"You need to seek alliances with the human nations, your eminence, it is the only way we will survive the coming storm." One noble said, but before he could start another sentence, a regal looking woman next to him spoke up as well.<br/><br/>"Humans? We might as well align ourselves with dwarves, they're more durable." She said with a sneer.<br/><br/>It only took a moment for the rest of the 6 elves on the advisory council to begin to speak, all on top of each other, and they did not stop until Faira raised a hand. Even then, it took each of them a moment to actually recognize their empress. Faira tried to hide her frustration, but the crinkling of her brow betrayed her annoyance. Her mother would have had them all silent and attentive in a matter of seconds, but none of those seated at the grand, wooden table would pay her equal respects. At least, they had not yet.<br/><br/>"We can squabble all we wish to, but that will not stop the blight from creeping into the lands of Aesthan." She did her best to speak in a tone of authority, but she could still hear her mother's voice in the back of her mind. Andromeda Valaina, when she still lived, was a very different person from Faira. Andromeda was stern and often quiet, where Faira had always been warm and kind.<br/><br/>Faira sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. "We will seek aid from any ally who wishes to align with us. Humans may have short lives and frail bodies, but they are also innovative and clever. The dwarves build weapons and armor the likes of which we could never create. I would ask each of you to reach out to these peoples, entreat their rulers. We will offer what aid we can to lands that are already feeling the claim of the blight, and ask for their aid in return. We can offer refuge."<br/><br/>Her earnest suggestion was met with skeptical looks and derisive eyes. Faira was unable to contain the sigh that escaped her lips.<br/><br/>"It is late and it has been a long day. For now, we can consider this matter closed. We will gather tomorrow evening, and I hope that each of you have additional ideas, perhaps better than what I have provided, to share."<br/><br/>She lifted a hand and with a slight brush of her fingers, she gestured for their excusal. The advisers whispered among themselves as they left the royal conservatory. Faira knew she was likely to have objection letters from several other nobles in the morning. She lifted a hand and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to relieve some of the growing pressure in her head. After a moment, she pushed up from the table and left the conservatory, guiding herself through the halls until she had nearly reached her chamber.<br/><br/>"You look tired," A voice came from behind her. When Faira turned, her brother stood in the shadow of the hall. They were technically twins, and both possessed the same dark hair, pale skin, and piercing lavender eyes. On Faira, the features looked lovely and almost cat-like, but on Lachlan, they provided him with a finely cut jaw. She had heard some of the younger women in court refer to him as strikingly handsome, and Faira was just thankful the comments had not gone to his head.<br/><br/>"I am tired. I just spent two hours discussing politicals with advisers who treat me like a child. Be glad you were born a boy and not a human." She retorted. If they were human, the throne would have likely have fallen to Lachlan, even though Faira was the elder of the two.<br/><br/>"Then rest, sister. Perhaps things will look better in the morning." Lachlan took a step past her, toward his own chamber, and patted her on the shoulder when he did.<br/><br/>Faira then stepped into her own bedroom. Up until a few months ago, the royal chambers had belonged to her parents. It had been Lachlan's idea for her to move into the room, and out of her own chambers, shortly after the funeral rites. The first few nights had left her sullen and haunted, and Faira had then made the choice to pack up what was left of her parents' belongings and decorate the room with her own things. It was not that she wanted to forget them, or box them away, but she could not stay in this place with so many reminders of what she had lost.<br/><br/>She settled into a chair that sat before a large vanity and began to gently take off the hair combs, jewelry and other bits and bobs she found herself adorned with. Her reflection confirmed that Lachlan spoke the truth.<br/><br/>She did look rather tired.<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="190" data-username="@Nakir" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/190/">@Nakir</a>