“I’m tempted to try to talk the king out of aiding in the war out of spite.”

(You guys can do that if you want. It’s up to you.)

So basically you have a couple options. You could just return the items and walk away, not telling anyone about The Scarecrow's attack on Kholias. Or you could try to convince the King to attack with The Scarecrow's forces. 

Valar, knowing about the Scarecrows forces. " I would advise we inform the King, this is coming, and it seems there is nothing to stop it. Perhaps it would be better if he threw his might in alongside the Scarecrow's, it may just be enough to finally see this blight removed in Kholias." 

“I’m fine with whatever we tell the King, as long as we tell him something. No idea what to reply on the sending stone though.”

(You don't have to send a reply if you don't want to. I'll give you another day in real time to formulate any plans you might like to, then we'll move on this ceremony of gift giving that's being organized just out front of your abode.)

Valar thinks on it for a moment, "How about-understood, how strong is Scarecrow army in numbers, do they have magic users, clerics, when will they arrive, etc.? Something we can tell the King so he can make an informed decision, other than it is coming and it is for his awareness." 

Quote from Aaggie >>

Valar thinks on it for a moment, "How about-understood, how strong is Scarecrow army in numbers, do they have magic users, clerics, when will they arrive, etc.? Something we can tell the King so he can make an informed decision, other than it is coming and it is for his awareness." 

 That sounds like a pLAN

(The Sending Stones only work once per day. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to get your answer.)

A knock raps at the door of your little house, and when you answer it, Vasandoral stands their in more formal attire than the dark scouting gear he wore yesterday. "Good morning, please come with me. The council awaits." He sees you packing away the Sending Stone and his brow furrows, "Is there anything I need to know before the meeting begins?"

Under the circumstances. if we can't get an answer till tomorrow, I wouldn't have sent any response yet. We will respond after we speak to the king.

"We got a message from one of Lukian's companions. The prince has done something rather rash that I suspect will upset the king, and wants us to convince the King to go along with it. We personally just want to hand over the artifacts, inform the King of what we've been told and allow him to make his own decisions."

Vasandoral's eyes narrow when you mention the Prince, "What has Lukian done?"

“Understand, we have nothing to do with this. He convinced the Scarecrow that the King was going to attack Kholias in 3 days, and the prince is coming with the Scarecrows army. We were asked to convince the King to attack. We just want to tell the King what we know. We do not want to make trouble.”

Valar will add, "We feel the King needs to be informed one way or the other, so he is not blindsided by this, it seems it is inevitable that it is going to happen. Rather he be informed then surprised."  

Vasandoral walks into the room and closes the door, he then turns around and addresses you seriously. "Although I'm shocked Lukian has done this, I am not surprised. For a long time he and I have felt that we need to bring the fight to Kholias, rather than acting as grave wardens. When Loriana came to us with the promise of another truce with The Scarecrow, Lukian and I both saw it as an opportunity to pull off an attack on the city. I just wasn't expecting him to move this fast, clearly Lukian puts a lot of trust in you to convince the King to commit our forces to the battle." Vasandoral sighs, "There is an issue of course, since Lukian left the King has been acting strange. At first he seemed happy that Lukian had left and gotten away from this place. But after a couple of days he turned extremely cautious, and has been pulling our scouts back from the city. I don't know why, but this change in attitude will make it harder for you to convince him to attack the city. I believe you must do so though, otherwise the forces of The Scarecrow will likely be chewed up by the aberrations within Kholias." He looks at you all with a dead pan face.

Note-I will be away for a couple of days

I am really sick so I'm paying attention not that much right now.

All good all. With everyone either away or not 100% engaged at the moment, I can check back in later. I suppose the main question that needs to be answered is: Are you going to try and convince the King of the Fallen Elves to commit forces to an assault on Kholias?

Valar is concerned about what Vasandoral states. "Describe what you mean by Lukian acting strangely? Like completely different than he normally does?" Valar looks to the group. "What are the chances that Lukian could be under the influence of a mind flayer? What better way to take out your adversary then to encourage them to attack a strong position they don't know about. Especially the King here, there would be nothing to prevent their invasion if the King is gone."

Based on all information, Thelanis's attitude changes.
"Valar, I'm less concerned about the direct control of a mind flayer and more the general effects of being near the city. I'd wager our best bet is to do the expected and convince the king to attack."

(I should clear up that it isn't Lukian who's acting strangely, it is in fact King Ivaran's cautiousness that is out of the ordinary.) Vasandoral will nod at Thelanis' pledge to convince the King, "If that is the case I will give you some advice. King Ivaran is overly cautious and will not want to commit his forces, but he does love his son. If he can be convinced that Lukian will be in danger otherwise he may be turned around. Otherwise the fact that this meeting is happening with a committee in attendance may of use to you. If you can't convince the King, maybe you can convince the other High Elves that it is in our people's best interest to assault Kholias. High Elves are proud and enlightened people, we react well to great performances and well thought out arguments. Is there anything else you want to know before the meeting with the King?"