Negotiations

In the morning, Alina went to the newcomers' camp - alone. She stopped at the very outskirts of what seemed like their own makeshift town. Wooden, wall-less houses were haphazardly put together. The only things that didn't look like they were about to fall apart were the vehicles.

Four men aimed weapons at her, and she raised her hands in the air coolly, "Don't fuss, gentlemen. I'm only here to talk."

"Check her."

They pat her down and one said, "Clear. No weapons."

A voice came from behind them, "No weapons? Now that is quite stupid. Walking into enemy lines without even a knife."

"As I said: I'm only here to talk."

"Then talk we will. Walk with me."

Alina went the furthest into enemy lines she had ever been... and she wasn't afraid in the slightest.

"Now. What would a strong tribeswoman like yourself come, unarmed, to an enemy camp?"

"The chief sent me to negotiate terms."

"Terms, I assume, are more than just suggestions."

"From the chief, they are negotiable. From me, however, they are more warnings."

"Might I remind you that you are in my camp, and I won't allow some island girl make threats against me."

"Might I remind you that you are on my island, and I won't allow some outsider tell me how to speak."

He frowned and narrowed his eyes, but his expression softened a little. He nodded for her to speak.

"As you and your men so politely came ashore, I have a few things that you should know. Past the beach, there are unmapped land mines that you should heed. I don't know how many there are, so it's best you leave the rest of the island to us. We wouldn't want someone to lose a leg, now would we?" She smirked at the slightly agitated Englishman.

"If they are so unmapped, then how do you get around?"

"Unmapped by you, sir."

"Very well. The forest is off limits."

"Oh, but that's not all, sir. See, you killed seventeen tribesmen. That is something, I'm afraid, I cannot ignore."

"What do you suggest we do?" He was getting quite annoyed.

"Well, it's quite simple. Either you and your men leave this place within the coming week and never come back again, or you dispose of those dreadful vehicles that pollute this air more than that fire you started yesterday."

"I'm afraid those vehicles are necessities for us..."

"Oh, that's fine, I already took the liberty of disposing of two."

"That was you?! You killed five of my men! And many more with what your men did to them..."

"Well, excuse yourself, sir! You murdered SEVENTEEN of my men! So sorry if yours are weak-minded!"

A few soldiers approached the fuming tribeswoman, "Should we deal with her, sir?"

The general put a hand up, "No need. Be off."

Alina looked down at him, her tone seething with anger, "You have your choices, general. You best choose wisely."

She turned and left a red faced general. He didn't realize that he had been tense during the whole conversation. He felt confusingly relieved after she left.

Alina returned to the inner village and immediately went to her father's location. She lowered her hood and breathed out, "I have given them the terms. They have until next week to decide, or we teach them not to mess with Suoyou Fùqīn."

He gave a proud grin, "Excellent, Alina. Your mother would be as proud as I am now."

She hugged him and went out to look for Chan to tell him what happened. This better work.

~

Hey there, readers! I hope you're enjoying this fanfic! Bear with me here because this story is just getting started. Tell me what you think of Alina's character and hit me up if you had any ideas!

. MKE .