The spirits of competition, envy, anger, regret, eagerness, and greed were already working their magic in the ranks.  A young man from the Confederacy was the first to speak up and accept the proposal, which was amusing considering he did not appear to be the selected speaker for them, there was even a facepalm in their ranks.  Desperate to not fall behind, a short, but richly dressed, or at least tacky, man stepped forward to express how the Onyxites were ready more than happy to accept.  No one dared to speak contrary to ether as they did not want to appear weak and divided to their enemies or lose their change to finally strike a blow at their foes.

Already everything had fallen into place and so, Lord Grimm moved forward with his plans.  [b]"Excellent, then the deal is struck.  Each side will align with one of my daughters to decide the next heir.  My daughters will decide shortly on whom will be their champions.  Now as for the slight rules to this engagement."[/b]  Lord Grimm put an open palm to his side, to which the masked man quickly responded by placing in his open hand a rolled up parchment.  Lord Grimm opened up the parchment and started to read.

[b]"Each side will continue to fight until the other is annihilated for surrenders.  The entire castle grounds may be used for battle except for the dining hall and my throne room.  You are welcome to seek outside help from mercenaries or my subjects through negotiation and bribery.  If any resident of my castle attacks either side you are free to kill them and will be considered collateral damage.  Bribe, steal, ambush, fight, and die to secure your place in my domain.  And of course-"[/b] Lord Grimm rolled up the parchment and gazed down at the warriors, servants, nobles, and mercenaries. [b]"If either of my daughters are killed I will personally destroy every last one of you and send your skulls to your governments as a warning."[/b]

[b]"Oh Papa, you shouldn't scare them like that.  They are, after all, our most honored guests and the answer to our little situation."[/b]  Esmerelda spoke up as if to smooth out the situation and quiet down nerves on all sides.  More then a few had felt a chill run up their spines when Lord Grimm had threatened them, but the young woman had diffused the situation.

Lord Grimm gave out a haughty huff but did not press any further and instead talked about what would happen for the rest of the day.  [b]"For the rest of today there will be a temporary truce between the two sides.  You are all welcome to join my family in the dining hall for supper.  There, my daughters will decide who will become their supporters and you will have a chance to meet my Lady.  I suggest you use this calm before the storm wisely."[/b]  Lord Grimm handed off the parchment back to the masked man and then stood up.

[b]"May the dragons smile upon your coming battle.  After supper some servants will show you your quarters on opposite sides of the castle grounds where you may rest and prepare for you upcoming war."[/b]