Karasu has requested a meeting with all the guild leaders as well as the king and queen. He had been troubled lately and it was time to bring these disturbing matters to the table, for the greater good of the kingdom.
He has asked the ones who are attending to think of what they want to discuss and also consider following topics "What has been/will be done about the Dark Lord now when his castles location is known?

How to best protect the people? Stop more villages from getting burnt and hinder more people from getting killed, or worse. Not only from the Dark Lord but deserters who claim to work for the guilds to gain power...
How can we help the ones forced to work with the Dark Lord, is it possible to free them?
And last but not least, how do we keep more children from getting kidnapped?"

(I thought we could have a conversation where everyone talks in one comment, so please try to let everyone anwser.
And I'm sorry for the long text...)

Karasu has taken his place as well looking through a large pile of papers, and just like Maki Chi, he does not wear his usual smile.

*Akita comes in and nods at the both of them before he takes his own seat and looks just as serious as the them*

Karasu nodds back polite putting his papers away.

*waves light, simple. hands clasp together as if in a pray*

*he leans back in his chair and rests his arms on the armrests* Where's the others?

"Victor is still injured so getting here might be troublesome, he got his knees severely injured after all...The queen said she will be late and the king... I do not know.. Maybe he left once more." he exhails heavily.

*he nods and sigh* And still no word from Victor I presume.

Wouldn't shock me.. if I wasn't at a.. bad place health wise myself I would check.. pardon

"There is no need to apolegise Maki-san... Your health is more important.. And no, there is no word from Victor yet.."

Titania comes in walking "good evening gentlemen's"

*he bows his head politely as she walks in* My queen. *rhen he looks at the others wondering if rhey should start now*

Greetings your highness *nods his head*

The king comes after. He looks tired. "Is everyone here?"

Karasu bows his head for the regents "Good eavning my queen, my king..." he said smiling for half a second before it went away once more "No we are still one man short, as you may see, one chair is empty and the leader of the wolfs has yet to arive." he let out a sigh.

Radek sat on his chair. "Lets wait him in."

"is victor coming? I heard he was badly hurt and bound to stay in bed for a good time "

*Akita bows some to the king and then looks between him and Karasu. so when the queen speaks he frowns* I didn't know there was any information about Victor...has he been found?

"He said he would attend, but I am starting to wonder, and in that case we will need to call for Garau.." he said letting out a sigh.

Victor came in through the door, stumbling forward with a crutch under one of his arms. His body may have been mostly healed by magic, but it was still hard for him to balance with his legs alone. His right knee had been in the status of crushed, just a few days ago after all.
Victor then sighed slightly before looking up and around at them. "Pardon me for being this late." he said while bobbing his head down once as if to bow.

Karasu nodds back at Victor "I'm glad you could join us despite your condition Victor-san... Well then, since all are pressent I think it's about time we start."

Radek got up and helped the poor victor too his chair. "dont over do yourself." he smiled and sat down on his chair again.

Victor smiled faint at Radek as he was helped to his chair. "Your highness, you're too kind.." he seemed thankful and bowed his head yet again before Radek went back to his seat.

*Akita nods in greeting at Victor* Nice to see you back. *then he looks around at the others* So where do we start?

"Perhaps with the matters I asked you all to consider before this meeting?" he said and entwined his fingers on the table.

*he rolls his eyes some but looks serious still* I meant which of the matters we should address first of course.

"I talked with Maki Chi about the lord, we need too do something. He..he got Iki. That stupid boy.. And what you sayed Karasu, villages and other creatures forcing too work for The Dark Lord, we need too save them."

".....Yes my king. That is why we are here.. Then lets start with the most pressing matter, if this can be handled the other problems might solve quite easily... How do we handle the Dark Lord?"

*he nods some as they talk and he finds it a shame that yet another prince is kidnapped. he snorts at the question* We should kill him. Like we should have done all those years ago.

I must agree with Akita. Its obivius that he want too take over.

"Yes it is, so lets not state the obvious anymore and instead discuss how we shall manage to rid of him... Does anyone have a concrete suggestion of how to do such a thing?"

*he snorts slightly and leans forwards* Send a battalion to each flank and storm the castle. We know where it is, so we can do it.

"And you belive storming a castle built with dark magic will be easy? Half the men could get killed before even getting insde.."

All the men can get killed in battle. But they can also survive. It's a gamble. But we can do it. Besides, don't some of you guys know magic as well? *he looks at the others around the table*

Victor sighed slightly and nodded. "We may have great magicians too, but it's still too risky to just barge in with a large army in a place we know so little about. Basically, I think we'd only waste warriors and resources by relying on luck."

Titania that had been siting in silent while they was speaking suddenly speaks up "…we lure him out…the only danger is him and his servant Domenique, we lure them out to open space and kill them "

Karasu smiles pleased with the last two comments and nodds "Very good... But I would also be catious of the beserk Sechikuro." he said and took out profiles on the ones they knew the Dark Lord worked with.

*Akita nods and looks at the profiles and sigh* Sadly enough both Domenique and Sechikuro are former bears, so they know how to fight well the both of them. So yeah, watch out for them. Though I would prefer to handle them myself, as they've both crossed the line on more than one occasion

*simply sits in silence leaned back in his seat, one could think he was sleeping*

Radek looks at Maki Chi some and sits silens aswell.

*he breathes out and starts to speak*
Everyone must know where it is.. the dark lords castle.. all that needs it.. its a risk but everyone must keep away.. its one tactic to keep the people protected.. I have a idea on how to protect but it will.. take a lot off effort in magic.. I have also purposed to place a curse on using a guild name.. but that would also need to mark all those who are in a guild.. as all of you Should know, no one leaves my guild alive.. I believe we need this in all of the guilds too, to stop the dark lord from getting more followers from us... Mostly those who work for the dark lord wishes too.. the village of woodelv blood feeders are a exception.. but we must map all villages in order to keep an eye on them all..
The kidnappings is more easy to stop.. No One Outside After Sun Down *rubs his forehead*

Karasu listend closely to both Akita and Maki Chi "Akita-san, will all due respect, I doubt it would be good for you to take on both of them, especially since I belive they will help eachother if cornerd...
Maki Chi, I must object to putting a mark on everyone in the guilds, people are free to change guilds and to leave the guilds if they no longer wish to be part of it... That is no thing we can force or decide for the people in the guilds...
But I very much aprove of the suggestion to keep far away from the Dark Lords castle, and I am very intrested in hearing what your suggestion is when it comes to magic, me and the other ravens will help with what ever we can.
I am fairly new to this kingdom so I am not sure how many who wishes to work with the Dark Lord and wich does not, but would it be unreasonable to make sure to stop all trading with villages that work with him willingly and make sure that the other villages does the same?
The kidnappings has happend in broad daylight as well, close to the villages as well, 10 children went missing last time. But a curfew might help...
And while speaking of curfews, we need to adress the matter of the royal children.. These kidnappings cannot continue... I have suggested to give them more duties to keep them occupied and there by give them less time to slipp away.. I would like to suggest that more guards are set to guard them but we need all the men we have and so it would be for the best if they were made aware of what danger it is for them to be in the forrest alone at this time."

I was more meaning that they can not completely leave the guilds.. I see my guild more as an order, promised to try keep peace.. and I don't tolerate fully fledged members to leave with all that they have learned from me.. switching will be possible but not quiting... and the magic will help even the day light kidnappings.. as for the villages, if we can locate them we can stretch out a hand too help them if they refuse.. I hate too admit it but we can not have people helping the dark lord.. *falls into a bit of silence for a bit* I agree..

*Akita keeps silent and shakes his head* You want to put your trust in magic? No offence but I don't feel comfortable with that. You can do it if you want, but I'll set my guild to guard the city and villages. And about the villages helping the dark Lord, I've started to map them out already. After the incident with the kids village I've set some of my most trusted to search the outskirts and small villages to find out where thwir alliance lays - with us or the lord. And my men are to help as well where they can. *he leans back some again* But a curfew sounds good. Will make kt easier to patrol the streets

"I still cannot aprove of that.. The guild should be a free choice not a commitment for life unless that is what you wish, but then it should be by free choice, not because you cannot leave." he said frowning a the mere thought.
"Magic helping with the kidnappings sounds very good but I think we should have people guarding the villages as well as Akita-san suggested.
I am glad to hear that you have started the mapping already and I am glad to hear that the loyalty of the villages is being found out...
Shall we have a vote conserning the curfew then? And what should be the penalty for breaking it?" he asks looking around at the people around the table.
"My king, my queen you are awefully quiet... Since we are to discuss your children it would be helpfull if you partake in the conversation."

I agree with you Kasara. This is a good plan.

Victor nodded. "I agree. If any of my guild members would want to leave, they may. I can't possibly force them to keep doing something they're not putting their heart into. I don't want members like that. I'd rather let them go." he said with a faint smile.
"But the curfew sounds like a good plan. If we can decrease the amount of kidnappings, I certainly vote for it to happen. I don't really know what the penalty should be, though..." he said sighing slightly as he thought about it.

"Thank you Victor-san...
So we have agreed upon a curfew and no curse on leaving the guilds?
Then once more conserning the punishment, what is reasonable?"

Radek had a plan he dident want too share. Thats why he was so quit. "are we done? I have things too take care of." he got up.

Then I'd say there is simply no way too stop the impostors..
punishment.. house arrest? three days, if they go out .. it grows *looks at the king* Yes you have THIS.. is something You have to take care off

"No we are far from done my king..." Karasus eyes turned to him "And as the king you should be the last one to leave.. You should put your all into helping the people of this kingdom. And if you have something on your mind it's best you share it, the six of us rule these lands together after all."

*Akita looks between them all and nods slightly* There might not be a magical way to stop the imposters Maki, but you can make and example wirh those that do. I have no idea if it worked, but the rumours spreading about what happened to those that burned down the village and killed everyone will hopefully make others rhink twice about saying they're bears...*he grins slightly*
And I guess a house arrest for breaking the curfew is okay punishment.
*his eyes turned quickly to the king and there's a slight glare to them* My dear king, I'd rather be out there as well and do somerhing physical about this. But even I can see the importance of this meeting, and I believe so should you. This is for the people - not for us. The people always go first. ..

*maki suddenly hunches over and coughs badly into his hands shivering, something looks too move under the back of his clothing, he gasps and sits up again looking at the blood in his hands and dusts it away like soot* Mmh do forgive me

Radek sits down again. "your right, i apoligize." He turns too Maki.

Karasu nodds agreeing to what Akita says but then turns to Maki looking conserned at him "Maki-san, do you need a break or is it better to hurry things along and finish as soon as possible?"

Hm do forgive me.. I should be in our tower now but I had to move here.. do not worry its just the first sign that I should return.. but too hurry a little would be nice *smiles his strange smile*

"I see, well then, lets try to speed things up we still have several points left that need tending to.. But what we have decided upon so far is:
We will have a curfew, so after dark all should be inside, til the sun rises.. The punishment will be house arrest like Maki suggested since no other suggestion was brought to the table...
Shall we instead of a curse make sure all guilds wear a jewlery, a bracelet or necklace that are easily seen so they cannot be mistaken as a attempt to keep from more traitors?
Guild members from the wolfs and the bears will help guard the villages from the Dark Lord and Akita will continue with the mapping of the villages to find where their loyalty lays... The ones working for the Dark Lord will be..." he sighs "Killed." he looks almost as if the word tastes bad just from taking it in his mouth.
"Does everyone agree? In that case, next topic." he smiles slight.

*Akita nods and leans back in his chair* And if we are to use jewellery I believe that each guild should have their colour so that you can see where they belong.
*he grins slightly though as Karasu gives permission to kill the ones loyal to the Lord* I can let my men know they have free range when it comes to the ones loyal to the dark Lord. They will be pleased to hear so.
So yes, I agree to all of this.

Victor nodded. "The colored jewelry is a good idea. I agree to the rest as well."

*makes a disliking face at the mention of killing but says nothing of it *Jewelry is easily stolen or lost and found

*Akita rolls his eyes* Then put a spell on it so that only guild leaders can give it to their guild members, and only the leader can take them away

"Such a spell should not be to difficult..." he said seeming a bit calmer, but the thought of people dying made him very uncomfortable.

"Indeed, it shouldn't be so difficult. And if it turns out to be ineffective later on, we'll just have to come up with something else. But I think this will have to do for now." He finished.

Its an easy solution, lets move on?

"I don't like the idea of killing, I would rater that you take the once that claims to be loyal to the dark lord under custody if it possible…we want to spare so many life as possible"

So do I but.. most who are loyal too the dark lord won't stop.. if we take them in they will drain on our city and the people won't approve..

"I understand your consern my queen, but transporting the prissoners so far as some of the villages are is a danger as well... I mysle am very much against spilling blood but our dungeouns could not possibly hold so many people..."

well set up a prison camp some where they can't do anything I'm sure there are some magic spell that can help with that….many haven't choose to be loyal to the dark lord, they are force to be loyal, I don't want innocent life to be spilled

*Akita has some issues understanding why they're so against spilling the blood of the enemy and just shakes his head* If If it's so hard for you to kill then don't think about it. I agree that the dungeons can't hold all the ones folowing the Lord and it's too dangerous to transport them anywhere. But if it pains you too much to think about the killings rhen don't. Leave it ro me to handle the ones who has betrayed the kingdom.

"That idea could be worth a try my queen, but where will we find the guards when we need then to guard the villages and the Bastille? We don't have as many men as we used to.." he said sounding very troubled, and couldn't help but to disaprove with Akitas suggestion.

I said before, the villages who are forced we shall stretch a hand out too of course, no innocent blood should be spilled, ever.. hm but that is a very good idea my queen.. the camps *looks at akita* turning the other cheek solves nothing, I will not stand for ignorance

Victor frowned slightly. "I understand how you feel, but some deaths are necessary. We'd only put our people in danger if we kept so many prisoners at once, because surely, some would escape. And that would risk the lives of our own people, those who really are innocent. In this case, I find it more effective to kill them off than to bother with keeping them hostage."

*Akita looks annoyed as both Maki and Karasu seems against the idea but nods at Victor in thanks.* Of course we'll help the ones that's been forced. I do nor want innocent blood to be spilled. But there are those who do it because they want to, and those are rhe ones that should be killed.

Titainia turns her eyes to Akita and they growns cold for a moment "I got no problem to kill, Akita-sama but I don't want to start a war if it not necessary, the people is already frightened enough as they are…" she turns her attention to Karasu "to guard the Bastille is no problem, I have been keeping a magic shield over the Bastille since King left with Iki, no evil can get through…" She sighs "just keep the killing to a minum, only kill if you have to and it will be a quick death "

"I am sorry to say this my queen, but the war is here already, someone only needs to pick up the first sword..." he said with a sigh "And of course no innocent blood should be spilled. And with all due respect my queen, the shield can be broken... We do not know how many magicans he has.. And several of his underlings has been in the city..."

The shield needs to be for all, in or out.. for everyones best.. and if its broken a alarm must ring too all of us and the once on patrol.. *covers his mouth* might we move on? *coughs*

"…." she sighs and sinks back in her chair "lets move on"

Radek takes her hand and smiles. "Let them deside my dear." he kisses her hand and looks at maki then. "Want me too help you back? If your too weak."

Hm don't worry yourself with me my king.. I just wish not to spill worse then blood before you all.. it wouldn't be.. very pretty or proper.. and you can not get to the Stag tower easy, you know it has no stairs *chuckles soft* thank you for the concern

Radek luagh some. "Yeah, i remember when i tryed, funny memories."

*Akita looks around and nods some* So what's next on todays order of conduct?

"Of course... The royal children and their, if you will exuse me for being so bold, complete lack of manners...
Fleeing into the forrest, getting hurt or kidnapped.. Leading to the state Victor-san is in now among other things... It is all due to a deal your daughter made with Domenique Hawthorne, she would stay and Victor-san would be released... If she however left, then Victor-san would take the fall.. Or the youngest prince, Iki, aiming a gun at Maki-san...
We need to protect the children but also make sure that these sprees stop, or soon you wont have any children left..." he said looking both strickt and worried.

" you don't need to worry about them anymore....Cassandra is missing and we got no trace on where she is, Axis won't probably never leave the castle ground and Iki is already In the dark lord claws " she looks empty out in space and pulls her hand away when Radek hold it " Damon...Damon is a grown man, he can take care of himself but we have guards that is keeping there watching eyes on Axis and Damon "

"I am well aware, but for the future... And we also need to prepare then for the day when they sucsess the kingdom.." he said and closed his eyes, rubbing his temples to clear his head.

Keep the meeting up, I will be right back and do not worry I will hear *smiles before his body slumps over on the table*

Karasu looks at him exhailing deeply "Please make your way back as soon as possible Maki-san.."

Victor raised an eyebrow. He didn't yet know that the oldest prince was back. He didn't talk about it though, it felt unnecessary at the moment.
"I've become a bit wary of the royal guards. They had problems keeping Cassandra, as well as the other children in the castle. It was no wonder that they were captured, when the guards seem to be so easy-going about their job. I think we'll have to somehow discipline them, too." Victor said, sighing slightly.

"I agree... Let us do something about that as well.. Well then lets move on... We need to imporve the comunication between the guilds as well as between the guilds and the royal family... No more secret plans, alone rescues.. It would be unbearable to the kingdom to loose anyone at this table for the time being, so we have to coperate..." he said and sighed "So how about a meeting every month instead of every half year, to make sure that the new laws are working, I want to know how the mapping of the villages goes, and everyone else should be aware of the same information."

*Akita has kept silent for a while and sigh some as he knows Karasu and Victor are both right* I can ageee to better communication between us all. I may not aprove of the "no more secret plans"-thing, but I guess it's for the best for now. So more frequent meetings is a good idea right now. And I'll keep you updated on the mapping of the villages. I've only just started so I haven't had any result yet, but I have asked for weekly updates. So I can share that with all of you then.

"Indeed it is nice to keep some privacy to ones plans... But for now it's better if we stand together.. So we that several guilds don't do the same thing." he said with a sigh, but nodded thankfully at Akita as he said they would be keept informed.

Victor nodded. "No secret plans, I can promise that I won't keep plans or anything like it to myself and my guild. I'll spread the word as soon as I've got something." he said, smiling faint.

"Thank you for the confirmation Victor-san...
Then is there anyone else who wishes to add anything on this point? Or should we move on to the last topic of this meeting, but in my opinion the most important one.."

I have nothing further to add. *Akita rubs his head some* What's the last topic then?

*gasps and sits up again* nnh..kh.. yes

"Moving on then..." he said sighing deeply "I wish I did not have to adress this subject but it has caused quite a bit of disturbence in the kingdom and so I am left with no choise..."

*clasps his hands together* I'd believe none of us likes it but.. it is a must now

*he frowns and looks between the others* Caused disturbance? What have I missed?

"Well... All the laws the king is breaking.." he said with a deep sigh "At first I only heard about it by rumours, but by now I've gotten my fears confirmed...
Our king is no longer loyal to our queen, he has broken the sacred vows and the bond that is marrige by bedding someone else... To make it worse, he did so with a child, someone who is leagaly not allowed sex. And.... It was his own son. An abomination I cannot look away from." he said and his eyes grew cold.
"Maki-san knows these things as well, and the people are talking about it, no longer trusting the royal family because of this, some have even come to despise their king.
So what I wish to know is, was anyone else aware of these crimes and sins? And how to deal with it? We cannot let anyone stand above the law... Not at these times, and it would be impossible if the whole royal family and the guild leaders were above the law... So I wish that we, as we would with any crime, decide what to do. Knowing the normal punishments for these crimes would be exile from the kingdom, for life."

What? *he gets up as if he got burnt and looks at Karasu and Maki and then over at the king when he hears what the king has done and with whom.*I had no idea about this and have not heard a single rumour. *a low growl escapes him* No one is above the law. And I believe exile is too mild in this case. *he rests his hand on his sword and a cold glare show up in his eyes.*

( i just have too play along then, nothing i say wouldent change it anyway. *sigh* )

Radek gets up. "The rumors arent true. How could you even think of me like that?" he looks hurt on Karasu. "im the king, i love my wife, my children. I would NEVER do such a thing with my own son!"

Karasu lets out a heavy sigh looking at the king "I wish I could say I belive you, but people have heard how you talk, and people saying they've seen you kissing your yonungest son... I had to look into it, as is my duty as one of the leaders of this kingdom.
And I trust Maki-san and what he saw... So I am terribly sorry to say it's because of pure facts that I think it about you."

Yes.. I wish my eyes wouldn't have seen what it has but.. I can not control what I see.. but I know what I have seen.. so please do not attempt to deceive us.. it is something very illegal and doesn't set a good example..

Victor seemed to feel a bit uncomfortable, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "How do you know these things? I've never heard of it before..." he seemed a bit surprised.

Titania that had been quiet all the time, suddenly stands up " ENOGH!! " she looks cold over all of them "..we will solve this problem later..our primary is to take care of the dark lord"

Karasu looks tierd rubbing his own temples "First there was the rumours in town, I could not belive them myself... So in order to find out just how much was true I sent people and birds out to keep an eye open for me... But in the end I consulted Maki-san who confirmed my fears." he anwserd looking at Victor.
He then turned to the queen with a firm look on his face "With all due respect my queen, we guild leaders rule this kingdom as well... And this has already reflected badly on all of us and is an equally important matter as the Dark Lord." he saif with a deep sigh.
"And how can we keep the law in the country when one of the worst crimes we have had amongst our own for a long time is ignored, and everyone in the Bastille will soon know of it."

She sighs " I'm well aware of the problem Karasu-sama, I know about the rumors and they have been confirmed, I will take care of the problem, " she glares at Radek before looking back at Karasu and smiles softly "could you and you other Guild leaders handle the Dark Lord problem for a while, I will try to calm the people of Bastille…and the rumors "

*opens his total black and red pupiled eyes looking around* It is not with any sort of pleasure I confirmed this or even new of it.. I do not choose what I see or hear.. but he is right.. and we in this council are suppose to be a role model, just like we leaders are suppose to be the embodiment of our guilds values, the royals are too be the same but with the law.. mmh I think we can trust our queen with this matter, I will know most likely, even if I don't like it, if it keeps occurring.. so we may drop the subject for the time being *he seems strained*

Radek just stand thete quiet. He looks at Maki. "..."

Karasu nodds agreeing as Tatiana says she will deal with the matter "As long as it's dealt with I will not utter a word of complaint." he said to then put his hands together "And with that, this meeting is finished, unless anyone else has any matters they wish to take up..."

If so they'll have to finish without me.. I don't believe I can stay much more then a moment longer.. meeting closed *closes his hands together, slowly fades to smoke and then gone*

*he keeps back what he really wants to say and just nods* Very well. Meating is over.

Victor didn't say much either, he just shrugged and nodded. "Meeting closed."

Karasu nodds "Meeting closed.. Untill next time." he said with a sigh before standing up to leave.

Victor got up from his seat pretty quick, and stumbled towards the door while leaning his weight on the crutch.

Titania stands up to "have a nice evening gentlemen's…Be safe " she says softly before leaving

*he gets up and nods to the others* Until next time then. *he walks after Victor and looks at him* You need any help back down Victor?

Victor smiled faint at Akita and nodded slightly. "Ah, thank you, I'd appreciate that."

*he nods and smiles some as he puts and arm around him for support* Any time my friend

Karasu looks conserned at Victor, he walks to the door and holds it open for them...

(hai there is a lot to be considerd, and I added to the text so please read again.)

( hi hi, läste. )