Lindarion stood still in the center.
The council took their time.
Of course they did.
They wanted him to feel the space.
But all he felt was focus.
'You don't need to convince them. You need to see them.'
He scanned the faces.
Three looked too polished, diplomats. Two looked too tired, academics or researchers. One was already halfway asleep. One was whispering to an aide too often.
Two watched him like he was a blade someone had accidentally dropped and couldn't figure out how to pick up again.
Eldrin entered last.
Not in armor.
Not in ceremony.
Just presence.
He took the center seat and folded his hands before him.
The room quieted.
The doors closed.
And the test began.
—
The silence held for a moment longer.
Then one of them moved.
