The Briefest of Respites

"Wait, you're leaving again? You just got back!"
 
"Yes, well...an undead horde lead by a dracolich seem to be a matter worth investigating." A'lar would reply, stifling a yawn.
 
Elinari would frown. "My Feathers haven't heard of a dracolich, just the Ruthenians."
 
"I imagine that ambassador from Starlight has more up to date information than what your people were able to discern from a distance." Ka'var would comment as he steadily watched the quiet elf by the door.
 
"I'm fine, priest."
 
"Perhaps, but it would be alright if you were not, Bliss. I am here if you need to talk."
 
Her eyes would narrow in warning, a sign the priest would pick up on and raise his hands in surrender.
 
A'lar would watch the exchange with some interest but continue on when it was clear Bliss was done with the topic of her revival. "Either way, it's concerning. Best to see what is happening ourselves and provide some help to an ally in the process."
 
"Not to mention if you can beat the Council to provide aid, you show they are just talk and no action. Make them seem pointless." Elarni would muse.
 
Tapping the side of his nose with a grin, "Just so," A'lar would agree. "And besides...it's more productive than hunting for the missing lord from Aureate. It also gives you more time to uncover the rest of the cell leaders."
 
Elinari would make a face at that. "Something you and that shape shanging elf could help with and speed along with your skills."
 
"Doubtful, he can't even become a cat." A'lar's response would cause the other half dragon to sputter in confusion as the the others in the room also seem puzzled by the comment. Bliss just rolled her eyes.
 
"Uh.....right." Oakly would say, trying to bring the conversation back onto track. "And the reports of the dracolich you mentioned....do you think it could be a servant of well, you know.." The others would shake off their confusion to watch their leader more closely for his answer.
 
His fingers drumming on his leg slightly, A'lar would take a breath seeming to think. "The threads aren't clear from this distance. It could just be a Ruthenian lord looking for more power. A dragon of Dark Grove that avoided the slumber because of its nature, or..."
 
"..or what?" Ka'varr would ask.
 
Sighing, A'lar would finish his thought. "It may just be a risen dragon either lost in the war or Ruthenia has found a way to kill and raise the dragons in their slumber. Or it could be the servant of Thurazder that helped destroy the free city of Tallaine. A rebel vampire lord's child who had risen dragons under her command. It's impossible to know with the information we have. And all are threats that need to be dealt with to ensure the security of Iobhan."
 
The others would take a few moments to ponder those somber options falling into an uneasy quiet. A'lar would take the quiet time to study his nails as he let his lieutenants consider what each option might mean.
 
"That's why you want to study and recreate the ritual. You want an army."
 
A'lar would glance up from his hand to the priest, his face impassive.
 
"I couldn't, for the life of me, understand why you'd want to be able to make draconians. You never struck me as the sort to want to forcefully bind others to you. But, that's why. You want an army ready for a coming war."
 
"Or wars." Bliss would speak emphasizing the plural.
 
The others would look to her at her words before turning their gazes back to A'lar. He'd just offer a slight smirk. "Better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war." He'd stand and clap his hands together. "Well, that's enough dreary thoughts for the moment. On the morrow or the next day The Scales and I will be leaving for Starlight lands to see what we can do about things. While I'm away, we have some serious work to do. Elinari, Oakley. We need to expand our work force. We need everything from workers to informants, crafters, and guards. Every person we'd need to support a larger force and spread through the city better."
 
He'd turn to the priest. "Ka'varr, you'll coordinate with them. Oakly will focus on the work force, Elinari on informants and the like, and you'll help Garr expand our guards and protection as we expand."
 
"You're leaving him behind this time?" Elinari sounded surprised. "He's one of your longest serving Claws."
 
"Which is why he is staying to see to it since I will be going with A'lar." Bliss would respond. "Gwen can trade out for him. She and Katerina can provide escort."
 
He'd nod to that, turning back to the others. "Make sure to keep some of your people on the rebels as well. We still need to have information on them. Loop Lirien in on either task as she is needed or is willing to help. I'll have some final instructions written up for each of you before we depart. For now I need some rest. Bliss, hold back a moment."
 
The others would give affirmations and file out. A'lar would watch them before stepping over to the elven woman. She'd frown at him with a bit of a glower. "I'm fine."
 
"Mhmm." He'd agree coming to a stop right before her, head tilted as he considered her.
 
Annoyance would creep into her voice as she glared up at him. "I said I'm FI-" Her words would be interrupted as A'lar suddenly hugged her, causing her to stiffen up in surprise.
 
"I would have missed you. Thank you for coming back." A'lar would say quietly. "I've lost enough family for a lifetime."
 
Bliss, clearly uncomfortable with and not use to affection would bring up a hand to tepidly pat his back in the closest aproximation of a hug she was ever likely to give. "I still owe you a life."
 
He'd laugh at that, standing back and clapping his hands on her shoulders. "Yes. You do. And you'd be very difficult to replace."
 
She'd shrug off his hands, rolling her shoulders. "Right, well if you're done being annoyingly sentimental I have things to see to."
 
Grinning at her. "Goodnight, Bliss."
 
She'd roll her eyes and leave. "Whatever."
 
He'd grin at the door for a few moments after she closed it before giving a long sigh and going to pour himself a drink. Carrying his glass to a seat in front of a desk where some notes and reports were scatter he'd take a seat and consider things. He'd study the familiar feeling of losing a sister that Bliss' death had brought up in him, both surprised and amused by it. Next he'd analyze the conversation with his actual sister A'varia, and the choices it entailed and if they were the right ones. Lastly he'd turn his thoughts to the east and what waited for them there. He'd sit there for an hour or two, slowly drinking his bourbam as he studied the Threads he could see before him. Finally, after following them as far as he could with the information he had, he'd head to bed.