Once everyone cleaned up and got dressed, Seonghwa dedicated himself to his duties with a refreshed mind. Wooyoung still clung to him, feeling cosy and loved under the elf's arm.

"Could you send for Crius?" The emperor asked Hongjoong and without needing to voice his agreement, Hongjoong stepped through his portal. While he was gone, the rest gathered on the ledge of the platform. Seonghwa informed his warriors they should wait and tend to Buddy. Tonight, they would receive their answer.

If the titans disagreed with an alliance on their current terms, Seonghwa was willing to adjust his plans. He would need more meetings with his advisors, many more letters and travels, but he would find a way. Not all was lost and perhaps the wisdom he gained from his visit to the Ruins of Gods would grant him insight into new opportunities. Either to convince them, or find another way to appease the orcs.

Hongjoong returned on Crius' hand. The titan was pleased to see them all gathered and waiting, only briefly notified of their sudden predicament with Wooyoung.

When the hand lowered to float before them, Seonghwa and his husbands climbed atop. Once they had settled, Crius turned to carry them back to the surface with thundering steps.

Seonghwa held on to Jongho's shoulder for balance. The golem warped around him, protecting the elf's lithe frame.

"Thank you for your patience," the emperor called to Crius. The frosty wind from outside swooped down the entrance of the cave. The council must have gathered already, and Seonghwa was grateful for their understanding.

"Have your concerns been resolved?" Crius rumbled, and he swiped his eye over his palm, counting how many little beings he carried today.

"Everything is in order, yes," Seonghwa assured him. He breathed in the evening air when they emerged to the towering forest and the ruins. A starry night twinkled between massive treetops and cast a soft shine across the pale stones.

The titans on their chairs sat so still they might as well have been statues carved of marble. When Crius neared, Asteria, who was the sole titan aside from the council allowed to linger close, sent the approaching group a grin. Seonghwa waved at her when they hopped onto the ground in the council's midst.

Once Crius took his seat, their conference could begin.

"To those of you who haven't met him before, this is Seonghwa, the Moon Emperor of the Crystal Empire. An elf born of the stars and the moon," he introduced and the strangers nodded.

Since Seonghwa's husbands weren't usually part of this side of politics, they kept mute behind him. Seated in a narrow area to keep each other near, they attended the leadership of their husband.

"Seonghwa, we have discussed your proposal among us and came to a decision based on a popularity vote."

The elf held his breath, and he felt the tension of his husbands behind him. Hongjoong's magic coiled around his heart languidly, matching the tense pace of time.

"The titans grant you their allegiance. We share a common foe and your effort for peace honours you. We would like to exchange wisdom and gain your help in preserving the ruins of old," Crius didn't beat around the bush.

Though Seonghwa's glow brightened with his delight, he didn't let it disrupt his smile. Behind him, his husbands exchanged excited looks.

"You honour us. We, too, respect your wisdom and the history you protect. Let us defend our interests against the orcs together," the elf replied elegantly. He bowed his head in gratitude and a few titans nodded along.

"However, there are some conditions to our aid."

Attentive, Seonghwa listened to their demands. Lillwen's had been less direct, more subtle in her intrigue in Seonghwa's children and the nymphs' future opportunities in the empire.

"If the Crystal Empire harbours any artefacts from the aeons of titans and old gods, we would like to appeal to your ethical obligation to hand them over for us to preserve."

"Of course," Seonghwa didn't hesitate. "I will forage our libraries for all knowledge and assure no such artefacts remain within our territory."

Pleased, the titans leaned back. They had been tense to hear if his benevolence only reached until his gain, but the fond whispers of the trees weren't without reason.

"Also, we wished to convey we are still interested in an utter wipeout of the orcs. You may cherish peace, but they breed quickly and the elves are partly at fault for that. If you ever reconsider your war strategies, we would like you to remember that an attack from behind that weeds out all danger might be in your favour and is the titans' preference," another giant explained. Her gaze was frosty and her spear sharp, ready to defend their home for similar reasons as Seonghwa's, yet with different methods.

The elf glanced back at Mingi.

"Your people aren't the only ones who think that way, and I heed the advice of my allies. Soon, I shall gather everyone so we may settle on a solution that benefits all. Though I won't spill blood, it is unwise to anger my allies by forbidding them from their culture."

If only the orcs agreed to a truce back then. Seonghwa would have submitted to them if it brought them peace. Would have married one of their kind and accepted their ruthless hands on his body if it meant no bloodshed.

"You cannot act upon your own wishes, however," Seonghwa continued. "This alliance means we move together. My people are trapped in their caves below, and if there must be a fight, then only to save their lives. No trampling them all to dust will save them."

It was a tense stalemate, but the titans were warriors. The same who won countless battles before. When they nodded their agreement, Seonghwa fell back into his smile.

"In that case, let me brief you on your new allies and the aspirations of their folk. My husbands here each speak for their kingdoms and they may advise you in matters of interest. I look forward to working with beings old and wise, such as you."

"Likewise," Crius replied. "For this battle, you have our blades. We do not know if we will join your empire permanently, but for now, we will find out about the leadership of this emperor before us."

Though the burden magnified, Seonghwa's smile stayed graceful.

He could do it. He had all the means to win.

"Thank you," he replied with a deep bow. "Let's hope we all can reach our goals."

-

As soon as the conference was declared over, Seonghwa's husbands piled on top of him like Sunny when she tried to throw Aodhán over to lick at his face. Kisses and hugs rained upon the elf and he tried to give everyone the same back.

The titans chuckled about their excitement from their elevated position. Some stayed for friendly chats about this development. Though they were conservative, they saw the appeal of this new opportunity. So long as Seonghwa handled their support with caution, they could learn instead of losing something.

"I'm so proud of you, Hwa," Yeosang chirped as he kissed Seonghwa's cheek. Mingi grinned brightly, awed by his husband's abilities.

Seonghwa squeezed Yunho's arm and patted Jongho's shoulder.

"Thank you for your never-ending support. You also did well, my loves," he crooned back at them, making them shy. He caressed Mingi's chin and accepted Hongjoong's hand when he pulled him back to his feet. Beautiful like the moon, the elf joined their mid, bewitching them like the first day.

Asteria stood next to Crius' chair, watching the mixture of creatures full of intrigue.

"Your relationship is special, star born. Are all of them your loves?"

"They are," Seonghwa purred with a wink at San. Wooyoung stemmed his hands into his hips and disguised his flinch when his wings jostled on instinct.

"I am his most beloved husband!" He announced, confident after the morning dedicated to him.

Hongjoong scoffed. His well-manicured nails flicked against Wooyoung's forehead.

"You are also his most often hurt husband. Get a grip," the sorcerer scolded and Wooyoung held his head with a whimper, but he gave in. He was in luck Hongjoong grew fond enough of them to heal Wooyoung's constant injuries.

"It's nice to know you adore them unabashed to their race. I imagine it means you care for their people just as much," Crius suggested as he stood. He wandered off into the woods to join their hunters at work, so Asteria bent to pick up the envoy. Seonghwa grinned at her, matching the stars and in her eye; he was perfect. The first star she got to cradle in her palm.

For no one else, the titans would change their customs.

"Where will you go now, elf? Back to your homelands?" She asked while she carried them into the mushroom cave for a last night of rest in their lands. Wooyoung discussed their mead supply with Yunho, arguing they needed to celebrate tonight. Mingi spoke up he was in for some good food.

With one hand in Jongho's so he wouldn't tumble off, Seonghwa held on to Asteria's fingertip and enjoyed this magnificent ride one more time.

"To prepare for the lunar eclipse, yes. I hope to hear from you soon. You are always welcome to visit my lands," he offered.

Asteria chuckled richly.

"If you have a good vision of the stars, I may take you up on that offer. Our movement will alert the orcs of the new bonds between our people and I would like to attend your war council."

"My castle is named after the moon and has the most spectacular view of the night that even my daylight-living husbands have grown to adore. And my children would worship you."

Fascination twinkled in her eye.

"I would like to see your home one day, emperor. May we meet there soon." Asteria lowered them to the platform and the soldiers at her feet broke out in cheers when they realised the meaning in Wooyoung's excited waving. He yelled down to inform everyone, and they hailed their emperor together while Asteria chuckled at them.

"Thank you, again. For everything you have done for us," Seonghwa spoke sincerely, holding on to her fingertip before she pulled away.

With utter caution, she nudged it against his chest, lightly, so as not to break him.

"Take care and I hope this alliance fulfils your wishes."

With that, she rose and left them to their devices. Hongjoong portalled the soldiers onto the platform with them so Seonghwa could summarise the meeting for them. Once more, cheers hailed upon him and he smiled brightly with their joy.

As everyone sat together to prepare a meal, Yunho sighed dramatically.

"These caves are marvellous and a place of fond memories, but I cannot wait to see the sun. These titans are nocturnal as you, my dove."

"No wonder they bonded with him and never with his father," Yeosang chuckled. He handed out bowls of food and Seonghwa accepted his with a bow.

"You shall get all the sun, Yunho. Nothing keeps us now. The orcs are surrounded and we have plenty of time. Though we need to strategise in case of an emergency, this is the peace we wanted," Seonghwa shared his relief. His soul sang for them and his elation and they all shared it. Their matching grins brightened when they clicked their cups to Seonghwa's.

"To our magnificent emperor, who charms all. The empire is in excellent hands," Hongjoong announced and the others called in their praises as well. Seonghwa toasted with his soldiers as well, thanking them for their patience, and everyone drank together. Chuckles and stories passed them as the husbands giggled about their initial fear of the titans. Everyone shared food, and no one bickered as they hung onto each other's lips for every word.

Though their laughter filled only such a small fraction of the caves, it resonated in their souls. Seonghwa's strain lifted and while the titans celebrated in their introspected way, he only wished for one more thing.

To go home in the morning and meet his darling babies and his family. To talk to his people and share the hope of his success.

One day, step by step, he might free those captured elves so they could share the same happiness as Seonghwa witnessed on the glowing cheeks of his husbands.

For it was beautiful, and he felt once more how the stars blessed him and his family.