The Balance of Life

Willow wouldn't speak to him as she would simply bow her head, after all it wasn't like she needed to explain to him about it, though as she left that aura of hers faded making the urge to drink his wine return. The servant he called was quick bowing their head as they stood there presenting a rather large goblet of it, saying nothing about what had happened after all it wasn't their place.

A deep breath finally escaped Willow's lips as she returned to her room, her body shaking as she looked down at her hands "I...need to calm down, if the elders see me like this...it could ruin the meetings..." she glanced around looking for Selene, "where is Selene...she should have been done with those 'chores' by now" she said softly but she shook her head. "I don't have time, if I'm to meet the elders I should get ready and out of this...get up.." she went to her closet pulling out an elegant blue gown it was blue silks and she smiled "at least its not all red" she said as she began to dress, having done this herself for many years without the need of servants. Her silver hair she went to put up but paused, remembering how Karyu said he liked it down looking at the hair ornaments she reached out grabbing hold of a hair comb with a red dragon on it. She would push some of her hair back behind her ear before sliding the comb into place. "There...this is tasteful" she smiled, then stood up and stepped out of the room seeing a servant not far off, instructing them to get a carriage to head down to the docks.

Karyu had already left, and had decided to spend some time exploring the port city on his own before the meeting. After all, the Azure Dragons were well versed in mercantilism and trade, and thus would be adding their wares into the new kingdom as he spread across the now united continent, it would be helpful to be able to speak to them in a manner that they understood he aimed to benefit them all

He could soon see the ships that had pulled into port preparing to unload at the dock as he let out a sigh "Another day and then it's back to the palace with my new wife in tow"he said to himself as he stepped through the cities grabbing a piece of dragonfruit from a stand and flipping the seller a gold coin, a huge overpay for the fruit but the man teared up and bowed "Thank you Lord Karyu!"he said "This is enough money to feed my family for the month!" as Karyu simply raised his hand dismissively as he continued walking as the sweet nectar of the fruit filled his lips. This rare fruit was actually the base for his enchanted wine, a special strain dragonfruit that was cultivated at the Imperial palace and fermented for his suppressing drink. If Vorkea knew he was wandering the streets alone, the man would likely have a heart attack, but Karyu has long since been a child and a man who did as he pleases whether you tried to stop him or not. And he hated having a security detail in tow with him, as if anyone could possibly do harm to him was a laughable suggestion he thought to himself taking another bite as he was walking past another shop and stopped as a shiny gem on a necklace caught his eye as he bent over picking up the fine looking gem that was a dazzling blue one set in a silver necklace frame "How much?"he questioned

The merchants moved about the docks doing what they knew best, moving cargo and setting it up to either go out of the port city or to furnsh the wares of the shops. ALready goods from the Azure Homelands were flowing in, as a few of the merchants had followed Lady Willow helping establish connections to keep the peace some things were a bit rocky but the guards made sure that everyone didn't break out into a fight. Though the dragon fruit he had consumed was a new brand that he had tried, it tasted sweeter and was cold as the juices ran down his throat as if chilled. They looked similar to the kind he normally had but the same chilling sensation that Willow brought seemed to fill him as he ate it, but when he stopped at the stall with the necklace the older women turned to look at him startled to see the Prince of all people at her stand. "Milord" she bowed her head, looking back to the necklace "It...it costs 5 Gold Milord, we know its a bit much but the stone itself is called a Dragons Eye"

Willow would soon go to the docks herself with a small smile, noticing a few of her merchants as she nodded her head to them. SHe was alone having been unable to find Selene but it wasn't like she had to fear anything. She walked the markets for now, her eyes darting towards the waters hoping to see her Uncle's Flag flying high to tell her they had arrived. "They should be here soon...perhaps I should get them something to eat..." she paused and sighed, "wait...I don't have any money...at least not the currency here.."

Karyu looked over the gem once more with a sharp eye before back to the woman as he reached into his robes and pulling out a small coin purse and dropping it onto the table for her as he put the necklace into his inner robes "Keep the change"he said simply before he continued walking off, having browsed through most of the wares and not wishing to carry a bunch of things into his meeting, he decided it best to head to the meeting room and await his new guests as he passed by, purchasing one more dragon fruit for the road as he delightfully chewed on its sweet flesh as he walked before arriving and sitting down on one of the large plushes that had accompanied him with his first visit with Lady Willow as he sat back closing his eyes resting until the time came as his mind racked over all the possible outcomes that could happen with today's meeting. Were the Azure Elders as stubborn as his own? From what Willow said, there was a far possibility that may be the case. He wondered just whose side Willow would take if push were to come to shove, having told her exactly what his plans were, and how he meant no deceit or harm for her people through the course of this treaty, however he also was not one to lie down and let other take advantage of his kindness either.

When the ships did finally arrive willow was thrilled as she smiled and stood waiting letting the dock hands do what they had to do to help bring the ships into place, when she saw her uncles she smiled as the oldest looked at her his hair turning silver with age but the pure silver hair that she had was different. None of her fathers family survived save for her, these were from her mothers side loyal servants and guards much like Selene was that had served the royal family before they married into it merging the two families together. "Uncle Garlin" she smiled moving to him as the older man reached her and bowed before soon hugging her. "Ah Willow...I'm so pleased to see you are safe...but where is your escort..that fo.." "Uncle..I came on my own to great you as family. I'm sure Prince Karyu is eagerly waiting for your and the others at the meeting room. How did the others fair?"

Garlin sighed but nodded, "They faired as well as one can expect for their ages" he said turning as a group of older men and even women began to move towards them bowing. In total there was 6 leaving her to be the 7th an odd number to help with ties and various other challenges that came with court meetings, "I'm so glad to see you all made it safe...I know you've just gotten here but the prince wishes to see you all but I promise as soon as the meeting is over I'll give you all a proper feast" she smiled happily. They bowed their heads to her before she lead them towards the meeting room. Once there she entered first as she could already tell Karyu was inside his aura making her shiver, as she held back her fear from earlier. "LOrd Karyu" she said softly as she bowed her head, her silver hair slowly slipping down her shoulder the simple yet elegant blue silks hugged her body but he would see the red dragon comb in her hair pinning just a bit of it over her ear. "My counsel as arrived and if you are ready...we can begin"

Karyu was notified by one of the servants that the ship had docked and the Azure Council and Lady Willow were proceeding towards him as he sat up stretching slightly and taking a drink of his wine, hopefully enough, combined with Lady Willow's aura, to keep him calm and cool headed through the course of the meeting that he prayed did not drag on too long

Once the canvass was drew back, Karyu inclined his head as the older dragons began to enter "It is a pleasure to host all of you"he stated "I must be honest, my own council of Elders has decided to go against my better wishes, so I have decided to remove them from the negotiation process. They still believe your people to be subservant to ours, and that is not the relationship I do not wish to foster in negotiating this treaty for our people. I do hope you understand and forgive their transgressions, they tend to be stuck in the old ways of my father. Let me assure you, that I am not him."he said closing his eyes "I do not wish for any more of our divine blood to be shed across the battlefield."he stated aloud much to the surprise of the Elder ones who had finally all gathered in the room

The elders would turn to look at him as they entered the tent, it was a bit different from when Willow first entered instead of the small table with the few pillows for sitting it was now a much larger table with several as well as cups for any drinks that was needed. Each elder took their spot and Willow would soon ease herself beside Karyu to be polite after all the two of them were to be married. She looked to Karyu as he made his speech and Garlin eyed the boy looking him up and down then look to Willow before speaking "It is an honor to finally meet the man behind all of this" he said as he would bow his head.

"I am her highness's Leading Commander of her forces Lord Garlin....I also am her uncle, my late sister her mother would be over joyed to see that her daughters future husband is as well off as you are" Willow's cheeks turned red as she would speak "Uncle..please..." Garlin looked at her before speaking, "Apologies milady, simply stating a compliment...your mother would be in fact joyed" Willows cheeks were turning red at this point as she shifted there uneasy, "we..we aren't speaking of our marriage just yet as is Commander....we...this is to talk about the treaty and how our people will enter this land" she said trying to change the subject. Garlin sighed, "yes very well..." he stated as he then glanced to the others. Allowing them to introduce themselves till the oldest of them, an older woman would speak "Milord, I understand why you have decided to not include your own counsel...we are grateful that you are not wanting to follow their lead of suppression."

The womans blue eyes would glance at Karyu's and he would feel a cool aura around her, as she sat there something about her made him think of Willow. "This alliance comes at a time that is needed, our people are not as they used to be...the war 100 years ago put a heavy blow to us, it is joyess to know that on the day you and our princess are to wed...will be the anniversary of that battle putting an end to the blood shed once and foreall...but that is another matter...for now we simply ask just what you desire from us. We are a poor people our royal family resides in only two people one is sitting beside you as Lady Willow....the other....in me....Till Willow turned of age I was leading Empress of our lands....I am Lady Jaina"

"Yes, Willow had mentioned how thin her bloodline has been spread all these decades."Karyu said to the woman with cool blue eyes across from him as he nodded his head in her direction "And as for what I desire, that is quite simple. I wish for our people to come together. My father was a man whose head was clouded by rage and war. He knew nothing other than the thrill of conquest and to lay waste to his enemies. However I have evolved past their narrow way of thinking"he told them as he stood up, his aura commanding the room with his powerful presence

"My wish is for us to no longer spill our blood on the ground, but to unite our blood, and lead us back to being a race of true Dragonkin, much like our progenitors. As I'm sure you all know well, long ago, our people were but of one dragonflight, those Dragonborne reigned supreme over the land and all other creatures came to us for guidance and wisdom. Yet something happened, and the factions of the Dragonkin split, over time becoming the Crimson and the Azure. No longer do I wish for our tribes to war against one another, I am seeing peace in hopes that future generations will benefit from this prosperity."he said "It is a simple wish, but one that must overcome much adversity in order to happen. By ending this war, integrating your people, and by marrying the princess and siring an heir, I am hoping to able along this process of peace I am seeking. The Princess, I believe, has come to see that my words are true and my vision is sincere. I wish no harm to come to your people in the signing of this treaty. All I wish if for your allegiance in following my Empire."

Jaina sat still watching him, her blue eyes calm collected as she felt his aura but she just listened to him he was a passionate man she could sense that as she closed her eyes. He had a noble quest the same as her granddaughter, though Willow was the crowned princess Jaina was still empress till Willow married. "That is a noble thing to desire...both of you. I can sense the great pride and fire that you hold within yourself young prince" she said simply as she opened her eyes, "but declaring an alliance and seeing it done are two different things together, the people still dislike one another. Your elders have proven that dislike, many even in this room do not feel the way you two do" she said simply, Willow opening her mouth to say something but Jaina held up her hand silencing the girl. "I mean no rudeness my dear, it is simple facts that you will have to learn one day when you are empress yourself...this old woman has seen the blood shed that my own husband helped create, that my son lost his life to....it shames me to know that my granddaughter must shoulder this burden upon herself as the last of the Azure dragon line" she looked at him. "An alliance is of course necessary, we have proven they work with the four beast lords. So what I ask...is land given to us to build up homesteads as well as crops. The land around the bay will be sufficient we've notice upon entering several buildings are in poor condition, we will take those as well for homes help rebuild and popular this city and go from there."

She said as Garlin would nod his head, "Another request is that our armies merge together, my men will help take over the city guard here as well it will provide a positive presence that we can help aid in security. I will help over see that as well as personalty take on your own guard, I still find it unsettling that you were in the docks without escort"

“I suppose learning the customs for her and my future homeland wouldn’t hurt anything.” She said and fell into step beside the general. “Thank ou for your words. Since this war has lasted so long, many men have gone to join in the fighting. I have lost my father, one of my brothers and a young man I was promised to. An arranged marriage as our people’s numbers have run thin and finding a partner was not always an option.” She explained. Not sure why she felt the need to go into such detail.

"I have already crafted an initiative that will allow for full integration of your people across"Karyu stated "Especially with the actual Imperial City. You all have free reign of this port city as well to do with as you please"he said with a nod "As for you taking up within my guard, I also see no issue with that. My main General Vorkea will be able to help integrate your people into our lands as well, learn the customs of the palace and the guard details."he said being very agreeable with their requests. He had anticipated that this may be what was going to happen, and as long as nothing egregious was asked of him he was prepared to grant most of their requests "I would like our armies to be merged, however, I do have to request that I have a meeting with the beast lords you are allied with. I have had my own problems with them in the past, and wish to make sure this alliance will be one that is mutual to both of our parties. The beast lords have attempted to attack my father's hunting parties in the past"he explained to the others "However I am willing to make sure this alliance works. Lady Willow has begun to convince me that I should be of open mind when hearing others suggestions"

Vorkea looked back at her seeing a faint look of sadness in her eyes that he would soon reached out gently brushing back a lose strand of hair behind her ear, “it is a painful thing to lose someone so close, one day I hope to pay my respects to those who have fallen. For now we simply can only live for the future, for our customs I think you will find them to your liking. It would be great to also learn your own my dear.” He said with a warm grin.

Willow listened to her grandmother she had the right words and it seemed to be a fair request, luckily the prince was already willing to do such. Though when he asked about the beast lords willow would speak “they aren’t ours to command milord, they do not travel to us we had to travel to them...it would be the same for you as well....though when we are married they should uphold their alliance to you as well since you will be my husband.”

"Let us be sure that will still be the case."Karyu stated as he sook his head "I do not wish for any surprises to arise. But I personally will not be traveling to their lands" he stated "I have had my troubles with them in the past, and to travel into their midst may be a trap...or suicidal as they have made it abundantly clear we are not allies" he told them "However if you can verify that they will uphold their allegiance to you, then that will have to suffice for now."he said simply with a shrug of his shoulders "Was there any other demands you wish for me to acquiesce to before signing this treaty?"he questioned looking them over "I have decided to come into this meeting with a clear and open mind and thus far your requests are not as far gone as I originally imagined. You will have your land, you will join my army, and your people will be treated just as any other citizen by rule of law in these lands. Anything else?"

"I'll see what we can do on contacting them" Jaina said simply as the other elders nodded in agreement, "as for anything else, no...we are not the kind to demand much just the basics, food, water and the ability to live." she said looking over towards her granddaughter then back to Karyu. "If that is all that is need of discussion, we will see to it that our people start arriving easier trade we see is already opened and our native dragon fruit seems to be selling like hot cakes among your people..we will have to start an orchard of them once we get the land situation settled."

Willow nodded her head as she smiled a bit, glad to see this go well as her uncle soon would stand up helping Jaina to her feet as well. "Thank you for this meeting Young Prince.." he bowed just slightly only to turn and leave with the others in toe as Willow sighed heavily, "that went better than expected..."

Selene blushed again. “I...I wouldn’t mind sharing them....our people will joined once their Highnesses are Married, our people will be blended together. A blending of all our traditions is bound to happen, granted it is an easy process all involved.”

Karyu nodded his head to them "Ah, there is one more thing."he said right at the end as everyone was standing "I am openly inviting you to sit on my council as representatives of your people in my own council meetings. As I mentioned, my council seems to still be stuck in their old ways, but this has shown me that progress can be made when clear heads prevail"he said waving to them as the agreed and left before he turned to Willow "I anticipated as much. Honestly I was expecting their demands to be through the rough after 600 years of war and bloodshed"he stated before looking around "We are finally alone?"he questioned as he reached into his robes

Karyu pulled out the necklace he had purchased earlier and held it out before her as the blue gem dazzled brightly in the sunlight "I was walking through the markets earlier and this caught my eye. I felt it fitting for you to have it. It matches your aesthetic"he commented holding it out to her "Let this be a sign of this treaty and our marriage being solidified. All that is left is to sign the actual document, and have a wedding ceremony."he told her

Vorkea would nod and smirked a bit seeing her blush, she was rather adorable all red faced as he chuckled and would step back from her. "Ah yes the great wedding of the century, suppose to be a grand one I've never attended a royal wedding far to boring for my taste but with the prince knowing him...he's probably got some grandure thing set up to show the might of a dragon" he turned scratching the back of his neck. "What sort of customs do you hold for things like that, to be honest I've done much digging on your people but never can find out much your rather good at hidding things you don't want others to know."

Willow paused when he suddenly pulled out the necklace once the others were gone, she looked at the jewels and was startled by them and she looked up. "t...milord...tha..thank you..." she said as she would let her fingers gently run over the silver. "Its trully beautiful...I...I feel rather bad that I have..nothing to give to you..." she said as she would pick it up and pull some of her hair back so she could attempt to put it one. She shivered a first feeling the cool metal against her skin while the blue gem rested upon her collar bone looking like it was going to dip down between her breasts.

“We have had to learn to be secretive and keep to ourselves best we could these last hundred years.” She said, “but for weddings, if a young man were to choose his bride, he would first provide himself worthy to the family. Not as much a skilled warrior but in his ability to provide, protect, and endure what trials would come after the My two were wed. A young lady would prove herself in return to his family in her ability to do the same. Though many women are not in the army, we teach them how to wield a blade Incase the war were brought to our brought to our front door.” She explained. “The families would then meet and bless the couple or denounce them. But sometimes, fairly often with our dwindling numbers, families will choose their child’s partner and go through many lengthy discussions about it. As if the child in question is cattle and has no say. But we do what we must.”

"You are giving me your life to join me as my wife and putting the survival of your people into the will of the empire. I think there is no greater thing you can give me that I will desire more than that. Your commitment to peace will be a testament that will stand throughout time."Karyu said as he drank in her appearance as he swiftly moved behind her "Allow me to help"he said as his firm yet surprisingly soft hands gently took the clasp from her hands and fastened the necklace around her neck. Being this close he could tell she smelled sweet, and her hair had a healthy sheen to its silvery strands before he stepped back from her "Ah, excuse me"he said though could feel the heat welling up inside of him again as he took a deep breath "Allow me to grab my wine. I hear that it is made from the dragonfruit that is harvested in your country? I guess I must thank you all for growing the fruit that has granted me clarity of vision."he said flashing her a smile as he grabbed the flask of wine that was placed on a table nearby

Vorkea listened to her as she explained how the weddings and other aspects of it came into play, he reached up rubbing his chin his beard he ran his fingers through before speaking. "Your rather traditional with that aspect, arranged marriages, dowries....though it would seem fitting for such an ancient clan as yours" he eyed her, his own eyes running over her as if trying to judge if she was lying to him. "though as for proving to the brides family, well that seems rather unnecessary in this case, after all she is the last well save for her uncles...as if they give their permission"

Willow would feel his hands against her own but she would let him take the clasp of the necklace and shivered some as his fingers just brushed her skin. She remained as calm as she could, but something in her seemed to well up once again just as he roared out moments later. The sight of those flames made her quiver as she looked away quickly, gripping the necklace some now to center herself but as he brought up the wine she nodded, "it is....an ancient recipe of my clan...it has always brought clarity and calmness to the mind....we normally only prepared it for special ceremonies but well....seeing as you milord are one of the top consumers it has brought some...revenue to our lands" she said softly, shifting as she tried to make sure she wasn't starring to long. "it has a very delicate growing process so I am unsure how well it will grow here but...I have asked that several of our younger plants be moved here, in hopes we can grow some...once of course the land heals up some"

“Willow is the head of her family as she is the next queen. She does not need her uncles permission. Her oldest uncle though will take over as regent for the area once the wedding and negotiations are finished.” She said.
“But what sort of traditions do you have when it comes to matters like this?” She asked

"Really?"Karyu said as he took a step back to admire her appearance "I had not realized I had provided such a source of income for your people. My father didn't much believe in the power of trying other ways to calm his inner fire. He fed the flames of rage and war and in the end it blinded and consumed him. I will not fall victim, so let us hop that the young seedlings are able to take root in our lands once the ground has been restored."he said

"Allow me to ask, is there anything that currently needs my attention amongst your people? We have preparations being made for the wedding ceremony and the discussion of adding members of your clan to the council. The merchants are unloading the ships and conducting business with the business class in the city.....everything seems to be running surprisingly smooth....and that is what worries me....because when things go smoothly, a large hiccup is waiting to abound at some point, and I would like to mitigate that inevitability as much as possible."he stated looking out the window once more "Shall we continue our walk?"

Willow nodded her head "yes, I'm hoping the growth of the vine can work well...we do have some able to grow in pots so if we have those and once the soil is healthy...all should go well but...till then the shipments will have to come from my homeland." she stated reaching up to gently push some of her hair from her face that had fallen free. "I do wonder if the flavor will change....back home the weather is colder than here, its why it has that cooling sensation when you drink it...at least I always thought it did, I drink it mainly when I am not feeling well it goes really well with some honey..." she would shift, blushing a bit as she realized she was starting to ramble so when he asked about the walk she nodded.

"Ye...yes of course, though you are right milord...about things going smooth and something could happen but...so long as we are prepared things will go well. SO long as we go through the ceremony and are wed...I do not think anything will be able to disrupt the peace between our clans or our kingdoms. There's been so much hatred...its time that peace...and lack of a better term here....love now come to our people and to all around us...even to the other clans not just our own."

The old general would laugh chuckling "traditions? my dear we are a waring clan, war is our tradition..blood is our bread and drink. Has been since the last ruler, traditions went out the window when he took the throne...Karyu is of course different wanting to step away from the blood bath path that his father set, so what traditions we get....are no doubt going to be yours little one"

“It’s admirable than that his Majesty wishes to bring peace amongst our clan. As well as a General of you caliber to be so open for an end to the fighting.” She said and looked back up to him, “Perhaps even quite charming.” Selene said with a small smirk at the edge of her lips.
They soon reached his chambers and she stepped to side of the doors. “I’ll wait here while you freshen up.”

"And that is the part that worries me. For it is not just our kin that are involved, but the entire world."Karyu stated with a sigh as they continued walking "I know that there is growing dissent among the beastfolk that the Dragons reign supreme over. You all call them your allies, but my spy network is vast and my eye sees all. These lesser lords have been conspiring together for something, I'm just not too sure what that something is yet."Karyu told her "At first, we believed it was your people that were selling our weapons to the beasts. As you well know, only a dragonforged weapon is strong enough to pierce the scales of a dragon. We thought that you had allied yourselves with the beasts in order to mount full scale war against us. However our research showed your alliances were much more for economic stability and trade more than militaristic allegiances. But then that leaves the question as to how the beasts are obtaining our armaments"he pondered aloud "Perhaps a traitor amongst my own ranks? A fool-hardy notion no doubt considering the great purge I enacted to rid my soldiers of any who were stuck in the old ways of thinking."he said as he brought his hand to his chin "But if not a traitor then what else could it be?"




During this time, a meeting was being conducted in secrecy down in the South Lands. In a darkened den, cloaked figures removed their hoods as a man stepped forward from the shadows "My Lords and Ladies, thank you all for gathering here again. It seems our former meeting location has been compromised. I readily underestimated the strength and reach of Lord Karyu's spy network."he said bowing his head "For now this will be the safest spot for our meetings"

"Like hell it is"a larger man grumbled as he removed his hood "We are proud Beast Lords, being relegated to tucking our tails and hiding so the big bad dragon doesn't lose his cool."he snapped angrily "I still say we just take the fight directly to his doorstep and fight him on Imperial Land." he stated thumping his chest. This was Okuma, the grizzled leader of the Bear Tribes in the Northern Forests "We've just been lazily standing by letting these dragons call all the shots for centuries and I won't stand for it any longer."