Davros Tales ~Meeting of the Kings~
One month before the invasion...
"As such, you will be expecting them to come to each of your lands," Caineghis told the fellow Laguz royals before him. Their eyes narrowed at the Beast King but he remained stalwart against their gazes. "And they will impart onto each of you an artifact. I've already received mine. I will not reveal what it is, but they've taken the task to give each of the rulers here an item of great importance, made by an already departed Beorc. You should expect them within a month."
They stood within the walls of Goldoa's castle. Despite the obvious points of entry due to the openings, it exuded an air of impenetrability. It was well-feared and respected throughout Tellius for a reason, as it was the land of the dragons. Visitation or intrusion was a death sentence if pursued further, save for formal invitation or permission.
Caineghis reached out to King Dheginsea for a formal meeting within Goldoa's borders with the other Laguz Kings. What they've heard was nothing short of ludicrous. Beorc pirates who wish to drink with the Laguz royals? The idea was absurd to every King and certain prince of the fallen kingdom of Serenes. The only one whose expression was not severe was the Raven King of Kilvas, who was sporting a look that was a few moments away from bursting into laughter. All the while the Black Dragon King remained neutral in his expression, save for his sharp gaze.
"I question your sanity, O King of Lions..." Tibarn said in a dangerous tone. "Has associating with a nation of humans poisoned your mind? Are you sure you haven't been ensnared in some insidious trap hatched by humans?"
"I will not have you disparage the nation of Crimea. Since the time of her founding, she has made every effort to treat Laguz with respect and dignity." King Caineghis narrowed his eyes at King Tibarn as he spoke. Warning the Hawk King that retaliation will be enacted should he continue insulting Crimea. "As such, I would hope that you treat these Beorc pirates with courtesy as they've given in what little time they've blessed the Gallian soil with their presence. They are no simple sea marauders, for their heart for adventure is genuine and so is their intentions to drink with us kings..."
Reyson scoffed and looked incredulously towards Caineghis. "Pah! Nothing more than a farce to let down your guard!" With every word, he spat venom with his tone. "These humans have clouded your judgment, King of Gallia. I suppose those drinks must have been poisoned to the rim, causing you to lose your reason. They will stop at nothing to burn you once you've lost your vigilance against them. Mark my words!"
Reyson's hatred for Beorcs never faded after the massacre. With that in mind, he couldn't believe the intentions of the Davros desiring to drink with Laguz. Such a concept was so alien to everyone present. While they accepted that Caineghis was cordial with the Crimean royal family, a bunch of unknown Beorc pirates desiring to seek an audience with Laguz Kings to drink with them was nothing more than a ploy to ensnare them.
At any rate, none of the Laguz royals were convinced. Caineghis expected as much, as he knew their hatred for Beorcs was unrelenting. Especially after the incident two decades ago...
"My... I didn't know you had it in you, Beast King." The Raven King sarcastically said with a greedy smirk on his face. "Consorting with human sea thieves... Shall I tell you everything when it comes to making deals with unsavory humans? I have experience." Tibarn and Reyson gave Naesala a disgusted expression upon hearing those words.
Caineghis held back a grimace, as he wanted nothing to do with Naesala's offer. The only Beorcs he wished to deal with were the ones like the Davros, the Crimean royal family, and Greil's family. Moreover, such experience being shared held more costs than benefits...
Moreover, there was even a time when he implored Fargus to not hand a copy of the book to the King of Kilvas. Knowing the shrewd and crafty ruler would likely take advantage of the information presented, it would not be wise to give it to the Raven King. However, Caineghis relented in the face of the determination from the captain. He could only hope in good faith that King Naesala would not use the book against his fellow Laguz brothers (hopefully).
"I will kindly pass on the offer, King Naesala," Caineghis declined as he soon turned to King Dheginsea. "As such, I will also inform you that the pirate that traveled with my friend's son and met Fae is a part of the crew that drank with me." Dheginsea's eye flickered while Tibarn and Reyson frowned at the mention of the people Fae met before she came to Goldoa. "Moreover... the Beorc who played a part in the construction of these artifacts was named Athos. The 'grandfather' who was also involved in Fae's arrival in Goldoa. He has unfortunately passed on..."
Athos... the name of the supposed elder who was a powerful sorcerer in Fae's village. From what little they heard from the girl, they knew Fae's appearance had to do with the 'Grandpa Athos' she mentioned. There were various assumptions made since then, some with a pessimistic view of the Beorc that Fae came across in the desert she came from. None of them had any idea he recently passed away. This wasn't the best news to relay to Fae, who seemed to cherish the elder back in Nabata. Luckily, Fae was being accompanied by the retainers of each nation (which also included Nealuchi, surprisingly).
Much was clarified upon meeting with the Davros. The various identities, events that occurred, and even some of the legends of the Elibe... Most of all, he heard a very enlightening perspective from those who held no prejudice against Laguz. The Davros obliged at the request of the man who was regarded as a legend in Elibe. It was a mystery as to why the latter chose to send the books to the Laguz royals after learning about them through Fae's perspective after the mishap that was the warp spell.
The Laguz royals present narrowed their eyes at the Beast King with a puzzled look, save for King Naesala who was not as updated on the circumstances of Fae. Various questions emerged in their minds. Why would an elder from Fae's village have a pirate crew deliver something to the Laguz nations after supposedly sending her away to Goldoa?
"OK, I'll peck," Naesala dropped the theatrics with his playful personality and addressed the Gallian King before him. "Who are these people and what present do these human pirates wish to deliver to us?"
Naesala was out of the loop compared to Tibarn and Reyson, who were told of the circumstances of Fae since her arrival in Goldoa. They were the ones who were granted visitation rights to meet with the little dragon child. Moreover, Caineghis did not reveal what was going to be delivered to each King assuming that the Davros don't get turned to ashes or ripped apart by their beaks/talons.
"Indeed..." Dheginsea added while not minding Naesala's lack of decorum. "Care to elaborate, King Caineghis...?"
Caineghis felt the gaze of his fellow Laguz kings on himself. He had been the target of scrutiny since the meeting began. All he could think of at that moment was what the Davros wanted to share themselves. With drinks and food to go along with their stories...
"I believe that is a tale that they have the honor of sharing with you all when you meet with them..." Caineghis answered with a smile. What would dumbfound them further was the Beast King's next words...
"You can all test their character when you meet them... And I hope you all enjoy drinking with them. I ask that King Tibarn bring his finest drinks made with your berries for the crew once they've proven themselves to you... I feel envious that I cannot partake in such libations when that time comes. Maybe we can all gather together one day with the Davros to drink."
"Seriously..." Janaff took a sad glance at Fae, who was happily putting a crown on top of the oldest raven in Kilvas in the distance. The latter was currently gushing in happiness by the girl's kindness. Beside them was Prince Kurthnaga and Idunn, who held her ever-present gentle gaze to Fae.
Happily unaware of the death of one of the people she fondly viewed as the elder who unbeknownst to Fae, was also involved in granting her more freedom back in Nabata. The one who relayed this information was Ulki, who listened in on the meeting with the kings in the distance (permission granted by Tibarn). Their king hoped for his men to inquire about the reason for this meeting proposed by the Beast King.
The hawk pair then turned to Ranulf, who seemed exhausted after being rode upon by Fae. All the while, the cat Laguz seemed focused on the new lady (Idunn) present with Fae. Supposedly, this beast brethren interacted with the corsairs the most. At any rate, they hoped to learn more about this pirate crew and change the subject.
"So, you've met this... Davros, what kind of crew of hum-... Beorcs are they?" Janaff asked in a curious tone, stopping midway upon Ranulf's harsh gaze that was trained on the hawk pair when attempting to say "human".
Janaff remained vigilant with his scrutinizing eyes that could see for miles, focusing on the minuscule details in Ranulf's body language. Ulki joined his partner's gaze with his own, mostly focusing his hearing on the cat man's body from heartbeat to nuances. They needed to gain as much information for their king. Even Gareth, who was on standby to protect his prince and guests, had his attention on Ranulf.
After relaxing his harsh gaze on Janaff, Ranulf appeared stumped upon being asked. There were plenty of antics to choose from regarding the Davros's stay in Gallia. And there was one rambunctious pirate that wanted to be known as the legendary pirate king... It would be a fun tale for these hawk corsairs.
"Well... where do I even begin...?" Ranulf said with an amused smile. Kurthnaga seemed to pay attention to the trio discussing amongst themselves, wondering what Ranulf would tell. "I know your ears could hear for miles, so I'll tell you one funny incident about Dart, the pirate Fae met. You see, he..."
"Hmph, how strange...?" Jahn cupped his chin as he eavesdropped on the conversation between Dheginsea and Kurthnaga at night. A group of human pirates sought an audience with the Laguz kings and to drink. An odd custom to Jahn, but he understood some of the social nuance behind it.
They were discussing with the Prince insisting that the Davros crew be let into Goldoa. For the Prince, it was a refreshing experience to meet new pirates who charmed the Beast King. The implications of such actions are numerous.
For the former, the Dragon King hopes to maintain order, neutrality, and isolation. Expecting such an absurd act of friendship between different species was absurd to Jahn. The discussion ended with the ruler only considering it...
Jahn snorted, as he knew the King better. At best, whatever answers they needed clarification about the circumstances behind himself along with the divine and demon dragon's appearance in the land would be clarified according to the conversation. And they'll be turned away upon granted mercy, a warning that is best heeded should they turn to ashes...
"Rather odd for humans to seek to become inebriated with drinks alongside other races. Unfortunately, such differences that exist between our species are there for a reason..." Jahn slowly grinned as he mused over the matter. "While you pirates are considered the outlier, I doubt he'll be convinced to partake in libations. You'll be lucky to sail away with your lives, humans..."
Such a foreign concept in this foreign land... The Laguz will battle for their right to exist in this world against humanity one day. He will side with his fellow draconic brethren during that time... One mere human pirate crew will hardly sway the outcome.
The warning Jahn gave would echo once again in King Dheginsea's mind. The very next month, Crimea would find itself at war. And Dheginsea would be aware of the state of his heir, his beloved eldest son... Flames of anger and vindication dwelled within the ruler's heart. And his unrelenting stance on neutrality would be nothing more than a front that would be known to Jahn...