"You didn't," Elise breathed, face pale.
"I'm not sure what you're accusing me of, but you'd best have proof if you think we did wrong. The elves aren't like the barbaric lands of Blacksand. They believe in equality, truth, and justice. Your slander and harmful rhetoric have no place among them."
A murmur of approval rolled around the room, elves nodding in appreciation. It wasn't often they had an inquisitor's approval.
"What do we do?" R'lissea whispered, biting her lip.
Elise straightened, addressing the chamber as a whole. "There are months yet before the demons will fall upon this forest. I ask that you delay making a decision on this matter until that time."
"I see no reason to consider their proposal any longer," Lord Ellenwinter said. "Surrender to demons? What would ancestors think? What would our children think? Any elf with a shred of dignity will never allow their honor to be trampled on by such savages. Be it now or in a hundred years, my answer will be the same."
