"An interesting plan, Blanc. One that might just work. There is an issue, though, it is risky and unpolished, but if we're all in agreement, we can refine it together. What say you?" Elion asked, addressing everyone in the hall.
But most of the hall either stood silent or whispered between themselves. Even the Matriarchs and Valar remained silent.
"It seems the plan does not convey enough confidence, Blanc," sighed Elion.
"What if I offered myself to join the first part of the plan?" began Blanc, "I am a good bowman. Sir Ponca can attest to my statement and confirm I will not drag behind."
"Dear?" Celine asked softly. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I can't fight from a safe distance or sit on the sidelines, Celine," replied Blanc, turning towards her with a warm smile.
"Are you so sure of your plan?" asked Elion.
"No," Blanc said honestly with a shrug, "but I wish not to be left behind and be allowed to fight."
Elion began laughing, hearing him, before he spoke again to everybody present, "Well then? Did my son's resolve give you the courage you needed to speak up?"
"I agree with Young Blanc's plan. If we plan it right, it might just offer us the time we need," said Ibes, rising to his feet.
"So do I," added Valar, "It fits my earlier plan, and we could make it work. It might just be the swift defeat you have wanted, Father. Time is of the essence for this plan to work, and we are running out of time to think of better ones."
And one by one, the Wardens present made known their agreement with the plan presented. And when the Matriarchs and Celine made their agreement known with a nod. They soon began polishing the plan and talking about all the smaller details.
An hour later, when the Wardens and levies finished arriving near the estate of Blood Denegis, the meeting ended as well.
Everybody else besides the members of Blood Denegis was dismissed and sent to prepare what was to be prepared for the first phase of their plan.
"Blanc," called Mera, with a wave of her hand, "Come here."
"What is it?" he replied, walking towards her and Auren.
"You did wonderfully today, be proud of that," Mera began, "but now you will be face to face with real combat. Not against the beasts in the woods, you killed for Raw Vita, but against the worst kind of beast in this world. Men."
"I know, Mother. You do not have to worry."
"You think you do. But you don't. War always seems easier in the mind of someone who's never had to kill just to survive. You might think it is no different than hunting a beast. But the cunning and evil of mankind know no bounds," said Auren.
"Do not take our words the wrong way, Blanc," added Mera, "One mistake on your side might just cost you not only your life but your allies' as well. Always remember you are not fighting alone. And if you lose, do not die honorably. Run. Run like a coward if need be, as long as you escape. That is all that matters. Understood?"
"Understood!" Blanc nodded sharply.
"Good," Mera smiled, "go and get ready then."
"May the Vita protect you, my son!" said Elion to Blanc as he was leaving. And with a wave of his hand, Blanc and Celine left for their room.
"Blanc, do you have to go?" asked Celine as they entered.
"My dear," he began, placing his hand on her cheek, "I have to. Just as you have to. Do not worry, I won't do anything dumb to throw my life away."
She sighed, hearing his words, "Fine, then I'll be coming with you."
"What? No, Celine. You were supposed to be fighting on the ground with the rest. And besides that, you do not have a bow," said Blanc.
"We will protect each other, and the bow is not an issue, I have one now," she replied, going to the wooden box she received from Elion at their Engagement ceremony. When she opened it with her hand, a black-wooden bow matching Blanc's stood there, "So you see, my dear, I will be coming with you."
"While it is true we can protect each other and will keep me at ease having you there, don't you think this is unfair?" Blanc asked with a sigh.
"Just as unfair as you leaving me behind," she smiled, "make sure to get the sword my father got you as well. We may need it."
"Fine, fine, do as you please," he gave up, removing his clothes and replacing them with darker and warmer ones that would keep them unseen and warm during the night.
"I will," she giggled as she got ready as well.
"I wonder how I'm supposed to tell my parents that I will be taking my future wife with me to war," thought Blanc out loud.
"We will figure it out, do not worry."
Minutes later, when the last of the preparations were done on their side, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," said Blanc as he was tightening the strap of his new sword.
As the door opened, Kael and Lune entered. Upon seeing them, Blanc sighed.
"What is it?" Blanc asked both of them.
"Where are you going?" Kael asked.
"On a walk," Blanc lied, "I thought I would take Celine out on a hunt date in the Golden Forest and show her around."
"And what will you be hunting?" Lune asked, "Men?"
"Why ask a question if you already know the answer to it?" Blanc asked her.
"Why would you go? Stay with us." Lune cried out, and Kael nodded along to her statement.
"Because I want to keep you all safe, that is why," he replied.
"I can fight as well. Take me with you…" Lune muttered, tears forming around her eyes.
"Lune, Kael," began Blanc, crouching down, "We will be back by tomorrow's lunch. You just have to wait and protect the mansion while we are away. Can you do that?"
Lune nodded as tears began rolling down her cheeks.
"Kael?" Celine asked, seeing that Kael remained silent as he watched the floor.
"Can you promise you will come back?" Kael asked, looking at both of them.
Blanc offered him a smile before answering But of course. We will be back before you know it."
"Fine, then. But please be careful," Kael sighed, raising his eyes from the ground, "we will be waiting."
And with a small pat and a quick kiss on their foreheads from Blanc, they left the room.
"Celine, dear," Blanc spoke, still watching the closed door, "will we be back?"
"Let's make sure we do, love. I'd hate to see them cry," she said, pressing a kiss to his lips. "Come on."