The Lord returned to his quarters pondering on how he would train his new disciple. He never had a disciple before and her being human, he had a lot to consider: she was weak and fragile with no special power. Moreover her lifeline was short. It was an interesting challenge. The Lord slightly smiled.
As The Lord just passed the door to his bedchambers, a shadow appeared bowing to him.
"Master, she was brought back safely. Awaiting new orders."
"Go back and guard her secretly."
The Lord had now to get ready for the banquet. He already knew there would be a lot of fuss. It's been a long time since a human was admitted in the valley. The gender of the human was also going to be an object of dissent. The Lord wasn't oblivious to the wishes of former Master of the Valley nor to the feelings of his adopted sister, but he couldn't reconcile with the idea of sharing eternity with her. There wasn't a shred of romantic feeling in him.
The Lord dressed himself in some very glamourous and adorned clothing, appropriate for a celebration and went quietly to the banquet hall. Normally, maids and manservants should be helping him but he had never liked being served by others so he had dismissed them all from the duty of serving him early on.
Approaching the reception, he could already hear the voices of the different factions of the valley loudly expressing their opinions. The banquet was to celebrate the founding of the valley. Since this year was exceptional, the hall should have been filled with blessing comments and laughter. Instead, arguments were raised on different matters.
Feeling the overexcited ambiance, The Lord paused his steps and delayed his entrance. He wanted to know how this show would unfold.
"Father, we need to kill this human. It's a risk and threat to our existence that can't be left alone. This daughter is useless and was not able to do it herself. Please convince Master!"
Ivy, standing in a magnificent dress with lunar highlights, had cupped her hands and bowed her body lower than 90 degrees.
"Grand advisor, please give guidance!"
One after the others some of the biggest leaders had risen and bowed to show their support to Ivy.
Unexpectedly, the sound of a dish being thrown on the ground with great force brought silence to the hall.
"What's wrong with allowing a human in? What's the big deal about that?"
Luhan, another faction leader, spoke calmly. Still sitting, his eyes was not on the crowd, but focused on his glass, as if the liquid in it was extremely precious.
"Humans are not our ennemy. We need to learn to live together!"
This time it was Xiang, one of the priestess of the valley who spoke with passion.
"What do you know? You just made it to adulthood. You haven't seen what humans are capable of...There is nothing good with them"
"That's right, you both have no experience and qualifications to speak...you should let the wise ones decided"
A wave of protests arose. The ambiance was turning for the worst.