The many shadows of the small space weighed down upon him like an invisible veil of gravity while he stood with his hands held behind his back, a remorseful but thoughtful look in his hidden eyes. The lit braziers standing on either side of him reflected his appearance in the smooth surface of the Dofus before him, distorted with the curve of the dragon egg's oval shape.

Master Joris had stood in the middle of the dark space for an unknown period of time, the amount of time he spent in the presence of the Umber Dofus unknown to him, his thoughts having kept him occupied. There were many things which required his attention, but this time… this time he felt himself unable to make a decision. He knew what he had to do and what was requested of him, but for once in his long life he hesitated to be the loyal and obedient servant of Bonta, like he had been for many years.

It was rare for him to not be alone while attending the Council of Twelve. His King had joined him during the last meeting, the matters which brought the Kings of the World together far too dire to not personally attend to. Everyone was present that day, except for the Eliatrope king or his representative. Joris listened, shared his opinions and yet wisely kept his mouth shut when desperate and drastic decisions were made and taken... Decisions he wasn't appreciative of.

Ogrest's tempers were getting out of hand. The water level in several areas had risen to dangerous heights while the weather kept shifting unpredictably. The Council of Twelve had gathered to try and retaliate against the monster which terrorized the people for nearly two hundred years, all fearing that one day their kingdom, nation or people might fall victim to Ogrest's ever flowing tears. This time it was the continent of Bonta and Sadida that was about to succumb to Ogrest and many were desperate to find a solution. The ideas had been many… and all were turned down except for one.

Joris didn't flinch when slow footsteps sounded behind him, though his eyes rolled to a close when he felt a light pressure against the arch of his back, before it shifted to his shoulder with a soft patting. "Luis told me I could find you here," Kerubim's voice sounded, a hint of worry tied to it. The old Ecaflip with the thick ivory coat took his place next to the master of Bonta, one of his paws remaining on Joris' shoulder while the look upon his furry face matched the tone in his voice.

"Mmh…"

Kerubim's bushy eyebrows furrowed when all he received was a soft hum, his large eyes moving in between Joris' hidden face and the Dofus standing before them and had captivated the master's attention. It wasn't unusual to find Joris within the haven bag which acted like the inconspicuous hiding place for the Eliatrope relic that was left in their care and protection, but it was rare all the same. In most cases it was to think, but this time it appeared to be more severe than wishing for solitude to ponder in peace.

"What is troubling you, Papa?" the Ecaflip asked while keeping a paw comfortingly on Joris' shoulder, sensing and knowing he was brooding. Both him and Atcham knew he attended the Council of Twelve. Joris had been gone for a few days, the negotiations and discussions many because the rulers of the races and nations kept clashing or reluctantly agreed. He returned to the bazaar earlier this day, but retreated into the secret basement without informing anyone about the actual reason.

His eyes finally opened, if only slightly, while his hands clenched together behind his back and his head turned so he could see Kerubim past the edge of his hood. The look his eyes held was foreboding, betraying that whatever was on his mind was nothing of the good sort. "I am under strict orders by the King to retrieve the Eliatrope Dofus." Joris finally answered before his gaze crept back to the Dofus on the pedestal, as if it were a treasure of importance," it was the final decision of the Kings and the Council of Twelve."

Kerubim hesitated when the truth came to light. It didn't sound as bad as Joris' demeanor made it seem to be, but he had a feeling he knew what was bothering the one he affectionately called his father. Why else would Joris be down here, in this haven bag? "All of them...?" he asked, letting the hint of his awareness shimmer through while he also gazed upon the Dofus they had hidden away for several years by then.

Joris shook his head while his shoulders lowered a little as more of his troubles became apparent," only the Six." It was a short but clear answer. Not much else needed to be said. Unfortunately the distaste to how the situation was handled ran deep through the small master. "The issue isn't to retrieve them, Keke… it is that it needs to be done in secrecy. It was already peculiar that neither Yugo or Alys were attending the Council meeting, but the reason for their absence became clear when people started to suggest for the Eliatrope Dofus to be used as a means to stop Ogrest." The look in his eyes grew darker while his voice became more gruff in tone," no Eliatrope is to be informed about the matter until after the six Dofus are in our possession."

"No Eliatrope...?" Kerubim sounded baffled, his small ears folding back when a thought crossed his mind," not even-?"

Joris cocked his head to the side with a jarring motion to look at Kerubim with a stern look in his narrowed eyes, the Ecaflip's voice trailing off and leaving his question unfinished after he caught the glance given. "None," he said firmly before he sighed through his nose and the harsh expression he wore softened," the Eliatropes were deliberately kept out of the discussions by those who instigated it. The fear they'll deny the usage of the Dofus like they did with the Eliacube has many paranoid and doubtful about any kind of Eliatrope support, no matter the allegiances made. They rather force the Eliatropes to act when there is no turning back than to kindly ask for aid while there is still time."

"That is cruel..."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Joris sighed after repeating what many of the present representatives had uttered as a weak excuse," it doesn't sit right with me, Keke, but I have no choice in the matter. There is too much at stake; the world is depending on those Dofus and with the exclusion of the Eliatropes there truly is no turning back. Imagine the backlash if either Yugo or Alys were to find out what has been developing behind their backs."

Kerubim softly tutted to express his disapproval about the situation, his paw slipping away from Joris' shoulder so he could cross his arms over his chest. "And you alone are put in charge of finding the Dofus?"

"I am the only one outside of the Brotherhood of Tofu to know of the Dofus' locations…" he muttered in response, the guilt already gnawing at him. He was going to betray the trust of those he considered friends and allies, all to save many lives in return. Hopefully he would be forgiven after all was said and done.

Joris reached out to touch the brown colored Dofus after taking a few steps forward, his bare fingers caressing the smooth shell which began to glow with his careful touch and highlighted the troubled frown within his hood. He would rather not think about what he would have done if this particular Dofus had to be included in his search, the one Dofus he watched over like a faithful guardian. It was a good thing many people were unaware of the fact Alys had a Dofus, or that she left it in Joris' care, otherwise he had to make several difficult choices this day. It was already problematic enough that he did not have her or Yugo's support or blessing in his search, nor that he couldn't ask for it. He was asked to avoid contact with the Eliatropes and their draconic siblings, and he had sworn to his King that he would do so. He was to leave on his mission under the cover of darkness this upcoming night.

Kerubim had lowered his gaze down to his feet when Joris touched the Dofus, thinking about the issue at hand. It would take a while for Joris to collect all the six Dofus and while he knew the responsibility weighed heavy on him, he also knew with certainty that he would try his best to gather them swiftly. There was one problem however… "What if," he started while sounding reluctant," Alys comes by while you are gone. What are we to tell her?"

Joris straightened in his posture after Kerubim brought up an important question and only slightly turned to look towards the pondering feline while his hand slipped away from the Dofus. Its glow faded the moment contact with broken, but darkness did not come as the braziers lit the small space within the haven bag. Kerubim was right… If the Eliatrope ambassador would visit Bonta during his absence, she could catch wind of what was going on behind the curtains. "Nothing," he answered as he strode past Kerubim and beckoned for him to follow with but a nod of his head, a plan beginning to form," I'll take it Atcham is home?"

"He is…" Kerubim sounded uncertain but spoke the truth.

"I would like for the both of you to come with me." The Bontarian master paused after he climbed out off the bag and waited for Kerubim to join him in the dark side room of the basement, before closing the bag to conceal the Dofus' presence and said," the chances of Yugo or Alys finding out about what is truly happening will be smaller when nobody is home. I will-" He fell silent when he caught himself thinking about going against the vow he made to his King, before his eyes narrowed and he continued to finish his sentence," I will write a letter to Alys to inform her we'll be away for the time being. Me going on a diplomatic mission is nothing new to her, or out of the ordinary for me. She knows it to be true. It will keep her away from Bonta at least…"

Kerubim shook his head while he followed Joris out of the basement and up the stairs, staying close behind him until they entered the familiar sight of the small bazaar and its many wares. "We... never really went into detail about your relationship with Alys, Papa." He sounded reluctant when he spoke up, knowing it wasn't the right place or time to bring up something which had hung unattended in the air for some years. He and Atcham had their suspicions about the two ambassadors, but were never able to confirm any to be true or false. With the Eliatrope Dofus being the main focus of the Council of Twelve and the threat of Ogrest, it would surely stir up some things in the master's mind and beliefs. Or so Kerubim thought.

Joris rose a brow at the sudden change in subject and turned to face the Ecaflip with the very same expression of surprise, though it faded away with a sinking of his shoulders. His relationship with Alys… "There isn't much to discuss," he said after a short while of silence and thought, before he focused on the eye looking down upon them from above the open entrance of the secret basement," close it, Luis."

The clearing of a throat sounded before the Shushu sternly spoke and glared at the two," please." The red berry upper eyelid stretched to add to the judgmental look Luis was giving the small master, not caring about what they were discussing. He would be treated with respect, one way or another.

"Please…" Joris repeat quietly while he began to make his way up the stairs, avoiding both the subject Kerubim had tried to bring forth and the disapproving glance Luis threw his way. He could hear the walls slide shut to conceal the hidden entrance as he climbed the many steps running along the shop's walls, keeping his thoughts to himself," make sure you are ready before nightfall, Keke. We'll travel light."

"Travel?"

Joris glanced towards the furless Ecaflip seated at the low table in the lounge he passed, giving an intrigued looking Atcham a small nod in confirmation while remaining in front of the doorway. "Kerubim will give you the details," he said as he didn't linger and continued to his personal chambers to prepare for the mission which was bestowed upon him. There was no rest for the wicked, as some people would fittingly say. He would be on the road again within but a few hours time. At least his burden was shared with the two Ecaflips that lived with him in the Shushu possessed house, though it remained a burden he didn't wish to have. Duty came first however; it always did... His personal conflicts didn't and shouldn't matter.

It had been but a few months ago when a certain letter was delivered to Emelka. It was kept within a small wooden box for safekeeping since, having been read many times by the one the letter was addressed to. The contents were short but informative, no matter the lack of detail; his letters never revealed much, unless it was of true importance. However, it was the conclusion of the writing in this particular letter which left the recipient with a hint of confusion and wonder.

All it said at the end was, 'I am sorry'.

It had been on Alys' mind as the months crept by, first like an occasional thought which would brush by during times of being alone, until it grew into a daily worry. The long period of silence between her and Master Joris left her with a sense of dread, until a distraction came in the form of another letter bearing the royal seal of Sadida. King Oakheart Sheran Sharm was requesting for her immediate presence, the urgency made clear with the recall potion attached to the unexpected mail. It had been a long while since the Eliatrope ambassador heard anything from Sadida. It was therefore she didn't hesitate to answer the call and take her leave from Emelka, having been generous with her goodbyes to her family before she left. Who knew what awaited her once she arrived at the location tied to the potion...

She didn't expect to see what she faced after drinking the recall potion and materialized within Sadida. The sky overhead was dark, no matter the time of day, packed with thick rain clouds. The weather in Emelka was summery when she left, the sun shining and the sky a clear but deep blue; it was an abrupt change. The Tree of Life stood tall before her while the rain trickled down on her, catching her full attention until she took note of how bleak the surroundings were.

Something was wrong. No… Something was missing.

Her puzzling thoughts were interrupted when someone came her way, the lone appearance crossing the platform the Eliatrope appeared on. It was a young servant of the royal court, carrying with her a large umbrella which protected her from the chilling rain. She courtesied before the new arrival while the orange leafs of the mobile shelter kept them both dry, before saying quietly and polite with her head kept down," welcome to Sadida, milady. Our Majesty Sheran Sharm will receive you shortly."

Alys nodded in appreciation, smiling kindly to the servant who kept the large umbrella overhead; she would wait, no matter that she was still unaware of why exactly her presence was urgently requested. She listened to the rain after a silence fell between them and allowed her eyes to wander while continuing to try and solve the mystery. Something still didn't feel right about the whole situation.

It was then it hit her. The familiar canopy of the forest, the one she gazed upon many times during the months of her recovery in Sadida, was missing along with the calming sounds and sweet scents of the forest. All there was were the smells of damp earth and rotting wood, and the pitter-patter of the rain. She hesitated before she stepped forward to the edge of the platform she arrived on, the servant quickly following her to keep the umbrella overhead while the Eliatrope gave into sating her curiosity. The surroundings were obscured by thick tree trunks which were decoratively woven together into makeshift wall around the circular terrace, the various patterns containing a few small holes Alys could peer through. Uncertain what to expect, her eyes widened in shock when she was able to see what lay beyond the wall.

Water. Nothing but water.

Alys looked at what was once the forest she came to love and had become nothing but a dark mass of water, the startle apparent on her face. For a moment she questioned if she truly was in Sadida, but the Tree of Life stood as proof, no matter that it was stripped from the surrounding dense forest. She didn't expect this when her presence was requested. The sky was as dark as the water which spread out before her like a brooding ocean, reaching till beyond the horizon. When did this happen and how? Why? It didn't make any sense.

"You arrived, flower."

The sudden voice roused Alys from staring at the worrying and puzzling sight, her gaze shifting to find the soruce of the voice. Her concerned expression brightened up when she saw the two confidantes of the princess Sheran Sharm come towards her, two familiar faces which had taken good care of her several years prior. "Canar, Renate... It is so good to see you again," she warily smiled after a weight fell of her shoulders and quickly walked over towards them to greet the male Sadidas with open arms," how have you been?" Their welcoming appearances made the situation appear less dire, but she couldn't ignore the fact that both the servants looked dreadful.

"We could have been better," Canar sighed as he tightly hugged Alys and glanced towards Renate after his hands slipped away from Alys' shoulders and back," our homes were lost in the flood…"

"Goddess no," Alys gasped with a whisper, the worry she had after arriving finally confirmed; this truly was worse than she thought it to be. A flood. It explained many things, but it was terrible news all the same. She looking from Canar to Renate with large eyes of concern before asking as she touched their shoulders," can I help in any way? Do you need anything...?"

"No no, sweet petal. The royal family offered to shelter us in the palace. We are well looked after," Renate said while weakly smiling to the Eliatrope, the large orange and red colored umbrella the female servant held up keeping them dry from the rain which continued to fall," the king asked of us to escort you to the throne room once you arrive, so if you'll follow us…"

"Of course," Alys nodded, still baffled by the devastation which had suddenly befallen upon this kingdom. Not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine anything could have done this to Sadida, or any other part of this world. The flooded surroundings gave her the impression it had happened weeks ago, and yet she didn't hear a single word about it. This couldn't be an overnight situation, not in this massive scale; that was too absurd.

The Eliatrope followed the servants into the Tree housing the palace, the interior hardly showing any change while the world around it had literally disappeared. No tall trees or lush hills; just dark menacing water and empty barren chunks of land which were connected with improvised vine bridges. The view seen through the windows she passed only made any hope sink further downwards. Alys knew the way to the throne room by heart, having walked the same path many times before, but it was always with a sense of dread or anticipation. This time however, it felt more pressing than ever. She took note of how few guards there were, including any sign of life within the palace. It was quiet... Even the impressive throne room entry was unguarded, which was odd in itself; she was used to seeing several guards lined up by the doors. Canar and Renate allowed her entry by opening the doors for her, revealing the familiar sight of the dark circular hall with at its center the lit and elevated throne. It surprised her to not see the king seated for once, the giant of a man slightly turning to face her after she stepped inside while the two male servants didn't follow her.

Oakheart wasn't alone; standing beside him was a tall figure who followed the king's gaze after Alys's arrival interrupted a somewhat important discussion between the two of them. There was intrigue present in the man's cyan colored eyes as he observed the approaching Eliatrope, though he remained silent while he thoughtfully stroked his unshaven chin.

"Your Majesty," Alys uttered as she respectfully bowed for Oakheart Sheran Sharm after the doors closed behind her and sealed the only three present within the round room. The king looked terrible from what she could see after she straightened up from her bow, the deep green of his facial grass and hair matted and dull, but also worryingly dark around his eyes. He smiled however, an expression which did not fit his exhausted look.

He beckoned her closer with a wave of his hand, quietly inviting her over and step into the light which fell in from above, rather than have her linger in the dark. "Alys, it is good to see you again." He was as welcoming like he always was, but there was a dark look in his eyes as if he was hiding something. Something heavy was on his mind and, given the current situation, it came as no surprise to Alys. "Allow me to introduce you…" His gaze shifted towards the tall man with the dark blue hair and fuzzy ears," please meet the renowned master alchemist, Otomaï. Master Otomaï, this is the honorable Lady Alys of the Eliatropes."

Otomaï. Alys watched the alchemist when he somewhat bowed in greeting, his eyes still on her like she was something or someone to study closely. Was she the first Eliatrope he ever met? Undoubtedly. She had heard of him however, and was rather surprised to find him in the presence of King Sheran Sharm. Joris informed her several years prior about how much Otomaï appreciated his solitude and that it was one of the reasons he wasn't as well renowned among the masses as he was among those who were interested in his skills and achievements. Was he here because of the flood? "It is an honor," she politely said, the alchemist nodding respectively to her before he straightened up and turned his attention to the king.

"I best get going or I won't arrive in time," he informed Oakheart, appearing a little aloof in his doing as if many of his thoughts were scattered, yet he was still focused on the matter at hand," I will return with everyone tomorrow, hopefully." He mumbled a little to hide his uncertainty before he marched straight for the doors to take his leave, not excusing himself or saying any goodbyes; he had things to do and couldn't be delayed any further.

Alys and the king looked after Otomaï until the closing throne room doors hid him from their sight with an echoing slam, granting them the needed privacy to discuss the reason behind the summon. A silence fell over them, both seeking for the right words to begin; one was eager to be informed, while the other was reluctant to speak.

"What happened here, Your Majesty…?" Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. Alys sounded sympathetic and worried when she asked the question and broke the silence, her facial expression matching how she felt. Her heart grew only heavier when the King averted his gaze and sighed deeply, carrying a solemn look.

"Ogrest's Chaos." The answer left him with a heavy breath while his eyes rolled to a close, struggling to keep his posture. Times were troublesome ever since the water overtook the forest, the problems piling up each passing day with no solution in sight. Ogrest had always been a lurking threat in the World of Twelve; it was only a matter of time before it would claim another victim. This time, it claimed Sadida. "It swept in from the coastline and has been rising since," he explained, though he didn't need to go into detail about it. Most knew what Ogrest's tears were capable of," I fear that the land I promised to your people got swept up in the flood and submerged, along with a large part of the forest."

The monster Ogrest... Was is true? "My people will endure, Your Majesty," Alys said quietly after quickly gathering herself at the news, feeling a tinge of disappointment for the loss of what could have been a new home for the Eliatropes. However, she felt more concern for the present and its current problems, such as the Tree of Life's well-being. Without the Tree, there wouldn't be a Sadida kingdom to begin with "What matters now is Sadida. What of your people...? Did most of them get to safety when the flood came? How are are the casualties?"

Oakheart slowly shook his head as he recalled the reports, saying somber after closing his eyes," many of my people were lost, along with Sadida's flora and fauna. We are currently struggling to keep the flood from claiming more of the forest. The water level keeps rising. Armand is trying to build a dam to keep the water at bay and away from the Tree of Life, but…" He fell silent, the belief he had in his son's plan not strong enough. "It is only a matter of time."

"Surely there is something that can be done," Alys said, feeling a spark of fear at the very thought Sadida could get completely wiped off the map. Without the Tree, most, if not all of the Sadida, would cease to exist.

"There is something," Oakheart said, the tone in his voice growing heavier while the look in his eyes became darker, as if a troubling thought was pushing down upon his conscience," or was… There is a reason to why I summoned you here and am speaking to you in private. There will be a Council meeting tomorrow here in the very heart of Sadida to assess the current situation and…" He paused, seeming reluctant to finish what he wanted to share with the Eliatrope. She seemed uninformed about the current happenings, something which didn't really surprise him… Perhaps he should start from the beginning rather than throw her right into the core of the issue. "A few months ago, the Council of Twelve came together to try and find a solution against the threat of Ogrest and the impending doom which would befall this world if his tantrums were to grow more severe. There were signs and so a decision to act was made. We weighed every solution and option we could find to stop Ogrest, but only one was unanimously voted for as the most probable and logical solution."

Alys looked thoughtful while she listened, before asking with a hesitance presence in her voice after a pause fell in between the king's words," I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but why weren't I or Yugo informed about this meeting several months ago? Why now, and here?"

She could hear the Sadida sigh as he shook his head. He was dreading this discussion, but he decided to be the one informing the Eliatrope diplomat about the matter, for old times' sake and all the Eliatropes had done for his people and kingdom. "It was by request of several of the Twelve's rulers to not include the Eliatropes in the final decision, and the search which followed." He saw her eyes widen at the news before she straightened up in her posture to look at him in disbelief, yet she didn't utter a single word. It was as if surprise robbed her from her voice. "God Sadida knows how much it pained me to keep silent to you and your king, but there has been much at stake for me, my people... and my daughter. I had no choice."

"What did the Council decide upon?" Alys finally asked, the look on her face a mixture of plea and betrayal, aching yet not wanting to know why the Eliatropes were shunned from something as incredibly important as this. She had gone through great lengths to form several allegiances with other nations and Disciples, only to find her king and people were excluded from important affairs. Her emotions were flaring up within, but she kept herself fairly well composed... so far.

Oakheart rose his large hands to lay them on Alys' shoulders, but stopped himself from doing so after he reminded himself of what he was about to say to her. Instead, he clenched his hands into fists and kept them by his sides, saying calculated," the Council of Twelve decided to gather the Eliatrope Dofus and use their power against Ogrest… Master Joris was put in charge of retrieving them."

Alys grew paler after she was told the truth, the natural blush on her cheeks draining away when it felt like her breath was taken from her. "My people's Dofus...?" she asked, almost a whisper while her eyes were wide open in shock. Joris was sent to find the Dofus they hid away six years ago? Was that why he had been absent these last few months? The last letter he wrote to her with the strange unexplained apology suddenly made sense. Goddess, what had he done...? "I-I don't understand... Why didn't you involve us? Those Dofus belong to my people; you didn't have the right."

"Yugo isn't seen as a true king on this world, Alys… yet your people have great sources of power in your possession, powerful resources which we do not possess. I do not agree with how the decision was made, but most believed it to be best to work in secrecy so when time would come, your king could and would no longer object. We were desperate, still are."

"Why… Why didn't you just ask us? Why would we object to aiding Sadida, or even the world?" Alys asked, her voice breaking a little as she had trouble with keeping her composure," are we thought to be cruel? Is the trust in my people still so fickle that others can't ask for a favor from us? Who ever thought it would be wiser to steal such powerful artifacts and then hope we would consent out of pity?"

"Unfortunately, there is more," Oakheart said to dodge answering her questions, finally laying a heavy hand on her bare shoulder as if to prepare her for something much worse," a few days ago, we were informed that the search for the Dofus was futile."

It was as if the throne room grew completely dark when the truth came to light. Alys stared in utter shock at the Sadida standing before her, and though his hand kept her in touch with reality, it felt like the wooden floor underneath her feet was falling away. "Futile?... Wh-what does that mean? What happened to the Dofus?" What happened to Joris, was what crossed her mind as she feared the absolute worst.

"According to Master Joris, the Dofus were all gone when he arrived at their locations. However," the king said as he felt Alys quiver underneath his hand," we are aware of where two of them are, and they are being bartered for…"

"Bartered for what?" she almost snapped, unintentionally glaring at the king," what could possibly be worth two Dofus?"

Oakheart's eyes fell shut when he heard and saw the Eliatrope's anger, yet his heart ached for different reasons. "For the hand of my daughter," he said solemn, his hulking form rising with the deep breath he took before exhaling to remain calm. It pained him too much to know that his precious girl was to be exchanged for two Dofus, all to save his kingdom from the flood.

"The princess?" she asked in disbelief before she pressed her jaws firmly together. This was too much… First the betrayal, then the distrust and now another arranged marriage for the power of the Dofus. There was a small part of her which found it a fitting punishment for how the Eliatropes were treated in this mess, but what spoke the strongest within her was compassion and sympathy for what Sadida was going through. Nobody deserved this…

"My reason for summoning you here and speaking to you in private at this very moment, is that I don't wish for you to be humiliated during the Council meeting tomorrow… You have the right to know what to expect during the meeting, what you will face," he said after his hand slipped away from her shoulder, his gaze not meeting hers as she kept her eyes downwards. She was trying to cope with the situation, but she wasn't doing well from what he could see, the internal struggle all too clear. However, she tried to see all the sides to the decisions made, as he expected. He figured she would be reasonable; offended, but reasonable. The Eliatrope ambassador and her king had forgiving and understanding personalities, not to mention a care for this world which surpassed that of most rulers. If the Dofus had gotten lost, this may have turned out better… He could only hope the two Eliatropes could forgive him for what was done. "Though…" he started," I fully understand if you no longer wish to attend the meeting. The presence of the Brotherhood of Tofu during the meeting was requested, the belief they can help rather high. Master Otomaï set out to bring everyone here. Yugo should be attending if he accepts, so therefo-"

"I am staying."

Oakheart rapidly blinked with his eyes when Alys sounded determined with her interruption, especially after he mentioned Yugo would be present the next day. She looked up to him with a stern and serious expression, the glare causing him to sigh before he nodded in understanding. It was her own decision, and a brave one too.

The other representatives wouldn't arrive until the next day and Oakheart hoped by Sadida that all of them would come. Ever since the news of the missing Dofus reached the members of the Council of Twelve, there had been a growing animosity among several of the rulers. The suspicion that some had withdrawn themselves from the matter and left Sadida to fend for themselves was difficult to ignore. At least he could count on Otomaï to bring the Brotherhood of Tofu, if they accepted the summons, though he doubted they would decline. Even though the band consisted out of but a few of the most unlikely people, the Brotherhood was one of the more reliable allies of the Sadida. Such a sad truth it was…

Tomorrow was the day and neither King Sheran Sharm or Alys looked forward to what may happen.

To be continued