Hello everyone!
Thanks for all the great reviews on the two-parter chapter! And now, usual disclaimers apply: Hudson is copyright to Trev/thelonemongrel from his LiT series stories Origins and Yesterday's Child (Go read and review his stories, you won't regret it! I promise! :)) and the name Elder Titan belongs to goldenpuon. Anyways, without further ado…
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The fire crackling was the only sound in the cave, which had once again fallen silent. Every mammal was quiet, wrapped up in his or her own thoughts.
The groan of a muscular sabre in the shadowed corner near the mammoths abruptly broke the stillness,
"Well, I just thought that you should know this," Diego spoke up, almost defiantly. His eyes darted back and forth from Manny to Sid. Manny thought he sensed a hint of anxiety emanating from his friend.
"Yeah?" Manny inquired.
"It was my grandfather Ferdinand," Diego admitted, ducking his head away from Manny, "who killed your ...grandmother... your grandfather's herd." He paused, and then muttered, "I'm sorry."
"That. Was. Your. Grandfather?" Manny exploded. He massaged his temples with his trunk wearily. This was one revelation that he hadn't expected to hear tonight.
"Yeah," was Diego's laconic response. His look changed swiftly from guilt to fear in a matter of seconds as he sought Manny's face,
"You aren't angry at me, are ya Manny?" he whispered.
Manny exhaled a sigh, glancing at his friend. For the second time that night he was struck by how vulnerable Diego – the massive, strongly built sabre – actually was. The clash that had occurred that day seven years ago when he had gone before the Council in advocacy of his friend intruded upon his thoughts again. Elder Titan had tried to strike him for no reason at all.
"Manny?" Diego's voice interrupted.
Manny looked into Diego's eyes,
"No, I'm not mad, D. Just surprised is all."
Diego mustered,
"This is probably just some cruel joke of Brede's, the circumstances that have forced us together."
Ellie shrugged,
"Can we please not discuss Brede's plans right now?" she retorted. "I, for one, would like to go back to the story!"
She winked broadly at Manny. With a sinking feeling, he realised that she probably wanted him to go on with his mammoths-focussed half of the story. Inwardly he moaned.
"So, I take it you want me to continue with my part of the story?" he said, deliberately making his words as slow as possible in an attempt to aggravate his mate and the others.
The stern glower in response he received from Ellie sealed the deal.
"Okay, fine!" he shouted at her. She sent him an amused look. Feeling beaten, he stole a glance at the sabre,
"Just promise me that you'll take up your part of the story after this," he mumbled out of corner of his mouth to Diego.
The sabre shot him a bland grin.
"Sure, old buddy."
"Can we please just get back to the story now?" Axel piped up. His eyes were glowing with excitement. "What happens next, Mr Manny?"
"How many times do I have to ask you, kid, to stop calling me that?" Manny groaned. His expression changed from annoyance to sympathy when Axel's face crumbled.
He wondered what experiences the cub had gone through to speak to him so deferentially, almost as if he was afraid that saying the wrong thing would get him in trouble. Axel batted at his trunk playfully, reminding Manny that the kid had spunk, too.
"Ah, all right," he replied. Axel and Shelley exchanged another round of excited glances with each other. Ellie smiled in anticipation. Sid leaned back on his rock, occupying himself by watching Shelley, whilst Crash and Eddie leaned forward, momentarily interested. Diego shot him a thin smile,
"Anyway," Manny continued. "So, let me see, where was I.. Now that the Time of Lacrimosa was over, like I mentioned, Chancellor Ambrose had thought it best to introduce us calves to each other fully and to the ways of the Traditions... and so it began, the very next day..."
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Manny walked alongside Clovis as the Elder of the Three Gorges herd lead him further into the Valley. On their way, the two mammoths came across the field of the barrows. A newly installed monolith stood in the midst of them, starkly visible in contrast to the ancient upright rocks that had gradually slid deeper into the ground, some tilting sideways, due to the effects of erosion over time. It was a place of grandeur and beauty.
"Why do we have to come here?" Manny heard himself asking. His eyes slanted towards the most prominent monolith, but it held no connexion for him.
He heard his father chuckle,
"Manny, the Chancellor requested that all of the calves from the diverse herds present here gather as one so they can meet each other and learn of our hallowed Traditions."
He inclined his head,
"See, here come Abelard and William now – all the young calves – our next generations, will be here. Manny, look at me."
Manny tore his gaze away from William's excited grin to face his dad. Excitement was bursting out of him, why was his father slowing him down now?
"Not just calves of the other herds will be there, but Hopes of the Herd too," Clovis went on. He patted Manny on the shoulder, holding his gaze. Manny stared back at him, enjoying this time alone with his father. "And so, I want you to know this Manny." He cupped Manny's face in his trunk, seeking his eyes earnestly. "Show 'em what you're made of, son. I know you can do it."
Manny felt a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he rushed deeper into Clovis' trunk,
"I will, Daddy."
"Manny!" William called. "Come on! We're gonna be late!"
"Bye, Daddy!" Manny grinned, waving his trunk at Clovis as he raced over to his friend. The last thing he saw as his father receded into a dark blob amidst the medium grasses was the proud smile on his face.
"Manny!" William said again, an undertone of playful scolding in his voice. "Don't you realise you've almost made us late?" he stuck out his tongue at Manny.
Manny straightened his face so as not to laugh.
"Of course Will," he shot back, feigning a stern expression. William only laughed so hard in response that he fell over on the grass.
Manny sighed,
"Now who's going to make us late?" he asked, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.
"Sorry Manny. Betcha can't beat me to the Falls of Brede!"
"Who's to say?"
He took off across the grasses, Will panting and laughing at the same time whilst he hurried to catch up with him.
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"Welcome, welcome," The Chancellor greeted Manfred and William, who replied that they were glad to be here. He gestured with his tusks for the two Woollies to take a seat amongst the others of their same kind.
Manny sat down hurriedly, eager to look studious in front of the Chancellor,
"Ahem," The Chancellor cleared his throat, as Manny stole glances at the other calves nearby him. Two of the calves were of the Imperial breed, one from the Southern regions of the Ademais Marches, two more of Columbian descent, along with several calves who were members of the Steppe contingents.
There was also a female calf of his species who sat alone; she appeared, from his perception, smaller than the norm. All of the other calves' tusks, including his, were budding slightly; hers were nonexistent. She caught Manny eyeing her. After a moment, she stuck her tongue out at him playfully before turning to face the Chancellor. Manny frowned at her, affronted by her boldness.
Girls.
"Ahem," The Chancellor said again, shooting a glare at the ruckus he heard near the centre of the group, and the troublemakers immediately hushed. Manny watched him, holding his breath as the Chancellor made his circuit around the crowd. He gave Manny a brief nod.
Nearby, Manny sensed rather than noticed the petulant scowl puckering on the face of the large black Imperial calf he had seen on the pilgrimage,
"You can make all of your introductions later," The Chancellor went on.
I recognise you, Manny thought at the black calf, I think – I think you might be the other "Hope of the Herd" I saw on the pilgrimage!
"But now, to business!"
Manny immediately snapped to attention, fastening his eyes on the Chancellor's wise visage. He sent Manny a sad smile,
"You are all here for an important occasion in the history of mammothkind – to remember the majesty of our former Regent Elder Augustine and for the start of the Council of mammoth Elders to determine the new Regent."
The black calf raised his trunk in the air, fervour shining in his eyes,
"Regent Elder Augustine was my grandfather." His tone was humble.
The Chancellor nodded,
"Aye that is true, Samarkand. Your love for him is well-known around now these parts, my son. Now pay heed to these teachings so you can emulate him come your time."
Samarkand grinned, "Yes, sir!" he touched his trunk to his forehead in a salute. Manny couldn't help but smile in his direction. He wanted nothing more than to be like the older calf.
"You are here to get your first taste of our Ways of Old - the Traditions- handed down to us by Brede at the very beginning of time."
Manny listened attentively as the Chancellor went into detail about the foundation of the Bredelands from the beginning wherein Brede trounced the Titans to the ending where she transformed, surprisingly, into a sabre, although he still wasn't clear on what a sabre even was, hanging on every word. Once the story was complete, The Chancellor turned once again to the topic of express significance: that of conveying to the next generations the essence of mammothian government,
"As I was saying, you have been gathered here for a reason. The first, being that you, our next generation, will know of the story of how Brede formed these lands of ours and bequeathed control to us, installing us as the main guardians of justice and law and order. The second, being nominations within the herds as one group for the election of a Regent Elder to succeed our most noble Augustine, and also the election of new Elders to serve as representatives of said herd at the Councils."
"What's 'bequeathed'?" William muttered as an aside to Manny.
"Given," Manny shot back. "Now, hush. I want to listen."
"This is an important task, and entails much (pay heed, young ones)," he went on, darting a glare in the direction of William and Manny, who let their ears drop in shameful embarrassment. They turned again to being attentive, "effort: one who wants to be elected to either Elder of their herd or Regent of all the Bredelands must uphold our laws, respect the species of your diocese that you will be giving protection to, we call them your lieges; and attend the Councils of the Regent Elder when he orders them."
"This is just awesome," Manny faintly heard the calf the Chancellor had called 'Samarkand' murmur to himself. "I want to be a great Elder or Regent someday. Maybe even a Regent Elder!"
I wish to do the same, Manny couldn't help thinking to himself. A grin stretched across his face. The Chancellor continued speaking, so Manny turned again to face him,
"These Councils of the Regent Elder, or RE, assemble once every moon for us, the main body of Elders in service to the Regent Elder and overseers of the entire Bredelands to assess as one your administration of your herd and your diocese is going, and if you make through the first year's baptism of fire as Elder of your herd, proving to be one worthy to lead us all, your name will be recalled by our avians when the time comes for the election of Regent Elder. If you, all of you here, either male or female, pass that initiation, by virtue of your character and standing amongst your own herd and mammothian society in general you may be elected to the highest place of leadership – that of Regent Elder."
The murmurs of excitement and pleasure around Manny thrilled him. He fastened his eyes on the Chancellor's again, myriads of feelings rising within him.
Daddy wants to be Regent Elder. And, I know he could be! he felt a smile slowly turning up the edges of his cheeks.
"If you are elected to Regent Elder, you will be allowed to guide all of the Bredelands for some twenty years, or better known as a 'score' to make it easier to remember..." he trailed off, sounding deep in thought. "One such as Augustine, lost to us so untimely, was never intended by Brede to happen," he went on, momentarily saying words that mattered only to himself.
It seemed to Manny as if he was trying to find a sliver of justification to renege the irreversibility of the former Regent Elder's death. It confused him greatly, too; after all, hadn't he just heard him extolling the glories and wonder and wisdom of Brede from the Chancellor's very own mouth? Couldn't it be possible that Brede willed it? Could it be possible...
"And if you still wish to continue in that role," The Chancellor interrupted Manny's muddled thoughts, bringing him back, reluctantly, to concentration. "You may be elected, by general vote, to the role of Chancellor (Speaker for the Council of the Regent, you young ones, and it is an honour given only to the most respected Elders of our various tribes, for them to oversee and direct the Councils they manage, not only for the Regent Elder but also for smaller, more informal councils of note) a most necessary role among us."
Manny found that, despite his attentiveness, the Chancellor was proving hard to follow with his manner of long and dignified speeches. However, he sat up alertly, letting everything the Chancellor said seep in, become a part of him.
"If your father or the leader of your herd," The Chancellor went on, shooting a brief glance at Manny and Samarkand and then his gaze fell on William and the rest.
Manny slowly realised that he had said that for the benefit of the non Hopes of the Herds present, as undoubtedly there were several present from herds who had no Elder, or who had no connexion to one, "is commendable in how he leads those who follow him when they report of his standing before the Councils, his son or daughter, if their character has shown itself to be worthy, will be allowed to take his place upon his resignation from the office of Elder of your herd or Regent Elder. This same law applies to when a Chancellor resigns, with the incumbent Regent succeeding him as the new Chancellor of the Councils and moderation of the Bredelands itself, alongside the Regent."
Manny glanced over at William, noting that his friend looked bug-eyed. It appeared that he wasn't the only one having trouble digesting all of these important rules and instructions in one gulp, something which afforded Manny a little relief. Manny couldn't help feeling a bit proud at Will's courtesy to their speaker; he was sure that his friend could become a great Elder himself, if given time.
The little female Woolly shot him a weary grin before turning back to the Chancellor, though Manny pointedly ignored her.
It's only because I'm shy, he tried to justify to himself.
The Chancellor was speaking about the role of the Regent Elder again, drawing Manny's attention away from the small mammoth girl,
"Anyone elected to the position of Regent Elder is protected by the laws of the Council; upon succession he is given his own contingent of bodyguards explicitly hoof-picked by the Chancellor himself. The Council also sees to it that the Regent Elder is safe from any attempt at harm made again his life. By these edicts, no one of our species the mammoths or other species, such as the tribe of the sabres," he glared.
Manny wondered what he could be thinking of to cause his face to transform from placidity to subtle rage, his eyes fairly dancing with it, "shall touch or harass the Regent Elder with intent to hurt him. As for you, if anyone I see before me should ever end up touching or harassing or threatening the Regent Elder, there will be dire consequences. It will result in your candidacy of becoming Regent yourself being annulled, at best, and, at worst, you may be deprived of your home here in the Bredelands, and be exiled to the far reaches of Allgraig Tundra, along with the loss of your own title as Elder."
His words, said in measured, careful tones, reverberated ominously through Manny. He shuddered, vowing that he would never ever make any such action against any Regent Elder – out of loyalty to his father, his herd, and his diocese.
"Ahem," The Chancellor cleared his throat again. His expression changed to something resembling relaxation, or at least a reconciliation with his previous discontent, "We will welcome any supplicants who come before our Council, regardless of the difference of their species, as they are our lieges," he frowned, adding in a sour tone, "and even those who aren't our lieges but instead a hostile group. However, we must do as Brede has commanded. As I was saying, any supplicant that comes before the Council will be given a fair hearing by us, the keepers of the laws, and anyone who strikes out at a supplicant will be severely censured before the public gathered."
The Chancellor stopped short, meeting the bright eyes of the young calves in front of him. Manny shyly attempted to smile at him whilst William simply gave a quiet laugh, glad that the long speech was almost over and that they could go mingle with the others. Samarkand raised his trunk to the Chancellor again in a salute.
After a brief silence, The Chancellor finally uttered his final piece, gazing out at the sea of faces before him with a pensive look deep in his eyes,
"My children, we are the bastion for law and order and protection for the other various species who are our lieges in the provinces, your dioceses, which Brede has meted out to you and your families. We are their protection against those who might wish to use them for food; it is our utmost duty to defend them and so we shall. And by doing so on another's behalf, we thusly safeguard ourselves. Contemplate these mandates, young ones, and those who have been in this circle of teaching before, I commend you to mull them over again. The Traditions have held us in good stead amongst others of our own kind and the other species – this is a responsibility that must. Not. Be. Taken. Lightly."
He pressed his trunk to his forehead wearily. Manny sensed, rather than actively noticed, the stirrings of the calves around him; anxious to go and meet each other now.
"This has been enough teaching for today," The Chancellor inclined his head towards the fidgeting calves, in their tight little groups, with tired emphasis. "You are all dismissed and free to mingle – but take heed that your parents and yourselves will be here for at least two moons so that the Elections for RE may commence immediately. Now go enjoy yourselves, children. Go make friends with each other – you will be seeing these faces around you often in the coming years."
As one, a whoop erupted from the circle of youngsters gathered. Manny felt battered as all the other calves began talking at once, finding those they had met some days before the Time of Lacrimosa had begun, or just moving off in trios to discuss the Chancellor's words.
"Manny, this is fun, isn't it?" he vaguely heard Will shouting above the ruckus. He turned to find him, seeing right away that Will was laughing it up with a small band of calves of all different species. His friend looked like he was having the time of his life.
"Come on, Manny, come join us!" Will called.
"I'll be there in a moment," Manny replied quickly. He glanced over at the Chancellor, who was sitting on his haunches under an overhang. "There's something I must do first."
"Okaaay," Will retorted, unconvinced. "Hurry up, though, Manny! Look at all these new friends around us!"
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"I just wanted to come over and thank you for telling us all about the Old Ways and how much Brede cares for us mammoths, Mr Chancellor," Manny whispered.
The Chancellor turned his head to look at him. Recognition made his eyes starry,
"Why, you're Clovis' son, aren't you?" he asked.
Manny was momentarily confused by such a direct question, but he straightened to his full height, proudly looking the Chancellor in the eye,
"Yes. I am. My name's Manny."
The Chancellor allowed a rare smile to slip onto his features as he reached out his trunk to fondle Manny's topknot,
"Well, you are certainly your father's son," he replied, a note of pride in his voice. "Now go play, young Manny – your kindness has been appreciated."
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Confident that his work was done, Manny returned to the groups of calves milling about. The mass was so large that he felt a bit out of it. Forlornly, he glanced around, idly trying to figure out where his friend had disappeared to...
"Manny!" he blinked, suddenly finding William face to face with him. A huge grin was plastered on his friend's face,
"Manny!" Will shouted in his ears again, making him wince slightly. He grabbed his trunk, pulling Manny along with him, "Come on, pal, you've got to come meet the other calves I've made friends with!"
He's made friends with some of the other calves already? Manny gulped. Shyness welled up inside him.
William led him to the waterfall that sluiced out of the tan-coloured cliffs next to the oaks of seven, Manny trailing after him slowly. Manny realised these were the Falls of Brede. The sounds of laughter and the sloshing of water alerted him to the fact that children were playing in it.
He noticed, with horror, that some of the calves looked like they were drowning. He grabbed Will's budding tusk, shopping him short,
"Those calves," he said, nodding his head at two of the culprits – the undersized Woolly female he had seen earlier and a slightly familiar Steppe mammoth girl – who were gasping for breath, their trunks reaching just barely out of the water, "what are they doing? Don't they know it's not safe?"
Will shot him an unamused look.
"Manny, over here we're playing a game in the lake or the muddier places near the bottom of the Falls called Extinction. It's a game where we try to escape from the tar that the water is being used as. It's meant to be fun."
"Oh," Manny replied, feeling deflated. Sometimes having the responsibility of being a Hope of the Herd was nerve-wracking. "You don't say. Is there someone keeping an eye over ... this game?"
Will didn't answer in words; he simply indicated the black Imperial calf standing at the water's edge. Next to him stood a light brown Imperial girl calf, although to Manny she looked to be around his age, seven, or possibly a year younger than that. It made him wonder why she was hanging out with such an older calf.
"Samarkand took it upon himself to keep watch over the younger ones, like us," Will explained. "He's only about three years older than you though." He turned to Manny, a smile – and the beginnings of an idea – playing on his face. "You two are around the same age and both Hopes of the Herds. You'd probably be great friends!"
Manny gazed at Samarkand, awe filling him. The older calf already impressed him so much,
"I-I don't know," he mussitated.
Will rolled his eyes, no doubt growing frustrated with Manny's attitude over a simple matter such as walking up to a few other calves to talk to them.
"Listen, pal," he smiled at Manny. "I'll do you a favour. I'll introduce you to the four calves that I've met over there, and we'll see how that goes. Deal?"
Manny shrugged, unwilling to put up a protest in the face of Will's kind offer.
"Deal."
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"Samarkand!" William hollered. The calf glanced up, a hint of concern masking his expression. Manny thought he must always be on alert, given that he was one of the older ones there.
"Hey again, Will," he called back. "I take it you've found your friend?" His face relaxed into a welcoming smile. "And who might this be?"
Manny darted a brief look at Will.
I can take care of this myself… I hope so anyway.
Will took the cue and fell back, leaving Manny standing next to Samarkand. Up close, he could see that the Imperial was heavily built without being too stocky. His black eyes glinted with intelligence and underneath it, gracious kindness.
Manny tried not to feel too overwhelmed,
"Name's Manfred, son of Clovis," he mustered, looking Samarkand in the eye. "But you can call me Manny. My friends do."
Samarkand let out a laugh, nodding at the smaller Imperial girl calf to come closer. Nearby, the Woolly female and the Steppe lass playing in the water hurried to get out, grins plastered on their wet faces.
"Well, I am Samarkand, son of Darius," The Imperial replied. He extended his trunk to Manny for him to shake. "And let me tell you, Manny, that you are welcome here." He added, seeing that Manny was still tongue-tied, "and don't worry, I don't bite."
Relief washed over Manny in waves.
"I'm ever so glad," Manny heard himself babbling, shaking Samarkand's trunk aggressively. What he was so glad about he wasn't sure even he knew, but Samarkand's joke about how he didn't bite had smoothed things over.
Fortunately, the other Hope of the Herd didn't appear to mind. Instead, he just smiled placidly at him.
"Psst!" William broke in. "Okay, you two are friends now. Nice going Sammy-"
"My name is Samarkand," The Imperial corrected sternly, giving Will a pointed look.
Will didn't skip a beat.
"Nice going, Samarkand," he shot back, arching his eyebrows meaningfully. "But I think Manny needs to be introduced to the others here too."
He sent Samarkand a playful wink whilst indicating the three females watching their interactions with wide eyes.
"Hey," Manny said, feeling annoyance rise within him. He shot Samarkand a stern glower. "William's my friend, Samarkand. Don't treat him like that."
Samarkand had the decency to look ashamed,
"I'm sorry," he apologised to Will. "You're right; Manny deserves to be introduced to these three girls here."
Manny rolled his eyes.
Girls have cooties. Why should I be interested in being introduced to any of them? Bleah!
Seeing Will send him a pointed glance, Manny knew he was beaten. It still surprised him how quickly William had taken becoming friends with girls. After all, didn't he know that girl had cooties and that they were … dangerous creatures?
Samarkand's voice snapped him away from his thoughts,
"This is Theodora, daughter of Justinian, Second of the Inner Bredelands diocese," he declared, indicating the chestnut brown-furred Imperial female who stood alongside him with his trunk.
A gracious smile danced on the corners of her lips as she extended her trunk to Manny,
"Don't mind Samarkand," she whispered to him. "He just likes to play as if he's some Regent Elder in charge of everything and everyone, so we humour him a little."
Manny grinned back at her, feeling as if he had known her for some time already. His considerations about her age proved to be correct; she was just the same age as he and William, although she sounded older. Manny wondered why, but before he could delve into the mysteries of it any further, Will was shouting in his ear again,
"Manny! Manny, meet Elisabeth, daughter of Heinrich, Elder of the Steppe mammoths. She told me though that he's known more as the 'Head Honcho' of the herd instead of an Elder, and that they train both the gals and guys in bodyguard training to serve the Regent Elder! Doesn't that sound cool?"
"Pleased to meet you," Elisabeth interrupted, before he could give any sort of response to William. She pawed at the ground assertively before she went up to him. She looked him in the eye; making Manny feel as if he was being weighed for something significant. After a moment she tossed her head before going to stand beside William. William grinned blissfully at her. Elisabeth stuck out her tongue at him,
"Well, she's a feisty one," Manny muttered to himself. He still wasn't sure if he liked or disliked her – although he was sure that Will did like her!
He smirked as he watched Elisabeth easily pull William into the lake with her, making loud splashes. Immediately they began squirting funnels of water at each other with their trunks, laughing the whole time,
"I believe we are forgetting someone."
He turned back to Samarkand, wondering who they could have forgotten. Samarkand shot an encouraging smile to the tan-coloured Woolly she-mammoth standing diffidently behind him and Theodora,
"Come on, Catherine, don't worry."
She walked between Samarkand and Theodora until she was standing right before Manny's eyes. He looked down at her, realising he was already a few inches taller than she was. He also couldn't help noticing her eyes were a lovely shade of brown. They danced with vivacity as she stared bashfully at him.
Catherine shot him a smile that trembled as she reached out her trunk to shake it with his,
"Hello," she mussitated, in a voice that was obviously more confident than she felt. Manny smiled back at her reassuringly, glad that he wasn't the only one held back by shyness because of all of this, although he did wonder that she could be so bold earlier by sticking her tongue at him during the introductions to the laws whilst shyness consumed her now. Instinctively, he suddenly understood why: she was just as shy as him, yet during the lessons she had been trying to hide it.
"My name's Catherine, daughter of Alexander, a lower ranking member of a Woolly mammoth herd that is nobody important … I-I know who you are… My daddy speaks favourably of your f-father… Clovis... You're Manfred, his son. Oh my, this is such an honour…"
Manny reached out to take her trunk in his. He met those brown eyes of hers, hoping he could cheer her up,
"Not important?" he heard himself chuckle. "Don't say that! My dad doesn't believe that about anyone, and neither do I! In fact, he says that he's never met anyone who wasn't important before."
Catherine gazed into his eyes, happiness glimmering on her face,
"Do you really believe that?" she asked. Her shyness seemed to have vanished. Manny smiled back at her, realising his timidity was gone as well,
"Ditto," he replied. A commotion over by the lake cut short the attention he was giving the daughter of Alexander,
"Oh gosh!" he dimly heard Samarkand say as an aside to Theodora. Manny watched out of the corner of his eye as the calf darted away from him, Theodora, and Catherine, calling to William,
"Hey, William! Little Eleanor is close to the deep end of the lake, please make sure that she's doesn't get too far or we'll be serious trouble!"
William instantly halted in his play; raising his trunk to his head in a cheerful salute,
"Aye, aye, Captain!" he shot back. His voice receded as he waded deeper into the water after the reddish-brown furred calf, who merely sprayed water at him as she laughed,
"Aw, come on, Ellie!" William's voice echoed off the cliffs holding up the Falls. He attempted to catch her, only to slip, landing face down in the water.
"Can't catch me!" Ellie giggled. Manny exchanged amused glances with Catherine, feeling himself beginning to relax,
"Do you want to play?" He asked her. Her quiet smile was the only answer he needed,
"Hey guys!" He lumbered to the centre of the grasses. Samarkand watched him intently, interest shining in his eyes. "Will, catch Ellie. Come on, hurry up! Samarkand, Theodora, Catherine, Elisabeth, does anyone want to play tag?"
Samarkand's trumpet was answer enough.
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Clovis stepped out in the meadow that lay adjacent to the oaks. He breathed in deeply, the sound of calves' merry laughter greeting him.
The whistle of an avian drew his attention to the sky,
"Mr Clovis," Sofia chirped, bowing her head at him deferentially.
"Hullo, little one!" Clovis responded. He extended his trunk for her to land on, "and what news dost thou bringest me today?"
The bird let out a cheeping laugh but immediately the light in her eyes darkened,
"You of all mammoths know you should not address me so familiarly, as if I was a relation to you," she cautioned, making Clovis feel rather depressed. Could it be that Agathon was right about his species' treatment of their faithful messengers? "It wouldn't do. Anyhow, commence message."
He waited briefly, and then Sofia chirped again, this time in the voice of the Chancellor: "Greetings, my dear Clovis. Your presence is requested at Council, which takes place today at high noon, where we will be discussing the virtues of Regent Elder nominees and other matters of note. I noticed that you had brought your son Manfred in today for the teaching, so be punctual. Chancellor Ambrose."
Clovis tried to ignore the grin creeping onto his face,
"Of course I'll be on time!" he met the grey bird's eyes, "could you please carry a message over to the Chancellor for me?"
"Naturally, Your Grace," Sofia replied. She preened her feathers, cocking her head so that she could take in Clovis' words more easily,
"I, um, well, yes," Clovis stammered, feeling a bit foolish. Millie was much more used to treating the avian messengers formally; whilst he still found it something of a pain to treat them as if they were almost slaves. In his own diocese he and Tessa had companionable interactions, if nothing less. He cleared his throat, noticing Sofia glancing at him inquisitively,
"Chancellor Ambrose, your message has been received. I am on my way this very moment. With all due regard, Clovis."
Sofia chirped, emphatically nodding her small head,
"Message memorised and ready for playback," she confirmed. Clovis found himself smirking, there were times when the avians did seem to act rather mechanically... but then again they were only messengers, he thought. It's not as if they have thoughts or feelings or families, everything that I grew up with has taught me that they were made to serve us!
The whir of wings flapping broke his attention. Sofia rose into the air, smiling at him,
"Farewell, good Clovis!" she trilled. "Take care, and I will see you at the Council."
"The Chancellor is lucky to have such a loyal messenger like you," Clovis blurted out.
The elderly bird's eyes dimmed.
"Yes, I know." Her musical voice was filled with sadness.
Without another word to Clovis, she spread her wings, taking off in the direction of the Council's meeting place. Clovis watched her become a mere dot against the blue sky before slowly taking the same route that she had.
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Clovis reached the Council's meeting place – a large, roomy thicket fitted to hold groups of fifty or more mammoths – and sat down comfortably on a mound of earth formed into a tussock created by one of the hedgehogs for the more significant Elders.
He glanced around the area, obliquely trying to see what Elders were present… Darius straightened himself on his leafy chair, sending Clovis a quick smile. Heinrich pawed at the ground, anxiety in his every movement. Clovis could guess why the Steppe mammoth was so nervous; he was much better suited to his life roaming the plains and training up his bulls and cows to serve as bodyguards to the Regent. Participation at the Council must be unnerving for him.
His curt manner of speech and strong opinions that Clovis had witnessed during the journey to retrieve the monolith showed that Heinrich was more at home ordering his mammoths around in the wilds – it was no wonder that he seemed to be on edge here at the Council where The Chancellor discussed their character and virtues and judged their leadership prowess by interviewing members of their herd. And then, a full moon later, Elections would then officially commence.
Elections... Clovis shivered. Though he had been a participant in them several times before in the past, having seen his father attend them, even once as a nominee, but Alfred was never elected to the position of Regent Elder. In the years after his father's death and his succession to Elder of the Three Fjords diocese, Clovis had been present at every election – but it was only recently that he had become a contender. My dream of becoming Regent Elder is so close to possibly one day coming true.
His thoughts were interrupted as several more Elders emerged into the thicket: David and Miriam, the Elder and Madam Elder of the Marches of Ademais diocese strolled in, trunks intertwined, as Aron, Elder of the Mountains of Eira diocese entered along with them. They sat down opposite Clovis and Darius. Millie and Abelard trailed in after them.
Clovis met his mate's eyes, relief washing over him. She cast a tiny smile in his direction before sitting down beside him, whilst Abelard remained standing, like the rest of the Seconds, behind their Elders.
"Honoured and noble Elders, please rise for The Chancellor, Ambrose of the Inner Bredelands diocese!" Quintus' voice boomed.
Immediately, Clovis stood to his feet alongside the other mammoths present. He bowed respectfully towards the Chancellor.
The Chancellor cleared his throat. Weariness was evident from the heavy bags under his eyes.
"Enough standing on ceremony," he replied. "This is merely an informal council. You may all be seated."
Clovis sank back to his haunches, eyes focussed attentively on the Chancellor.
"As many of you know, I spent the morning detailing to your children the legend of Brede and our rules for proper management of our lives here and service to the lesser species who reside in these valleys as well as other dioceses," The Chancellor said quietly. "But now the time has come for us to turn to other issues of note." He nodded at Quintus.
Quintus stepped forward,
"We are here to discuss – and determine - for future generations whether or not the Regent Elder should relocate to the seat of our government in the Vale of Seven Oaks, as is preferable, or remain in his own diocese the length of his reign."
Having made his official statement, Quintus retreated into the shadows. Clovis couldn't help but notice the tiny smirk dancing in his eyes. He thought that the non-elder undertook the job probably for the sheer amount of amusement it brought him, as arguments were a matter of fact at any council.
"It sounds like an excellent idea to me." David spoke up. He set his jaw, seemingly daring any of the others to contend it.
"I agree," Miriam, his Madam Elder, and an Elder in her own right, seconded the motion. "It's only fitting for the Regent Elder to live separate from the other herds so that he is aware of all that is going on in the Bredelands."
Darius seemed undecided,
"What gives you reason to think that, David?" he threw back.
"Only that it's reasonable." David retorted, his eyes narrowed. His expression was belligerent,
"But how reasonable?" Clovis broke in. Every face swivelled to look at him,
"Shouldn't we think of young calves and cows in our herd before attempting relocation?"
Miriam glanced askance at his mate. The side of her mouth twisted into a sneer, as if she was judging Millie for weakness because of her small size. He saw Millie catch the glance and the sneer before ducking her head away as if ashamed of her presence.
"That depends on whether those members of your herd are strong enough to travel." David shot back, looking at his mate for approval. She gave him a nod and smile. "And if they are of the Regent Elder's herd, I should think that they would be, wouldn't they?"
Clovis felt the weight of David's glare land on him,
"Or are you only saying this because you think your own herd doesn't have the strength to call itself the Regent Elder's?"
"You know that is not true," Clovis growled, in an undertone. "My herd is fifty strong - ten cows and bulls each with calves, also numbering in ten - and all well enough to travel. I object on the terms that my mate, our herd, and I love our home in the Three Fjords and thus would be reluctant to leave."
Darius leant over, his mouth brushing against his ear,
"Sentiment does not really mix with politics, Clovis," he whispered discreetly to him. His friend's words of advice didn't serve to temper Clovis; instead he only felt anger boiling underneath his placid expression.
"So, it is only for your own benefit that you seek for this proposition to be annulled," David remarked.
"I said nothing about my own benefit!" Clovis heard his own voice shouting to be heard above the murmur of the other mammoths voicing dissent or approbation of the plan as the two main assailants figuratively raised their tusks for battle again,
"I disagree," David shot back. "To quote your own words, you said that 'my mate and I' would prefer to remain in your diocese should you even become elected, so-"
"So that we can have a certain amount of stability and so that my followers do not have to get used again to new surroundings. Surely, you, David and Miriam, know how hard moving is – especially if we are talking migration, here."
His comment struck home; David and Miriam exchanged uneasy glances.
Heinrich glowered at him,
"Clovis, this isn't migration – this is simple relocation. Know your terms."
David plastered a grin onto his face, no doubt pleased by Heinrich's words. After all, they supported his arguments against the proposition.
Clovis' eyes widened at Heinrich's rebuke,
"I do know my terms," he muttered under his breath, directing his words at the Steppe mammoth Elder. Heinrich merely rolled his eyes. He aligned himself next to the Columbian mammoths.
"I AGREE WITH CLOVIS!"
The trumpet ceased all talk. Clovis turned to see who had spoken, only to find that Abelard now stood shoulder to shoulder with him,
"I agree with Clovis!" Abelard shouted again. "As his Second, I deserve to speak amongst all you Elders and nominees here. And I will."
A few 'huzzah's' and 'go for it"-s sounded from the audience. Clovis looked up and met the eyes of The Chancellor. An appraising glint glimmered in the expression on his face.
"You have my permission to speak," The Chancellor said stiffly to Abelard.
Abelard stepped forward, sending Clovis a wink,
"Clovis is only thinking of his herd when he says the things he does. And I believe he is right; despite the fact that both the Vale of Seven Oaks and our diocese are recently close, it is still a journey of around a week for us. We had to travel hard to make it here in time so that we could see Augustine one last time."
"He does bring up a valid point," Darius, who so far had remained aloof, broke in. "The length of a journey to Seven Oaks given your home diocese is relevant. For my herd, it's scarcely a stone's throw away from Seven Oaks, but for other dioceses on the fringes this makes sense." He paused, meeting the eyes of every mammoth present. "And if the Elders have to travel from such a long distance, how will they be fresh for any council that is imperative for them to attend?"
"That makes no difference," Miriam contended.
"Let the herds train so that they can travel longer distances!" Heinrich put in. "My herd still finds it amazing how other dioceses, with their cosy lifestyles, can't keep the pace with other herds during migrations!"
"Well, other dioceses are busy protecting themselves from attacks from the vicious tribes of Sabines!" Clovis shot back. "We don't have time to devote to a workout programme!"
"Then find time!" Heinrich shouted back. "Or don't presume yourself worthy of one day becoming Regent!"
"I HAVE AN OBJECTION! Miriam interrupted. "Forget that, you childish bulls, another point in favour of herds relocating to Seven Oaks once their leader becomes Regent is what Darius helpfully brought up: so that they can have access to the main councils, especially when a Major Council is about to occur."
"We could just travel hard to make it there in time!" Clovis retorted, wiping down the sweat dripping down his brow.
"Who says you'd even be able to?" David countered with a glare.
"Clovis hardly even knows what he is talking about!" Heinrich supplied.
"Shut up, Heinrich!" Darius bellowed, leaving Clovis relieved and grateful that someone besides Abelard and Millie stood by him, "I could say that you don't either, but that's not the point at the moment!"
"Aye, the point is that we decide whether the Regent Elder remains in his own diocese during his tenure or moves to the Vale of Seven Oaks!" Heinrich shot back, his chest heaving from anger.
Clovis saw a glint in his eyes that bespoke of belligerence. Darius and Heinrich took their differences to blows as the clash of tusks meeting tusks resounded in the still air.
"ENOUGH!" The Chancellor's trumpet blasted. Darius and Heinrich broke apart; bowing respectfully to the Chancellor. His expression was coldly neutral as he glowered at the two miscreants of the council,
"Everyone, take ten minutes to talk this over with the members of your diocese present, and then return to this forum."
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"Well, that didn't go over very well." Clovis admitted with a sigh.
"It wasn't your fault, Darling," Millie reassured him. He glanced up at her, seeing a hint of reproach for his behaviour in her eyes. She twined her trunk into his, thus easing the pain of his disappointment, "I should have told you this some time before we both got caught up in a world that we have always stood on the fringes of. Here, Clovis, everyone is working towards their own gain, and to maneuver one's way through this one must be as prudent as serpents and as guileless as doves in the midst of all of the tumultuous debates and arguments that occur at council – and that is how one wins."
Clovis frowned, solemnly taking in his mate's information,
"Damn," he admitted. "I really screwed things up, didn't I? This is my entire fault."
Abelard's face fell,
"No, it wasn't," he disagreed. "If anything, it was probably mine, stepping out of place like that. I'm only supposed to be your Second."
Clovis groaned,
"It was neither of our faults. This is just how councils usually go. We're just not used to it."
He glanced again at Millie. An apology was written on her face. He knew she was upset over the fact that she hadn't prepared him properly for this.
'This' being the protocol and how one successfully argues before a council, whether it is merely an informal council or a Major Council - one where the Regent of the Elderships and the entirety of the Bredelands present.
He felt he was sure of the reason why: of all the mammoths gathered for the Time of Lacrimosa, naturally she had taken it hardest, as Augustine was her adoptive second father of sorts.
A slight smile quirked his mouth as his thoughts teased him about the knowledge that his Millie had grown up having two platonic friends as fathers in her life.
"If you say that, Clovis, then what makes you think you would be able to manage councils as Regent Elder?" Abelard pointedly asked, ripping him away from his internal musings. "And debate effectively whilst they are in session so that your motions are approved?"
Clovis found he had no good answer for that.
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"Hey, guys!" Samarkand called. He indicated with his trunk the thicket where the council convened.
"Ooh, that's where the adults have their councils!" William exclaimed.
A grin stretched across Manny's face,
"Our dads are probably in there," he said.
"I know!" Samarkand shouted. "Come on, girls… little Ellie, are you here? Good… let's go peek in on them."
Manny placed his trunk on Samarkand's shoulder to restrain him,
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" he inquired.
Samarkand rolled his eyes,
"We're just taking a look at what our dads are doing," he said. "Come on, Manny, it's not as if they'll mind." He gave Manny what looked like his brightest smile.
Manny shrugged,
"Okay, but we have to be quiet..." he agreed. He couldn't help himself, he thought, as he and the other calves trailed after Samarkand. The Imperial calf was charismatic and knew what he was talking about; he was someone good to follow.
Samarkand led them to the fringes of the leaves hanging over the thicket like a curtain. He pulled some aside as Manny did the same to the bushes to the right of Samarkand.
In front of them stood many adult mammoths, bunched off together in various groups, discussing a matter. No matter how hard Manny attempted to hear them, they were talking in such low whispers he could make no heads or tails of what issue they were discussing,
"Psst!" Samarkand nudged him. He gestured at the dark brown bull in the centre of the thicket, obviously in a conference with his Second and other members of his herd. "Look, that's my dad!"
Not to be outdone, Manny's sharp eyes found Clovis standing next to Millie and Abelard near the entrance. To his surprise, his dad looked somewhat worried.
"There's my dad," he stated.
Samarkand sighed, his eyes falling on the figure of his father some distance away,
"I want nothing more to be an Elder someday," he mussitated, "And more than that, I long to be Regent Elder... with power over all the species not our own... and I would treat them kindly and respectfully ... I just hope that I can... "
Admiration swelled in Manny's heart for the older calf. He reached over, clasping his trunk in his own,
"You'll really make a great Regent Elder someday. I am sure of it."
Samarkand glanced over at Manny, an innocently happy smile on his face,
"You really think so?" he queried.
"Yeah." Manny grinned at him.
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The Chancellor's trumpet startled Clovis out of his thoughts.
"Your ten minutes are up," he said gruffly. "You may all return to this forum – and behave amicably with each other."
One by one, the mammoth Elders and their associates returned to their places. The Chancellor looked on with keen eyes as the arguments revived again.
"I still declare that such a proposition is dishonourable and inconvenient for the members of the herds who are either too weak or too young to travel far," Clovis heard himself saying. He had made sure that he was the first to speak.
Miriam's eyes glinted as she shot back a carefully worded reply,
"This proposition has many points of favour going for it. Firstly, it allows the new Regent Elder plenty of access to Councils, whether they are major ones or informal ones. Secondly, it places him or her in the centre of action for the entirety of these 'lands, by virtue which the Regent Elder can keep in touch with various occurrences and seek to help via the aid provided by the avian messengers. Thirdly, the Regent Elder has always remained in the Inner Bredelands at Seven Oaks with his herd – it would be going against the traditions to decide otherwise."
With the conclusion of the matriarch's speech, Clovis knew that the battle of wits and words was over. The Chancellor was smiling benignly at Miriam of the Ademais Marches whilst her mate stared adoringly at her.
"It is decided, then," the Chancellor stated. "The council and the debates have spoken; the Regent Elder will relocate to the Inner Bredelands at Seven Oaks upon succession and during his administration. There is no need for a vote; this is only an informal council. You are all dismissed."
Clovis, Millie, and his Second, along with other mammoths began to turn away, ready to depart the thicket when the Chancellor's words stopped them in their tracks,
"This is only the first of many informal types of council," The Chancellor said. "Now that the mourning period for Augustine has drawn to a close, the Elections for the new Regent Elder will transpire once the moon wanes and the new moon rises into the heavens. Meanwhile, you may go hold other informal councils amongst yourselves, you elected Elders in our midst, hold more informals with your other nominees." He sent them all a wink, the only remotely cheerful gesture he had made all afternoon. "Who knows? It might be helpful. Any discussion about various particulars of law and order in our 'lands is necessary. Besides, these are also good opportunities for fellowship amongst different herds."
Clovis felt the weight of the Chancellor's stare fall on him,
"And it is not uncommon for the Regent to choose a Second, not even one of his same species, who might one day become Regent as his end of his twenty-year administration, or prove his wisdom and be elected to Chancellor. So form your friendships, and form them wisely."
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"CLOVIS!" Darius trumpeted.
Clovis, strolling through the meadow with Millie and Abelard in tow in search of their errant children, halted in their tracks,
"Yes, what is it?" Clovis replied.
"Come along, I'm hosting another informal council." He smiled broadly at the trio, who exchanged hopeful glances with each other. "And I want all of you to be present."
Clovis shot a glance at Millie, noticing an encouraging grin on her face,
Take him up on his offer, she mouthed at him. His prestige as the scion of the Regent will be beneficial for you and he can guide you through the tangles of debating at councils along with me.
Clovis turned to Darius,
"We'd be honoured to accept your invitation, sir."
Beside him, Millie's approving tiny grin that had crept onto her face bathed him with happiness.
I could do nothing without my Millie, he thought to stepped forward, leading Abelard and Millie into Darius' thicket.
Once inside, they were greeted warmly by a band of Imperials that were unfamiliar to them, yet they were nothing but gracious.
"Let me call this informal council to order!" Darius called. He sent Clovis a wink. Clovis realised with a sinking feeling that Darius probably meant for him to reveal the truth behind his encounter with the alpha Cortez.
His next words dashed that supposition,
"Clovis, though you are new here, I was wondering if you might have any relevant suggestions for safeguards for our future security?"
Clovis darted a quick look at Millie, recalling their discussion a day prior about the avians and their uses. She gave him a small nod, as Clovis found the words he wanted,
"I suggest this: that we expand the use of the avian messengers to other species – notably, that of the carnivores such as the Sabine tribes and the wolf packs that live on the fringes of the Bredelands."
A matronly cow present spoke up. Clovis wondered if perhaps she was Darius' mother,
"And why do you think this might be a good idea?"
Clovis raised his trunk as if to stall her question. The cow immediately quieted,
"I was not finished. Expanding the use of our avians to the more remote dioceses where these predators roam in hopes of establishing a diplomatic communication as our avians could carry messages back and forth, keeping us informed about our enemies' movements."
A look of understanding dawned in the cow's eyes,
"I see!"
Clovis glanced at Millie, who was wearing a proud expression. Well done, her eyes congratulated him.
"Pray continue, Clovis," Darius suggested. "This sounds to me like a good plan."
Clovis nervously cleared his throat,
"My main reason for suggesting such a plan is that I know of a sabre pack that lives in the shadow of the smoking mountain that is led by an alpha known as Cortez. I propose, that after an assigned bird has become familiar with the area, this alpha could become the first test subject for the process."
Darius stomped his feet on the ground, applauding Clovis' decision. The other mammoths followed suit.
"I find this plan commendable!" Darius stated. "And, like Clovis, I also have a test subject that I know of for this – Hugo, Alpha of the Allgraig Meadow dire wolf pack. By the way, Clovis, since you have outlined the plans for this proposition so clearly, when it is time to be enacted you will be sure to head it."
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"Who the hell is this Hugo?" Axel exclaimed.
Manny caught Diego's eye,
"I think it's time for you to take up your half of the story, pal," he said, making no effort Diego noticed to hide his relief.
Diego chuckled,
"Sure, buddy." He turned to look at Axel directly. "Hugo was the father of my first best friend... My closest friend before I met Manny, and of course Sid here. His name was Hudson."
Tears rose up in his eyes at the memory of his closest friend. As far as he knew, Hudson was gone. Diego cleared his throat quietly, hoping that his emotion would not be very obvious. Thankfully, Shelley provided a diversion from his grief.
Shelley raised her paw.
"So... you were friends with a dire wolf cub?" she asked. She tapped her claw on her chin reflectively. "I can't say I ever heard of that happening before… but then I was never sure whether the rumours I heard about you mismatched travellers and a baby were true either."
Diego found an incredulous smirk was creeping onto his face.
"You've- you've heard about us before you met us?" he said, momentarily forgetting the rumours he'd heard when the herd had returned to the Bredelands; snippets of a story that rang familiar to his ears - because it was their own.
Axel and Shelley nodded,
"Yes, in fac-"
"Diego! Tell your half the story!" Sid implored. "Both of you," he went on, pointing an accusatory paw in Manny's direction. Manny rolled his eyes, trying – and failing – to look innocent. "Have been thtringing all of uth lithtenerth here along by constantly telling us that your pathth are 'going to cross' and/or 'have crossed' but so far I haven't theen that happening once yet!"
"Thid doeth have a valid point," Shelley agreed.
Diego rubbed his nape with one paw awkwardly,
"Yeah, well, about that," he said. His expression changed as he glowered at Sid. Smugness etched itself onto his features. "I've been right – and so has Manny – in stating that our paths have begun to cross. There's a catch, though. They're never truly gonna meet."
Varying degrees of disbelief and curiosity were in the faces surrounding him. Once again, the herd, with the exception of Manny himself, was speechless.
"So let me just continue on with my half of the story!" Diego went on, forced cheerfulness obvious in his voice. "It's time to return to my pack. I can remember that day pretty clearly... I was tagging along after Soto, who had been put in charge of me by Cortez whilst he and the other sabres were out on the hunt. Soto, of course, loved the fact that he had to babysit me, so when he found an opening to get me off his tail he went for it..."
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"Soto! Wait up!" Diego gasped. Soto ignored him, stalking forward through the grasses whilst Diego padded behind, carefully placing his paws into the imprints that Soto had left in the soft earth.
Diego knew that Soto was irritated with him because instead of allowing him to participate in the hunt, Cortez had ordered for Soto to have this detail.
"Hurry up, Squirt," Soto growled, his hackles rising. "Or, I might just leave you behind."
He lowered himself onto his stomach as Diego copied his movements. The cub glanced up, noticing his father stride gracefully up onto a rock. Apparently he had left his hunters and was on a reconnaissance mission now instead of continuing the hunt. Diego's heart swelled with admiration as he looked at his father; he wanted nothing more than to emulate his accomplishments.
The rustle of motion amongst the bracken broke Diego's concentration. He turned to Soto. His older brother wore a scheming smile on his face. Diego couldn't help hoping that he was in on the plan...
"Diego!" Soto hissed. "I want you to do something for me. Go catch whatever is over there in the grasses and bring it back to me – alive." His expression hardened. "And then I'll kill it for myself. Now go!"
Without a word, Diego slipped past the older sabre. He crept past the tall grasses, practising his stalking skills, keeping in mind what he had been taught: stay low to the ground, camouflage yourself in the surrounding grasses... But all of that was forgotten as he came close to his quarry.
At the last moment, he leapt out from behind a bush that had been blocking his way. He landed onto something was covered in dense grey fur. It snarled at him viciously as Diego stepped back off its chest to get a closer look. It was a dire wolf pup.
Clovis' quote - that Manny relates to Catherine - about how he'd never met anyone unimportant before is adapted from a line said by the Eleventh Doctor in the 2010 Doctor Who Christmas Special.
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