Thread: War and Greed (Javorcek x ClearSight)

Talia had a chilling sense as the princess began to talk about the destruction of her people, but Talia knew something most didn't, that mages had already disregarded the entire, werewolf bones were magical. In fact the one who opposed it the most was the alchemist head, the young mage having done a quick analysis after the rumors started and quickly put an end to that line of thinking within the upper echelon of the mage world. That didn't mean all of them took her word for it, but mainly those who collected and used the werewolves for such purposes were the normal humans and while it made her sick the idea of sacrificing normal humans compared to her friends and family seemed less sinister... And it felt like a reasonable price to pay if they were to lose the war, but she wasn't so sure they would. While she was perfectly aware of the wolves strength she also knew as far as magical prowess was concerned, she was at the lower end of the upper tier, quite a few surpassed her on magic alone. How could they be destroyed so easily, even if the physical power of the werewolves was overwhelming. As long as they could hold out a single mage had the chance to topple many wolves and human soldiers. Still, in that moment she had a feeling her people wouldn't hold out, and more than that she felt pressure, that if she didn't do something drastic that not only would more people suffer... She herself would be tormented before death. After all, she had nearly killed the princess. So, naively, she came to a rash decision, looking up with a glare and letting her beautiful eyes land on the alluring leader of the wolves, a hint of desperation behind the feigned strength. I will cooperate under certain conditions, and while it may seem foolish listen carefully. If at any time you attempt to go back on your word do not blame me for trying something desperate, and do not blame me for giving you false information in hopes of leading your people to slaughter. This is a gamble of trust for both of us after all. She had a sense of how the game needed to be played, and if she were truly to save the lives of her enemy with information, she needed to take care of her people as well, and if the princess went against her word she had to try and lead them to their doom and even try once more to end the woman's life. Part of her hoped it didn't come to that, as after leading her troops it became clear that aside from the mages in the city no human could compete with the might of a wolf. Perhaps it was true to say they had no chance, and that helping the war end swiftly would be the best way to save lives. The first thing, I don't want to be touched by any of your men... The things they have said... I know if I wasn't in your tent and was in some other place I would have long since been violated. Just the words made the mage grit her teeth, horrified and angry at the idea of being used by anyone, especially men. I trust that should be easy. This won't be and if you cannot do this I'll have to accept whatever is done to me and end the conversation here... Mages that have no traces of wolf in their homes must be spared, and even if they fight prisoners of war must be spared and not be touched by your soldiers... In addition, anyone under 15 within a home containing traces needs to be spared. If even the young must die then I will give my life to oppose you. The mage spoke viciously, obviously not convinced that the things she heard about wolves were entirely false, and more than that having a fear deep in her heart that everyone she knew and loved could be killed, or worse. Being slaves, it was horrible, she knew a good deal of them wouldn't be let go, her for instance, but being used or killed was worse. If she could save enough of them, to be more or less free and not abused, she could bare being branded a traitor. If she truly thought it was for the best to cooperate, and if she could get further assurances as they went that nothing would happen to her people. Do you accept these terms? she asked impatiently, though less threat and more fear slipped out in her tone. After all, this woman could just as easily kill her, because they both knew it was either that or cooperation, torture wouldn't work.