After the members of Blood Maroux retreated for the night, the members of Blood Denegis remained to continue their talks. A talk that had no political games behind it.
Just a chat between family over a cup of wine and tea before retreating for the night. For midnight was soon to pass, and tomorrow promised to be a day just as long as this one.
"I've apologized before, but allow me to do it once more, to all of you," Blanc began. "Staying idle while everyone else was doing something got to me, and in my frustration, I wandered into the forest. The lynx hunt took me by surprise, but in the end, it became a blessing. I returned with something worthy to offer Blood Maroux. Still, I should have told someone instead of disappearing without a word. And Kael… I apologize to you as well for raising my voice."
Blanc finished with a deep bow.
"I forgive you!" jumped up Lune, finally free to speak as she usually does.
Blanc chuckled, seeing her full of energy, despite the late hour, "Why, but thank you, Little Flower, I would've cried until my wedding if you had not forgiven me."
Valar was next to speak, "No matter why it happened, it was ingenious of you to bring gifts. Highly valuable as presents, especially for noble ladies."
"Thank you, Valar," nodded Blanc, perhaps with guilt in his chest as he found himself getting married before the heir of the house.
But such was Valar's luck since the fiancée he had had since birth, unfortunately, passed away seven years ago.
This made Valar wish to wait a little longer before getting married to the right one, as he had said many times before. Even though another alliance through marriage would be beneficial to them at this time.
Nevertheless, Blanc kept his tongue, only giving a little nod with his gratitude.
"My dear boy," started Mera, a sneaky smile finding its way towards her face, "Well done. The girl basically melted away, seeing the lynx pelt. But why have you not brought your mother anything?"
"Well, uh…I, I," stuttered Blanc, suddenly finding himself put on the spot.
"Leave the poor boy alone, sister," giggled Auren, seeing Blanc's reaction, "He did well. Not even his father brought us such gifts before marrying us."
The sudden accusation made Elion choke on the wine he was drinking before speaking, "True, I cannot deny it, but I made sure to make enough gifts during our marriage, did I not?"
"You see, Blanc?" started Mera as she played with the necklace made of precious gems that was sitting comfortably on her neck, "Do not forget the gifts during the marriage as well. They are more important than the ones from before."
"I'll make sure to never forget that, Mother." Blanc saluted playfully.
"You will soon be rid of me, little brother, just as you wished," said Sera, a deceitful smile on her face.
"Now listen here, dear sister of mine, I've never said I wished to be rid of you, did I?" asked Blanc.
"I am!" said Kael, raising his hand.
"Brat," replied Sera, as she threw a piece of bread that bounced on Kael's forehead before hitting the ground.
Everyone started laughing at the sight before they finally agreed to end it in high spirits for the night, in preparation for the next day.
The morning arrived way too quickly for the adult members of Blood Denegis, as all except Lune and Kael found themselves back in the main hall with all the members of the other Noble Bloods in front of them.
"Welcome, my Lords and Lady. I hope the accommodations were to your liking and you were able to rest well," Elion said as they were the last to enter the hall.
"Quite wonderful beds, I found myself sleeping like a baby," Lucien replied, sitting down. The order they sat in remained the same as it was the day before.
"Mmm," nodded Dalv-Varran as he sat himself with a loud creak in his chair.
"I fear you might need to bring a larger chair for my Lord Tarba," Lord An laughed, watching the giant of a man.
"Seeing that we are all still present, is it safe to assume the marriage talks went as expected?" Lord Alvein asked, addressing the important subject.
"Wonderfully well," smiled Lady Fiamma, already sitting and sipping away wine from a silver cup, first thing in the morning
"Thank the Vita for that," Auren smiled, pouring herself some tea.
"Indeed," Elion nodded.
"Well then, shall we begin?" Mera questioned, looking around the room.
"I find it quite difficult, my Lords and Lady," began Elion, "To understand how the Iron Line got word that the High Monarch passed away. I fear either one Noble Blood betrayed us, or an enemy from outside the Empire got word and used that to control the Line into attacking us."
"Who do you suggest?" asked Lucien, "the Ulveth Kingdom?"
At the mention of that ancient kingdom, Elion found himself nodding, "It might just be me overthinking, but I suggest the highest level of caution."
"Agreed," nodded Lord Alvein, "Mine and Lord An's armies are already on their way. They should be here in four days. A day before Bezel Domini and all your intel assumed they would be arriving."
"Yes, we will be fighting side by side, Lord Elion. If your Blood falls, ours are soon to follow, so be without fear that you have our full support," reassured Lord An with a warm smile.
"Mmm," nodded Dalv-Varran, sounding to Blanc's ears like an old bear grumbling, before finally speaking words, his voice as deep as a well, "My men will be here and ready to fight and die by your side in four days."
"There are no words to describe the gratitude I have for all your help. I will be sure, you and all your men will be rewarded appropriately after the threat is gone. I swear to the Vita," Elion bowed, his forehead touching the table.
"Last night, and I'm sure Lady Fiamma did as well, I've sent a trusted man back to handle all the preparation and men gathering required to join in on the fight as well," Lucien added.
"Of course, we did the same," nodded Fiamma, "My men were dreaming of a good fight as of late. Unfortunately, no matter how much I toss and turn the numbers around, we will arrive back here with an army at the earliest two days after the Iron Line arrives."
"Yes, I realized that as well," sighed Lucien, "If we try to get here faster, we might be too few to make a difference, so, no matter how and with what we move, we might just be too late to join in on the fun in the beginning."
Elion clicked his tongue, hearing Fiamma and Lucien. There was nothing they could do but hold until they arrived.
"However, this might also work to our advantage as we can pinch them between us," Lucien continued, "We can attack from behind, disturbing the supply line to the ones in the front fighting on your side. Then, when they are starved, we can cut through them like a sharp sword through grass."
"A perfect idea," Lord An praised, "I find no issue with it."
"Mmm," agreed Dalv-Varran.
"Even if there could be better plans, we are both running out of time and options, so this will do," Elion concluded after thinking for a while, seeing that everyone was in agreement, "Well then since we can conclude the meeting here, I would love to invite my Lords to join tonight's engagement party for my son and daughter."
"I would love to attend," Lord Alvein began, an apologetic look on his weird face, "But I have to return to my army and ensure everything is in order. I will bring gifts with me when I arrive."
"I'm afraid that so will I," spoke Lord An, with Dalv-Varran murmuring in agreement as they rose to their feet.
"Allow me at least to bid you all farewell properly," Elion said, getting up from his chair after the Lords bid their farewells to the people present, congratulating the engaged and wishing them well and many children in their future marriage.
And thus, the six-way alliances were made. A victory for Blood Denegis. One that left a bittersweet taste on some of them, including Blanc, as they all had hoped that everyone would be present when the fight started.
Nevertheless, the bittersweet feeling did not linger for too long, since the preparations for the engagement ceremonies started soon after.