Elemental Witch: Child of the Earth (Part I)

War Council

It had seemed a little odd at first, holding the War Council outdoors amidst the circle of large stones, sitting around the large stone slab. More comfortable chairs had been brought out and refreshments had been provided to soothe the sensibilities of those finer Lords who had arrived. 

But there was also something right about it now that everything was set up, a feeling that a meeting like this should be held out here in this ancient location where everything had started. The day shone brilliantly, though there was a distant rumble of thunder that echoed the small tremble of his blade, despite the sky being clear as far as the eye could see.

Each time it happened, Shelby would glance at Verana, sitting between him and Oliver, her gaze distant, nostrils flaring every so often, as if searching for something on the wind. She seemed to be on guard, though her expression was blank as she struggled to pay attention to what was being said around her. Not that Shelby could blame her if she was bored or frustrated with the meetings so far, Verana didn't like pomp and circumstance on a good day, let alone in a tense situation with people she was more likely to want to fight than listen drone senselessly for hours.

Much of the morning was lost to protocol and traditional motions but gradually the thirteen Lords of Clairval began to discuss the issue that had brought them here in ernest. Kavenay was the most vocal of the opposition, though everyone seemed to have an opinion to voice, aside from the Feyshan and his King, who had introduced the proposition and was allowing the others to speak their piece before it came down to his decision. His words were final but he would need to heed advice and wisdom from the thirteen of them to make a decision that wouldn't lead to a fracture amongst his most powerful families.

Lunch was being served when Kavenay had begun to truly build up momentum in his arguments against the Feysha as the others were relaxing and eating, letting him have the table unchallenged. He hadn't spoken directly against preparing for war even then but he took a hardline stance against maintaining the truce with the Feysha. 

He spoke of avoiding being dragged into half-forgotten promises at all costs, his eyes locked on Verana, filled with barely concealed hate. "We do not even know what we were shown was true. All we get from these people are half-explanations, vague words of supposed prophecy and a token presence by the honourable Lady. We have no assurances that they will or even can fight with us. I say, we face whatever threat comes, however we choose to, and settle into creating a Clairval that's safe for us."

Even the lords who still had reservations against the proposal gave him wide-eyed looks, the group shocked at the message there. He didn't say it, but Shelby knew exactly what the man meant by the things left unspoken. 

Verana appeared unaffected however, looking up to meet the man's eyes across the table, raising one brow. She stood then, though Shelby didn't know if it was out of mimicry of their custom to do so, or to prepare for a fight.  "I didn't see what you were shown. And I was not around whenever that would have happened, so I will not debate the veracity of the Sight that was given to you.

Lord Kavenay, you seem very confused, you appear to be arguing against my proposition, but you have said you wish to do the very thing I have asked you to do. We face whatever threat comes, as is appropriate and maintain this island, safe for all of us. Our only request is that you meet us on the battlefield and fight with us, that you agree to not give an inch of ground to whatever is coming. This is nothing contrary to what you have said." 

 Around the table, Shelby could tell that several of the Lords were debating the wisdom of explaining exactly what Kavenay's message had meant, though not even the man who was pinned under her glare seemed brave enough to speak the words out loud.