Chapter 714: Planning (2/2)

“If you think that is enough?” Owl asked.

“It would be best to have Owl on standby,” Trian said. “In case anything comes up that would require a four mark Lich to interfere. Though as Ilea said, I doubt this would happen. We arguably have enough power present to oppose the armies of all the Plains.”

“Civilian casualties is what we want to prevent. Our enemies will want to sow chaos and mistrust,” Wayland said. “Lilith has proven to be virtually immortal. They will not strike at her, or any of the leaders.”

“Get the Pit involved then,” Ilea said. “They’ve been experts at defending their city against high level threats. They’re security experts if I’ve ever seen any,” she looked towards Bralin, the dwarf watching with Goliath from a distance.

“Perhaps it’s best to get more parties involved first, I agree,” Claire said. “Riverwatch is already deeply connected to us. If we can involve their guard, most people wouldn’t question the integrity of a Dark One guard, Aki, or the Sentinels. The preparations will take months anyway. If all are in favor, I will initiate contact with the Pit and Riverwatch, for their representatives to meet here and discuss their integration into the Accords.”

“Add Stormbreach and maybe even Yinnahall to that,” Ilea said. “And we can hire Healers from the Corinth and Balance Orders.”

“Are we not stretching ourselves too thin?” Dagon asked.

“No. You’re right but with teleportation networks, the distance becomes irrelevant. Even defenses can be built up quickly if materials and people can be moved near instantly. We will have to move around a lot to get everything set up,” Sulivhaan said.

“I’m pretty quick,” Ilea mused. “And I’m sure the leaders of those places wouldn’t be opposed to a gate near their settlements that would lead to Morhill, or even near Ravenhall. I assume there will be more than a single hub?”

“One official one,” Claire said. “But of course there will be hidden gates all around. Only Morhill will have gates inside the walls. It’s a risk but with the adventurer density we expect, and the additional security measures we’ll install, it should be the city best suited to handle an attack.”

“Then we shall start planning everything right now, announcements, plans, security, mercenary contracts, and all related measures. I suggest a rough draft before we meet with our contacts and return here again in two week’s time,” Claire said. She could barely contain the grin on her face.

“All in favor?” Catelyn asked and everyone confirmed.

“Let’s show the world who we are,” Claire said. “Meadow I need a presentation board.”

Ilea sat back and watched the show with a glass of wine. The poison was laughable of course but it tasted nice enough. She still preferred ale. Her tasks in all this would be the errand girl, both because most of the rulers knew her or at least about her, and because of her speed. She would bring Iana and Christopher including the materials for the connecting gates to the relevant cities and help them set everything up while she delivered letters to the people in charge. One of the simplest tasks really in everything that was being discussed.

They had added Bralin to the planning, the dwarf commenting on the extensive map of Morhill and the surrounding landscape presented in a three dimensional stone conjuration floating in mid air. He added his own rock to the Meadow’s creation, with comments on choke points, issues, the best places to build arenas and walls.

It became more and more clear to Ilea that most everything they discussed could be provided by the Meadow alone. At a moment’s notice even. Barriers, surveillance, teleportation, walls, enchantments. But of course the being couldn’t span the whole continent. Not yet at least, she thought and squinted towards the tree’s location.

The fact didn’t really matter however. They had so many potential allies and resources that she had a good feeling about the plans. At least it was unlikely for Audur to show up in the south, more so than here. Ascended and Monarchs they could potentially handle even without the Meadow, or so she hoped. I really just want to fight them again. Especially that arrogant ass elf. Just one punch in his perfect face to wipe that superior expression off.

Noro she was just interested to fight again, to see if she could hold her own now, with all the advancements since last time. I should probably fight some more monsters between now and the tournament. Just to get my skills back on track, enhance the rest of my skills, and get more levels. Iz seems like a good place to start.

She could feel Feyrair’s mark closer now. He had been informed by the Meadow about the happening and waited currently.

“You wanted some violence, right?” she asked the Fae on her right shoulder.

Violence?

Y E S

“Alright then,” she sent and stood up. A few of the attendees glanced her way but she addressed Claire. “I’ll get some fresh air and training in. Think I’m still needed here? Otherwise I’ll come see you once everything is ready.”

“Go work your magic,” the woman replied, an excited look on her face still, stacks of neatly organized documents and books in front of her. “I’ll contact you through the mark.”

“Great.” Ilea sent. “I’ll be taking my leave to work on my magic.” She expected a few of them to notice but every single attendee waved, nodded, or said their well wishes. Some of the Hallowfort representatives even bowed.

“And you still imply I’m the main figure in these Accords. I will say this, Ilea, I accept the official name, but personally I will call them Lilith Accords,” spoke the Meadow.

“All I really did was sign, but whatever pleases your god brains,” she answered. Twin had already left her shoulder upon her declaration, Violence holding on while dangling his legs.

“Whatever keeps your sense of independence satisfied,” the being retorted. “To the elf I assume?”

“Yes. To the elf,” she answered before anybody else could ask to join.

Ilea appeared a moment later at the outskirts of the Meadow’s domain, a Fae on her shoulder and black wings spreading behind her.

Feyrair sat on a large boulder, his red hair flowing in the wind much like it would in a shampoo commercial, his reptilian eyes glancing her way upon arrival, a slight smirk lifting the corners of his mouth. “Earlier than expected.”

[Beast Warrior – lvl 472]

“You waited for me? Also what’s with the level, weren’t you at like four thirty a few weeks ago?” Ilea asked.

“I enjoyed the quiet,” he answered. “And yes. The question is more what you’ve been doing in those weeks, barely a difference. Somehow you feel even a little weaker.”

“You’re evading the question. What did you fight? That might be useful for me as well,” Ilea said, tilting her head slightly to the side.

The Elf avoided eye contact as his scale armor formed to cover his face. “No.”

Ilea raised her hands. “No? What do you mean no?”

“I… would like not to talk about it. The… everything… is dead. No benefits left. Let us leave it at that,” he said.

She squinted her eyes at him, unsure what his strange behavior meant. Is he… embarrassed?

“Now I’m even more curious,” she said.

The elf shrugged. “That is not my concern. Has the faction meeting concluded to your satisfaction?”

“I’ll get back to this… at some point,” Ilea said. “And yes, it has. We’re already looking to expand on allies and an official announcement is going to happen soon. Teleportation gates and all. We haven’t brought up the Cerithil Hunters yet, Dark Ones alone are going to be difficult to accept for a lot of humans.”

“I understand. And so would the other Hunters. Whenever you deem them ready. I’m sure we could work something out, though I understand if the involved factions would prefer never to cooperate. We are exiles after all,” Feyrair said. “Why do your auras seem weaker?”

“We will work something out. Worst case you can have a base with the Meadow or Sentinels. Much easier to stop humans from attacking you than it is Monarchs,” she said.

Violence, the Baron confirmed.

“I enhanced some of my skills with core points. They get reset to the first level in the third tier. With some enhancements. Just gotta level them again, which is partially why I’m here. Audur is still around, as are the Monarchs,” she said.

“Can’t ever get enough,” the elf said with a smirk. “Well I’m getting closer to the third mark. I’m not going to stop anytime soon. Will the metal mage be joining us? He was promising.”

“I didn’t ask,” Ilea said. “Meadow, can you ask Kyrian if he wants to join too? Hunting monsters, exploring a bit, some Taleen stuff maybe. No pressure.”

“He expresses gratitude and says it is understandable if you wish to spend some alone time with your Elven friend,” the Meadow answered.

“Really? Get him out here,” she said.

“Hi,” Kyrian said, giving her a nod and waving at Feyrair.

“Cursed one,” Fey said and nodded back.

“What was that about alone time?” she sent to the man.

“I mean… you two… no?” the man sent back, already strategically covered in steel armor.

“Oh no, you’re right, I just wanted you to join,” she said, watching as he froze up in the air. He turned his head slightly and made a weird sound. “Join in training, because let’s be honest, the others couldn’t keep up with us.”

She expected him to remain confused for a few seconds but he was back near instantly.

“We can’t exactly keep up… dragonling… congratulations on the growth. Did you find a promising dungeon?” he asked.

“I will not speak of it,” Fey answered.

Violence.

“Yes, you’re right. We’ve been standing around for too long. Let’s find something to fight. Any suggestions?” Ilea asked.