Council with a King (Invite Only)

Marvolo walked towards the Grimm house, her steps determined as the sky darkened, the army of grimms and allies were readying for battle and though she wanted nothing more then to kill all who crossed her and her loved ones she had a bigger war to think of. Climbing the stone steps she pulled her black and green coat tighter around her and took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

It swung open and a young Grimm answered "I'm here to see Dragon Immorta" she said stepping into the home. The young cousin nodded and left to summon the older man as she waited hands clasped.

Dragon came Down Holding a pyrotechnics, he looked up at Marvolo and smiled. "Ah miss gaunt, how may I help you?" His eyes studied her trying to see what she wanted.

"Dragon" she smiled at him they did not know each other well but she felt comfort and close to all the grimms she adored this family with her whole heart. "With the coming battle i need to seek out the eldest of this family" she explained "kronos told me I should come to you for aid"

Dragon abruptly stopped mumbling the passage he was reading and slammed the book shut with his thumb and index finger. He looked up and his eyes narrowed. "You wish to see our eldest. Why?"

"I wish to request of him to spare the lives of the Shadow family" she said suddenly aware of the eyes on her "they are to powerful to not be used to win the wizarding war"

Dragon wasn't alone in the states every one near by starred at her. "I hope he is in a VERY good mood, now, do you have something warmer you could wear, we are going to see some ice."

"I'm warm" she said with a nod "thank you by the way"

As Dragon grasped her arm she turned into his chest as they apparated, landing in a frozen tundra she felt the cold winds whip around her forcing the leather trench coat she wore to wrap around her small frame. She kept close as they walked across the ice sheet and to the stone. She examined it with fascination and as her hand was pressed into the stone she felt heat coarse through her.

Walking dawn the stairs into the underground kingdom she looked around in awe, at the guards words she remained passive her face expressionless. Once past the gate she lowered her hood and gazed around the halls in wonder, she saw the arena and smiled, this place was nothing short of amazing.

As he led her to the dragons her eyes lit up with childlike fascination, she grinned broadly as she watched the two beasts argue nipping at each other with ferocity. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear her eyes were glued to the two beautiful dragons, when her companion spoke she grinned "I do love dragons" she confessed "I used to get along with cold blooded beasts better then I do with humans"

Stepping away she nodded to him "Yes we should perhaps get going"

Dragon led her down the street to the hall as the went the scenery went by and Dragon couldn't help himself he began to give a running commentary "To our left we see The Sons of Kronos's training centre, if your patron is Kronos you train here, if you live here and all must come here to achieve full patron hood. Being a son of Kronos is cool apparently, you get a new sword, wand and necklace, each specialised for whom you are, me? I'm an Patron of Black Guard, it's a Immorta thing, you see each Clan has three patrons, because of Trinity, was an order inside the the clan's which trained them, however, to become a member of Trinity was near impossible so the order began to dissolve until the 39 members, all with Titles or Ranks, were left, these 39 were assigned to the 13 clans, 3 each, each of their patrons brought something new to its people, your Patron is chosen for you at birth, we just know, like Achilles, I knew he was a son of Vanguard, and damn she was feisty, so was Akkie, however, Kronos is a son of Kronos ironically, so he had twice the training, hence his superb magika skills. Felix, my son, in my family was Black Guard like I, however, he received only half the training as the Shadows changed his Patron to the Night Shield, so his training is different. Anyway, so the 39 became the patrons and for hundreds of years we have followed this knew way, some take years others decades to master their Patrons ways. Each person is different. Son's of Kronos live for one thing, war, their training is all about brute force, overwhelming speed and ferocity, fire, strategies and tactics and then taking a hit without being fazed, hence how Kronos survives the impossible, so when Kronos draws his blade, the chances of un Nexian trained person winning is rather slim, well, the Bravehearts were a challenge, and the Talon family are also. Anyway, Kronos has an advantage, for you see, Sons of Kronos focus on Blade and defensive and distraction magic, the Vanguard focus on all aspects of magic, agility and blocks, dodges, flamboyancy, skill with blades, Archery, Scholarship stuff like education, so Kronos has the advantage of full Training and Patron-cy of both Vanguard and Kronos, he's a force to reckon with." by the time Dragon had stopped The huge looming dark blue door with shifting colours had a Golden trimming, around its edges and intricate patterns were carved upon it. Dragon spoke "Fear is in the mind, not reality" he stared at the door for a while. After half a minute of nothingness a huge boom sounded behind the door. The large doors slowly opened, gliding soundlessly. Dragon took Marvolo inside, once the doors closed the darkness shroud lifted and they could see the halls filled with people, moving around, hundreds, Guards in full armour with Swords stood to attention and notably more on the Grimm's and Shadows area's, the Guards wore black armour with red/crmison carvings on it, the wielded similar black round shields and black swords. Dragon was holding his hand out for Marvolo's wand which he knew she'd give it to him once she had after his insisting look he pocketed it "You know I wouldn't if I didn't have too" he smiled and walked through an Golden archway with a Crimson aura, he sighed "I hate this hallway, Grimm's have the largest history so they have the longest hall. The hall was 6m high and two wide, the ceiling was curved and it was all Crimson red with black tints, there were rows of pictures with titles and dates. Each picture was a time period, an important piece of History, Dragon stopped at a picture and turned. "The Great war of Cryolen, the first of twelve. The great war was the first time the families properly fell out, it was started by The Grimm's and Immorta's, each side rallied their armies and allies, at this point, 20 family existed, Grimm, Immorta, Falconi, Purixa, Bloodonian, Vanguard, Formitada, Divine, Divided, Skulls, Armageddon, Apocalypse, Anarchy, Wolfic, Ragnarok, Veno, Venik, Halenka, Reven and Raven the war was brutal, at the end, Wolfic, Ragnarok, Reven, Raven, Veno and Venik were annihilated, those clans no longer exist, the war ended them, Grimm's wiped out 90% of them, Immorta the others, the war ended up finishing because of all the bloodshed. The truce of Varem was formed, this picture is a memory image from the final battle, the man in the top left is Averbane's great great great great grandad, which you best remember as Varem made the truce"

Marvolo walked a few steps behind Dragon letting him lead her down the halls, her eyes took in every detail she could find memorizing it and storing each piece of information for later. She listened intently to his explanation of patrons and training, part of her remembered to ask about Kronos later and if he had completed his training yet though she wasn't sure due to his young age. As the doors opened she took in the beautiful armor the gaurds wore, after sweeping her eyes over them she looked to the paintings, when she was asked to hand over her wand she did so without hesitation. Looking back at the paintings she breathed lightly "Beautiful"

Dragon smiled at her and continued to the large black doors made from tempered steel, Dragon pushed them open as quietly as he could, once open, he herded Marvolo in and closed them quietly before navigating around the large black and crimson room. Until he stood many meters before the throne, the room itself was impressive, some pillars with scenes of battles held the dome shaped roof where a large and detailed symbol of the Grimm's rested, it's shape echoed beneath it, the room was near pure darkness until a door opened and torches lit and burned on there holders. "Dragon. You better have a good reason for this audience. Especially since its with a Novan." Dragon smiled and became very aware of the 20 guards in full armour in position around the room, each one silently staring, each one still as the pillars. Dragon replied "This Novan as you say, is here by my request, true, but at her own reasons, I think you will find what she has to say rather, interesting." Dragons breath condensed in the cold room, the condensation curling and disappearing quickly. Averbane looked at Marvolo. He tilted his head and gave her a curious look. "She requested this of you? How did she know of our lands? Our hierarchy? Hmmm?" Dragon responded "She asked. She said she needed my guidance and assistance, how she knew of you, I know not. Possibly Kronos." Averbane smiled "Kronos? Kronos Reaver Grimm the second? You know that curious boy? Hmmm, Speak Marvolo Eris Gaunt, lover of Bruce Carrow, niece of the so-called Dark Lord, Tom Riddle, or Voldemort, Sister of Morana Gaunt and friend of Kronos. You have sparked my curiosity, as you know I am Averbane Reaver Grimm the thrid, high king of the Grimm's. You may call me king however I prefer Averbane." Dragon looked at Marvolo and smiled, his look clearly said "well, he hasn't killed us yet, his mood is okay"

Marvolo ignored the guards whom eyed her like she was vermin, she was no stranger to harsh gazes and this was no different. She kept close to Dragon as he walked, and stopped a few feet from the throne her eyes respectfully lowered until she was addressed. Raising her bright blue eyes to meet those of the eldest Grimm she twisted her fist over her heart in the warriors form of a salute.

"Lord Averbane" she began her voice echoing through the hall "I come to you, in dire need of assitance. As you know the Shadow family has started yet another blood filled war with your people, but this conflict does not endure your family alone." Out of the corner of her eye she could see the guards turning to listen to her as she spoke the words catching the interest of all. "Felix Shadow youngest son of Marcus Shadow, assaulted me in a open act of aggression with the aims to not only slay me but my unborn son. Were it not for Legion, Kronos' twin I would not be here to stand before you today. Acting on the orders of my Uncle and the knowledge gifted me by Kronos, I set out to kill Felix when he challenged me in battle in order to ensure the safety of my family."

"Little did I know that the act would trigger a war with the shadows and though Kronos' argues it is not my fault, I accept full responsibility for this war." she took a deep breath steadying herself, speaking to a army of death eaters was easier then this. Unbuttoning her sleeve she rolled up the cloth exposing her pale forearm covered in scars and different tattoos. Emblazoned in the center was Kronos' mark turned black by the blade that carved it, holding out her arm for the room to see she spoke,"Kronos and I share a history, he is my brother and I his sister. He has marked me as one of his as I have marked him as one of my own. It was never my intention to bring harm into your family, I have worked my hardest to keep the grimm twins alive and together we have forged a deep bond. The reason for this audience with you today Lord Averbane, is to request your aid, to end this war and somehow spare all sides. The shadows deserve to be punished but I am not just a girl I am a general. Though my Uncle is weak I have a duty to the cause I was born into, to wage war and succeed in our task but a General is nothing without her army. If the shadows are slain more then half of our forces will be gone and all work will be lost, I do not know what I can offer in return for aid but I am yours to command."

Averbane smiled his red eyes meeting her blue ones "Marvolo, I am aware of your intentions for my fellow Grimm's, Kronos and I talked, he needed to explain his actions and you came up, he speaks very highly of you, he levels you with respect as high as my own, and due to that, I will give you the same respect. A war with the shadows was inevitable, it was not Felix's death that caused it, it was the assault on Kronos, a war only exists with two or more Waring parties, the shadows recently found out if Felix's demise, the moment Kronos was attacked, he sent a patronus to the war room and it landed on Grimm then Shadow. We knew then war had begun. Kronos was the reason, Wraith Fenix was the cause. Don't blame yourself, yes now it is there motivation. However, the unprecedented assault on a innocent minor by a fully patronized warrior is unacceptable. And so it's been war. You may have noticed black guards blocking the Shadows and Grimm's halls and the fact that we are on high alert, hence my guards." He paused and moved to a large table with an ancient map, it detailed everywhere on earth, places that some nations haven't discovered. He pointed to the chair at the other side and sat in his own, Drago sitting besides Marvolo. "Your request is brave. And I don't wish to command you. As one General to another. I respect your request and approach. However. We tend not to get involved with your people's wars. How we fight is different, when we join the field, it all changes. Now, what would you suggest would be a fair payment for this favor. For my people's lives. Hmmm?"

Marvolo smiled at his words and nodded in recognition, her arms at her sides she said "I do not have much to offer My lord, I command an army of dark wizards not warriors. I am only eighteen years of age, I have no money no skills I can offer that you do not already have at your disposal. I Can only offer to return the favor should the need ever arise, wether it be to call on me and my men or to call on myself as a individual. Should you call I shall come without hesitation, nothing is above or below me. I shall do as you request till you feel the debt is repaid in full."

Averbane smiled "You believe that is fair? Wise. However, I will 've placing my best soldiers in the line of fire for you, they will bear you're symbol, however. I don't see the point of why. What makes you think you're worth the lives of my troops, why do you think we should join your side, the shadows? They're not really a threat, we out number and out match, if its a war they want, they shall receive it regardless. The 13 great war will be upon us. But, why should we fight for you?"

Setting her jaw her feet shoulder width apart she clasped her hands behind her back, any behind her could see Kronos' mark on her arm and a ripple of whispers passed through the guards "I am not worth there lives My lord" she said with honesty "My uncle is not worth there lives, but the future that I fight for, the world I am carving out of this dying generation is worth there lives. You are strong Lord Averbane as are your people, you have lived to see countless wars but never in history have our people, wizards, been dying so quickly and so drastically. The day is coming soon when muggles and muggle borns will reign supreme and we will be forgotten relics, memoirs of a old age. The future I am fighting for secures a safe future for not only us but all of wizard kind. I am not like my uncle I am not a fool, I am on a crusade for our species to secure there place in this world for good. If I lose the shadows in the coming battle then I shall forfeit any plans i can succeed in during my life time. My mortal life is short but i have made great strides in my effort to create a world where wizards are safe from harm and blood is pure it is worth all our lives to secure a world for our children to be safe because the day will come when even Nexus will fall and only by working together can we ensure it shall never happen."

"Marvolo. I guess Kronos haven't told you why we don't fight your wars anymore. Because every time we do, thousands, countless thousands die, why? Because we we're asked nicely, we won't fade because the worldwi always need tradition and experienced warriors which is exactly what we provide. So don't waltz in here and tell me we will fade. Because we won't. The shadows? Why are they so important? Hmmm? What can they offer?"

"I know this is why you refrain from the fight, but I need the shadows, I need bodies on the front lines. They are skilled more so then other wizards I employ and not so easy to kill but not a terrible loss if lost to the cause I fight for."

"Is that all we are to you? Cannon fodder? Grunts? Meat shields?"

"Not the grimms. Never." she said her voice wavering slightly "I value each grimm with the same respect I would level my son when he comes of age, forgive me sir, but the shadow family has killed one of my men and a friend of my husbands. They have attacked me and forced me to send my child into exhile away from my arms where he belongs. They are valuable but disposable when the time is right. The grimms are not, they are irreplaceable and that is not a lie, because each grimm is worth one hundred shadows."

"Do you know Kronos is terminally ill? He will die in this war and it will be your doing, not just him but Legion and Thane will follow, Dragon, I'm not sure about, but one thing is certain, you will cause Kronos Reaver Grimm The Second to die. His blood will be on you're hands, your hands will be tainted with such a young boys blood. What do you feel about that? Now tell me if your war is worth it. How many times has Kronos been pushed to the brink? Three times? I'm afraid that there won't be a fourth."

Anyone who could see into her eyes watched her heart shatter at the king's words, her brother is dying? no! why wouldn't he tell her! She shook her head biting her lip her eyes tearing at the thought "I-" her voice cracked as she tried to speak "I didn't know, we've always been honest with each other" her words were strong but choked taking a deep breath she said "Theres nothing I wont do for Kronos sire, i'll even give up this war if you tell me it will keep him alive longer, i love him, and legion, thane and dragon. I can't pursue this if it means there is no chance they will join me in victory."

Averbane watched her carefully, he smiled "You'd risk thousands for a single person? Countless lives just for Kronos?" He stood up and walked to a chest to which he dug around inside, he pulled out parchment, quill and ink, he sat down and wrote up this contract. Promising her 100 of his best and then, a peace treaty between the shadows. An end to their fight. He signed it with his royal seal and passed it to her. "Congratulations Miss Gaunt, you passed. You're welcome to this treaty. A favour for a favour. I checked for three things. Courage, strength in words and passion and love for those you wish to defend. Okay that's four, but you get my point. Kronos isn't dying, I wouldn't allow it. But thank him, because if weren't for him, we'd not be having this conversation. I'm not sorry for my games I play. I needed to know. Now, unless you have more to discuss. I'd ask you'd leave, and with my blessing none the less, stay in Nexus as long as you wish. Dragon will take you home."

Marvolo closed her eyes for a moment breathing deeply, kronos would be okay, he isn't dying. She understood the king's reason for his trickery but still her heart hammered in her chest. Looking to the old monarch she smiled "Thank you sire. I hope our partnership shall be long and prosperous" she took the later from his out stretched hand and carefully placed it into her trench coat. Twisting her fist over her heart she bowed at the waist before turning to join Dragon.