Note: Sanctuary is asked, and a war council gathers. A little on the allies, other than the Goblin kingdom and the Gharasham, the others are kingdoms that became established after the treaties. The seven stars are like the thorn court, the black march would equate to the Dunedin, and the kingdom of St. Neven equates to the Rohan. The Houses of Gull and swallow are the descendants of Elder blood...thus the line about kinswoman calling for aid.
Avallac'h had asked to speak to the healers, fearing the truth of his own senses. With their confirmation, he asked to see Lady Thorn. Pen arrived still speaking in a croak from the injury done her voice.
"...I ask sanctuary." He said. "For Ciri...and my...child."
Pen's fingers moved, Aethen translated. The guilds cant would save her voice.
"You will not stay with them."
"I have no right..."
"Do you wish to be bonded to her..."
He was surprised by the implied offer. To handfast he and Ciri.
"There are things I must do...this child is hers..."
Pen shook her head, The sage was fleeing like a frightened...Fox.
"So you believe..."
"Please Lady Thorn, I am ill-equipped to raise a child..."
~Says a man who eventually raised three~ Pen thought.
"I will grant it, only if you remain.."
She rose, smiled and made a few last gestures.
"Simply tell the healers your choice..."
Aethen looked at Avallac'h before following her out.
Crevan and Nuada looked over a map of the freehold and surroundings. The sage was pointing out the portals to seal. It was not Ker Morhan, but it did not have as strong defenses. Jareth walked in, setting his armies on the perimeter.
"...The goblin kingdom stands with the thorn..." Jareth said.
Their first declaration aid.
A few moments later...
Another came and set his pieces on the board, looking at Nuada. He set his hands on the table.
"The seven stars stand with the thorn..."
Another came and did the same.
"...The black march stands with the thorn..."
A human came in, set his pieces.
"...The kingdom of St. Nevan stands with the thorn."
Regis came in, leading an elder dressed in a long cloak. The pieces flew to the board.
"The Gharasham stand with the thorn..." Regis translated.
Then came in an Aen Elle, much to their surprise, he set his pieces on the board.
"The Houses of the Gull and swallow stand with the thorn..." He looked at Crevan. "My kinswoman called for aid, and I have answered..."
"Do you know what you are doing, going against your own?" Nuada asked.
"Yes, we have never been fully of the Aen Elle, not my sire nor I..."
Nuada looked to Crevan, who nodded.
"Your aid is accepted..."
The young Aen Elle took his place at the table.
"Where is Lady Thorn..?" The young man asked.
"Recovering..." Was Nuada's curt reply. "She will not be attending..."
Crevan looked at each, he knew they could trust Jareth. The others would have to prove their loyalty.
Avallac'h stroked through Ciri's hair, they were lying side by side. Her head lay on his shoulder her hand stroking his chest. They were still in a bit of shock, the revelation of a child.
"...A child." She said.
He made a noise of contentment, but his mind was on telling Geralt and Yennifer they were going to be grandparents. That was going to be an adventure since he knew the elder Witcher did not look too favorably upon him. Then there was Yennifer.
"I asked Lady Thorn to offer you sanctuary..." He said.
"...I can..."
"I know, my swallow..." He said. "but you have another to care for now..."
"And you do not matter, you had a part in this too..."
"Would Your Witcher say so, or Yennifer..."
"Geralt and Yen will melt when we show them the baby..." Ciri said. "...I chose you, Out of all..."
He remembered her saying that when he'd asked her that night in the Ruby Suite. She'd said it again in the light of day, and again at Ker Morhan before the battle.
"...I do not know how to feel about this..." He said, admitting it to himself as much as Ciri. "I-I am not ready..."
"Neither am I..."Ciri said.
He closed his eyes, taking in a breath. Ciri moved to sit astride, he smiled up at her. The conversation would continue later.