Deliah took a deep breath, doing her best to keep her mind on the task at hand. She had never been to human lands before, and though she disagreed with the Volk council’s decision to petition the human empire of Akkroa for aid; her curiosity was undeniable. Her people were under siege. Their long rivalry with the Hylorin elves had finally turned to war. Not directly of course. The High elves never sullied their hands with the frivolous task of going to war. Not for many centuries at least. Their elvan lives were far too valuable. Instead, they used one of their vassals to bring their wrath. The Kobalts of the deep North had begun streaming into Droug territory several years ago. Deliah’s mouth soured at the thought of the disgusting creatures. They were smaller than most surface dwelling races, only a few inches taller than goblins. But they could breed, and were relentless fighters. It was yet unknown how the Hylorins had managed to seduce them into servitude, but it had been much to their benefit.
“Lady Deliah, of house Reave.” A human servant said, approaching her from a pair of large wooden doors. “The emperor will see you now.”
Deliah nodded and stood from the seat she had been waiting on for nearly an hour. Her honor guard stood as well, disarmed though they were, they were still extremely lethal. Eleven in total, they followed the human servant through a large and luxurious hallway, past two heavy carved doors, and into the throne room of the emperor. Open and well-lit with vast windows, Deliah focused on the elevated throne. Upon it sat a child who called himself an emperor. To the Droug, who lived for centuries, some of the more powerful reached even near immortality. This Human of eighteen years seemed an infant in comparison. Deliah herself was one hundred and twelve years old. She cursed silently at the humiliation of their situation. How could it come to this? How could the mighty Droug be forced to grovel at the feet of these foul creatures?
“Lady Deliah, of house Reave!” The Servant called, ceremoniously announcing their presence.
She bowed her head, only slightly. She still had her pride after all. Her eyes flicked to the thirty guards that stood lined on either side of the carpeted path leading to the throne. -At least they knew enough to bring this much protection. - She thought.
“Welcome,” The Emperor said, his voice surprisingly rasped for such a young man. “Deliah of house Reave. I do believe this is the first time in our empire’s history that we have had the pleasure of hosting one of your kind in our halls. I am deeply honored to meet you.”
Deliah blinked at the warm words from the emperor. “Yes, your highness. I am pleased to meet you as well. And if I am the first Droug you have met, then I am honored.”
“Droug?” The emperor asked, tilting his head to the side. “Is that what you are truly called?”
Deliah paused, unsure if she was being insulted or not. “Yes.”
“Here, your people are known as Dark Elves.” The emperor said, a genuine smile cresting his face. “No matter. I’m glad to know your true name.”
There were several pregnant moments of tension as Deliah steadied herself. “Your majesty, I have been sent by the Volk council of my people, our highest governing body. To,” She paused, licking her lips. “To ask for the aid of the Akkroan empire in our hour of need.” She let her words settle in the emperor’s thoughts for a moment, looking to see his reaction. Concern began to grow within as she noticed there was none. His face had become an unreadable slab of stone. “Our king has tasked me with the responsibility of bringing this before you. In the hopes that we could come to an agreement.”
“Tell me what has happened.” The emperor said, leaning back on his throne.
“As you may have heard,” She continued, “we are at war with the Kobalts of the deep Northern mountains. We have seen them grow more and more persistent over the past several years. Now entering battle with Hylorin steel and armor. It is no surprise that we learned of the Hylorin elves' hand in the strength of these creatures. They have proven to be much more dangerous than we believed. We understand them to be no friend of Akkroa as well.
“And so, you come here, asking me to send my legions to defend your territory.” The emperor said. “Have you not petitioned an appeal to the High Elves? Asked them to cease this violence against you? It is my understanding that elves, whether Dark or High, tend to respect the lives of their kind. Or am I mistaken?”
Deliah stiffened at the words. Her thoughts clouding in that moment with a virulent rage. Then, she quickly remembered herself and said calmly. “No, your highness. They have ignored all petitions. We have tried again and again, yet still are ignored by their King. So, we resolved to fight, and have attempted to fend off their minions. Still… though we are a proud people. We know that even if we were able to defeat the Kobalt hordes that so relentlessly pursue our death. We know that we would not stand a chance against the Hylorin military.”
The emperor sat in silence for a time. His eyes studied the Droug with a calculating intensity that made her uneasy. Finally, he spoke. “I don’t believe the high elves would commit genocide on the scale that you are suggesting. I have been led to believe that all elves, even the Hylorin.” He said the word as though not acquainted with its use. “Hold elven lives in very high regard. Even those of the Droug.”
Deliah’s heart began to sink in her chest. She did not expect anything from the humans, but still. The realization that she had wasted weeks of her time vying for an alliance that could never be, had the same effect.
“However.” The boy emperor continued. Causing Deliah to look up in surprise. “That doesn’t mean that we can’t come to an arrangement of sorts.”
Sudden hope rose within her. “Of course, your highness.” She said, keeping her demeanor calm and collected.
“There are many things that Akkroa could benefit from in trading with your people.” His eyes narrowed on her. “However, there is one thing I would like beyond all others. With this, I would have no choice but to send aid.”
Deliah tensed. -Of course, he wants magic- She thought. Humans obviously had their own magic, which was quite dangerous. But it lacked the finesse of the other races. Particularly that of healing magic and those more complex than just hurling fireballs into your enemies. Nevertheless, she was prepared for this and had the full support of the Volk council and their King to commit their magic. “We are.” She paused, clearly having trouble saying the words. “Willing to trade our magic for your support.”
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The Akkroan emperor frowned and leaned forward, steepling his hands. He said nothing for a time, taking nearly half a minute to look at her in deep thought. “To be honest with you, Lady Deliah.” He said, finally. “I am disappointed with this arrangement that you are suggesting.”
Deliah looked up at him in confusion, her mind racing. She was perplexed at the sudden change in direction. “I…” She said slowly, “I don’t understand, your highness. Our magic is the most valuable thing the Droug have to give. It is probably what the Hylorin are seeking with this conflict to begin with. Do you want gold? We have an abundance of precious gems, but our economy has suffered greatly from all this.”
The emperor sighed and shook his head. “You insult me, with your assumption of the type of ruler I am. If you believe that the most valuable thing you have to give is your magic or something as foolish as gold, then I truly can’t afford to send my people to your defense.”
“Then what?” She asked, anger entering her voice. “You will let us get slaughtered? You will let the Kolbalts stream into our lands and turn us into slaves to the Hylorins?”
“I would not ask for your magic tricks or your gold.” The Emperor said, “I would ask only for the friendship of your people. To ensure a long-term alliance.”
Deliah’s thoughts came to a sudden halt. “You… want our friendship?” She asked, her face twisted in confusion.
The emperor’s mouth curled into a broad smile, and he chuckled. “Yes. My father spent his years keeping our borders and trade routes closed to the elves. Believing that whatever you had to give, paled compared to what humans could do and create.” He stood from his throne and started to descend the steps toward Deliah. “Don’t get me wrong. I believe that we have created many great things. But what type of ruler would I be to ignore a friend in need?” He walked right up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Deliah tensed at the invasion of her personal space. “Your highness. I was given permission to barter with our magic. However, I don’t have the authority to sign a treaty or an alliance. That is something that only our King can do.”
The Emperor nodded, patting her shoulder and then clasping his hands behind his back. “As allies, I believe we could do much together. And if your King is the only one who can make this decision, then,” He shrugged, “I will escort you back. With an ambassador of Akkroa and a full legion to bolster your defenses. I am sure your Volk council and your King will see reason.”
Deliah bowed her head in thanks, and the heavy weight on her heart lifted. “Thank you, your highness.”
“Tonight, though.” He continued. “You are my honored guests. We will throw a banquet in your honor. I think you will find that humans aren’t all that bad.”
~
After the audience, Deliah left the throne room in a daze. She stared at the floor as they were escorted to ample accommodations for royal guests and dignitaries. And finally, when alone, the magnitude of the accomplishment began to set in. She had just secured the support they needed to survive the onslaught of violence the Hyloran Elves had unleashed upon them. All Droug had an opinion about the human territories that sprawled over most of the eastern side of their continent. Most were negative, viewing the kingdoms of men as power-hungry, greedy expansionists. None of them saw them as weak. They were the only race that found themselves unimpeded by the Hyloran Elves. Who had grown to a level of power, as to be unopposed by the surrounding races. Even some of the smaller dwarven kingdoms in the mountains of Arikath served them.
Deliah let out a deep breath, as she surveyed her room. It was luxurious. Gold trimmed every corner, sculpted into fine designs by some master craftsman. Marble floors reflected light back at her, and silk curtains hung around a massive bed. -This is a bit much.- She thought, unaccustomed to such gaudy displays of wealth. “Wow.” She whispered to herself. As she inspected the room further, she noticed that one of the wardrobe doors was slightly open. Deliah made her way to the opening and peered inside. Within it were half a dozen luxurious gowns. Each was equally impressive and adorned with dozens of jewels. Lifting them up one by one, she settled on a silken dress, a deep blue color that complimented her dark, charcoal skin.
Later that evening, Deliah found herself surrounded by the Human aristocracy. Senators and nobles of all shapes and sizes mingled and toiled around her. The emperor had indeed kept his word and organized a massive banquet in their honor. She had spent many awkward hours at this point, speaking with humans and enduring their menial and sometimes, rather, invasive questions about her people. Deliah managed to escape for a moment, sitting down at a corner table within the large banquet hall.
“Here I thought all the kingdoms of men were filled with hairy savages and monsters.” A feminine voice said from behind her. Deliah smiled, hearing the words spoken in her native tongue. Turning around, she saw her friend and apprentice, Mel’ah.
“I was wondering where you scurried off to, Mel.” Deliah smiled as she gestured to one of the open seats around her.
“Master, you know me. I wanted to speak with as many of these people as I possibly could.”
“And what is your consensus so far?” Deliah chuckled.
“They are either extremely good, or very bad.” Mel’ah scrunched her nose as the words left her mouth. “I can’t seem to find anyone who rests somewhere in between.”
Deliah sighed, “I have come to mostly the same conclusion. Half of these humans are fat and arrogant. The rest…” She looked at the sea of mingling bodies of the banquet.
“Are women?” Mel asked, gaining the gift of Deliah’s laughter.
“It’s obscene, isn’t it?” Deliah could barely keep tears from forming in her eyes. “I can’t say I’ve seen so many large men, with so many beautiful women.”
“Humans are that way.” Mel’ah smiled, “It says quite a bit about their culture, wouldn’t you say?”
“They’re born, grow, and die. Like large flies.” Deliah’s laughter died, and her eyes caught the familiar form of the Akkroan emperor, making his way toward her table. She was surprised he hadn’t attended the party sooner, but his absence made sense, she supposed. To his left was another man who stood a bit taller than the emperor and seemed older than him. Human ages were so hard to gauge for her. But, she figured that as her experience with the creatures increased; she would get better at it.
“Lady Deliah.” The emperor greeted them.
Deliah and Mel’ah both stood and bowed their heads low. “Majesty.” They said in unison.
“I’ve brought with me our ambassador; Senator Cleamon, of House Fabius.” The emperor chuckled as he slapped the man on the back.
“Lady Deliah.” Cleamon bowed, “I am honored to be a part of this historic event. The emperor brought this to my attention, and I could hardly contain my excitement. Not only to meet with distinguished people, such as yourselves, but to further the glory of our great empire and to build a bridge, which upon we will most surely do great things together.
Deliah blinked at the theatrics Cleamon was displaying. She glanced over at Mel’ah who gave a sympathetic smile. “Thank you, Senator Cleamon, for your kind words. I am very much looking forward to it. And thank you, your majesty, for this opportunity. I am sure our people will have many things to share with one another.”
The emperor smiled, “It is my pleasure. Tomorrow, you and our esteemed Senator will make your way to one of our camps to acquire a legion. I have already briefed our Generals in preparation.”
After some more small talk, the emperor and Cleamon made their way back into the banquet. Leaving Mel’ah and Deliah alone again.
“Master, I pray to the Drodar that these humans are as formidable as the council says.” Mel’ah said, wringing her hands together.
“Mel.” Deliah started, turning to face her apprentice. “All we can do is hope. But we have done our duty here and fulfilled the wishes of the council. The rest is up to them.”