A New Beginning
After the court had broken into scattered groups around the hall, Tiandra motioned to the Lord of Lightning that he should follow her. She led him into a private room and shut the door. She turned to him and said, "I refuse to believe that the only reason you are here is to declare that you shall not come again. Be honest, and tell me why you have come."
"I see that you are not one to mince words," replied the Lord of Lightning. "I came to your court to get a sense of the balance of power right now in the Feywild. Other than that, I did not have any other reason for coming."
Tiandra looked at him skeptically. She shook her head, "I will let that answer stand . . . for now. Do not expect me to believe it." She dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
Back in the main hall, the only topic being discussed was Cendriane. Everyone had an opinion as to how the city's awakening would affect the balance of power in the Feywild. As the Lord of Lightning walked back into the hall, all talking ceased. He gave a wry smile and said, "You don't know what to expect, that is understandable. Know this: I will not tolerate any further scavenging expeditions into my city. There will be dire consequences for any who do not heed my words." With that, he turned and walked to a chair in a corner of the hall and sat down.
At this announcement, angry murmurs were heard from different parts of the hall. Nobody approached the Lord of Lightning, and everyone made a point of not looking at him. After a while, the gathered delegates returned to other business.
As the Lord of Lightning sat by himself, he was approached by a delegation of gnomes composed of two males and two females. As they slowly came toward him, he quickly glanced up. The gnomes bowed and then one of the men stepped forward to speak.
"Greetings. My name is Ricorin Trickfoot. My companions' names are Carvyre Gladdenstone, Ravadiana Goldweaver, and Zanneiros Farwalker. We wish to hear more about your plans for Cendriane."
"As you wish. If anyone wishes to live in the city, they will be allowed to do so, only so long as they put aside any conflicts they might have had before living in Cendriane. Also, any who wish to live in the city must help with any repairs that they are ordered to help with. Other than that, I place no restrictions on whom or what can live in the city, so long as they keep the peace."
Ricorin glanced at his companions. They all nodded, giving their assent to whatever question he had silently asked. "Interesting. You see, my companions and I represent a community of gnomes that has recently lost its home to a fomorian raid. We came to the Court of Stars hoping that one of the other delegates would be so kind as to help us. Upon hearing your plans, however, I petition you to let us live in Cendriane." After he finished speaking he looked at the Lord of Lightning with hope.
The Lord of Lighting nodded and said, "As the Heart of Cendriane, it is my pleasure to welcome you as the first new inhabitants of my city. As inhabitants of my city, you must keep the peace; for as long as you do so, you and your families may live in Cendriane and I will defend you."
The gnome delegation fell to their knees in thanksgiving. "We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" cried Ravadiana. "Now we will have someplace safe to raise our children. Words cannot begin to describe how thankful we are."
The Lord of Lightning shifted uncomfortably and snapped, "Stand up, stand up; there is no need of such displays. Now go, and gather your families and belongings, for you have a new home."
The gnomes hurriedly rose and rushed from the hall, the hope of a new beginning visible on their faces.