I take a seat at the table.
[Eldrin] "Your Majesties. Your Holiness. It seems the Goddess has brought us all together."
Pope Orell smiles warmly.
[Orell] "Indeed, Lord Eldrin. Thank you for coming. We have all received the oracle from the Goddess."
He pauses, his expression turning wry.
[Orell] "Though I must say, it was less of a prophecy and more of a... passionate critique of Aldencrest."
Queen Vorath lets out a booming laugh.
[Vorath] "Passionate? The Goddess practically went on an angry rant, declaring them the enemy of the world."
Supreme Mage Lysara smirks.
[Lysara] "I believe her exact words were, 'greedy, short-sighted fools who would drain the world dry if given the chance.'"
Even Demon Lord Kaelith allows himself a faint smile.
[Kaelith] "It's rare to receive such a colorful divine message. I feel sorry for the Goddess. It seems she has reached a tipping point."
The room fills with quiet murmurs of agreement.
King Alden clears his throat, bringing the conversation back to focus.
[Alden] "The oracle was clear. We are to prepare for an influx of refugees fleeing Aldencrest and to support the divine mission of providing them with food and shelter."
Chancellor Mirelle nods.
[Mirelle] "We've already begun preparations. Shelters are being constructed along the border, and our grain reserves are being redistributed to accommodate the incoming population."
Queen Vorath crosses her arms.
[Vorath] "Rathen has mobilized our warriors to strengthen the borders and ensure safe passage for refugees. We're also setting up temporary camps near the mountain passes."
Supreme Mage Lysara leans forward.
[Lysara] "Selenith is contributing enchantments for preservation and protection. We're also sending artifact researchers to assist with any logistical challenges."
Demon Lord Kaelith speaks next, his voice calm but commanding.
[Kaelith] "Eryndor has fortified our borders as well. We're also prepared to offer sanctuary to any who flee to our borders, though history suggests most will prefer somewhere else."
Pope Orell clasps his hands.
[Orell] "The church is coordinating relief efforts across all nations. We're blessed that the Goddess has guided us toward unity in this matter."
All eyes turn to me.
[Eldrin] "The food will be ready in a few days. We've already started planting enough crops to feed thousands and will use magic to accelerate the growth. Distribution can begin shortly after the first harvest."
King Alden's eyes widen slightly. Supreme Mage Lysara leans forward, intrigued.
[Lysara] "Such a large-scale use of magic. Is this the work of the Lord that the Goddess mentioned in her oracle?"
[Eldrin] "Yes, though he prefers to be called simply Wright. The Spirit Queen told me that he is someone the Goddess deeply respects—she even defers to him in matters."
Pope Orell shifts to straighten his posture, his expression growing more serious.
[Orell] "For the Goddess to speak of someone with such deference... what manner of being is he? He cannot be human."
[Eldrin] "He is human, though he's the strongest being I've ever met. Even with that strength, he's humble and approachable."
The room falls silent for a moment as they process this.
Pope Orell's eyes soften with reverence.
[Orell] "I would very much like the chance to meet him, if fate allows it."
[Kaelith] "As would I, since the forest borders my territory."
[Vorath] "I'm also intrigued by this man that the Goddess and the Skyblade respect so deeply."
She pauses, then waves her hand.
[Vorath] "But this mission comes first. Let's get back on track."
Queen Vorath signals to Chancellor Selis to speak. Her tone is practical.
[Selis] "We'll need to discuss payment. This much food will have a significant impact on the economy if not handled carefully."
I raise a hand, drawing everyone's attention.
[Eldrin] "If I may—payment is not our primary concern. We're undertaking this mission at the Goddess's direction. The goal is to feed those in need, not to profit from their suffering."
The room falls silent for a moment.
King Alden's expression shifts to one of respect.
[Alden] "That is... incredibly generous, Lord Eldrin. But we must insist on compensation. The scale of this operation requires resources, and we cannot simply take without giving in return."
Chancellor Mirelle nods firmly.
[Mirelle] "Agreed. We should establish reasonable pricing that doesn't burden our kingdoms but also respects the value of your work. Additionally, if the food is given freely, it will have a significant impact on local farmers."
I incline my head.
[Eldrin] "Then we'll defer to your judgment on what is fair. Our only request is that the price not prevent those in need from receiving food."
Pope Orell's eyes shine with approval.
[Orell] "A truly divine sentiment."
Queen Vorath leans back, crossing her arms with a grin.
[Vorath] "I find myself liking these high elves."
The discussion shifts to logistics. King Alden spreads a map across the table.
[Alden] "First, we need to establish distribution routes. Mariselle will serve as the central hub. From here, we can ship via river to inland regions and by sea to coastal settlements."
Chancellor Mirelle points to several marked locations on the map.
[Mirelle] "We've identified three primary refugee gathering points along the Aldencrest border. We'll need staging areas at each location for food distribution."
Supreme Mage Lysara traces her finger along the routes.
[Lysara] "Selenith can provide preservation enchantments for the transport vessels. That will extend the shelf life significantly during transit."
Chancellor Selis pulls out a document.
[Selis] "For payment, we propose a modest rate—enough to cover operational costs but well below market value. Crops bought will be funneled strictly to the refugees so it won't impact local markets. Rathen estimates we'll receive approximately fifteen thousand refugees initially. Respera?"
[Mirelle] "We're projecting twenty thousand, given our proximity and coastal access."
[Lysara] "Selenith expects around ten thousand."
Pope Orell adds quietly.
[Orell] "The church will provide additional funding to subsidize costs for the most vulnerable. We cannot let economics prevent people from eating."
King Alden nods approvingly.
[Alden] "Respera will match the church's contribution. We'll establish a relief fund that all kingdoms can draw from."
Demon Lord Kaelith speaks up.
[Kaelith] "Eryndor will contribute to the fund as well."
Chancellor Velira adds smoothly.
[Velira] "We have an excess of funds. It seems that a few of the Aldencrest nobles have taken a liking to our hot springs. They have been spending quite extravagantly in our border cities."
Queen Vorath grins with a subtle fury.
[Vorath] "How vulgar, but I can't say I'm too surprised. Rathen will handle security along the routes. We'll station warriors at each checkpoint to ensure safe passage."
Chancellor Mirelle produces another document.
[Mirelle] "I've drafted a preliminary agreement. Each kingdom commits to purchasing quantities based on their refugee estimates. Excess production can be stored in Mariselle's warehouses or distributed to areas experiencing shortages."
Supreme Mage Lysara examines the document.
[Lysara] "The numbers look reasonable. We should also establish a coordination committee—representatives from each kingdom to manage distribution and adjust allocations as needed."
[Alden] "Agreed. Chancellor Mirelle will represent Respera."
[Vorath] "Selis will represent Rathen."
[Lysara] "I'll send one of my senior advisors for Selenith."
[Kaelith] "Chancellor Velira will attend on behalf of Eryndor."
Pope Orell nods.
[Orell] "The church will send a Bishop to coordinate with the committee."
King Alden looks to me.
[Alden] "Lord Eldrin, will you or Wright be able to participate in the committee meetings?"
I consider for a moment.
[Eldrin] "I can serve as the liaison. Wright's focus is on growing the crops—he doesn't need to be involved in payment discussions or distribution logistics. I can relay information about quantities needed and planting schedules. That's all he requires."
King Alden nods in understanding.
[Alden] "Then we have our framework. The committee will meet weekly in Mariselle to review distribution reports and adjust allocations."
He glances around the table.
[Alden] "Are we in agreement?"
One by one, each leader nods or voices their approval.
King Alden smiles.
[Alden] "Excellent. Let's conclude with that for today. I'm sure everyone is tired from traveling. We have prepared a banquet and rooms for everyone. Please enjoy, and we can discuss the rest tomorrow."
With that, I'm shown to a large room with my escorts given another room nearby.
As I prepare for the banquet, I reflect on the day's proceedings. That was fast. Far faster than I expected. It seems the Goddess's oracle carried a great deal of urgency. The kingdoms are not merely cooperating—they're moving with unity and determination.
Good, I think as I wash up. Things should proceed smoothly.