Teria awoke with a start as Kajex slammed his fist against the table.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8hWDK45yW
“We can’t just let this slide!” the sentient prince shouted, his eyes literally red. “Ronisgald must answer for this affront to us all!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyt1Mb4kAq
Sighing, Jyle replied for the fourth time, “We have no way of knowing whether or not the actions taken by the Galden Security Force were sanctioned by their government.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiqrPCnxz1
Teria let out a snort and laid her head back on her folded arms. She had heard this argument three times already: someone would say that Ronisgald should be held accountable, to which someone would quote some obscure passage of the All Nations Alliance Charter. The two would go back and forth until most of the council on their feet and screaming at each other. Jyle would regain order, bringing them right back to the beginning of the cycle.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi9HfMrjS0
There was no argument that Galden were responsible for the incident at the ravine, nor that Ronisgald owed the rest of Vinta an explanation (especially seeing as they didn’t bother sending a delegation for the Council), but no one seemed to be able to decide what they should do about it.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQzJSmVWGv
Kajex suggested nothing less than all-out war, while Counciller Dreas of the Cleftan Region was in favor of a more economic punishment: embargoes and the like. King Iniagus of Wenapaj felt that since no harm had come to those kidnapped, everything was fine. Shae, the delegate from Rimstak who had been captured by the Galden force, didn’t want to act at all until it was discovered whether the Galden encountered at the ravine were acting as part of Ronisgald or as a rogue group.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9NOADqXb0
Teria’s attention started wandering during the second cycle of this argument. She was about as interested in politics as a durien was in table manners.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCi7kxUMRM
From the looks of it, she wasn’t the only one who felt that way; Mikaen and Tirinia had clearly stopped paying attention to the proceedings as well, though Teria suspected this had more to do with their recent engagement than the boring nature of politics. They sat close, their whispers barely audible. Every so often, Tirinia would blush and let out a hushed giggle.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7DmRvIMsp
It was so good to see Tirinia happy. For awhile there, Teria thought her sister would be too shy to ever even try to find a mate. Her eyes caught momentarily on the engagement pendant Mikaen had given Tirinia: a crystalline seed from the chronoan tree that housed Muonsol’s royalty.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPz5D9J37U
Councilor Dreas hit the table hard, jarring Teria from her thoughts. She wasn’t terribly familiar with the Cleftan Region but she was always tickled by the way Cleftans dressed. Both representatives were covered head to toe with all manner of clothing so that not even an inch of skin was visible. They even wore tinted goggles to cover their eyes.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46xmdRU8EM
Dreas rose to his feet, the colorful plumage of his turban bobbing with every movement of his head. “Enough of this pointless debate! Even if the Galden government wasn’t behind the attack, there were Galden soldiers involved. In the very least, the Triumvates should apologize for his rogue soldiers.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrTyOK4wxw
“Councilor Dreas, “ Jyle said, massaging his temples, “By no means am I trying to trivialize the actions of the Galden nation. The kidnapping of the Council members was an attack on us all … or perhaps you didn’t know that my daughter had been taken as well?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOlvTZFC2M
Dreas was silent for a moment. Teria wondered if he (or she … it was hard to tell with Cleftans) was too stunned to speak.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7S5t6XofB
Eventually Dreas sat back down. “My apologies.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa24IQPNnm
“Look,” Jyle said, rubbing his temples, “I want answers as much as the rest of you. However, blithely accusing another nation of deliberate sabotage is no small matter. As all of you are undoubtedly aware-”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjbFP5EuIH
Tirinia let out a giggle loud enough to draw attention from the other delegates. She blushed crimson in the ensuing silence while Mikaen did his best to look innocent.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfO9lifiGu
Jyle frowned at the both of them. “As all of you who’ve been paying attention are undoubtedly aware, relations with Ronisgald have been strained for awhile now. We have to handle this situation very delicately.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRFWWoNMba
Teria yawned loud enough to catch everyone’s gaze. Letting her head rest on her arms, she asked, “Are we done yet?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uuk9kpOO7
Flushing, Jyle said, “This is not a laughing matter.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5njeIBu0i
“The whole kidnapping thing? No, I agree it's not a laughing matter. The endless rounds of arguing and bickering about treaties and honor? It isn’t funny, but it’s definitely boring.” Teria glanced around the room, particularly at Dreas and Kajex. Even Dreas managed to look a little offended, no small feat considering his face was completely covered.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUaER62ESe
“Do you have a suggestion?” Jyle asked, glaring at Teria.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1JkmSELHt
“Well, like Shae said, we need more information.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡScygvNY7hZ
“What are you being of suggestion?” Shae asked, fully aware of Teria's penchant for causing trouble.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡphTzVLGYqz
“Simple. We send someone to go check out what’s going on over there … subvertly, of course. Sneak in, get information, and get out. If nothing’s going on, then we’re in the clear. If it’s something else, knowing their plan would give us a definite edge.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfBWAXPeJw
“Spying on another country?” said King Iniagus, his magnificent red mustache quivering at the very thought. “My dear kitten, that would be a clear violation of section 3, article 2 of the All Nations Alliance Charter.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCIgSe3Qll
“Well, what would you suggest?” Teria asked, bristling slightly over being called ‘kitten’, “Sit here on our collective asses and wait for them to try something else?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLCJlyv1xV
Shaking his head, Jyle said, “Without clear evidence that the Ronisgald Government was behind the kidnapping-”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKacGLav0U
“Here we go again.” Shaking her head, Teria stood and headed for the door. “I’m gonna go get lunch.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IwKYoZ2fk
Jyle stammered, “Wait! You can’t just-”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡn56ZPrykt5
Opening the door, Teria glanced back at him over her shoulder. “If you manage to quit squabbling long enough to actually decide something, send someone to find me, ‘kay? Thanks.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5Qqiwbs2b
She walked through the door and slammed it behind her before the Cygros could respond.Shaking her head, Teria set off down the corridor.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4TTPShOUw
Councils, delegates, Galden soldiers digging up dreadnaughts ... Teria was starting to miss the good old days where her biggest worry was preparing for the Longshore Melee.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hBghrIQLb
Mikaen and Tirinia caught up with Teria a few minutes later.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1hLrziD1l
“I was wondering when you were gonna get sick of it.” Teria commented with her arms behind her head as they approached.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡPopJhfBz4w
“They called a recess.” said Mikaen, his arm around Tirinia’s shoulder. “Nice exit, by the way.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eNIu59cVU
“Yeah, well … politics aren’t my thing. Give me a few soldiers that need a good smack upside the head, and I’m set. All that page thirteen, sub-paragraph bureaucratic bullcrap bores the hell outta me.” Teria shrugged, smiling. “At least you two seemed to be enjoying yourselves.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRVFDneV0g
“Mikaen was telling me some stories about his friends in the Knights of the Star.” Tirinia said, “Mostly about Jyle and one of his old girlfriends.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPFGyWWaw0
Mikaen smiled. “Jade Siercka. Jade and Jyle were always a good conversation topic at the Knight’s Headquarters back in Misakren. They were always breaking up … very loudly, I might add.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCeukIAuVv
“I can believe it.” Teria replied, glancing back in the general direction of the Council chamber.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡojnkY0HcVI
“We were gonna get some lunch in the marketplace.” Tirinia said, “You wanna come with?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcy8T75PhB
Teria shook her head, a crooked grin on her face. “Ah, you two go on ahead. I’d just get in the way.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYe5szO23J
“Come on, Teria.” Mikaen persisted, “It’s my treat. Besides, I’m sure you have a few stories about your sister that I’d just love to hear.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡys2VM1VueR
“Well, there was that time during the Solstice festival-” Teria said, her grin spreading across her face.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH4KPYRUO9
Tirinia’s cheeks burned red through her almost-white fur. She quickly grabbed Mikaen’s hand and pulled him away. Teria chuckled to herself as they disappeared down the hallway.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE7LJzkxCo
“What’s the joke?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaQj6Dk18z
She turned to see Maxim Windstar. He was accompanied this time by his wife, Lya Saetras.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlgX66VY1K
Lya was a typical Vyan: blue skin, beautiful masses of hair flowing from her head and the back of her arms and legs, and gills. Her gills, however, were cybernetic. Teria didn’t know the details of her augmentation, but she did know that Maxim and Lya had met while having their cybernetics upgraded.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xofj8ODGr
“I was just embarrassing my sister in front of her beau.” Teria replied. “What are you two up to?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XCSgIwBJE
“We were going to go check on Tyrn and Rydiana.” Maxim said, slipping his real arm around Lya’s shoulders.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD0rB6xw4z
“Huh. I’d let ‘em be for now,” Teria said, “Still in the honeymoon period, y’know. Wouldn’t want to walk in on anything.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb6FqpOf3u
Lya’s cheeks tinged purple. “I didn’t think about that.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5rjYI1vkL
“Speaking of avoiding people,” Maxim began, “I’d steer clear of Kajex and King Iniagus; they’re still in there arguing.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡavoaXZgvwk
“Iniagus.” Teria said contemptuously, “You’d swear that whack-job swallowed the entire friggin alliance treaty the way he keeps quoting it.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NwbsWBhcF
“Well,” Lya began, sounding uncomfortable, “He does have a point.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTKdcJWeeh
“Having a point’s fine, but he didn’t bother to suggest a solution. No harm, no foul’s not a good foreign policy, even if it does work in Wenapaj.” Teria stopped and laughed at herself. “Listen to me; I’ve been in the Council chamber for a few hours, and suddenly I’m acting like I know something.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoMnyKmPfS
Maxim chuckled appreciatively. “I’m sure we’ll come up with a plan.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kFFv8C6qP
“I just hope we do it before something else happens,” Teria said, expressing a concern she had kept quiet until now, “I’d hate to be caught off-guard if another one of those dreadnaughts shows up.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbJwpWglau
Shaking her head, she said, “Anyway, I’ll see ya’ll later, okay?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Tpws9Thp
As Lya and Maxim walked off, Teria let out a sigh. She hesitated as she passed by the doors that lead to the palace gardens. She was hungry, but she found herself pushing the door open and walking out into the cool air outside.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrJs7fBKm1
The palace gardens were well maintained. The winter flowers had begun to bloom, filling the gardens with blooms of purple, blue and white. The massive chronoan tree was unaffected by the weather, but its crystalline blue bark made it look like a giant icicle with branches and leaves.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8diECeVYp
After fifteen minutes of wandering, Teria came to a halt right next to the garden's only oak tree. Instantly, her thoughts turned to Narrator Number One. She’d seen neither hide nor hair of her old friend since the day after the kidnapping incident. It still burned her that he had forgotten her, but now that the brunt of the anger had passed, she found herself missing her old friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡpByj15MbZ3
“Glen, Glen, Glen.” She whispered, laying her palm against the oak tree’s trunk. “What mischief are you up to?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLvkeCAPmW
After a few moments, she sighed again and turned to walk away. She stopped instantly, her jaw dropping. Narrator Number One was there, in the Royal Garden, walking toward her!copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW44eJHtEG
Teria rushed over to him and gave him a bear of a hug. “Glen! I was just thinking about you!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4hsojxaux
“It’s good to see you again.” he whispered in her ear as he returned her embrace. It may have been her imagination, but it seemed like more than the sort of hug given to a friend.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5jJqxm0mI
She let him go and punched him in the arm, demanding, “What in Nocturnes took you so long?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdE2hTLYnq
“I just had some things I wanted to sort out-” His eyes narrowed. “Hey, wait a minute! I didn’t say I’d be coming back! In fact, I'm pretty sure I made it clear I was heading out for good.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgvWITfg4K
She held her hands behind her back, twisting back and forth slightly with her most innocent expression on her face.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiQ61gEnh0
One let out a sigh. “I was sleeping.” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6edLhvE3t2
“Sleeping?” she said incredulously, dropping her cute act, “It's been two months!”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8jZ51TliX
“It’s hard to keep track of the passage of time in the Dream Realm. Besides, that’s nothing. Jay’s been asleep for years.” Sighing, One added, “Anyway, I came here to talk to you.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66fWdhdRFu
“Of course!” Teria felt her heart leap as she sat down beneath the tree, One sitting beside her a moment later.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLJ5w0Ab34
After a few minutes of silence, Teria asked, “So, you wanted to talk about …?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡexdxxjzrES
“To be honest, I’m not sure myself. I was sleeping in the Dream Realm, just drifting really when I had an urge to come back here and check on you and the others. How is Mikaen?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKYEGcWT3B
“Fine. Winged. Engaged to my sister.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVn81U8B6c
“I had a feeling he’d have proposed by now.” He glanced at her. “You doin’ okay?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkKUSidrJS
Teria put her hands behind her head. “I’m me, same as ever. I missed you, though. It seemed like you were always just around the corner, and suddenly you weren’t there anymore.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7CiMjuIdy
“I’m sorry.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCtIKuCT6I
“It’s okay. I know you must be busy with the whole ‘Dreamer’ thing.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N3QHV9VnS
They sat back against the tree in silence for a few moments before Teria asked, “So … you remember any more yet?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHZqZMJuvX
“Not much.” One confessed. “I remember I landed in Yuna Lake while you were taking a bath, and that you bullied me into traveling with you.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QAvyk0ae6
“I didn't bully you, I manipulated you. It's totally different.” She met his gaze with a grin. “So, did we reach Transpere yet?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkUWbBRkwf
“Transpere?” One asked, sounding intruiged. “That's near the Cleftan Region isn't it? Why were we going there?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡckWcKVYupu
As she opened her mouth to answer him, an idestan messenger approached, saying, “Ah, Daughter Teria. The Council is about to reconvene.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsk1XSmY2A
“Thank you.” Her polite demeanor dropped in an instant. “Now go away.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VVZS6AJq7
“Council?” One hit his head as the messenger scurried off. “Right, the Council. Duh. How’s that going anyway?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCrVPbQOFg
She blew a raspberry at him as he helped her to her feet. “I’d say we’re going nowhere, but that would kinda imply that we might get there at some point. Iniagus keeps quoting treaty, Kajex is on the war path, and Jyle is trying so hard to mediate that we keep going in circles.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JC9GvwEy
“Hmm.” One scratched his head. “Maybe I could help.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jt1Il8j5y
Teria’s ears twitched at the prospect. “What, with the Council? Isn’t that a bit much, even for you?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4bSZ14QPK
“Very funny. Look, Two and I were poking around with the Breath of Fire, and we found the pilot still in the cockpit.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77SQK1xfxc
Teria’s eyes went wide. “He was in there for two months?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEVhGEDOYJ
“From the smell of it, yes.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpOziOAnFp
Teria wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Yech. Glad I wasn’t there. Was he Galden?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mx0Di1byz
“Not sure yet. There wasn’t much left. I left the body with a doctor friend of mine.” Grimacing, he added, “I should go see if he’s found anything yet. I could prepare a statement or something for the Council, if you think it might help.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmejEUYiJW
“By the Creator, yes, please. Anything to get this Council over with a little faster.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17mQGEEh2j
“I’ll see what I can come up with.” With a grin, One headed toward a door that had just appeared in a nearby hedge.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa6faKxbV5
“One!” Teria called out as One's hand closed on the door handle.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjsZC6UAoD
When he turned, she felt her cheeks grow hot as she said, “Look, I was kinda mean to you after you told me about … y'know, the memory loss thing.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpLTgsyUJA
“You chased me through the Elsewhere.” One said, looking amused.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrKkGU4d60
“I know, I know. I just … I'm sorry, okay? And thanks for still, y'know, being my friend after I treated you like crap.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRjLRVRLwf
She was sure he'd make a joke to lighten the mood. As such, she was surprised when he said quite somberly, “Thank you for giving me another chance. For what it's worth, I'm glad I was able to see you again so soon.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4FaYWCwQl
With a final nod, he exited via the CPD. The door vanished moments later, leaving the hedge whole once more.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74NSotNtHU
She stared at the hedge, lost in thought until she heard Tirinia's voice ask, “Teria?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0MMMDIEof
Teria turned to see Mikaen and Tirinia approaching. She considered telling them about One's appearance, but decided to simply wave and say, “Heya. What's up?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNjAYhwAOm
Mikaen asked, “You ready for another round of politics?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWqJPPcCjT
Teria glanced back at the hedge where One had vanished. Smiling, she walked past Mikaen and Tirinia. “We’ll see.” copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMUizGVhkk
They were the first to return to the chamber. Teria took her seat beside Tirinia and Shae and waited as the rest of the delegates filed inside the chamber.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf8QP68lHX
Once everyone was seated, Jyle coughed and said, “We’ll resume … that is, if it’s okay with you, Teria.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDU8mJYzlh
Teria waved her hand in a bored kind of way.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS4naD46Vp
Rolling his eyes, Jyle said, “The next order of business for the Council is-”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsEAjtGrOo
“Hold up a sec!” Kajex said, standing, “We haven’t finished with the last issue yet. What are we going to do about the Galden?”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw1jEo2DYo
“Here we go.” Teria muttered.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrgZPrCUyy
Kajex had just opened his mouth to continue when the chamber doors burst open. Narrator Number One strode through the open doors. Teria started to greet him but stopped when she saw his unusually serious expression.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ0YzksgMh
As Teria straightened in her chair, Jyle asked, “Narrator Number One? What in the name of the …”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbNGvs5y53
“I know who was behind the attack.”copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0vdZkECec
Everyone watched as One tossed a bloody metal pin onto the table. It bounced and clattered across the table, stopping just short of Jyle.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡaybbxLwZ2i
Teria didn’t recognize the symbol on the pin, but Jyle apparently did; the sight of it made the Cygros’s face go as pale as a sheet in a heartbeat.copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGu4nZwsxC
One nodded, his face grim. “The Revs.”73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp9JBGv7Gx
copyright protection69ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuC0HClleA
