A Diplomatic Meeting

[Nayeli]

The great rider council was before me as I say there with my brother, Prince Turin. My sister, Nayeli, was nowhere to be found, though I knew where she was and it was back in Carvala where the drama queen could have her control. I needed to have her doing other things and not be here to bother me and my brother from doing the work that the kingdom needed. I needed to make the riders understand that my people, the humans of this land, would only continue trying to wage war unless humans were allowed into the pact. However, I knew that if my words were not chosen carefully, I would begin another war with the elves and that neither side would be able to win. My Uncle was an idiot, but even I did not want a war to begin because of his stupidity. I was chosen to help bring peace to the people I once called my own. I had a bit of luck on my side, even though Anurin Sarethi, the leader of the riders was tough and so was his dragon, Almalexia, I had a few riders on my side, as well as a few key members of the people here who had strong ties with the great riders. Anselm Volasyl was a highly important member of council, whom I had met due to the rider Tasia Georgios and her dragon, Sunglow. Anselm’s dragon, Elisedd, had a strong head on his shoulders and he laid behind the large table with the other riders, beside the mighty Almalexia, whom’s black body loomed ahead of me behind her rider.

I swallowed slightly and my eyes went to the golden dragon and her rider, Tasia, whom smiled at me brightly. She was such a strong woman and her style of clothing was so much different than my own. Compared to my beautiful emerald dress that held long sleeves and covered most of my body except for some skin below my neck, she was nothing more than a wild child. I pushed back my black hair from my face and I felt the strong hand of my brother land on my shoulder. ”You will be fine, Leilani… You are a strong speaker and you have many on your side. I don’t see this taking more than a year.”

[/color] I looked at him for a moment and nodded. It had taken this long just to get a audience and supports for this. I looked over as I heard someone coming and beside me stood a large tiger who’s eyes looked directly into my own. She continued to past me after stopping to greet me silently and then I watched her go up to the council and lay down to the right of the table near the rider who’s dragon was a bronze colored. If I remembered correctly, it was Emery Eilaesyl and her dragon’s name was Ivory. Both were young compared to the others, but still, they were high in the council.

”The Rider Council calls forth, Leilani Richards of the Broddring Kingdom!”[/color] The sound of the voice echoed through the whole room and I looked up to see Anurin standing and the large black head of his dragon sitting behind him. Her dark black eyes looked down at me as I felt her disapproving stares on me. I stood from my chair and moved forward. ”Thank You for seeing me, Great Anurin and Dragon Almalexia.”[/color] I said to the both of them as I did a bow and then stood tall and proud. ”What is it that you have come to do today, Diplomat?”[/color] They knew exactly what, but some others didn’t and I knew they needed to be told.

”Thousands of years ago, in 2695, Eragon and his mighty dragon, Bid’Daum, established the riders for the first time here in Illrea… However, since that time, more than just elves have come to call Alagaësia home… The humans have also grown in this land and many feel that the riders can not represent them like they do the elves… I have come, in hopes that the rider council will accept the humans into the great Pact.”[/color] The sound of many gasp could be heard from around the room, but Anurin did not change his expression and Anselm’s expression only brightened. I felt I had done a good job in placing my want out into the public, which was a very good thing as it told everyone what I needed.

”Why should we allow your people to join this pact? Was it not your people who began the war that only ended ten years ago? What makes us think it will not happen again when humans become riders?”[/color] I looked to the rider who spoke, who’s dragon was a purple beast who’s eyes looked very strong and she held a good point. ”I understand your concern, however, many of the humans did not want the war, the King forced many to fight and many humans have good hearts and minds, they want nothing but peace.”[/color] I said, turning slightly so that I could full face her without having to turn my head completely. She looked at me for a moment, though not at all surprised by my words, not at all happy that I had made a point to sooth the worry slightly from those around me.

”How is it that we cannot represent you and your people, mortal? Many of you are mindless and have no idea how to even live? You cause chaos due to your lack of structure and many of your people fight daily of land that is of no importance just because you humans want something to fight over.”[/color] The voice of the female dragon, who dark scales did not even gleam from the fight torch that caused many of dragons to glow. I looked at her for a moment, wanting to make sure I pick my words carefully. ”Many humans do not trust elves due to many reasons… Some do not like the idea of magic and some believe that you consider elves better than humans… If a rider were to go to a city such as Carvala, many of the humans would have much fear not only from the dragon but also due to the rider being elven… However, when humans see another human, their fear lessens… And it would also show the people of both the Elven Kingdom and the Human Kingdom, that Elves and humans can work together and bring peace.”[/color] I said, causing a few unknown faces to turn to their neighbor and agree.

I watched as the large black head of Almalexia turn towards that of the green dragon who seemed to have a conversation going on. ”I think that such an idea should be highly looked into.” I looked at Anselm whom spoke to the Anurin, but made sure others could hear. ”This tension she speaks about is very true, I have seen it many times when I have gone to small villages to help with things… The humans fear us because we are elves and this causes distrust and forces them to not want to deal with us…”[/color] His words seems to sink into those listening and I was very grateful.

”There could be ways to keep an eye on the human riders… If the council feels that the human riders are taking advantage of this rolls, then the eggs could be taken away from the humans or no more humans could be allowed into the egg’s locations.”[/color] I said, my words getting a few nods from those around the council. It seemed that unvoiced ideas were being thrown around as dragon’s heads turned to look at each other.

”And, maybe the riders could take on one human rider each? To teach them about every ideal of the rider and when they are ready, they can teach the next human riders… It could work.”[/i] Though Sunglow was a very young dragon, she spoke with wisdom and I was happy to have her on my side. I took in a deep breath and looked at the council of riders, each dragon turning their heads and finally, they turned to me. ”We will further discuss this… Lady Leilani, you are in charge of finding ten young children to come to Illrea and learn under the elves… If we feel there is hope for the idea, we will change the pact, but those ten will be the first to try and pass the test and become riders.”[/color] Anurin words gave me hope and I smiled before giving a graceful bow. ”Thank You very much, Rider Anurin for hearing out my words…”[/color] He stood and removed himself from the large table and came towards me. ”Until that time, I would like you to stay in Illrea most of the time… You will be allowed to return to Carvala and travel to other human cities in search of young human children to learn here.”[/color] I looked at him and nodded, smiling a bit brighter as it would mean a hold on the worthless wedding plan my sister had and I could live near Darek. ”Tasia and Sunglow will take you to your room.”[/color]
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[Nayeli]

”Did you hear?” The sound of the sweet, innocent voices could be heard down the deserted halls of the large tree. The sound of movement could also be heard as they moved closer to one of the trunk’s walls and continued talking. ”A traveler came through Ellesméra today, I met him on my way here.” The voice got softer as the other woman stood beside her. Both of their pointed ears told everyone they were true elves and they wore dress like outfits that were short and kind of revealing, but not overly so.

”What did he say, Maelaer?” The other spoke quietly as they held their baskets which were woven beautiful and held some fruit in them which was probably going to be taken to the queen in which they were serving. The other turned her head slightly, looking for anyone that might be coming down the rarely used hallway. ”Maelaer? What did he say?” Her voice grew a bit louder and the sound of hushing could be heard from the other.

”Cer, keep your voice down… He said that the Rider’s Council had a meeting with the Niece of the King of Broddering… Her name was Leilani Richards.” The one called Maelaer said to the one she had called Cer. ”Apparently, this Leilani Richards was there with her brother, the heir to the throne… She asked the council to allowed humans into the pact to help establish peace among all of us due to what the humans called racial tension.” A gasp could be heard coming from Cer as Maelaer spoke of what she had heard.

”Tell me they said no… Humans as riders, it is un-heard of… Those stupid beings no better than to begin another war with us…” Cer said as she hoped her words were true, but another gasped proved that Maelaer must of shaken her head.

”No, they said they would think about it and gave the human girl known as Leilani a mission… She is to obtain ten other young humans to begin training in case they are allowed… It only shows that the council is going to allow it…” The other gasped and turned away, walking with a fury in her eyes while the other raced after her. They disappeared around the corner as an I came out from the corner they had not checked.

”Well, well, well… The Queen will not enjoy such news.”

[/color] I thought to myself as I turned and headed towards the throne room. My family were great nobles, we were strong and we served only the King and Queen of the elves. I moved quickly down the halls until I got to the entrance of the throne room where two guards stood conversing about foolish things. ”Move Aside, I have important matters to tell the Queen!”[/color] The guards looked at me like I was crazy and I frowned slightly. ”Move aside you half brained elf, these matters are important to the sake of the elven race… Now move!”[/color] The guards looked at me again and then to each other.

”You will have to wait until Queen Dellanir wants to see you…”[/color] His words only made my mind grow angrier and I wanted to use the ancient language on him in ways I have only thought of towards the riders. I took in a deep breath and watched as one of the guards went towards the throne, which was beyond beautiful. I stood, arms crossed as I watched the man bow to the queen before speaking to her. It was not long before she motioned me to come in and I pushed past the other guard and to her presence.

”What is it that you want, Njord Floros? Your family has always been an important family of this city and now you come and insult my guards?”[/color] I lifted my head from my bow and smiled at her for a moment.

”The matter was of grave important then and it still is now, your majesty.”[/color] I said to her as she looked at me for a moment and then waved her hand for me to continue with what I had to say on my important matter. ”I overheard some of the ladies walking around in your beautiful home about a meeting the riders had with the Diplomat Leilani Richards… Apparently she asked for the humans to be accepted into the riders pact and Anurin has given her a year to gather up young humans to learn about the riders so that they can try…”[/color] I saw the face of my queen change quickly and she stood, coming towards me with great speed and grace.

”Are you sure this is what you heard?”[/color] I smiled and gave a simple nod to the woman before she turned back to head towards her throne. She held her hands together and wore a beautiful green dress that formed over her body and flowed pasted her hips. It was a shame that her mate had died years ago and that she had no children. She turned back to me and then looked at some of the others around her. ”If this is true, then Anurin will be sure to hear my wrath… I want some of you to go and find out if this is true… Not only that, I want you to stay until this year has ended and when the humans have been accepted if this is decided.”[/color] She said as the sound of something else was heard coming from the large halls from behind us. I turned to see a might dragon stranding within’ the actually hallways which had been made for her large girth to come into the castle. Beside her was a man we all knew to be Anurin.

”Queen Dellanir… If you wish to find out something, ask me yourself… Sending spies is not something I would do.”[/color] The man spoke, his large dragon growling deeply before she lowered her body and laid down beside the door. ”My rider is correct your majesty… We would not hide anything from you or the elven race… We began packing right after the mortal’s meeting was done with… So, do not judge us as we have not tried to deceive you.”[/color][/b] The large dragon’s voice came out and her eyes came to me, they were large and black and filled with something I did not understand. ”Spreading rumors you know nothing about young one is not a good thing to do.”[/b][/color] She growled and showed her teeth.

”Enough Almalexia… Njord comes from good family and I value the words he hears and speaks… You should not have had the meeting without informing me first.”[/color] The dragon looked back at the queen and let out smoke from her nostrils. ”The young girl had support from not only important figures but also two riders who I highly trust… One known as Anselm and the other a young one known as Tasia.” The queen’s eyes rose and looked down. ”I know both of them… Tasia is a young one who has always been a rebel… Anselm… I never knew he would be one to support this; he never seemed to say anything about it.” The leader of the rider looked over at me for a moment and then back at the queen.

”The humans are growing our majesty.” The dragon spoke before the rider did. ”They are strong in numbers and we need to lessen the tension on the racial problems… Allowing humans, whom have very good and strong potential will do that… They will see equality, they will see that they have someone to go to… The humans fear us and elves because we do not treat them with equality and respect, but human riders will allow that… They will have someone to turn to.”[/color] I looked at the queen, she did not speak, she did not even look like she had any emotion in her eyes. I moved slightly to the side further, wondering if I should speak.

”You are going to change the pact, aren’t you?” The queen’s words were not really a question, it was more of a fact being spoken. ”Yes… We plan on changing the pact.”[/b][/color] I saw her balling her hands and then looked at Anurin. ”Many humans have a good heart and they are smart and fast learners… It will be done…”[/color] I curled my fist, looking at my queen, hoping she would say no.

”If you do this, do not return to this forest… If you do this… You and the riders are to leave Illrea and got to the island Vroengard to the North west of this land… Do you understand me… If you are going to do this, you are to get out!” I smiled at the punishment and Anurin smiled and nodded. ”It might be better that way, Queen Dellanir… The riders need to have their own place that is not controlled by the elven government or the human government… My only request is that you allow the elves who hold the pact upon their skin to come with us and if time become dangerous, allow them to return in order to stay safe.”[/color] I looked at the Queen who turned slightly, thinking on the idea that he spoke. ”Very well… The Caretakers can go with you to Vroengard and if something happens, will return here to safety…” I could not believe that she was allowing this and I wanted to scream. The dragon turned to me, her head moved closer to me and I backed up slightly. ”You will quit your games, child… Spreading rumors is not nice.”[/b][/color] Her voice was so loud, I covered my ears, but it did not work and many around me did, except for the queen. I turned and headed out the door, my mind racing. The pact would be changed in near a year when Spring came again. How could the queen allow this to happen.
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