The Skeksis all later went to the Crystal chamber, where they got their daily dose of energy from one of the suns that reflected off the Crystal. Then, they all headed for the dining hall to have a plentiful breakfast.
The Skeksis were always a hungry bunch. They were never satisfied for long. The Slave Master always gave the others scraps since they came to him when they got hungry in between meals. Where he got them from was a mystery that none dare ask about.
After breakfast, Sil went to check on the Scientist's work that morning, to see if anything useful was being done. Tek usually liked to keep to himself when his works were so often misunderstood. However, he knew that what technology they did have was only understood by him. The Emperor did know they needed him for better things.
Chamberlain went and saw what Tek had done and remained with him for a short time. He tried to help out when he could. SkekTek had amazing machines. Sil could only imagine all the things that Tek was able to create. And none of the others could even think on his level or way of thinking to make things work beyond just how basically bodies naturally worked.
Tek had been friends with Aughra once, and she had resented breaking up as friends with him, but there was just something going on in Thra that was affecting many things, even the Skeksis themselves. A Darkening. Creatures that were once tame or friendly would suddenly turn on their friends or masters.
The Scientist was wanting to keep an eye on things, to make sure they weren't going to go south, but still try to find a way to improve life for the Skeksis and make them immortal. He wanted to make sure he could at least extend their lives. None of them had died since the two at the beginning of their split from the urRu during the last Great Conjunction.
Then, it seemed just by chance that Tek had discovered something, and it was taking his life force, as the Crystal was being corrupted. Sil had saved Tek from being drained entirely, and the two of them began to come up with a plan on what this discovery could mean for the Skeksis. An experiment needed to be done, but on what?
They both knew that the Crystal was part of Thra, and it gave life. But there had to be creatures close to Thra to give them what they wanted: life-force, essence. Two passing Gelfling guards gave them the idea. It was agreed, and they would soon enough tell the others.
The Emperor's health was not exactly in the best state these days. He was having too many health issues, but still struggled to remain composed, in a power-hungry way. As long as he lived, he would never give up his throne to any of the others. Not without a fight. He would keep on fighting death, too, at any price.
…..
Later, a Gelfling soldier was randomly chosen and tried, a female. She had been caught by surprise by the Scientist. She had just been passing through the halls, doing her rounds, and Tek requested her an audience with the excuse of needing her help with an experiment.
Sil led the Emperor and some of the other Skeksis into the lab to witness this first experiment dealing with the Gelfling. The soldier was drained of her essence, and the Emperor was told he could already taste the first drink of the results.
The essence looked just like water, though it gleamed with a pale blue radiance. The Emperor was pleased at its taste, and he felt changes going through his body; he again felt like he had when he was much younger and stronger.
That was when the other Skeksis wanted to try it too. They scrambled and stole their own sips of it. They felt the changes too, and were so excited about it that Tek just barely managed to get some scarce essence away from them before it was all gone. He locked it away, but it was just enough for the other Skeksis to feel its effects.
The Skeksis were sure that they hadn't been seen. Gelfling were not allowed in Tek's lab, unless asked to be... and they would be now, a lot more for their essence in the future.
…..
The Illustrator had not taken part in the experiment. She had so much paperwork to get done for the Historian, Emperor, Ritual Master, and Ornamentalist today. They were all expecting portraits, illustrated corners, drawn frames and details for books and scrolls.
That night, Chamberlain came to her office with something special to tell her.
"SkekLa, SkekTek has discovered new way to keep Skeksis young and strong!" he exclaimed excitedly.
She studied the look on his face: he was truly happy. "That's great, SkekSil. Do I get to try it too?" she asked curiously.
"The first time was only experiment, but yes. Soon. More Gelfling must be drained of their essence to get this drink." Sil explained.
It shocked her to hear that. She was rather fond of some of the Gelfling that served in the castle. She wasn't about to compliantly give up her servants, or assistants. She needed them at times, as did the other Skeksis for their jobs here in the castle.
"I don't know, Chamberlain... We need the Gelfling to help with our jobs too. I'm… rather used to the ones who help with mine. I already trained them to make ink and paint for me, and don't want to use different ones." she explained without saying she liked them.
"We can use only certain ones and we could still keep the ones we have been using as assistants. As long as Gelfling never find out secret." Sil replied. "Safer that way."
She was still unsure what to think about this. If the Gelflings did find out, there would surely be trouble for them. There were only so few of the Skeksis, and Gelfling did greatly outnumber them. Aside from the Hunter living out in the wilderness, it had been many trines since any of the Skeksis saw any real battles, their bodies had gotten older and slower. It happened with all the creatures that would make it to old age, and the Skeksis surely had that, up until now.
The ones who had drank the essence from the first draining were feeling younger and stronger, Sil included. That might be making him feel rather reckless and overconfident at the time.
"So, how goes your work?" he asked.
"Still got SkekZok and Ok's requests to do. SkekEkt could return any time now." she said.
"Hmm. Good. We be together again, tonight?..." he asked.
"Definitely." La replied. She loved being with him.
Sil gave her a fleeting nuzzle before he left her so she could get her work done. She didn't want another lecture from SkekOk about her delays.
Later that evening, at the right time, Chamberlain came into her office again and had made sure that other Skeksis that were closest to her room were elsewhere, or asleep. He was ready to be with her again.
….
There were many days of spending nights in bed with her. It was the best and most free time of their lives together.
During the day, everyone went about their own businesses. Many of the Skeksis eyed the Gelflings now as potential 'food' sources.
The Scientist had wanted to keep a small amount to study the essence further, what was in it and all, to make sure it was truly safe. If there was to be more, more Gelfling would need to be drained.
The Ornamentalist returned one day. He still went with being called a he, but he was the most feminine-like of the Skeksis. At least when it came to his manners, robes and makeup.
La got to hear more about the essence at the dinner table that night. She was rather quiet. She sat in between Sil and Ekt. She hadn't tried the essence and had thought to hold off on it as long as possible. But there were some points that the others raised about it she felt interested in. Such as healing aches and pains of old age. Surely, it was something to try.
All the Skeksis would have to watch out carefully for the Gelfling servants to find out anything about the drainings.
Chamberlain advised against culling all the Gelfling, even though General SkekVar wanted to do it to all the Gelfling across Thra. La didn't agree with his methods either. The military Skeksis were the most threatening to her, her lover, and anyone who didn't agree with war and raids being the ultimate solution to every problem.
Sil had tried arguing about it with Var, and he ended up being knocked down, then had his left hand brutally stepped on by the General. The violent quarrel had dire consequences for the Chamberlain: Var was now the Emperor's new counsel and second in command, much to Sil's dismay.
La instantly followed Sil when he stormed out in anger, disgust, and pain.
"That was absolutely unnecessary!" she said.
"Yes, it was." Sil agreed.
"How's your hand?" she asked, worried.
"Hurts..." he replied.
"I can look at it and try to treat it if you want?" she said out of concern for his well being.
"Yes. That would be good. Yes."
La wasn't a doctor Skeksis at all, but she would try her best to fix his injury. They all knew where the Skeksis recovery room was. The Scientist probably used it the most, but any of them could go in and get whatever medicine they had if they needed it.
In the medical room, La examined Sil's left hand. He hissed in pain as she gently squeezed at it to feel what was wrong. "Sorry." she said.
Sil nodded in understanding, though he didn't stop whimpering.
She finished feeling it. "I don't think it's broken, but it has a bad sprain. I'll wrap it for you." she stated. "If you want to be sure it´ll be okay, maybe the Scientist should look at it."
There were medical wraps in the room too. She got some down and began to wrap Sil´s hand. "SkekTek not happy with Chamberlain right now... Later, maybe."
"Alright. Just don't let the injury get infected or so bad that you can't use your hand." she encouraged.
Being Skeksis meant hiding weakness as much as possible. Emotional needs and such. And hiding the worst injuries could mean paying too high a price.
Chamberlain really didn't think the injury was that bad. He would be mad and silently broody at the others for awhile, especially the General. His lover was the only one he wasn't angry with.
In spite of Sil´s pain, he and La still spent that night together too.
