"So, I notice that you have rooms for the Vis." Morex commented into the icy silence.

"That is correct." Scythis replied in a low tone.

"You actually expect them to come? I don't even think they can talk-"

"It's a mere formality. All major powers were invited to this summit, and the Vis were included in the rarest hope that perhaps they have some desire to communicate with us."

"Oh, Scy, they communicate quite well with their actions! 'We don't like you, so now you all die!'" Alister gave a sharp laugh. Myris noted pointed ears and a faint, elven music behind the eerie shrillness of the vampire's voice. She'd heard tales of vampires, but in person they seemed less like the wraiths of legends, and more like freakish elves. Then again, the Granna had some pretty elaborate myths about elves.

"Alister," she asked softly, "Are you at all related to our Elven host?"

He frowned deeply at the change of discussion. "Only as vampires have evolved beyond their weaker elven ancestors!"

"Ha!" Scythis cut in sharply. "Alister, you're a first generation vampire and you know it! You were born an elf and a bit of blood magic doesn't change that! It isn't as fun as it seemed, is it? All the fancy tales of blood elves, vampires... Ariel-"

"Lies! I am second generation, elf!"

"Could we all just dine peacefully?" Calixia asked softly. Her face showed great compassion, her eyes shimmering.

Alister frowned, but left to circle the room silently with a plate, piling it with generous helpings of meat and grapes. When he sat down, he noted the lad's eyes on him, and smiled. He laughed inwardly as the boy's eyes widened.

The vampire gently plucked a slab of meat from his plate and drove his upper jaw into the meat. He couldn't help but grin at the boy's shocked reaction as the meat dried in seconds, shriveling into a gray husk. It was a simple trick, which every decent blood mage had to learn to survive. But it was always brilliant to watch human reactions to it! He set the meat, an eighth the original size, down upon his plate. Something as small as that was barely satisfying, but it was enough to at least content him. With a wide grin, he eyed the Carifixian boy's arms with a lick of lips. Now, that would certainly be a satisfying meal...

Everyone was completely silent, all pairs of eyes on the latecomer; all except for Morex's.

With a frown, he looked up and asked aloud, "So this is the first time we've actually done this. It's interesting to look at the personification of all you nations. Granted, if Granna and Quifro weren't at wore, we could crush you beneath our technologically superior foot, but that sure ain't happening!"

"Why not?" Myris asked honestly.

"To be fair?" Craen suggested with a shrug. "And don't be too sure of your strength. The Carifixian Empire numbers far greater than you!"

"Is it true that your nations are both suffering losses of mages?" Alister asked suddenly.

"Well, 'tis not a grand loss. If you need more, you can take ours The Carifixian Empire certainly doesn't need any of those dark arts!"

"By the 5 gods, the only reason your army of trained apes gets anywhere is because we're all squabbling!" Alister replied with a laugh.

"Well, nobody ever bothers us.” Morex added sarcastically. “All these relations going on the mainland! And Granna and Quifro are only talking to each other! We should have a quick piece and go for a stroll through all these nations. Maybe launch a few missiles…”

“You launch a missile, you’ll be one down. That’s one Granna city that won’t fall, and one Quifro that will be destroyed.”

“Well, Myris, it seems we’re at a standstill for now.”

“Seems so, Morex.”

“So if the vampires were to invade you,” Alister chimed in, “would that end your cold war?”

“How are the vampires getting there? Our imperial forces are in the way!”

“Well, my dear Craen, we can take a SHIP. That, or we go on a raid through you. Whichever one is cheaper, I guess. Say, Scy, what do you suppose is more expensive: 1 boat, which can hold 12 vampires, or 12 vampires?”

“Vampires? Well, the boat obviously.”

“Compliments on the delicious meat, Scythis!” Morex called between mouthfuls.

“It was dry at best.”

“Only because you literally sucked it lifeless, vampire.”

“Oh, quiet Scy. You and I both know I stopped eating food long ago! I don’t suppose you have any servants you don’t like? Oh, Craen! How much will you take for the boy?”

“How much ya’ got?”

“Colonel!”

“What, Tim? It’s not like he’s going to eat you. Besides, it’d be good for diplomatic relations.”

“Well, hello and welcome!” Everyone blinked at Calixia, mysteriously standing at the door. Her stealthy movements were less surprising then the recipient of her cheery welcome.

Myris gaped at the figure, praying that yet another myth would be proved false. The figure before her was the very image of Granna myth. The black-robed figure was the very image of their Death.