The hallway lit up with the familiar sound of raging fire, the orange glow casting against the walls and closed curtains while the terrified shrieking of two men nearly drowned out Grougaloragran's frustrated temper and fire spewing breaths. Adamaï could be heard complaining about not baby talking to a dragon after the fire settled and the high pitched scared squealing stopped, leaving two people staring at where the sounds and sights of turmoil came from.
"Goddess preserve them…" Alys sighed after blinking her stare away and shook her head in worry, the child she held against her chest and shoulder a complete opposite from her with his toothless smile and happy babbling. The female Eliatrope and retired Enutrof Alibert stood in the doorway of Yugo's chambers to see the two dragons off off after Qilby requested of Adamaï to be present during the Council of Twelve, a great honor which made Adamaï very excited.
The King Sheran Sharm of the Sadida had decided with Qilby that it was time to reach out to the other rulers of Twelve and inform them about the Eliacube and the impending return of the Eliatropes. While Oakheart was rather skeptical about any of the delegations accepting the sent invitations, Qilby was fairly confident about the matter. Several representatives had already arrived over the course of the last two days to take part in the council meeting, but were confined to the royal guest quarters outside of the palace to not cross paths with the mysterious Eliatropes and their powerful relic, for security reasons.
The council was but a few hours away from beginning when Canar and Renate appeared unannounced in the boys' chambers, shortly before Adamaï would take his leave to wait with the Prince Armand, Qilby and the master of Bonta for the last few representatives to arrive. To everyone's surprise, it came to light that Qilby had asked of the two Sadida servants to look after Grougaloragran while Adamaï attended the council meeting, a strange and risky decision which Canar and Renate gladly accepted. Any chance to pamper was taken with both hands and they were positively certain they could 'tame' the dragon whelp with their so called motherly instincts. Their certainty wasn't shared with others however…
"They'll get themselves hurt."
Alibert laughed a little after Alys expressed her concern," they'll be fine, not to worry. It isn't the first time they have tried to get on Grougal's good side and it surely won't be the last. They'll manage for the day, you'll see." He smiled to her and Chibi, the infant holding one of his fingers as the adults lingered in the doorway. The upcoming council was good news for his sons, even for Yugo, no matter that he was elsewhere to find Qilby's Dofus. If the other rulers and nations would give the Eliatropes their support, the liberation of the many children and giving them all a home was sure to become reality.
"I know…" The female Eliatrope nodded halfheartedly while she shifted her gaze in the direction Adamaï, Renate, Canar and Grougaloragran had gone, a heavy feeling present in her stomach. It didn't sit right with her that she wasn't included in watching over the dragon whelp. Although she didn't have much success with calming him once he got riled up, he did behave a little better with her nearby. It wasn't much of an improvement but it was bearable. Who knew what he would do once Adamaï leaves him out of sight… "I could have done it in their stead," she said after focusing back on Alibert," or with them. I am not required to be anywhere today and with everyone attending the council, I have my hands completely free. Except for you, of course." She chuckled faintly as she smiled to Chibi and gave the tip of his round nose a little gentle tap, causing the infant to look a little cross eyed before he squealed and giggled.
"On the contrary," a voice sounded from down the hallway while the tall appearance of Qilby steadily made his way to where Alys and Alibert were standing," there is much that needs to be done." The king of the Eliatropes looked content and calm, his usual attire replaced by a thick long robe covering most of his body while holding up the illusion that he still had both his arms. He nodded for Alibert after he approached the two and his golden brown eyes rested on Chibi, saying while his smile grew a little," I hope you do not mind that I steal Alys away from you and Chibi, Alibert. I require her assistance today."
Alibert and Alys looked a little surprised at Qilby, but it quickly faded when the broad man with the long chef's hat shook his head and rose a hand to show he had no objections," no, of course not. This is a busy day after all."
"That it is," Qilby said with a short laugh and an agreeing nod before he observed Alys handing Chibi over to Alibert to leave the infant in his care," Prince Armand informed me that only three representatives have yet to show, but there is still time. Shall we, my dear...?" The right heavy looking sleeve of Qilby's robe rose to show Alys in which direction he wished to go before he turned on his heels to walk, leaving Chibi and his surrogate father to themselves.
Alys was quick to follow after Qilby and walk somewhat behind him when he lead the way down the corridor, watching the back of his head wear before she took a deep breath and spoke up with a hint of reluctance," I don't wish to question your decisions and reasons, Qilby, but why didn't you leave Grougaloragran with me for the day? Renate and Canar are great carers but they can't possibly handle a dragon like Grougal…"
Qilby turned his head somewhat to glance back to the female Eliatrope, his eyebrows raised in mild intrigue at the subject Alys brought forth before his smile grew softer. "While I considered it, I believe that you will do better by being a part of the upcoming council. You have gained a knowledge about this world and their inhabitants which could prove useful during the negotiations," he said while slowing down a little in his pace to allow Alys to walk beside him rather than follow like an obedient bow wow pup.
She looked genuinely perplexed, her eyes rounder than usual and her lips pursed in what was best described as held back elation about being included in the very important event which would decide the future of the Eliatropes. "You wish for me to attend...?"
"But of course," the male Eliatrope simpered before he turned a little more serious," we are but a few on this world, Alys. We need to stand united, show the World of Twelve who and what we are. We seek their support while we offer ours and therefore our first impression is very important. I want you to be at Adamaï's side during the council."
Her growing smile was difficult to keep in check, though she tried to stay as composed as possible. Even though she still felt discomfort in Qilby's presence and didn't fully trust his intentions even though she wished to trust him wholeheartedly, there was no denying that his permission to take part in the Council of Twelve meant a lot to her. She learned so much about the Twelve and their followers ever since she awoke from her captivity, but it was all from books or Joris' personal experience and views. This would be a whole different experience. To finally meet the ones Joris spoke of, even if she would only see them from afar… She had subconsciously waited for this moment. "I am honored, thank you."
Her reaction, although a little held back, pleased him well enough, but her enthusiasm wasn't fully shared with him. He rose his arm to bend it around Alys' back before his fingers curled over her bare shoulder to hold it and force Alys to come to a stop. "However, we have to remain cautious," he said with a hushed voice while standing close behind her, his fingers pressing down on her pale soft skin as he looked at the side of her face," while I do not expect us to receive any ill treatment from the other rulers, a few may not have good intentions after accepting the invitation sent to them. I therefore ask of you to let me speak and handle the situation, no matter the questions asked or things said. I want you to observe, listen and learn. Be my eyes and ears."
Alys straightened ever so slightly when she could feel the front of Qilby's robe brush against her back while his hand remained on her shoulder, the way he loomed over her from behind making the severity of his words more apparent while a tension of uneasiness crept up her spine like an arachnee. He felt a little threatening… and she wasn't appreciative of how close he was. "Of course," she whispered in return after swallowing down the clump the tension grew in her throat, trying to focus more on the task at hand rather than Qilby's close presence. He was distracting, in a bad way.
"I knew I could count on you," he said while giving her shoulder a little squeeze before his fingers relaxed and his hand slipped away, the discomfort he caused within Alys diminishing after he leaned away from her," get yourself ready the best you can before the last of the representatives arrive, and mentally prepare yourself for what is to come or may happen. I need you focused and attentive during what could be a crucial moment for our people's future."
She nodded without glancing back, her chest swelling with the deep breath she took before she stiffly stepped forward and slowly exhaled. She tried to calm nerves and excitement alike after she picked up her pace and headed for her chambers to change into another gown, feeling dizzy. This opportunity was one she didn't wish to waste. She had to ignore the negative feelings that always lingered whenever she was with Qilby, for the children, her people, brothers… and for herself. There was too much riding on this first impression the Eliatropes had to leave on whomever would consider supporting their cause.
Qilby joined Adamaï, Joris and Armand to wait for Brakmar and the delegations of Sacrier, Cra and Eniripsa to arrive at the palace while Alys got changed in what Canar and Renate dubbed her formal wear, one of the gowns they commissioned for her but had yet to wear. They weren't able to help the female Eliatrope get ready for the council, too busy with trying to have Grougaloragran warm up to them with something other than hot breaths of fire.
The atmosphere which hung through and around the palace was very thick with anxiety and anticipation. This was the first time in many years that almost all the members of the Council of Twelve would answer Sadida's call. A rare case indeed. Normally many would decline any invitations Sadida sent out for whatever reason, but this time it was only the nation of Amakna who politely declined, as expected. Amakna was hardly ever present during the Council of Twelve meetings, overshadowed by the rivaling nations of Bonta and Brakmar, though Amakna had their own ways of showing their support to the world.
It was still early in the day when Alys made her way into the gardens with a Sadida guard as her sole escort, having been informed by the very same guard that the kings Sheran Sharm and Qilby already left the palace with their small entourage and were on their way to the location of the Council of Twelve meeting. She walked with a hurry in her step to not keep anyone waiting while the guard guided her to where she had to go, the long dark blue robes she wore with the attached hood and thick fur trim around the chest and shoulders not slowing her down. She was lead to the large lake connected to the palace's gardens, the same lake she tripped into during her blinded panic or stood by numerous times to find inner peace or clearance of the mind.
She could see them up ahead, a small group standing by a dock built across the shore of the lake, a few over sized lilypads floating on the calm water surface next to it. In the distance and at the center of the lake was the large and tall dome, the very place where the Council would be held as it was considered a piece of 'neutral ground' within the Sadida kingdom.
King Sheran Sharm was conversing with Qilby while they admired the dome, a work of art that was made by weaving the crowns of the trees together in a net-like pattern. Armand stood next to his father with Joris somewhat behind him while Adamaï was the one to pick up on the approaching Eliatrope after she stepped onto the dock, with the guard lingering behind her.
"Adamaï," she smiled with somewhat flustered cheeks when the young dragon met her halfway on the dock before she gave the Sadida guard a grateful and appreciative nod for escorting her. She was a little out of breath from hurrying after the guard, but the excitement for the new experience kept her spirits high. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"I wasn't even aware you were going to join us. You are, aren't you?" the dragon asked a little uncertain before tall figure of Qilby loomed behind him. Adamaï peered at him from the corner of his eyes before he took the effort to completely turn himself around to see his king better, his question remaining unanswered though he waited patiently for the outcome.
Qilby looked in between the two with a thoughtful but serene look before he inclined his head with a certain flair of approval," a last minute addition, Adamaï. We have to support each other in any way we can, especially now and with us being so few." Too much depended on this meeting with the delegations of the Twelve and nations. Whatever the responses would be to Qilby's request for support, he would have the two standing before him on his side. He had no doubts about their loyalty and devotion towards him.
Joris couldn't stop one of his eyebrows from raising while the other pulled down into a puzzled but surprised expression after Qilby made clear Alys would be present, not having expected her to be a part of the Council as there was no notion of it beforehand. It didn't displease him however; this was something he prepared her for by teaching her about the World of Twelve, the nations, the Gods and their Disciples. It was her chance to finally meet important figureheads and see many of the races with her own eyes rather than read about it all in books. His smile was hidden in the shadow of his hood while he watched the two Eliatropes and young dragon before sudden ripples on the calm surface of the lake drew his eye.
King Sheran Sharm hardly needed to raise his hand as he worked his magic, beckoning one of the large lilypads closer to the dock before it came to rest. He took a step to the side, his tree stump cane thumping against the wooden boards of the suspended dock when he turned his attention to his guests and allies. "Let us meet those who were gracious enough to attend." If only the Council of Twelve was always this eager to visit or aid Sadida, but Oakheart already made his bitter peace with the fact it was wishful thinking on his part. It were the Eliatropes with their Eliacube that caught the true attention of those who accepted the invitations. The kingdom of Sadida would continue to thrive with the few allies it already had.
The others began to stir after the giant of a king stepped onto the large lilypad. Nerves were beginning to play up for some, especially for the female Eliatrope. She only knew a small part of Sadida, the palace and its gardens having acted as her home all this time. She had yet to get a taste of the rest of this world, the kingdom of Sadida but a small fraction of it. Adamaï already traveled with the Brotherhood of Tofu and hatched on an island for away. Qilby had the opportunity to leave Sadida and visit the plains of Bonta, Cania. Both of them knew what laid beyond Sadida's borders while Alys could only imagine it.
While the Council was something new for Alys and Adamaï alike, it was nothing out of the ordinary for the royalty of Sadida and Master Joris. Politics were a large part of their lives. Joris dedicated himself to it, present this day as the representative of Bonta instead of his king. Watching quietly on the very edge of the dock, he allowed everyone to go first while king Oakheart held out a large hand to help Alys onto the large lilypad that was their ferry to the center of the lake. He observed closely when Alys accepted the kind and well mannered gesture of the King and carefully stepped on the floating leaf before Qilby and Armand followed with Adamaï close behind them. Joris made a small leap down to land on the lilypad after it was his turn before he stretched a little and focused on the dome ahead, the lilypad moving the moment the Bontarian master found his balance.
Hopes were high but he knew better. It was rare for all delegations to be together in one place; the tension between a few was sure to rise and escalate…
The small master watched Adamaï and Alys when something in the water caught their eye, the young dragon pointing towards a large shadow swimming under the lilypad they were on. The slow strokes of the enormous catfish's tail hardly had any effect on the lilypad's course, the king's magic moving it by his will before it glided through one of the large openings within the woven together branches and vines of the dome. The net-like pattern of the dome allowed enough natural light to fall through, illuminating the numerous lilypads that floated still on the water in the very center of the curved space. Many faces were present and all turned to witness the entrance of the Sadida royalty and their mysterious guests before a quiet murmur rose up. Several of the present guests leaned towards each other to whisper and share their first impressions while others took their seat on the lilypad designed to their following and await the beginning of the meeting. Every lilypad carried a bench and a leaf banner bearing the painted coat of arms of a nation or faith. The banner that stood on the large leaf Adamaï and Alys would be seated showed the painted strokes of what was a Dofus, a symbol representing the Eliatrope people.
Both the female Eliatrope and young dragon felt watched, observed and criticized when the lilypad the king controlled brought them to center of the dome and in the middle of the the circle the representatives and their banners formed. They were uncertain where to look or who to focus on and so turned to each other while leaning close so they could converse without appearing rude.
"Look at how many people there are," Adamaï whispered to his adopted sister, the grin he bore showing his excitement.
"I didn't think there would be this many…" Alys whispered in return while taking in the diversity of all who were present, feeling a little overwhelmed. Just like she observed the intrigued or skeptical representatives, so did they observe the two Eliatropes and dragon. A dragon was a rare sight for many even though the World of Twelve's history held many tales about them, but Eliatropes… that was something completely new for everyone present. The looks many held were inquisitive and curious but there was also obvious distrust and prejudice. It was intimidating, the rapid beating of Alys' heart not calming down.
She could place the delegation and nation to every face and banner present in the cirle on the water's surface; Cra, Eniripsa, Feca, Osamodas, Sram, the nation of Brakmar, Sacrier, Xelor, Pandawa, Iop, Ecaflip, Enutrof and of course the nation of Bonta alongside Sadida.
King Sheran Sharm softly cleared his throat after the murmurs steadily quieted down and everyone had shared what was on their minds with whomever they felt associated with. Their attention was partially on him when he spoke up, most gazes fixated on the thin man standing beside the Sadida king. "You all know why I have invited you here..." he began, his voice echoing within the dome," a new people will soon appear and with their arrival, the world will change forever. It's up to us to turn this event into a happy day. I'll hand the floor over to the king of the Eliatropes, His Highness Qilby." He took a step back to let Qilby introduce himself and the people he represented in any way he saw fit before he and the others sat down on the benches next to their designated banners, leaving Qilby by himself in the heart of it all.
Qilby took the moment to relish in the attention he was receiving before he rose his hand and summoned a small orb of Wakfu. It flickered gently like a candle's flame before it rose upwards and blocked out the natural daylight falling through the gaps of the dome, dimming the present light. The orb turned into a swirl of draconic runes, a visual display of beauty and power which caused many to gasp and stare in awe before the Wakfu runes burst apart and showered down like star dust from the very top of the dome. "People of the World of Twelve, please listen the tale of the Eliatropes," Qilby began, indulging those who showed interest in what he believed was the history of his people, and the Eliacube he created with his own hands.
To be continued