"We've lost so much already. We don't want more war, more destruction, or more reasons for the Empire to target us. But we also can't continue losing our people to harvesting operations. If this offers even a possibility of stopping that, we should try."
Others murmured agreement, the survivors particularly motivated by desperate hope that something might change their trajectory toward extinction.
Finally, Madayanti called for formal consideration.
"We vote. The proposal is: authorize a small team infiltration of the Imperial capital, led by Jorghan Sol'vur, to reach the Emperor and deliver a direct warning about the consequences of continued elven harvesting. No assassination unless team safety requires it. No unnecessary violence. Strictly a deterrence operation. Those in favor?"
Hands rose around the circle.
Not unanimous, but a clear majority. Even some of the more conservative clan heads recognized that defensive strategies alone weren't working.
"Those opposed?"
