said, their shake soon giving way to another mont of brief discussion.
The sun had only begat to fully rise into the sky when the two leaders rose, a mutual respect cented between them.
lina stepped forward, her voice soft. "Shall I escort you back, Lord Lance?"
Lance inclined his head. "Lead the way."
As they departed, Ithil remained, gazing out over his realm ahead, as they had t around the borders of the elven forest and the wild lands which now belonged to the monster kingdom. Thoughts swirled in his mind, chief among them the image of the dragon.
A sigh escaped his lips on the thought of a man possessing such power. "Perhaps," he mused to himself, "if we had not been so ensnared by tradition and outdated ideals, such strength might have also spawned from one of ours… He even said there are more above him… Hard to believe."
With a final glance toward the monster kingdom's direction, he turned and vanished into the shadows of the forest.
…
Lance's eyes seemingly returned to those before him, the council chamber coming back into view. He t the inquisitive gazes of everyone as they listened to him.
"The elves stand with us," he reiterated. "I'm not too sure yet, but they've always been of help to us for a long ti now, they can be trusted."
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