"Corey and his brother, Fern. Their parents perished in the attack and are orphans having no ties to this broken kingdom or yours." Framtida explained as Trayson nodded slowly as he searched the links to find the children she spoke of.
Druids were all connected like roots to a single tree. Once awakened, they were able to feel all others, not just immediate family. What had once been a lush forest of druid activity was nothing more than a hollow log with a dozen or so branches of all who remained. Mostly children under the age of sixteen. But one or two adults that either had refused the bond with a plant or kept their plant safe in the war. The two boys in question seemed to be nine and four. Way below the time for awakening.
"When they are ready to bond with a plant, I will try to visit or send someone who will guide them." Trayson told Kelsi realizing his time was currently limited. He needed to find a new plant to bond with.
"Right. So, the merfolk will be traveling to the northeast while the fairies and golems to the south and west. If we are abandoning this scar on the land, then I might have a suggestion for you, my brother. As well as Trayson." Welpion said considering it. Salvino nodded, folding his arms across his chest.
"Speak. You have traveled this land and know it best." Salvino encouraged as his brother blinked surprised at the compliment. "Please, we both know you're an ass but at least you are a competent one." Salvino mused with humor in his voice. It was a shadow of the man he usually was, but it was enough. Welpion scoffed shaking his head disappointed.
"You had to ruin it. Very well. To the north is a great river that runs into the lake Elamire has mentioned. Just beyond it, is a lush untouched forest. If we think of the mountain range like a dragon of old, Elamire would be at the head, where the falls rain down like tears.
“The forest I suggest for Trayson is nestled in the neck. Just south of the river, in the west mountain, scouts have found rich deposits within the stone. I would call it the heart of the dragon, while the volcano sits in the belly. Knowing how close you and Trayson are, you could build your colonies near each other while still providing for your individual people." Welpion suggested as Salvino, and Trayson considered it.
"An untouched forest sounds perfect for our needs. Lots of plants for our people to look after and bond with. Untainted." Trayson muttered glancing around at the land. The forest here would remember and struggle to help his people thrive. Only remembering what was lost. Plants were not as flexible as the people who looked after them.
"Aye. That does sound good for you. However, brother, I wonder. Will you not be joining me as we carve our kingdom of stone?" Salvino asked as Welpion frowned at him.
"Forgive me, I thought it was obvious. No. As we were appointed to represent our individual races, even though we share the same blood line, I must aide the elves and protect the knowledge of this world. While you will look after our father's people, I will look after mothers." Welpion said quietly making Salvino give him a jerky nod.
"Worry not, my friend. This world is not so big we will not meet again. Give us a few years to settle in and then we should regroup." Trayson told him, slapping his shoulder in encouragement.
"We have all claimed our lands, but what of you Welpion? You can't expect to remain here. With him." Elamire asked casting a side glance at the stone demon. Welpion blushed lightly that she would be so concerned for him and his people.
"I have already decided on the golden plains that run along the great river I mentioned. The river would divide Trayson's Forest and my domain. It would also serve as a middle point for collecting and exchanging materials and information from all nations." Welpion assured her making Salvino laugh.
"There is some dwarven blood in you yet! Choosing the golden fields for yourself." Salvino teased making the group chuckle softly.
"Then it is decided." Framtida said agreeing with their decision.
"But... What of the humans? The ones who would have followed Ari or Soren. Where do they go?" Kelsi wondered as the sisters considered it.
"They would not survive well on their own. I would suggest they divide themselves among you. For those that are willing." Aktuell suggested as Framtida and Forbi agreed.
"Fire mountain is harsh to even those born from its flames. The humans would not survive for extended lengths of time. I will not take them. There has been enough death this day as it is." Haross grunted as Kelsi nodded in agreement.
"They will not survive the thin air of our mountain tops either. The fairies will not take them." Kelsi added.
"I do not want them." Elamire stated causing the others to glance at her surprised. She sighed shaking her head. "I do not mind them in their own element, in their own towns and villages, however, they have little respect for others. And though our queen was born from their numbers, so was our monster. We may not have been hit as hard as Kelsi or Trayson, but I will not risk further damage to my people when our element is shrinking. We can reevaluate in a few years once my people are safe and thriving. There is only one lake left large enough to sustain us. If we lose that..." Elamire growled. She clenched her fists in anger. They hadn't been able to protect their element here. She would not fail again.
"We understand. I will take them in. Ari would have wanted it." Trayson announced as his friends agreed.
"They will be welcome in my kingdom as well... God it feels weird saying that. Never thought I would be running my own kingdom." Salvino admitted as the others knew how he felt. This hadn't been what they had wanted or expected when the first call to battle echoed through the land.
"I have every bit of faith in you brother. But if you ever need tips, you know where to find the better kingdom." Welpion teased making Salvino snort as Trayson chuckled.
"Time is short. May the strings of fate bless you." The Seer's said in unison before heading out.
"They are right. We need to return to our people and help the survivors. May we see you again, my friends." Haross said getting to his feet, his little fairy in his arm. They bowed their heads low, before making a trek across the wasteland to gather what few of their kind remained.
"We have a long road ahead of us, but I hope that we can meet again." Elamire said softly before also taking her leave. Welpion sighed sadly watching her walk away. Salvino and Trayson shared a look, smiling to themselves. Though Trayson tried not to focus on the hollow pain in his chest. The longing for the woman he would never hold again in this life. He paused when he noticed the stone man behind Salvino.
"What do we do with him? We can't break it or kill him. Do we just leave him here?" Trayson asked disgusted with the thought. Welpion frowned, jumping when his brother snapped his fingers.
"I will take him." Salvino declared making the last two council members stare at him with their mouths agape. "What? Stone belongs to the mountain. I am sure I can find a pit for him to dwell in. A really deep one." Salvino decided stroking his beard. Trayson smiled, giving him a thumbs up in approval.
"It's decided then. Let's go make our way to our new homes. I am running out of time and need every possible minute Ari has gifted me. Let us hope that we can build a future bright enough, our children can defend this world we love when the time comes." Trayson muttered marching back to broken kingdom. His friends at his sides as they solemnly marched back through the desolate battlefield. The ash swirling up with every step as they prepared for the unknown that awaited them. May fate guide them to victory.
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