Aedus sat with his guards at hand. Hammond chose to remain at his lords side, in full armor, as Seron sat down in a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F91%2F36%2Fc8%2F9136c88f1aa120b9702926ee4127db69--elves-fireflies.jpg&amp;hash=948e0cb541bf67ecc81a90169cc3cabd" href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/91/36/c8/9136c88f1aa120b9702926ee4127db69--elves-fireflies.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">dress</a>fit for a noble, a circlet of<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Forig14.deviantart.net%2F4cf3%2Ff%2F2009%2F288%2Fc%2Ff%2Fheadpiece_for_born_of_hope_by_elnaraniall.jpg&amp;hash=a45dbff61b8f120749bddbbcb9f7d6a2" href="https://orig14.deviantart.net/4cf3/f/2009/288/c/f/headpiece_for_born_of_hope_by_elnaraniall.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Gold and Ruby</a>complimenting the necklace that rest above her heart. Clearly, the Duvainil Tribe was not lacking for monetary wealth. Badhron chose to wear the<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F71%2Fce%2F31%2F71ce31511c258306383d8513d85cec30--fairy-costumes-fantasy-costumes.jpg&amp;hash=eb81b9075ebce6e4af960ba6cfd029b7" href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/71/ce/31/71ce31511c258306383d8513d85cec30--fairy-costumes-fantasy-costumes.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">traditional garb</a>of an Elven Soldier off duty, the outfit both acting as fashionable and emergency armor in case of an attack. Aedus wore the<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F736x%2Fc7%2F7d%2F1a%2Fc77d1a75298cd78ef09139efda7e0eee--medieval-fashion-elven-fashion-male.jpg&amp;hash=f33f73839f21e16225492d39f7c10dec" href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c7/7d/1a/c77d1a75298cd78ef09139efda7e0eee--medieval-fashion-elven-fashion-male.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">clothing</a>of an Elven King, similar to the portrait of the Jakar Aradhelon, who hung in the tapestries as a Hero of the Succession wars. At that time, the Elves and the Noble Family of Fellan were staunch allies. That time, however, had long since passed.<br/><br/>Aedus watched the interactions between the Princess and her husband, with a mixture of well-hidden jealously, underlying rage, and satisfaction. He wanted what the Prince had, yes, but now the woman knew the price of her betrayal. Aedus felt no pity in those reaping what they had sown. It still did not quell the burning fire in his heart, but he could not show it right now, it had to harness it as a weapon. As Philip asked what he wanted in return, Aedus placed down his cup, having been careful to check for poison, as he would finally speak. "<b>Venerated King and Victorious Prince of Azurnine, Our History together is long and bloody....and not altogether pleasant. The same could be said for my people and yours- But as the ashes finally settle from your war, we must look away from our blood-soaked past and begin moving forward, towards progress." </b>He said. He made sure to speak with respect, even if they were not owed it, stroking their ego's did nothing, but help his cause.<br/><br/>When Emily had spoken to him, he had taken her words to heart, but not the way she had intended- If they truly did not care for their people, that they cared more for their own greed than anything? This would be far simpler than he had anticipated.<br/><br/>"<b>In the time of your Ancestor, King Steven of Azurnine, The Dwarvan Kingdoms and the Elven Clans stood as stalwart allies to your family- Trade Prospered, we experienced a time of peace, and this land was wholesome and healthy. True, those years are as long gone as the distant green summers, but they can return- I come bringing news that one year ago, the Dwarven Kingdom of <a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fvignette2.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fdragonage%2Fimages%2Fa%2Fa2%2FOrzammar.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20120518012308&amp;hash=dc3203032e873dd290c244e0c0116ff0" href="https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/dragonage/images/a/a2/Orzammar.png/revision/latest?cb=20120518012308" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Kas'Paratus</a> reopened trade with the Elven Tribes of Lishenga." </b>He said, earning excited murmurs from the nobles present. "<b>Now, it is time for old wounds to heal, and we bring this trade and wealth to you, which I shall discuss with your master of coin in time. "</b>He said.<br/><br/>He would then hold up his hand. "<b>For trade to reopen however, we must have compromise- The Sixteen Villages of the North Eastern Edge of your Territory, and the Bloodstain Fang Mountains, are to be given to us. In exchange, Kas'Paratus has agreed to reopen trade with your kingdom, and I shall have my best Life-Workers Heal your wounded land." </b>He said. He knew this would be the iffy bit- The Bloodstain Fangs were known for the Orc Tribes present, though it still produced valuable metals, and the Villages still gave tithe and tribute to the King. Aedus, however, knew that they'd not jump at that, and had decided to sweeten the deal- What better way to get them interested, was to play to their greed, and bring a little liquid gold to wet their appetite?<br/><br/>"<b>Of course, I do not make Idle Promises- Consider this a taste of those who align themselves with my peoples interests. "</b>He said, as he clapped his hands twice. Hammond and Badhron would bow, before moving to reclaim something. Bringing forward a chest to King Steven and Prince Philip, they'd open it to reveal the<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.turbosquid.com%2FPreview%2F2014%2F05%2F27__03_48_27%2FTreasure_Chest_00.jpg640c509d-816a-40e2-b5cd-1b53156f2cf4HD.jpg&amp;hash=8cf9c99fba004359aaf3d6c348d80b6c" href="https://static.turbosquid.com/Preview/2014/05/27__03_48_27/Treasure_Chest_00.jpg640c509d-816a-40e2-b5cd-1b53156f2cf4HD.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">bounty</a>inside. "<b>For the first time in years, the Elves stand united, and we are prospering. We share some of this prosperity to our respected neighbors." </b>He said, as Badhron would pick up a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fa.abcnews.com%2Fimages%2FBusiness%2FHT_forrest_fenn_treasure_chest_jtm_150428_16x9_992.jpg&amp;hash=2864308ad5927fe722f8b3d06960a988" href="http://a.abcnews.com/images/Business/HT_forrest_fenn_treasure_chest_jtm_150428_16x9_992.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"> golden box</a>inside the chest, before setting it in the King's lap.<br/><br/>Inside would be a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reveti.com%2Fjewelguide%2FSapphire%2Fjewelguide-sapphire1150707053738.jpg&amp;hash=4521e2481305d00fcc0c7691fd170976" href="http://www.reveti.com/jewelguide/Sapphire/jewelguide-sapphire1150707053738.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Large Sapphire</a>, barely able to fit into the palm of the King's hand. It was a King's Jewel.<br/><br/>"<b>Of course, I dare not bring gifts for only the King, but to the Heir as well." </b>He said to Philip. Badhron would walk towards Prince Philip, holding a wrapped package, before unveiling it, revealing a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Forig09.deviantart.net%2Ff09e%2Ff%2F2009%2F309%2Fa%2Ff%2Fme_weapons___narsil_by_shockbolt.jpg&amp;hash=095bf847324cdff1f8632bbb6f404e62" href="https://orig09.deviantart.net/f09e/f/2009/309/a/f/me_weapons___narsil_by_shockbolt.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Mithril Sword</a>. The Elves zealously guarded the secrets to the metal know as Mithril, but there were several theories- Some say it was an alloy made of a complex process between Steel and Silver, using the Moonlight as a conduit for power. Some say it came from an ore, but only the elves knew how to track it. A few even believe it comes from rocks that fall from the sky! Nevertheless, their weapons were renown for their lightweight, durability, and sharpness. "<b>This blade holds a special history among my people- Narsil, the Flame of the West. I had heard of your victories against the Kingdom of Vermillion, most impressive, but I expect nothing less from, as rumor has it, best swordsman in the Kingdom. This Blade has slain thousands of Savage Orc Tribes, wear it proudly and let it lead you to victory."<br/>
</b><br/>He would then look towards the King. "<b>The Blade serves as a vow of support- Should you choose to continue your campaign against Vermillion, and are willing to allow us the Northern Forests it's territory inhabit, I shall give a thousand of my finest archers to support your forces." </b>He said. It may have been a stereotype that every elf was a natural archer, but it was a true stereotype- In the forests, you had to be smart on what you hunted, and had to conserve what resources you had. They became expert archers by necessity, it was how they kept Slavers out of their lands. Committing a thousand to their army, even given it's current state, would assure victory.<br/><br/>Which, oddly enough, was exactly what Aedus wanted.<br/><br/>Aedus wanted them to keep wasting their forces against Vermillion. He knew the King and Prince underestimated the number of elves in his lands, they more than likely assumed that was the bulk of Aedus's army. Wealth, Connections to a Dwarven Kingdom (Which was rare, given they rarely interacted with the surface), and Power. Aedus was playing their greed against them, knowing the thought of such wealth pouring in would be too tempting to pass up. All in exchange for a mountain and some villages? Which was another thing- Aedus needed them to underestimate him, to think him an Idealistic Fool, vying for peace. He needed them in that false sense of security before he could strike.<br/><br/>Like a Hunter baiting his prey, he need only to wait now.<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="83" data-username="@MintyMinx" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/83/">@MintyMinx</a>