War-Bloodied Claws

Chapter 12: A Strained Truce

Hadrian and the rest returned to the villa and Indulal practically flew towards Hadrian as the younger vampire smiled and assured him that he was fine; only to have Herodes clear his throat loudly in consternation, and Hadrian made a look and amended that now he was fine. He then spent the rest of the day healing, relaxing, and filling Indulal in on what transpired with Fleur and Appoline when they arrived to bring the twins back before lunch.

Appoline told the mates that she had noted the abnormally dangerous and unruly tides near the shores of their home recently; though she hadn't thought it had anything to do with the Sea Merpeople or any trouble for them.

She then told Hadrian that it was likely wise for them to figure out the terms of their alliance while Princess Odette spoke to her mother and readied her people for foreign guests from the surface that are there to help, not hinder.

Because even if Proteo returned with them; the others would still be wary and hesitant, given all of what had happened thus far.

So, Hadrian and Appoline sat down for lunch for the next three or so days; to go over all of what each side needed in terms of either trade, foreign aids from a military aspect, or other such topics. They discussed all manner of monetary topics from the exchange rates of goods, fair marketing for rarer and harder to find items, and taxations for both sides.

Indulal was also no longer content to just sit about and worry for the others and Hadrian; he began to work his body back to a state that would be fit for fighting more rigorously than he had been. Hadrian knew that he wouldn't be able to participate this time; but Indulal should be ready by the next major battle that came.

Fleur had decided to go with Hadrian and the others; to fight as well, so Appoline agreed to stay with Indulal and twins for Hadrian; of which he was most grateful for.

Hadrian and Tom; took some time in those few days to also train a little and loosen their bodies for the no doubt strenuous fight they would be in. Helping the rest of the court to prepare as much as they could.

~~

On the morning of the call from Princess Odette; Hadrian and Proteo cautiously allowed her voice to speak to them via communication receivers and transmitters.

"Princess Odette; we've been awaiting your call." Hadrian called to her, "I assume that you have an answer?"

Her voice was clear, "Yes. Mother has agreed to the requests; you and yours will be given diplomatic immunity in effort to ease tensions to both sides of this. My people are wary of allowing more surface-dwellers into our domain; they fear traps and no aid.

But, should we succeed in driving the harmful intentions of the necromancers out of our waters...Mother has said she will be most appreciative and very generous with rewards for the efforts made."

Hadrian hummed pleasantly to that notion; as Proteo somewhat smiled to the action, Hadrian never could pass an opportunity to add to his massive wealth or collections of varying artifacts.

Odette's voice then was heard, "I need you all to meet me on the shores of the beach where we first met in one hour from now. I have some specially enchanted items for you and all who come with you...other than Proteo; who has no need of it, to allow you all to be to breathe indefinitely under the water.

And tell Tapan not to worry; his is also enchanted so he will not freeze in the deep waters.

Then I will show you all the way to my home." She said, "Though, do not be scared of the kelpies; they will ferry you all. For those who cannot swim such distances."

Her voiced faded out after that.

Hadrian made a noise of compliance in agreement as he cut the communication off; Proteo having left to warn the others to get ready to leave, and turned to his mate with serious eyes, "I hope you are ready for this, mate. Your soul is healed; they should not now be able to sense that it was once fragmented...but this is still dangerous."