While seated at the head of the table, Ebonheim couldn't be any more uncomfortable at the looming figures on either side of her—Kelzryn occupied one end, Calyxia took the other. Across the table sat the leaders of all major groups from Ebonheim. Each regarded her with various expressions ranging from expectant to puzzled.

Ebonheim fidgeted in her seat—biting the inside of her lip—pondering how to begin their impromptu meeting.

Everyone had gathered after she called for them, but nothing could have prepared Ebonheim for having two powerful entities flanking her in an impromptu council session. Kelzryn had insisted he be present to apologize while Calyxia declared her desire to attend due to her connection to Ebonheim.

As she faced the assembly and readied herself to speak—she stole a sideways glance at both of her imposing guests.

Calyxia lounged against her chair with a regal posture—one arm draped upon the armrest with her serpentine tail curling beneath her—a smirk spread across her face as she observed the gathering with languid interest. Meanwhile, Kelzryn remained stoic and still—his arms folded in front of him as his piercing azure eyes studied the room—meeting every gaze leveled his way. His sharp features, icy countenance, and daunting presence left an air of solemnity about him.

A nervous smile tugged at Ebonheim's lips. She shifted her attention back to the gathered leaders. Clearing her throat, Ebonheim began.

"I know that most of you already have a rough idea why I called for this impromptu gathering," she started, clasping her hands and leaning forward upon the table. "The figures beside me are Calyxia and Kelzryn, lords of their respective areas of influence. Calyxia is heading back to her territory tomorrow but Kelzryn said he planned on staying a while." She took a breath. "As for why he's here..."

Kelzryn elaborated as Ebonheim trailed off. "Although I originally wanted to keep my intentions private, circumstances and actions compelled me to come forward." The dragon inclined his head toward Ebonheim. "During the time that you and Calyxia assisted in my rescue, a portion of my essence had infused itself into you. It became a bond of sorts...a tether between my spirit and yours."

It became what?

Ebonheim thought back on the ordeal. After activating that Magitech contraption and somewhat reversing its effects, she had to divert the excess energy into a suitable recipient to keep anyone else from getting harmed. She used herself as a conduit and ended up being destroyed because of it.

Coincidentally, that draconic energy also counted as Quintessence which allowed her to ascend to her current divine stage. But she hadn't experienced any symptoms of its effects since...had she? She certainly didn't have horns or scales protruding from anywhere—nor did her teeth feel any sharper or more prominent. And her personality remained the same.

There hadn't been anything different—

Or had there?

"Huh...weird..." Ebonheim muttered. Her eyebrows pinched into a frown. "How come I don't sense or see any bond or whatever between us?" She shook her head in dismay. "I've no recollection or impression that there's anything linking us. Sorry to say."

"The bond is...mostly internal and one-sided," Kelzryn admitted. He folded his hands together upon the table and fixed a searching gaze at her. "I suppose it's more like a remnant impression on my essence—an imprint of our shared experience—in that particular instance when we were bound together."

"Err... okay." Ebonheim blinked. "Not sure what I'm supposed to do with that... I still don't quite get this bond or imprint thing."

Kelzryn rubbed a finger against his chin in thought. "From my perspective," he began. "My sense of you has been ever-present since the bonding. My spirit subconsciously wishes to keep an eye on you as though you are kin." His shoulders raised in a faint shrug. "That's my observation of the situation thus far."

Ebonheim fiddled with her thumbs in embarrassment. She would have liked a warning prior to hearing the reason he'd visited. Then again...perhaps having their talk in private would have led to other issues. Hence this unorthodox method of handling the whole ordeal.

Kelzryn turned his attention to the rest of the gathering. "After having meditated upon my desires for some time," he stated—his tone cool and commanding—all eyes fixed upon him. "I have decided to become her Exarch."

Ebonheim nearly fell out of her chair at that revelation. An exarch?! Her's?! And not only that...but she received a quest alert as well.

[Radiant Quest] Kelzryn's Wish

[Description] Kelzryn, the ancient dragon—the Thunderfury—wishes to become your exarch and serve as your subordinate. To accomplish this goal, Kelzryn seeks your acknowledgment and must prove himself worthy by participating in various deeds.

[Accept Kelzryn into your pantheon?] Yes or No?

[Time limit] 48 hours.

[Current status] In progress.

Ebonheim barely managed to recover before any embarrassing slipups occurred. A cacophony of questions blared in her mind.

At the last Divine Auction she attended, she overheard some deities mention Exarchs during passing conversations—describing them as powerful and devoted servants who supported them—something akin to knights serving kings and queens. From what she understood of their role, they served as their god's closest confidantes and protectors.

And now a mighty and ancient dragon wanted to become one? And right here and now? Wow...! She didn't expect anything like this. Even the rest of the room seemed to be in stunned silence as they all sat there—shocked at this turn of events.

Engin's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Kelzryn with rapt attention. He wore a mixture of awe and disbelief on his face—as if unsure whether the dragon's claim was true or merely a trick.

Bjorn had a similar reaction. However, he appeared more contemplative than astonished—his head tilted to the side in thoughtful consideration while his arms folded in front of him.

Thorsten maintained a neutral expression throughout the announcement—his arms folded in front of him similarly to Bjorn's posture. He didn't appear to react with much emotion beyond a faint twitch at the corner of his lips.

Serrandyl, on the other hand, made no effort to hide her elation—her face beaming with a wide smile. She rubbed her hands together and stood up straight—eagerly nodding at every word uttered by Kelzryn.

Lorne nodded at the announcement as he observed the gathering with a steady gaze—a slight squint in his eyes indicating that he didn't fully trust the dragon's claims. Or perhaps it was mere curiosity. Ebonheim couldn't quite tell.

Evelyne looked...dazed. Her eyes kept darting between Ebonheim and Kelzryn with growing incredulity. Her mouth opened as though wanting to speak but remained silent as her eyebrows rose into her forehead. It wasn't until Lorne leaned over and nudged her elbow did Evelyne finally snap out of her bewilderment. She uttered an apology and sank into her chair with cheeks reddening.

Orin, meanwhile, focused solely on Calyxia. He directed a quizzical stare toward her as she continued lounging in her seat—an enigmatic smile playing on her lips—her eyes fixed upon Ebonheim with obvious delight. She inclined her head forward ever so slightly—her lips moving without sound. After a moment, Orin's eyes lit up as he mouthed a silent "oh."

Ebonheim let out a tiny sigh—exhaling through her nose—and glanced down at herself.

"This...couldn't have gotten any weirder," she muttered under her breath.

Kelzryn blinked and tilted his head at Ebonheim's reaction.

"Weird?" he asked. "Is something wrong? Did I say something incorrectly?" He frowned in confusion. "My declaration is an earnest one if you must know."

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"It's not that," Ebonheim explained. She gestured weakly towards him with a limp wave of her hand. "I mean...we've barely interacted much at all...and here you are now. Asking to be my...exarch? Really?" She made a confused hum. "Why do you want this bond so badly?"

He appeared perplexed at the question—his head tilted as he regarded her with an intrigued stare. After a moment, he spoke.

"Your actions during our ordeal showed great bravery and resourcefulness. Your behavior towards me reflected your good intentions—a clear desire to help despite the odds." He paused for a short while before continuing. "Furthermore, as far as your divinity goes...you seem to possess both power and compassion—two things I find commendable in a leader."

"O-oh..." Ebonheim stuttered, blinking rapidly. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. Was she blushing right now? No way...that shouldn't be the case...right? She cleared her throat—attempting to compose herself. "Uhm...well...thank you?" She sent him a bashful smile.

His response drew murmurs from the others present. She overheard faint words of approval among them—her name and their responses reaching her ears. Even some light clapping could be heard amidst the noise.

Kelzryn nodded to the approval. "As my perception of you remains as such—it has led me to conclude that I want to protect you as your vassal...and by extension, the people who revere and serve you." He unfolded his arms and placed his hands on his knees as he leaned forward. "This...is my conviction. I want to safeguard you and your domain. My motives may appear self-serving, but I assure you...they are sincere."

His expression remained serene throughout his entire declaration. "All that remains now...is your acceptance."

"I..." Ebonheim started. Her voice cracked before she swallowed. "I'll have to think about it first," she mumbled, lowering her head in embarrassment. "I need time to consider this properly." She paused before adding further explanation. "Not that I'm rejecting you outright! It's just...you know...kinda sudden." She glanced at everyone else. "For all of us..."

She could feel every eye on her, waiting for her response. A sliver of sweat formed along her hairline. She brushed away the beads of moisture with the back of her hand.

In two days' time—she'd have to choose whether to accept him as her subordinate or leave him with a refusal. Either way—this would alter her relationship with Kelzryn—perhaps even beyond what she anticipated. All these thoughts ran through her head as she fidgeted with nervous energy.

Finally—after what seemed like an eternity—Kelzryn conceded with a dip of his head. "I understand," he acknowledged. His gaze met hers in acknowledgment. "You may take all the time you need." He broke contact and turned towards the others once more. "If there are any of you who wish to inquire further or test my resolve...I shall abide."

A brief silence ensued after the dragon's statement. It lasted for only a few moments until Evelyne piped up with a raised hand—her eyes flicking between Ebonheim and Kelzryn—her jaw set tight and cheeks slightly flushed.

"Well then...if you're truly sincere about being our...err...Ebonheim's exarch..." Evelyne began—her voice wavering slightly in nervousness. "What sort of benefit or boon will we receive from having you around?" She cleared her throat as though trying to regain composure. "Not that we expect anything materialistic from you...but...well..." Her voice trailed off into uncertainty.

Kelzryn responded immediately without missing a beat. "The benefit is simple," he explained—his tone neutral and confident—leaving no doubt as to his intent. "My protection and patronage." He inclined his head forward in emphasis. "Having my patronage means more than simply providing protection alone."

He extended his hands outward to encompass the entire gathering—palms facing upward in invitation. "Think of it as a partnership—where I lend my abilities to aid you in your endeavors." He paused briefly as if considering how best to convey his desires before continuing. "In exchange—my requests are few—mostly self-serving ones that shouldn't affect your daily activities. But they won't be overly burdensome either."

Another short pause followed his speech before he continued once more. "In addition, should the occasion call for it..." Kelzryn made a gesture of waving a hand aside in dismissal. "If you require me to venture forth on a task of your choosing, I will fulfill whatever role you ask of me. From acting as a defender of your territory—to serving as an envoy among your people." He folded his hands upon the table again with finality. "This is my proposal."

Murmurs and whispers spread throughout the group—each member exchanging glances with one another—some appearing surprised while others intrigued by the implications of such an offer.

Engin spoke up. "Do you have any intention to rule over us? Or force your beliefs upon us?" He furrowed his brow at the dragon. "Will you require tithes of any sort?"

Kelzryn shook his head. "Not unless Ebonheim permits me to do so." He shifted his attention to Ebonheim. "Unless, of course...you desire for me to rule or exert my will over your subjects?" His eyebrow lifted in query.

"No!" Ebonheim blurted out before she could stop herself. "Err...I mean...no," she repeated in a calmer manner. "I want none of those things from you. Ever." She straightened herself and placed her hands on top of the table with a slight clap. "If I agree to become your...liege...or whatever...I'd rather keep everything the way it is."

A hint of amusement flickered across Kelzryn's features but quickly vanished as he dipped his head in acquiescence. "I understand. Then I shall only act within the limits that Ebonheim places upon me," he promised. "Besides...it's not like I'm interested in ruling humans."

His gaze flicked back toward Engin. "As for tithes...the only tithe I would claim would be Ebonheim's attention and time." His eyes found her face again. "Not unreasonable requests by any means."

He reached towards her and grasped a lock of her hair between two fingers—caressing the strands with deliberate slowness before tucking the strand behind her ear—his azure gaze locking with hers. The casualness of his actions caught Ebonheim by surprise. She stared back at him in shock but couldn't find words to respond.

Meanwhile, from across the table, Evelyne's eyes widened as she gaped at the exchange between them—her expression shifting between a mix of disbelief and incredulity. A strange sound rose from her throat—half a growl, half a squawk—as she ground her teeth in barely contained annoyance.

Ebonheim felt a rush of embarrassment rise in her cheeks—her mouth opening and closing uselessly as she tried to formulate a coherent reply. She resisted the urge to duck her head under the table and remain hidden until the moment passed.

"Uhm...uhh..." was all she could muster. Her gaze darted everywhere else but Kelzryn—from her companions seated around her—to Calyxia smirking in amusement—and then back to Evelyne whose face had reddened to match the color of a tomato.

"W-well!" Evelyne blurted out. "If that's what you plan on doing, we'll have to take drastic measures!" She crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat. Her expression became resolute—a stubborn frown pulling at her lips—her voice firm despite her flushed cheeks. "No offense! But you're new here!"

Kelzryn made no motion of acknowledging her outburst save for a raised eyebrow. "I apologize if I caused any offense," he stated matter-of-factly. He released Ebonheim's hair and withdrew his hand. "My behavior toward you reflects my genuine affections...though I can understand how my actions seem inappropriate." He bowed his head slightly. "I apologize for causing discomfort."

"Oh... uh...it's okay," Ebonheim sputtered. She touched a finger against her ear where Kelzryn's hand brushed against. A faint blush warmed her cheeks again. "I just wasn't expecting that, that's all."

Evelyne grunted—her eyebrows furrowed into a scowl while she tapped an impatient foot under the table. "Is this part of your 'protective' nature?" she demanded with narrowed eyes. She jabbed a finger at him accusingly. "Because if so—you better keep those hands to yourself! And any other body parts as well!" she warned—her cheeks puffed out in indignation. "Especially from our goddess! No touching allowed!"

Kelzryn tilted his head to the side at Evelyne's protest before replying. "As long as Ebonheim does not reject or rebuke me, I intend to maintain my current level of contact." His eyes flicked over to Ebonheim for a moment. "But I suppose I will refrain from such displays while we remain in public." His expression softened. "Does that satisfy your concerns?"

Evelyne didn't reply immediately—her arms remaining folded across her chest—her expression defiant. "I..." she started but cut off—her mouth snapping shut in hesitation. She closed her eyes and exhaled sharply through her nose. "Fine!" she relented—her shoulders sagging slightly in defeat. "As long as you respect Ebonheim's boundaries—" She leveled a piercing glare at him. "I'll allow it."

Engin rubbed his temples with an exasperated sigh. He cast a tired glance at Evelyne's direction before addressing everyone. "Aside from Evelyne's...concerns," he began. His voice carried hints of disapproval towards her behavior but he continued nevertheless. "It sounds like we have quite a generous offer on our hands." He paused and shifted his attention toward Kelzryn.

"But..." he added. "We will have to convene with one another before making our decisions. Ebonheim is part of us, and we are part of Ebonheim. It only makes sense that we should agree unanimously to accept your proposal." He met Ebonheim's gaze and smiled kindly at her. "I think that's fair to say?"

Ebonheim nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah! That's...fair." Her face relaxed into a smile—her previous embarrassment fading away. "I'll let everyone know about what's going on and everything else I've discussed here," she promised. "I'll...uhm...also take some time to think about it myself too. How about we meet back in two days' time?"

Everyone agreed with the decision except for Calyxia who merely watched them with an amused smirk.

Kelzryn lowered his head toward the table once more. "Very well. I shall await your answer then." He glanced around at the room for a moment—his expression contemplative—before rising from his chair and straightening himself. "For now, I'll continue exploring the town," he stated with finality. "Calyxia? Are you returning to your territory this evening?"

"Yes, yes. I'll accompany your little stroll," Calyxia said with a wave of her hand. She lifted herself from the seat—the smooth scales of her lower half gliding across the floor as she approached Kelzryn's side—an arm casually looping through his. "I'm sure we'll all get to speak again soon," she said with a knowing glance directed towards Ebonheim. She turned back toward Kelzryn. "Lead the way, my friend."

And with that—they left the hall—leaving everyone to discuss amongst themselves regarding their upcoming meeting. Ebonheim sank further into her chair in relief while letting out a heavy sigh. She felt like she needed a nap after all these events transpired.