..."Why do you feel the need to summon me with such urgency, when there are less than half of the council members present?" Wren asked in an agitated tone, which caused the two men she addressed to flinch slightly. "Now now, a Priestess must present herself in an-" "Abena, I am in no mood for you today. Please refrain from the snide remarks," Wren turned her head away from Abena and solely addressed the men, "When will the other council members arrive?" Abena's face twisted in anger at Wren's response. "They should already be within the temple walls Madame Priestess. They should arrive at any moment," one of the men said as Wren made her way to her seat near the front of the room. She sighed as she sat down in the chair, "How clumsy of you not to dress for the occasion Dear Priestess, you could at least wear your-" Wren let out a low growling sound; the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees, as a thin, dark grey, colored smoke seemed to twist and swirl around Wren's body.
*FWISH* With the blink of an eye, Wren teleported to her room, grabbed her ceremonial robe, and teleported back in mere seconds. *THUMP* "You were saying Abena?" Wren asked as she adjusted the robe and prepared for the others to arrive. As she did so, she looked up towards Abena and saw how mad she was, and smirked slightly. When she looked at the direction of the two men, she saw they snickered quietly as Abena fumed in her seat, adding another level of satisfaction. After a few more moments, the wooden doors opened, making everyone look in that direction. The first through the door was Lord Valen, followed by Horacio, then the three remaining council members; two women and a man. "Pardon our delay. Lady Abena, have you already briefed everyone about why they were called here?" Lord Valen said as he walked over to his seat. Abena's body visually stiffened, "Uh- n-no My Lord-" "Then take your seat, " he said in a stern tone.
After everyone had been seated, Lord Valen motioned for the older man waiting by the door to go outside as they prepared to start the meeting. "...Skipping to the point; we have been getting more reports from the outlying towns, regarding numerous attacks, both to their housing and their crops." Lord Valen looked around the room as everyone's face turned stern and grim. "We have sent our best, over to investigate these crimes and we all came to the same conclusion; the Tradeland's Military is behind all of the attacks. Including the one in our recent mission to the Southern Territory. I believe they also came up with the poison that was used on Madame Wren and a member of the Fire Unit." The other council members were visibly unnerved by Lord Valen's words, aside from Wren who already believed it was their doing.
"What will that mean for us? We are already on the outlying edge of your territory My Lord, we have yet to be attacked, but if the others…" One of the women spoke out and trailed off, as she seemed to become lost in thought. "We simply do not have the numbers to be able to face off against their military," one of the men said. Lord Valen stayed silent for a moment, "That is why I am proposing this," Lord Valen held up a long sheet of paper. "I am aware some of our neighboring territories are apprehensive about collaborating, but we do not have the luxury to fight amongst ourselves any longer. 15 years ago, the Tradeland's Military infiltrated our lands, they drove a wedge between our territories, and they stole our research. It is due time that we rise up once again..."
*The Tradeland's Military used many different tactics; they slowly poisoned the soil, contaminated most of the island's fresh water source, used chemicals to weaken and eventually kill all the trees and shrubs, and infiltrated many important locations, killing anyone around and stealing any research available. Living on an island, their resources were limited; therefore, the were conducting research to better their lives and depend on outside sources less and less. Their advances in medicine, could have cured most of the current world's disease, their technology could help reduce the mechanical related incidents to almost zero, their armor could protect and dramatically decrease casualty rates for soldiers, all because of their drive and tenacity. Once the Tradeland's Government got wind of what they were working on, they sent their people periodically to the island and their territories to gather as much information as possible; some even participating in the research.
The war started as a governmental dispute regarding their technology and how far behind the Tradelands were compared to the Islands, even though they had greater resources. The Tradelands and Island's governments almost came to an agreement, but everyone native to the Islands felt that the agreement was one sided and mainly benefitted the Tradelands. Without warning, the Tradelands began their attack on the Islands, decimating the once fruitful lands. Their weapons were not as technologically advanced, but they were able to create extensive damage to the Island's resources and the Island's people. There were many casualties on both sides, but it wasn't until later that everyone noticed just how much of their research and technology had been stolen during the war. Many files were backed up beforehand, but the main source for their storage had been damaged and corrupted so badly, that most of their files were rendered useless. *
…"Therefore, we should be able to convince the rest of the outlying towns and territories within our region to come together. I cannot speak for the other territories, but as council member from the Southern Territory, I can vouch for my region," said the other woman who arrived with Horacio and the others. "I am pleased to hear that. I have a few foot soldiers in the outlying Eastern Territories, I could easily have them disperse the information from today, Lord Valen," said the man sitting next to Abena. "Very well, we will distribute the information regarding our agreement, please sign and date here as affirmation to our meeting," Lord Valen said as he stood from his seat. "We will need to know what each other's strengths are and utilize them accordingly as well as resources. I know there has been bickering and indifference between our territories throughout the years, but we need to come together to help save our Islands, our home."
Everyone nodded and quickly signed and dated the necessary paperwork. "We will hold another meeting in a weeks' time. The weather will have drastically lower temperatures now that the Snow Season is upon us. Be sure to keep communications throughout this process. Are there any lingering questions you wish to ask?" Everyone exchanged looks with each other and finally one of the men, who stayed quiet during the meeting spoke up, "What are your thoughts on hired mercenaries?" Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and looked at the man, "Sir, you must know that the Southern Territory is low on funds for our basic necessities. Even though a time of crisis may soon be upon us, we do not have the funds to allocate to hired thugs." The other woman across the table scoffed, "Oh, do not act as though you are the only ones lacking funds. The Northern Territories are in the same boat."
The man sitting next to her rolled his eyes, "*Tsk* You say you lack funds, yet didn't your Elders just throw a lavish celebration for Trainees?" The man's face contorted slightly, "We did that to boost our people's moral, genius! It was not all that lavish anyways. If you ask me-" *BAM* "Just stop bickering and focus!" Wren said in a commanding tone, which immediately drew everyone's attention. "To answer you initial question, mercenaries would be helpful in certain situations, but due to limited funds, and the fact that this may result in a serious battle, it could prove rather difficult to recruit anyone to help us with the Tradelands. That being said, I have a few connections to a mercenary group that operates out of the Southernmost Island. I can get in touch with my contact and present the necessary information when we next meet. If anyone else has contact with any other mercenary group that are not loyal to the Tradelands, feel free to contact them and we can discuss our next step at the next meeting. We do not need to pay anything, just gather the necessary information and we will make a collective decision. Is everyone on board with this idea?" Wren looked around the room and everyone nodded, "Good. I have some business in which I need at attend too, therefore I must take my leave. I look forward to meeting with everyone again in a weeks' time," Wren said flatly as she made her way to the door.
As she walked down the corridor she sighed deeply then heard quick footsteps coming her way, "Oh Madame! You are just the person I was looking for!" I thin and short, brown haired woman came up to Wren with something in her hand. "Do you remember how Miss Vivi found this in your vomit and you had me run tests on it because of your brother?" The woman had a sweet and energetic demeanor as she looked up at Wren. "Yes, I do. Did anything come of your search?" The woman smiled and nodded enthusiastically, "Yes Madame, it sure did. Would you like me to show you what I have found?" Without answering that question, Wren held out her hand to the woman, "Would you mind coming with me to my study?" The woman shook her head and took Wren's hand. "I would never mind Madame. Let us be off!" She said with a giggle, which caused Wren to smile. She took a breath, then in the next instant, Wren teleported to her second, more private study, leaving only a thin wisp of smoke.
…Elsewhere in the temple, Horacio called a meeting with some of the higher-ranking members in the Water Unit. "Silas, have you been able to get in contact with your contacts regarding training?" Silas sat near another large man and thin woman, while the other 5 people sat further away. "I have not. I asked Indivar here, to take Aster with him for his meeting with Lord Hayden tomorrow. We have the best relationship with the Western Territories, so we are going to start there and hopefully we will set something up very soon." Horacio nodded his head. "Thank you Silas, Indivar. Amelia will you contact any potential mercenaries that would be valuable to us?" The thin lady nodded, "I shall contact the necessary individuals, in efforts to strengthen our numbers." The other 5 people watched silently as they awaited their role, "Now for the rest of you, train your hearts out. We will need as many efficient healers, peacemakers, and overall successful individuals, if we are going to make this alliance and the potential battle, be in our favor." Amongst the 5 were Aster and Naya, who enthusiastically nodded, "Yes Sir Horacio, we will do our best," one of the men proclaimed.
..."Mina, are you sure this is right?" Wren asked in a flabbergasted tone. Mina, the short and thin brown haired woman from before, slowly nodded. "Yes Madame, I checked more times than I can remember and they all read the same, this token isn't as it seems. Whether is was Haruki's attack, or the Ancient Tree sap-hehe that kind of rhymed-*ahem* sorry, the token formed within you and manifested later. I cannot tell how long it was within your body, but it is definitely not something just anyone can achieve. " Mina had solemn look on her face as she talked with Wren. "Did it have any traces of energy or something from any other person?" Mina shook her head, "No Madame, my best assumption is that it was purposely triggered during your weakened state. It would have to be someone dear to you, a spouse, a parent, an immediate relative of sorts; they would be the only one capable of such feats."
Wren sat silently for a moment before speaking, "Would the person have to be alive to do this?" Mina was taken aback from Wren's question, "W-why of course Madame, they would need a high level of spiritual energy as well. Why would you-" "It's about Diego. I'm not sure who did it, but Diego was the one "contacting" me just before vomiting out the token." Wren looked away from the window and looked at Mina, who had tears forming in her eyes. "M-Madame he has been lost to us for many years, there is no, *sniffle* -no way he would be-" Wren softly put her hand on Mina's and thought back to what her brother, Diego, said to her while she was suffering. She took a deep breath and projected the memory of what happened, to Mina. "I'm not sure of the outcome, but whoever did this, knows both Diego and I very well." Wren moved her hand away from Mina's. "I am not sure if he is alive, or if someone is hoping to play off of my emotions, but one thing is for sure; we need help." Mina silently wiped the tears from her eyes, "Yes Madame I agree, no one should use the de-the de-no one should do such things." Mina handed the token back to Wren, "Madame, please keep this safe as you search for answers. I will always be loyal to you and to you alone, please be safe." Wren was momentarily startled, "Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself. I will Mina, please be worry of who you trust. There is more to this than we realize." They both smiled sadly, and Wren once again reached for Mina's hand, so she could teleport her to a different location.