The banquet hall is alive with music and conversation.
It's a standing affair, tables laden with food arranged throughout the room. Nobles from Respera mingle with the visiting dignitaries, their curiosity about the gathered leaders barely concealed behind polite smiles.
The spread is impressive—platters of roasted sea bass glazed with citrus and herbs, delicate shrimp pastries, grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil, freshly baked bread still warm from the ovens, and an array of cheeses from across the kingdoms. Servants weave through the crowd with trays of wine and fruit juices.
I find myself near one of the food tables with Pope Orell, who's examining a cheese platter with unexpected intensity.
[Orell] "Ah, this one is from the northern valleys. Aged for at least two years, if I'm not mistaken."
I raise an eyebrow.
[Eldrin] "You're quite knowledgeable about cheese, Your Holiness."
Pope Orell chuckles, a bit sheepish.
[Orell] "One of the perks of the position. People are always gifting the church various delicacies. I've developed something of an... appreciation."
[Vorath] "A cheese connoisseur pope. I like it."
Queen Vorath appears beside us, plate already piled high with roasted meats. She gestures at the spread.
[Vorath] "I appreciate a kingdom that doesn't skimp on protein. Some of these diplomatic dinners are all fancy vegetables and tiny portions."
[Lysara] "That's because most humans can't eat an entire boar in one sitting."
Supreme Mage Lysara joins our growing circle, holding a glass of wine with the precision of someone who's measured exactly how much she'll allow herself to drink.
[Vorath] "That sounds like a challenge."
[Lysara] "It absolutely was not."
Demon Lord Kaelith approaches with Chancellor Velira at his side. He's holding a plate with modest portions, looking somewhat bemused by the whole affair.
[Kaelith] "Is it always this... lively at these gatherings?"
[Velira] "My lord rarely attends diplomatic banquets. He prefers written correspondence."
[Kaelith] "Less chance of someone starting a war over an ill-timed joke."
King Alden overhears as he passes and laughs.
[Alden] "You'd be surprised. I once received a strongly worded letter about the inadequate size of the desserts at a trade summit."
[Mirelle] "That was from Duke Barrington. He wrote three pages."
Chancellor Mirelle appears at the king's elbow, looking long-suffering.
[Mirelle] "Three pages about cake portions."
The group erupts in laughter.
[Selis] "At least he didn't challenge anyone to a duel over it."
Chancellor Selis joins us, her tail swishing with amusement.
[Selis] "We had a minor incident last year where a visiting dignitary took offense at the seating arrangements. Claimed his chair was two inches shorter than everyone else's."
[Vorath] "Please tell me you had them measured."
[Selis] "We did. They were all the same height. He still insists we slighted him."
I find myself smiling. The formal tension from the conference room has evaporated, replaced by easy camaraderie.
[Eldrin] "It's good to see everyone getting along so well."
Pope Orell nods, his expression warm.
[Orell] "The Goddess's oracle has united us in purpose. It's a rare blessing to see such cooperation between kingdoms."
[Kaelith] "Though I suspect the Goddess would be amused, or perhaps horrified, to know we're bonding over cheese and furniture complaints."
[Orell] "I think she'd be pleased we're finding common ground, whatever the reason."
The conversation continues late into the evening, drifting from topic to topic. They trade stories about difficult nobles, discuss the latest in artifact technology, the peculiarities of their respective kingdoms. By the time people begin to retire for the night, the atmosphere is almost festive. Queen Vorath and Supreme Mage Lysara are having a drinking contest. Seems like it'll be a late night for them.
As I make my way to my quarters, I see Chancellor Selis heading over to intervene. I wish her good luck in my mind and retire for the night.
—
The next morning, we reconvene in the conference room.
The mood is more relaxed than yesterday, though the topic at hand brings a certain gravity.
King Alden begins.
[Alden] "We've addressed the immediate concerns—food, shelter, distribution. But we must also consider the longer term. What happens to Aldencrest's territory once the kingdom falls?"
The room falls quiet.
[Mirelle] "The land itself is valuable. Fertile plains, established infrastructure, strategic location. But governing it would be a significant undertaking."
Queen Vorath shakes her head immediately.
[Vorath] "Rathen has no interest in annexing Aldencrest territory. We have our hands full managing our own borders."
Supreme Mage Lysara leans back in her chair.
[Lysara] "Selenith focuses on magical research and education. We're not equipped to manage large-scale agricultural lands or deal with the political mess that Aldencrest will leave behind."
King Alden sighs.
[Alden] "Respera is a trade kingdom. We thrive on partnerships, not territorial expansion. Taking on Aldencrest's lands would stretch our resources too thin."
All eyes turn to Demon Lord Kaelith.
He raises a hand before anyone can speak.
[Kaelith] "Eryndor has no desire for the territory either. The logistics alone would be a nightmare, and frankly, the citizens would not take kindly to demon rule."
Chancellor Velira adds diplomatically.
[Velira] "Not to mention the paperwork involved in territorial acquisition. We'd be dealing with land disputes, tax restructuring, and bureaucratic integration for decades."
I speak up.
[Eldrin] "I don't believe Wright has any interest in ruling a kingdom either. His focus seems to be living quietly in the forest, not governance."
Pope Orell clasps his hands.
[Orell] "The church can provide spiritual guidance, but we cannot govern a nation."
We've reached an impasse.
Chancellor Selis breaks the silence.
[Selis] "We can't simply leave it in ruins. That would leave tens of thousands of people displaced indefinitely."
[Mirelle] "Agreed. Leaving such a large area lawless will breed bandits and monsters."
Queen Vorath drums her fingers on the table, thinking.
[Vorath] "What if... no one takes it?"
Everyone looks at her.
[Vorath] "I mean, what if instead of one kingdom absorbing Aldencrest, we create something new? A collective governance."
Supreme Mage Lysara leans forward, intrigued.
[Lysara] "You're suggesting a council-ruled territory?"
[Vorath] "Exactly. Each of our kingdoms sends a few nobles to form a governing body. They work together to rebuild and manage the land."
King Alden considers this.
[Alden] "A coalition government. It's unconventional, but it could work."
Chancellor Mirelle nods slowly.
[Mirelle] "If we select competent administrators from each kingdom, they could provide diverse perspectives and expertise."
[Selis] "We could also extend the opportunity to any worthwhile nobles from Aldencrest itself—those who weren't complicit in the kingdom's corruption."
Demon Lord Kaelith's eyes gleam with interest.
[Kaelith] "A government by committee rather than monarchy. It would prevent any single kingdom from gaining too much power in the region."
Pope Orell smiles.
[Orell] "And it would symbolize unity—nations coming together to heal the damage Aldencrest caused."
I can see the idea taking hold.
[Eldrin] "It's a compromise that serves everyone's interests while still providing for the people."
King Alden spreads his hands.
[Alden] "Then we're in agreement? We establish a coalition council to govern the former Aldencrest territories?"
One by one, each leader nods.
[Vorath] "Rathen will send three representatives."
[Alden] "Respera as well."
[Lysara] "Selenith will contribute two administrators with expertise in infrastructure development."
[Kaelith] "Eryndor will send two nobles."
Pope Orell nods.
[Orell] "The church will send observers to ensure fair treatment of all citizens."
The framework is coming together.
Chancellor Selis raises another point.
[Selis] "What about the refugees themselves? We can't simply relocate everyone and expect them to rebuild their lives without support."
[Mirelle] "We should establish job placement programs. Training in trades, agriculture, craftsmanship. Give them the skills to be self-sufficient."
[Lysara] "Selenith can provide educational resources. And we should give them the choice. Become citizens in their new homes or return to rebuild Aldencrest under the new government."
King Alden nods.
[Alden] "Those who choose to return should receive subsidies. Funds to help with relocation and rebuilding efforts."
I see an opportunity.
[Eldrin] "The payment for the crops could help fund these programs."
The room goes quiet.
[Eldrin] "We discussed that payment wasn't our priority. To be honest, we don't have much use for the funds. We rarely leave the forest, and we live off the bounty of the land."
King Alden's eyes widen.
[Alden] "Lord Eldrin, that's... exceedingly generous. But we cannot accept all the funds. We'd look like we're extorting crops from you in the public eye."
[Mirelle] "Indeed. The Goddess's oracle has made its way to the common populace. In truth, we'll be gaining a great deal from these efforts. How about a compromise? We'll take half of the funds while the other half is funded from the kingdoms?"
[Eldrin] "The funds will just sit collecting dust. How about two-thirds toward refugee support, job training, and rebuilding efforts? The remaining third can go toward purchasing materials from merchants and shops that have agreed to help with the job training."
There's some back and forth about the exact percentages, but in the end, everyone agrees to my proposal. You can't argue against a stubborn old elf.
Further discussions are held on how to distribute the funds and establish oversight mechanisms.
Finally, King Alden calls for a vote.
[Alden] "All in favor of the two-thirds funding allocation toward refugee support and rebuilding?"
Every hand rises.
[Alden] "Then it's settled."
He looks around the table, satisfaction evident on his face.
[Alden] "I believe we've accomplished something remarkable here. A unified response to a crisis, a new model of governance, and a comprehensive plan for long-term recovery."
Pope Orell stands.
[Orell] "May the Goddess bless this endeavor and all who participate in it."
The formal portion of the meeting concludes. As people begin to gather their documents and prepare to depart, I stand as well.
[Eldrin] "I'll return to the Voidleaf Wilderness and inform Wright of the arrangements."
Pope Orell smiles warmly.
[Orell] "May the Goddess guide your journey, Lord Eldrin. And please, if the opportunity arises, I would very much like to meet Wright someday."
[Kaelith] "As would I."
[Vorath] "Tell him he's impressed the Queen of Rathen. That's not easily done."
I bow respectfully to each of them.
[Eldrin] "I'll convey your regards."
I turn and leave the room, my escorts falling into step behind me.
As we make our way through the castle and out into the city, I feel a sense of accomplishment. The mission was a success—more than I'd hoped for, in fact.
Wright will be pleased.
And perhaps a bit overwhelmed by all the attention from world leaders.
I smile at the thought as we enhance our speed with wind magic and set off toward home.