RP:Building Bridges; An Elven Outreach

From HollowWiki

Part of the Rynvale New Dawn Arc


LOCATION: Kelay Sage forest; Natural Crossroad and The Serene Glade

From bending bough to sturdy branch hopped the nimble ranger, nimble hands grasping overhanging tree-limbs to further extend the already jaw-dropping leaps through the winding foliage. Silvery curls whipping about his fair visage as nesting birds tweeted and cawed around him, joined occasionally by squirrels and similar critters whom took a moment to run and dart beside the ranger. He burst suddenly from the treetops, one arm thrown over his head to cushion his impact with the floor. Knees lifted to tuck into his chest as a quick contortion of the elf's lithe form sent his weight tumbling over his shoulder, enacting a swift roll from which the archer emerged, head lowered, one arm crossed over his abdomen in a bow suitable to Liana's stature. “I thank you for agreeing to meet me here, Lady Eladrelle,” began Lirithen, arching his back straight and retrieving, from within an armoured coat pocket, the parchment which bore the signature and fluid hand of the Governess, “there is much to discuss, and report.”

Liana halts her forward motion as the ranger comes tumbling from the trees. In contrast to her appearance on his last meeting, the archdruid's large stomach appears to be gone. The woman, slim and lithe as once she was before, shows no sign of ever having carried that extra burden, testament to the healing skills of Luthentius and Rikailin. "Greetings," says she calmly as she turns, the bundle against her back now hidden from view. "Much to report, you say? Then allow us to speak of the matter. How fair you, protector of Sage? And what is this that you must report to me so urgently?"

Lirithen hid the motion of his lofted brow by arching his head and shaking his hair out behind him, upset that such blatant displays of curiosity may offend some measure. He only now noted the drastic change in her figure, and having not quite expected it, it came as a large surprise. “Erm... Yes,” the ranger cleared his throat, dragging his eyes from the woman's stomach and casting a glance over the letter in his hand to refresh the memory of his orders. “As you are probably aware... Rynvale was recently liberated by the combined efforts of the Fold and numerous other parties. The Lady Arien has assumed the position of Governor. I, myself, have been offered a position commanding the island's rangers,” he was unable to keep the boast from his tone, “and this has prompted the Lady to suggest a most interesting prospect. I have been sent here as an ambassador, m'lady, of the high elven royalty, who wish this day to begin healing relations between our cultures. The King and Queen offer us alliance, Lady Eladrelle. A profitable unison between our two similar species.”

Liana purses her lips at the news he brings, her expression one of unhappiness. "You have been offered a position commanding the island's rangers? And have you accepted this, protector of Sage?" The answer, it seemed, was of great importance to the woman. "in either case, I must needs speak to the lady Arien about this. In all honesty, I am surprised to find that she feels the need to send an ambassador to deliver her words to my ear." Liana does not add that, due to the friendship the women had once shared, this fact saddens her also. She seats herself upon a tree stump, not needing to cast a glance over her shoulder to ensure the wrapped infant is still sleeping. She can feel the little one's life flow, and the gentle rhythm speaks more clearly than vision ever could. "Might I see that letter?" she asks, holding out one hand.

Lirithen tilted forward in a second low bow, this one of a far more regal posture, legs clamped tightly while arms straightened and lifted to hover either side of him, his hands just a few inches from his waist. A bow reserved for those of Rynvalian station, and enacted now as if it somehow gave him clearance to explain the Governess, “please understand, Archdruid, that the Governess is very busy of late. She has numerous meetings scheduled with persons of authority throughout the realm, formalizing alliances and overseeing the restoration of the Port, as well as implementation of new defenses and managing the delegation of lesser offices to the many, many applicants. I am certain, had she the time, she would have come here herself. Doubtless she will put all else aside to arrange the meeting when I inform her of the necessity.” Fingers tightened their already vice-like grip upon the parchment in his hand, his hand lifting to hold the missive defensively to his chest. “I am afraid the letter contains words meant only for my eyes, as it contains some details of Rynvale's political affairs that must remain secret... However...” Emerald gaze examines the letter closely for a moment, gauging the risk. He mused for a second, biting his lip, before eventually deciding to carefully tear the letter in half, the section deemed 'safe' handed to the elfess, while the classified information was thrust into a coat pocket.

Liana accepts the letter with a nod and a quiet, "I thank you." As she reads, however, her thoughts spiral. As is her habit, she allows no trace of her musing to show upon her still, immobile face, but when she has finished, flinty eyes lift to his. "You accepted the post, did you? Do not avoid my question, protector of Sage. I wish a straight answer, and that I shall have. Did you accept the position to command the rangers who protect the aisle of Rynvale? Yes or not?" her intense gaze does not wavier, holding his tightly as she watches his response. The bundle on her back stirs then, a tiny, feeble whimper coming from the depths. "As for Arien, I shall meet with her, yes. Instruct her please to make contact with my mind. If she chooses to use a messenger, I shall follow suit and do likewise, although I see little need. You say she is busy, yet she need not come here to speak with me. Remind her of that if you will."

Lirithen blinked, obviously having to failed to realize the importance of the query, and having dismissed it in favour of addressing the concerns that seemed more pressing. “I intend to accept, yes,” replied the tree-born, giving a slight dip of the head. A single ear twitched at the sound that emanated from somewhere behind the woman, but it went unquestioned. “Rynvale's forests need to be tended, no? I feel I can bring much expertise to the rangers I would command. Do you... Have an issue with this, m'lady?”

Liana 's gaze sharpens further, if such a thing were possible, the small mumblings of the infant at her back forgotten in favour of the man before her. "Have issue with it?" she asks, her tone far too quiet for comfort, "Gods yes, but I have issues with it. You took Fortis Animus. You took it, knowing that it was given to one who would protect the forests of Sage. How can you do that if you are abroad in Rynvale? The answer, friend Lirithen, is simple. You cannot. Unfortunately, you are now faced with a choice. Allow me to give it to you. Either stay in these forests and protect them, thus retaining bow and title, or forego the legendary artefact in favour of protecting the forests for another culture. It is your choice. I have no particular enmity for the governess, so if you choose to leave to accept her offer, you shall have the backing of Sage, should you choose to work, as I feel you should, as our ambassador. However, you cannot take the bow on such a mission. It is forbidden. Now, choose." This said, the druid falls quiet. Folding her hands in her lap, she simply studies him.

Lirithen, in his heart of hearts, had feared that she would make such a demand. His heart tightened in his chest, hands unconsciously slipping to clasp tightly behind his back. A myriad of emotions tumbled inside, fiery anger quickly giving way to fierce sorrow. Why did she ask this of him now? How could she force so difficult a choice upon he, who had before her very eyes earned the right to wield the fabled bow? Inner turbulence reflected in flashing emerald depths, and when he addressed her verbally, it was with a suppressed croak that reared at the back of his throat. “The towering oaks of our beautiful Sage home will always be where my heart truly rests... But...” fingers curled hesitantly but firmly around the redwood bow, the indents of the wood's intricate carvings suddenly beneath beneath his fingers, “if my wish to see all forests bloom so, in true reflection of nature's glory... Must be punished so harshly...” Silver haired head ducked beneath the ancient bowstring as he pried the relic from his shoulders. Ginger steps took the male within range of the Lady, and slowly his arm extended to hand Liana the fabled, his beloved, bow. “...Then so be it,” he added, his tone resigned, and firm.

Liana accepts the bow slowly, allowing her sorrow to show plainly on her face as she does so. "I had hoped you would not do so, Lirithen. Truely, we welcomed your protection. And yet, and yet." She sighs heavily, absently reaching around to slip the tiny infant from her wrappings, moving her forward to be cradled against her chest. As she talks, she rocks, soothing the fractious child. "It may be the right choice for you. As you say, if you wish to see all forests bloom, then perhaps you should go. Some are wanders and maybe you are one of those. Whilst I understand your wish, I also understand the importance of protecting ones' own. But never mind. It is those such as I who give those such as you somewhere to call home. It has always been, and ever shall be thus. Go then, Lirithen, ambassador of Sage to Rynvale, and tell the governess that your druid bids her welcome into her domain. Only when personal contact is made shall I release my rangers to dwell upon the island, and only then under certain conditions. Speak true my words to her, and tell her exactly. One favour deserves another. A relationship cannot exist unless there is giving on both sides. Whilst I welcome the union, I also welcome equality with open arms. Tell her, Lirithen, once Sage Protector, tell her."

Days Later.. At the Serene Glade

Arien was moving through the sun dappled forest with the silence and flickering ease of a shadow. Clad in her hunting leathers with bow slung over her shoulder, the elf was for one it seemed, not on duty. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed the forests of Sage that had been her home away from home for so very long now. As much as she missed the salty breeze of the island, and the almost continual chorus of hammer and nail, chisel and stone that signaled revival was underway, the peace of the forest was a welcome interlude. The thought, brought her mind to Lirithen, naturally, and what the ranger had given up in his intention to aid her in yet another aspect of the island’s rebirth. She would have to make the time to meet with Liana, the babe must have been born by now, and she had been remiss in not paying her respects, for the sake of her heartkin. The thought of Nas brought shadows to the emerald eyes of the elf, a soft sigh expelled as she broke into the glade wherein she had planned to take her rest. It was with widened eyes, and a measure of skittish surprise therefore, that the appearance of the very female she had been thinking about would be met. A pause at the perimeter of the glade would occur, before melodic voice would ripple into the peace of the place. “ Liana..” the greeting was softly murmured. “ I suppose I should not be surprised to encounter you in such a place..it is only fitting.”

Liana looks up from her contemplation of the still pool in the centre of the sun-dappled glade. The woman, much slimmer than before and now once more dressed in her usual working leathers, sits cross-legged upon the soft grass, a bundle resting in her lap. For now, all is silent in the forest, silent that is until a voice gives greeting. The druid appears unsurprised, for, thanks to her gifts, she had felt Arien's approach long before the other ever drew close. "Greetings to you, friend Arien. Come, will not you wit with me for a while? I have something to show you in any case, and then I believe I have another something to discuss with you. But first, the showing. Come." The druid's voice is peaceful, if a little tired, and she looks at home in this place of nature and beauty. Were Arien to sit beside her, Liana would pass her the blanket-wrapped bundle. Peeling back a corner of the covering reveals the tiny face of a girl-child in peaceful repose.

Rhocielle was not far from both elven women. With his own new elven form, he was not yet quite familiar with walking on non-digigrade legs and therefore often lagged behind Arien as both wandered Sage. For this reason, he carried around a staff for a support. Any curious spectators would be given the excuse of a sprained ankle or a healing injury. It would not be long before he would be able to travel unhindered again. Ebon locks atop his head swayed slightly as he looked from one direction to the other. Where had that elf gone? A hand rose to stroke furless chin in thought. He could have sworn she was only a few dozen feet ahead of him in the forest. Some wolfen pride within him did not permit him to call out her name to find her. He would still try to track her. Heavy sigh escaped his lips before trudging forward over thick roots and fallen foliage. At his hip hung a leather satchel already filling to the brim with fresh herbs and roots. Masquerading as the governor's cook, Vashyr, was an odd, but interesting assignment to him. If one were to ask him, even being an elven male was an odd, but interesting experience to him. Appearing from around a tree, his grey eyes caught sight of Arien, as well as another he was not familiar with. Out of habit, his head tilted in curiosity. Rhocielle did not dare interrupt them, but his form would likely have caught the attention of both women before long.

Arien moved, almost hesitantly, towards the elf, her gaze falling towards the bundle that she had not heretofore seen clearly upon entering the glade. Already, the tears were stinging the backs of her eyes as she knelt in to a crouch, gently laying her bow aside. “ A little girl…” her voiced was hushed in reverence for the sacredness of the moment. Nasurate lived, in the tiny fingers and cherubic lines of the face of the babe that she gathered into her arms. “ She’s beautiful Lia.. he would be so proud..of you both..” Rosen lips were lowered to bless the tiny forehead with a kiss, all thought of business set aside for the moment. It was for this..for this very thing that she and her mate had sacrificed their future..their very life. Someday, it would be their babe held in arms..immortality couring through its blood. The thought made her lift her eyes, seeking for the wolf in elven form who should have been right upon her heels. A spark of guilt lit her eyes. She would have to remember not to move so quickly. Gem like gaze sought the shadows, her eyes meeting the silvery pools that were still the indicators of wolfen soul in elven frame, and her hold on the babe tightened slightly, before she broke the eye contact and turned again to the elf at her side. “I pray you both prosper. How have you been Lia? I am sorry for the delay in making contact..I should have checked on you both much sooner.”

Liana shifts slightly on the grass, the better to gain her comfort once more. Although she appears fit and healthy, the child is but a few days old, and the pain of the birthing still troubles her somewhat. Typical of Liana however, none of this registers in any visible manner other than the casual shifting. The child burbles, a sleepy, contented sound, as Arien scoops her from her Mother's arms. Relief is felt by the druid, for it is the first time in many days that the girl has remained relatively quiet. "Fault not yourself, Arien. I appreciate that you are a busy woman, and that I was not part of your clan. I cannot expect you to sacrifice time for one who was but loosely linked to you. I appreciate your coming, however. He lives on, does he not? In her face I see him, and Gods but it is a bittersweet joy. It hurts in such a soft way that it brings tears to even think of it." Her eyes lift then, for the life energies of another intrude upon her awareness. "Is he with you?" she asks, her voice low, urgent. "If not, we must move. He walks as though he hunts." No form, elven or otherwise, could fool the druid, who saw not by image but by the very life of the person themselves. She rises to her feet. Thanks to her sojourn with lycans, she knew pack rules, knew that to be small was to invite attack. She wished no blood-shed, and so, as feet find the earth, her eyes fine his. The gaze is steady, unflinching. It does not challenge but nor does it flicker away. "We are equals," it seems to say. She utters no spoken word, but simply keeps her eyes upon his.

Rhocielle blinked at the sight of the red-headed elf and her possession. The moment brought a brief gaping of his lips. Someday. Feeling the eyes of Liana upon him, he straightened, remembering his present role. Purposefully, he strode towards the pair, "Governor, you are a hard one to keep up with." A respectful nod was given to Liana, unaware of her acute observation. Still, something about the way she kept her gaze upon him was peculiar. A lone wolf, and too much time spent on the mainland, he did not abide by traditional Lycan formalities unless interacting with another of his kind. Liana's attempts to play the unspoken game of Lycanthropic manners was observed neutrally by the elven wolf. His own eyes seemed to question the Arch Druid's mannerisms, clearly amused. He stopped a yard or so away, idly leaning against his staff. "I seem to be interrupting, however. I bid you a good day, Governor." He nodded to Arien, but the gesture was extended to Liana as well. No sooner had he uttered his farewell than he turned to disappear once more into the tree line.

Lirithen ran a gentle fingertip over the oak trunk, fair lips pulled into a frown of deep deliberation. Sensitive digits stroked the bark with extreme caution, emerald depths running carefully over each indent, every crack and rivet in attentive gauge of the wood, before a nail burrowed slowly into a crack. Slowly, oh so slowly, the tree-born elf prised a tiny piece of the bark from the oak's surface, when all hell suddenly broke loose. Spiders, tiny things, flooded from the tiny opening Lirithen had created in their nest, the ranger quickly removing his finger as a single minuscule specimen crawled onto the tip of his finger. "Hmm..." voiced the elf, lifting the spider close to his face, green orbs narrowing upon the tiny thing. A brief chuckle escaped the male as the small thing lifted and waved it's two front legs in protest. "If you insist..." Jumper replied, extending his hand forward to brush the digit softly against the bark, and the spider darted to rejoin it's fellows. "All clear here," the rogue elf said mainly to himself, before reaching forward to grab a nearby branch. Calculated steps took the lithe male from his perch on a thick oaken bough, and tumbling amidst jagged tree-limbs before padded boots landed nimbly upon a large, hairy thorax. Two mammoth pincers clicked eagerly as Lirithen lowered himself to stroke his empty palm briefly across the gigantic spider's massive body, to be met with the ecstatic drumming of eight long limbs against the forest floor. "Onward," the elf ordered in a soft tone, and Molly dashed forward with wild abandon. Silvery brows knitted tightly together, hands pressed against the huntsman's form to steady himself as the arachnid darted this way and that between thick and thin trees at incredible speeds, before leaping, just as Rhocielle made his leave, into the glade. A startled cry emanated from the ranger elf at the sudden stop, friction throwing him forward into a clumsy tumble, managing to narrowly avoid puncturing either of Molly's eight eyes before he landed face-down on the floor. An angry visage, marred with dirt, quickly flushed a deep red when the rising male realized the company of elves, the Archdruid the first to be noticed. "Oh... M'lady," a plated sleeve curled beneath Lirithen's abdomen, legs crossing and torso inclining forward into the same deep bow Liana would doubtless have come to expect, "forgive the intrusion, I beg you. We were just..." Sights then landed on Arien, who was gifted a grin, and a nod of the head, "and you, Governess. I do hope I am not intruding anything of importance."

Arien’s emerald gaze turned to rest first briefly, upon the druid at her side. “ She is very much like him..it offers some comfort..” she murmured quietly. A smile broke the pale features as slender hand extended to gentle the female in her attentive stance. “Yes.. he is one in my employ, and no cause for alarm.” Softened gaze would turn towards the wolf, though for appearances sake she would maintain outwards semblance of polite interaction. “I forget too often Vashyr, to think of others when I trek through the woods. I am too often used to walking alone. You do not interrupt..” But she was already talking to his retreating back. Perhaps, it was for the best. The less that the world outside knew of her contact with her supposed chef beyond the governor’s residence, the better for his cover and intelligence work. She turned to look Lia’s way again. “ Perhaps it is for the best, we have other, more sensitive matters to discuss in any event. Lirithen has spoken with me. What think you of our proposal then?” As if summoned by the very calling of his name, the tumbling entrance of the elf would be made, and baleful stare directed by the governor, towards the giant spider her rode in on. It was not her favorite creature, to say the least. “ Lirithen.. we discuss matters of state at the moment, but you are to be involved, so you may as well be present.”

Liana allows a displeased frown to take residence upon her face at the acrobatic entrance of the once Protector of Sage. What she would like to say is placed on hold for but a brief moment until his bow is acknowledged. "Your apology is accepted and your interruption excused, but the manner of your entry is not. Those clumsy acrobatics are reserved for the enclave's children, are they not? Surely you are more sure on your feet than appearances suggest? Welcome in any case. Come and sit if you are to stay." Her attention then reverts to Arien. "We do indeed have matters of state to discuss. The wayward ranger here tells me that you wish to propose an alliance between our two peoples. Would you be kind enough to evaluate further?"

Lirithen flushed red at the reprimands, though firm steps carried him forward toward the pair regardless, Molly's towering frame in tow. "If you will excuse me for suggesting so, Archdruid," replied the elf, pausing in mid-stride to offer a second, though more brief, apologetic tip of the torso, "I would be bold enough to say that I think you underestimate the speed at which she runs, and her sudden stops can be quite unsettling. It will take some time before I am fully one with my steed, though progress is being made." A large, hairy foot prodded the elf in the back of the head as he made to sit, once again throwing him forward onto his front. A sharp glance stemmed the amused clicking of gargantuan fangs, and the spider gently lowered herself to the ground. Pointed ears pricked readily as focus returned to the discussion at hand.

Arien would nod quietly, directing her words primarily now, at the arch druid. “ For too long has the rift existed between our kindred. Why none have sought to bridge the gap between us until this point I am uncertain. While all that divides us cannot be healed, I believe perhaps, some measure of increased co-operation to be possible.” A thoughtful frown clouded her features. “What aid the High Born may be able to offer Wood Elves, will have to be carefully determined, for it cannot be seen that Rynvale is seeking to extend its area of influence to the heart of Kelay. We can perhaps, offer our magics to support the flourishing of the forests, our command of the elements, is second to none. And if ..very, carefully handled, we are willing to assist in the defense of your forests from any new onslaught against its well being, though assistance with your current Duergar problem, may be beyond the scope of our abilities-the conflict of interest at the moment being obvious.” Arien spoke now, of her own personal entanglements with the deep dwarves, which might result in a warring between her own clan, and the city she governed, if High Born chose to engage in the matter.

Liana appears thoughtful. She remains silent for a long moment before unexpectedly answering the words of the male rather than the governess. "She does so to amuse herself, Lirithen. She need not stop so abruptly if you attend to her training, yet I doubt you will ever totally remove her sense of humour." She then turns to the high-born, a regretful expression in evidence. "Arien, please do not think me rude for what I am about to say, but rude it will sound. You offer me nothing that our people need. We protect our forests well enough that you seek our protection for yours. Why then would your aid be necessary for our survival? Alliance is a good thing, I agree but as I told Lirithen when he broached this with me, relationships must be equal, and in order for that to be so, we must ask for something we need, or so my people will say. Unfortunately, I can think of little that we crave. Please, if you have any other ideas, I am willing to hear them. You must understand though that our people prefer their own company, and to break that will not be a small thing for us."

Lirithen replied not to the advice of Liana, thinking the best defence of his efforts would, at present be silence. The response she gave Arien, however, was as unsettling as it was truthful. The high born stock would need exemplary rangers to learn how best to protect their woods, and without a detachment of wood elves to assist Lirithen in teaching... But, as Liana said, there was nothing they craved. Green orbs lit brightly as his head suddenly craned upwards. Perhaps one thing... "If I may make a suggestion," he voiced allowed, and awaited an indication of permission before continuing, "with the camps destroyed, our population is confined solely to the huts and walkways within the Ancient Tree... It is becoming rather crowded," he dipped his head, as if to reiterate his point, before turning focus more upon the Governess than the Archdruid, "I believe, Arien, that I have already indicated the surplus timber to fuel the ship-building effort. Perhaps a measure could be supplied to help build a second outpost for accommodation, and lend man-power to assist," eyes turned then upon Liana, "there is a watering hole, close to enchanted sections of the forest. Huts can be erected amidst the taller trees with relative ease. The abundance of magic should make it easier for the druids to contort the branches into walkways."

Arien pondered the suggestion of the tree born in silence for some few moments. It was not by any means a new idea. In fact, had it not been for the incursion of the Time Lord into her own lands distracting her attentions, it had long been her intent to offer the elves of Sage the assistance of her clan in relocating the elves displaced by the assault of the Duergar upon their home land. She had herself, scouted and made proposal of the very spot Lirithen had identified, to Nasurate when he lived. He had been vehement in his insistence that he would remain allied to the clan, only if provision would be made for his people-given the promises made to the Duergar. She sighed softly. How had she let her promise fall by the wayside? Perhaps, she would yet be able to fulfill it. Arien turned her gaze to Liana. “ I had as much as made a promise to Nasurate, Lia, that I would do all in my power to see his people safely to some secure home again. And I have seen a place that might suffice, if you will allow me to present it to you. Though you are likely well enough aware of the secure nature of the woods and cliff faces east of the Watering hole.” Thoughtful expression deepened. “ We have the surplus, and of many unhealthy trees, that we could use to aid in the construction of an enclave, if this appeals. And I do believe there are others whom might be interested in aiding in these efforts within the local community as well. Would such an offer suffice?”

Liana falls silent once permission has been given to Lirithen to speak. For long moments after arien finishes, she remains thus. The name hurt. only he had called her Lia, and even he not that often. Yet, she says nothing, but how she wishes for the warm, soft body of her child at that moment. "Airen, Gods, Arien, how I would adore to allow this to continue, yet I fear that I cannot due to worries. Allow me to appraise you of them. Firstly, with the Duregar under our very noses, if we spread, we shall have more of an area to guard. If you then take our rangers from us as your part of the bargain, how then are we to defend this new land? Secondly, I know that you are honour bound to protect the interests of the Duregar. Should they decide to attack Sage, how then could we even hope to gain victory in a battle? First you suggest expansion, then a lessening of our ranger numbers. All of this weakens defenses. Furthermore, you then argue for a large contingent of your men to be allowed free roam in Sage. If I did not know better, I would suspect treachery. You ask us to open our borders wide to those who are honour-bound to our enemies. How can I in good conscience put my people at such a risk? I agree that the rift between our peoples needs to be mended, but if it is done in this way, we stand only to lose and you only to gain." Sadness is evident in her gaze as she ends with a final word. "Would that it were not so, Arien. Gods but I wish it were not."

Lirithen said nothing, merely buried his face in his hands and let a deep sigh emanate from his lowered head.

Arien pursed her lips, the druid’s dilemma evident. Keen intellect sought for some means to assure the elf. “ Hold, Liana..the circumstance is not so dire as you might present.” She smiled softly. “ We are pledged to protect the instests of the Duergar on that plot of land, alone. In fact, part of the treaty agreed upon stipulated directly, that should they seek to expand, even one foot away from the land they now hold, our covenant is broken. The Fold and its resources would be free to join the Tree Born in protecting what might yet remain secure of your forests. So too, could the High Born then come to your aid. You may rest well assured, should war between the Duergar and Tree Born erupt, you would have two powerful allies to come to your aid.” The elf would begin to pace gently. “ You are correct, however, in your concerns regarding the depletion of your defensive forces. Would it be as taxing, if we were to request the assistance of only a unit of rangers capable of functioning as trainers for our own ranger recruits? I speak perhaps, of twenty elves, perhaps, whom might each take responsibility for the instruction of our own High Born rangers. Would such an agreement..our aid in the advent of the advance of the Duergar, assistance in the establishment of a new enclave, and a reduction in the number of rangers we might request..would -these- terms, be more acceptable? It is, in the moment, the best I can think to offer.”

Liana stretches with a cat-like grace as she watches the other pace. "Arien, Duregar need not expand to pose us threat. All they need do is begin the culling of elven-kind from their current base. That needs no more land than they already have. Yet your reduction in terms is somewhat more acceptable." She reaches for the child as Arien passes by, but does not snatch her from the other's arms. "I will set the proposal to my people. That is the best I can offer you at present. What do you mean though when you say that two powerful allies will come to our aid? You are but one. In the meantime, what I propose is this. A small contingent of our rangers will be responsible for instruction of your rangers. We dictate the terms of the training and we choose the training place. In return, you pledge timber from dead trees, they must be dead or I shall not use it, plus the man-power to expand, should a time come when we choose to. You also offer the protection of your forces should the Duregar seek to expand. Does this sound fair to you?"

Lirithen said to Liana, "You make a very common mistake. The Fold and Rynvale are two separate presences. It took much zealous campaigning upon public boards for the general populace to finally distinguish the two. But, I digress. I am willing to bend to the terms of the training."

Arien paused in her pacing to gently lower the babe into Liana’s arms again. “ It is easy to forget, is it not Liana, that I speak in two capacities. The Fold, and the resources it houses in Sage, are an entity entirely separate from the considerable forces of the High Born in Port Rynvale. Both would be free to come to the aid of the Tree Born, should the Duergar choose to expand beyond the land they currently hold.” She nodded quietly. “The terms of your release of the training force is acceptable, but do bear in mind that the peculiar enchantments of the Fog Forest might require -some- measure of on site training with what they are likely to face, the forests of Sage may not be the best location for such an exercise. Dead timber we have in plenty. Lirithen can testify that the Empire left our forests a mess. There is much healing that must needs be done. And manpower, we likewise have in plenty. To these terms I am agreeable, and these you may present to your people. I am sorry that I cannot pledge more with regard to the ridding of your Duergar concerns, they have long been a thorn in my own side.”

Liana shrugs narrow shoulders at this last. "Lirithen, I know the separation full well, but I also know that interests clash from time to time. I must needs be extra careful in order to protect my people fully." She turns to Arien, accepting the babe and using the excuse to administer a squeeze to Arien's outstretched hand. "Thank you, friend Arien. Make no mistake, I appreciate what you offer. I shall put it to my people when next we meet, and we shall discuss it from there. Ranger Lirithen, as a citizen of Sage, I request your presence at such a gathering. Know that I," but here, she falls silent, simply allowing her eyes to linger for a moment. Her words are finished in thought.

Lirithen , sensing a closing to negotiations, made to rise from his seated position, and Molly, ever excited at the thought of moving on, quickly rose to meet his height. Or rather, dwarf his height, the monstrous creature being almost twice his length, and more than four times his width. A single nod ensured at mention of the meeting. "I have already sent word that I will be in attendance, a promise I intend to honour, m'lady."

Arien would allow her palm to come to rest upon the hand of the druid, returning the pressure gently, a somewhat wistful smile teasing her lips to life. “ You know, Liana, that I would do almost anything for you, for your people..for his sake. He was my heartkin.” The governor blinked at the sting that suddenly threatened, straightening up in her own preparations to depart the place. “ I shall allow you to make your case to your people then. And you know well where and how I might best be reached. I hope we are able to come to an agreement that has much potential benefit for both our peoples.”

Liana nods as the two make ready to leave. She does likewise, strapping the child to her stomach in preparation for the climb ahead of her. "I shall contact you as soon as I know any more, Arien. As for you, Lirithen, think well upon my words. Until we meet again, may both of your paths be green and easily travelled. May the sun light your way by day, and the moon brighten your steps in the dead of night."

Arien would sketch a rough bow then, a final gentle look cast to the babe in arms, before she would turn upon her heels, and melt into the woods as silently as she had appeared from them, only to certain that Lirithen and his monster of a pet were close on her heels.