Epilogue - Vincent Mercer

"Tonight, has been an incredibly special kind of night, our brave soul's journey is just beginning. I am sure you are aware that the tensions between Mangora, and Fillidesh have grow to a how should I put this, an unhealthy boil over," I turn to face the three people who had joined me during the ceremony of the last classes graduation. "The tournament of Time should have given them a small thing to think about before the make the decision of war," Rowena says smelling the wine I had prepared for her along with the other drinks for the two other guests.

"I do believe war will be inevitable, but hopefully we can keep it out of our borders by the show of our freshest student's strength," I say taking a small sip of the wine I prepared for myself, the sweet tones and smooth burn of the liquor helping me to relax in a very high-tension situation. Why did they make me the Viceroy I am not exceptionally good at this diplomacy thing?

Emery sat up to a more formal setting and smiled at the two women, "The war between the other two nations is and has always will be a treat to our borders and people, the royal families have spoken and think we should just wait it out, but they do have the backing of the congress to fortify the earthen bridge and the entrances to the city under the wastes. The dwarves there will fight tooth and nail to keep either nation from changing their way of life, but they are part of our nation, and we will support everything we can to get them to safety if it is required."

The tension in the air subsided after the Lord spoke and a visual relaxation washed over the room, both the Council and the Congress have problems getting anything through the Royal family and acts of war require unanimous decision from all three parties, there is no way around that. "How many members are part of the Council as acting members," Lilith asks me her cup lay on the table next to her. I look across the lavishly decorated room and the glimmers of the hearth burning a soft flame changes a bit with the completion of her words.

I don't want any of the council to fight but it is a fair question, "Currently we have five thousand bound give or take a few hundred people bound in our active components, that includes our currently graduated class that is about to report to their first assignments. Though to defend the country there is currently about ninety thousand or so bound and most will fight to defend the borders and country themselves if asked to do it." I turn to face my bound, and the large beast lay lazily on the ground at the base of the fire small huffs of breath tell me more than I need to he is tired of having these people here and he had a big day too.

"Do we have your full support if it comes down to it," Lilith asks a stern look filling her eyes. The gorgeous elf could smile every once in a while, and just relax, she used to be so much more playful until she got her new job. "You will have my support, but I cannot pledge the full support of the Council, you know how those old geezers can be from time to time," I say leaning forward, they are serious and must know things I am not allowed to know right now.

The two women look to each other and stand in sync, I swear they practice being dramatic like this. "We shall be on our way thank you for your support," Rowena says, the curls of her chestnut hair showing through the bun that has slowly grown looser through out the nights events. I stand and press my hand to my chest and give a slight bow, "Thank you for you time and safe travels."

Emery follows suit of the two women, and simply bows without words and leaves my foyer with the pair, the trio is at most of the graduations and though I work with them more than I care to admit, by the flames I swear they are frustrating.

A loud huff comes from behind me, and I feel the weight of Raven pressing the right side of my hips as he shoulders my hip. "You know I very much dislike working with them, and why couldn't you be doing this you are nicer than anyone else I know." The massive fluff ball lets out a small grumble, "My oldest friend I hope you can help me avoid a war we both know we don't want to put any of the children that just graduated or any after them through that." A tingle erupts through my right hand as I run my fingers through his mane, "I know buddy, we will do our best to protect as many lives as we can."

Raven walks over too the fire and rests his head back in the same spot it was while we were entertaining guest, "I know, maybe I tell a story." The lions head jerks up to look me in the eyes and my friend's light blue eyes fill my soul with the longing long missing from them. "It could be a sad one, or even an exciting one." His purr fills the air and I find myself sitting on the carpeted floor next to him leaning against his flank.