The Steel Rose and Spiders (A Spider and a Rose rebirth attn Brotherhood and Constannia)

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As he heard the banging on the door grew louder, Francis raised his voice. "Yes I am here, one moment I'll open the door." As he finished he turned back to Vera and Amirra to speak to them. "No matter what happens here today, I'll be back for you two. Nothing on this world will separate us from our love." As he finished he kissed Vera and Amirra before he headed to the door and opened it. He was meet by the Prince and his honor guard as he spoke. "So Prince Andy, why does the Sha-Cornel wish to see me?"

Andy had no look of joy on his face. He was all business. "Lord Francis please come with me." Andy said without any humor or warmth. As he said that several Elven Bladesinger where there next to Francis. The group escorted Francis to a grand Throne room. There siting on a Throne made out of pure gold and illuminated by the rays of the sun, sat the Sha-Coronel of the Empire. Flanking him was a younger Elf who shared his many royal feature with the Emperor of the Elves.

Sorodor spoke. His voice boom across the room unaturally as if enhanced by the room. "So Lord Francis you wanted a audience with me and the council. Well speak your mind to me first." The Elven king said with no warmth.

Elven Imperium wrote:

Andy had no look of joy on his face. He was all business. "Lord Francis please come with me." Andy said without any humor or warmth. As he said that several Elven Bladesinger where there next to Francis. The group escorted Francis to a grand Throne room. There siting on a Throne made out of pure gold and illuminated by the rays of the sun, sat the Sha-Coronel of the Empire. Flanking him was a younger Elf who shared his many royal feature with the Emperor of the Elves.

Sorodor spoke. His voice boom across the room unnaturally as if enhanced by the room. "So Lord Francis you wanted a audience with me and the council. Well speak your mind to me first." The Elven king said with no warmth.

As they entered into the throne room, Francis was astonished to see the Sha-Coronel for the first time since he arrived at the palace. He was an Elf of power and a person of great presence, but Francis knew he had to play on equal terms with him if he wanted to persuade the Sha-Coronel about the circumstances that had happened since he arrived. Francis steadily walked towards the center of the throne room until he was about 50 or so feet away from the throne when he bowed in respect to the Sha-Cornel before he spoke. "My honored Sha-Coronel, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. Knowing that most of you Sun Elves have little time for being friendly towards newcomers, I'll make it short and to the point to you. Since I've arrived here in the Empire, the King of the Drows managed to sneak past your security and almost killed me as a result. Myself being an ally and a foreign dignitary, I demand that he be brought before the High Council and myself to face his actions. He threatened my nation, he threatened me, and most importantly, he threatened my two wives in Princess Vera and Lady Amirra. I want his blood for his actions. Also, since arriving here in your Empire I've noticed that your people are divided on the Empire going to war to liberate the Imperium. Your High Council, whether they want to hear it or not, ignore the fact that the Empire is in serious threat if Maximilian isn't defeated. I need, no, I demand that they listen to the warning I have for them. If we don't unite against this threat, then there will be no Empire once Maximilian is done. I will not budge until those two demands have been meet." As Francis finished, he stood his ground firm, looking into the eyes of the Sha-Coronel with no emotion as he locked his stare.........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As they entered into the throne room, Francis was astonished to see the Sha-Coronel for the first time since he arrived at the palace. He was an Elf of power and a person of great presence, but Francis knew he had to play on equal terms with him if he wanted to persuade the Sha-Coronel about the circumstances that had happened since he arrived. Francis steadily walked towards the center of the throne room until he was about 50 or so feet away from the throne when he bowed in respect to the Sha-Cornel before he spoke. "My honored Sha-Coronel, it is a pleasure to meet you at last. Knowing that most of you Sun Elves have little time for being friendly towards newcomers, I'll make it short and to the point to you. Since I've arrived here in the Empire, the King of the Drows managed to sneak past your security and almost killed me as a result. Myself being an ally and a foreign dignitary, I demand that he be brought before the High Council and myself to face his actions. He threatened my nation, he threatened me, and most importantly, he threatened my two wives in Princess Vera and Lady Amirra. I want his blood for his actions. Also, since arriving here in your Empire I've noticed that your people are divided on the Empire going to war to liberate the Imperium. Your High Council, whether they want to hear it or not, ignore the fact that the Empire is in serious threat if Maximilian isn't defeated. I need, no, I demand that they listen to the warning I have for them. If we don't unite against this threat, then there will be no Empire once Maximilian is done. I will not budge until those two demands have been meet." As Francis finished, he stood his ground firm, looking into the eyes of the Sha-Coronel with no emotion as he locked his stare.........

The Sha-Coronel stood up and looked menacing for a moment. "Lord Francis you are in no position to demand anything from us. You are a ally not my lord. I rule here not you human. Remember your here as a guest. I will not be dictated in my own throne room." The Elf lord said with slight annoyance in his voice. Thhe other Elf put his hand on his sword. This was also echoed by the guards in the room. Andy did not put his hand on his sword but look at Francis and shook his head at Francis.

Elven Imperium wrote:

The Sha-Coronel stood up and looked menacing for a moment. "Lord Francis you are in no position to demand anything from us. You are a ally not my lord. I rule here not you human. Remember your here as a guest. I will not be dictated in my own throne room." The Elf lord said with slight annoyance in his voice. The other Elf put his hand on his sword. This was also echoed by the guards in the room. Andy did not put his hand on his sword but look at Francis and shook his head at Francis.

As the other Elf reached for his sword, Francis made sure to place his hands over his hostlers in case it things went wrong. Fran knew his approach to the situation wasn't the diplomatic one, but he had dealt with the Elves long enough to know that direct answers were the only way of making them see the truth. As he readied himself, Francis stood there unwavering as he spoke to the Sha-Coronel. "Listen to yourself, King. You or the other elves I've spoke to don't see the picture clear in this war or in this manner. You all think because you have magic and outlive every species here on this planet that you're safe from outside threats. We'll, you have no idea. You think all that magic will stop ships? Will it stop billions of soldiers and the Undead from invading your country? Will it? The answer is no, my friend it will not. I've fought this war for the last ten years of my life to know that magic alone cannot and will not stop this man. It will need a combined effort to even have a chance. I've done everything I've can to give your nation the newest technology to try to defend yourselves and yet I go out in the streets with looks of hate from your own people. And to also deal with the threat from my own allies that they are trying to kill me, that plays into Maximilian's hand. Unless you deal with those that don't fully support you and this war, we will fail. Now I don't come from noble birth, so this might sting but you need to hear it. If you want your throne and Empire to survive this upcoming war, then you need to get off your pompous ass and deal with those that threaten the unity of this nation. Even if it means going to war with Drow King then it must be done. Otherwise, this palace and everything you and this nation stands for won't exist. But what use is it talking to you or anyone around here. It looks like if I want to see this war won I'm going to have to fix this problem for you then. Good-day Sha-Coronel." As Francis finished, he gave a short bow to the Sha-Coronel before he exited the throne room. Afterwhich, he headed back to the docks and proceeded to board the Imperium Flagship before addressing the crew. "Direct a course to the Drowish kingdom now. If the Drowish king wants to kill me then I'll bring him a fight he can't win." As he finished the ship began to make for open water, Francis's eyes burning with determination and hatred towards the Drow King..........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As the other Elf reached for his sword, Francis made sure to place his hands over his hostlers in case it things went wrong. Fran knew his approach to the situation wasn't the diplomatic one, but he had dealt with the Elves long enough to know that direct answers were the only way of making them see the truth. As he readied himself, Francis stood there unwavering as he spoke to the Sha-Coronel. "Listen to yourself, King. You or the other elves I've spoke to don't see the picture clear in this war or in this manner. You all think because you have magic and outlive every species here on this planet that you're safe from outside threats. We'll, you have no idea. You think all that magic will stop ships? Will it stop billions of soldiers and the Undead from invading your country? Will it? The answer is no, my friend it will not. I've fought this war for the last ten years of my life to know that magic alone cannot and will not stop this man. It will need a combined effort to even have a chance. I've done everything I've can to give your nation the newest technology to try to defend yourselves and yet I go out in the streets with looks of hate from your own people. And to also deal with the threat from my own allies that they are trying to kill me, that plays into Maximilian's hand. Unless you deal with those that don't fully support you and this war, we will fail. Now I don't come from noble birth, so this might sting but you need to hear it. If you want your throne and Empire to survive this upcoming war, then you need to get off your pompous ass and deal with those that threaten the unity of this nation. Even if it means going to war with Drow King then it must be done. Otherwise, this palace and everything you and this nation stands for won't exist. But what use is it talking to you or anyone around here. It looks like if I want to see this war won I'm going to have to fix this problem for you then. Good-day Sha-Coronel." As Francis finished, he gave a short bow to the Sha-Coronel before he exited the throne room. Afterwhich, he headed back to the docks and proceeded to board the Imperium Flagship before addressing the crew. "Direct a course to the Drowish kingdom now. If the Drowish king wants to kill me then I'll bring him a fight he can't win." As he finished the ship began to make for open water, Francis's eyes burning with determination and hatred towards the Drow King..........

The Imperium crew of course obey their Lord Admiral and made the ship for open water. The barely pull out of shore when several Elven warships including the Wrath of Corellon blocked their exit from port. Befor Francis could react, a portal open and two familar faces step through the portal. It was Princess Selessca and Prince Andy. Selessca surprisingly spoke first in aosft voice. "Francis this not the way to get things done." She said with a firm but gentle voice.

Elven Imperium wrote:

The Imperium crew of course obey their Lord Admiral and made the ship for open water. The barely pull out of shore when several Elven warships including the Wrath of Corellon blocked their exit from port. Before Francis could react, a portal open and two familiar faces step through the portal. It was Princess Selessca and Prince Andy. Selessca surprisingly spoke first in a soft voice. "Francis this not the way to get things done." She said with a firm but gentle voice.

As the ship made it way to open water, Francis half expected to be shot onsite from the other Elven warships. After all, he did just told off their king and threatened open war with the Drowish Kingdom. As the ships surrounded his vessel, Francis was already reading his weapons when the portal opened and Princess Selessca and Prince Andy exited. Still boiling with rage and determination, Francis spoke in anger after the princess finished. "This is not the way to get things done? My nation is dying as we speak and half your nation doesn't even support his war. And to top it off one of the most powerful figures in this realm tried to kill me because I love his daughter and her friend. How isn't this the right course. I can't wait, waiting caused the deaths of over 500,000 civilians today alone; My People! You Elves haven't experienced a war such as this, no one has. Over 200 million people, 200 MILLION PEOPLE, DEAD. And yet your King doesn't even want to act against someone that clearly is against this? How am I supposed to act? Please tell me because I can't see any other option. None of you know my pain." Francis was in such a rage and emotion that he ripped his chair out from the floor and smashed it against one of the command stations. Afterwhich, his legs gave out as he collapsed onto the floor, his old war wounds and pains coming back to haunt him. As he lied there, he kept saying as he faded out from consciousness, "You all have no idea of my pain..........."

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As the ship made it way to open water, Francis half expected to be shot onsite from the other Elven warships. After all, he did just told off their king and threatened open war with the Drowish Kingdom. As the ships surrounded his vessel, Francis was already reading his weapons when the portal opened and Princess Selessca and Prince Andy exited. Still boiling with rage and determination, Francis spoke in anger after the princess finished. "This is not the way to get things done? My nation is dying as we speak and half your nation doesn't even support his war. And to top it off one of the most powerful figures in this realm tried to kill me because I love his daughter and her friend. How isn't this the right course. I can't wait, waiting caused the deaths of over 500,000 civilians today alone; My People! You Elves haven't experienced a war such as this, no one has. Over 200 million people, 200 MILLION PEOPLE, DEAD. And yet your King doesn't even want to act against someone that clearly is against this? How am I supposed to act? Please tell me because I can't see any other option. No of you no my pain." Francis was in such a rage and emotion that he ripped his chair out from the floor and smashed it against one of the command stations. Afterwhich, his legs gave out as he collapsed onto the floor, his old war wounds and pains coming back to haunt him. As he lied there, he kept saying as he faded out from consciousness, "You all have no idea of my pain..........."

The beautiful princess walked with all the grace of a princess born and lifted Francis head to look at her. "Never give up hope Francis, but please respect your allies. Where an ancient culture older then man by tens of thousands of years. We haven't forgoten your people. but you must do things in the Empire the Elven way." Selessca smiled warmly at Francis. She then stood up and looked offical. "Lord Francis of the Imperium. The High Council of the People have convine to hear your thoughts on the Civil war in the Imperium. Would you honor the council with your presence." Selessca said like a poltician. In fact she look like a complete arrogant Elven princess to the humans. Till she ruin the imagine with a smile and a slight laugh.

Elven Imperium wrote:

The beautiful princess walked with all the grace of a princess born and lifted Francis head to look at her. "Never give up hope Francis, but please respect your allies. We're an ancient culture older then man by tens of thousands of years. We haven't forgotten your people. But you must do things in the Empire the Elven way." Selessca smiled warmly at Francis. She then stood up and looked official. "Lord Francis of the Imperium. The High Council of the People have convene to hear your thoughts on the Civil war in the Imperium. Would you honor the council with your presence." Selessca said like a politician. In fact she look like a complete arrogant Elven princess to the humans. Till she ruin the imagine with a smile and a slight laugh.

As he lied there stemming in and out of thought and consciousnesses, Francis heard the words of Princess Selessca that hit him to his soul. He had been out of line, even for himself he admitted he was disrespectful to the Sha-Coronel back in the throne room. But what he said was true about the Imperium, and he cared and had experienced too much within this war to see it go up in flames over details with allies. As he heard the princess's offer to meet with the High Council today and now, Francis's body rushed with adrenalin as he lifted himself and straightened his body and uniform. Looking back to both Prince Andy and Princess Selessca, he spoke. "Princess, I will meet your High Council to discuss my Imperium's Civil War and the threat of Maximilian. Afterwhich, though, I will take my honeymoon uninterrupted with Amirra and Vera for the next 5-6 weeks after. I promised them a vacation and I intend to give them one. Let us go." As Francis finished, she stepped with the Prince and Princess back through the portal.......

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As he lied there stemming in and out of thought and consciousnesses, Francis heard the words of Princess Selessca that hit him to his soul. He had been out of line, even for himself he admitted he was disrespectful to the Sha-Coronel back in the throne room. But what he said was true about the Imperium, and he cared and had experienced too much within this war to see it go up in flames over details with allies. As he heard the princess's offer to meet with the High Council today and now, Francis's body rushed with adrenalin as he lifted himself and straightened his body and uniform. Looking back to both Prince Andy and Princess Selessca, he spoke. "Princess, I will meet your High Council to discuss my Imperium's Civil War and the threat of Maximilian. Afterwhich, though, I will take my honeymoon uninterrupted with Amirra and Vera for the next 5-6 weeks after. I promised them a vacation and I intend to give them one. Let us go." As Francis finished, she stepped with the Prince and Princess back through the portal.......

When the group reenter the portal Francis once more experience the joy of teleportation magic. It made the poor man feel like his stoach never made it over the trip with the rest of his body. When Francis compose himself he was in huge room that house a great round table in the center. Seated but away from the table, where twenty great thrones. Each throne was occupied by a Elven ruler of a Elven major kingdom. Each throne was made out of a element that represent the Elven race it represented. The Seat of Silver for the Moon Elves, The seat of Gold for the Sun Elves. The Seat of Jade for Jade Elves. Coral for the Sea Elves Etc. At the head of this circle was the throne of the Sha-Coronel witch was grander and bigger then the other throne. His throne was made of gold, like the Sun Elf one.

The Sha-Coronel spoke. "Well Lord Francis you ask for an audience, you may now address the council." The Elf lord said with out any feeling.

Elven Imperium wrote:

When the group reenter the portal Francis once more experience the joy of teleport magic. It made the poor man feel like his stomach never made it over the trip with the rest of his body. When Francis compose himself he was in huge room that house a great round table in the center. Seated but away from the table, where twenty great thrones. Each throne was occupied by a Elven ruler of a Elven major kingdom. Each throne was made out of a element that represent the Elven race it represented. The Seat of Silver for the Moon Elves, The seat of Gold for the Sun Elves. The Seat of Jade for Jade Elves. Coral for the Sea Elves Etc. At the head of this circle was the throne of the Sha-Coronel witch was grander and bigger then the other throne. His throne was made of gold, like the Sun Elf one.

The Sha-Coronel spoke. "Well Lord Francis you ask for an audience, you may now address the council." The Elf lord said with out any feeling.

As they reentered from the portal, Francis was immediately meet by a large room were the other Elvish kings were sitting waiting for him to open his speech. Composing himself and using the elements that were shown to him, Francis displayed around the room various images and maps from the Imperium. Many of the pictures were from the worst of the fighting within the Imperium; burnt cities, massive amounts of dead civilians and soldiers, and the amount of territories lost to Maximilian with the last nine years. These pictures and maps were to serve the purpose to show the Elvish kings the true horrors that this war had caused and what could and would happen within the Empire if Maximilian succeeded. As he let the pictures and video settle in, Francis finally spoke. "High Council of the Elven Empire of the People, for those of you that don't know me who I am isn't important for this conversation. What is important is what I will be sharing with you today. The last ten years of my life have been filled with continuous war within the Imperium of the Brotherhood as a result of one man's lust for power. As a result, over 250 million people have died and my nation lies under dictator rule with no hope of a future. The pictures and videos around and in-front of you are real. Taken from various battles from the last ten years they represent what this war has done and what it will do. I can stand here and try to convince you about why you should help us, but these videos will better serve that purpose. The only piece of advice I can offer is that this war will come here to the Empire. It might not be tomorrow or next year, but soon enough it will come and it will threaten this nation; your home. Maximilian has no limits, he shows no mercy nor compassion. His goal is destruction and power and he will take this nation if we don't stop him. But before we can do that you kings need to put your self personas away and unite behind your Sha-Coronel and nation if you are to survive." As he took a moment from his speech, Francis looked directly into the eye of the Drowish King that sat near the Sha-Coronel; his eyes filled with no emotion. As much as he wanted to kill him, Francis knew he needed to focus on his people. "Some people here have tried to kill me over this war and this notion, but I will overlook if it means they will stand united to help defeat this evil. I can say no more but offer my own experiences and advice if you wish it." As he finished Francis went to the corner of the room and took a seat; his eyes still locked onto the Drow King and his every move..........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:
As they reentered from the portal, Francis was immediately meet by a large room were the other Elvish kings were sitting waiting for him to open his speech. Composing himself and using the elements that were shown to him, Francis displayed around the room various images and maps from the Imperium. Many of the pictures were from the worst of the fighting within the Imperium; burnt cities, massive amounts of dead civilians and soldiers, and the amount of territories lost to Maximilian with the last nine years. These pictures and maps were to serve the purpose to show the Elvish kings the true horrors that this war had caused and what could and would happen within the Empire if Maximilian succeeded. As he let the pictures and video settle in, Francis finally spoke. "High Council of the Elven Empire of the People, for those of you that don't know me who I am isn't important for this conversation. What is important is what I will be sharing with you today. The last ten years of my life have been filled with continuous war within the Imperium of the Brotherhood as a result of one man's lust for power. As a result, over 250 million people have died and my nation lies under dictator rule with no hope of a future. The pictures and videos around and in-front of you are real. Taken from various battles from the last ten years they represent what this war has done and what it will do. I can stand here and try to convince you about why you should help us, but these videos will better serve that purpose. The only piece of advice I can offer is that this war will come here to the Empire. It might not be tomorrow or next year, but soon enough it will come and it will threaten this nation; your home. Maximilian has no limits, he shows no mercy nor compassion. His goal is destruction and power and he will take this nation if we don't stop him. But before we can do that you kings need to put your self personas away and unite behind your Sha-Coronel and nation if you are to survive." As he took a moment from his speech, Francis looked directly into the eye of the Drowish King that sat near the Sha-Coronel; his eyes filled with no emotion. As much as he wanted to kill him, Francis knew he needed to focus on his people. "Some people here have tried to kill me over this war and this notion, but I will overlook if it means they will stand united to help defeat this evil. I can say no more but offer my own experiences and advice if you wish it." As he finished Francis went to the corner of the room and took a seat; his eyes still locked onto the Drow King and his every move..........

One the Elven rulers stood up and spoke. It was the Queen of the Sea Elves. "Lord Francis you state that Maximus is a threat perhaps that true but he has to cross a large ocean to get to our Empire. Our Fleet and our magic guarantees that he will not be able to hurt us. "She said with confidence. It was quite hard for Francis to take her completly professionally cause the beautiful woman wore bearly any clothing expect for a seaweed shawl.

Elven Imperium wrote:One the Elven rulers stood up and spoke. It was the Queen of the Sea Elves. "Lord Francis you state that Maximus is a threat perhaps that true but he has to cross a large ocean to get to our Empire. Our Fleet and our magic guarantees that he will not be able to hurt us. "She said with confidence. It was quite hard for Francis to take her completely professionally cause the beautiful woman wore barley any clothing expect for a seaweed shawl.

As Francis listened to the Queen of the Sea Elves speak, he kept a neutral face even though it was difficult considering that the Queen was basically naked while she spoke. Once she finished, Francis stood from his seat and looked at the Queen with a face of stone and little emotion as he spoke. "My honored Queen, while you are partially correct that you have a large ocean separating the Empire from the Imperium, don't think your navy and magic will stop him from coming. While you have a population of 800 million Elves total throughout the Empire, Maximilian alone has between 1-2 BILLION soldiers that can and will obey his every command. Plus, his fleet of ships easily outnumbers your fleet 10 to one on a bad day for him and the manufacturing capacity he has access to will continue to supply him an endless supply of weapons and ships. Plus, my Queen, he does have magical forces on his side as well. While maybe not as powerful as the Empire's, he still has them to help his forces and he will use them in an invasion of the Empire. You may think your safe, my Queen, but your not. Trust my judgement on this, otherwise you'll soon face a war on your lands that you cannot win. The pictures and videos speak for themselves if you look." As he finished, Francis pulled up several videos of Maximilian's war capability to prove a point that the ocean and their magic would mean little to stop Maximilian.........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As Francis listened to the Queen of the Sea Elves speak, he kept a neutral face even though it was difficult considering that the Queen was basically naked while she spoke. Once she finished, Francis stood from his seat and looked at the Queen with a face of stone and little emotion as he spoke. "My honored Queen, while you are partially correct that you have a large ocean separating the Empire from the Imperium, don't think your navy and magic will stop him from coming. While you have a population of 800 million Elves total throughout the Empire, Maximilian alone has between 1-2 BILLION soldiers that can and will obey his every command. Plus, his fleet of ships easily outnumbers your fleet 10 to one on a bad day for him and the manufacturing capacity he has access to will continue to supply him an endless supply of weapons and ships. Plus, my Queen, he does have magical forces on his side as well. While maybe not as powerful as the Empire's, he still has them to help his forces and he will use them in an invasion of the Empire. You may think your safe, my Queen, but your not. Trust my judgement on this, otherwise you'll soon face a war on your lands that you cannot win. The pictures and videos speak for themselves if you look." As he finished, Francis pulled up several videos of Maximilian's war capability to prove a point that the ocean and their magic would mean little to stop Maximilian.........

The Queen of the Sea Elves looked on in horror at Francis's video of Maximillian's power. Several Elven lords still look unconvinced. One, the leader of the Grey Elves stood up. "As usual we see human emotional outburst at its finest. Lord Francis is trying to scares us with the power of a mere human technology. Let me show him the power of an Elven high mage." With that statement, the Elf lord conjured an image of a Elven wizard fighting against a orc horde. The wizard casted a spell and raised his hands. The ground broke up and lava flow upon the Orks. The land also cause the rest of the Elves to be swallowed by the very ground itself." With that the imagine faded. The Grey Elf lord looked proud against Francis. "You see just a taste of what we Elves can do. Do you think we fear your so-called modern weapons. Their toys to our magic." What the Grey Elf lord hid from Francis and what the other Elf lords knew. That spell killed the mage in the process.

Elven Imperium wrote:The Queen of the Sea Elves looked on in horror at Francis's video of Maximilian power. Several Elven lords still look unconvinced. One, the leader of the Grey Elves stood up. "As usual we see human emotional outburst at its finest. Lord Francis is trying to scare us with the power of a mere human technology. Let me show him the power of an Elven high mage." With that statement, the Elf lord conjured an image of a Elven wizard fighting against a orc horde. The wizard casted a spell and raised his hands. The ground broke up and lava flow upon the Orks. The land also cause the rest of the Elves to be swallowed by the very ground itself." With that the imagine faded. The Grey Elf lord looked proud against Francis. "You see just a taste of what we Elves can do. Do you think we fear your so-called modern weapons. Their toys to our magic." What the Grey Elf lord hid from Francis and what the other Elf lords knew. That spell killed the mage in the process.

As Francis watched the image of the Elf Mage use magic against the Orc Horde, he made keen observations to how the Mage acted during the process of the spell and how it affected him and his surroundings. After making several notes in his head, Francis rose again to speak to the Grey Elf Leader. "My honored Grey Elf, yes your magic is powerful I will admit that. However, I've seen and witnessed first hand to know more happened in that image then you showed me. While the Mage was able to use the elements around him to summon lava upon the Orc Horde, his energy was drained immensely as a result. He was weakened and as a result once the threat was dealt with, he couldn't summon the strength to stop the lava flow and died from it. Now, while yes your magic is more powerful then what I've seen, you still have the same limitations as all magic users and as a result you will tire from prolonged use. That plays into Maximilian's advantage as a drawn out conflict he will win because of sheer numbers. And the fun part about our weapons being toys to you, they do their job effectively and they always kill in the end. And our weapons don't require spells to use, you just pick one up and shoot." To prove his point, Francis took out his pistol and shot himself in the leg. While not the smartest move on is part, his pain and agony were to to prove that human weapons were just as effective as the most powerful Elvish spells......

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As Francis watched the image of the Elf Mage use magic against the Orc Horde, he made keen observations to how the Mage acted during the process of the spell and how it affected him and his surroundings. After making several notes in his head, Francis rose again to speak to the Grey Elf Leader. "My honored Grey Elf, yes your magic is powerful I will admit that. However, I've seen and witnessed first hand to know more happened in that image then you showed me. While the Mage was able to use the elements around him to summon lava upon the Orc Horde, his energy was drained immensely as a result. He was weakened and as a result once the threat was dealt with, he couldn't summon the strength to stop the lava flow and died from it. Now, while yes your magic is more powerful then what I've seen, you still have the same limitations as all magic users and as a result you will tire from prolonged use. That plays into Maximilian's advantage as a drawn out conflict he will win because of sheer numbers. And the fun part about our weapons being toys to you, they do their job effectively and they always kill in the end. And our weapons don't require spells to use, you just pick one up and shoot." To prove his point, Francis took out his pistol and shot himself in the leg. While not the smartest move on is part, his pain and agony were to to prove that human weapons were just as effective as the most powerful Elvish spells......

Many Elven lords look on with shock and horror. They did not expect this action by Francis. Andy ran up and grab Francis so he wouldn't fall. As he grab him, Andy spoke "Francis are you mad. Why did you do that?" Selessca also ran up and began to cast a heal spell upon Francis. The Elf lords looked at each other and started speaking in Elven.

Elven Imperium wrote:

Many Elven lords look on with shock and horror. They did not expect this action by Francis. Andy ran up and grab Francis so he wouldn't fall. As he grab him, Andy spoke. "Francis are you mad. Why did you do that?" Selessca also ran up and began to cast a healing spell upon Francis. The Elf lords looked at each other and started speaking in Elven.

As Francis fell to his seat, the pain was all to familiar to him as he pressured his hands onto the wound to stop the bleeding. Seeing that Andy and Selessca were coming over, Francis expected to get yelled at for his actions but surprisingly Andy was the only one to say something. As Selessca healed his wound, Francis proceeded to stand up to speak with at the High Council at large. "Now I know by that action you all think I'm mad or crazy, or in some of you both. And yes, what I did might have not been the best idea. But it was to prove a point. Magic can't stop bullets or missiles or shells. And if they could it would be one at a time. Now image 2 billion soldiers, all armed to the teeth with automatic armor piercing weapons. Imagine whole divisions of armored tanks and ships firing upon you knowing that there are thousands more behind them. Maximilian's war machine posses and has these weapons. And they only fire straight at their enemies. Magic might be able to stop some of the bullets or other weapons, but it won't stop them all. And those weapons that they don't stop will be in the millions, if not billions. Maximilian plays to win, my allies, and he won't stop until either the Empire is his or it's a crater on this world. You're going to need alot more then magic to stop him, and I have already provided some armor and weapons designs to start helping you. But for us to survive, no for you to survive, we need a united front with everyone helping in this war. Otherwise, it will be deaths your dealing with instead of flesh wounds." As Francis finished, he took his seat as his leg still hurt like hell even though Selessca had healed him.........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As Francis fell to his seat, the pain was all to familiar to him as he pressured his hands onto the wound to stop the bleeding. Seeing that Andy and Selessca were coming over, Francis expected to get yelled at for his actions but surprisingly Andy was the only one to say something. As Selessca healed his wound, Francis proceeded to stand up to speak with at the High Council at large. "Now I know by that action you all think I'm mad or crazy, or in some of you both. And yes, what I did might have not been the best idea. But it was to prove a point. Magic can't stop bullets or missiles or shells. And if they could it would be one at a time. Now image 2 billion soldiers, all armed to the teeth with automatic armor piercing weapons. Imagine whole divisions of armored tanks and ships firing upon you knowing that there are thousands more behind them. Maximilian's war machine posses and has these weapons. And they only fire straight at their enemies. Magic might be able to stop some of the bullets or other weapons, but it won't stop them all. And those weapons that they don't stop will be in the millions, if not billions. Maximilian plays to win, my allies, and he won't stop until either the Empire is his or it's a crater on this world. You're going to need alot more then magic to stop him, and I have already provided some armor and weapons designs to start helping you. But for us to survive, no for you to survive, we need a united front with everyone helping in this war. Otherwise, it will be deaths your dealing with instead of flesh wounds." As Francis finished, he took his seat as his leg still hurt like hell even though Selessca had healed him.........

The Elven lords where still talking between themsleves. They carried on for several minutes. Then The Grey Elf King turn to Francis. "You say we must unite, but what I see the Empire and Constannia paying the price to save your kingdom. What does the Imperium offer us for our sacrifice." The Elf lord said with out emothion. The Elf lord got many nods of aprrovals.

The Drow king sat in silence watching the whole event with slight amusement. Faylinor, the seat of Silver stood up and spoke. "How can you ask such a question. We are Elves not mercenaries for hire. We should help these people cause it the right thing to do." The king said proudly.

Elven Imperium wrote:

The Elven lords where still talking between themselves. They carried on for several minutes. Then The Grey Elf King turn to Francis. "You say we must unite, but what I see the Empire and Constannia paying the price to save your kingdom. What does the Imperium offer us for our sacrifice." The Elf lord said with out emotion. The Elf lord got many nods of approvals.

The Drow king sat in silence watching the whole event with slight amusement. Faylinor, the seat of Silver stood up and spoke. "How can you ask such a question. We are Elves not mercenaries for hire. We should help these people cause it the right thing to do." The king said proudly.

As the High Council looked to Francis for an answer and as Faylinor gave his response for his people, Francis again rose for one last time to answer. "As I've been stating throughout this meeting, we need to help one another because if we don't then in the end all of the countries in the world will fall or be destroyed by Maximilian. However, I do see your point were that at least in the beginning of this war Constannia and your people will face the brunt of the troubles. And like in anything, you want to be compensated. Which is why I offer this to each Kingdom and Lord here today." As Francis paused, he looked over to the doors and motioned the Imperium sailors in. A group of 50 or so sailors came in with large heavy chests and proceeded to place 5 in-front of each lord. Within the chests were various arrangements of pure gold, silver, titanium, platinum, and other priceless and rare jewels. All of the chests bulged at their seems with these treasures. After the Imperium sailors left, Francis spoke again. "Before each of you lie five full chests of the rarest materials on this planet for your personal wealth. Whether you want to admit it or not, my Imperium has the largest reserves and mines of gold, silver, platinum, titanium and other precious metals and rarities in this world, and that's fact. If you help my Imperium, we'd open up for mutual trading between all of our nations for our riches. Plus, we'd also help modernize your military with new weapons and armor. But as Faylinor said earlier, if any of you consider yourselves honorable and true, I wouldn't need to bring this in to try to win your support. I take my leave, whether you support me or not I could care less. In the end if we don't help one another then we'll all be dead or slaves to Maximilian." As he finished, Francis proceeded to bow to the High Council before he left the room. As he left the room, he stopped by the Drow King's seat before he left and spoke to him. "The next time you want to try to kill me, do it on the first shot. The next time we meet and if you threaten Vera or Amirra or my family, I will kill you without any thought of recourse. And I don't miss." As he finished, Francis made sure to mentality insult the Drow King as he exited the room.........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As the High Council looked to Francis for an answer and as Faylinor gave his response for his people, Francis again rose for one last time to answer. "As I've been stating throughout this meeting, we need to help one another because if we don't then in the end all of the countries in the world will fall or be destroyed by Maximilian. However, I do see your point were that at least in the beginning of this war Constannia and your people will face the brunt of the troubles. And like in anything, you want to be compensated. Which is why I offer this to each Kingdom and Lord here today." As Francis paused, he looked over to the doors and motioned the Imperium sailors in. A group of 50 or so sailors came in with large heavy chests and proceeded to place 5 in-front of each lord. Within the chests were various arrangements of pure gold, silver, titanium, platinum, and other priceless and rare jewels. All of the chests bulged at their seems with these treasures. After the Imperium sailors left, Francis spoke again. "Before each of you lie five full chests of the rarest materials on this planet for your personal wealth. Whether you want to admit it or not, my Imperium has the largest reserves and mines of gold, silver, platinum, titanium and other precious metals and rarities in this world, and that's fact. If you help my Imperium, we'd open up for mutual trading between all of our nations for our riches. Plus, we'd also help modernize your military with new weapons and armor. But as Faylinor said earlier, if any of you consider yourselves honorable and true, I wouldn't need to bring this in to try to win your support. I take my leave, whether you support me or not I could care less. In the end if we don't help one another then we'll all be dead or slaves to Maximilian." As he finished, Francis proceeded to bow to the High Council before he left the room. As he left the room, he stopped by the Drow King's seat before he left and spoke to him. "The next time you want to try to kill me, do it on the first shot. The next time we meet and if you threaten Vera or Amirra or my family, I will kill you without any thought of recourse. And I don't miss." As he finished, Francis made sure to mentality insult the Drow King as he exited the room.........

As he began to leave, Francis was stopped by the Sha-Coronel calling out to him. "Lord Francis, do not go till we are done. We must vote now," The Elf king said. As Francis took a seat to watch the vote, the Elf lords began to discuss and talk. The Elven lords discussed for nearly an hour, then they stopped and voted. The Elven leaders voted, and their vote was decisive. The majority of the council voted for war and to aid the Imperium; Even the Drow casted his vote as a Aye. When they were done, the Elves left. None of the Elfs touched their chests as they left the room. They remained there, untouched and unopened.

Elven Imperium wrote:
As he began to leave, Francis was stopped by the Sha-Coronel calling out to him. "Lord Francis, do not go till we are done. We must vote now," The Elf king said. As Francis took a seat to watch the vote, the Elf lords began to discuss and talk. The Elven lords discussed for nearly an hour, then they stopped and voted. The Elven leaders voted, and their vote was decisive. The majority of the council voted for war and to aid the Imperium; Even the Drow casted his vote as a Aye. When they were done, the Elves left. None of the Elfs touched their chests as they left the room. They remained there, untouched and unopened.

As the High Council took their vote and revealed it to Francis, he was at a loss of words. Francis was even more taken aback as the Elvish Lords left without even taking the chests of gold as he expected them to. As the majority of the High Council left, Francis thought over the events that had taken place with this vote. He honestly thought that even with the bride the Elves wouldn't help him, but again he was surprised. As he finished his thoughts, several of the Imperium Sailors reentered the room and proceeded to collect the chests. As they were about to leave, Francis spoke to them. Take these chests and donate them to the charities throughout the Empire. Also donate a portion to their Veteran's office to help their wounded set up a scholarship program also. Whatever's left donate to the Empire itself as a gift." As he finished, the Imperium Sailors took the chests of gold and silver and obeyed Francis's orders. As he began to raise from his seat, he noticed that Vera and Amirra had entered the room, along with Andy, Selessca, the Sha-Coronel and the Drow King. As he finally rose, the group began to walk to Francis...........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As the High Council took their vote and revealed it to Francis, he was at a loss of words. Francis was even more taken aback as the Elvish Lords left without even taking the chests of gold as he expected them to. As the majority of the High Council left, Francis thought over the events that had taken place with this vote. He honestly thought that even with the bride the Elves wouldn't help him, but again he was surprised. As he finished his thoughts, several of the Imperium Sailors reentered the room and proceeded to collect the chests. As they were about to leave, Francis spoke to them. Take these chests and donate them to the charities throughout the Empire. Also donate a portion to their Veteran's office to help their wounded set up a scholarship program also. Whatever's left donate to the Empire itself as a gift." As he finished, the Imperium Sailors took the chests of gold and silver and obeyed Francis's orders. As he began to raise from his seat, he noticed that Vera and Amirra had entered the room, along with Andy, Selessca, the Sha-Coronel and the Drow King. As he finally rose, the group began to walk to Francis...........

The Elven group approached Francis. All of them look professional. There was no hint of emothion between them all. Finally the Sha-Coronel spoke. "Well Lord Francis you got you wish. The Empire is now at war." He sad with no emothion.

Elven Imperium wrote:The Elven group approached Francis. All of them look professional. There was no hint of emotion between them all. Finally the Sha-Coronel spoke. "Well Lord Francis you got you wish. The Empire is now at war." He sad with no emotion.

As the Sha-Coronel spoke, he looked around the group with a quick glance and could tell something was off, but he couldn't figure it out just then and there. After the Sha-Coronel finished, Francis spoke. "This isn't about me getting a wish for war. This is all about survival for your nation and the world. If we don't stand against Maximilian now, then the world as we know it now would cease to exist. But I do thank you for your support, my fellow ally. Now we......." As Francis was about to continue, he noticed out of the corner of his eye several Imperial Troops drawing weapons onto the group behind their back. He also noticed that the troops were actually Maximilian's troops. Pushing everyone to the ground, Francis took out both of his pistols and fired into the group of soldiers as a firefight started..........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:
As the Sha-Coronel spoke, he looked around the group with a quick glance and could tell something was off, but he couldn't figure it out just then and there. After the Sha-Coronel finished, Francis spoke. "This isn't about me getting a wish for war. This is all about survival for your nation and the world. If we don't stand against Maximilian now, then the world as we know it now would cease to exist. But I do thank you for your support, my fellow ally. Now we......." As Francis was about to continue, he noticed out of the corner of his eye several Imperial Troops drawing weapons onto the group behind their back. He also noticed that the troops were actually Maximilian's troops. Pushing everyone to the ground, Francis took out both of his pistols and fired into the group of soldiers as a firefight started..........

If the assassin thought they where dealing with easy prey they where wrong. The Drow King waved his hand and one of trooper stop firing to scream as he though he was covered with spiders. A blast of lightning shot out from Vera and hit one guard turning him to ash. The Sha-Coronel casted a spell and one man scream as he was engluffed in fire. Selessca sent a a bast of light into another guard that burn a hole through him. Amirra leaped forward with inhuman speed and sliced and dice one guard. Andy simply pulled a pistol and shot one guard.

The other opponents the Elves left for Francis.

Elven Imperium wrote:
If the assassins thought they where dealing with easy prey they where wrong. The Drow King waved his hand and one of troopers stop firing to scream as he though he was covered with spiders. A blast of lightning shot out from Vera and hit one guard turning him to ash. The Sha-Coronel casted a spell and one man scream as he was engluffed in fire. Selessca sent a a bast of light into another guard that burn a hole through him. Amirra leaped forward with inhuman speed and sliced and dice one guard. Andy simply pulled a pistol and shot one guard.

The other opponents the Elves left for Francis.

As the rest of the group took care of their targets, Francis quickly fired in quick succession to kill several guards and wound one other. As he approached the wounded one, he noticed it was one of the prisoners they had taken from the ship engagement a week prior. Looking over his contents, Francis looked into the dying man's eyes and spoke. "What the hell is going on? Answer me!" As Francis finished, the dying guard laughed as he spoke his last words. "You...think you've won because you have the Empire backing you? Well sadly all of the prisoners you saved from the engagement have broken out and now are causing havoc within the palace. And it looks......like my mission is....complete." As he finished, the guard died as his hand released a pressure button. As such, multiple explosions could be felt from around the palace and from within the city. Before Francis could react, however, he noticed several frag grenades that were about to explode. Using his body as a shield, Francis covered them with his body as they exploded; engulfing him in an explosion with the group watching on. As the debris subsided, all the group could see was Francis's limp and lifeless body on the ground.........

Brotherhood Steel wrote:

As the rest of the group took care of their targets, Francis quickly fired in quick succession to kill several guards and wound one other. As he approached the wounded one, he noticed it was one of the prisoners they had taken from the ship engagement a week prior. Looking over his contents, Francis looked into the dying man's eyes and spoke. "What the hell is going on? Answer me!" As Francis finished, the dying guard laughed as he spoke his last words. "You...think you've won because you have the Empire backing you? Well sadly all of the prisoners you saved from the engagement have broken out and now are causing havoc within the palace. And it looks......like my mission is....complete." As he finished, the guard died as his hand released a pressure button. As such, multiple explosions could be felt from around the palace and from within the city. Before Francis could react, however, he noticed several frag grenades that were about to explode. Using his body as a shield, Francis covered them with his body as they exploded; engulfing him in an explosion with the group watching on. As the debris subsided, all the group could see was Francis's limp and lifeless body on the ground.........

Amirra and Vera both cried "NO!" They rushed to Francis body. Vera immediatley casted her strongest heal spell she could on Francis. Francis body glowed for a few moment and his wounds healed before them. Amirra didn't have time yet to check because Vera started to fall from the effort of casting that spell. Amirra caught Vera and held on to her. Selessca and Andy moved to the body, while Sorodor called out to the guards. Both him and the Drow king stood ready with their weapons drawn. They watch as the other Elves attended to Vera and Francis.