Alliance

The two children of Lucifer had declared their allegiance with the wizards, but everyone else had yet to decide. Lady Meredith, in particular, was having an understandably hard time trusting the Argathians. "Why should I trust you with my pod? You've abandoned us other races before. Who is to say that you won't again?" she questioned. The rest of the circle nodded their heads in agreement. If the situation wasn't as desperate as it was, then even Vivian would have refused the offer. The scary thing about Lady Meredith's comments were that they weren't said without reason. Lilith applauded the light being brought into the dark conversation. Crossing her arms, the winged woman began to speak, "Yes, why should we? Knowing your kind, you will retreat to your tower with your tails between your legs as soon as it gets dirty." The wizardous man remained silent in thought of what to say, but Lucifer smirked and began to speak before him. "Did the gods deject you when they heard of the beast? I also ask... will this alliance include the untouched?" he queried.

To this question, the old man hummed, "I have no want to meddle in human affairs, and the gods, they may visit the city, but their lives have harmed our existence more than helped it." Lucifer nodded, "I see, then I too shall join the alliance with Argatha! The supposed hypocrisy has no effect on me as I've dealt with such works before." find no fear in dealing with a hypocrite as I have already done such a thing before." Lilith flapped her wings back in disgust while her ex-lover gave her a side-eye. "The fae will not be forming an alliance with a lukewarm nation and its illegitimate partners!" The old wizard cleared his throat and turned to the Mer-Matron. "And, you, my lady?" he asked.

Meredith sunk her body into the water when Xuario began to approach her. "Everyone in this room knows that the wizards are cowards, but they also know of their medical capabilities," he started. "I'm not sure I could dream of the ills they've recovered" Personally, I see a race that knows nothing but that and how to hide as low risk; I also consider them a good 'behind the scenes' ally. Do you still fret?" the vampire asked. Lady Meredith lowered her veil and turned to the old man and his men. "I agree to stand beside you" she spoke firmly making the wizard smile. The pleased man bowed and turned to Lilith. "I apologize that my offer was not up to your standard," he said through his scruffy white beard. "I shall be taking my leave, but tomorrow I will send messengers to guide you to Argatha," the wizard finished before saddling his horse. The Fairy Court members watched as he vanished into a thick mist before turning to face each other.

The conversation in the circle had ended, but the issues at hand hadn't. Many of the races had begun to argue amongst themselves about the alliance. Vivian felt her arm being pulled away from the clashing voices around her. Scarrden lead her to a spot away from the chaos and took a deep breath. At this time, the werewolf woman noticed the rage that her husband was experiencing. "Is everything alright, Den?" she tried to ask, but she was cut off. Scarrden clenched his teeth and gave an outburst. "What nonsense is in your head? Do you realize you just made an ally with a coven of luke-warm halfwits?" Vivian flinched and then composed herself; her lip was slightly raised while she stood her ground. "Me- I will do whatever is necessary for my children," she spoke. Scarrden made a fist. "I also have our pups in mind, but have we really become so desperate? Will you throw your life away?" Scarrden growled. "I would," the werewolf woman answered, and she walked back to the column arches.

Xuario confronted his sister when she walked by him. "Is all well?" he asked. Vivian shook her head 'no' with the contradicting sentence, "I'm fine." The vampire could tell that everything was not fine. "My sister, in this time, we must be each other's bark and bite. I know it is hard for you to face each day, but as someone who lives in the darkness, I tell you that light is what brings together," Xuario whispered while clasping her hand. The half-siblings looked at each other a moment before Vivian smiled sweetly. "I forget that you can be more than a nuisance. It's nice to see your sweet side hasn't faded with your childhood, brother. Your cold hands still feel as cold as ice," the raven-haired woman said. The memories of their upbringing weren't everything they could -should- have been, but they had shaped two resilient adults. Vivian thought about her pups and turned to her parents who were arguing.

Lucifer and Lilith were waving their hands in each other's faces while trying to control the upset beings in the circle. Lady Meredith attempted to calm the ex-lovers down but was sidelined by her people being titled 'harlots'. The Mer-Matron then became enraged, flooding the entirety of Fairy Court with water. "I understand that you are upset about the alliance, Lilith, but you will refrain from using such vulgar words!" the mermaid shouted. The words were strong and echoed over the crashing of the water and distance it pushed the other beings. Court was dismissed. Every race gathered together and awaited the next day and the messenger from Ivory Tower.

The old wizard coughed hoarsely and entered his study. "I've returned," he called out into the room. Inside sat a young and bare-footed lady. The beautiful girl smiled and ran towards the wizard. "Did the meeting go well, Pappy?" she asked while helping the old man sit down. "Yes. I was able to convince all but the lame birdie. Is your package not here," he sighed. The young lady frowned, "I'm glad you were able to convince the rest. My package has yet to arrive. Thank you for the help, Pappy." A bright smile came from the wizard before he spoke, "Any time, child. Now tell me, Amiana, how is your brother?"