Page 123 of The War of Four Winters

He held it out to Taelyn.

"Our people have survived wind that cuts like blades," Kudai spoke, his voice deep. "Winters that kill the unprepared. Enemies who believed we could be conquered. The strength of the north remains unbent, our resolve unbroken. But we recognize too the strength of your southern houses, and the losses. Clan Wolfheart has always fought with honor. It is my hope that the next time we meet, it will be at the feasting table and not on the battlefield.”

Taelyn accepted the medallion and stepped back.

Kudai turned to me. "King Ruith," he began, his voice carrying through the Assembly hall, "will you honor your word and return Lady Altani?”

"Lady Altani has been well cared for," I said simply. It was not a plea, not an apology. A statement of fact. Whatever our conflicts, I would not dishonor myself by mistreating a child who had been entrusted to our protection.

Kudai nodded. "Her safety was never in question. Your honor is known, even among those who have been your enemies. We are prepared to exchange hostages. Lady Altani will return to her mother's house. And in return, we release Prince Ieduin to your care."

Before he could continue, Ieduin stepped forward and fell to one knee before me so dramatically, I almost rolled my eyes. We’d practiced this a dozen times, and still they couldn’t do it without a bit of theatrics.

"Your Majesty," Ieduin began. "I come before you to request my formal release from my obligations as a noble of the realm.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught Elindir's barely suppressed smile. We both knew Ieduin lived for precisely these moments of dramatic court performance.

"My time in the north brought many new experiences and wonderful things," Ieduin continued, one hand pressed dramatically to their chest, voice rising with theatrical passion, "I saw breathtaking mountains, and mines filled with so many rare gems, they sparkled like stars. I saw a sky so clear and blue that I began to believe the old tales that we live in the eye of a giant. But perhaps most surprisingly, I met my match in another, an elf of infinite wisdom, startling strength, and compassion.”

“And a big cock,” Khulan whispered from the side of the chamber. “Don’t forget that part.”

Murmurs, coughs, and chuckles echoed around the Assembly chamber.

Ieduin shot him a look that screamed murder before turning back to the Assembly and clearing their throat. “I speak, of course, of none other than Prince Khulan. And now I come before you, begging release from my duties as a noble of the southern realm so that I may pursue my heart’s desire, and I beg one more boon of the king… A blessing of our union.”

I struggled not to laugh at Ieduin's theatrical plea, though I saw the genuine emotion beneath their performance. My sibling had always found their own path, usually the one most likely to scandalize traditional elven society. Yet here, in their request to join with a Yeutish prince, I recognized a sincerity rarely displayed.

"Rise, Ieduin," I said, extending my hand.

Ieduin stood, a flash of uncertainty crossing their features despite the bold performance moments before. Behind them, Khulan watched with barely contained eagerness, his massive frame seeming too large for the formal Assembly chamber.

"For generations, our peoples have shed blood in endless conflict," I continued, addressing both Ieduin and the Assembly. "What better symbol of our new alliance than a union between royal houses? If Prince Khulan accepts you as his chosen consort, I see no reason to deny my blessing."

Khulan stepped forward, his deep laugh echoing through the chamber. "Accept? I claimed this fierce little flame the moment I laid eyes on them." He moved to Ieduin's side, one massive hand settling possessively on their lower back. "Among the Yeutish, we have a saying: 'When the mountain chooses its falcon, even the strongest wind cannot separate them.'"

Several traditionalist representatives frowned at the display, but I noted others hiding smiles behind formal hands. Even in this ancient chamber of power, hearts recognized truth when they saw it.

"Then by my authority as king, I release you from your formal obligations to the southern court, Ieduin," I declared. "You may follow your heart to the northern territories as consort to Prince Khulan, with all honors and privileges such a station entails."

Taelyn stepped forward, adding her voice to mine. "And we formalize this union as the first of many bonds between our peoples. No longer separated by bloodshed, but united in common purpose."

Ieduin bowed deeply, though I caught the gleam of triumph in their eyes. My sibling had always found ways to turn obligation into opportunity. This marriage would give them considerable influence in Yeutish politics, a position they would undoubtedly use to further strengthen our alliance.

As Ieduin and Khulan stepped aside, I turned back to the waiting Assembly. The chamber had fallen silent, sensing the weight of what would come next. I exchanged a glance with Taelyn, who nodded slightly. The time had come for the most significant declaration of our reign.

"Representatives of the Twelve Clans," I began, my voice carrying to every corner of the chamber. "For centuries, our society has rested upon a foundation of inequality. We have taken humans as property, claimed ownership over lives that were never ours to possess." I paused, letting my gaze sweep across the chamber. "Today, that ends."

A ripple of tension spread through the Assembly, representatives shifting in their seats, some leaning forward with anticipation, others drawing back in obvious alarm.

"By royal decree, effective immediately, slavery is abolished throughout all elven territories," I declared. "No elf may own another sentient being. All people currently held in bondage are hereby declared free persons with full rights under elven law."

The chamber erupted. Shouts of protest mingled with cries of support. I raised my hand, waiting for silence that was slow to return.

"This is not a request for your consideration," I continued when the noise finally subsided. "This is the law of the realm, effective from this moment forward. The Assembly will draft comprehensive legislation to ensure genuine freedom and opportunity for the formerly enslaved. This will include provisions for education, employment, legal protection, and, if they desire it, safe passage to human territories."

"With respect, Your Majesty," Lord Seashore rose from his seat, his voice trembling with barely controlled anger, "such a monumental change cannot simply be decreed without consideration of the economic impact. Many houses depend on slave labor for their prosperity. The sudden removal of this workforce would cause widespread collapse."

"A prosperity built on suffering is no prosperity at all," Taelyn responded before I could speak, her voice cool but firm. "The Assembly will establish a transition council to address these concerns. Houses dependent on slave labor will receive guidance and temporary support as they adjust their practices. But the transition will proceed, regardless of difficulty."

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