20 Chapter XX

Lord Grykail smiled at Kolvar and Uluc, "The procedure was a success. Both men are safe now and will recover successfully. Though I fear the doctor that was there may be a bit shaken up from the whole ordeal."

Kolvar clapped his hand on his friend's shoulder and smiled at him thankfully, "Thank you Grykail. I know how difficult it must have been for you. But I assure you that their families will be grateful."

Uluc looked at the pair and crossed his arms rolling his eyes, "Enough sentimental words we must discuss what we plan to say once the human royals arrive."

While the men discussed Alaisanna had Cerci and Kedori set up refreshments for their guests. Zestarri smiled and the pair of sisters helped set up the table. Happy with the decorations they had suggested for the interior. Alaisanna laid her books on the table, a record of their own elven history. She walked over to her sister and smiled, "Elora says the queen enjoys tea, and that she values etiquette just as we do Zestarri. I believe I may get along with the King's wife more than him" Alaisanna chuckled playfully and Zestarri shook her head linking arms with her sister as they went to finish helped Kedori.

Sarya was rocking the small child to sleep, singing an old elvish lullaby quietly. Naexi was beside her watching with loving eyes. "Oh Sarya, he is lovely. He has your hair and my brother's eyes. Oh, he will surely break young maidens' hearts when he is older." Naexi whispered to her sister in law brushing a strand of purple hair from her face.

"Aye Naexi, I wonder what your children will look like when you and Strolvac marry." Sarya teased and Naexi blushed pushing her lightly careful not to jar the sleeping child from his rest. Naexi glanced at Strolvac and smiled waving a hand to him, he blew her a kiss. Strolvac was talking to Katyr about married life and their times as children. They had all been playmates when they were younger.

"We're here, My King." The Driver said, opening the door to reveal a lodging. It was beautifully constructed. Alistair was the first to step out, sporting the most extravagant of clothes he had, his dark locks put into a half ponytail, and braids added throughout them, even his beard. Then came Calliope, looking much younger than her husband. Her long, platinum locks were woven into a well-made braided bun that sat atop her head, a beautiful golden crown to top off her formal, long dress. Lastly, came Archie last from their carriage, wearing quite possibly the less extravagant clothes out of them all.

"This way, My Majesties." The Butler, Seamus had arrived earlier than they left. He already made himself familiar with the lodging, already memorizing the windows, halls, and even where their quarters would be.

The First three entering, The Queen, King, and Eldest Prince towards the central meeting room. Behind the large opulent doors, they would groan open. Seamus would announce them, "Presenting King Alistair Lennox, Queen Calliope Lennox, and their chosen heir, Prince Archie Lennox of the Human Nations and the Kingdom of Lennox."

Archie watched his parents lock arms and enter the room, holding everyone's attention as soon as they emerged from behind the doors. Archie came strolling in behind them, placing the crown on his head to finish his lazy look. He couldn't calm his heart but put on a smile enough to charm an entire Kingdom. He couldn't help but smile brighter at the Elves looking at him. Archie couldn't deny how beautiful they all looked, making them seem like trolls in extravagant clothing. Among the large opulent room, he scanned the faces, finding the one who he would call his soon. She was even more beautiful than in the photo. His breath hitched as he went to go sit next to his mother. Across from the Elves, he was looking at Elora. When they locked gazes, he gave her a wink.

Aiduin was teasing Elora, she was trying her best to hold her temper. Just as she went to kick him the Butler could b heard introducing the royal Lennox family. The Elves quickly made their way to their seats, watching as the royals walked into the room. Elora looked at the King and then the beautiful Queen that followed and finally her eyes landed on him. Archie, she smiled noticing that he was wearing the shirt she had made. He looked a lot more like a common soldier than a prince, but it suited him. The Elves stood and bowed or curtsied to the family before sitting again. Elora was seated between her elder brothers, they had probably chosen these seats to watch the prince during the meeting. Aiduin looked at the prince then leaned to Elora whispering in her ear. "My dear sister. You darling prince is here." Elora flushed and glared at him kicking him under the table resulting in him holding his shin and glaring at her. She felt eyes on her and turned her head glancing at Archie and giving a small shy smile. Katyr noticed his sister glance and frowned crossing his arms. He narrowed his eyes at the boy and looked at his sister.

King Kolvar smiled and was the first to speak, "Welcome King Alistair, Queen Lennox, and Young Prince. We are pleased to finally be able to meet you. This is my wife, Zestarri-" Zestarri smile and nodded her head as she was gestured to, "And these are my children; Katyr, the eldest, and his wife Sarya with our newest addition to the family-" Katyr let his narrowed eyes turn into a smile and held his arm around Sarya as they bowed their heads politely. "My second oldest Naexi, and her betrothed. Strolvac son of Lord Uluc." They follow suit and bowed their heads Naexi smiling at them her violet eyes shining. "And finally my youngest children, Aiduin, and Elora." He gestured to the pair and Elora bowed her head shoving Aiduin so he could bow his head as well. When she lifted her gaze her eyes met with Archie's and she smiled staring at him from under her lashes.

"And these are my Lords. Queen Alaisanna of the West, Lord Uluc of the East, and as you've already met; Lord Grykail of the South." Each lord took their turn bowing their heads with respect to the family.

Alistair gave a warm smile, nodding off to the Elves he was introducing. The King of the Human Nations formally stood, giving a deep bow before introducing himself officially, "Thank you for the kind letters and for proposing such a grand treaty. I am King Alistair, but I'm not the most important- no. First, let me introduce my lovely Wife and first love, Calliope." Despite her qualms, Queen Calliope gave a slight bow, dipping her head subtly then giving a quick smile. "And…I don't wish to offend anyone, but I will introduce the rest of my family somewhere down the coming days," Alistair said, giving an apologetic smile.

He sat back down, "Let me introduce King Delafontaine." As if on cue, the doors came open with a slight thud to the newly made walls. An older male, looking stoic, and like he'd been in more wars than he could imagine, came strolling in. His grey hair spills around him, beard freshly cut to look more 'presentable' yet a sizeable portion of it still clings to his face, and a large golden crown dons his head. Pierre is older, yet moves around like he's in his 20s. Besides him is his second wife, Emeligne Delafontaine. She wears a golden crown that sits perfectly atop her head, dark brown dreadlocks spill down her back with several golden links on each dread. Emeligne holds a deep, tense air about her, her eyes capture the soul to those that catch them lingering on them. "His Wife, Emeligne Delafontaine," Alistair says, continuing down the line with two more appearing behind them.

"Accompanying them is their daughter and heir to the Delafontaine Throne, Lily Delafontaine." After Pierre and Emeligne take their seats at the table, their daughter is strolling in. A younger and spitting image of her mother, wearing a flowing, intricately made dress and cloak, she wears no crown, instead ops for wearing gold cuff links to the several dreads that are tied up in her brown, curls that flow down her back. "…and their personal guard, Solana." In walks behind Lily is an Elven Woman, she's lighter than the royals, wears tattoos across her face, and has an undercut. The Elf Guard is likely a halfling. She wears a white, simple sleeveless shirt with a collar that covers half of her neck, a golden necklace covers over the chest area. She has golden, honey irises that are sharp. She keeps a step behind the Princess and joins her side at the table.

"And last, but not least; My Council of Advisors. My War Commander, Hallr," In comes a large, bulky greying older male wearing armor, "My Diplomat, Aston." A skinny, yet average built male comes in, an air of elegance about him, "and My Spymaster, Hulda." She's taller than Aston, lining in step beside the diplomat, she wears beautiful attire, not knowing she's in armor and always armed.

King Alistair sits back down, "Now, I humbly apologize again for not introducing my children first, but I feel we should get the introductions of the others out there first." He folds his hands on the smooth surface of the table, "I figure we can familiarize ourselves as the Summit goes along. Now, for the deal, you propose…"

Kolvar, as well as everyone else, could feel the tension in the air when the Delafontaine's walked into the room. Even the elves had to admit that the Delafontaine women were exotic beauties. What had surprised them even more what their halfling guard, before this treaty they may have considered the girl a traitor. Seeing the halfling was much to Alaisanna's displeasure, though she hid it well. It wasn't that they hated halflings, it was the choice between sides they hated. Alaisanna saw halflings that chose humans were traitors to their kind. Now that the treaty was to be written Alaisanna would have to let her ill-will for them rest.

Lord Uluc watched the advisors walk-in amused, compared to the humans they all looked like lean weaklings, besides Kolvar of course. Of course, it is known that it was far from the truth. Though Elves had slimmer appearances, for the most part, they packed quite the punch. Uluc much like Alaisanna held no interest in the humans, but he had decided to lay his qualms aside for the time being. He thought it was humorous how the human's age showed so easily, while he was a few centuries old still looking like he was 21 summers old.

The lords listened to their new comrades and kept pleasant faces, Zestarri watched them with interest and smiled occasionally when her eyes met Calliopes or any of the other women that sat around the table. A little after King Alistair introduced hir warlords, Cerci and Kedori made their way into the room with trays of drinks and food. Cerci carried a tray of small sandwiches, fruits, and cheeses with two hands. He was nervous, a room full of royals, and not to mention he could practically slice the tension with a knife once the Delfontaines walked in the room. Kedori followed him with a stack of small golden plates in one hand and a tray of glasses filled with fruitful wine, and juice for those that preferred. Kedori was a little less nervous, but that didn't ease her worries. Normally she would serve the twins first, making her way to her elven lords. But, she had been instructed to serve, or at least try, the humans first.

Kedori walked over to the mass of human royalty and bowed her head giving a small curtsy and held out her hands, Cerci followed close behind. "Excuse me, Your Majesties, would you like a small refreshment. I'm sure you ll must have had a long journey." Kedori smiled, she knew her appearance might seem a bit strange to humans but she held no discontent towards them. She like many others only wished for peace.