Gathering the islanders

Nervous and trembling slightly, Brunhilda cleared her throat and started speaking to the murmuring crowd, who fell silent to listen to the small oviraptor.

“Topsiders, I know my kin have brought you all harm and threats and I am deeply sorry for what they have caused. I sadly had no idea what the Queen was planning and only followed orders, but now that I know the truth, I cannot stand idly by.” she started and then looked over to Speckles, holding her closest arm out towards her.
“Thanks to Speckles, the Queen has agreed to let us attempt a truce, and hence, that is our current task. I am sure you and her followers alike would prefer this feud to end with no more blood spilt, and we are lucky that she has given us this opportunity to do just that. She gave us three days to gather as many dinosaurs as we could to form an alliance. We don’t need to be friends with them, you can hate them as much as you want for what they’ve done and aim to do, but as long as we can agree to be civil she will reconsider her approach.” Brunhilda continued, feeling a bit more confident by now. She looked back to Toast who gave her a nod of approval, she then looked back out at the crowd.
“Who is with us?”

Everyone in the crowd was talking, discussing among each other what they wanted to do. Some dinos way in the back left, whether it was because they didn’t agree or because they didn’t think it would work, they would likely never know, but those who stayed seemed to be willing to give it a try. Brunhilda was relieved to see that so many had stayed, despite the risks.
“Together, we are strong. We have always been, and always will be.” Toast said as she walked up and stood beside Brunhilda, on the opposite side than Speckles.
“Brunhilda has shown bravery coming with us up here today, she is risking her own life going against the Queen’s initial orders. We cannot let her take that risk for nothing. If you’re still here, I will assume you agree with us and will attempt a truce, let us hear yous roars! Use your anger and frustration as motivation to turn things around!” the brown cryo called out, hyping up the crowd in the process.

“…”

Some of the crowd let out roars, some of rage, some of pain and some of determination. But others remained silent, it was Speckles’s turn to rally the crowd to their cause. “Some of you know me, and some of you don't but my family is my everything. If we let an invasion go ahead our families are at risk! War is indiscriminate and I would rather see my children learn to adjust to new species and plants than face the horrors of a war!” Those that had not been swayed by the speeches of the others were convinced by what Speckles had said.

As the night began to set in, the full moon peered over the horizon keeping the work illuminated. The mermurs had mostly ceased now and with the support of a hundred or so dinosaurs from various species they made their way to the entrance of Atlantis. Turning to look back at the crowd, Speckles came to a stop, she looked over at Haze and smiled kindly. “Stay here with everyone, make sure everyone stays calm.” And with that she hugged his leg, he leant down to embrace his mother as well, though with his neck as his arms had never been good for hugging. 

After communicating that only three would descend into Atlantis to communicate the decision with the Queen, Speckles, Toast and Brunhilda made their way down through the winding tunnels. Their stomachs tied in knots of anxiety, hopeful the queen would uphold her part and agree to meet with the islanders. 

“…”

Before making their way down with Speckles, Toast and Brunhilda scratched and snuggled with Celena, who was anxiously wading back and forth.

“We’ll be back before you know it girl, don’t worry.” Brunhilda assured the worried atopo, and Toast nodded. Celena wasn’t happy to stay behind, but she was obedient and sat down without much complaining besides a little whine.

Brunhilda looked between the two cryos and nodded, determination burned strong inside her. They walked through the overgrown tunnels down to the dome and the court sceptically looked at the trio as they approached them.

“As the Queen asked, we have gathered others who are willing to cooperate, so long as you promise not to cause any harm. We would love to know if we can trust you to keep your word.” Toast said to the iguanodons, who snorted at her words.

“You dare imply we are liars?” one of them huffed.

“We are not implying anything, we have worried topsiders outside who only know the harm you have done, but they are willing to hear you out. We are not the ones who need convincing, they are.” Brunhilda clarified. “I will not stand idly by and watch as we violently invade their home. With all due respect my Queen, this is not what I signed up for.”

Some spectators could be heard audibly gasping at Brunhilda’s bold statement, and they all started to talk among each other. The Queen didn’t say a word, initially, just stood up and approached the trio. Brunhilda stood strong and didn’t let her fear show, but she was terrified.

“You are very bold, saying such disrespectful things to someone my size.” the Queen snorted in Brunhilda’s face. “You did as we asked, however. That is what matters, so insults or not, you shall not be punished for following orders.”

Toast sighed in relief as the large iguanodon started to move back again to discuss with her court members. She looked over at Speckles with a nervous smile, hoping that their efforts had been enough.

“…”

Speckles gave the Ovi a warm smile, it conveyed a pride for how strong Brunhilda had been and the bravery she had shown, even in the face of such an imposing individual. As Speckles turned back to watch the queen deliberate with her court, she furrowed her snout in concern. Despite her kind and affectionate nature, Speckles wasn't quite sure she trusted the Iguanodon. She'd seen them throw their size around far too much to feel safe in their presence.

Swallowing her fear she stood tall, the last thing any of them needed was for these brutes to sense fear amongst them nor should the others need to feel less confidence in their task. All three of them were brave beyond reason to be stood here challenging the queen's authority and she would make sure everyone received the praise they deserved when this was through. 

As the discussions between the court seemed to draw to a close, Queen Rhys turned and made her way back toward the trio. “Very well… We will meet with the Islanders to show them we are serious about this truce.” Her words were faintly venomous, only because for the first time she was not the one who had made the decision, she felt her authority had been challenged in the most rational way that she could not defend her hierarchy. This bred concern that her subjects would view this as weakness and turn their backs on her. 

Despite her apprehension in following through with this plan her logical mind won over and she made her way toward the surface, following behind the trio. A small army of iggys and euoplos following behind her as a show of force in case the topsiders tried any funny business.