There were three days of pleasantry before the official meeting of the peace talks began, plenty of time for Briala to turn her words into actions. Isa hoped that Briala had come through as she strode confidently into the meeting chambers, a large room with a square table. Isa, General Joshon, and Zathdis took their place at one side of the table. Vhera, Josephine, Cullen, and Divine Victoria sat on one side, Briala and Empress Celene sat on one side, and King Alastair and Queen Anora sat on one side. Scribes sat around the edges of the room. They faced each other as equals, not like the Exalted Council had been, which had been more like a trial.

"Thank you for your willingness to join us today, Lady Isenatha Lavellan," Celene began. Isa bowed her head. "It is an honour, your majesty."

"Let's get right to the point," King Alastair was never one for tact. "Your presence on our southern borders has been a cause for concern. Elven rebellions have always been nothing but troublesome." His bluntness often sent diplomats scrambling for a polite response, but Isa was no diplomat. She smiled, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "I apologize your highness, but for my home to be considered a rebellion, you would have to claim ownership over us. That is not the case."

"Tuastlas has not raised arms against, nor shown any sign of aggression towards any nation," Josephine spoke up, stepping in to ease tensions before they rose. "They are not a rebellion against anyone. They could be considered a colony. They are like the Dalish, only they have settled in one place." Isa was annoyed by the comparison, but it was a human mistake, and she was not going to bite a helping hand.

"Tuastlas has raised an organized army," Empress Celene interceded. Isa fought back her indignance. "The Arbor Wilds is a dangerous place, your Majesty; would you have us defenseless against it? Do not forget the threat we all face as well. Fen'Harel is still out there, and will not lie in wait forever. I have no desire to attack Orlais."

Celene clearly wasn't impressed. "How do I know you will not attack us the moment our back is turned? The elves have been oppressed for centuries. How do I know you would not take revenge?" Isa swallowed her anger. "Are you taking up arms against Tevinter, who ruled the world at one point and enslaved Orlesians? Do you see Ferelden taking up arms against you? That is a ridiculous notion, your majesty, one born of false pretenses."

Celene scowled. "The Arbor Wilds technically belonged to Orlais. Therefore, I must insist you disarm until you have proven you have no ill intent. Until then, Orlesian soldiers will occupy Tuastlas to keep the piece, and I'm sure Ferelden will be happy to join."

"Absolutely not!" General Joshon slammed his fist on the table. "Your people couldn't get close to the Arbor Wilds, it never belonged to Orlais. If you think I'm just going to let you march in, you've got another thought coming, your majesty." He spat the last two words. Divine Victoria was inclined to agree. "Empress Celene, I have to agree. This is a step too far. This was supposed to be a council for peace, not occupation. I cannot support this. Elves everywhere will riot; you will start a war that no one can afford with the threat of Fen'Harel looming over us!"

Celene looked to Ferelden's side of the table. Alastair opened his mouth, but Anora put her hand up, silencing him. She was looking at Briala. "Ferelden will not support this. An alliance with Tuastlas is the answer, as it is with any nation, not occupation." Isa let out a sigh of relief. One army she could take, but two would be too much.

Isa stared down Celene. "Your majesty, I never believed you to be rash, much less one to decide the fate of two nations based on racism." Celene looked offended. "You think this is based on-" "Absolutely!" Isa cut her off, her voice echoing around the room. "If my ears were the same shape as yours, you would embrace my new nation as an ally. I expected a friend in you, your majesty. We are all facing the same threat, but I see now. You could barely stand to accept the aid of one elven leader, much less two. I do not wish for war with anyone, but if you attack my home, it will be defended."

She turned to Ferelden. "Thank you for your wisdom, Queen Anora. I do not ask for your aid, as I would not wish to strain tensions between Ferelden and Orlais. We must all be as united as possible. I would still like to form an alliance with Ferelden, if possible." Queen Anora nodded. King Alastair frowned for a moment, then relaxed. "We'd be honoured."

Briala was speaking in hushed but urgent tones to Empress Celene, trying to get her to change her mind, but it seemed that Celene was firmly set on occupying Tuastlas. Isa made a mental note to speak to Briala afterwards. Something strange was going on.

In the end, both the Divine and Ferelden officially recognized Tuastlas as a nation, and signed an official alliance against the forces of Fen'Harel. Orlais also signed the alliance, but did not recognize Tuastlas as a nation. There would be war first.

Isa caught Briala later in a secluded corner. "What was that? What is her issue?" Briala was bewildered. "I have no idea! I believe someone has pushed her to this. I'm having my people look into it, but I don't even know where to begin." Isa sighed, "I thought that might be the case. To so rashly declare war doesn't seem like her. I'll ask the Inquisition to quietly look into it as well. Thank you for handling Anora." Briala nodded, and the two parted before they could be seen conversing.

Isa made her way to Vhera's room, where she was meeting with her advisors and the Divine. "Someone's definitely blackmailing her," Leliana was pacing the room. Vhera nodded in agreement. Isa added, "Briala is looking into it, you all should too. I'm afraid my resources are all tied up with Fen'Harel. Pulling enough to make a difference would arouse suspicion." Josephine waved her hand dismissively, "I'm sure we can cover this. You can defend Tuastlas in the meantime?" Isa nodded, "of course. Celene doesn't know that I have dragons. She's in for a surprise. I'd rather not slaughter Orlesians, but my people come first."

Cullen rubbed his temples. "At least Ferelden isn't getting mixed up in it. I suppose Briala had something to do with that too? Good thing, but why is she working with you? I thought she was loyal to Celene again." Isa laughed, "she is, but our people demand more loyalty than Celene does." "Of course," Cullen shook his head, laughing at himself. "I suppose even she has a heart."

Isa hugged Vhera and wished everyone a pleasant evening, then went back to her own quarters. In the morning she'd head home and plan for war.