Teria awoke with a start as Kajex slammed his fist against the table.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8kHctwOPv
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F3TOmJt7p
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaXVQNgoiV
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGTFrXbdi7
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0MU5iuPVR
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1lzgYKR4a
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R3dxi4OmP
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NmQZz5zTT
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8mcoRymiP
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCdqvrMPrg
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoagC2XIOI
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtrK4k5CUO
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5OR4oaUkB
Eventually Dreas sat back down. “My apologies.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgF7cBLjbY
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMeznOMz8N
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwOCb9FJKl
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjp1fCfWYb
Teria yawned loud enough to catch everyone’s gaze. Letting her head rest on her arms, she asked, “Are we done yet?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bRJl8VwdC
Flushing, Jyle said, “This is not a laughing matter.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB1AfPqxmO
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTC45QmNpC
“Do you have a suggestion?” Jyle asked, glaring at Teria.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZZYWNfx6M
“Well, like Shae said, we need more information.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfW0ov7iJn
“What are you being of suggestion?” Shae asked, fully aware of Teria's penchant for causing trouble.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSHbmJ6Yv1
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHFBaT2c6N
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw0XfcPhRC
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9h4d5T8er
Shaking his head, Jyle said, “Without clear evidence that the Ronisgald Government was behind the kidnapping-”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKQAVBaa1C
“Here we go again.” Shaking her head, Teria stood and headed for the door. “I’m gonna go get lunch.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhVTvyKDEK
Jyle stammered, “Wait! You can’t just-”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaGjHXlcQI
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyYFSM9Hpu
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡolHLzssLOC
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡbno8BKSJym
Mikaen and Tirinia caught up with Teria a few minutes later.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡll4grR3DLt
“I was wondering when you were gonna get sick of it.” Teria commented with her arms behind her head as they approached.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Qz6xTT8z
“They called a recess.” said Mikaen, his arm around Tirinia’s shoulder. “Nice exit, by the way.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOvyatEUjw
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc0YbEsec2
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ot7XGnwn
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZa05P7D7E
“I can believe it.” Teria replied, glancing back in the general direction of the Council chamber.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡliqnnObuAx
“We were gonna get some lunch in the marketplace.” Tirinia said, “You wanna come with?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAzEqGnpDi
Teria shook her head, a crooked grin on her face. “Ah, you two go on ahead. I’d just get in the way.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrOo7M1zuc
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ey7ZYOK8k
“Well, there was that time during the Solstice festival-” Teria said, her grin spreading across her face.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4R0pswD0S
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq4eeEPU90
“What’s the joke?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5LeFrNSeL
She turned to see Maxim Windstar. He was accompanied this time by his wife, Lya Saetras.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKocuC43rr
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3MQZsOyxq
“I was just embarrassing my sister in front of her beau.” Teria replied. “What are you two up to?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXAIcj9VNb
“We were going to go check on Tyrn and Rydiana.” Maxim said, slipping his real arm around Lya’s shoulders.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLKnE3xboQ
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnd1nTGIDn
Lya’s cheeks tinged purple. “I didn’t think about that.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsZuFPSOmr
“Speaking of avoiding people,” Maxim began, “I’d steer clear of Kajex and King Iniagus; they’re still in there arguing.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LKoHViFHP
“Iniagus.” Teria said contemptuously, “You’d swear that whack-job swallowed the entire friggin alliance treaty the way he keeps quoting it.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2bemq5N13
“Well,” Lya began, sounding uncomfortable, “He does have a point.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6SehZWNpB
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4EMWve7oy
Maxim chuckled appreciatively. “I’m sure we’ll come up with a plan.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq1h2IbrWX
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QLwWXIs1h
Shaking her head, she said, “Anyway, I’ll see ya’ll later, okay?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKAey1ymry
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeCzLoG964
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyBQZ1dqZV
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu2GPE3yye
“Glen, Glen, Glen.” She whispered, laying her palm against the oak tree’s trunk. “What mischief are you up to?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡANNFUosz6h
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uEzGCzCcB
Teria rushed over to him and gave him a bear of a hug. “Glen! I was just thinking about you!”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKvlScRAvj
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiwdmiA6Sw
She let him go and punched him in the arm, demanding, “What in Nocturnes took you so long?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOpdpHD2pl
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dg8ugBvWM
She held her hands behind her back, twisting back and forth slightly with her most innocent expression on her face.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6uD48Mpd0
One let out a sigh. “I was sleeping.” copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Kzd2rzBy
“Sleeping?” she said incredulously, dropping her cute act, “It's been two months!”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDcsfU9RL9
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7fMHJXF9G
“Of course!” Teria felt her heart leap as she sat down beneath the tree, One sitting beside her a moment later.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rN7u1PS64
After a few minutes of silence, Teria asked, “So, you wanted to talk about …?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHlo6fOd2J
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDvBG04E71
“Fine. Winged. Engaged to my sister.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡppAyOUdjAJ
“I had a feeling he’d have proposed by now.” He glanced at her. “You doin’ okay?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhIARh4Ryf
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnmwDs8LbV
“I’m sorry.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡZupZeNrpOV
“It’s okay. I know you must be busy with the whole ‘Dreamer’ thing.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW6tGdhnKw
They sat back against the tree in silence for a few moments before Teria asked, “So … you remember any more yet?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZiTWjxFhw
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAeogne9C8
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2cWXU36oa
“Transpere?” One asked, sounding intruiged. “That's near the Cleftan Region isn't it? Why were we going there?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gmIjVp56u
As she opened her mouth to answer him, an idestan messenger approached, saying, “Ah, Daughter Teria. The Council is about to reconvene.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK8zMpg0LR
“Thank you.” Her polite demeanor dropped in an instant. “Now go away.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa1XlC3mPf
“Council?” One hit his head as the messenger scurried off. “Right, the Council. Duh. How’s that going anyway?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UEtgZsaVf
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv4utqWESl
“Hmm.” One scratched his head. “Maybe I could help.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwVN6D79lI
Teria’s ears twitched at the prospect. “What, with the Council? Isn’t that a bit much, even for you?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUWERCdbLV
“Very funny. Look, Two and I were poking around with the Breath of Fire, and we found the pilot still in the cockpit.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6D8RFSwEF
Teria’s eyes went wide. “He was in there for two months?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkFct4eisl
“From the smell of it, yes.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9KZm0WXPR
Teria wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Yech. Glad I wasn’t there. Was he Galden?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXUsOvF3hp
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMfvpPimrT
“By the Creator, yes, please. Anything to get this Council over with a little faster.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡTULnfebVXz
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q5O47vDFY
“One!” Teria called out as One's hand closed on the door handle.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvrLrt0Ixo
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1q2aVzK1Y
“You chased me through the Elsewhere.” One said, looking amused.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFbQTBP65C
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡzACpaxPVqj
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGmKSpBqbf
With a final nod, he exited via the CPD. The door vanished moments later, leaving the hedge whole once more.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡu696lJ7XZi
She stared at the hedge, lost in thought until she heard Tirinia's voice ask, “Teria?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOZ2ZFkG15
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAK4anZDwd
Mikaen asked, “You ready for another round of politics?”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A2uRfIPog
Teria glanced back at the hedge where One had vanished. Smiling, she walked past Mikaen and Tirinia. “We’ll see.” copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I5D4tEeqw
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVzniwxgKI
Once everyone was seated, Jyle coughed and said, “We’ll resume … that is, if it’s okay with you, Teria.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Hj2jatiJ
Teria waved her hand in a bored kind of way.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsPftwDrEJ
Rolling his eyes, Jyle said, “The next order of business for the Council is-”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl4U9tLi9e
“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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dduxw50j8
“Here we go.” Teria muttered.copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhE0GqN7eC
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwKlhmu92m
As Teria straightened in her chair, Jyle asked, “Narrator Number One? What in the name of the …”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMPmbCssYj
“I know who was behind the attack.”copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFEjNapTeo
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Q1AZZcJV
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 protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uWTB2urIf
One nodded, his face grim. “The Revs.”252Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSkdPY2jnq
copyright protection248ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1G2RBQjpX
