"To Lord Kallem and General Verlcon Korva. It is my pleasure to report that we have repulsed the American assault and reclaimed the Hiplose Woods.

The Versum Brigaton successfully cleansed the woods from this new enemy, and as I promised, they have begun preparing siege fortifications on the east and north ridges that oversee Salva, cutting them off from the outside world.

I have already sent files to the countryside, gathering supplies and conscripts. From these operations, I have heard reports that the Altaerrie were attempting to make deals with our real subjects to buy their allegiance, with limited success. I have declared that any village that shows support for these invaders will be punished to the full extent of the Katra and requested a Priestess of Light to begin trials.

Since my last report, one new development has occurred. The Salva townsfolk have been released and are returning to the city. My Air Riders are increasing their harassment of the rebel convoy, but the American air missiles have made the campaign costly. However, I was given a note from a Vagahm emissary stating that they had declared neutrality. Emissary Darius Ort-Olus has confirmed the treaty Vagahm and Salva have signed.

I know you will be displeased that the dwarves will not allow us to use their territory to flank them from the south; we do not have to worry about an additional front opening. Of course, I will maintain visuals on this "neutrality treaty".

As soon as my Brigaton's are in position, we will be begin assaulting operations. Let our actions bring honor to Verliance." - General Sasbin-Arkin Phaeron, Nevali Region Command

March 19th ,2068 (military calendar)

The Citadel, Cornt, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Welrindor Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

While Routh’s actions during her recent betrayal were out of loyalty, he still had no choice but to discipline the motuia. Such actions required a response for no other reason for appearance. However, he respected her initiative, potentially saving his life and preventing the former Unity priestess from acquiring his property; that loyalty couldn't be bought. So, he decided to lock her away in self-containment for a week, three days.

"My Lord," Routh said. "You have a guest."

"The Unity have arrived?" Kallem asked, surprised by the update. "I was not expecting them for another few days."

Routh was hesitant to continue but said, "No, my Lord. The House of Tourmaline has arrived. Mistress Illythia Tourmaline seeks your presence."

"House Tourmaline? Illythia?" Kallem blankly repeated. "What is she doing here?"

"I do not know," Routh said. "Your daughter is currently hosting the Mistress."

"Good," Kallem said. For a moment, he worried that his son or another member of the servant staff was entertaining the foreign noble vampire woman, hearing that it was his daughter, Ornnallia.

He then turned toward Field Marshal Verlcon Korva. "Depart when ready. My presence will be additionally delayed."

The newly appointed Field Marshal saluted and left the chamber. The Vampire Lord finished getting dressed and headed out the door, with his Head Maid following behind.

Marching through the hallways of the capital city of the Verliance Aristocracy, Cornot, polished gray stones laid the foundation of the walls, with dark red wood reaching the ceiling—a sharp purplish glow from the light crystal installed inside the wall lamps.

Paintings from across Aldrida lined the walls. They are older than the Vampire Lord and date back to when the Aristocracy was a City-State kingdom. Sections of the wall were engraved, allowing small statues and larger art pieces of historical figures and moments in time.

"Inform your maids to be careful around Illythia Tourmaline and her entourage," Kallem said.

"I will, my Lord," Routh said. "I know of the Mistress’ ways. I have informed my staff of the doctrine and instructed them on what script to follow regarding domestic matters."

The two guards in purple and red metal royal armor stood at attention before opening the dual doors. Inside, the Vampiric Lord saw the leader of the House of Tourmaline, Illythia.

This woman was the head of her House and City-State within the Manulit Mountain Range, independent from the Verliance Aristocracy. Built high into the mountains, they have been a significant economic power for their size, using their domestic mineral wealth and manufacturing advantages to carve out a market on the continent. With this alliance with the dwarves and harpies and access to critical trade routes on land and the underground rivers, they have remained independent for centuries.

The Mistress was sitting at a dark redwood table with glass circles across its surface, holding a glass of blood lightly mixed with insect juice. She was speaking with Kallem's daughter. The two seemed to be having a pleasant conversation that concerned the Vampire Lord—not because he was worried about his daughter's abilities, as she had been trained in the arts of House politics, but because of what game Illythia Tourmaline was playing.

Seeing that the Vampire Lord had arrived, Ornnallia stood. "Miss Tourmaline, I am pleased to state that my father has arrived."

The female Vampire stood from her seat, wearing an intricate black and red dress with jewelry headpieces wrapped around her head. Her arms and upper legs were bare skin, and black gloves and boots reached their limb's midsection. This, combined with her powerful, beautiful, curvaceous body, pale purple skin, and strong jawline, added to her mystical appeal. Her long, dark brunette hair was always tied up in an intricate design.

"Kallem," Illythia said as she approached. "It is nice to meet you again. How long has it been?"

Kallem Verliance held his hand to prevent Illythia from getting nearby. "What brings you to my Aristocracy at this hour?"

"I see you are still as stiff," Illythia said. "The last war was long ago."

"For the lower life-span races," Kallem said. "You have been raiding my borders for years,"

Illythia Tourmaline laughed, placing her elbow on her other hand and displaying a casual dismissal. "Please. Your Aristocracy has been intending to annex my City-State for generations. Let us not begin casting blame."

The point hit Kallem Verliance hard. It was true that his country had been attempting to annex the Tourmaline Prepotency into his sphere of influence for generations, even before his ascension to the throne. His father had waged multiple wars to bring the Tourmaline wealth into the fold but was unsuccessful. However, as the Vampire Lord grew older, he wondered if that became a blessing or a curse. The concept of having this woman in his cabinet made him ill.

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"And yet, here we are. I rule one of the four mighty empires on Aldrida, and you remain in your cave."

Illythia stared up at the taller Vampire, glaring defiantly into his eyes. She then burst out laughing. "Defiant as always. But even you bent the knee to the Unity. You always know a good deal when you see one."

"Is that why you have arrived?" Kallem asked. "A deal?"

Staring at the female Vampire Lord, Kallem could see the seriousness in her ashy gray eyes that shimmered blood red. They were cold and focused, showing that her exterior attitude was a front while coldly calculating her next step.

That was when Kallem noticed his daughter approaching.

"Father," Ornnallia said. “Mistress Tourmaline. If I may, please have a seat. It would be appropriate to conduct business formally."

The Mistress of Tourmaline maintained her stare but broke the tension after the daughter spoke with a light giggle. "Thank you, dear. I believe we have allowed history to pick old wounds. May I speak, the Lord of the Vampires?"

Feeling that his daughter had gracefully broken the tension, he sat at the head of the redwood table, with Routh standing behind him. His daughter sat on the right, while the Mistress was on the left.

"Before we begin," Kallem said, lifting his arm from the chair's arm. "Roath, please prepare drinks and food."

"My Lord," Routh said. The silver kitsune left the dining room.

"I see why you kept her after the incident," Illythia commented.

"Speak carefully," Kallem said. "Insulting the inner functions of one House has resulted in conflict."

"Only when they are spoken truthfully," Illythia stated. "But I meant no insult. As a matter of fact, it relates to a common subject that we both must navigate."

"I assume you mean the Altaerrie?" Ornnallia asked. "It was them who assassinated the Priestess with Lat spies."

"The Lats are a clever people when pressed." Illythia gently placed her hand on her chin, letting out a giggle. “You seem to have surprised many. Do you not believe you are not overreacting to their presence?”

“You were not on their world,” Kallem responded. “Or faced them in battle.”

“And that one encounter resulted in full mobilization for war?” Illythia asked. "Your actions show that you fear these humans."

Kallem understood his Vampire's rival reaction. From the outside, many might consider his actions loose, especially for someone with a reputation for patience. “They have protected rebels, killed my soldiers, invaded my territory, and threatened to annex my people. Of course, I would respond in kind.”

"Or the Unity will for you," Illythia commented.

While that point was not a reason why he declared war against the Altaerrie invaders, it was true. If he didn't take action, he knew their new masters would assume control over his people out of self-defense in response to this alien aggression. However, even if he had not vassalized the Aristocracy to the Katra, protecting his country was enough.

“As I expect you would,” Illythia stated. “There is one feat I have always admired about you. You do value your country's well-being. I cannot say that about most Houses.”

While the Vampire Lord enjoyed the acknowledgment of his values, he understood this was only a means to an end. “You came here to engage in my internal politics?” he asked.

“Not at all,” Illythia said. "This might surprise you, but I have come to answer your call."

The response baffled the Verliance Lord, who didn't recall any call. He turned to his daughter, who had the same confused reaction. Yes, he mobilized his Aristocracy to defend his country against the invaders and seek assistance from the Unity. But not from a rival vampire City-State.

However, Tourmaline House was not part of the Verliance Aristocracy. It was a City-State inside the Manulit Mountain Range, one of the few independent vampire nations in Aldrida. Dozens of wars over the centuries as each other believed they held the lead of the Vampire race on this continent.

While the two were vampires, Kallem and his Council had decided against requesting their aid. Their history has been troublesome, with many wars and failed unification attempts before his time as leader. Now, they focus on proxies and influence rather than war.

"My call?"

"Yes. You sent messages to all your Lords and Clans to mobilize for war. I have come to lend you my support."

"Why does the House of Tourmaline wish to aid my cause?" Kallem asked.

"We are allies, after all," Illythia said.

"Allies who have waged multiple wars against each other?"

"That was in the past. What we fought against no longer matters, and you know it. The world has changed long before the Altaerrie have arrived on Alagore. And besides, our masters would never allow their subjects to wage war against each other. Being called the Unity after all."

"And yet," Kallem said. "That does not address the question. Our fathers have fought for generations, and now you wish to undo your people's independence?"

"That is correct," Illythia said. "Given our history, I know the proposal is unexpected, but old habits will become meaningless with these changing times. You know I am right. After all, you did. I never expected you to. You bent the knee to Unity ownership."

Kallem leaned back, staring at his blood drink. The dark pink female vampire's words were valid. The old world was gone, and a new reality was forming.

Still, it was hard for the Vampire Lord to accept the proposal after centuries of hostility. He was multiple times on the receiving end of her people’s weapons in battle. However, there was one detail she stated that he couldn't ignore. While the thought boiled his blood with rage, he did surrender to the Unity of Cordinlane.

"Why would you give up your autonomy to me?" Kallem asked.

The female Vampire took a drink from her drink. "It is the same reason as you. Survival. Between the Unity, your people, and now this new threat, my City-State can no longer compete or remain neutral. With the Aristocracy at war, we will be dragged into it sooner or later. Against my wishes."

While the Vampire Lord carefully listened, he understood where the Mistress came from. Questions arose, but she answered them before speaking. Why side with him besides the Unity?

"You wish to be proactive?" Kallem asked.

"Correct," Illythia said. "It would be beneficial if we merged our Houses rather than wait and be forced to do it later."

"For you. I see no benefit for me. You gain my protection and a seat on my Council. What do I gain from this?"

Illythia Tourmaline stared at the Vampire Lord, chuckling. "I have always admired your style of politics. You are direct when you wish, never fearful of what you say."

"And yet, you have not addressed my point," Kallem stated.

"No, I did not," Illythia said. "It is simple, honestly. You gain a critical ally in your time of need while no longer having to deal with a rival on your eastern flank. Additionally, taxation from a major economy is what you and your father have always been after, and, most importantly, my army. It might not be as sizable as yours, but you must acknowledge the quality of our bloody history.”

Kallem remained silent, staring at her in thought. What was being offered was valuable to him and would serve as a boom during these crucial times. These were the reasons why his people waged a constant war and blockade against her House. Yet, he squinted at her, knowing there was more to it.

Illythia merely chuckled as she continued. “You are as sharp as ever. Lastly, I offer myself to you. To bind our Houses together and bury this blood feud between us forever in exchange for a position on the Council.”

He looked at her, surprised. The proposal caught him off guard, but he quickly regained his calm demeanor. He thought of the idea, but Illythia could see he wasn’t fond of the idea.

Illythia smiled as if he was playing right in her hands. Now that her outrageous proposal was out there, she could move in to offer what she originally planned.

“But considering we’ve both been married before, as well as the feud between us. I can see this being an issue. So why not offer this opportunity to the next generation? Your son, Ere-hian, is coming to that age where he will be looking for a wife. Why not have my daughter marry your son for a position on the Council? Our families will be stronger together while you maintain the superior position, while you won’t have to worry about me trespassing in your home.”

Kallem adjusted himself with that slight jab at the end. How could she read him so easily? The response was expected, and Kallem would reject such an offer at any other time. However, he knew the benefits of such a partnership. He was forced to accept the terms. The economy of the Aristocracy was significantly more diverse and powerful than the Tourmaline Prepotency; however, the City-State was not Salva or the others in the Nevali Region. An alliance, let alone integration, would bring many resources, manpower, and revenue for this war.

He could already see why Illythia would ask such a proposal. With the two nations' rivalry, the Mistress would wish for safeguards to maintain her power within her fiefdom. While it would be his right to marry off his children, mixing bloodlines might be a line too far for the Lord.

But the offer was too good to pass, putting himself in a corner. As both were members of the Unity, Mistress Illythia Tourmaline would be required to aid the Verliance Aristocracy to some extent. Either with troops or materials. However, there would be the issue of trade, tariffs, and other resources that come with diplomacy. It would have been better for him to integrate their economy with his; however, bringing her house into the fold was a sour point.

After a few moments of consideration, Kallem Verliance stood from the table and said, "Thank you for the offer. I must carefully consider the details in private as I deal with other matters."

"I expected as much," Illythia said. "But remember, my Lord. This offer will not be on the table forever."

"No offer is," Kallem replied. "In the meantime, you are welcome to stay. My daughter will make arrangements."