Thread: The Fall of An Era [ Father x Fruit ]

Peace was purchased at the price of flesh. He had to remind himself of those words as she spoke of his son, of his wife, a wife that he had nearly forgotten about in the presence of this regal and exotic creature. She had almost considered petting him, but he would have allowed it for her, he would have accepted the way she touched him...for he had never felt such an electric connection before. He had no idea how to ascertain what was being thought of behind those foreign features, but in her eyes he was certain that she felt it too. He could read the caution, the consideration, and he wondered if this opportunity could hint at something more. He had offered himself up as a sacrifice of sorts, but how much would he sacrifice when the time came to make those decisions? How far would he go to protect the people that he had sworn to love and obey...in favor of his new master? It was an unsettling thought and one quickly discarded as unworthy. Unworthy of himself and unworthy of the woman he was swearing fealty too, for it was not her Father that he was giving an oath, but the warrior who had bested him. How long would it take to fool his people? To convince them? It would not take long, not once they understood the crushing defeat that faced them. Not when he expressed to them the elven horde so that they could appreciate in abject horror the power that aligned against them. It was not the elven conquering that they might not accept, it was the military coup that came with it, that would cause the danger. Not his people, nor his soldiers, but the politicians and nobility that stood nothing to gain save hostages to fortune and the loss of wealth and status. It was they that might rally their banners to strike against Aelius and it was that which factored into the actual answer to how much time would be taken in settling any disputes with the factions of the Empire. His Empire. That was as alien a thought as the hand that touched him, and his jaw set in certitude as he came to his decisions. It was evident she did not know the man...at least not as much as she let on. They were both alien to one another, the understanding of each other more primal than a true measure. It was this inconsistency which might very well be there downfall if they were not careful. Aelius wore more than a cloak made of cloth, he wore one made of honor, and it was that honor which would solidify the alliance between the two of them. He had no need for a hostage held to ensure his good behavior, for he considered his word and his deeds ironclad, a surety to the safety of his people. Yet he had to remind himself once more that often peace was forged in this fashion, and he could not prevent himself from his own planning, realizing that his son would be in a unique position for his people. He could learn from the elves, grow amongst them, and benefit from not only his tutelage but some of the most ancient knowledge that the world had to offer. There would be none amongst humanity that could boast of such a claim and perhaps that alone was the selling point that he could accept and yield too. His voice held a measure of that resignation as he finally spoke, having not risen from his knees, but continuing to watch the woman who moved her the pieces with such eerie grace. I accept. It will be no more than a month, considering the distance and the timing taken to establish...an understanding amongst my people. The Valerii will honor the peace agreements that we forge here today. Is that acceptable in your eyes?