The three reached the end of the stairs and walked into a large room full of people.

Dwarfs, Lupum, a few Humans, Tigeas, a couple of Elves, and a Satyr occupied chairs facing the opposite wall, where a wooden dais stood.

The white lardelite stone had no decorations, and E'eral lamps hanging from the ceiling illuminated the space.

The Elf that guided Bonte and Hanna gestured at the seats with a welcoming smile. “Please, find a spot to your convenience. The meeting is about to begin,” he offered.

The two nodded and looked around, then walked to a couple of free seats and sat down.

The people around them chatted with their neighbors, gossiping about the latest news.

“Word has it you have information about an upcoming book by Yinka Plavas,” a female Tigea chuckled, leaning on her companion. “Mind sharing what you know?”

The male Human she was talking to politely laughed, then replied, “Nothing but rumors, friend. I have no such information, I'm afraid,” he denied with a shake of his head. “If that were the case, however, you'd be the first to know.”

“Hmm,” she purred and placed a hand on his chest. “We could chat about other matters, too, if you'd be so inclined,” she offered, giving him a look and shifting her feline ears.

The Human let out a polite chuckle that betrayed he wasn't comfortable.

Bonte, disguised as a Dwarf, leaned close to them and muttered, “Ma'am, this is not the place.”

The Tigea turned her head and eyed him from top to bottom, then met his eyes. A coy smile split her lips. “Could you take me to the right place, then?” She inquired in a playful whine.

Bonte frowned. The type of person that flocked towards social events of any kind for the main purpose of flirting with others never sat well with him. He never would have thought one of them would be in such a place, too. His facial expression, however, said 'Do you want a fucking slap, then?'.

“Oh, feisty,” the woman giggled.

Hanna scoffed. “How unsophisticated,” she mocked.

The Tigea gave her a glance, noticing the red scales and dark horns of her disguise. “Mph,” she harrumphed and looked forward.

The Human gave an appreciative nod to the Dwarf that helped him.

Bonte returned the gesture.

As if on cue, a Changeling walked up to the dais and waved a hand. They wore a simple gray robe with no decoration or patterns, contrasting with their white-bluish skin and hair.

The crowd quieted down.

The Changeling looked over the crowd with eyes similar in color to their hair, then smiled. “Welcome, dear friends. I noticed we have a few newcomers,” they chuckled. “My name is Kulmonari, a Changeling born in this country just like some of you here. I welcome you to our community, and to the returning friends, welcome back.”

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A few murmurs broke in the crowd, greeting the individual. A few waved their hands, other nodded, other called the Changeling by name.

“I'm happy to see you again,” Kulmonari cheerfully greeted back to some. “How's the family doing?” They smiled to a few. “I hope work's going fine, and the summer hasn't been too harsh on you,” they warmly replied to a few attendees.

The crowd chuckled and giggled, either replying or staying silent.

Once the short exchange of pleasantries was done, Kulmonari continued, “On my way here, I noticed something you might have seen as well, friends.” They eyed the audience, and a frown slowly took over their face. “The Royal Family has invited the populace to join them in celebration.”

People in the crowd shook their heads in disapproval, along with grunts of displeasure.

“Now, now,” the Changeling chuckled, waving their hands to appease the mild response from the audience. “I think we all agree that the Royal Family is an unsavory group of people, but we must not forget they are... people, too. Just like us. With worries, everyday problems, and difficult situations like choosing which crown to wear for the day, right?”

The crowd laughed at the little joke with nods of agreement.

Kulmonari sighed and rested their hands on the dais, then leaned forward a bit. “The King was ill, as we were all informed. And a Halve of all things came to the rescue.” They looked up at the ceiling with a smile. “How convenient. What would the reasoning be to hide the Monarch's health other than to artificially embolden the Halve's standing with the populace?” The Changeling looked back at the crowd and tilted their head. “And on such a short notice, too. I don't know about you, but I find it odd. A Halve arrives shorty after being born and having done nothing for the world so far... and bam! A King is 'saved'.”

Some people nodded in agreement, others opened their eyes in realization while covering their mouths, others clicked their tongues, others scoffed.

“I'd love to hear your opinions on the matter,” Kulmonari requested with a smile.

A few individuals raised their hands.

The Changeling nodded and pointed at a Human on the front row. “Come up to the front, friend. Let everyone see and hear you,” they offered and stepped aside.

The Human stood up and walked to the dais.

Kulmonari walked to the empty spot and sat down.

“This is obviously a ruse,” the Human pointed out to the audience, displeasure evident on her face. “Perculis died, Yulianna leaves... now this one shows up. They have done nothing good in the last three centuries. Their public opinion is in the lowest low. The King is a puppet as we all know, following the orders of powers we can't stand against. He was used to improve the image of those creatures.” She sighed. “Don't get me wrong... I don't pity the King since he's part of the problem. I think Halves have begun to go against their duties and use people instead of protecting them,” she finalized with a nod. “That's what I think.”

The crowd cheered and clapped, sharing nods of and words of agreement.

Kulmonari replaced the Human on the dais and nodded. “That is a very good point, friend. Halves using state agents for their benefit, yes. Just like Yulianna did in Karanva,” they recalled. “Yes, going against the people to improve their own image. Before it was the execution of 'corrupt',” they did air quotes, “rulers, now they invent illnesses that a Warrior can heal. They think us stupid, but we see through their lies.”

The crowd nodded.

Kulmonari hummed in thought, then eyed the audience. “Would it be strange to consider this as them against us?” They inquired the sitting people. “With the amount of deceit present, would be it be too far-fetched?”

A few shook their heads, some thought about it, others shrugged.

“It's not, friend,” a person called out from the crowd. “They seek to fool us so they can continue being powerful and free of consequence!”

Kulmonari nodded. “How free of consequence are them, though?” They asked the air. “Maybe small actions could be the start. How about,” the Changeling took a pause, as if considering the next words, “we deny that creature service? Some of you are business owners. Would denying that thing service be a loss? I would love to hear what you have to say,” they offered with a warm smile.

Over ninety percent of those present raised their hands.

Kulmonari's smile widened.