One Dark Destiny

Arabella Milone - the Black Council Meeting

Arabella Milone sits in her chair in the Black Council chamber, Dusk just out of sight on her lap. She and Thalia Korellis have just returned from Sunpool, and she has called a meeting. Her mother sits beside her, at the head of their table. The rest of the Council is in their seats, except for the High Priestess' place at the other end of the table, and one empty on the other side of Arabella's mother, reserved for her aunt.
"Where is Adonis?" Arabella's mother asks, placing her hands on the dark wood table.
"We returned late last night, Sofara," says Marcellus Yandow from further down.
"She should be here."
Sofara nods.
"We can begin without her."
Arabella stands.
She remembers seeing Queen Ariadne, speaking to her. Being surprised about a lot of things. Being surprised at how... Human she seemed. Not so much like a Queen, or a Goddess. Being surprised at how curious she was. Most of the Black Council care only to hear about themselves. She remembers seeing something in her eyes... Something she does not see very much.
"Thalia Korellis and I came this morning from Sunpool. We saw Queen Ariadne's performance"
Thalia stands across from her, and says:
"Queen Ariadne's gift is quite remarkable. Unlike any other I have seen. She possesses the ability to... Project her visions into people's minds."
Arabella, having seen it with her own eyes, understands what Thalia means, but she doubts that the other Council members will.
"She is powerful," Arabella says, voice ringing clear through the hall.
"She showed a vision to us... allowed us to see what she saw." She looks around the table to intrigued expressions.
"Since I am not an Oracle, it was quite impressive."
Her mother nods, and they sit.
"And the Elemental Queen?" she asks.
Nadia Mantenovi stands, and Darion Chirond next to her.
"We have known for a long time that she was strong," Nadia says.
"She did not disappoint. Her control over the elements is great."
"I have heard that she is a master with ice?" Marcellus asks.
Nadia nods.
"Her control of ice is remarkable - the strongest I have ever seen," Darion says.
"And that lightning,-"
The door to the Black Council's chamber bursts open and Arabella turns to see who it is. Adonis Milone, her aunt, rushes in, something pale clutched in her hands. She hurries to the table and says:
"We have received word from the mainland." Her face is grim, as she pulls out a letter.
"I think that the High Priestess was right." she hands the letter to Arabella's mother.
Something cold creeps through Arabella's blood. Dusk squeaks quietly and burrows into the folds of her cloak.
The Council starts to murmur.
Arabella's mother reads the letter aloud.
"Sofara Milone and your Council.
This is a cordial last warning to you from us. Your island has caused much trouble to us for a long time now. You cannot simply continue to rule yourselves. If you agree to our terms and accept that Fennbirn should no longer be its own nation, then we will send a representative to meet with you in person. Agree to turn over power to me and my generals, and your island will be left alone. Should you decline, I have made a decision that we must take the island by force. This will be our last diplomatic correspondence.
King Celio of Redfort"
Silence.
Arabella's heart races. This can't be real. After so long, they are finally doing something. The High Priestess was right.
They really are coming.
Arabella's mother crushes the letter in her hand.
"King Celio," she says
"Is threatening us."
The Black Council starts to murmur.
"We aren't prepared!"
"Their army is ten times ours!"
"But they are Giftless"
"They will never take Fennbirn."
"Silence!" Arabella's mother shouts.
"We need a solution. And fast. And sitting here arguing about it will solve nothing."
There is a pause. Arabella's mind is already there, spinning possibilities around. There is no way that they are going to give up Fennbirn. So, they should be preparing for an attack from Redfort.
She has an idea.
Arabella stands up
"I have a proposition," she says.