Chapter 714: Planning (1/2)

Chapter 714 Planning

Ilea stood up and voted yes on the last of the four contracts, not a single person against any of the main resolutions.

“And with that, the main contracts are done,” Claire said. The physical papers moved past every council member by the Meadow, each adding a little of their mana as a confirmation.

“The question remains how this will all be announced. The peoples of Hallowfort will welcome the resources and opportunities this will open up, as surely will the Shadows and Sentinels,” Catelyn said. “But what about the rest of humanity?”

“Many will question our loyalties,” Sulivhaan said.

“The collaboration with a settlement of awakened non humans is problematic,” Elana said. “How much can you leverage the name of Lilith in the Plains?”

“Many consider her a hero, or at the very least a very powerful protector,” Dagon said.

“I don’t think Ilea would like more attention to her name,” Claire said and looked her way.

Ilea had thought about it too. “So, what do you say?”

“I still believe you’re focusing too much on me. It was you who brought everyone here. You’re the reason they trust me,” the Meadow answered. “But if you think it the best course of action, I will agree.”

“Thank you, friend,” Ilea said and stood up. “I agree, it would probably work with the name of Lilith. I know some high ranking generals, powerful hidden orders, and even the rulers of Kroll. But I think there’s a better way. More long term and wide spanning. The Meadow. Backed not only by myself, but by the Shadow’s Hand, the Medic Sentinels, Ravenhall, and Hallowfort. This treaty is not about Lilith, nor about any single settlement. We wouldn’t have the teleportation gates without its help, nor would Hallowfort have the same level of protection. I don’t know where I’ll be in five years, ten, a hundred. But the Meadow is millennia old, it will be here when I’m long forgotten.”

People exchanged glances before Catelyn spoke.

“The reputation of Lilith would still apply,” she said.

“And it’s a signal that this is something far greater than even her,” Sulivhaan said. “I have qualms about trusting the being called Endless Meadow with such a central position but I cannot deny the difference in sheer magical power and knowledge.”

“Would we not invite near religious devotion to a being most humans would never come close to comprehend?” Dagon asked.

“Even I have a cult following somewhere,” Ilea said. “So does Maro,” she added and glanced at Elana. “I don’t think that can be avoided with the kind of beings that are here.”

“A mediator more than a god,” Claire said. “The threat of its power would remain, a warning to all. It would mean our enemies do not only oppose our settlements, Lilith, the Shadows and Sentinels, but the Meadow itself. Once they learn who and what it is, opposition should seem like lunacy at best.”

“There will be many who would call us their enemies nonetheless. Perhaps especially because we chose to see a non human at our center,” Sulivhaan said.

“Then they’ll have to face me. Or change their backwards way of thinking,” Ilea said and glanced his way, his mask looking her way for a long moment.

“Anyone with any political or economic knowledge will understand the benefits,” Catelyn said. “We should not concern ourselves with those that fight us based on misguided hatred or a sense of superiority. The Feynor have fought the many awakened in the north for centuries. Showing courtesy to ignorance is not our way, and it never will be.”

“I agree,” Claire said. “It will open up the potential for other species to join this alliance, more so if they see it’s not only made for humans alone.”

Ilea watched the Ravenhall side of the council, but she couldn’t see more than a little bit of apprehension. Reasonable of course with the low power humanity truly wielded in this world. Something they had to get past if everyone was to thrive. And something the Lily doesn’t understand. It’ll be interesting to see how they react to this. Surely Helena would consider the greater good. Michael would love to learn more from the Meadow. Velamyr couldn’t deny the importance of teleportation gates. She hoped her considerations were founded in reality. It could very well mean an all out war if their convictions were deeper rooted than common sense.

“I will conquer all of you. Measly creATURES!” Twin exclaimed.

Ilea patted her head, looking at the large eyes. “Stop joking around, little one.”

A few of the attendees looked confused, some scared.

Apology. The being sent to everyone, including a sort of calm non confrontational emotion.

“We will stand behind the Meadow. More so if it helps with the acceptance towards any and all Awakened,” Catelyn said. She glanced between her council where everyone approved.

“As do the Sentinels,” Trian said.

Claire glanced between Dagon, Elise, and Sulivhaan.

The librarians nodded.

Sulivhaan did as well.

Pressured or convinced? Ilea wasn’t sure. Of course he had to agree in the setting and considering the circumstances. Most humans would likely agree, just to gain the ability to use the teleportation gates. But it would take time and effort to get actual acceptance. People discriminated against those from other countries or cities already, how much worse will it be with non humans? Or Elves. A bridge to cross in the future.

I suppose they managed to accept the lizardmen at the very least. And most humans at least know about dwarves.

“Any name suggestions?” Claire asked.

“The Meadow Accords,” Elana said.

Ilea smiled. “I like that one.”

“If none are in opposition, we will declare the official creation of the Meadow Accords, all members to be equal under the laws defined, all matters concerning everyone to be discussed and voted on here, in the domain of the Meadow, should it be reachable,” Claire said, the words written on the stone plates floating near the large table.

“Let’s hope you don’t get your god status back,” Ilea sent.

“You’re supporting me. If anything it will confuse your devout followers,” the being answered.

“We will prepare the appropriate paperwork,” Claire said. “For those in the Plains.”

“And we for those in the North,” Catelyn added.

“It won’t be enough,” Elana said. “The people need more than a vague political statement. They need a show.”

“What do you suggest?” Ilea asked.

“What else but a tournament? A show of power and wealth, potential glory and gold for the masses, and an opportunity to invite the representatives of potential allies and business partners. Festivities if you will, as excessive as possible,” she explained.

“A good place to showcase the teleportation gates as well,” Claire said. “Without excessive travel, the amount of people to participate should be unprecedented.”

“As would be opportunities for attacks, information gathering, assassinations, declarations of war,” Wayland added.

Trian smiled. “But we have you. The Medic Sentinels will provide security.”

“As will the guard of Hallowfort,” No added.

“I’ll be there too,” Ilea said.

Violence!

“You want to help? We could use someone to detect runes, spatial tampering, and stuff like that,” she said. Though I should be able to feel most of it myself.

“Would it be acceptable to host this event in Morhill?” Claire asked. “It has a lot of accommodation and we’ve been expanding for the future hub location anyway. Most humans would be uncertain about coming to the north, nor do I think it best to get them close to the Meadow. Not already.”

“Our people would want an opportunity to see the peaceful lands of the south,” Catelyn said. “I think it best, though the security of the event would be guaranteed with the presence of the Meadow.”

“As central as it is, it’s paramount we don’t stake everything on its existence. Our institutions are capable on their own, let’s have everyone know that,” Sulivhaan said.

“Ravenhall will carry the necessary costs. The benefits should more than offset any investments,” Claire said.

“Contracts for every Shadow available will be added too,” Sulivhaan said.

“I offer my services as a defensive measure too,” Aki said. “Though my abilities will be somewhat limited near Morhill.”

“More than enough to deal with anyone who would interfere,” Ilea said.

“I c… can help too,” Owl said.

Ilea glanced at her. “We’ll need some kind of disguise for you or people will freak out. Maybe a very large coat and a hat?”