Chapter 2
#2 of The Elf and the Wolf
Hi everyone kept you waiting huh? Sorry about that ><'
Between the site being down when I wanted to upload and my job it's been a little hectic. Like before leave a comment if you want and I'll try to respond and thanks for reading.
Overwhelming
That was what Freya thought as she walked through the gates. She was met by an vibrant mix of Lycan of all shapes, sizes and colors going about their lives. Some were walking the streets at their leisure, others were sitting down playing a friendly game of cards and some were simply sitting around enjoying the lovely weather.
"Oh my..." She mutters in awe.
"Kinda takes your breath away huh?" Sunflower giggled.
"It certainly does," she muttered in awe. "And it seems so peaceful."
"Everyone's taking a day of rest," the captain explained. "Otherwise most folks would be helping set up for the Festival."
"You're having a festival?"
"Not just a festival," Sunflower yipped. "The Harvest Moon Festival."
"You have one of those too?" Freya recalled the Festival being a celebration of a good year's harvest spanning anywhere from a few days to a full week depending on the size of the village or town. The activities varied from games and performances to feasting and dancing.
"Well of course we have one silly," the fox giggles.
"The festival was a part of our lives Ms. Sunbeam. What we look like shouldn't take anything away from that, and besides what would the children think if we decided not to continue tradition."
"Children? You have children here?"
"Well we don't pop out of the ground or something like that," Sunflower beamed.
The two shared a laugh but was quickly ended when she bumped into Jackson's armor.
"We're here," Jackson said.
Freya stopped looked up at a grand town hall. Heavy oak doors, stain glass windows and a bell tower were some of the notable features.
"Now when you enter the hall," he said turning to face her. "The Council will be discussing important matters. So make yourself known, but do not interrupt them, speak when you are spoken to, address them with respect and keep your answers short."
"I've had dealings in trade before," Freya smiled confidently. "I'm quite familiar with the etiquette in addressing leaders."
"Well then I guess this is right up your alley," the captain said opening the doors. "Let's hope we aren't interrupting anything too important."
The doors were then suddenly and violently pushed open, two black armored men wearing helmets that covered their faces stormed through with a tall, sinewy elf with a crooked nose and the time honored pointy ears, dressed in black and red plate tunic. His dark eyes were beady and narrow as he stared ahead, the furrowed brow and wrinkles on his pale face a clear indicator that he was upset with something. Beside him were two female elves the first tall orange hair tied up in a bun and in red dress, the second much shorter with glasses and black hair bob cut, wearing a blue dress.
"Hello there Sir Ebonlocke," Sunflower beamed. "Lovely weather we're having today aren't we?"
The pointy nose elf let out a condescending huff walking past them as two more guards brought up the rear.
"So that was Sir Ebonlocke?" Freya felt a twinge of anxiety.
"The one and only," Jackson muttered. "Quite intimidating isn't he?"
"I'll say."
"Aw I don't think he's that bad," the fox yipped. "I think he's just grumpy because he lost all his land."
"Is that what happened after The Revolt?" She asked.
"It's a bit more complicated than that, it's best to discuss such things at a later time, if you're still here that is."
Freya was lead into the room by Jackson, past rows of benches and railing that split the room in half.
On the other side were five Lycan in total, sitting in chairs behind a table that formed a semicircle. Each chair was evenly spaced and facing a podium and desk at the center.
"Captain Jackson, what is the meaning of this?" A stern, mountain lion sitting to the right demanded.
"Apologies Council but this woman seeks an audience with you."
"And just who might this be?" An elderly grey fox sitting on the far left asked.
"My name is Freya Sunbeam," she said approaching the podium. "And I am here on behalf of the Merchants Guild of The Capital."
"The Capital?" a brown cat sitting to the left beamed. "Oh how wonderful."
"Wonderful for you maybe," a golden lynx with black spots groaned twirling her brown locks. "What does your guild want with us?"
"The same thing Ebonlocke wants," a voice from the middle growled. "Our complete and total submission."
Freya felt beads of sweat roll down her forehead. Sitting in the shadows was a large black wolf with a piercing amber gaze that sent shivers down her spine.
"I... I can assure you that The Capital... Has no such intentions," she stammered. "And my guild only wishes to help your people."
"Do you now?" The wolf huffed in disgust.
"Sir I believe you are making the lady uncomfortable," the fox managed to say with a wheezing cough. "Perhaps you should let the girl finish speaking instead of badgering her," he then turned to Freya and gave a weak smile. "Go on Ms. Sunbeam."
"Th-thank you Mr?"
"Elder Havel," he said with a slight cough. "It's what I go by now a days, and please there's no reason to be frightened.
"Th-thank you sir," she bowed regaining composure. "As I was trying to say Council, the Merchants' Guild only wish is to found a long and beneficial alliance.
"Beneficial for who though?" the lion spoke up. "I doubt your guild has any interest in our plight."
"Have some respect man," Havel barked. "Introduce yourself."
The lion grumbled with a sigh before properly introducing him. "Commander Jonathan Shepard, leader of Magnolias Militia forces. Could you elaborate on your Guild's intentions?"
"I assure you Commander Shepard the guild only wishes to foster a peaceful relationship that will hopefully allow each and every one of you to be reinstated as citizens of The Capital."
"And what makes you think we want to become citizens of The Capital again?" the lynx spoke up, but not of interest. She sounded bored and wanting for the meeting to be over now.
"Mind your manners Lydia," the cat retorted.
"I will do no such thing, and it's Constable Lydia to you Eleonor."
"And it's Lady Eleanor to you," the cat hissed.
"Enough!" Havel's booming voice commanded. "Divines' sake you're both members of the Council, act like it."
"They can argue if they want Havel," the black wolf huffed with grim amusement. "I'm done listening to this elf and her honeyed words."
He stood up making his way to the door. Freya could feel a cold, dark aura shrouding him, his eyes had a cold and indifferent look about them. The moment she made eye contact she saw a spark in his eye.
It was only for a moment, but Freya could see a fury like no other burn in his amber orbs, his lips peeled back ever so slightly, showing his sharp fangs, like a silent threat as he walked away.
"I still don't know your name," she managed to speak up before he left the room.
The wolf stopped and looked over his shoulder. "My name is Scythe, the Alpha of all Magnolia, and the last Lycan who will bend to your will or anyone else's." He continued walking away. Leaving the rest of the Council in silence.
"Well then Ms. Sunbeam," Havel asked once the wolf was gone. "Is there anything else we should know about before considering your guild's offer?"
"Well," Freya's confidence slowly returned as she faced the rest of the Council. "I hear you may have need of an apothecary."