I, Cornelia

Chapter 4

The cracking of the fire filled the silence that loomed over our heads. The ambers dancing upward just barely hitting the ceiling. Eye contact was nonexistent between the realms that sat across from each other. Luckily the table we gathered to was round and petty arguments could be a bit easier to avoid. Every once in a while one or two would glance up but their eyes would linger across the room to deny any speaking towards their selves. As of now we are giving a few moments more to the Northeast region. Whoever may live in the region we have never seen or has ever came to a gathering though we've tried to send word. A few moments go by and I slowly tuck my hair behind my ear and clear my throat.
" let us begin."
Uncomfortable shifting in chairs and slight coughs were heard and echoed across the great hall. The reason for the gathering wasn't really major. Its mainly for resolving problems or issues between or within the regions. I scanned over the scrolls that were provided by my grandmother before continuing to speak.

" I thank you, all, for attending. There are also a few announcements to make before we are dismissed, but before we get to them let us look into the few problems at hand."

I noticed some shifted and leaned forward to pay closer attention which made me nervous. I breathed deep through my nose and started again.

" We shall start by whom is here representing each region, beginning from with my left. Please do not be shy."

My eyes narrowed back to the scrolls that laid out in front of me. I heard someone clear their throat and i instantly turned to see the two men from my left rise from their seats. They wore dark green and blue tunics that shifted with their bodies like robes. Their dark brown pants tucked into their leather black boots.Their hair was long and silver blonde that was also tied back into a neat braided ponytail.

"Your Majesty, representing the Elf region, I king Ozule Alexander and Prince Jasper Alexander." Jasper and i quickly made eye contact before he and the king were seated once again. Slowly rising for their seats, a husky man with a bushy beard stood along with a muscular man that had a bushy beard as well only his was in braids . Judging by their beard, this must be the Dwarf region.

"Your Majesty, representing the Dwarf region, King Lythur and Prince Rikkin." Each bowed before seating themselves. This continued with reach region one by one, taking turns to be announced along with who is representing each region. Southeast, King Garrick and Prince Tobias. Though the orcs shared a region with ogars they didn't mind having one king to rule over the southeast region, which is good on one note. Wont need to worry about the two races hating each other. North, King Dimitri and Prince Roman of half-breeds. I enjoyed their company most as of right now. They didn't mind the different races this kingdom held. There were so many races that are crossed where they stayed, that they wont see your appearance they see you for who you are. Next, A man who was muscular and tall stood up with a tall but average man following. The northeast region, King Nikolai and Prince Zyan. For everyone else, that is all the regions. I glanced over to the empty chair left for the northwest region. Something told me there's a race still out there. I blame it on the gut feeling I have and besides this kingdom is a mess. It wouldn't surprise me if they literally forgot an entire race. Once introductions were mad I slowly relaxed my self and cleared my throat. I looked up and glanced around the room at the impatient men surrounding me. Now I was getting nervous. I saw my godmother from the corner of my eye giving me a 'go ahead' look.
" It's nice to see you all here. Thank you for attending."
I began with a few quick nods, gaining their attention. " I don't believe I ever started gatherings correctly, even though there have only been but 3 gatherings."
I paused trying to look around to all of the regions.
" No apologize will ever be enough, let alone accept, for my grandparents harsh rule. However I still deem it fit that an apology must be made." I noticed some heads turned more towards me and eyes locked me on the spot. I place the scroll I held back down. I won't go from what a paper says but what my heart does.
" Beside hearing me on behalf of the late rulers, I deeply believe my actions must take place for this apology to be accept, by all of the regions. I understand you may not forgive so easily, but I won't falter. I will slowly, from the blood stained ground up gain and give trust."
I heard small murmurs and whispers as they all turned to each other giving comments and whatnot. I looked at my godmother who once looked panicked that I didn't follow the scroll she laid out but now she looks curious, only with a watchful eye.
" gentlemen. Please hear me out. I understand your angry. I understand your vengeful. But nothing will come from that. We have had 3 gatherings before this, and this is the most you all have ever spoken to one another. Working together, slowly, will benefit all of us."
The room got silent once more. I sighed and slumped back into my chair.
I heard a chair move from the floor and quickly looked up to see King Dimitri stand up.
" Your highness...."
He paused making me incredibly nervous. I notice prince Roman began to stand with him. They turned to each other and gave a quick nod before Turing back to me.
" It has been blood. Hell itself has nothing on the Red War, but.... I'm willing to give you a chance."
The room instantly became a bustle. Men yelling and arguing over each other. It was a mad house. Empty threats and endless hatred filled the room I couldn't even thing straight. I tried to speak above their noise but it was just too loud, I felt as if my mind were going to burst. I give up, I mentally said to myself and buried my head in my hands.

SLAM!

I jolted up from my hands and looked straight ahead as the doors swung open. Instantly the room hushed and all heads turned to the door. Standing there was a man with a tall frame and broad shoulders. His hair was long and raven and slick back neatly. His eyes were a brilliant gold with hints of white. He wore black armor that fitted him perfectly along with heavy boots and leather gloves. What caught my eye was his skin. It was a light light gray color and his nails were a little long and pointed.
I locked eyes with this stranger as his slightly bowed and gave a small warm smile.
" Forgive me your highness for being tardy, the snow held me up on the way here."
His deep husky voice spoke through the silence making it more eerie. 
Wait, snow? It can't be! He has to be from the-
" Who the bloody hell are'ya?" King Lythur spoke up pulling me from my thoughts of suspicion.
" Now, now, Gentlemen. Give him a chance." I smiled warmly and welcomed him in. He walked over to where I sat and instantly stood up to greet him properly.
" your majesty, I am King Adrien of the snowy Northwest. Forgive us for neglecting the gatherings. Please allow me to explain at a better time."
At first I was confused of what he meant but then I notice horrible glares and jugful eyes watching him intensely. I nodded and gestures to the seat beside me on my right.
" I'm sorry, I'm still getting use to the regions around here. I was unsure anyone lived in the Northwest, but I had a feeling I need to leave a spot for your region. For all regions are welcome at my table."
His face remained emotionless but his eyes told me his was surprised.
"Thank you, your highness. It's too kind of you."
Everyone slowly began to sit back down all while keeping a close eye on our new founded region. I also noticed he didn't bring anyone with him. Maybe he forgot? Or maybe he didn't think about it? What if he doesn't have sons? 

Ehm.
I heard someone from the room clear their throat and I drug myself back to the situation at hand. I cleared my thoughts and began again with what my heart tells me.
" Listen, I'm planning a few things for the kingdom. I can't do them alone. I need everyone's advice, help, support, anything. This kingdom isn't my playground it's my home. I want to fix it I want to put it-"
"And what kind of plans do you have? Another war? A raid?" King Lythur was glaring at me with his fist balled up and his knuckles white.
I remained calm at his out burst and answered his question in detail.
" My plans are not to start another war. My plans are simple either. I will start with each region individually. I can't start here at the capital yet. I will visit Each region for 3-4 weeks. To learn more about the region including the kingdom itself. I want to help rebuild what I can, and to learn what I can and to heal with what I can. I want to grow and understand each of you and your people and bring you all together."
I noticed once again king Dimitri and Prince Roman stood up giving me a nod and placing their weapon on the table. It's a sign that's tradition to the king ruling at the time, that his kingdom will stand with him. Soon king Ozule and Prince Jasper stood as well, and eventually all of the regions stood placing their weapons on the table. Even King Lythur stood with his weapon. I glance to my right and saw King Adrian give me a warm smile again placing his black metal sword on the table. I smiled back and raised my sword above me.
" there is no more blood shed. If we fight, we fight together to defend out kingdom, our home."

" you heard her lads!!" I heard King Lythur yell before the whole room roared.

ARRRGGHH!!!!!

All of them giving their best battle cry, and giving me a chance I'll fight for.