7-09: Forest of Vauxterel II
The girls sat in an uncomfortable silence. Seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours. It didn't help with Marriott's racial prejudice trying to fester out.
"So, Captain Marriott. Why do you despise the Elves?" Cassidy risked asking, trying to break the silence.
"Why do you think? Ugh. When I was a girl, they burned down my village, raped my sister and butchered my parents. It doesn't help that I've met twenty seven Elves, twenty seven Elves have tried to kill me. So, you'll forgive me if I don't particularly like them." She spat, sitting back in her seat.
The awkward silence filled the air again as Arachne tried to calm Marriott down. She seemed to have a knack for it, and honestly, she was certainly better behaved. Hopefully she'll be able to keep her lover in check.
It felt way too long, but eventually, the Elven woman came back.
"The council will see you now." She said, holding the doors open.
The room was large and well-lit, even though there weren't any windows or light sources. Veronica counted roughly thirty people total, not including their group and the escort. Six of the people in the room sat in specific positions, while the rest sat at the side of the room. Six councilors and a jury?
"These are the humans who wish to form a higher level of peace, council."
"These girls... You are aware that we've already signed a peace treaty with your kingdom, no?"
"Yes. We are aware. However, we have been notified that there has been a group of people who wish to tear that peace away. We want to dismantle that group and, if possible, form a friendship with the Elves." Veronica had explained.
"Ah, yes. The terrorists. You want a sort of friendship in return? That will be difficult. Us Elves hold grudges for a very long time. However, we are willing to... discuss the matters. Hm... Councilmen, what say you?"
The observers had talked amongst themselves, on topic of the meeting. The council sat in silence, putting their thoughts together.
"Unlike her husband, the Queen had showed us the most courtesy and compassion."
"Are you saying we should forget that it was her responsibility in the first place? She is the ruler, not her husband. He had no say in anything, and she let him play war."
"You mustn't forget that she was with child, and in no condition to focus on royal duties at the time. The consort was the regent for the temporary moment needed to birth the child and finish recovery."
The council had bickwred amongst each other for a while before finally coming to a consensus.
"Ahem. It is the council's decision to accept your request. However, you must take an escort with you at all times. Interactions with the people, aside from your escort, must be kept to a minimum. You shall be provided temporary shelter and information on the terrorists soon. If you are successful in your assignment, we are willing to discuss the matters of a more... diplomatic friendship. This meeting is adjourned."
And finally, the girls were out and escorted to their temporary base of operations. Luckily, they were given basic food on a regular schedule, but they had to wait a while before they get any information.
"We're on surveillance." Aviris said, laying down and stretching.
Marriott looked like she was about to explode, but Arachne was keeping her as calm as possible.
"Then I guess we just wait here then, right?" Cassidy asked, yawning as she sat down.
"For now, yeah. I'd say... a day before we get to make any more progress."
Well, that gives Veronica some time to try and learn anything more about the Elves she can.