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

There was a brief sadness to Aelius's features as he stood there, considering the offer and what it inevitably meant. He had not expected the battle to go as poorly as it had, but in the end no matter how skilled he was they had found themselves routed. Yet the demands were far greater than expected, surely it could not be such a losing proposition to negotiate with them over the defeat? Yet he could not see his way through it, not with their envoy laying out the demands of their Queen and his surety that all might have been in vain. There was something about the envoy which rankled the general, something which bothered him intently, and he gazed long and hard at the stumpy old fellow. He contained his distrust and his displeasure, instead deciding to look away and back down at the written demands that had been presented to him. Resignation touched his features, but more than that a quiet dignity which transcended the normal of humanity that the elven people had dealt with, that showed a measure of calm repose that others lacked. He would not sign these, his people would never accept it, and so he had to resign himself to finding his way through this mire. Perhaps there was another way. He had not gone without noticing the blatant bribery in not just offering him respect, but in offering him rulership, which was something he had not expected in the slightest. He was no fool, the power and prestige was appealing, but also it would come with the blame for bringing his empire to ruin and subjugation beneath the boot of the Elven might. It was not something that he could stomach, even more so it was not something that would give him a long life, now was it? Especially when the power was granted to him by the Elven King himself and not through any respect and accolades of his own people. He looked down towards the table and made a small motion with his hand, idly knocking a few pieces of the sculpted representation of the armies down on their sides. Even more than that, no matter how tempting the offer might be, he understood his gifts were not those of the administrator or politician, no...he was a leader of men and not a leader of an empire. Those eyes narrowed as his muscles bunched, features full of thought before he raised his head to speak to Arvin...and then he stopped, pausing, and clamped his mouth shut, the lips pressing together. There was an out, at least an opportunity and his mind finally centered upon it. Perhaps if he approached her in person, perhaps if he gave in that way and swallowed that pride within him, the Princess could see reason and offer some form of mercy to his people. It was perhaps the only chance he saw, that he could plead his case before her and have some measure of reprieve. His hand held the parchment in front of him, the offer, and he slowly shook his head. His voice was quiet as he replied to her envoy. I will not sign this. Not without looking into her eyes. Not without knowing with certainty that she is a woman of her word. He glanced at the other man, straightening his shoulders before turning to move towards the entrance to his tent. Opening the flap he leaned out, calling for a horse and his armor, not bothering to look behind him as he finally spoke the way he should have from the beginning. He spoke like the General he was. I expect you to take me to her.