PoV : Empress Elinor (Wait … what’s up with Iris?! How long?!)
Recap: Our Lich Empress had a heart to heart with her royal guide, Tal’tamine, and offered her support for the throne, that is, if she can make herself useful to Elinor. She exposed the fractures in their current political system and pokes the girl to see how she’ll respond.
Once finished, Elinor had her meeting with Yesenia, and was … disappointed. The snake-woman had broken after the attack, death of her children, and blinded by revenge. She was basically a willing puppet for Demon, and he promised her everything she hoped for … except, to accomplish everything she wants, Demon must gain Elinor’s powers. So … we are at an impasse, which is fine, Elinor expected it to be this way.
Now, we will see the Nalvean arts … what awaits us?
I want to thank my patrons for continuing to support me:
Anthony Hess, Jymbo, Edward Ravenbear, KingWoh, Ethan, Ryan Devine, Braincase, and my other Patrons!
Elinor stopped in the hallway with a small smile on her lips, glowing green irises following a procession of several dozen Nalveans soldiers from the Seaweaver Legion passed by the door. The timing was rich.
Tal’tamine seemed somewhat confused by the large company of soldiers making their way into the hallway. Edmon stood at attention beside her; Violet was in her human form again, web creeping out in preparations for a fight.
“A trap?” Violet asked.
“Only attack if they initiate,” Edmon instructed. “It was a precaution on the High Seaweaver’s part.”
Elinor entered the conversation, turning to the side to give Yesenia an amused gaze. She pulled Klaus into the discussion; the man was nearly outside her communication network, forcing her to go through Lecra’Moro and Quin to reach him in the northwestern Nalvean town near the capitol.
Clever, Demon. So, Edmon, you were right. We need to adjust your plans, Klaus; Demon has infected more than one mind within the Nalvean power structure.
Yesenia seemed to be enthralled with her own thoughts to notice her or was communicating with Demon for all she knew.
Elinor moved to the left of the doorway with her maids, standing beside the Nalvean princess to allow the Seaweaver Lieutenant in charge to enter the room. He gave both Tal’tamine and her a respectful gesture before greeting the snake woman.
“Sea Empress, the High Seaweaver has informed us that you require an escort; we are at your command.”
Tal’tamine cleared her throat; the soldier’s entrance was surprising to her but not threatening. “Should we continue the tour, Empress Elinor?”
She held up her hand to indicate she wasn’t ready to leave, communicating with her subjects while listening to the proceeding inside the room. Edmon was keeping track of the Emperor’s meeting through Castella at the same time.
The princess seemed confused at the gesture but fell silent, probably hoping for an explanation. Elinor let the girl stew.
Yesenia couldn’t understand what the Nalvean said, and so Elinor had Edmon translate; the Lieutenant appeared pleased by the aid, nodding to her Gatekeeper.
Edmon’s intrusion brought the snake woman’s focus to him, vision narrowing. “Still translating?”
“Yes. I will continue to translate until my Empress orders me otherwise, Empress of the Sea.”
“… I don’t like the problems you bring, Empress Elinor,” she spoke the last bit with a touch of venom, which surprised the Lieutenant and Princess since Edmon repeated it without fault. “Tread carefully.”
The tension escalated a bit on the guards’ part as Elinor responded, only half-seen in the doorway. “I am here to build alliances, Sea Empress; of course, depending on the partnership, enemies could be brought to your door. I hope you remember that.”
With those departing words, Elinor motioned for her troubled escort to follow her out; her entourage fell into step, and Tal’tamine hurried to catch up.
“Empress?”
Elinor continued to ignore her questioning stare, absorbed with her internal discussion.
What a trap that would have been, which was reasonably accurate given my state of mind when Demon last spoke to me. I feel threatened by Yesenia, feel safe, and attack to raise her … Demon sacrifices Yesenia while sending a small army to trap me. I am captured, my support killed, and thrown into a dungeon to give him time to corrupt my spirit in peace.
“Indeed,” Edmon responded, walking slightly behind her. “Demon is willing to sacrifice Yesenia to obtain your power. She won’t see it that way, though.”
Klaus’ tone became troubled. “I see … things are worse than I figured. While the Emperor has his own goals, we have the Royal Faction, then there’s the Seaweavers, Head Captain, and the City Statesmen. The question is, which side is on Yesenia’s team and which is actually with Demon? I didn’t figure there was a group using Yesenia as a pawn, but it seems to be the case.”
Edmon released a low hum. “The Emperor himself might be dancing to Demon’s strings. It’s a tactic that seems far too probable for such a manipulative creature. He gets support by creating problems between groups and exploiting their reliance on him to come up with a solution.”
Elinor slowed to a stop at the end of the grand hallway, glancing back at Yesenia; the snake-woman was moving in the opposite direction.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Demon has wormed his way into one of the Royal Faction’s minds. Yesenia is a rallying point for a few scenarios Demon could pull the trigger on. We must discover which is Demon’s best option to prepare an appropriate counter.
The situation was a bit sad to Elinor; if Yesenia had proper support as she had, then perhaps she wouldn’t be in such a sticky web. Demon was manipulative, and she couldn’t predict what angles he’d taken to turn her so against her, but in the end, it wouldn’t matter. Manipulated or not, she was an obstacle in her way.
Turning down the conjoining hallway, she finally addressed the princess. “Step delicately, Tal’tamine; more enemies are surrounding us than you know. Let’s continue the tour.”
The princess took one last concerned glance at the long tail that slithered around the corner before nodding. “… I’ll keep it in mind, Empress. Please, if you could follow me to the Pool of Remembrance, it is the place our master stone and gem masons create dazzling works of art. The theater has been a yearly event where the winner will have their piece immortalized within the palace for generations.”
“Hmm … interesting,” Elinor replied, gaze absently following the expert craftsmanship of the halls and odd artworks that mostly involved the sea. Although, her mind was still in council.
“It will be difficult to determine that so soon, Empress,” Klaus commented. “Now that we have shown the Nalveans your strength, they will be on guard for any signs of their people being turned. How are they responding to Castella?”
Elinor listened attentively to this report while acting as if Tal’tamine’s tour interested her; it wasn’t as if the armored salamander’s culture didn’t fascinate her; there were far more pressing things on her mind to pay their art much attention.
Edmon’s low rumbles passed through the private network. “As could be expected. At first, the concept frightened them, but High Ruler Nukulara seems to be a man of vision, as you mentioned, Klaus. He sees the benefits and dangers of the Empire.”
“He seeks more information, then?” Klaus asked.
“They’re turning that way. The High Seaweaver has recently joined the discussion and is trying to turn Castella into a double agent. She’s a good soldier but very honest. It was best to allow her to tell the Nalvean Royal Council that she cannot be turned and would have to report such attempts back to you.”
Klaus chuckled softly. “They backtracked?”
“Of course. They are simply trying to determine the depths of what has happened to her. She is now being dismissed to wait outside unless they need her.”
“Smart,” Klaus mused. “They may not know about the Nexus, but once she said she will make a full report, dismissing her was the only option. Now they know without a doubt the potential power the Empire holds, which will force them to take you seriously, Empress.
“Yesenia will seek to turn them against you, but it will take some time for her to convince at least one of her allies, likely whichever is tied to Demon. Whoever is a true believer of Yesenia will see you as an enemy when the woman gives the word. You’ve taken the first steps at cementing yourself as a kingmaker.”
Elinor allowed a pleasant smile to brighten her expression while following the princess; her little 12-year-old maid was getting a thrill out of listening to the explanation, and Elinor gave the girl a bit of leniency to press for small details that interested her.
The Emperor sees me as a potentially powerful ally and dangerous enemy, which takes us from neutral to friendly. Yesenia’s supporters are now unfriendly but not entirely hostile. How goes the relationship with the City Statesmen?
Klaus took a moment to gather his thoughts on the matter. “There are two parties with a few neutral candidates looking for a winning side. One of those should be swayed by reviving a deceased son, but the others will be more difficult, and his support will be a public incident.”
Must we make it public? Elinor questioned.
“It would be favorable in the light,” Edmon added. “We generate a positive public image of the Empire within the Nalvean’s minds, and returning a beloved war hero that is loyal to you and stands to gain precedence as a Statesman is a good public relations move. If he can then improve the conditions of his people, we could gain even greater support for your religion to take root.”
Good point, Elinor whispered, catching Violet reverting back to her spider form.
She turned her attention back to Tal’tamine as she showed her a large red gemstone monument of a Nalvean standing victorious over two Quen’Talrat. “What is the story here?”
The princess’ eyes lit up with excitement upon her inquiry. “Omikuruba, one of the last great warriors of the Fire Wars! He single-handedly vanquished two Quen’Talrat Commanders.”
Intrigued, Elinor released a thoughtful hum, but the news dampened her mood.
Omikuruba … they’re impressed by taking out commanders; that’s Amra’Cora’s rank, I believe, which is commendable, but if this is one of their greatest champions … I’m beginning to doubt anyone from the eight races is at the level of Transcendent.
“Tal’tamine…”
The princess turned her reverent eyes away from the statue surrounded by fountains to give her a questioning look. “Yes?”
Elinor’s focus moved between all of the statues within the visible library; there were multiple levels to the mezzanine, extending the gallery several open floors, but she suspected some of the most exquisite pieces would be front and center.
She gestured at the stone and wood articles that surrounded the extravagant veranda. “Out of everything here … all of your history … was there anyone you believe rivaled Ke’Thra’Ma in combat ability?”
Tal’tamine’s expression blanked for a moment, head tilting to scan the works surrounding them. “That … is a name few Nalveans use,” she whispered. “We normally refer to him as the White Cancer.”
Elinor had to refrain a soft chuckle at the name her ability translated. “… The White Cancer … I suppose he was somewhat of a cancer to many of the races. Were there any champions that could have faced him in one on one combat?”
“I … cannot say, Empress,” Tal’tamine’s tail flicked to the left while rubbing her left arm. “I was not born during those years … only my two eldest siblings were alive during that time, and the stories of his brutality are … not pleasant conversation … the things he did to many Nalveans.”
The girl’s grip against her forearm and tight muscles increased for a moment, drawing Elinor’s attention. “Something wrong?”
“N-No, but…” Tal’tamine shifted a little to the right to face her, face showing a conflicted expression. “Empress … if you can raise the dead, and you have Quen’Talrat soldiers…”
“Ah,” Elinor giggled softly, moving around the ruby statue. “It would be a natural conclusion. Have I raised Ke’Thra’Ma? No, I haven’t … it is possible, though.”
The princess’s arms pressed against her chest, hurrying to keep up as her tail swung back and forth to keep her balanced while jogging. “Why would you do something … resurrect a creature so dangerous? What if he became an enemy … no one can control such a monster, I hear.”
Elinor’s tone drew on the girl’s fear. “As I said, I have not, but it is possible. Hmm … tell me more about each of your legends.”
Tal’tamine seemed somewhat reluctant to continue after the disturbing direction but pressed on with the tour. She was not stupid, and telling a necromancer about your strongest dead heroes had to bring up the topic of her returning those excellent champions to life in some manner.
Level by level, they climbed the circular spire that surrounded the outer edges of the thick balconies. Elinor passively observed the Nalvean arts, distracting herself from Iris’ continual ping going off in the back of her mind. Things weren’t moving anywhere on discovering a dead candidate that could help her Spider Queen.
Violet wasn’t showing it, but she was worried about her mother; the youngest of the Spider Sisters performed her duties without exception, though, keeping a watchful eye for anything that might threaten her.
On the third layer, Elinor casually watched the engineered water systems pumping red liquid from the great lakes into grand water-themed artistic displays that certainly wasn’t something practical on Earth. Only a few wooden and stone pieces were used to enhance the floor’s design.
She had been shown famous battle scenes, some form of gemstone painted floor designs that shifted color with water, immortalized scholars carved in stone, warriors, and High Rulers of the past, but none interested her from the feats given to them. A few might have reached the upper Grades within her army, yet she was looking for something to specifically aid Iris.
It was on the fourth level that something finally caught her attention. The sun had long since fallen, but red candle-like blazes were lit throughout the castle by Nalvean serving staff, casting a warm glow that could even brighten the vast open spaces of the Royal Galleries.
Crafted out of a solid amber material was the humanoid figure of a genuine angel. Elinor halted upon seeing the model; it wasn’t impossible to run across a human-shaped creature in a world that commonly saw visitors from other dimensions and planets but to see such a mythical, realistic representation caught her off-guard.
“Oh … Empress?” Tal’tamine asked as she stopped dead in her tracks.
Aileen’s small lips dropped open with wide-eyed wonder upon seeing the amber statue. “Emelina, Emelina,” she hissed, pointing at the center of the platform, “it’s an angel; she’s so pretty!”
Edmon’s grip tightened behind his armored back. “This was constructed long ago; there’s no way it was crafted within the week. Have humans been here before … or is that some other creature found in this world?”
Wishing to know the answer herself, Elinor slowly moved forward, studying the piece of art. “Tell me about this,” she commanded, vision following the feminine curves of exquisite artisanship.
“Angel?” The princess mumbled, clearly not understanding the word. “This is one of the artworks that was brought back from our conquest against the Quen’Talrat; it was called Aviary Flight of the Morning Dew.”
Ke’Thra’Ma? No, there’s nothing like this within the collections I’ve seen. He must have gotten it from somewhere else … he was a collector.
The floor was generating a soft mist that made it appear as if she were standing on clouds, two feet above the floor. Crimson aquatic rings were somehow spiraling around the angelic woman, defying gravity, and a warm, upward glow cast the amber figure in light from bowels of fire surrounding her.
Elinor made a closer examination after taking in the full scope of the mysterious theme the Nalveans crafted around the statue. The angel was probably 5”9 in height with thick, flowing back-length hair, propelled by an invisible wind. She wore some kind of crest or crown that didn’t obstruct her wide runic halo hovering above her head; the circular object was impossibly thin.
She had six magnificent wings sprouting out of her mid to upper back; the top four were double the length of her body. The longer appendages gave her a noble appeal, hosting three layers of various sized feathers that were so finely detailed, Elinor couldn’t imagine a craftsman fashioning them, and the wing’s frame appeared metallic, smooth, and curved in a fashion that could be used to spear an enemy.
Her lower two could have been fluffed tail feathers that were as long as her entire frame, but to Elinor, they seemed more like partially developed wings or a smaller pair held at an awkward angle.
She was well-endowed by human standards when it came to curves and attractive looks, which was accentuated by the angelic, metal-like one-piece swimsuit she was wearing. Every piece of armor she wore was expertly designed with etching.
Upon further inspection, she followed the main piece of her swimsuit with her eyes; it left her shoulders bare, and a chest piece covered her upper breast and collarbone, protecting her core while surprisingly leaving part of her bosom and sides with only the cloth covering.
The underlayer was some kind of metal-cloth hybrid that was also seen around her biceps, but from her elbows to the back of her hands were light gauntlets with similar designs as the chest plate, and a massive inverted reuleaux triangle gem was crafted between her chest and neck.
A two-tiered frame was attached to the bottom of the swimsuit around her wide hips, showing off her firm thighs, and a singular, thick halo accessory fixed to her side in some manner, holding a thick silken sash that was wrapped around her left thigh to her knee. Completing the fantasy outfit were gilded, skin-tight boots adorning her shapely legs.
She honestly looked like she’d just exited some fiction concept art panel. Her features were defiant, lush, full lips held in a glare that was meant for a foe she hated, but there were no weapons in her delicate, gloveless hands.
Tal’tamine had been relatively silent, observing Elinor and Aileen’s actions; they’d paid far more attention to this statue than any of the previous, and even Emelina seemed quite taken by its beauty.
What are the chances … do you suppose there is a race like this in the north? Ke’Thra’Ma had to have gotten it from somewhere, and among his conquests on Demon’s errand seems like the most likely…
Violet interrupted her thoughts, causing Elinor to pause in her critical study, lips falling a bit to stare at the ramp leading up to the third floor.
Yesenia is coming? That’s sooner than we anticipated.
The princess was growing more quiet and observant since they’d first met, withdrawing to attempt to understand them more. She wasn’t dense and quickly noticed the snake-woman’s approach from the floors below. Her jaw tightened upon the personal reveal, but Elinor was too focused on the upcoming encounter than the salamander’s reactions.
Yesenia slithered up from the floor below, reptilian eyes shooting a scathing glare in her direction, but she doubted any of the Nalveans could grasp her mood by facial features alone. Elinor was a tad surprised she still hadn’t retrieved her human interpreter, but several Nalvean Seaweavers were hovering around the woman.
Out of everywhere in this massive palace … what are the odds? Do you think she’s keeping the other humans from me for a reason?
“Most definitely,” Edmon responded.
She considered contacting Klaus, but he was still busy looking for any leads regarding a Transcendent candidate she could resurrect, and that took priority.
Yesenia was the first to speak, suppressing her hissing tone; she seemed to really hate what she’d become, which she found odd since the seed worked with your desires. “I see you’ve discovered my favorite place in the palace,” she grimaced, stopping a few meters away to gaze upon the structure. “… Beautiful, isn’t she.”
Favorite place in the palace … I can see why since it would remind her of home.
Elinor turned her attention back to the stunning work of art. “I can say I have not seen such exquisite craftsmanship … even on Earth. Despite it being entirely composed of what seems to be amber.”
“… No, that is part of its allure,” Yesenia whispered in a longing tone, slithering to a different angle. “Amber is a balancer … it dissolves negative energy … I can feel it while in her presence. Just the image of such an angelic creature … have you found any peace since coming here?”
All that filled Elinor’s chest was the distress of what was keeping Iris away from her, but now that Yesenia had mentioned it, that jarring emotion had faded somewhat upon pouring over the statue.
“In comparison to what this world has left inside me … I suppose it has helped to some degree. What do you know about it?” She asked, casually walking to the figure’s back to examine the opposite side of her wings.
Yesenia didn’t respond for a time, vision softening while gazing on the lovely face of the angel. “… She’s my hope for peace.”
Elinor lifted an eyebrow. “Peace?”
The woman didn’t respond, seeming to ignore her question.
She opened up a connection to Edmon. Humph, peace? What kind of peace is she thinking; inner peace … because it can’t be external?
“Most likely. She feels trapped. Perhaps she was religious, and this is a symbol to her?”
It would make an excellent addition to my Palace. Elinor mused. It might elicit a sense of peace, but it is more than a little striking with what the Nalveans have done. Perhaps we can bargain for it in the future. After all, it did once rest inside my capital.
Her focus returned to Yesenia as she finally turned her gaze away from the six-winged angel. “… The High Ruler has sent for you.”
“Oh?” Elinor hummed. “I suppose your communicator will be joining us?”
Yesenia’s calm features started to turn annoyed again. “No, Elgan won’t be … because I have you.” She smiled. “You can translate for me.”
Elinor’s lips lifted a little as she walked back toward the stairs. “Of course, I can do you this favor, Yesenia. Tal’tamine, you know where your father’s council chambers are, I presume?”
“Yes … I do,” she softly replied while keeping up with her casual retreat. “I am getting the impression that you two are not on the best terms.”
Edmon, Violet, Emelina, Edmon, and Aileen were by her side.
Elinor released a mild chuckle. “Yesenia is … blinded by her hatred. Perhaps, in time, we may find ourselves with the same goals, but for now…” She paused at the foot of the sweeping wide spiral staircase, glancing back at the woman; she was absorbed with the statue again. “She is standing in you and your siblings’ path to the throne. What do you know about a whispering shadow that promises you things in your dreams?”
The girl’s tail soon stopped swaying so strongly. “… Shadow, as in the Harrowing Black?”
“I don’t know what your people call it,” Elinor shrugged, noticing dozens of Seaweaver soldiers now meandering about the galleries with an amused smirk. “Just be aware that there is a foe far more deadly than Yesenia that looms behind her.”
The rest of the trip back to the throne room was filled with many more military units mixed with the palace guard. Security was tightening down between the Head Captain and the High Seaweaver, each in charge of a different Nalvean army branch.
Castella greeted her with a bright Nalvean salute as they entered the waiting room before the council chambers. “Empress! I await my commands.”
Elinor smiled at her new recruit. As was expected, her armor had been stripped off the woman, leaving her with a rather plain silk sash that barely went around her left shoulder.
Tal’tamine’s clawed hand flew to her fanged mouth in horror. “C-Castella … why are you wearing submission robes? That’s … you’re so exposed … here, here!”
The reaction was somewhat surprising as the princess unwound a few of her silken attachments off her arms for the former Lieutenant to wrap her body in.
Castella held up her hands with what appeared to be a grateful smile from the emotions she felt from the soldier. “I’m afraid I cannot, Princess. I am no longer a member of the proud Nalvean Palace Guard. All that I had belonged to the Core, and so it must return. I will wear what my Empress decrees.”
Elinor giggled. “Then your Empress orders you to dress modestly by Nalvean culture, Castella. I don’t wish people to start talking negatively about how I dress my soldiers.”
“Of course, Empress!” She responded with an embarrassed chuckle, accepting the offered silk. Elinor’s opinion of the princess had risen by that short exchange, but Tal’tamine gave her a proper bow and salute to dismiss herself soon after.
“I am not allowed inside such meetings, Empress Elinor. I hope to see you again.”
“Hmm…” Before she could take her leave, Elinor held up a hand. “One moment, Tal’tamine … Castella, Emelina, accompany the princess. Prepare me a room with her; it would be good to have someone I’m familiar with nearby.”
“… Are you sure, Empress?” Tal’tamine hesitantly inquired, glancing between Edmon and her maids as Emelina gave a low curtsy; internally, she was telling Aileen that she would be there for her in case she needed any advice or help. “The … you are the ruler of an Empire … would it not be more proper to bed in the appropriate chambers instead of with … well, with just me?”
Edmon connected to her through a private link within the Nexus, tone suspicious. “Elinor, I would advise against the action; we are not sure of her allegiances, and all of this could be an act, propagated by Demon, her father, or several other possible threats.”
Noted, but we must take some risks to gain ground, and we need to build a solid foundation. Plus, this will drive her siblings to seek me out … after all, their sister has gained a leg up on them. She snickered. It may be rash, but I’m also beginning to become fond of the girl. If she is as devious as you believe, she could be of even greater use to the Empire.
“Hmm … I suppose.” He gave Violet a warning to keep close tabs on the Royal Seaweaver.
Elinor’s gaze drifted to the wall with a small smile on her green-tinted lips. “A fair point … if you could guide Emelina to an appropriate room, then that would be wonderful. Oh … and conscript some guards to bring your bed into my temporary quarters. I believe we still have much to discuss together.”
Before she could issue any more complaints, Elinor walked through the council chamber doors that Aileen opened; she didn’t even have to be prompted.
Excellent work, Aileen. You’re doing so well.
“Thank you, Empress! Hehe, Head Maid Emelina said to watch you really closely when you move and get there before you.”
Edmon followed her into the room as Aileen gave Emelina, Castella, and a nervous Tal’tamine a bright-eyed wave before shutting the door and moving to stand beside Edmon. Violet took to the ceiling, crawling up near the top to wait since a few key individuals in the room had sharp enough senses to possibly sense there was something amiss within their environment.
The multitude of Nalveans surrounding the massive polygon-shaped table fell silent; there were five seats per square, which was an incredible feat, and the distance between individuals was almost absurd, but the room seemed to be designed for voices to carry.
Everyone stood as High Ruler Nukulara rose from his seat, motioning for her to take a seat on the right side of his section. “Empress Elinor,” he said in a welcoming tone, “I understand that it is late; would it be more prudent to continue in the morning?”
Aileen quickly arrived before her with Elinor’s casual pace, pulling it out for her to sit; upon inquiry, Castella informed her of the proper seating order. She paused at the chair with Edmon beside her. “I do not require sleep, High Ruler Nukulara; I appreciate the offer. If this council feels fatigued, then I can spend more time with your darling daughter.”
The Emperor chuckled, taking a seat. “Oh, did her company please you; what did you take away from studying our arts?”
When the ruler sat, Edmon bent down on one knee to hold out his hand, offering it for Elinor to use as a platform, and he smoothly lifted her up to give her more comfortable access to the padded chair. Once situated, Aileen scooted her chair in, and everyone else took a seat within their own orders.
“Hmm … you have a very unique style of craftsmanship in some regards, especially the method in which you employ water into their designs. It is tasteful. Although, I suspect you might have guessed the statue on the fourth level would most catch my attention. In my previous world, we called them angels.”
“Angels … yes, they certainly have a very … peculiar shape and blend with their feathers. The similarities between the human race on your planet and it are … striking, I must say. From what I’m told, they are not real creatures, but beings of myth within many of your cultures. Is that correct?” He asked, fingers locking into a steeple upon the table.
Elinor caught many of the Nalvean royal councilmen paying close attention to her posture, tone, and words. “Indeed,” she replied, folding her hands in her lap and keeping herself in a proper position with her abdominal muscles to not slouch or fall back since much of the back was open. “It was quite shocking to find something familiar in this world … even more so that it came from Ke’Thra’Ma’s collection.”
A stir swept the table as low mumbles were passed between members, too far for her to distinguish, which was probably calculated. The thought amused her; this table was meant for small groups to mumble between one another before speaking their opinion.
The Head Guard stood behind the High Ruler, Edmon mirroring the action.
“Ah … so, you do know of the White Cancer. Hmm … I will be candid. I don’t wish to offend you, Empress Elinor; we have questioned the Master Seaweaver, Yesenia, upon how to converse with you, and … there are mixed opinions.”
“I concluded as much.” Her ghostly green eyes shifted to each member along with the table, causing a shiver to run down their spines. “Yesenia and I have … differing opinions on the Ri’bot, which puts us at somewhat of an unfavorable position. What are your thoughts, High Ruler?”
Nukulara took a ponderous breath, leaning back in his seat while folding his arms across his chest. “I intended to follow up on your understanding of the White Cancer but to think the place the two of you disagree is something so trivial as the Ri’bot is … perplexing. My father believed the Ri’bot could be an essential asset to the Empire, which has helped lift many of our people out of less … desirable occupations that the creatures are more than willing to take part in.
“I understand that Yesenia has had some troubles with a select few, and most of them have been dealt with, or so I am told,” he replied.
The Head Captain spoke up in the ensuing silence. “Yes, High Ruler! I have seen to it personally.”
“Good. So … what more is there that you two would disagree on?” Nukulara asked.
“Hmm…” Elinor’s gaze shifted to the High Seaweaver, sitting three parties to her right. “Perhaps the issue is communication between cultures.”
The doors opened to reveal Yesenia, and she took the open spot by the High Seaweaver; everyone but the High Ruler and Elinor stood up, but Elinor took note of every Nalvean that hesitated, eyes darting to different individuals to see if they were taking action.
“Welcome,” Elinor greeted with a small smile.
“… Empress Elinor,” she curtly responded. There wasn’t much she could do with the type of entrance she’d made, establishing herself as a nation and power to be respected, and with the Emperor’s notice, she had to play her cards right.
Nukulara nodded. “Excellent … although, her interpreter is not present?”
“No need,” Elinor responded, but instead of Edmon, she sent the little twelve-year-old girl to Yesenia’s side of the table to interpret; Aileen was trying to restrain her joy at being allowed to talk. “My Maid will handle the duty.”
“Interesting … huh, so all of your subjects can interpret?”
“They can,” Elinor replied, motioning to the 12-year-old as she repeated the information in an acceptable tone. “Now, might we get down to the real reason this meeting has been called?” When no one responded, she illuminated the occupants. “I am a threat. A perilous enemy, but I am also offering a hand of friendship. I am sure we can do great things together, High Ruler. Why don’t we get down to business instead of tip-toeing around the subject? After all, I’m looking forward to spending more time learning about your culture from your daughter.”
Nukulara appeared to smile at her invitation. “Straight to the point. I like that, Empress Elinor. Sometimes I get too caught up with the political side. Let’s speak without reserve; you are not threatening or trying to insult us, and we are not doing likewise. Agreed?” he asked, voice rising as he scanned the table.
All parties responded with various degrees of acceptance.
Elinor’s smile turned pleasant. “Wonderful. Let’s begin.”
Maps:
SME’s Request:
I hope you’ve been enjoying the free entertainment! The internet is divided into different echo-chambers; you have a specific group that only hovers around specific sites/content. So, by recommending my serials to others, you give it more exposure to different echo-chambers and help it grow. Ratings are excellent, Trending is terrific, but it only will appeal to a specific echo-chamber. If you like my content, then please share it in your own unique way.
Thank you! ^_^7
Normal Plugs:
Discord Link – Growing Community =D
View and help contribute to the Wiki
Support me on Patreon and get up to:
+ 5 Chapters ahead in A Tail’s Misfortune
+ 11 Chapters in The Oscillation
+ 10 Chapters in Undying Empire
+ 10 Chapters in PokéSync (Pokemon Fanfic)
+ Access to Polls
+ All my commissioned artwork is up for free on my Patreon!
