<a class="postlink" href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/77/9c/dd779c59c8ad4c3fb906849e4b097a82.jpg"><span style="color: #66CDAA">King Lorien</span></a>had been sitting initially as he waited for his daughter and her, chosen partner to accompany him here. But by the time the two arrived he was standing on the balcony of his chambers, aged eyes gazing mournfully out toward the sea and the ships that could been seen looming in the horizon, much like that of his probable future son-in-law had been doing only moments before.<br/><br/>Concern and worry was etched on his face as he looked on at the sea. He knew the potential here. Far more than anyone else may realize. And he knew who would end up bearing the brunt of this conflict should it turn into war. His daughter. That was not something Lorien took lightly. But he knew, no matter what he did, that her part in this was going to be unavoidable.<br/><br/>Despite what the counsel may have to say about her choosing Feron as her love, the king knew that this was likely the best choice she could have made, a strong, capable, and defending warrior as opposed to the quibbling sort that nobility had become. He was more than happy to encourage and allow her choice behind the counsel’s back… for now.<br/><br/>When the pair entered his chambers and were announced loudly, he wiped his face with a withered hand and replaced his look of distress with that of something calm and inviting, turning to face his daughter with a warm smile and opened arms. She wasted little time in crossing the expanse of room to greet him with a chaste kiss to his cheek and a small hug.<span style="color: #BA55D3">“What news father? Have we learned anything more?”</span>she asked him, again wasting little time to get straight to the point. That was his daughter though. Ever blunt and never dallying. At least not when it concerned matters of importance. And the look on Feron’s face told him that he was not likely to waste much time either, his eagerness to learn of anything new showing in his stern features.<br/><br/>Sighing the kind nodded his fragile head, turning and clasping his hands behind his back to gaze out of the balcony again.<span style="color: #3CB371">“I sent a messenger to these ships, far before anyone here knew of their arrival. They come in search of raw material, thought their terms are less than desirable. They have agreed however, to listen to the voices of the lands they wish to pillage, to see if a peaceful resolution and possible trade agreement can be made.” </span>Lorien then turned again to face his daughter and her beloved.<span style="color: #3CB371">“I’m sending the two of you,”</span>he stated matter-of-factly, eying them both to gauge their reaction.<br/><br/><span style="color: #3CB371">“You’ll be traveling to Torserin as soon as possible, where delegates from all the races will be meeting to come to a conclusion. It is my hope that with your wisdom and grace, War can be avoided, but should it not, then you’ll have Feron at your side to protect you, and your training in the magical arts to aid you home where we will fight if it becomes necessary. This is.. a heavy burden I know. But I believe that you will be the best person to go in my stead. I must remain here to protect the people with my last breath should if need be, and you must speak for our lands and demand peace.”</span>He glanced up at his daughter warily. He knew she’d not say no. And his heart ached to be able to hide her away and keep her safe. But she was stubborn, like her mother, and would not do such a thing even if he dragged her kicking and screaming there himself.<br/><br/>He then looked to Feron, a meaningful look in his old, tired eyes that spoke of his trust in him.<span style="color: #3CB371">“And I know that you’ll protect her.”</span><br/><br/>All the while, Aravae had been silent up until now, nodding softly as she tapped her lips in thought. She knew what he meant. She knew what he was intending. This was his way of giving her an important task without hiding her from the fray completely. Even knowing his alternative motives she wouldn’t be able to say no to such a quest and she knew that he knew that. Softly, she nodded her head again,<span style="color: #BA55D3">“Yes father.” </span>