[color=ed1c24]Before long, the mermaids had gone home and the humans were left to have dinner with themselves. Talk began to spread swiftly among the passangers (or settlers as Balon rather call them). [i]Mermaids? There's no such thing![/i] said others. [i]The legends are true![/i] said others, and either saw it as a good omen or a bad omen. The more veteran members of the crew frowned. [i]Nothing good can come of this. Mermaids and humans have bad history.[/i]

None of them were wrong, really.

Blythe and Dylan had finally joined the rest of the pirates and they all saw around the big bonfire as the sun sets in the distance. Blythe had called for a meeting, at Balon's request. [i][color=00a651]"So."[/color][/i] Blythe started, motioning Balon up to stand in the middle of the crowd after they finished their supper (and after complimenting Luz' genius cooking!). [i][color=00a651]"Balon has something important he wants to discuss with everyone."[/color][/i] The eyes of the pirates were on him as he swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke to them.[/color] [color=f26522][i]"What you've heard is true. Mermaids have been found living on this island, and in the waters around it."[/i][/color] [color=ed1c24]he began, pausing momentarily as the crowd murmured.[/color] [color=f26522][i]"But do not fear, they are not our enemies. All of you have heard the stories. The stories of how bad men of humankind have enslaved and captured mermaids in the past, and how it still goes on to this day."[/i][/color] [color=ed1c24]Balon swallowed another lump in his throat. It wasn't easy saying this.[/color] [color=f26522][i]"And it's all true. Mermaids have been taken captive for many years to be used as slaves, workforce or pleasure, by royalty and corrupt nobility of human kingdoms. Many of them hate us, and many of them do not view us as the peacefull settlers we are."[/i][/color]
[color=ed1c24]Balon took a few steps, pacing around the elevated ground of which he gave his speech.[/color]
[color=f26522]"But I have spoken to them. So has Blythe, Dylan, Luz and some others. They are kind people, and not all of them see us as their enemies. For we are not, and neither are we theirs! I speak to you all now because I must. Do NOT attempt to hurt a mermaid."[/color] [color=ed1c24]Balon said, stopping in his tracks to look out at the many eyes looking at him. [/color][color=f26522]"We must try to live in peace with them, as they must try to live in peace with us. But we must first prove to them that we are NOT the goons of the dictator! We don't capture and enslave! We don't torture or kill! We are the Phoenix Pirates, and we have come to seek paradise, not conflict!"[/color]
[color=ed1c24]A few of them cheered, others exchanged glances with each other. Blythe nodded from where he stood, as Dylan cheered on enthusiastically.[/color]
[color=f26522]"But... As a precaution... If the mermaid leaders would not see it as those we have met do, and they should decide to seek out "vengeance" against us, we must be ready. As such, I want every able-bodied man and woman that wants to help us defend ourselves against whatever enemies may come upon us to meet me at the glade up north, by the forest. You all know I have made my home among the trees there. Bring what weapons you have, or weapons you can find. I will teach you all how to fight and how to defend yourselves."[/color]
[color=ed1c24]With this, Balon nodded to Blythe, and stepped down from his position to join the others. Blythe took over.[/color] 
[color=00a651][i]"Alright everyone, don't be scared we're all fine. Balon just wants to train you in case the dictator finds us, aye?"[/i][/color] [color=ed1c24]he said to everyone reassuringly. He had a pretty good impact on everyone, being the leader and all. The crowd responded in a synched [i]"Aye!"[/i] of their own, and scattered to get back to their lives.

Balon walked up to Luz.[/color]
[color=f26522]"You're an amazing cook, y'know that?"[/color] [color=ed1c24]he complimented her, giving a grin.[/color] [color=f26522][i]"But I bet you're an awfull fighter. Will I expect you at the glade tomorrow for training?"[/i][/color]