Negotiations, part 2: Addressing their concerns

(Author's note: There is a lot of conversing within this chapter! Who would have guessed?)

Everyone's eyes widened upon hearing Lex's proposal, but Gillia spoke first. "I cannot imagine how my people would benefit from this alliance, but I am willing to listen." She glanced to the others before continuing to speak. "I make no promises of accepting anything proposed within this alliance. However, proper order around here would be nice for a change.." Thistle started to laugh hard and smacked his right knee. "You can't be serious. I can't imagine working with these folks. I mean sure, they seem nice enough, but they know nothing about the sea and its importance."

Chasan moved up behind Thistle, speaking in a soothing voice as she gently touched his shoulder. "That is part of the benefit of this alliance. If things go well, no one steps on anyone else's toes." Thistle looked up to Chasan then over to Sazla. "Well, I suppose that would be nice." Lysossia brought a hand to her cheek while tilting her head. "Hmm, I have faith in Lex as should you all. He has apparently helped us all, but I do have some concerns." Lex smiled. "Of course, I would be worried if no one had any concerns or needs to be met. So please, tell me what you desire, need, and are concerned about."

Lex lifted a hand before anyone else could speak. "Sadly, I have a limited amount of time today. As such, I would like to ask for everyone's cooperation today by speaking only when you are called upon. After everyone has spoken. I will ask if anyone has any questions or further concerns and we'll continue accordingly. Any questions?" As Lex gazed upon everyone's face, everyone shook their head or were silent within that moment. "Good. Well, since Lysossia has been the first to voice more reasonable concerns. I'd like to start with you."

Lysossia nodded while slithering slightly closer as everyone else took several steps back. "I have three major concerns. First, I'd like to know what is so pressing that you cannot commit all of your time here today. Second, although I understand growth is necessary. I am concerned that this will end up doing far more harm than good to the forest under my care. Third, but not least, I am concerned about what you will get out of this. I trust you as a person, but as a ruler is another thing entirely."

Lex knew she wasn't going to like his first answer, but it was important for any alliance to be truthful. This did not mean giving her all the details, but he wasn't about to lie to them. However, before he could speak, Diniel lifted a hand. "If I may, I can answer the first concern." Everyone's attention turned to her as Lex tilted his head. "All right, but I will add corrections if needed." She nodded before stepping forward. "As some of you know, Lex is a being of two natures. Much like his eyes and forms, so do the worlds in which he resides. Alas this is not his home world, but he does still care about our well-being. If that were not the case, he wouldn't have been willing to help any of you."

There was a pause from all involved. Thistle lifted a brow while Lysossia and Gillia looked to one another. Philinna scratched the top of her head while Chasan blinked several times. Lex blushed lightly before coughing. "Well, that was unexpectedly accurate. I appreciate your honesty, Diniel." She blushed and nodded before stepping back. Her M score ticked up to 30. He smiled before continuing to speak. "One thing to note is that time works differently here than in my world. However, I have responsibilities there as I will here. With this in mind, I will put those here in positions of authority to help with my absence. I promise to do my best to be here to resolve anything you cannot handle yourselves. As I have done here today."

There was another pause before Lex continued to speak. "Now that that has been settled. On to your second concern. I would like you to recruit other druids to help tend to the forest and spread this land's forest cover. The forest is vital for any growth to be made. If anyone knows of any youth or adults capable and willing to become a druid or at least help with such ventures. I would recommend that you speak with Lysossia to lend her your aid after this meeting. Finally, to answer your concerns about my rule. I think you'll change your mind by the end of our meeting. I will let my actions speak for me."

Lysossia bowed her head before slithering back. Her M score ticked up to 105. "I see, a wise course of action." Lex smiled before looking to Thistle. "All right, Thistle. I'd like to hear what you have to say." Thistle stepped forward with his hands lightly pressed together as his fingers gently tapped against one another. "Yes, um. I am concerned about two things. One, if expansion of the forest is left without a limit there will be overgrowth, ****, and destruction of homes. My second concern is about a proper work ****. Many of my people are craftsmen and can work with wood and leather. However, that will not be enough against the increased animal activity within the expanded forest. We'll need to improve the quality of our homes, weapons, and armor."

Lex chuckled while nodding slightly. "Of course there will be restrictions on where the forests should grow and any changes should come through not only myself, but whoever it will affect the most. Let's say your people need to expand, but the current forest is in the way. I will have a meeting with you and Lysossia to renegotiate any concerns for approval. As for a proper workforce, I am certain Philinna and the people of this land can work together to improve things around here."

Thistle scratched his chin while mulling that over. His M score ticked up to 40. "Hmm, is she that good?" Lex smirked while gesturing for Philinna to come closer. "Yes, Thistle. She isn't just a pretty face. I can promise you that." Philinna blushed deeply. Her M score ticked up to 130. "I look forward to working with you all." Lex thought a moment. "I would suggest that the craftsmen of your village should work with Philinna to train with her. Woodworking and leatherworking are quite useful, but with her help. I can promise that the improved quality will be more than worth the effort. Sure, this won't be easy, but if you work together things will go smoothly."

Thistle looked to Philinna. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt. I look forward to working with you, Philinna." Philinna smiled while tilting her head slightly while extending a hand to him. "Likewise, Thistle." They gently shook hands. Lex sighed softly before looking to Philinna. "All right, good, good. Hmm, Philinna? I know I am asking a lot of you, but with all of this in mind. What are your concerns?" She looked back to her volcano then back to Lex. "I find this direction to be a great one, but I have only one major concern. Where will we get the supplies? Sadly, there isn't much left within the volcano."

Lex looked toward the sea. "Well, there is really only one option. We'll need to begin trading with our neighbors. We'll need to build a port and establish a trade route from here to the nearest port city. We'll need a diplomat to establish relations with them as well." Chasan raised a hand. "I can help with that while remaining here." Lex lifted a brow. "How so?" Chasan smiled and playfully winked at him. "I am an illusionist. As such, I can cast my visage far into the distance with an enchanted stone. I will need some time to create it, but once it is done. I will be able to easily cast my visage in any direction. This will allow me to find the nearest city quickly and reduce the amount of resources expended."

Lex playfully smiled at Chasan. "I appreciate that. I will be relying on you for that, Chasan." She blushed lightly, her ears leaned down and forward slightly as she bit her bottom lip. "It's a pleasure to help." Her M score ticked up to 40. Lex scratched his chin lightly with his thumb. "All right, we can use whatever we have extra in trade. Be it food, items, or time for crafting. At least to get us started. From there we can improve our own supplies and make things easier on everyone."

Divi moved gently against Lex's left arm. "Daddy, what am I and Sazla supposed to do?" He shook his head. "You'll be coming home with me. Unless you want to stay here." Divi shook her head and held his arm tightly. "No, I want to stay with daddy." Sazla gently wrapped her arms around his right arm. "I don't want to leave your side, but if you require it. I could stay. They might need my help." He looked to Sazla and shook his head. "I don't think that'll be necessary. Not today at least"

After a moment, Lex looked to Gillia. "I have addressed almost everyone's concerns except for yours, Gillia. What are your concerns?" She pondered this a moment before tilting her head slightly. "I am slightly concerned about what you get out of this. I cannot imagine anyone doing what you're offering for free." She paused before looking up to the sky. "I have one other concern. What will happen to the floating islands? Will they be left alone? Or do you plan to harvest their resources for your gain?" He lifted a brow before looking up to the floating crystal islands. As they came into view, he realized why she was concerned.

Lex looked back to Gillia and shook his head. "I wouldn't want to do anything to compromise your islands. However, as for your question about what I get out of this. I am doing this for some selfish reasons. You are right to be concerned, but they aren't what you would expect. First, I will be granted peace of mind. I would honestly worry about what would happen to you all in my absence. Second, I will be obtaining a section of land here to call my own. I will be able to help us all flourish from there."

Gillia blushed while looking off to the side. Her M score ticked up to 150. "You sound like a father looking over his children." Lex blushed lightly while thinking about having Konqus bearing his children. "I suppose in a way I am." After that, he shook his head. "Well, I think that covers everything. So, does anyone else have any questions or further concerns?" What do you think? Did they have any questions or further concerns? If so, what were they?