"We will assist you. In return we have a two thirds of the land south west of your kingdom and two positions in the court itself: Chief War Advisor, Advisor to the Dark Queen...We offer the Orcs of Bloodrun and Thanes as well as my own person group, The Order of the Crimson Wing..." 


One of the Unseelie recognized the Bloodrun Orcs while the rest recognized the Order. They were a band of very powerful members consisting of men and women of all races. The surprising thing about them was that there leader was a human who was rumored to contain the blood of a dragon. Sulleykaar, however, was far from finished. 


[color=9e0b0f]“And I myself will join your campaign but in return I want something valuable that you have. It's something that cannot be bought."[/color] His eyes darkened and bore into Cynbel's own. Sulleykaar knew for a fact that Cynbel had an idea of what he meant. The cards were laid out on the table and now it was just the decision on Cynbel's part.


Cynbel was as silent and stoic as ever. It was evident that the wheels were turning behind his amethyst-colored eyes. This was a generous offer, more generous than he could have hoped for, the Orcs of Bloodrun and Thanes, as well as The Order of the Crimson Wing would surely turn the tides of war in their favor. Such an offer would cost the Court dearly, that much he knew. The Unseelie Court had many treasures to offer, and requests for gold and precious stones would be met in abundance. That wasn’t what the red dragon wanted, however. He sought positions of political power. Sulleykaar could see that the Unseelie faerie was taking in the offer. It was a very steep offer and most importantly in the favor of the Children of Tiamat. So he sat silently, his newly morphed fingers intertwined and resting in front of him.


[color=lightgray]“Two advisory positions?”[/color] Cynbel nodded thoughtfully. Sulleykaar gave a simple nod.. [color=lightgray]“One under me, and the other under the Queen. I believe this could be arranged, pending a few clauses. Your voices would be heard, and you would hold considerable power, but no more so than Moriganne. No more so than I. Can this be agreed upon?”[/color] 


[color=9e0b0f]”Under you will be unacceptable. However, as equals I [i]can[/i] allow, since it is [i]our[/i] help you are asking for. I am a generous individual considering that those mentioned are under my alliance and are not your mere run of the mill mercenaries. As for under the queen that is fine. We would not want to show any disrespect to her highness...or darkness. Honestly I am not quite sure what the Unseelie prefer to call their queen.”[/color] He gave a light chuckle before clapping his hands together.


[color=lightgray]”Equals?”[/color] Cynbel mused, scratching his hairless chin in thought. Like the elves, faeries did not grow facial hair. A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. [color=lightgray]”As equal as we could be, I suppose. For you are not fey, and you are not of Moriganne’s bloodline. You can stand by me as a commander of the Unseelie Horde, but do know that they are -- we are -- a free people. They will not follow you because of your power or authority, they will only follow you if your goals align with theirs. My people are fickle, but quite strong when united. We have never had two commanders before, but, [i]change is good[/i].”[/color] The words of The Code flowed like honey from his lips. Change was good, and this could be very good for his people.


[color=black]”We will never be equals with the faeriiiiiie![/color] Seethed Kolghan. He seemed to glide across the terra with almost no sound as he met face to face with the Faerie General. [color=black]”You are nothing more than a quick meal to us than any form of Alliesssss. We are above the UnSSSSSeelie court. You best watch your wor-”[/color] With a simple flick of his wrist and an audible boom,, Sulleykaar had sent Kolghan careening to the far upper side of the cave, causing the den itself to rumble and small chunks of rock and debris to fall where the black dragon was tossed. Dromoka let out a deep rumble, most likel laughing at the antics of the black and red dragon. Sulleykaar’s scaly clawed hand glowed dimly white before fading to its original crimson tinge. The red dragon narrowed his eyes in the direction before turning his attention back to Cynbel.


 [color=9e0b0f]”Sorry about that intrusion to our business deal...So-”[/color] He leaned slightly forward his crimson colored hair gracefully falling to his side. [color=9e0b0f]”Next on the agenda.”[/color] He looked at Cynbel with a thin smile.  [color=9e0b0f]”The land request. I say that it is rather a simple request unless you see other wise?”[/color]


Cynbel nodded respectfully. [color=lightgray]”Of course. In fact, because I cannot guarantee you [i]true[/i] equality, I will up the offer on our side. The Northwest section of the Wyld Woods shall also be your territory. There is good hunting there, and a fully functional portal to the human realm. It would be a fine place for a den, or you and your kin could stay in the nearby Château if you prefer. Can this be agreed upon?”[/color] His voice was kind, friendly even, but very business-like. The thistle fey behind him stood with a quill poised over parchment, ready to put the deal into binding terms. Sulleykaar glanced over to the one who was writing down the agreement. He cocked an eyebrow before looking back over at Cynbel. [color=9e0b0f]”So you’re willing to add to the deal?”[/color] A bark of laughter rang through the den as Sulleykaar’s sides began to hurt. [color=9e0b0f]”Wonderful...Hahaha...As I told Ugin if anyone of us could make good business ventures it would be me. I see no problem with this. I have seen the den there and I must say that it would be a great place to keep Kolghan...HAHAHAHA!”[/color] He nodded in agreement to the added bonus. After he regained his composure, he looked at Cynbel with a smile. This smile however, was different than the others. He had something planned and his eyes were only showing the same suspicious intent. 


[color=9e0b0f]”You know. Never try to one up a dragon. It’s not a healthy choice. But I shall also raise the stakes. I myself will join you in battle instead of watching it from a vicarious position. However in return i want something more valuable than some mere coin and stones-”[/color] The smile quickly vanished and became very serious. He let the hint linger in the air and waited for Cynbel to catch on.


Hard violet eyes studied the dragon. Cynbel was sizing him up. What was he getting at? It felt like he was standing on a fault line. If he said or did the wrong thing now, it would all be ruined. Hell, he might even wind up dead. Masticated and digested in the acids of a dragon’s belly… what a way to go. The silver-haired faerie held his lips in a thin line. No, he would not die this day. He would agree to this one last request and the deal would be set in stone. 


[color=lightgray]”I would be honored to have you fight beside me.”[/color] Cynbel polished his words with a slight bow of his head. He brought his head up to boldly meet the gaze of this scarlet stranger he hoped to soon call friend. [color=lightgray]”What is your request?””[/color]


Sulleykaar’s serious face moved to more of a mischievous grin. [color=9e0b0f]”Many Unseelie fathers and mothers hope the best for their sons and daughters. It is the pride that comes with seeing their sons and daughters move through the ranks of an army, or come of nobility status, or have children of their own that can continue the…[i]interesting[/i] cycle that is the Unseelie way of life.[/color] He paused, letting the words sink in. He gave Cynbel a quizzical look before gesturing to him. [color=9e0b0f]”You are a father yourself are you not?.”[/color] He smiled.. Paraxthyon blinked. Dromoka shook his massive head. Theais remained silent as did the rest.


Cynbel processed the words. And there it was… the ultimate request. That fault line he was standing on? It was now shifting beneath his feet. He had to say something, anything, but he had to say the [i]right[/i] thing. [color=lightgray]“Y-you?”[/color] the ancient faerie uncharacteristically stumbled over his words. He cleared his throat to speak clearly this time. [color=lightgray]“You want my daughter?”[/color] The sound of the thistle fey dropping his quill in shock behind Cynbel was the only thing to break the silence that followed his loaded question.


[color=9e0b0f]”That is my offer. If you decide against it the deal is off and we look forward to greeting our new Seelie neighbors with a gift basket and some of the finest elven wine money can buy.[/color] His shit-eating grin was more than unnerving and aggravating than any shit-eating grin could be. 


Horis spoke up in Cynbel’s silence. [color=??]”You jest. You cannot truly be requesting an [i]heir[/i]!”[/color] Cynbel rose his hand to quiet the younger commander who spoke out of turn. His face was calm and collected, but he ground his teeth together behind pursed lips. In all of his wildest ideas of how this conversation would go, he did not factor in his wayward daughter. Not even once. She would hate this, she would hate [i]him[/i] for this. But, as the ruby-hued dragon stated, it was this or they would join the Seelie ranks. The Seelie already had the Children of Bahamut, he couldn’t let them have both of the powers that be in the dragon world. It was with a very heavy heart that Cynbel nodded in solemn acceptance, praying that Edana’s fiery spirit wouldn’t smite him where he stood.


[color=lightgray]”Record the terms of this deal for the dragon Sulleykaar and I to seal, Lonn.”[/color] The thistle fey scrambled to pick up her writing utensil and finished scrawling out the contract. She produced the parchment to Cynbel along with a sharpened piece of bone. Cynbel used the tool to cut his thumb, draw an ample amount of blood to the surface, and then press a dark red thumbprint against the page. There was more magic and power in blood than in a simple signature. Lonn turned to Sulleykaar next but did not meet his eyes in quiet disgust of his request. She simply offered the dragon the contract and the bone knife so that he could finalize the deal.

[color=9e0b0f]”Splendid!”[/color] He exclaimed. Sulleykaar added insult to injury with the last request. He was known to have the silver tongue but this was golden. He could feel the smile on Ugin’s face emerge from behind him. He quickly took notice to the fey soldier known as Lonn pass the piece of parchment to Cynbel. The red dragon watched as the defeated Faerie broke skin and signed the blood packed. The fey then brought over the parchment to him, refusing to look at him directly. So, Sulleykaar leaned over to look directly in her eyes.  [color=9e0b0f]”Thank you my dear. Hmhmhm.”[/color] He chuckled as he took the contract from her however refused the bone and instead substituted it with his own claw. He pierced his thumb and did the same but not with as much blood as it lightly burnt that particular area of the page. His thumb then glowed red as he press it onto the paper, an audible “sssssssss” from the heat, engraving indefinitely his print. [color=9e0b0f]”Now-”[/color] He took a step back and looked into the eyes of every single fey soldier and dragon.  [color=9e0b0f]”Let this day mark the beginning of a new alliance in a time of war. This agreement holds true to our promise of supporting our neighboring kingdom that is the Dark Queen’s home as it also holds true to the Unseelie’s agreement of terms. An agreement of scales and stone. I, Sulleykaar of the Children of Tiamat welcome you as our brothers in arms. Go now and pass this unto your Queen.”[/color] He then turned his head to Ugin, who gave him a simple nod. Turning back a more genuine smile upon his face. [color=9e0b0f]”So now that we have settle this, let us return to the kingdom to talk more about the Seelie and what I have in store for me and my men.”[/color] He gently patted the shoulder of Cynbel and walked slowly past him towards the mouth of the den.