The Draconic elves’ leader had a long walk ahead, rehearsing a speech in his mind about the current situation. Refugees coming in when they themselves barely had enough to come by. They just began to receive a small surplus because of his wife’s efforts and the magical powers borrowed from the elements. The growing number of Pencari glaring at them in the distance was especially concerning most of all. Convincing his people to accept the Hellhounds and the no longer extinct humans was a tough task. And for that, he needed to figure it out.
Perhaps there can be a compromise? Hellhounds and humans must excel at something, correct? With the humans living underground, similar to the Dwarves in iTealaich, could they excel in mining? And his people could always use the metal for their weapons. It was already a miracle in itself that Trevor was fully decked in metal armor compared to his other people. But then again... it was a result of a shipwreck...
And then there was the Hellhounds. Intimidating stature, with the ability to carry, lift, and drag two to three times their size. Despite fewer numbers, they can still contribute effectively… or at least their leader and the two others, from what he had been told. It is possible that they could assist in constructing stronger walls. With the population growing, they will need it.
It was enough to make him sigh and shake his head, his mind racing with possibilities; all of them. He wasn’t even sure of its probable success. But all he could do was go home to his wife and adult son. Mainly, to inform them of the situation.
When he arrived at his three-story stone house, he could already feel the weight of the armor hindering his movement. That damned human got to him physically; a lot more than anticipated. He might need his wife to peek at it before the meeting. But then again, he cannot afford to stall the ‘meeting’ any longer than he did. The gable roof was of stern woof, patched with various grasses to keep the temperature in the home at a decent level, no matter the season. Especially with the chilly winds that come from the ocean, it helped a lot.
He approached the wooden door, carved with his family sigil; almost forgotten if it wasn’t for him being the sole survivor. How he had to witness the fall of his people back at iTealaich, all because his race was not ‘pure’. How much shame they bring to dragons for their blood being shared by other races. Something that happened perhaps a couple of millennia ago. And someone forced them to pay a price that held no value to them. The loss of lives brought endless struggle, uncertainty, and the loss of everything they had.
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And not to mention their pride.
He shook his head, trying to push that horror away as he opened the door to his hearth and home. Upon entry, he observed the stairs leading to the other rooms, where they likely were. “Hey, I’m home,” he called out as he closed the door behind him. “Honey? Raygnar?”
“I’m here dear! From upstairs, a female voice echoed, with quick footsteps approaching him. “Raygnar dear is taking a nap, so keep your voice down.”
“Says the one who responded with the same volume, but I will,” he chuckled, responding with the same volume. He waited for her to descend, just enough for a glimpse. An elven woman with long blonde hair, delicately stylized to show off the laurel on her head, the various blooming flowers in various spots. Her dress was simplistic; the color of green with a scarf around her neck and a white apron tied around her lower waist. Being way shorter than Trevor, once she was within arm’s reach, he picked her up just so he can give her a kiss. Then he set her down. “I just came by to let you know dear, I will unfortunately be late, so... don’t wait for me at dinnertime.”
“What’s wrong? Does it have something to do with Raygnar summoning you--?”
“In a way, yes, but as well... it deals with things that cannot be avoided. I have to explain to my people about the refugees that showed up... and convince them to stay here. And unfortunately, one of them doesn’t like elves... for an excellent reason. So it’s why also honey,” he held her shoulder with his hands. “Please be careful. While they have their reasons, it is not enough to but the blame on you. And also... there is an elf here. Someone named Nahele, a ‘Pencari’... but a ‘defect’. While he seems amicable, be wary of him. ok?”
She nodded, “Of course, dear. But I am still making you dinner and you will eat, whether it will be cold or not.” She poked his nose, which took him aback.
“Alright, and also... I need to borrow some of Raygnar’s things from his workshop. Something tells me that I will need it for what’s coming.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now, I need to go. I will try to come back as soon as I can.” He barely was inside the house, before he went back into the open once again, now heading out to where his people waited; with questions, demands, and most likely...
Protests.