8. The Proposition

“Ladies and Gentleman, Fairies and Council Members, I have come today to inform you of a most serious matter, that could affect all your lives. It concerns two species who, as I’m sure some of you know, were exiled from the People - the Veelas and the Vampires.” Gaia and Edward stood either side of Artemis, and a collected ‘oooh’ came from the Council Members as they gazed at the utmost perfection laid out before their eyes. Artemis paused for a moment to let the awe sink in. When it had, and most eyes had stopped popping, and some jaws closed, Artemis continued. “You cannot know how they feel. Exiled, for their abilities. They were banned from any contact with humans or fairies due to the magical restricitions placed on them, and only now, after so many years, has the spell finally broken down enough for them to find me and tell me their story. The vampires have gained self-control, and drink blood from only animals in abundance. They ask to rejoin the People, to have contact with the outside world, for friendship and company! Will you deny them those rights? The rights to have contact if they are mutually friendly? Their talents and abilities can also add to the People’s community, and give the People power that is unbeatable in battle. So will you free them of the restrictions? Will you let them have a free life? Will you let them back into the People?” Artemis scanned the crowd, many of whom had tearing in their eyes, including Vinyáyá. The burly elf (a gold-plated name was attached to his judge’s lectern: Judge Mussel) banged his gavel three times to silence the hubbub, though only once would have been neccessary.

“Vote!” he called. And so the Council Members either held up a red flag or a green flag. Vinyáyá held up a green one. Judge Mussel stood up, counting the flags, then smiled in deep satisfaction before announcing “Red, 51, Green 50. The Veelas and Vampires do not join us.” He smiled widely at Artemis. Artemis turned back to the crowd.

“I do warn you, I know all your secrets.”

“SECURITY!” bellowed the judge. Two more well-muscled elves came through the doors and seized Artemis by the arms, before freezing as somthing deadly cold circled their throats. Gaia looked up, glared with such intensity at Judge Mussel that he was forced to look away, before announcing,

“Let Artemis go, before I tell Dimona and Topaz to sink their venomous teeth into those security guards.” Judge Mussel nodded slowly and unwillingly at the guards who in turn, reluctantly released Artemis. Two snakes, one silver, one gold, flew to Gaia’s outstretched hands. “Now, you may want to reconsider your votes.” She looked back at the Council, and 51 faces glared back, while 50 others cowered and shrank into their seats. Suddenly a huge, muscular Siberian tiger burst through the double doors, halted at Gaia’s feet and roared at the crowd. The sound vibrated off the walls, echoed in Artemis’ ears and some Council members fumbled with their flags. Then Judge Mussel spoke up.

“That is violating court law.”

“We aren’t included, because we aren’t part of the People yet.” said Edward, in a voice so smooth that Vinyáyá fainted. Then the judge spoke rapidly into his radio.

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