Page 43 of Owned By the Orc Warlord
"More than impressive," Grimna corrects. "Revolutionary. When did you last see this kind of cooperation between groups that were blood enemies six months ago?"
Never, is the honest answer. The collaborative spirit filling the settlement represents something genuinely unprecedented in my experience—unity based on shared values rather than mere tactical convenience. What began as desperate alliance has evolved into genuine community.
"Where's Zahra?" I ask, noting her absence from the organized chaos.
"Final preparations with Khela and the other warrior women. Something about traditional ceremonies requiring separation before the claiming." Grimna's expression grows amused. "Apparently, seeing your mate before the ceremony brings poor fortune to the union."
The superstition makes me smile despite my skepticism about such traditions. Zahra has faced down dark elf sorcerers and coordinated impossible battles—I doubt ceremonial timing could significantly impact our relationship's durability.
But traditions exist for reasons beyond mere superstition. They create shared meaning, transform personal moments into community celebrations, bind individual choices to larger cultural narratives. If observing ancient customs helps integrate our unusual union into familiar frameworks, the temporary separation serves purposes that extend beyond personal preference.
"Rogar!" Thresh's voice cuts through the morning bustle, drawing my attention toward the settlement's eastern approach. The young warrior's expression carries urgency that immediately puts me on alert. "Riders approaching. Single banner, moving under diplomatic protocols."
Visitors during wedding preparations—either fortunate timing or carefully planned coincidence. I make my way to the watchtower, noting how quickly the collaborative atmosphere shifts to defensive readiness. Allied warriors move to covering positions while maintaining the appearance of normal activity.
Through the tower's observation ports, I study the approaching delegation. Five riders, their mounts bearing the distinctive breeding marks of the Greycliff territories. The lead banner displays formal diplomatic symbols rather than war paint, but the riders themselves show the alert posture of warriors prepared for violence despite peaceful intentions.
"Greycliff envoys," I report through the communication crystal. "Unknown intentions, but they're observing proper protocols."
"Shall we greet them with standard diplomatic courtesy?" Grimna's voice carries the subtle question that accompaniessuch situations—are these genuine negotiations or potential threats disguised as peaceful contact?
"Full honors," I decide. "But with appropriate precautions."
The delegation that greets the Greycliff envoys includes representatives from every allied clan, a demonstration of unity that serves multiple diplomatic purposes. We're not just the Stormfang receiving visitors—we're a coordinated alliance capable of presenting unified positions on matters of mutual interest.
The lead envoy dismounts with formal precision, his movements carrying the careful dignity of someone accustomed to representing larger interests. His tusks bear the gold inlays that mark senior diplomatic rank, and his armor shows the functional elegance that speaks of wealth applied to practical purposes.
"Chieftain Rogar of the Stormfang," he says, inclining his head with exact protocol. "I am Kazak Ironmane, speaking for the Greycliff Alliance. We come bearing formal proposals for your consideration."
"You are welcome in our territory," I reply, matching his diplomatic precision. "Though your timing suggests either exceptional coincidence or careful planning."
"Careful planning," he admits with a slight smile. "Word of tomorrow's mating ceremony has spread throughout the territories. We wished to arrive before the celebration, both to offer appropriate congratulations and to discuss matters of mutual interest."
"Such as?"
"The establishment of permanent trade agreements between our territories. Mutual defense pacts that formalize the cooperation your recent victory demonstrated. And..." He pauses, studying the assembled representatives with obviouscalculation. "Recognition of new leadership structures that acknowledge merit over traditional bloodlines."
The last point carries weight that extends far beyond simple diplomatic courtesy. By acknowledging Zahra's position within our alliance structure, the Greycliff territories would be endorsing the principle that capability rather than birth determines leadership authority. Such recognition could cascade into broader political changes throughout the region.
"Ambitious proposals," I observe. "What does the Greycliff Alliance expect in return for such recognition?"
"Advisory services regarding the tactical innovations that secured your victory over Lord Dravik. Shared intelligence about dark elf military capabilities and strategic intentions. Most importantly, consultation regarding the integration of refugee populations into existing territorial structures."
The requests make strategic sense from their perspective. Our victory has attracted attention throughout the borderlands, inspiring other groups to consider resistance rather than passive acceptance of dark elf dominance. But effective resistance requires coordination, intelligence, and tactical expertise that most communities lack.
"These negotiations would require detailed discussion," I say. "Complex agreements involving multiple territories and interests."
"Indeed. Which is why we propose establishing permanent diplomatic exchange—representatives who can facilitate ongoing coordination between allied communities." Kazak's expression grows serious. "The defeat of Dravik's forces has created opportunities for systematic resistance, but only if scattered groups can achieve the kind of unity you've demonstrated."
The conversation continues for over an hour as we explore the implications of formal alliance between the Greycliffterritories and our own coalition. The proposals they've brought represent the kind of political evolution that could transform the entire regional balance of power—decentralized networks of cooperation replacing traditional hierarchical control structures.
But it's the personal recognition embedded within their formal proposals that feels most significant. They're not just acknowledging our military success or tactical capabilities. They're endorsing the principle that individuals can transcend the circumstances of their birth to achieve positions of genuine authority.
"One final matter," Kazak says as our initial discussions wind toward conclusion. "We understand that tomorrow's ceremony represents more than personal union—it symbolizes the formal integration of human leadership into clan power structures."
"That's correct."
"The Greycliff Alliance wishes to send formal observers to witness this precedent-setting event. With your permission, of course."
