The council room was spacious with a large dark stained table placed in the center of the room. The table itself could seat twenty people comfortably and there were even more seats lining the walls on each side in case there was ever a need to seat more for a meeting. It was decorated plainly with a simple pale lake blue table cover and two candelabras placed carefully on top. A floor to ceiling window just like the others in the foyer stood at the opposite end of the room by the end of the table, allowing light to flood into the space. Overhead there was a smaller and simpler version of the foyer chandelier hanging delicately above the table.
Sir Kaylln lead the way for the others to take their seats, Lord Levinn sat two seats from the head of the table on the left hand side with his knight commander sitting just beside him. Arella took her spot at the head of the table as Sir Kaylln pulled out her chair before taking his seat on her right side.
"Now then, what is the purpose behind this urgent meeting? I was quite shocked at the abruptness of the request you see." Arella's voice carried across the enormous room with ease, her voice as smooth as silk as she chose her words deliberately. For the first time since his arrival the lord seemed a bit uncomfortable and shifted in his seat. His gaze lowered for a second and wavered slightly before he straightened and addressed the room.
"I am sorry for the short notice my Lady, I meant no disrespect of course but I am sure you understand these are troubling times." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I am here to request assistance from Evynne once more. We have been receiving extremely disturbing messages from our outposts along the Stravyn Mountain Ridge. Unusual movements from the creatures have also been raising a lot of questions and concerns from both sides of Trystalla." The lord continued before a hand cut him off, preventing him from finishing his explanation.
"You know my stance Lord Levinn, those 'creatures' you speak of are people. Sentallen or human, it makes no difference. You will do well to remember that." Arella's voice cut through the air like a dagger. Her eyes swept over with a gaze that carried a dangerous warning, almost like there was a small fire behind them. "My city was founded on the understanding and cooperation of all of it's people, I will not tolerate any sort of disrespect toward any person within my walls." She folded her hands on her lap as she waited to see how the lord would continue from there. He cleared his throat and waved his hand gently as if to dispel the tension that was building in the room.
"Oh no My Lady I meant no disrespect at all. I remember your people very well and they are wonderful company I have no doubt. What I meant is we have been getting reports of nefarious rouge behavior near the borders of Trystalla and it has been cause of concern. We are asking for help fortifying our forces from the neighboring cities, such as Evynne, Myrn and Vellenfar for the east side. How ever many men you could spare and what ever provisions you could provide would aid us greatly." His voice was hopeful as he spoke. The air grew thick as the silence stretched on, minutes passed yet it seemed like hours.
Arella sighed, thinking of how to respond. If she agreed to provide forces it would weaken her city's defenses and possibly show she has taken a side in a conflict she wants no part of. If she refuses it could weaken her relationship with the other cities and Trystalla as well as also indicate a sway in her stance if perceived wrong. Either way she was stuck in an awkward position.
Shaking her head slightly she spoke cautiously. "I cannot promise you men for your cause. It would be inappropriate for a neutral party to offer forces to one side or another while strife is on the horizon." She paused, Lord Levinn tensing his shoulders seeming to be disappointed with her answer. His knight commander shot up and turned to Arella abruptly, fury burning in his eyes as he addressed her.
"That is unacceptable! How can you sit there behind your pretty walls and condemn countless other to die simply because you don't want to take sides!" He bellowed at her before Lord Levinn could grab him. Sir Kaylln flung his chair back, hand on his sword ready to silence the outburst. Arella put her hand up, gesturing for her commander to sit back down as she adjusted her gaze to the angry commander.
"I was not done explaining and you rudely interrupted me. You would do well to remember your place sir. You are guests in my home and I am the Lady of this house." Her eyes burned brightly in a terrifying way, it would be enough to bring even the toughest of men to their knees. Lord Levinn grabbed his commanders arm and forced him to sit down, scowling at him warning against another outburst. He looked back over at Arella and nodded, asking her to continue her reply.
Arella shifted her gaze back over to Lord Levinn and calmly carried on with her response. "As I said, I cannot promise any men to you. However, I can ask my people to volunteer to serve for the border defenses. I will also send enough provisions for my people plus fifty to ensure you have some extras. I cannot provide much more than that with Ystrid approaching. Please understand I must take care of my people first." Her voice firm and steady, Lord Levinn relaxed his shoulders and eased a little. It wasn't the greatest to hear that a city like Evynne would not provide more people but he began nodding his head to accept the offer.
"You are very kind My Lady. I understand the constraints of Ystrid and all of the preparations required and I would never expect you of all people to jeopardize your people's health or safety. I thank you for your assistance Lady Arella." He rose to his feet and reached out to shake her hand, she mirrored his actions and smiled gently. The knights rose to their feet as well with a bit more apprehension than their Lord and Lady. Sir Kaylln walked to the door to open it for the guests as Arella led Lord Levinn out towards the foyer with his commander following closely behind.
As they made their way to the front of the castle Olenya joined Arella and informed her of the accommodations that were made.
"Excellent, thank you. Tomorrow we will send to have the citizens gather in the city center so we can take volunteers and get a head count for how many will join in your endeavor." Arella spoke to both Lord Levinn and Olenya as she began leading them up the stairs towards the guest chambers for the lord. She turned and nodded to Sir Kaylln to take the commander to his quarters to join the rest of his men.
They rounded the corner away from Arella's chambers and continued down the hall some distance before she turned to a large door on her right. She let go of Levinn's arm and gestured for him to enter. "Please let me know if there is anything you need during your stay here. I will leave you to rest for the night. I will send for you in the morning. Have a good night Lord Levinn." She curtsied delicately and gave a polite smile before turning around and walking with Olenya back down the long hallway.
Olenya remained silent until they reached the stairs leading down to the foyer taking them to the banquet hall. "So was is just as we suspected? More provisions?" She asked quietly, afraid her question might alert anyone near. Arella shook her head and sighed before she elaborated.
"He wants us to supply more men to aid in defending the border and provide provisions as well. There has been increased activity in the mountains recently and every one is getting antsy. Honestly I do not understand these hasty reactions when nothing has transpired yet but I said we would let the people volunteer if they so choose." She too kept her voice lower. Olenya rolled her eyes slightly and scoffed at the request. "He is lucky you are generous My Lady." Arella giggled gingerly as they came down the stairs, she appreciated Olenya's honesty as it was extremely refreshing in regards to all of the political nonsense.
The smell of roasted turkey and freshly baked bread caught their attention and halted their conversation. The smell filled the foyer, bringing with it a warmth from the banquet hall where the evening meal was being served.