As Yorun slowly wakes and his soul his pulled away from it's want to go to The Wayrest he opens his eyes and groans at the pain though he sees Gira who quickly checks him over now that he's awake. Yorun lets her do her work as the last of his wounds heal then he stands up though he can still feel the pain.

  "It'll never not surprise me how far we've both come since Orakin" Gira said

  "Indeed, this life is by no means anything I'd imagine I would end up with. Fighting the very gods will, shaking the world and fighting someone who froze most of the worlds water. My face, this scarred face of mine is known across the realm now, I've met ancient monarchs. Even saying it all out loud is insane to me" Yorun said as he relives it all in his head

  "It is, far less insane what I've been through but not many village healers who've gone to the elven empires magic institution" Gira said laughing a little

  "True. I should go check in on the others, especially with Hykalin in the cells" Yorun said

  "Is it really a smart idea to keep him locked up?" Gira asked curious about his perspective

  "Were it up to me entirely I would have killed him outright at least if possible, Helimiral asked for mercy if possible. Hykalin is dangerous but if Helimiral is right then he'll be a useful dangerous in the future. Other than his possible use later though it shows Helimiral we are also serious of his opinion and respect him which will empower his thinking when he takes the throne" Yorun said with Gira nodding in response

  Both leave and head to the war room where everyone including the envoys and Helimiral are gathered, they all turn to the door as Yorun walks in.

  "Well done beating my brother" Helimiral said

  "Hardly say beat, it was effectively a draw in terms of might but the overall circumstances compelled him to surrender" Yorun said

  "Still more than he's ever had happen so take it as a victory" Helimiral said as his hand landed on Yoruns shoulder and he pulls him over to the war table

  "With Hykalin off the board all that leaves is non imperial family leaders, sure there will technically be myself but we'll come up with something to ensure I can be within the capital when needed" Helimiral said

  "Indeed, leaves little problems in our path" Yorun said and he immediately saw a flicker of doubt on the envoys faces as well as that of Sunhale

  "What is wrong?" Yorun asked as he looked at them all

  "The leaders of the worlds empires and solitary kingdoms are calling for something thats not happened in a thousand years" Peaceful Winds said

  "A Ratashatar. Rare but important meeting between leaders of the world or if it's deemed too dangerous it'd be via envoys with magic to directly connect to the ruler they represent. Often watched carefully by the Gods and even with the chosen of the gods typically in attendance" Golanier said

  "No surprise you know of it considering the last one was against you and you slaughtered it" Ruukam said

  "Fuck" Yorun said as he leaned his head back sighing

  "The primary reason for it's calling is to discuss you, Ghairlakriars awakening shook the world both physically and emotionally, everywhere in panicked. Though it has been noted not only by our homes but others that you warned us and that you have alliances with world powers. The entire war will be discussed and this could be your chance to win some new allies possibly bringing them properly into the war as well" Sunhale said

  "Well that is at least good news" Yorun said

  "Even better news is the Collective's Council wants to meet you before then, the sooner the better. They, even with Ghairlakriars awakening, have determined you to be far more trustworthy and forthcoming than they'd expected plus the warning of Ghairlakriar definitely made that better. They are open to a direct conversation with you and the other representatives" Ruukam said

  "When are both of these meetings set to happen?" Yorun asked

  "The Ratashatar is set to be in two months within the neutral territory of the Ghozi, given our general neutrality to everyone and good connections to all chosen and particularly the gods" Peaceful Winds said

  "That makes sense, the Giants Collective?" Yorun asked as he looked at Ruukam

  "In three weeks, the different members of the collective can convene then as well as all those who will be joining that day" Ruukam said

  "That is more than fine" Yorun said

  "Our governments are also very happy with how you allowed us to look at Ghairlakriar as she was raised from the dead. Undead or not, her corpse is a gold mine of information that we've longed for" Yanikast and Dyre said receiving a nod from Yorun

  "In the meantime have our forces advance, begin new sieges or backup the elven sieges that remain. Better that we not give Durinkals forces a rest" Yorun said

  "A sound decision" Golanier said

  "Helimiral, let's go visit your brother" Yorun said as he looked to Helimiral who just nodded in response

  Both men walk out of the room and head down into the dungeons, as they walk down the stairs and the cells come into view Helimiral looks to his brother and the two lock eyes, one saddened to see the others eyes with a betrayed look. Yorun and Helimiral approach the cell but stay away from it enough so they cannot be grabbed through the bars.

  "I have made my feelings clear chosen of Raeknar. I am loyal you shall get nothing from me" Hykalin said

  "I know that and despite my previous words there is a little I can respect of that even if only a small amount. In this instance I am merely an observer, afterall we already have the person we need to get any information you'd be able to give us" Yorun said

  "Thanks to my traitorous brother" Hykalin said as his gaze moves back to Helimiral

  "I am a traitor to our family and the state but not my own honour, not my men and when the war is finished with faster for it the people will not see me as such either" Helimiral said

  "Because you will have the throne, they will be loyal to that and not you" Hykalin said

  "Just as you are right? Will you abide your traitorous brother then?" Helimiral asked

  "Then? Yes, now? I'd just as soon cut your throat for your betrayal" Hykalin said

  "I've never understood your viewpoint Hykalin, due to one thing all previous feelings about my 'betrayal' will vanish simply due to the position I'll take up? The loyalty to the empire itself seems noble on the surface but you'll defend the most horrible insane actions from the one on top because of it with no visible care for what those actions were. Why?" Helimiral asked

  "Why shouldn't I? Look at our world little brother, we are nothing, we are mortal. In a world controlled by gods who can make it dance to the tune they so wish for it to do so, our only impact that is felt so far down the way is the societies that we create. This empire has existed for four thousand years, it's weathered tyrants, it's weathered conquerors and countless wars. Before then? There were kingdoms we yet still know the names off and yet we know but few of the people and even fewer the actions taken then. The empire continues, it's name and enough of it will continue long after we will so why not keep it standing as long as possible regardless of who rules it" Hykalin said

  "And before those previous kingdoms there were others and even other empires. They lay forgotten by us at least, yes these actions, people and everything may be forgotten except the empire itself but why care? It's proven we'll always make new societies, somehow some way so why defend it itself and not those that live within it now? When we die one day everything will come back on us, we will see the empire fade into and then out of memory everything you defended while the indifferent decisions are used against you. You are no evil person, I know that because I grew up with you, you were a fantastic big brother yet the decisions you make just make you complicit in our fathers actions" Helimiral said

  "I have said my peace Helimiral, you will not so easily change my opinion on this matter" Hykalin said making Helimiral sigh

  "Apparently so, rest well Hykalin, I soon will not be able to just come and visit so easily" Helimiral said as both he and Yorun left the dungeons

  Hykalin watches them leave as he then closes his eyes thinking on his avenues for escape yet he knows anything even remotely possible would not happen for quite some time. The others of the fortress continue about their business for the next few weeks until the day for the meeting with the Giants Collective comes. Yorun and Sunhale meet with the envoys as well as Master Arlan of the Woorailan Empire before teleporting to Gianlocarn, Yorun looks around and sees no giants in the area they've teleported too.

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  "This area is for those bringing people who aren't giant so they do not just get stepped on" Ruukam said before walking away from them then growing to their natural giant size

  Ruukam kneels down carefully and puts their hands to the ground which everyone gets on, Ruukam then stands and begins to walk through the city, everyone looks around at the decently normal city despite the size of everything, what is unusual is the stares and the giants leaving a path through the crowds for Ruukam to get to the collectives council quickly.

  "They know who you are, they see me then you and are wary considering your predecessor" Ruukam said

  Yorun just nods as he now begins to notice kinds of giants he hasn't seen before, previously he has only ever seen giants that look like normal humans just as big as mountains yet now he sees giants that resemble Elves more, Djelir and even at least one that bears similar horns to the Kalrin that Golanier belonged too. Several others as well even if the humans and elves are the most plentiful at least in this city.

  "Never seen other members of the giants race have you?" Ruukam asked noticing the look upon Yoruns small face

  "Admittedly no, seems I had the wrong idea of you all just being well giant versions of humans" Yorun shouted back up to Ruukam

  "It's a common joke that the gods got lazy when making us so we are quite literally just giant versions of others, likewise with the dwarves just being the inverse" Ruukam said

  Yorun laughs a little as they continue to walk through the city until they reach an exceedingly large building, more so than the ones already seen throughout the city, it's got several guards surrounding it clearly more on guard than ever before. Yorun however sees a familiar face waiting outside, Joolak looks at them and smiles at them.

  "Hello again" Joolak said

  "I hope you are well Joolak" Yorun shouted to the giant

  "I am and I am here to help you out, let's head inside the council awaits" Joolak said

  They all get brought inside by Joolak and within is a room of massive proportions with three giant seats yet clearly there used to be more of them as Yorun sees the room is far larger than necessary for just the three chairs, upon those three chairs however Yorun sees three giants, a male human one, female elven one and a djelir one. Yorun and the others are placed onto a table in front of the seated giants. One of the giants, the one in the middle of the three leans forward.

  "You stand before the council of the Giant Collective, we three chart the way for our people from this building or similar ones across the world. I am councilman Wilaak, the elven giant to my left is councilwoman Rin'eer and the djelir giant to my right is councilmember Qinnara. Today we look to your someone bearing the same magic that nearly wiped us from the map. So many of us were killed that this council even a thousand years later bears the visible wound of our fallen" The human giant councilman now known to be Wilaak said while motioning to the empty chairs

  "Though we have heard well of your exploits and that you have good allies, as well as the reports from Ruukam that you are at the very least forward thinking and hospitable despite your predecessors presence" Rin'eer said

  "Amongst this all you even warned us when you would shake the world despite no alliance between us making such measures necessary. Now with the world coming together to discuss the goings-on in this rebellion of yours we deem it time to personally take your measure" Qinnara said

  "Then what must be done?" Yorun asked

  "We shall hear from everyone you brought alongside you, they will give testimony of your character and what you seemingly plan to do from their perspective. Then we shall hear your own words. First we shall hear from the Djelir and Dwarven emissaries. We know them well and it gets two done quickly" Qinnara said which cause both Yanikast and Dyre to step forward and place a magical object infront of them which floats up

  "In the time we have known Raeknar here, he has been a good man, he has had troubled times which lead him to where he is now but I have no doubt as to the fact he will leave the Fiernian Empire in better hands even though they will not be his own. He has been accommodating and suffice to say even more than willing to learn things he had not known previously which has made him far more openminded" Yanikast said with his voice projected out louder through the device so he and the others need not shout or use magic

  "And he has been fair in his dealings with our governments, his power is a terrifying one, he could just as easily have decided to be snide and give us very little or even nothing but his dealings were proactive and generous, he put his foot forward and asked us what we wished for and then accepted the fairest deals we put forward on our governments behalf. He even outside of our deals allowed us and several of our people to come and witness the awakening of Ghairlakriar's corpse despite never needing to do that" Dyre said

  "That is enough, we thank you both we wish next for the Ghozi to step forward" Qinnara said with Dyre and Yanikast stepping back leaving the magic object where it is as Peaceful Winds floats forward

  "As you know we Ghozi stay neutral and as such I will give strictly the facts as I have seen them keeping any personal opinion away from this. As such the chosen that stands before you is the chosen of a god of death and justice, he fights directly for that justice and yet also has personal goals of which I am keeping to myself by reason of honour though I will assure you it is nothing that would effect the giants. Currently he is winning this war, he has faced several chosen and awoken a world power after being the one to kill that self same power. I have heard his ideas for the future and it will leave giants alone and he would be more than willing if asked to aid the giants where needed. He also did not take advantage when the Ghozi offered favours of our gods which speaks of his character more than words can" Peaceful Winds said before floating back to the others

  "We thank you Peaceful Winds, now for the elven Master Arlan. It is an honour to host you here" Rin'eer said as Arlan stepped forward

  "It is as much an honour to be here. Unlike the others here today I have only met with the necromancer today, my position itself keeps me within the borders of Woorail and typically sending out the emissaries. With that in mind I can give only reported facts and the opinion expressed by Monarch Isaile of my home empire, is this acceptable?" Arlan said

  "More than acceptable Master Arlan" Rin'eer said

  "With that said, the necromancer, furthermore referred to by 'Raeknar' has been a... unique entity since his emergence. He only became known to us when Gantoral fell which was the first reported battle amongst gods through their chosen in some years, there he was far less refined and yet he worked with our agents, our forces and even came to our empire to both learn from us and allow us to study his magic. He has been at times disrespectful and even done things that have angered our population however he has endeared himself to Monarch Isaile, they were the one who brought forth the possibility of an alliance and more than that they chose to ally us with him before telling our council of it. Monarch Isaile trusts him which tells me everything I should ever need to know of his character without ever even having heard the conversation they had, he even promised to return our peoples bodies once this is all said and done which furthers his character" Arlan said

  "Thank you Master Arlan. Now how about the other elf that accompanied you, your name is unknown so if you would please speak it before giving your testimony" Rin'eer said as Arlan walked back to the others while Sunhale stepped forward

  "I am Sunhale of Lar'Tureak, previously in service to the military of Woorail. I was one of the groups sent to Gantoral and was the first to make contact with Raeknar here, at the time he was weak and unknown however I knew nothing of what happened a thousand years ago and as such was intrigued by his magic. He gave us a way into the city and that alone gave me enough pause to go against the usual way we did things and approach him, while our teamwork then was a battlefield decision, that day's events are what drew me away from the elven empire eventually. I say with full certainty I consider this man a firm friend now and above that I know his past and his vision of the future, he wants to get rid of the current leader of the Fiernian empire and replace him with another, he himself will not take the throne as he has no want for that and afterwards until the empire gets itself on its feet again his army will stay to keep order and ward off other empires from taking a bite into the Fiernian empire. Other details and such I will not divulge until a full alliance is given as I am sure you understand why given unlike Master Arlan I am a direct leader and contributor to Raeknars side of the conflict." Sunhale said making the three giants nod

  "We do understand, we thank you Sunhale of Lar'Tureak" Rin'eer said

  "Now all that is left is the necromancer himself" Wilaak said and Yorun steps forward while Sunhale heads back

  "Tell us necromancer why should we not fear you and your power especially when the one who tried to wipe us out is under your command?" Wilaak asked

  "Asking you not to fear me is foolish, no doubt there are many among you who remember all that Golanier did, I know Joolak here certainly does. You know what the magic I have can do and now I have Ghairlakriar something even Golanier dreamed of. Nothing I say would make you not fear me so all I can do is explain what will happen should you deem me trustworthy and to make an alliance. As I explained to Monarch Isaile, once this war is won another will ascend the throne, I want nothing to do with the business of ruling once this is done, however the region of Gantoral and its surrounding regions will leave the Fiernian empire alongside the fortress I currently possess to become it's own kingdom or whatever they decide to name it. There will be where I stay, that area is personal to me and even there I will not rule. You should this alliance be made will have good relations with the Fiernian empire and this new kingdom as well as me personally, while the once living humans and elves of my forces will leave my command and be returned to their families any undead created via Ghairlakriar as well as her herself will stay with me. I will not seek to conquer and on that I swear to Raeknar" Yorun said

  "Swearing upon your god and specifically one who controls death is a good one. You plan to keep a large force and Ghairlakriar however?" Qinnara asled

  "A hard sell I know, but I think it can be at least agreed that someone who is a chosen of a god of justice is better to have such a thing than any nation plus this small nation that will cede from the empire will be off to a rough start even with my presence. These alliances more than help with that and give far more incentive yet the corpse of Ghairlakriar both as a warning and a resource is even more so" Yorun said

  "Give us time to confer, I believe we've heard everything necessary" Rin'eer said

  Yorun nods and looks to the others, Ruukam and Joolak pick them up and walk out until 20 minutes later they are called back in, then placed back onto the table. Yorun steps to the magic object once more and looks at the council.

  "Your decision?" Yorun asked

  "We will make an alliance with you, similarly to the elves we will help militarily however not nearly as much. We giants are more wary especially given how much we lost a thousand years ago. So only those willing to follow with Joolak into combat will do so, we only ask for the good relations you say would be given and we also ask that you do not raise the bodies of our people should they fall unless they themselves tell you when they join that they do not mind. We leave that to them to choose. Other than that? We need nothing else, we will fully support your ongoing war when it comes to the political side especially in the upcoming Ratashatar. Is this acceptable?" Wilaak asked

  "It is, even the political help will be more than enough but if you are putting the rest forward as well that is fine" Yorun said

  "That alone reinforces our decision" The councilmembers said in unison

  "We should be returning home, you likely have an announcement to make now to your people" Yorun said getting a nod from the council

  Ruukam shrinks and teleports onto the table as Yorun teleports home with everyone. Yorun and Sunhale both take a sigh of relief more than thankful for what has now happened. The giants finally forming a formal alliance, greater news than they could have hoped for with the long memory of the giants, yet now only remains the Ratashatar in the near future a meeting of even higher import and with far more nations and leaders who yet have no connection to them. However Yorun does not let it get to him, he remains positive riding the feeling of their good fortune as the world prepares for a meeting of the nations...