"Helmond, you are being ridiculous!", Astilliar yelled at him, "You've been running all over Xadia for octades, killing Abusers, and now you're not just talking about peace with them, you're even dragging one around!", there were murmurs of approval, "A damaged one at that!", the murmurs stopped.
The bulky, rough hewn moonshadow elf was grabbed roughly by another person in the tent.
"Speak about anyone as `damaged` again and I will have your tongue! I have done battle with her and her presence is an honor. If she is an example of a `damaged` human, we are doomed!"
Amaya laughed brightly. Helmond did a dumbfounded double take. She could do that?!
The General then signed, having Helmond translate, "Thank you - I appreciate your commendation. You're the first person in a long time to come close to killing me, Prime Legate Janai. I am glad to get the chance to speak to you."
Janai leaned on the table, her eyes still burning a hole in Astilliar's forehead, "And speak we will. You come under the banner of diplomacy and with an extremely old friend in tow.", she smirked at Helmond who frowned back, "Both I count in your favour. But, it's been decided we will kill each other tomorrow, and so it'll be. Orders are orders."
Helmond shook his head, "Princeps, I do not agree. We must re-examine this situation. Tomorrow could be the beginning of a century of war, if not more. It would destroy much of both our federations. We have a moral duty as soldiers to stand fast in the face of orders, given in bad faith."
Janai waved her hand at him, "Your arguments mean little, Helmond. I am not sure what you mean by 'given in bad faith', but I do not intend to revolt against our government. My people have been dying, fighting humans, forever. Keeping them out of Xadia is my `moral duty` as a soldier."
"All we ask is that you stall. Delay. As long as possible. So many of both our people will die, not having done anything of strategic value. The Breach is a moat, flanked by the strongest defenses of our nations. It will swallow entire cities of soldiers before either one of us progresses a single inch into enemy territory.", Amaya argued through Helmond.
"We have a strategy. You overestimate your fortifications.", Janai said, confidently.
"You also assume much, Prime Legate", Helmond said, "Humans are just as apt at scheming as we are, it would be a fatal mistake to underestimate them. Remember, they have managed to kill the most powerful Archdragon there ever was. Speaking of, I will also warn you of trusting our scaly friends too much. They have their own agenda. Your regent, Sol Regem, may be bellicose, assuring his support, but the others… If the moon dragons are anything to go by, we will wait for their support indefinitely."
The six Legates in the tent did not like to hear this, that much was obvious. One of them, clad in a heavy armor of rocks and vines, asked, "What have they done to deserve so much of your scorn? You used to be one of their favourites, if memory serves."
Helmond sighed, unfurling a letter and placing it on the table for all to see.
After they'd read it, he got sympathetic but confused glances. Janai spoke. "You have my condolences, Helmond, but this letter does not explain anything. Your son was a soldier, and killed by a human...", she trailed off, suggestively.
"This was given to me with no warning by a deposed Interpreter Chalise in front of a fully staffed crisis session of the senate at Korhal, Janai."
"What?!", Astilliar bellowed and the other Moonshadow elf in the tent gasped, clasping a hand to her mouth, drawing looks from everyone else.
Janai faced Astilliar, "I do not fully understand your reaction. Explain."
"Princeps, among our people, secrecy is a virtue. This much you all know. Grief especially is a private thing. What they did to him, having a letter like this given by someone he exposed… I… it…", he fumbled for words, "It's as though you were forcefully undressed in the plenum's eye!", the metaphor clumsily slipped out of his mouth and made him sweat, seeing her narrowing eyes.
"I understand your explanation but do not appreciate the picture you have chosen to illustrate it!", she snapped, turning to Helmond, "I can see now why you are ready to burn their houses. However, this is still personal to you."
"It was not, Princeps. The dragons argued for war. It was their idea, not the Senate's. They used this to try and paint a negative picture of the Pentarchy when the reality did not reflect their impression in the slightest. Torlan was murdered by a bounty hunter. The fact that she is human is secondary.", Helmond pinched the bridge of his nose, reliving the moment in the plenum, "It made me question their motives, for the first time. I always believed that this conflict was Xadia against the Pentarchy with some minor scuffles on each side. But, the more this mess has progressed, the more I see how it is people, who have the will for peace, against those who would chose the convenience of sending others to die for them. There is not a single delegate present near the border now. They've decided we will die for them tomorrow and then got as far away from the fighting as possible. Peace would be a lot of work for them. It would mean endless discussions over trade, relations and cultural exchange. Uncomfortable compromises to be made palatable to our people. War on the other hand is simple.", Helmond shrugged poignantly, "They point, we die."
Janai sat, pensively rubbing her cheeks. After a moment, she addressed Amaya.
"What do you say about Antiga, General?"
"A stupid move by a stupid leader. King Ezran has tried to dissuade him from further attacks, but Jorge de Peverell is a child, in actions more than appearance. I want to point out that we are working to disarm him, but you should be wary of him throwing more unprovoked punches. He is fuming about the murder of his parents by a supposed Moonshadow Assassin. I have reason to believe this may have been a false flag attack."
"Interesting. It appears we share much in terms of politics. On the matters of de Peverell, I appreciate your warning. You risk much, giving it."
Amaya shrugged, "I do not think any of you will make a point of telling de Peverell what an idiot he is in person so I feel comfortable sharing any information I have on his deployments. I feel heartbreak for his soldiers but cannot in good conscience let him proceed if you decide to stay your weapons. If we're lucky, the families of the soldiers he's sent to their deaths are already wringing his neck."
The Earthblood Legate chuckled at this, "It is a mild comfort to learn that humans enjoy their rulers as much as we do!"
Janai was furiously rubbing her cheeks now, concentration in her expression. Finally she grunted with frustration, "Helmond, General, you will give me an hour to consider your points with the other Legates."
She stood and waved at them.
"Begone!"