When the little man found his way out of the palace, the king sat in thought for a while. This wouldn't do. The king rose from his throne and began to stride a few halls over. When he reached the dimly lit room he paused and waited patiently. Within it the Council of Druids sat on small mats around a set of black candles. They hummed together in an old tongue which was unfamiliar to Ulnyrth. It was a common occurrence, the rituals, and the Elders did them together to compound their effects. Their being a community people was something that the king admired. He figured it was part of why the Elves and Druids could occupy Fallburne together with minimal issue.
After several moments one of the Elders fell free of the trance and took note of Ulnyrth's presence. "Sire, what's the matter?" The King took a seated position across from the man.
"I smell war arising from the west."
"War? On what principle?"
"The king and queen of Dillac want something. Something I cannot give them."
"Why ever not?"
"We cannot disturb the spirits of the forest without angering them. Angering the spirits comes with great repercussions to our people. What the king and queen ask would surely anger them. Do you see?"
"An impasse."
"Indeed."
"So what would you have me do?" Ulnyrth asked the Elder.
"Nothing." The Elder replied.
Ulnyrth's face wore an aghast expression. The candles flickered as the brunt of the Elders continued their ancient chants.
"Nothing? I have to do something."
"No. You don't have to do anything."
"Then who?"
The old man smiled at the king.
"I will go to them."
"All the way to Dillac? Alone! In the dead of their winter?
Old man, have you gone completely mad?"
At this, a full chuckle shook his body.
"Avalor, this is no laughing matter! What of your grandchildren? To whom would they go if they'd lost you?" The king was losing his temper now.
"Relax, old friend. I don't intend to make the venture alone. I will take one of our warriors with me. I will speak to the king and queen with sensitivity and try to come to an understanding between our two lands."
Some of the other Elders had begun slipping from the trance and rejoining Ulnyrth in the land of the conscious. Avalor's hazel eyes twinkled in the candlelight as he asked the silent question: would the king allow it?
"Damn you, Avalor. Okay."
"Okay as in yes?"
"Yes."
A few brows rose amongst the other six of Avalor's companions but none questioned the exchange. Some things were better left unquestioned.
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Comment question: what's one fantasy creature that you wish were real and why?
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Drumwe Isles
FantasyWhen the Tree of Life is found within the Elven territory of Fallburne, a storm begins to brew. After all, the tree's sap is said to give immortality to all who drink from it. It is the royal family of Dillac's birth right to have immortality as the...
