Hopelessness, Loss and War (OPEN)

[Ȧvaɳɳa Nova]

Avanna had learnt to guard her heart. Many years had passed now, and it would not be easy to resort back to the charming, optimistic and lighthearted queen she once was. More than 4 years had passed since the war had begun, and currently all she knew and all she felt was hopelessness for the Guis and the Lennecks , two of the main races in Destina which did not seem to desist in their pursuit of expansion.

And Avanna remained here, in her castle, council after council, trying to solve the issues of lands far away. But what could she do? Not even the elven queen could solve the disputes, or change the hearts of hundreds of men and women, Lenneck and Gui alike, battling every day.

Even the nayelis were joining the front. The echas, peaceful as they seemed, might join soon too. Avanna, for the first time in many, many centuries, feared for her life and for the lives of all the peoples of the wonderful, albeit torn, world of Destina.

And she felt hopeless too, for her strength was not like it used to be, and war changes the heart of many a people. She had a feeling that this war, which the commoners had begun to call “The Battle of the Dwarves and the Fauns”, had only just begun.

[Hašim Solavel Nova]

It was an opportunity to be seized, indeed. That much, he believed. Whatever decision the Nayeli would decide to take, would certainly prove lucrative. Hasim understood that the nature of war was not changed, since it was a process of natural selection, where the defeated becomes the footnote in history, and where the victor gains the right to write the history, as he sees fit, to his own fickle whims. The prince was old enough to witness and survive most of the grand wars; he understood that it was certain to be some form of collateral damage. And he was wise enough, to understand that decisions were crucial to minimize the losses and capitalize on the gain. However, it was not his decision to make; actually, it was the Queen's decree.

To be, or not to be. Certainly, that was the question.

Hasim comprehended Ȧvaɳɳa's plight. His Queen ruled one of the greatest factions in Destina, if not the greatest of them all; she commanded tens of thousands of men, and she was responsible for their lives and welfare. And probably, she was exerting herself thinking about the war between the Fauns and the Dwarves. So, Hasim decided to make his approach; he was curious about her royal highness. Oh, he knew that she was a gentle soul; however, he didn't know how she would react to the situation at hand. The queen was truly tested, and he wanted to help. Although, his opinions about the war might prove unsettling to kind Ȧvaɳɳa.

"You look Grim, your Grace!" Hasim came within the range of her perception. "It is not the end of the world, yet!" He tried to reassure her. However, he was not known to be such a passionate man. Indeed, his voice was calm. Surely, his composure was collected. If anything, Hasim was not really bothered by the squabble between the Fauns and the Dwarves. It was, simply, a race trying to annihilate the other. Nothing was new about it; nothing to fret about.

[Ȧvaɳɳa Nova]

Avanna sat, deep in thought, waiting for the arrival of her counselors. How dejected she must have looked now, she thought, drained by all of these events. As she heard footsteps approaching, she stood up from her chair, trying her best to correct her posture, intently making an effort to smile amidst all her inner turmoil.

Why did all of these issues hurt her so? Why did she have to be this empathic and sensible to the pain around her? It had always been like this. Back during the days of the Great War, the last time she had felt this pressure inside her chest, she had her son… and her husband the King. So much time had passed since then… now, they were long gone, and she had been appointed to give order to the realm. A sensible woman leading so many…

Naturally, counselors had come and gone, friends had been lost to the wars and to hatred. Still, as she heard Hasim’s voice and as he stood there, calm and collected as he always had been, she realized that some counselors had managed to reassure her more than others, to bring her peace and serenity. But the one who had managed to assuage her more in times of crisis had always been her cousin Hasim. The “white sorrow” he was called, by common-folk and nobles alike, albeit to his back. She always had wondered how, in such a small family, personalities could be so diverse. What Avanna had of sensibility and compassion, Hasim had of rationality, fairness, honor… they were different, yet Ava respected his opinion more than any other.

“I know the turmoil is leagues away from Nayelien, my dear cousin. Still, I cannot help but wonder, what will happen to us?” She moved to the window, looking outside. Elven nobles, the youngest ones of the castle, were playing in the courtyard. She turned to Hasim, concern in her voice, “The elves have always been proud, and some of us have forgotten how it is to have a war in our realm… but everything could change for the worst, Hasim. In all honesty, I fear, every day.” She sighed, her eyes turning back to the children playing, oblivious to what was happening in the other realms.

[Hašim Solavel Nova]

There was concern in his queen's voice, she feared the future; she feared the unknown. Yet, she maintained her grace. Her royal highness left her throne behind, Avanna's steps took here where the window was. A window, which served as a vantage point over their young subjects, who played within the verdant green gardens of Nova, carefree and merry. Hasim followed his sovereign, towering the young lady before him. Indeed, the turmoil was far, far away. And as the flames of war burned brightly, they cast a long and a terrible shadow. Her question was rhetoric, and he had to answer to give her; Hasim was no seer, he couldn't see the future. However, he had the means to make the future his own.

"Your Grace, you were born for greatness, you of the Elven and Faerie blood." Hasim attempted to encourage the young queen. "You will lead us, and you will guide us to safety!" The prince's voice was serene, as if he was sure of what's about to happen, as if he saw the future form where he stood. Yet, she shared her uncertainties and concerns. It seemed, the queen was in great turmoil. Her sigh showed the fatigue of a woman who carried a mountainous burden. "Indeed, we are proud. And our pride stems from our immortality. Every Nayeli remembers the past and its horrors. For the next war to come, we sharpened our blades and honed our skills. We are strong and uncompromising!" He didn't want to let her worry. Hasim was more than determined to protect the realm, and most importantly, protect her royal figurine.

"Don't let fear cloud your mind. Instead, embrace it. And steel your heart with it. And you shall become strong, you shall be fear's incarnate." Hasim told her. He believed that Avanna was bound to be a great ruler; however, he believed that she needed to strengthen her heart. A kind ruler was good for the times of peace; however, his claws and fangs were dulled, in turn. And Hasim wanted his queen to be perfect; he wanted her to be benevolent and fearless, in the same time. "What do you think about the Fauns? Will they be capable of defending their realm?" Oh, Hasim knew the answer. Yet, he wanted to hear his queen's thoughts.

[Ȧvaɳɳa Nova]

Avanna listened to her cousin and friend intently. Indeed, he always managed to appease her, and this had not been the exception. He kept his composure, even in the most tumultuous of instances. Yet, she feared that he believed the elven race untouchable, unaffected by the war. They were very far away from the fauns and the dwarves, yes. Many leagues separated the nayelis from this war; still, how could one know that the peril would not come closer still?
She was not expecting the dwarves to remain ally-less. Had they already approached the humans, their perpetual allies in every single war in the history of Destina? Avanna had not desired to wait for such a thing. She had already sent spies, of course.

One of the most important of these informers was Estelle Maeve. This young Nayeli had been sent, in representation of the realm, to observe the fauns and their king, Neithan Ardemie. Would the fauns seek the elven army? Would the lennecks ally, instead, with the faeries? She did not want to wait… everything was a balance nowadays, and it’s equilibrium or lack thereof remained at the hands of the humans, the faeries and the elves.

For the dwarves could continue with their victories and their ravaging, but only if the fauns remained unaided… and if the time did come for an alliance to be requested, what would she do? What would her counselors and her army prefer?

Hasim’s question had placed these thoughts in her mind. Indeed, what would the fauns do?

“I believe, my dear cousin, that the fauns will not be able to survive if they don’t manage to acquire external aid. This juncture affects all of the realms, especially us. Our help will be requested, without a doubt.” She sighed, looking at him and his blue eyes, ever expressive. “And if our aid is requested I believe we should, for the first time in ages, join their cause. I do know you do not agree with this stance… but I fear that chaos and retributions will follow us if we do not assist this race, our friends.”

How would her cousin take these news? She could only wonder… but the Queen believed that he would not be pleased. Yes, she preferred staying in the margin, but this was now impossible… unfortunately.

[Hašim Solavel Nova]

That was a correct assessment to the situation. The Fauns were having a hard time, trying to repel a full scale invasion. It was not the Fauns' fault, though; they were simply bred to be a peaceful race, and they didn't have the same experience the other races had when it came down to war, as mostly they stayed neutral in all kinds of conflicts. Yet, his queen described them as 'friends', and he wondered why. Regardless, he was rather surprised when Avanna told him, she didn't expect him to agree with her plan. Actually, he had waited Avanna to make this decision, for so long. Perhaps, it was his fox-face that was always emotionless, a feature which led others to be clueless about him.

"Your Grace, I have nothing against your judgment!" Hasim was rather impressed to see her royal highness reaching such a hard decision, without the council of courtiers. Actually, he was in favor of stopping this war. "We need to defend our borders, and the Fauns happen to be a matter of national security." Hasim scratched his chin, as his cerulean eyes beheld Avanna's dark ones. He felt the determination within her voice, and it seemed she gave the matter a great deal of thought. "King Leomer will not be satisfied with his recent expansion. Today, he looks towards the Fauns. Tomorrow, he will do the same to the Echa. After tomorrow, he will be at our doorstep." Hasim phrased his thoughts into words. "And the Humans will see that as an opportunity to behold, and join forces with the Dwarves." The prince smiled, and he rarely did so. "And so, it will be another great war." He concluded, with a nod.

"I do think, such matters of great import need to be addressed in the imperial study. Your grace, if you would please, lead the way!" Hasim didn't want to lead the queen there, since her station was above him. "I wonder, do you have any kind of plans to deal with the problem at hand?" Hasim was always curious, and he liked to ask questions. Indeed, he had plans of his own. Regardless, he loved to hear the queen's perspective.

[Ȧvaɳɳa Nova]

Hasim was correct. The power and expansion of the dwarves would not subside. Their relentless quest for victories only fueled them to continue with this deathly threat. Something had to be done to counterattack this menace… and Avanna was also planning on appeasing their king, Leomer. But that would be a matter for later.

If Nayelien officially joined this conflict, there was no doubt that it would turn the tides of war. Or, at least, that was what the Queen imagined. Theirs was a powerful army of tens of thousands, practiced in the battlefield as well as in magic. And when the time came to dominate the dwarves, Avanna herself wanted to see Leomer eye-to-eye. She looked forward to that day.

“I share your concerns, cousin. Certainly, as we consider an alliance with the fauns, the dwarves could be making their way to Humeyen to propose an alliance as well. Or perhaps they already have it, and they will strike soon… or, maybe, the dwarves in all their conceit will not request the aid of the humans. This, I do not know. My infiltrators in Guiar have not informed me yet.”

As she said this, Hasim offered to move to the imperial study. She agreed courteously, leading the way. Indeed, these matters had to be discussed somewhere more fit. And now he questioned the Queen about her plans regarding the fauns. There were many, and they had to come forth with haste.

“My plans currently are to observe the situation, Hasim. I want to offer this alliance in an ideal moment. But, the war does not halt to make way for my ponderings. Indeed, the manner in which we will offer the pact has to be swift. I was wondering, do you think it would be appropriate to send a company of my closest counselors to Lenneckor with this proposal?”

That way, Avanna could stay guarding the castle and her realm’s dealings, and her most trusted men could travel in her name. Of course the Queen would delegate this task to her cousin, alongside members of the court and other close counselors.

[Hašim Solavel Nova]

Hasim had to admit that he liked participating in certain conversations, the ones which had to with political intrigue. After all, he spent all of his time reading reports and passing down edicts. Of course, all what he had done, and all he was about to do, was in the name of a better Nayelian nation. Call it, what you like to call it. However, he preferred to call himself a nationalist. Back on track, Hasim listened carefully; he gave his queen, his undivided and complete attention. The human alliance posed a threat, in the past, and probably the future. He couldn't dismiss the fact that they might jump into war, if proper circumstances were met. If they wanted to win this war, they had to make sure that such circumstances would never ever happen.

"With due respect, your highness! I do believe, the human alliance would have unleashed hell, if they had signed such a treaty of alliance. I suspect, they are staying their hands, and they are waiting how we would react. If we rush in, to help our Faun neighbors. Then eventually, our forces would be stretched thin along our borders. Such an occasion may present itself as an opportunity, of sorts. An opportunity, the human alliance would never miss to make use of it." Such was what the Prince had had in mind. The war, between the Dwarves and Fauns, was taking its due time; a period of four years, where the Dwarves slammed the doors of their peaceful neighbors. "I doubt that the humans and the Dwarves had contacted each other, in an official capacity. They will prefer to do it, in a rather discreet fashion. They are well aware, our spies are beyond their lines. Our foes are shrewd and cautious, your grace." There were no signs of a military coalition, between the two nations, whatsoever in the current times.

"I can attest, however, that the prime reason for the Dwarven invasion, happens to be their lack of resources. They are an industrial nation, and without the proper means; they will not be able to sustain a thriving economy. King Leomer knows this. He reunited the clans, for a common cause. Clever, I must say." The prince believed, there might be a chance for a diplomatic solution. Even if that failed, it would buy them some time, to prepare their Naylien army and mobilize. "Sending a delegation of such a pedigree, might raise an alarm. The human alliance will feel threatened, and the Dwarves will be reassured about our incoming intervention. I prefer, if we manage our negotiations with the Faun, through unofficial channels. Meanwhile, we will provide them with resources and manpower, to unleash the terrors of Guerilla warfare. At the same time, I suggest, we send a delegation to the Dwarves, a delegation of Amity and peace." And there was a trick, beyond the thick of it. If king Leomer accepted the terms, then the Fauns are saved. If the talks go south, then at least, the Nayeli will know the current state of Guiar from such a visit. Thus giving them a proper insight, about the Dwarves internal affairs.

Still, Hasim didn't clarify why he would make such a move. Instead, he wanted to see how the queen would reflect upon this matter. It was quite hilarious, sending a delegation to the dwarves - to be honest.

[Ȧvaɳɳa Nova]

Avanna was always surprised by Hasim’s admissions and by his insights. As she spoke, he listened to her intently… she could only wonder what was running through his mind. As he begun with his clever assessments, she was the one now paying close attention. She assented as he spoke of their defense lines and how they could be attacked if the elves decided to send part of their army to Lenneckor. Indeed, that would pose a great thread, and would leave the elves at a disadvantage, perhaps- but what if the troops that were sent to the realm of the fauns was merely 10 or 20% of their total men? That amount would be nearly 5 thousand men… perhaps it could be enough of an aid? How expansive was this war really becoming?

And thus, the conversation evolved into the cleverest ways in which this could be stopped. And Hasim was right: this idea of sending a delegation to Guiar could only end optimistically for the elves. If the truce was either rejected or accepted, it would give them time. A lot of time to get prepared and to carefully assess the elven strategy… and to discuss some of these plans with the fauns. But not all. Avanna had learnt with the years, and with her counselors, that it was imperative to leave some things unknown. If only for her realm’s sake.

“So you suggest that the delegation we send to the dwarves is not of the highest lineage, then? As much as I agree with you, cousin, I believe you must undertake this task. I could send you and my most trusted guards, including Lord Yevon who has been, as you might know already, appointed to be lord commander of the army. He will be good company in this quest.” She struggled to find the words for the next thing she wanted to share with Hasim…

She looked around, the vast hall furnished with golden decorations in the ceiling and walls. Avanna felt calm in here, even if what they were discussing could have terrible implications. But something inside of her, perhaps an instinct, told her that the elves would fend for themselves and end victorious. After all, they always had.

“As you and I know, King Leomer will not aacept this truce. He is famed in all the lands of Destina for being obstinate and proud beyond sense. But I agree this will give us time to assemble our army and to develop our strategy, alongside the fauns.” She smiled, confidently, “I trust that this is a wise strategy, Hasim. Do you accept the leadership of this delegation? And if so, when do you think you will be ready to depart?”

[Hašim Solavel Nova]

His queen proposed sending the commander of the guards with him, and such he appreciated; however, Hasim decided to decline, as he would feel that the commander needed to stay with the queen more than accompanying him through the period of the delegation. "I am honored to be your first choice to lead such an important delegation. I would feel better, if the lord commander of the guard would stay within the palace and assume his duties to protect her royal highness." Of course, Avanna's welfare was a priority. Also, Hasim believed in his ability to defend himself; he was a sorcerer, who dabbled in the arcane arts for a few millennia. "Your grace, you need not to worry yourself about me. I am steadfast and capable." And such, the prince believed about himself.

"I doubt that he would." Hasim reached the same conclusion, King Leomar was rather intoxicated by his victories; he was in a state of euphoria, which could cloud one's judgement. "But, I would love to meet the king in person. He must have the traits of a natural leader. And by knowing him better, we can devise a proper plan to drive him away from the fauns." The prince replied with his plan and assessment. "I am ready to go at once. Is that there anything, you require of me, your grace?" Depending on her answer, Hasim would go on his merry way.