The Grovemasters listened to the various Kirins' speeches in silence, though the mood turned decidedly colder than it had been already after Eliane finished with hers. Predictably, the eldest Grovemaster bristled in anger while the younger two practically locked up, becoming taciturn. Once it was evident that the Kirins were finished speaking for the moment, a single beat passed before the younger male mystic began to speak once more, his hands folded in front of him.
"You bring grave tidings - and dire threats. Had a relation of the Edrenian royal family not been among your party," A nod in Galahad's direction. Evidently, Neve had revealed some information when she'd first returned.
"Perhaps the mention of the Four Crystals alone may have lent credibility. As it stands, however, those entrusted with knowledge of the Four are also aware of whomst else know and pass the information down to our successors: we Grovemasters, the Edrenian royal line, Skael's Overseer, and Osprey's fallen imperial house. My apologies for my bluntness, but the presence of a Caradoc among you means that this bears no small chance to be a blatant political manipulation.""Manipulation?" The elder scoffed.
"Master Alambert, you do them too much credit. This is extortion! You heard the Skaelan: kneel to this union of Edren and Skael or face invasion. I had hoped that young Leonhardt would not be as grasping and greedy as his predecessor, but it seems that was in vain.""You would condemn Edren for its part in the war while denigrating me as a warmonger?!" Izayoi cut in, incredulous.
"What mad raving is this?""Silence, Demon!" The Grovemaster spat back, furious.
"I know full well what you have done in return! Massacres, abductions, poisoning the land. You are not blameless in this! Look me in the eyes and speak truthfully that you were not a beast as vile as nearly the whole of the Edreni war machine!"Izayoi fell silent at that, her gaze nothing but smouldering fury, unable to refute his words.
"Master Zacharias, Lady Izayoi, please! Some order!" The final Grovemaster chose this moment to raise her voice, trying to lower the tension in the chamber.
"Now, I would like a bit of clarification before we move to deliberate. The young lady there mentioned a priest of the Mother who set you on this path? May you describe this person in greater detail?""His name was Cid." Izayoi replied.
"He referred to himself as the 'High Caretaker'." The eldest Grovemaster seemed to almost choke in that moment, while the younger woman tilted her head in thought and the younger man didn't seem to react at all, as if the name held no relevance to him.
"I see. Thank you. If we could trouble you to remain here for just a while longer, we will convene to determine our decision." She rose and gave a polite dip of her head as her compatriots left ahead of her without a word.
”I'm sorry.” Neve murmured after her masters left, her expression downcast.
”If I hadn't said as much about some of you as I did, perhaps they might have listened...”"Highly doubtful." Izayoi sighed.
"The woman is the only one who seemed to not have her mind set the second we entered the chamber."___
Half an hour passed before the Grovemasters returned, returning to their seats. The eldest spoke, sounding none too happy with the decision they seemed to have reached.
"We, Masters Zacharias, Isolde, and Alambert declare henceforth that you and yours will be allowed to undergo the Trial of Tides to access our sacred crystal. The gods and Leviathan will decide your worthiness. However, Initiate Shadesbough will return to our custody. This decision is final."Izayoi narrowed her eyes, displeased, as Neve hung her head, eyes closed and hands clasped.
"Please understand," Master Isolde at least sounded genuinely conciliatory.
"Neve is arguably our most talented successor, and most certainly worthy already. It was deemed that her presence at the trial would afford you an unfair advantage. In the meantime, I will join you partway on your journey to the site of the trial, as I've business in Redwood regardless. We can discuss the specifics once we are on the road."