Verana didn't like the feel of the stone beneath her feet; it felt dead, cold and lifeless,  and it held her away from the heartbeat of the earth. It was weighing on her mind, grating on her nerves as she climbed the stairs surrounded by hard faced guards, listening to the scrape and jingle of her movements caused by the chains. 

The noise of the metal was also testing her patience but she could do something about that. Verana adjusted her steps and shifted the chains in her hands until she was moving silently once more. 

 Still, she was cold and hungry, and the storm had taken a great deal more power out of her than she had wanted to spend. All this left her with a quickly dwindling tolerance for the humans she was dealing with as they reached the main floor. There was very little hesitation once they stepped into the well lit and slightly warmer area that humans inhabited. One glance in either direction was all she was allowed before she was escorted through dimly lit hallways and finally to a large set of wood doors set into the back of the Keep.

The old, calm one was beside her, smelling of juniper trees, mint leaves and worry under the smell of leather and metal from his weapons and armour. "Traditionally we announce people to the Lord or King sitting at the end of these halls. Are you willing to give a name... or title or something? Seems more dignified than the prisoner sprite." Despite the worry, there was a flicker of a smile at that last part.

She couldn't help but appreciate his humour, half a smile creeping over her features as she glanced sideways to him. "My name for your name."

"I am Sir Benchan Silk, my lady. Master of arms for the Lord of Morningside." He inclined his head, the worry on his features melting away into something of disarmed amusement, "the King is there, as well as Lord Shelby." 

He hesitated, his eyes searching her face as the worry returned. " Look, I don't know why you're here, but if it isn't peaceful, please reconsider. They were taught by the best swordsman in the Kingdom. And he may be old, but his life is still sworn to guard theirs."

Of all of the humans, Benchan's trepidation appeared to be made of understanding what she was, not ignorance. He did not want to fight her. 

Verana listened to the other guards shift uncomfortably causing the creak of leather, as they gripped their sword hilts, to ring  in her ears. "I am Veranandein. Keeper of the Peace Swords, ambassador between the Feysha and the human Kingdom. I am not here to kill your King, nor your Lord Shelby."

Benchan nodded at that, relaxing ever so slightly before nodding to one of the guards, who swung open the doors, exposing a long hall with vaulted ceilings, lined with pillars and large windows. There was a collection of people milling throughout with the metal man was standing off to one side, looking like a frightened deer and two men at the far end who looked to be the central focus of the room. 

One was standing wearing breeches and a loose shirt like his brother and aside from the clothing difference, the family resemblance was obvious. His skin was darkened by the sun, hair damp and a dark brown colour, his eyes an even darker shade of brown. Strapped to his back was a large sword that sang through the air, even from this distance. He was the Keeper of the Sword, she knew that without even looking at the blade. 

The human sitting beside him was slightly smaller in build, more refined, his hair shorter, clothing threaded with gold and a casual gold circlet resting just over his brow. He looked incredibly curious  and slightly worried. But this young man who called himself a king restrained himself, gripping the chair and remaining rigidly where he was, his colour draining even more as she was led forward into the room and Benchan offered them a bow.

"Lady Veranandein of the Feysha, Keeper of the Peace Swords and ambassador to the Kingdom of Clairval, requesting an audience with Lord Shelby of Morningside and King Cavin the First, Liege of Clairval, protector of the realm."

She followed her escort further into the room, stopping beside Benchan, who murmured softly to her, "traditionally, people bow to the king."

"The concepts of King and Lordship are Human." She said it loud enough for the room to hear, listening to her voice bounce through the deadly silent room, before she placed her palms together and bowed her head over them in a traditional greeting of her own people. "Earth's blessing on you, Lord Shelby, King Cavin."

"And you, Lady Veranandein. It has been a very long time since one of your people has sought audience with the King of Clairval, I'm afraid most of what we know about you is heaped in myth and fear." Cavin, the one who they called a King murmured softly, though his voice carried through the room easily. The man had the ability to speak and draw people to listen to him, she couldn't deny him that. It was part of his Path, his inner power, it seemed.

She smiled and let the chains fall naturally, bringing attention to the fact that they hadn't made any sound as she had walked in.  "Yes, I believe you call us child stealers, eaters of souls, forest devils, goblins. You believe we like eating your young." 

She let the amusement play through these words, smiling lightly as she inclined her head, "And some of these men feared I was here to harm you, though apparently you think we still fight with rocks and branches."

"There have been reports of children going missing on the edge of your forests, all through this land." Cavin said thoughtfully, though judging by his surprised expression, Verana didn't think he intended to say as much. But he was trying to defend the actions of his people, to argue for their fear and distrust. He wanted to justify her treatment so far.

Verana let out a slow breath, though she could feel the anger she was harbouring make her words more dangerous than she intended. "There have been reports of abused children, fleeing their oppressive abusers, or unwanted babies left for the goblins to eat by uncaring parents. We do not turn away those that need our help, King Cavin. They are healed and then moved to a community of humans willing to care for them. We do not eat Humans. Humans are not our enemies or prey; we allowed you to settle on this island for mutual benefit. We tolerate your Kingdom because we do not like the open lands, we have no defences to the sea, and you taught us war, fighting, brought us weapons and armour. Because it was agreed that when this island was threatened by a bigger threat, we would join together and protect it."

Cavin let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing as he watched her, before he nodded and offered a tight smile. "And why does the Feysha seek to communicate with the Kingdom of Clairval, after so many years of silence?"

"To be completely honest, I was sent here to seek audience with the Human Sword Keeper. It was his ancestor who spoke for the humans. It was these lands that acted as representatives to the rest of those who arrived on the island." Verana nodded to the silent Lord Shelby who frowned and narrowed his eyes when she turned her attention to him. "But I understand you are his master, and I will get no decisions from him, without your approval."

"Lord Shelby is his own man. He has my trust when it comes to making decisions for his lands and people." Cavin said without hesitation, offering a shrug that would have been dismissive if he didn't look so curious.

"Yes. But what I have come to say involves this entire island. I do not wish to speak with one person, wait for them to misspeak my words to another, then bring me back a further mangled message." Verana found her impatience returning, the flickering of sunlight from the large windows only teased her. The light did not bring any relief from the oppression of the stone walls or the separation from the Earth. How did humans live so separated from everything natural?

Lord Shelby shook his head and took a step towards her, "Before we go further with any of this, I am satisfied that your arrest and imprisonment is not needed. I can imagine you want out of those chains, my lady."

Verana smiled thoughtfully her brow arching slowly. "They are on me, because I realize they bring you ease of mind. If you do not feel safe with me unchained, I will leave them on."

Benchan shifted alarm, turning just slightly to look at her. Understanding beginning to creep into his expression as his gaze went down to her hands. The man knew more than most, seemed to have a second sense for what she was capable of, which was odd.

"You speak as if you are the one chaining yourself." Lord Shelby's tone was confused, though even his expression showed traces of uncertainty as he tried to work through the implications of what she had said.

" I have been inside for far longer than I would like." Verana sighed, as the only alternative was to snap at the men, shifting her hands through the metal of the chains as if they were made of smoke. 

Another movement saw her feet free and she tossed them gently to the side, the chains clattering and scraping across the floor before coming to a stop. She reached up to rub the raw skin around her wrists for a moment, allowing the humans to catch up with what had happened.

 There was a predictable, collective shift as most of the guards surrounding her took one or two steps back, hands gripping their weapons. Lord Shelby took a step back and to the side, so that his body was partially shielding the path to Cavin. And Benchan shifted as well, turning more to face her and to position himself in the way of his two lords. 

She reached out and flicked her fingers, pulling her sword belt through the air into her hand, watching Benchan with a calmness she definitely didn't feel. Still, she forced herself to appear unaffected, if only because the alternative wouldn't accomplish anything. "A threat is coming, we have seen it. It will begin with men in long, low boats, coming in the guise of peace and trade. Then they will return with armies and attempt to take over this island. There is more, darker things, but this is all that has been seen for now. We will not tolerate any other human powers on this island, and neither should you. Your people need to prepare for war, not peace."

The Wild side of her nature was pacing in the back of her mind, telling her she was done. Telling her that she would fight if things continued much longer. 

"What would you have us do?" both Shelby and Cavin spoke at the same time, a curious thing, as if they were of two minds. 

Verana glanced to Benchan, remembering what he said of their friendship, then smiled and turned back to the two men. She remained silent as she watched Cavin stand and shift to Shelby's side. The other man towered above him, but neither presence overpowered the other's some how. The King had a natural aura of command that was matched by the physical power of the Lord beside him. The two of them looked nothing alike, but appeared to be mirrors of one another all the same.

"When they come, make it clear that this island is not welcoming to them. Turn them away. Greet them with your strongest weapons and closed doors." Verana offered a shrug, these details were not important to her or they Feysha. She just needed these men to understand they needed to be ready to fight, that no ground could be lost.

"Its not that simple. If they come under the flag of truce and we rebuff that, they will legitimize their case against us. It violates protocol and international trade rules, we could end up fighting five kingdoms, instead of one. We could lose trade partnerships with more than just these invaders. There is more than just this island in the world, more than just one set of invaders." Cavin said firmly, shaking his head. As if she cared about protocol or trade. Her people didn't benefit from any of these human constructs. They benefitted from their island being defended.

"I'll make it simple." Verana said sharply, fighting back a growl of frustration as she strapped on her sword belt, feeling the discordant song from her blades as they were reunited. "For every inch of ground we lose, it will take the blood of a hundred people to take back. For every acre of land they settle, it will make them ten times more likely to invade the entire island. That has been seen."

The metal man shifted from the side, taking a few steps towards her, his ire rekindling him out of his shame and fear. "If you are capable of doing all that you've done and your people are so fearsome, why don't you just repel this supposed invasion on your own?"

"Samyel." Shelby's tone was final and had an effect like a slap on the man, who flinched and took a step back, off to the side once more. But he still glared at her, as if what was said next could redeem him some how.

"Because the cost will be great, despite our abilities. Because the tax for Human presence on this Island is to answer this call. And if we fail, you will fall. If we succeed, you will no longer have any use to us." Verana said simply, watching the young man named Samyel for a long moment, then turning back to look at Shelby. "I understand that you are unable to immediately provide me assurances. Human pride and need for autonomy would chafe at being made to answer this request so unexpectedly. Just know that there is never as much time as we hope there to be, when we need it."

Cavin blinked a couple times, shaking his head as he tried to catch up to the conversation. "No, there definitely is not. Thank you for your message and understanding."

 He made a motion with his hands and the guards shifted, though reluctantly, dropping their hands from their swords and shifting back towards where others were standing amidst the columns. " You are recognized as a friend to Clairval, you have free access to all public lands. I will draft you the Royal seal."

Shelby looked at his king for a long time, weighing the man's decision. He frowned and looked to Verana before nodding slowly and forcing himself to relax. "You are a guest to Morningside, Lady Veranandein. I will have suitable quarters made up for you and you are welcome to stay here as long as necessary, perhaps we can also talk about building a relationship between our people that has a bit more understanding in the time that we do have."

"I mean no disrespect to your hospitality but I need to be out of these walls. I need fresh air on my face, bark brushing against my hands and the feeling of earth under my feet. I will be close, but it is hard for the Feysha to be within Human civilization. I will be back in the morning, and will return every day as such for as long as needed. If there is immediate need for me, fly a green flag on one of your towers."

"As you wish, my lady." Shelby offered her a half bow, looking as if he wanted to delay her departure.

 His King's expression had a soft look of worried regret, as if he believed he had squandered his only opportunity at something and had no idea how to get it back. For the moment, they looked like two lost boys, begging her to stay. It was a contrast to the bristling, prideful men that she had just been facing down.

Bowing her head over her palms, Verana smiled as best as she could manage. "Earth's blessings to all of you. I will return." She turned to leave then, taking two steps down the hall when she heard the younger brother take several quick steps after her.

"Lady Veranandein!" Samyel's voice echoed loudly along the walls and as she turned to face the young man, she noticed his body filled with agitation. His emotions were scattered as he wrestled with everything in front of him. His skin flushing red,  body smelling of shame and despair, wavering with uncertainty and self loathing.

Verana strode towards him, meeting him in only a few steps, taking one of his hands in a strong grip. Her other hand pressed to his chest, holding him standing as she felt him begin to shift into some sort of bow. She held him on his feet firmly, pulling him so that their bodies were close but not touching. "Samyel. The metal man." 

Her voice was soft. She would give this man what kindness she could, the Elders would expect it of her.

Her words caused his thoughts to stumble and he stared at her dumbly, before shaking his head and returning to his line of thinking. "I have no right to ask for forgiveness. My behaviour was unwarranted and a blight on my family name. Your treatment at my hands and under my commands shames me and I believe I am forfeit."

"I know what its like... feeling like your whole life that you have to prove your worth. That you have to prove your purpose in the world. I know what torture it is, to be an outsider and do everything in my power to gain acceptance, knowing that I could tear myself apart, and still not be good enough." She murmured softly in his ear, "You can still be a good man. You have a pure heart, I feel it. You need to let go of the fear and anger, the jealousy and bitterness. You need to allow yourself to feel the love these people have for you. And stop trying to be something you are not. You follow your own path, do your own thing, Samyel. You will change the world for the better if you do that. You are better than the man I have known this past day, but you are never forfeit. This world needs Lord Samyel, not another Lord Shelby."

She felt the man waver after she finished speaking, his eyes closing as her words trailed off and she was afraid that he was going to collapse. But she could feel as something inside of him shifted and he nodded. He opened his eyes and she saw determination watching her  as he squeezed her hand and giving it a firm shake, "M'lady."

She took a step back from him then, smiling and pressing her palms together, bowing her head over the tips of her fingers. "Earth's blessing to you, Samyel. Remember my words."

With that, she turned and walked towards the doors once more, smiling as two guards pulled them open and Benchan stepped beside her. "I'll show you the quickest way out, my lady. I can take you through the city as well, if you would like. It can be a maze when you're not familiar with it."