Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew

The Prince seemed surprised. “Me?” He asked back.

I nodded. “You.”

Ventari seemed surprised. “As much as I would approve of such a thing, why are you pushing for my son to-“

“Because he’s the one who took in the Druids when he had no reason to.” I told her and turned to her. “He made a quick decision based on the information he had at hand and prevented genocide. Vitar’s decisions kept his people alive and essentially was the reason why there was anything left to save upon our arrival.” Both Ventari and Lady Turiel glanced at each other. “The Prince cared for the Druids like they were his own, but still kept them autonomous out of respect despite the situation.”

Elincia spoke up. “While the Prince’s actions were outstanding, he is still young. Are you sure you should back such an inexperienced leader?”

My eyes flickered to her. “Not everyone is ageless, Priestess. I’d rather deal with someone like the Prince than I would you or your sister.” Turning back to the Prince, I continued. “True, he is young, but he has experience next to him. You can also input several laws to protect both races before he is instated, so you won’t have to worry about an abuse of power.”

“Many would be skeptical.” Lady Turiel stated and turned to Vitar. “Nothing against you, Prince Vitar, but many Druids would be skeptical for several years.”

Then I shrugged as I responded for him. “Aside from that, the Dwarves would literally be in the Northern Forests. The Druid’s home field. It’d be foolish to try and overstep their bounds. Maybe in the future, that’ll happen, but I believe the young Prince would do well. After all, he is as much a hero as I am. Without him, all of you would be dead.” Then I shrugged once more. “Well, everyone, with the exception of Ventari and the Lestranians.”

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The Druid leader looked down in thought. “You have giv-“

Shooting forward, I began heaving as I coughed horribly. Blood splattered across the ground as I fell to my hands and knees. Many moved forward to help me. None could. That is until I felt a warming sensation wash over me. My eyes tried to focus as the room started spinning. Two people kneeled before me, and I looked to see Lady Turiel and Elincia using their magic.

“Thank you.” I forced out as Typhon handed me the pitcher.

“I placed a stasis over your lungs.” Elincia informed me. “This should help with your cough and hopefully freeze a portion of that poison to make it easier for you to recover.”

Lady Turiel then added, “And I used my magic to ease your recovery. It should be easier for you to recover your energy.”

“Magic doesn’t affect me normally as you would expect. Thank you for the try, but I am unsure of whether or not it will work.” Typhon and Kheri helped me to my bloodstained chair. “Where were we?”

“Perhaps it would be best to continue this later.” Lady Turiel suggested.

“I won’t be doing anything else, and once I fall asleep, it’ll likely be a few days before I wake up. “Now, you were saying?”

“I was saying you have given me much to think about.” The Druid leader stated. “This is something I will bring up to my people. Many might disagree, but others might agree with you.”

I nodded. “Let me know. If the people have any questions or concerns, they can come to me anytime.” Then I gestured to Vitar. “Or better yet, they could discuss it with the Prince themselves. Alternatively, he could also give a speech.”

Ventari placed a hand on her son’s shoulder. “It is something both parties will need to discuss and consider.”

Vitar nodded in agreement. “That would be best. Making a decision without discussing this with both our people present would probably be met with resistance. I’d rather we are upfront about this rather than making the decision ourselves.” A smirk came to my lips. “I can see you agree.”

“I might. Let me know how that goes and how you feel moving forward.” I told them. “Now,” My eyes flickered to Elincia for a second. “There are a few other topics I would like to discuss. Some with you present, and others without you present.”

“Very well. Although, it makes me curious about what you cannot discuss with me present.”

“Things of a more personal nature. I’d like for you to accept that and leave with Kheri and Ty when I request.” My attention then turned to the three foreign leaders. “I’m hoping they have a few answers to my questions. To be honest, I’m not expecting anything, but a man can hope.” Leaning back in my chair, I sighed.

“Then what is it you need my presence for.” Elincia inquired.

“I’d like permission to use Lestrania to hold a summit.”