Patrick was sat in the central pavilion of the concord's encampment. The pavilion was a long rectangular tent made from cotton duck canvas. Within the pavilion was a long table around which sat the various generals of the imperial army, many of whom originated from Cawanor. Present at the table was Grandin Tuania and his son Orland, both of whom sat rather close to Patrick. Patrick was in a good mood, though it had taken a while to mobilize the concord forces the journey to Telmarion had gone better than expected. They were only a couple days march from Clarm. Soon the Alliance would be crushed and his brothers position on the throne would be a certainty.
"I do not appreciate you giving my home to a thug and allowing the alliance to besiege it unopposed" Grandin exclaimed. He had been sulking ever since Claus had evicted them from their own stronghold "That man assaulted my eldest son and I am expected to trust him with the safety of my wife and youngest" Patrick looked at Grandin, his face lacked any emotion
"Claus Rotstein is a accomplished battle commander and I am confident a man of his abilities will be able to hold Clarm. Besides had it not been for your son's egotism Clarm may not of been sieged in the first place" At this Orland turned his head in shame as a few of the other commanders sniggered. Grandin opened his mouth to protest but was quickly silenced by cold glare from Patrick. At this moment a messenger came into the tent
"Forgive the intrusion but house Blackwell's forces have arrived"
"Excellent" Patrick said "Send whomever is leading them to meet with us at once, we have much to discuss"

Mere moments after the messenger stepped out of the tent again, the tall figure of Eli Blackwell strode through the entryway, flanked by two women - his sisters Drevala and Beatrice. He wore armor, not the heavy, bulky plate of his sister Beatrice, nor the light leather of the warrior mage at his other shoulder, but finely crafted scale armor. It was formed from the most delicate of dragon scales, functional yet still light and elegant. No other guards were present, for even were it not the camp of an ally, what more defense would he need than two of the most formidable women in Formaroth?

"Lord Patrick Reimer." He said by way of greeting, with the tone of one acknowledging a peer, not a superior. He strode up to the table before continuing in a business-like fashion. "I bring the Dragonguard and a number of Alenius regulars. I am already aware of your armies composition... Unless you have any hidden forces nearby?" He wasted no time on formalities. They were here for one reason - to defeat the Manshrew Alliance army. Talk aside from that was wasted as far as he was concerned.

Patrick paused before he replied as he stared at Eli, purposely keeping him waiting. Patrick knew how the Blackwell's viewed themselves as being equal to all others. Patrick intended to ensure Eli that this was not the case.

"Welcome Lord Blackwell, we have been awaiting your arrival. Please take a seat" Patrick said as he gestured to a empty seat in the middle of the table.

Eli noted the chair that Patrick was gesturing to. The middle of the table. It was a rather blunt snub.

Rather than submit to it, or protest vocally, he simply strode nonchalantly to the chair opposite Patrick - at the end of the table - and sat. This was an alliance of equals, and he would act as though Patrick recognized that fact, even if Patrick's actions indicated otherwise.

Beatrice followed him, remaining ever at his shoulder and when he had sat, glanced at him before speaking up for a moment. "That's Prince Blackwell." She said firmly. Drevala, on the other hand, hung back near the edge of the tent. She was not comfortable with the tension in the room, nor the mass of people in this general environment, and her manner showed it.

A small smile crept on Partrick's face as Eli took the chair opposite him. It was clear Eli wasn't some whom would be easily intimidated, and the same could be said for his sister. Patrick ignored Beatice's comment as he continued to speak

"So, what do the forces of house Blackwell have to offer the concord. How do you plan to assist us in the upcoming battle"?

Eli did not respond immediately, instead fixing the remainder of the leaders at the table with a calculating gaze. "House Blackwell forces consist of three elements. The elite Dragonguard, the smaller contingent, are veteran heavy infantry equipped with the finest arms and armor. The remainder of the Force consists of Blackwell regular infantry. They are well trained and equipped. Most importantly however, they are versatile. The final element is my sister, the Dragonslayer." No further explanation was needed about that asset as far as he was concerned.

He paused then, though not for long. "Our force is mobile and capable of swiftly striking before withdrawing - even the heavy infantry. Several such strikes will not only conserve the forces strength, but sap the enemies will to fight. Of course, the Dragonslayer-" He paused momentarily to punctuate his sisters title and presence, then continued. "-is quite capable of dispatching the elephants Andrew marches with, given just a little time... They are hardly Dragons, after all." He didn't feel the need to state how he knew Andrew had elephants, after all, it was fairly obvious to anyone who knew the first thing about the Dragonslayers's shape shifting capabilities. What better scout than a bird?

"Very impressive, I am surprised Alenius was able to muster such a large force in such a short space of time. However I have already formulated a plan to take care of the Alliance's Elephants" Patrick said as he looked towards Drevala. So far Drevala had been keeping herself away from the negotiations and looked very uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people. It would be interesting to see how she would respond now that the attention had been put on her  "Your friend Lady Dionisa has supplied us with a force of some of the most talented mages in Formaroth, they shall be key to defeating the elephants that gave the steel fist such trouble. I trust you will wish to fight alongside your fellow mages"?

Eli let the hint of a smile touch the edge of his mouth at hearing the apparent surprise in Patrick's voice. It was always foolish to underestimate house Blackwell... But he didn't feel the need to point that out to his 'ally.'

Drevala looked up abruptly at the mention of Lana, suddenly having rather more interest in the conversation. If Lana had sent colleagues to aid this force, she wanted to make sure they made it back to her dear friend. She remembered Lanaya's reaction to the loss of mages she knew in the last war, and did not wish to see that repeated.

"That would be the best, I think." She said, sure of herself in this instance, but still not exactly confident among present company.

Eli noted his sisters discomfort and quickly stepped in saying "You have a plan already? Intriguing. Would you care to share this with us"

Patrick's sly smile remained as he turned back to Eli "Certainly, I can assure you this is a battle that the alliance will not recover from"

Credits:
[@TheDuncanMorgan] [@Sundered Echo]