"I presume it will be just us." Says Irilene standing at a table that stretches like an island across the room with a couple seated at its head. Each of them wears a crown that extends over their heads like a flag, peacocking the colors of Bada.

The floor of this spectacular room is a world map of Luná, sculpted into a cream-coloured bark with panels of glass protecting it. The sculpture is chiseled with the depth to represent Luná's mountainous regions and bellowing valleys.

The dried clay pillars extend high enough to stand tall even in the depths of the ocean. Each is engraved with an ancient creature climbing its way down, encroaching on anyone below. A crimson undertone reflects throughout the room as the sunshine passes through this vast chamber.

"It would seem our efforts to reach out have failed. This committee is designed to facilitate conversation between all the leaders of Luná… All the ones that show up."

"Thank you to those who have arrived. You are all doing what is necessary to preserve the spirit of Luná's future. In attendance today, we have Ashira Adzana, Queen of Gelida Terra. Emperor and Empress Cao, of Bada Wang-gug. Kal'Et of East Nihil. And myself, Empress Irilene Adire, of Valantis."

"It is my hope that Ms. Shay'an of West Nihil and Zeno Arel of Dantas can join us in the future. For now, we will introduce the conversation at hand. It is come to my attention from Valantian and Gelidan intelligence, that there is an impending war in Dantas. Zeno Arel's seat is under threat from a Father-turned leader, Tolith Encaryn. His rebellion has ignited thirty percent of their population to take arms against his empire. We must understand our stance on this matter, and collectively ensure this war does not consume our interests."

"Valantians are always the first to profit from war." Comments Kal'Et. "Why not begin by explaining your position."

"You jest." Ashira scoffs at Kal'Et. "Your empire destabilized an entire nation and continues to do so. Yet you speak down on others."

"Please." Interrupts Irilene. "The topic at hand is the ensuing war in Dantas. Zeno Arel requested Valantian aid two rotations ago. At the time, we weren't sure why, but provided it regardless. However, if it is not in Valantian interest to do so, we may withdraw aid."

"Zeno had also requested aid from us," Adds Empress Cao. "We currently have a military presence there."

"And what is the trade for the presence your nations provide?" Asks Kal'Et.

"Currency," Irilene responds. "We are providing said aid at a fee because we were unsure of its purpose."

"You too?" Kal'Et nods to the Cao.

They both nod their heads.

"At present, your nations are aiding a dictator." Kal'et leans back in his seat, eyeing everyone around the table. "My people have told me that Tolith Encaryn is fighting to free Dantians from Zeno's, very violent, regime."

"You provided them with aid too?" Ashera inquires Kal'Et.

He grins, chuckling under his breath and raising his hands in the air. "We all did!" He projects at the top of his lungs, slamming the table. "Why do we bother with this- Pretending we don't have our little plans in motion? No one's willing to reveal their strategic position because why would they? I'm sorry to say, Irilene. But gone are the days in which I believe you'd ever lift your fingers from the pulse of Luná. You know every beat of its heart."

"I for one will be withdrawing troops. I will not aid the death of millions." Ashera follows up.

Kal'Et looks at her surprised but somewhat impressed. "You judgemental bitc-"

"You're right, Kal'Et." Irilene interrupts. "I'm sure we all had our cards on the table, hoping to deal into the game. I for one intend to help maintain stability in Dantas. My aid is currently going to Zeno, but I will be observing the war closely."

"We will be doing the same." Responds Empress Cao.

"Oh, of course, the three of you are plotting," Kal'Et remarks, smirking at Ashera next. "Are you in on it too?"

"No. As I said- Gelida will not be participating. We have far too much going on in our region to commit to war."

Stolen novel; please report.

"Well, I for one would hate to see this war being so… Unbalanced. I will support Tolith, for no other reason than to interrupt your little games. Ashera, would you be interested in joining me?"

Ashera looks at Irilene as if she is trying to read her, but Irilene doesn't flinch.

"I will consider it." She says, looking Irilene in the eye.

Kal'Et laughs, "Oh my, trouble in paradise?"

"What exactly is your goal?" Ashera asks Irilene.

"I want to do what is best for its citizens."

"But you'd be supporting a dictator?" Kal'Et queries.

"And you'd be supporting an extremist who speaks very fondly of erasing your distasteful regime." She directs back to him.

Kal'Et frowns in frustration.

"Those were his words, not mine." She adds.

"I understand it is a complex situation. This is why I wanted us to discuss it. Valantis is prepared to remove all of its forces from the region as well."

"Where's the fun in that?" Kal'Et moans.

"Gelida too." Says Ashera.

Emperor Cao stands up at his seat, parading his navy red dress, patterned in the golden lining of a great beast, along with his crown, which reddens as it moves into the light.

"We will continue providing aid to Zeno Arel based on pre-existing discussions." He states. "Due to our position in this war, anyone aiding Tolith will be seen as our enemy."

The Emperor sits back down.

"Then I will aid Tolith." Says Kal'Et as he stands and stares at the Cao. "You think you can intimidate me with threats?"

"It will be decided in battle." Empress Cao responds, shunning his eye contact.

"In the meantime, Valantis and Gelida will then be assuming a neutral position. Removing our forces from Dantas entirely until we have a better understanding of the situation at hand." Says Irilene, as she passes a glance at each member in the room. "Is this the understood state of affairs?"

The Cao nod their heads as Kal'Et sits back down. Crossing his arms and grunting in agreement.

"I was informed a child of magic had been apprehended by you, Emperor Cao." Asks Ashera.

He nods his head in response. "However, The Leopards freed her. We believe they are fleeing to Dantas to aid Tolith."

"Send us her description. I will have Valantian troops support your search before I withdraw them." Irilene adds.

"As will the troops of Gelida."

"Very well then. I do not see the need for any further discussions, however, I'd like to ask something Kal'Et," she adds

"Hmm?" He mumbles.

"Can you put me in contact with Ms. Shay'an?"

He laughs, "Why would you want to speak to the maniac?"

"There's something private I must discuss with her."

"Leave a note. I will have my men deliver it."

"Thank you." She says as she stands up. "Are there any other queries or statements?"

There is total silence as she looks at each of the leaders.

"Very well, thank you all for attending."

"Some cultures refer to God. Others refer to the Abso'lut. The A'shic records state that they are the same. That the Abso'lut is the source of all being. And all magic." - Prophet Mo'Hid

"That went rather well," Comments Ashera as she removes her traditional clothing. "A war in Dantas will be quite impactful on Luná. It remains quite unclear whether Tolith or Zeno would be ideal candidates."

"It went better than expected." Responds Irilene as she ties her hair up in the mirror. "I'm doubtful that Falan would be able to conduct himself well when facing men such as Kal'Et."

"He has too much optimism," Ashera walks up behind Irilene and wraps her arms around her, tightly pressing against Irilenes back. "He would be manipulated quite easily."

"Bada would question him too. It is a strong nation that only cares for strong relationships." Irilene responds

"The architecture is beautiful," Ashera says, kissing the back of Irilene's neck.

"Bada has quite a rich history. Their faith in the Abso'lut is marvelous."

"That's not the architecture I'm referring to." She says as she lowers a hand to caress Irilene's thigh.

"You continue to impress me," She whispers into Irilene's ear as her hand moves between Irilenes thighs.

Irilene softly moans, her hands jittering whilst attempting to tie the unattended half of her hair.

"The Empress with her finger on the pulse of Luná." Ashera whispers, "Kal'Et may be a fool, but that's the wisest statement he's ever made."

Irilene's hands quit their efforts as reaches behind her and wraps them around Ashera's head. Her eyes close before she moans louder, tensing her whole body.

"And her bond, Asher Adzana." She adds, the warmth of her breath tingling against the back of Irilene's ear. "With her fingers… Elsewhere."

"Of love and hate. Of darkness and light. Of life and Death" - Unknown