After the elves left their audience with Surshana, he mimicked a heavy sigh. This situation is really going to tick her off. There's few things she cares about more than the safety of her people. Harming them in this way is not going to end well for anyone. He lifted his finger, tapping his skull as a message spell activated.
"I have a feeling you already know about their current situation but, I felt I should verify that."
"I know, and I wish I could go there right now… But, I…"
"Promises mean a lot to you. And if you intervene now, it'll be difficult to avoid acting again later."
"And then I'll have to fight all the other Dragon Lords. I'd rather not do that… So I can only act by inspiring my children from afar."
"Do you… Do you want me to send them to you? A lone fencer isn't a threat to me."
"He's a lot stronger than you think. For now I'll remain as an inspiration. My children shouldn't be turned against me easily."
"I'll keep an eye out as well. Having that greed king setting up shop right next door… Well, it doesn't sit well with me."
"Coming from you, that's a rather terrifying thought…" There was silence for a moment. "I love my people. If even one of them is killed, I'll unleash wrath the likes have never been seen before. But, until then… I must have faith in their ability, and the abilities of everyone else."
The call ended with Night Silver straining to hold back her shivers of fury. Surshana on the other hand, he could sense the fury held deep within his friend's heart, and the pain she must endure for the sake of her ideals & the continued development of this world.
"I hope she remains true to herself. I don't care what else happens. If the people turn on her, she should feel free to show them what betrayal truly means."
Deep inside the forest, the elves returned to see that their homes had been destroyed. A sense of anger filled their faces. How dare someone destroy our homes. Mother gave us her blessing to live like this. They knew that it was dangerous to live outside of their mother's protection, she can't protect them all, all the time like that. This is what they had chosen all those years ago.
"Brothers, let us seek out the location of our families."
"Right, we can't allow this to upset our plans. We will get as many of our people and leave under the cover of night's silver light."
"I refuse to live under the rule of someone who'd willingly destroy my home. Let's go, and when we arrive at mother's place, let us brothers beg for forgiveness together."
The messengers nodded, and made their way to the large city within the trees. It didn't take long for them to find their families. Though, instead of fleeing right away, they opted to stay longer to avoid any prying eyes. And the day prior to their scheduled escape, Hougan called for a large meeting in the city square.
"Husband, you look anxious? Is everything alright? We're still able to escape tomorrow night, right?"
He was shaking his knee up and down, he couldn't sit still, so he stood and paced around the room. What is this meeting going to be about? Surely it isn't about our escape attempt. He looked at his wife, a beautiful elf who held a deep love for their mother, Night Silver. I must find a way to give her and the one she has inside her womb now, a good life. And that will never happen under the rule of a tyrant like this Hougan character. He grabbed his wife's hand, kissing it and then folded it into his own. "I will find a way to get our family out of here, I want the best for us."
"Mother is kind, I'm certain she would accept us back into her open arms."
"We can go there, or we can go to that one Dragon Lord's domain. Mother's is closer but the way their culture dresses is rather revealing…"
"If we go elsewhere, who's to say we won't have to flee for a third time? Let us return to Mother's arms. And allow our children to grow up in a loving environment with many friends from many races." She smiled, and then smirked. "Besides that, Tus Nadairian fashion isn't out of lust. It praises fertility and the freedom of her people." Her free hand caressed her husband's cheek. "On top of that, it sure sounds practical. What's more, I know you want to see just how good I'll look in it."
"You can see right through me. I knew I chose the right woman to love."
The couple shared a brief moment of bonded lips. Light from the sun illuminated a shiny substance after they parted lips. And with new resolve, they went to the city square, where every elf in the city had gathered for a public announcement.
Hougan was at center stage, putting on the most regal of airs he possibly could. He was a high elf, so this came to him on an almost natural basis. Hmm, it seems just the sight of me in this form is enough to challenge their religious devotion to that cranky bitch. "I am Hougan! I am a god, and I come from another world. This woman here is my wife, and the bearer of my child. She carries the child of god. I expect you all to treat her well."
It was at this moment someone called out faking an annoyed tick. No one could see their face, nor recognize their face. "And what of our divine mother, Night Silver?"
Hougan sighed, putting on an act. "She… She is a demon born of hell.A terrible deceiver of the masses. Though she is strong, and it was that strength that kept me locked away from helping you in the tough times." He paused for a dramatic effect. He glanced around, noticing it wasn't having as large an effect he wanted. Hmm, perhaps I should make a few changes to my approach here? How about a persuasion aura? That might work…