The council chamber was in a side corridor in Aster Castle. The stone walls and parapets gave the castle its flare, but also its need for defense. Elijah didn't understand why the city folk wanted to keep repairing this castle. Much of it had been abandoned or forgotten. Yes, the talking animals needed a new castle or else a new renovation for the castle. Either way, Elijah hoped this would happen. If not, then what else were they waiting for?
Scar-ra soon led Elijah into the council chamber, which was close to the foyer. The round stone walls loomed across this chamber, while the round ceiling gave the chamber its sense of ancient and ethereal times. Before them was a long table, where the council members sat. Nearly all of them were talking animals, while some were unicorns, a few bears, a lion and a tiger, as well as a snow leopard. All of them waited for Scar-ra and Elijah to come down and meet them.
Elijah sighed, wondering if this was the best choice to make.
"Come on. You can do this," Scar-ra said, patting him on the back for good measure.
Elijah grunted at the scarred lioness' pat against his back. He recovered, telling her, "Thank you." He made his way down the stone steps into the main area of the chamber. When looking left and right, Elijah could see several bookcases, as well as a large circular stained-glass window looming above their heads. The stained-glass window depicted Jedi inside their own library, complete with various holobooks, nestled on all the bookshelves and bookcases.
As soon as Elijah started walking down the furry, quite comfortable red aisle, a sense of peace overwhelmed him. He could do this. He just needed to stay calm and walk over to the two chairs presented to him and Scar-ra by the council members.
"Thank you," one of the bears stated, leading Elijah to sit down on one of the chairs. This female bear continued to speak to him, "As I understand it, we have a new High King. Ronnie Baggins was already here, declaring this, as was Syrena. Dear Syrena. How we wish she was back home."
"Hey! Go easy on her, Casses. Syrena's more than welcome to join our council, whenever she pleases," a female unicorn stated, defending Syrena.
"Well, as I understand it, it's not Frodo Baggins' time to take on the mantle of king," a male bear stated, observing his scroll. "No, we have to wait for him at the end of the Third Age, whenever that time may come to pass."
The female bear huffed. "Well, frankly, this whole mess with royalty has dragged us down."
"Casses, relax," the male bear stated, gruffly. "There's no need to be so glum." He looked at Elijah and Scar-ra, admitting to them, "At this point, since the death of our last king, this council has decided to fill the post as rulers of this land. What this means is, the council will have equal rights, the same as kings and queens. If this sounds fair to you, then it would ease the leadership the kings and queens have. This includes High Kings and Queens. I know, this is what Alindor wanted."
"So, this means that I can…"
"Do whatever you want? Yes, it does. But if you have any issues, consult with the council and we'll see what we can do next," the male bear said, peacefully.
"What's your name?" Elijah asked the male bear.
"I'm called Winter. My wife and I have yet to discuss the matter of the toys and Toyland, for she governs that land, too, along with this council," Winter said, pleased.
"What does this mean for the scarred lions and lionesses?" Scar-ra asked, curiously.
"That's why you are here?" Casses asked, annoyed. "Well, I was about to kick the scarred lions and lionesses out of this land, for good, this time!"
"Casses!" Winter hissed, causing Casses to back off.
"I'm sorry," Casses said, furious.
Winter faced Scar-ra, declaring, "We will ensure that the scarred lions and lionesses roam freely across this land. Go wherever you wish, and you will be protected."
"Yes, any game you want, you can have. Just as long as you consult with the council first, then you can get your hunting licenses," the male unicorn said.
"You mean we can hunt whatever we want?" Scar-ra asked, curiously.
"I daresay that's up to Aslan," the female unicorn said.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," the male unicorn said. "So, if we have nothing further to discuss, we can move on."
"Thank you," Elijah said, grateful that he didn't have so much responsibility on his hands.
"Thank you," Scar-ra told the council, following Elijah outside, "Well, that was easy." Elijah snorted in recognition; grateful this council meeting was over.
.
Scar-ra waited until after she and Elijah were outside the council chamber, before she cackled. To think that the scarred lions and lionesses were free to do whatever they wanted was as good a guess as any! Now, that made her happy! She smiled, wondering how Elijah was faring.
"I like this realm. This land has good hunting grounds," Scar-ra said, grateful to have found a new friend.
"Well, I suppose you'll be getting back to whatever you were doing," Elijah said, somberly.
"You're welcome to stay with me, if you want," Scar-ra said.
Elijah shook his head. "Thank you, but I probably should find a house of my own."
"Oh," Scar-ra shrugged, "well, you're more than welcome to come back to my house, until you find this lodging elsewhere. Just offering."
"Thank you," Elijah said, sighing. He leaned against the wall, glad that was over.
*.*.*
References:
The Jedi and holobooks come from the "Star Wars" galaxy.