All was oddly well. It surprised the master more than he wanted, the calm and peace making him unwillingly suspicious. Joris had only just returned from checking on the apprehended, something he expected to be troublesome and time consuming, but it was nothing of the sort. The Sadida guards kept the pods the Brigands and Royale were held in in a good shape and enclosed, the pods kept in the palace's prison ward for safekeeping. Everything was fairly ready for the required transport to the Justice stronghold, but leaving Sadida wasn't on Joris' mind, not yet at least.
There were other priorities he placed first. The Eliatrope ambassador was still recovering from what had happened, her business in Sadida still unfinished. He watched over her when she dozed off after their talk, her traumatizing endeavor, no sleep and the intense healing session having exhausted her. He didn't disturb her during the rest she managed to get, aware of her grimaces, twitches or groaning while she was asleep. She often woke throughout the few hours, at times with a faint gasp or clutching for the sheets, though she dozed off far too quickly after each rousing to explain what startled her in her sleep. Nightmares, most probably…
After she woke and showed signs to leave the healing ward and begin with any preparations she deemed needed, Joris excused himself to grant her any desired privacy and space, taking it upon himself to check on the prisoners for her. He was quick to return to her when his assistance wasn't required downstairs, having taken every single moment of downtime to think about what had happened and what Alys told him.
He made a few promises to her, but he didn't exactly think it through in the long run. He had to plan this properly, for taking Alys with him to the Justice stronghold and Bonta wasn't as easy as him traveling on his own. Even worse, he had placed a temporary burden on Sadida with the new prisoners. He wished for as little Sadida involvement as possible, but that was rather difficult if he had to rely on Sadida's guard forces to keep the prisoners in check and also transported. More debts the Bontarian council surely wouldn't be all too appreciative of…
A quiet groan left him as he pinched the bridge of his nose and clenched his eyes shut, annoyance washing over him. The Eliatrope's desire to speak to him brought along many complications… and a big mess to clean up. What did he get himself into? He wryly smirked at the thought and lowered his hand somewhat, feeling a little sheepish at the fact he already had the answer to that wonder, along with no regrets. Could he possibly say no to her, or be angry at her? He tried and failed, knowing he couldn't. A good thing nobody knew about this weakness or else he would be in true trouble.
The sounds of approaching footsteps made him straighten up before he tugged on his fur mantle and gloves to be decent, his eyes searching for the familiar hint of blue he expected to accompany the soft sounds. It came into his view with the flowing of her robes, the Eliatrope stepping into the hallway while she fidgeted with her pin to keep the fur trimmed décolletage of her robes together. She still looked tired and pale, the bandage wrapped around her left hand visible, but it was an improvement in comparison to earlier this morning. It was difficult to believe she went through hell not too long ago, not with how she carried herself as she stepped over the threshold. Elegant and graceful, with a gentle- and regalness which came natural to her. No pain could take that away from her, it seemed.
She was deep in thought while she pinned down the piece of jewelry and stroked the thick brown fur to brush it in place before her awareness to her surroundings made her realize she wasn't alone. Her gaze slowly crept towards Joris, a moment of simply looking at him passing before a small smile with a hint of surprise crept onto her lips, a glint of recognition visible in her eyes. "You're here..."
He only inclined his head somewhat to nod in answer before he allowed himself to examine her, a quick glance to not be intrusive or make her uncomfortable before he said to her," it feels like a long time since last I saw you dressed like this." How long had it been since Qilby's defeat? A few months? It felt like so much longer…
Alys rose a brow before she looked down at herself and hid her bandages by laying her other hand over them, uncertain whether he meant it as a compliment or an icebreaker. Either worked, her pale cheeks feeling slightly warmer after his words sunk in. "It does," she finally replied quietly, agreeing with him after several memories surfaced and mixed with the appreciation that he came back and waited for her to get dressed.
She was still somewhat subdued, but that was to be expected. Joris turned to Alys before he held a hand out to her, asking her while he waited for her to accept his gesture," is there anything you wish to attend to first?" He wouldn't discuss the prisoners with her, not without having anything worthy to mention if all was well in the prison ward.
Another glance of surprise, though this time she didn't smile. She didn't wish to go anywhere, she didn't wish to do anything, but that wasn't why she got out of bed and dressed… She needed to get back into the routine of living rather than be rooted by fear, she understood this all too well. One finger flexed, then another before she carefully reached for Joris' extended hand and took it, intentionally keeping her hold loose. "Where are Fernand and Bebe?" she asked as an indirect answer to his question, sounding hesitant.
Her reluctance made him a little uncertain and wonder if she was ready to move around, but he shook it off to not lose track of things. "Presumably in the guest quarters," he said as he took a step forward to begin walking, guiding her along without tugging at her to remain well mannered but also supportive. She willingly followed him after he took it upon himself to bring her to her companions, though he felt her hand tremble; she was still fatigued. Was she holding up appearances? He glanced at her when she walked alongside him, noticing her eyes were deliberately averted from him but she looked strong if one were to ignore the bandages, the faded bruises, her paleness and dark circles under her eyes.
Be the queen you claimed not to be.
He faintly smiled at himself when the thought crossed his mind, a thought he had spoken out loud twice before to encourage her when she faced uncertain times. He looked away from her when he thought back to that night in Bonta and his room, saying quietly after his small fingers tightened around her slender hand," you are trying too hard, Alys. There is no need to push yourself, not here."
Not with him.
She finally looked to the master rather than the far distance visible through the open archways and windows they passed in their slow tread, her gaze lingering on their hands before she focused on his shrouded face. "I have to," came her honest answer after a moment of silence," I cannot afford to lose more, Joris. My people are depending on me to keep going and not falter, not to mention that I owe others too much to waver. And my brother..." She didn't finish her sentence, her parted lips slightly trembling during the pause before she pressed them together and formed a grimace.
"Indeed noble of you… You have a selfless knack for sacrificing your own needs to appease others, even those who do not deserve it," Joris said with a rather serious look on his face and in his voice," but you will not be of much use to your people or your brother if you can barely stand, let alone that those against you will abuse your weakened state for their own gains."
There was a pang of fright which made her breathing and heartbeat pick up a little after Joris spoke his mind to her. She swallowed, her wings folded in her hood to mimic how small her confidence was behind the mask she tried to wear as she whispered under her breath," you can be blunt sometimes…"
"One has to be, at times."
They had come to a stop in their walk, something she wasn't fully aware of until she somewhat turned to him. He did the same to stand across of her, her hand still held by him as he gazed up towards her. She seemed torn by many different thoughts, but no matter how hard she may try, she was an open book to him. Her eyes gave too much away.
His hardened expression softened a little when her bare shoulders lowered ever so slightly and a deep sigh escaped her, the charade she tried to uphold breaking under the mild pressure and her own fatigue. "It's been only hours ago that you faced a few horrors, Alys. Nobody is expecting you to be back on your feet in full force, not this soon." He reached for her bandaged hand to lightly cup her fingers, his eyes resting on the clean bandages. "You're a strong woman, but you have to allow yourself some respite. Take the opportunity while you are amidst allies, before we leave and need to focus on the important things."
The small smile which broke through her troubled demeanor took him by surprise, though the weak chuckle which followed was what made him frown. "That is what I like about you… You always know what to say," she said before she tilted her head far enough to the side for her cheek to almost brush against her shoulder," even bluntly. It is no wonder you are your king's trusted advisor and Bonta's ambassador." Her smile became a little coy when she picked up on the slight widening of his eyes before she turned away and continued walking, leaving him behind for a short moment to cope with the faint stupor she managed to trick him into.
Did he underestimate her? Joris looked after her with a slow blinking of his eyes before he shook his head and jogged a little to catch up with her, pleasantly surprised by her compliments. It felt good to be in her company again within Sadida, the memories of their past time here accompanying them with every step they took. He would assume she thought the same, even if her mind was full of worries, for some things didn't change. They truly didn't.
Their enthusiasm and care were still the same as before, just like their hugs and overdone reactions, a fine ending to the ambassadors' walk and little time together. Renate and Canar greeted Alys with their usual flair after Joris brought her to the guest quarters, the two servants watching over the young Osamodas while, according to Canar, Fernand was still soundly asleep in the room he was given… with pressure on 'soundly'. To allow the Cra some undisturbed rest, the Sadidas had taken Bebe to a small indoor garden where they continued to pamper her, to the girl's biggest dismay…
"Goddess, what did they do to you?" Alys softly laughed while she tried to rub some brightly colored smudges off Bebe's face after the greetings subsided, the makeup plastered on thick. Why was it so sticky?
Canar leaned in close after the Eliatrope knelt down to tend to the girl and allow her to show her elation to seeing the Eliatrope being in good health, having been worried sick. "If she sat still, it would have been far prettier," he said as he broadly smiled for Bebe, only receiving a pout in return before Bebe's face distorted with the puffing of her cheeks, crinkling of her nose and tight clenching of her eyes when Alys continued to try and get the sticky makeup off.
"Bebe is already a pretty girl, no?" Alys pulled a face of minor disgust after she stroked the girl's hair and felt it to be oily and slippery, noticing the unnatural shine. What did they do to her hair…? She was quick to show a smile to not distress the girl too much, finally understanding why Bebe was so pouty towards the two Sadida. This must be a nightmare for a tomboy like her…
"She is! And so adorable," Renate added in with a rapid nodding of his head before he suddenly cupped Alys' face into his thick hands and nearly twisted her bruised neck with how he pulled at her to have a better look, inspecting her closely before he shook his head. "Look at you..." he worryingly tutted," you look absolutely exhausted. She's all wilted."
The latter was directed at Canar after the chubby Sadida turned Alys' face to him so he could have a look too, the taller Sadida tapping his chin in thought while he took in Alys' face as if it was a painting in a gallery. She tried to smile reassuringly but failed miserably with Renate squishing her cheeks, making her look nervous instead. "I agree. You look dreadful, flower. Whatever happened? We only heard bits and pieces from various sources."
Joris kept himself wisely in the background to not be involved in the flamboyant and motherly endeavors of the servants, watching from a safe distance while ready to intervene if necessary. It didn't go past him that Alys had a genuine concern for the little Osamodas. If he didn't know any better, he would have guessed they were actually related in some way but he knew that wasn't the case; she simply cared too much about the wellbeing of children. Still, this was concerning… He offered for Alys to come with him to the Justice stronghold and Bonta, but he didn't consider her travel companions in this plan. How close was she to the Cra and his daughter, what was her relationship with them?
"Master Joris!"
He straightened up when the sudden sharp calling of his name snapped him out of his pondering, the disappointment and offense present in the voice making any hair he had rise with a sudden tension. He looked towards the small group while managing to remain outwardly collected and calm, finding all eyes were on him. One pair in particular seemed very upset with him for reasons he could only wildly guess about. What did he miss?
"Why weren't you with her?!"
All he could do was blink in answer, the bewilderment he felt well cloaked but it burned strongly within.
"Please don't…" Alys pleaded as she reached for the Sadida to touch his hand while he stood fuming beside her, her short explanation of what had happened in Yurbut having brought forth mixed reactions from the two Sadida. "It isn't his fault, we both had different duties to tend to. Besides," she lowered her gaze a little before she looked towards the small master lingering on the edge of the indoor garden, seeming a little reluctant at first before she said," he saved me… that's all that matters."
A silence followed her words, the tension hanging over the garden slowly fading as everything sunk in for the Sadidas. "Well," Canar said with a pursing of his thick lips, mulling over what to say in response before he said as he was unable to help himself," it's nice to hear he actually managed to do it right this time around. Unlike last time."
"Canar, don't be such a sour plum!" Renate gasped appalled as he swatted with a hand at Canar's shoulder and pouted, slapping him lightly with rapid taps," show some gratitude to the master! He deserves it!"
The Eliatrope smiled for Joris when the two Sadidas began to bicker with each other, rising to her feet before she took a deep breath to keep herself standing. Still a little fatigued, but she wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for Joris and Fernand; she owed them, a lot. She gingerly turned her face away to break eye contact with Joris, her gratitude towards him making her timid before she leaned forward and rested her hands against her legs, her eyes on the young Osamodas.
"How about you go with Renate and Canar to the lake and maybe have a dip?"
Her question interrupted the stubborn argument between the servants and made eyebrows rise, her suggestion coming out of the blue for everyone. "Can I?" followed Bebe's immediate reaction before the little girl turned to Renate and Canar with large eyes and a curling tail, standing on her toes to try and contain her excitement. She grabbed for the leafy skirt Renate wore after he cast an uncertain glance towards Canar, her eyes growing even larger to accompany her plea," can I please? I would love to go for a swim! Please? Pretty please?"
"So precious," Renate cooed with a weakening of his knees and a broad smile, falling rather quickly for the child's charms," I don't see why not! It's a pretty nice day and with your father still out cold, we've got all the time to enjoy it."
Alys stepped up beside Canar while the Sadida looked very thoughtful in comparison to his chubby companion, his uncertainty about suddenly getting saddled up with the Osamodas feeling awfully more like doing Alys a favor rather than her wishing for the girl to spend some time with them. When he glanced her way with an arched brow and pursed lips, she sheepishly chuckled before she lightly touched his shoulder and spoke with a more quiet voice, understanding what he was thinking," I am sorry for dropping this on you, Canar… There is so much going on at the moment and I have important matters to attend to in the little time I have. It already pleases me to no end that Bebe and Fernand are in good hands, truly, but… I can't tend to them at this very moment."
Canar leaned a little to the side to slide a sideways glance to Joris after Alys mentioned she had to attend to important matters, a hidden meaning behind the look he gave the master before he refocused back on Alys. He straightened up a little before he blindly reached over to Bebe to give her a few soft pats on her head, saying while he waved dismissively with his other hand at the Eliatrope and finally showed a smile," but of course, flower, we completely understand. You go do your thing with Master Joris, but do seek us out after you're done. We have some catching up to do, no?"
"We do… Thank you so much," Alys smiled, relieved there were no objections from the princess' confidantes. She wasn't exactly proud about pushing Bebe onto them, but she couldn't possibly take the girl along while needing to deal with more heavy topics. Let her play and be unaware of the scary grownup stuff. "I'll make this up to you and Renate, I promise. Until then..." She took a deep breath before she released it as a sigh and said to Bebe while she gently flicked a finger past the girl's cheek," have fun, sweetheart. I'll see you again later, alright?"
Bebe nodded, her elation wavering a little at the realization Alys wasn't going to stay with them, especially after what happened. It was all very scary… She still didn't fully understand what had happened. The girl looked at the bandages around Alys' hand when she thought about it, her pointy ears lowering ever so slightly before she gave another nod, more confident this time. "It's a promise!" she grinned before she skipped forward and clasped her arms around Alys to give her a tight hug, knowing she had to be a strong girl for a little while longer.
Alys smiled down to Bebe while she stroked the top of the girl's head, her hair still very oily to the touch. A dip in the water would hopefully wash off all the Sadida beauty products Renate and Canar had applied to her during their pampering, not to mention it might also give Bebe a little fun in the process. She needed it…
She turned around after Bebe released her and appeared to be in better spirits, leaving her in the care of the two servants before she made her way over to Joris and lingered by him. She was silent for a moment to collect herself while a hint of a smile remained before she spoke," I will make my way to the throne room and arrange an audience with His Majesty Sheran Sharm, if he is willing and able to receive me today. I wish to extend a formal apology to him for the trouble caused, and also show my gratitude for the care I've received in his home."
"He has been waiting for you to meet him. We've kept him up to date on the progressions of the situation, but he has yet to learn you are back on your feet." Joris began to walk to join Alys with meeting the king, their walk quiet as they headed to the grand chamber within the tree. It wasn't before long the tall doorway greeted them, the doors standing wide open and granting a good view of the elevated throne in the center of the circular chamber and a small collection of people standing before it. The two emissaries didn't wish to cross the threshold without prior permission, but the present guards didn't stop them and allowed them to enter without any words exchanged; it seemed the king was available for guests.
The large Sadida sat on his throne, his eyes on the two visitors while his son, the chamberlain and an unknown Cra turned around to see who approached after they noticed Oakheart's attention shifting. The atmosphere within the throne room was fairly relaxed, especially when one considered what had happened during the night and what the prison ward was holding. It didn't go past the ambassadors how Armand's eyes narrowed when he recognized who had entered, but he wasn't scowling… not yet at least.
Alys and Joris knelt down onto the soft grass in front of the shallow moat surrounding the throne and lowered their heads respectfully before Alys uttered," honorable Sheran Sharm, please forgive the intrusion. I hope we are not interrupting."
"Lady Alys, Master Joris," Oakheart said in greeting before he gestured for the two to rise and come closer," it pleases me to see you on your feet again, and doing well. You've brought quite an ordeal onto our hands."
"Forgive me," Alys said after she swallowed and tried not to succumb to the anxiety which was licking her heels, the king's words making her quiver. She hesitated to stand back up and advance closer to the throne, uncertain if she should remain on her knees to continue her apology," it is a complicated matter, but one I didn't wish to involve Sadida with. I sincerely apologize for the trouble caused…"
Oakheart bore down onto the Eliatrope when she didn't rise and instead apologized for what had happened, observing her during a moment of silence before he shook his head," I've received the reports on what happened in Yurbut and the captives we are currently holding. Even if your Cra companion hadn't come here to seek out Master Joris, the presence of our temporary prisoners in Yurbut would have affected Sadida in the long run. It is a good thing their threat and location was found and eradicated, for now at least. To ease your worries, Lady Alys, it was Bonta which involved Sadida in the matter and we have already come to certain agreements in the current plan of action."
The king looked towards Joris after he mentioned Bonta's involvement, the request he made to take along a few of the king's men and Oakheart's following approval having sealed the two kingdoms' cooperation in this case. Though, this matter was mostly in the master's hands now and he did hope that he wouldn't need to house the prisoners for much longer.
"To offer our further assistance, Captain Jourdain of Division thirty-two will be in charge of escorting the prisoners to the Justice stronghold," Oakheart said while he motioned with an open hand to the present Cra to introduce him," any further discussions about the journey's details are to be held with him."
Alys glanced towards the Cra after she rose her gaze, allowing her eyes to wander over the man's appearance before she inclined her head in a polite but quiet greeting, receiving a stiff but well-meant bow in return. Division thirty-two. It must be one of the many Cra militants which were in service of Sadida. He looked familiar… She brought herself up to her feet after she shook off the wandering thoughts about the Cra's familiarity and focused on the king, her mind a little slow with processing what Oakheart had shared with her. She understood her apologies were accepted by him and it made her feel a sense of relief. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty," she said after she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, unaware she was subconsciously hiding her bandaged hand from those present.
All she received in return was a nod, but the king's expression did soften a little, a smile appearing. "If nothing else needs to be discussed, let us proceed to different topics," he suggested before he once more turned his attention the Bontarian master," now that we've all gathered, I would like for Bonta to be our witness in the negotiations for a possible allegiance between the Sadida kingdom and the Eliatrope people. Any objections, Master Joris?"
"None, Sire." He sounded like his usual self but then he managed to hide his surprise fairly well. He did not expect this topic to surface, at least not this soon, for he knew it was bound to happen. But was it the right time? He glanced towards the Eliatrope beside him, the size of her eyes and the way she pressed her lips together giving away to him that she was perplexed and rendered speechless by the giant of a king. She wasn't expecting this either and he wasn't certain what to think about it. He was pleased in one way, but worried in the other… And it seemed he wasn't the only one when it came to the latter.
Armand was finally showing frustration, the way he stood straight and with balled fists a clear indication he was ready to pounce and express his objection to whatever his father may say. He was silent, however, his glaring eyes on Oakheart while he impatiently waited for how the conversation would unfold.
"And you, Lady Alys?"
"O-of course," Alys stammered after she quickly shook her head and blinked her eyes to regain herself. An allegiance with Sadida? This felt like a dream… Was she awake? The faint stab of pain which shot up her arm after she thoughtlessly squeezed her bandaged hand was a regrettable but clear sign she wasn't dreaming, the realization making her confidence swell. She knew what to say, but she could only hope she could word it properly and that it would be received well. "On behalf of my king and his people, I humbly accept and have no disagreement to a possible allegiance between the Eliatrope people and the kingdom of Sadida. By your approval, I will do everything in my power to be a valuable asset to the whole of Sadida and prove my people are a reliable ally in the near future, considering their current absence."
"Which king?" Armand bit after he crossed his arms over his chest, his skepticism lying thick on his voice when he cut into Alys' acceptance to the negotiations.
Alys didn't look Armand's way, not at first as she kept her focus on the one who was generous enough to consider making a pact between his own kingdom and the elusive people which were the Eliatropes, though she answered him with a closing of her eyes," albeit young, Yugo is the rightful heir to the crown and has received the blessing of our surviving people. Because of his age and needing to prepare himself for his role and title, I speak in Yugo's stead and act as his representative. However, I will seek his approval if required or desired."
Oakheart stroked his grassy beard when the name of the true Eliatrope king was shared, not being surprised by the revelation though it was still something which needed a moment to sink in. The boy showed a lot of promise during the previous events and his friends, the Brotherhood of Tofu, were indeed reliable. He had no doubt in what Yugo could accomplish as a king, though he had to admit he was also a little biased on this topic with his daughter being a part of the Brotherhood and good friends with Yugo; these were important connections he wasn't able to ignore. They helped Amalia, the future queen of these lands, to grow.
The prince was less intrigued and understanding than his father when Alys disconfirmed his suspicion that Qilby was still considered a king, instead bringing forth the name of a boy which had been a headache to deal with. When he noticed Oakheart considering what the female Eliatrope shared with them and looking like he was pleased enough with the information, he took a step forward to stand partially in front of Alys. "Father, I ask you to reconsider," he roughly pleaded with his familiar disapproving scowl," the Eliatropes have been nothing but trouble to our people. We took them in and look how they repaid us." He turned to gesture to Alys with a hand, his eyes remaining on his father," we have lost lives because of them. If anything, we should demand their so called services so they can make up for the damage they caused rather than us trying to compensate for what could be nothing but empty words."
A heavy silence washed over the throne room after Armand rudely thwarted Oakheart's attempts to negotiate, causing some discomfort in all present. The Cra captain sucked on his lower lip while he stood at attention, seeming to feel a little out of place in the current argument while Joris remained a silent spectator to not intervene in what was now politics between two different nations. Oakheart followed Joris' example and observed his son and the Eliatrope emissary, knowing he was taking risks to discuss an allegiance with a large group of people who weren't fully present or active. But Armand had justified and genuine worries, no matter his temper and it was therefore Oakheart allowed him to express his thoughts.
Alys, however… The offense and disbelief she felt for the prince's accusations were difficult to shroud while she stared at the hand he held in her direction. She was aware that Armand didn't hold the Eliatropes in the highest regard, but it seemed like this ran far deeper than it first appeared. Was this truly how he felt about her people, even after Yugo tried his best to correct the mistakes made? "You will blame the whole of my people for the actions of two individuals...?"
"I will," Armand nodded before he looked at her," it was the Eliacube which started it all and, if I recall correctly, it was created by your people. Your people were the cause of everything and where are they now? They are hiding like cowards."
Her baffled expression hardened after she heard Armand's harsh words before she took a step forward, the sudden change in her behavior causing Joris to raise his chin up in mild surprise while the king continued to watch the argument from his throne. She slowly pushed Armand's hand away from her with held back discontentment when she took a stance beside him before she said to him through clenched teeth and made herself taller to look him straight in the eye," they are nothing but children." She glared at him, daring him to make another insult towards the many young Eliatropes she swore to protect and care for, the ones she promised a future to. She won't let him walk over her or her beliefs, not after what happened the night before. She was too tired and spread thin for his little tempers.
Armand held a similar look in his eyes while he stood over Alys, glaring down at her. He didn't like the tone in her voice, even though he was fully aware that he was the one treading on sensitive subjects. She could claim whatever she liked, but who knew what exactly this other dimension the Eliatropes were hiding in held, what had become of the Eliacube or what the Eliatropes were truly planning. If he were the king of Sadida, he wouldn't have allowed this nonsense to come this far. He glanced at his father when he thought about the difference between their visions of ruling before he focused back on Alys, the Eliatrope shifting in her stance with a hint of exhaustion.
"I do not have to take this from you, Prince Armand... especially not from you," he heard her saying after he met her wavering glare," I have done nothing but try to set things right ever since Qilby betrayed the trust of Sadida."
"Trying isn't the same as doing."
"It is more than what most have been doing," Alys replied with a bite to her voice, her unharmed hand clenching into a fist as frustration boiled within her. She didn't need Armand's stubborn and judgemental behavior after what she endured in Yurbut, Brakmar and Kalchas, the tune he sang one she'd heard far too often these past few weeks. She was taking action to make a difference, why couldn't they do the same or give her the chance to prove she was more than just pretty words?
When Armand bared his teeth and leaned closer to Alys to retaliate against her resistance, Oakheart was quick to speak up," enough." His loud voice echoed through the throne room, the strictness of his demand silencing the two standing before him. He sighed with a lowering of his shoulders when the heat between Alys and Armand visibly simmered down, not fully pleased with what occurred but he respected the expression of opinions. Even the negative was valuable and something to take in consideration, but their bickering wasn't leading anywhere. "Enough…" he said more subdued before he straightened up in his throne and looked towards the others present," Captain Jourdain, Master Joris, please leave us for a moment."
Joris respectfully bowed when Oakheart requested for him and the Cra captain to take their temporary leave and instantly acted to it, but not before glancing to Alys when he brushed past her. He understood her frustration, but he did hope she would be able to remain calm during what was to come. If the negotiations for an allegiance between the Eliatropes and Sadida failed, the royal Council of Bonta will take heed to it… and that wasn't a reassuring thought.
"You too, Armand," the king added after Joris and Jourdain exited the throne room, the look he received from his son not the most charming one, but he wouldn't lecture him on it. Not now at least.
Armand wasn't as fast as Joris to abide his father's request, his muscles tense as he had to hold back on the anger which welled up after he got shunned once more. When will his opinion matter around here? He marched towards the open doors after shooting Oakheart a disapproving scowl, finally giving Alys some breathing space.
The Eliatrope visibly weakened after Armand stepped away from her, the silent exhale of air she released making her slump every so slightly. Her deep breathing gave away she was experiencing a clash of emotions and thoughts, her turquoise eyes wandering over the grass and water between herself and the throne as she tried to find some calm in the disarray.
"Alys."
She swallowed after the king spoke her name before she rose her head to look at him, suddenly feeling very small. She didn't make the best impression by bickering with his son, but she felt the strong desire to defend the innocents and herself from his accusations. Still, there was some regret for not keeping her decorum during it.
Oakheart gave her a small sympathetic smile when he met her tired and weary gaze before he looked towards the still present chamberlain and said," if you could please take the scroll from Toufdru." He patiently waited for Alys to comply, the mention of his name causing the chamberlain to finally move from the spot he seemed rooted in. He went a little off course as he shuffled forward, as nearsighted as he was, but managed to hand over the rolled up leafy parchment to Alys when she reached out for him. "I apologize for my son," Oakheart continued after Alys returned to her spot in front of the throne, the scroll held close to her chest while she watched the king with large awaiting eyes," I had hoped our negotiations would have a more peaceful start."
"He isn't wrong, Your Majesty… and neither alone with his views. The Eliacube has been a catalyst for several tragic events and nothing I say or do can change that; that history is set in stone. But…" She fell silent when a deep sigh cut her sentence off, words escaping her. Bullion crossed her mind when she recalled what Armand said, the Enutrof's straightforwardness having opened her eyes back then. Although harsh, he spoke the truth and Armand wasn't that far off with it either. "I still have a lot to prove as a representative of my people, and until the Eliatrope children are ready to leave Emrub, I unfortunately don't have much to offer in our negotiations other than words and the promise of loyalty. I therefore have no objections if you wish to postpone the discussions for an allegiance until a later and more appropriate time."
"Only a fool would expect direct results from an alliance with the Eliatropes, especially in their current state. But as a king, I cannot ignore that a few of Sadida's allies are showing the will and interest to work more closely with your people… Neither that one of my own children believes strongly in your king, be it as a friend or an ally," Oakheart said to explain his reasoning," Yugo may be young, but he has proven to be worthy of the trust he has received thus far, the past two events here in Sadida attest to it without much doubt. As long as my daughter stands behind him, I feel inclined to do the same."
Her hold on the scroll tightened, her knuckles pressing against the tinted glass of her pin while she tried to remain calm. Oakheart's words were promising and brought forth many different hopes, but the fear of disappointment was there. Osamodasia and Pandala were the first to step forward towards the Eliatropes, with Bonta and now Sadida thinking about doing the same. Nothing was certain, however… She still had to meet with the Bontarian king and his council for any discussions or agreements and while Sadida was reliable, the fact that she still wasn't fully welcomed by everyone was a remaining thorn in her side. This conversation could go in any direction, good or bad and it was why she remained silent and tried to be patient.
"I am fully aware that nothing can be gained for the time being, but I am looking towards the future. During your people's absence from this world, you and I can pave a path towards a strong allegiance which may prove valuable to all involved. And when that time comes, Sadida will be ready to uphold their end of the bargain." Oakheart looked at the rolled up leaf Alys held onto before he nodded to it," have a look."
She hesitated with apparent doubt but don't linger for all too long, her curiosity getting the best of her. She unrolled the parchment to see what its contents were and slowly revealed a rather accurate map of the Sadida kingdom, the sight of it confusing her until her eyes were drawn to an outlined part of the forest along the eastern coast.
Oakheart softly cleared his throat to gain the attention of his chamberlain before he gestured towards the closed throne room doors, quietly indicating for something. Toufdru seemed a little lost by what Oakheart wanted from him before he rose a bony finger in understanding and began to shuffle away, leaving the king and Eliatrope emissary to themselves. Oakheart looked after him while Alys studied the map with care before he said to her with a more formal tone in his voice," after deliberating with my advisors and trusted councilors, I, Oakheart Sheran Sharm, ruler of Sadida and protector of my people, hereby offer a piece of our forest to the Eliatropes for when they are ready to return to this world. This piece of land is fertile and not inhabited, therefore making it an ideal place to settle and start anew. In return, Sadida requests of the Eliatropes to respect Sadida's traditions and beliefs and that you will come to our aid by any means necessary, along with granting us the privilege of learning from your available knowledge and strengths. Do you accept to these terms to unite our people in the future, Lady Alys of the Eliatropes?"
Her eyes couldn't get any larger. It felt like there was no space in her chest left with how hard her heart was beating, neither that her stomach could keep itself straight. Everything was tangling up in a knot. She felt nauseous and dizzy, but she smiled. A place for the children to call home… Goddess, it was what they so badly needed, what she dreamt of. Could this be it? It was a solid offer with proof she was able to touch. She looked down at the map to make certain her eyes hadn't played tricks on her before she rose her gaze back to the large Sadida seated on the throne, feeling robbed of her voice. Her own gratitude and excitement were drowning her, but she had to say something, anything, before any doubts would rise and spoil it.
Would Yugo approve of this? Would Adamaï, Baltazar, Phaeris and the children? Would any of them oppose to these terms? She had no doubts that most of them would agree with Sadida's generous offer and the conditions which came with it, for they were already considered an ally throughout what happened. The trust Sadida placed in them after Qilby's betrayal was proof enough that this was no hoax; Oakheart believed in a future between his people and theirs. The answer was clear.
"On behalf of my king and people," Alys said after she straightened up and graciously bowed before the king of Sadida," I accept Sadida's terms to a future allegiance and will devote myself to them. May the children prosper with your generous blessing."
"With Bonta as our witness, may we all prosper," Oakheart said as he respectfully inclined his head towards the bowing Eliatrope emissary and the Bontarian ambassador standing behind her, the small master having quietly returned after Toufdru came to fetch him on Oakheart's request. It may be a long while until the fruits of these negotiations are ready to be picked, years even, but Oakheart was a patient man and he held what was best for his people in high regard. The Eliatropes were powerful, even when young, and had great things to offer… To not join arms with them would be foolish and something he'd regret. For now, he had the Brotherhood of Tofu and the fledgling Eliatrope ambassador he could rely on and that was reassuring enough.
Alys smiled at Joris when he stepped up beside her and congratulated her and Oakheart, even though there was much left to discuss. Luckily, neither Yugo, the Eliatrope children and this world were ready for the Eliatropes to return; it gave everyone enough time to think and discuss any details whenever it was required. For now, different matters would claim Alys' attention. Her Dofus was in questionable hands, the prisoners needed to be transported to their new home, Bonta was reaching out to discuss an allegiance and a threat by the name of Malaphar lingered in the background. There was no rest for the wicked, no matter the good news and a more positive outlook on a future for the Eliatrope children.
At least she had allies she could trust and friends she could rely on. She will allow herself to count her lucky stars this day and celebrate before diving back into the darkness which awaited her, a darkness which was eager to swallow her whole.