Chapter 160: A Meal
The hall was warm with the scent of roasted meats and fresh bread, flickering candlelight reflecting off polished wood and stone. Servants moved quietly between tables, laying out bowls of fruit, platters of vegetables, and carefully prepared dishes. Kael sat at the head of the table, Lyria by his side, while King Thalren was seated opposite, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, taking in every detail of the Hollow and its inhabitants.
As the first course was served, Thalren's amber eyes studied Kael with curiosity. "I must admit, Lord Kael," he began, lifting a goblet of spiced wine, "I've traveled through many lands, but I have never seen a settlement quite like this. So many different races, so many people with conflicting histories… how do you keep them from clashing? From old grudges resurfacing?"
Kael leaned back slightly, resting one hand on the table. "It wasn't easy at first. There were fights, disagreements… but everyone here shares a common purpose. Survival, yes, but also loyalty to each other and to the Hollow itself. I enforce rules, yes, but more importantly, I make sure everyone knows their strength is equal only in dedication, not in heritage or blood. Respect is earned, not demanded."
Thalren nodded slowly, swirling his wine. "A delicate balance. You have built something remarkable. Many leaders would have failed, letting tension break into violence long ago."
Kael's gaze hardened. "Failure is not an option when people's lives are at stake."
There was a pause as the servants brought the next course—herb-roasted fowl accompanied by root vegetables and a light gravy. Kael took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before responding. "And yet even now, I know there are still those who would test the Hollow if given the chance."
Thalren allowed himself a small, knowing smile. "Perhaps. But it is the mark of a strong leader when your people follow not from fear alone, but from belief. I see that in them—and in you. It is impressive."
Kael inclined his head, the compliment acknowledged but not indulged. "They follow because they trust that I will act when it matters. That I will defend them, no matter the cost."
The conversation shifted naturally, the tension in the air slightly eased by shared meals and soft murmurs. Thalren set down his wine and leaned forward. "There is a ceremony in my kingdom called the 'Introduction of Kings.' When two leaders or houses align themselves, we hold a gathering to announce it—to show our people that our interests are now united. It is both symbolic and practical."
Kael raised a brow, interested. "And this would be… necessary for our alignment? Even though my people are here, standing with me?"
Thalren nodded. "Yes. It allows the people to understand who they are allied with, and to see that no action is hidden. Symbols, traditions—they give a framework for trust, even if it must be earned afterward. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish, but the message is clear: our futures are linked."
Kael considered this, fingers tapping lightly against the wooden table. "I will need some time to think on such a thing. There are many moving parts… not just for my people, but for your kingdom as well."
Thalren inclined his head. "Of course. Take all the time you need. Decisions like these cannot be rushed."
The discussion shifted again, this time to trade and commerce. Kael leaned back, gesturing lightly as he spoke. "The Hollow is largely self-sufficient, but trade is still necessary. We have ores, herbs, and knowledge to offer… and in exchange, we need items we cannot yet produce ourselves. I am interested in establishing long-term agreements, sustainable and fair, that benefit both our peoples."
Thalren's lips curved into a faint smile. "Agreed. I have traveled extensively, and I see potential in trading not just goods, but knowledge as well. Maps, magical theory, agricultural methods… these are as valuable as gold."
Kael nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Precisely. And I expect that transparency and honesty will be the foundation of any agreement. No one cheats, no one hides. Trust must be earned, or it is meaningless."
The meal continued, the conversation flowing easily now. Thalren's questions were probing but respectful, Kael's answers measured yet revealing enough to give insight into the Hollow's values. Lyria occasionally added her perspective, softening Kael's sharper edges and bridging understanding between the king and the council.
Kael noticed subtle glances from the council members seated around the table. Rogan's jaw was set, Fenrik's hands folded tensely in front of him, and even Varik's normally unreadable expression held a trace of doubt. Kael could tell that while the conversation was moving fluidly, his people were not fully convinced of Thalren's intentions. Caution lingered in their eyes like a shadow.
Thalren picked up on the tension as well and leaned back, studying the Hollow's council with mild amusement. "It appears your council is wary, Lord Kael. They are wise to be cautious. But understand—alignment does not mean surrender. It is a partnership, not subjugation."
Kael's gaze swept across the room. "Exactly. That is why I will make my decision carefully. My people are my first concern. Everything else is secondary."
Thalren raised his goblet, and Kael mirrored the motion. "Then here is to careful decisions, and to understanding between our people," the king said, his voice warm yet firm.
Kael allowed himself a slight nod. "To understanding."
As the meal continued, the conversation became lighter, touching on stories of past campaigns, nomadic traditions, and even playful debates over magical theories. Laughter occasionally bubbled from the council and the king alike, though Kael remained ever watchful, his mind noting every reaction, every subtle glance. His people were still wary, but there was a flow now—a rhythm of dialogue that promised progress, if not complete trust.
By the time the last course was served, Kael leaned back in his chair, letting himself feel a fraction of ease. Lyria's hand brushed his, a small, grounding touch. He caught her eye and allowed himself a tiny, private smile. Despite the shadows of doubt and lingering tension, the Hollow had survived threats before, and under his guidance, it would continue to do so—even as the seeds of alliances and caution began to take root.
And yet, as he surveyed the faces of his council and the king's delegation, Kael knew: trust was not given, it was built. The conversation may have flowed smoothly tonight, but the real test—the trial of understanding, loyalty, and diplomacy—was only just beginning.