Chapter 21
*
Although they didn't know it, Aoshe and Serena were strolling in Max and Anri's direction. They had left the bar (without getting into any fights), and were now strolling aimlessly, much like Anri and Max were doing.
"You know, I really don't know much about you," Serena said. "Every time we've met, it's been about me, me having problems, me getting drunk after lunch, me getting into bar-clearing brawls."
"Well, having life revolve around you seems to be much more interesting," Aoshe said, smiling.
"No, I'm serious," Serena said. "Talk about yourself."
Aoshe hesitated. "There really is not much to know. I am just your average guy."
Serena laughed wryly. "A male who doesn't want to talk about himself, and what he does? Someone who just likes to listen, and possibly stay clear of bar fights? Are you sure you're a guy, because you're certainly not a typical one."
Aoshe blushed. "I must protest at this questioning of my manhood. I assure you, I am very much a man."
Serena grinned. "Well, then why in the whole time we've been together, you haven't hit on me once? Have a girlfriend already?"
Aoshe brushed some imaginary dirt off his shirt, avoiding Serena's mischievous face. "Um...no," he mumbled.
"Ah..." Serena said. "Perhaps, then, you are not interested in the female sex?"
"No, no!" Aoshe interjected hastily. "I certainly am, I just...well, have not really had the opportunity, or the time..." he trailed off helplessly.
"Others have made the time," Serena said playfully.
"Well, how about you?" Aoshe said, trying to deflect attention away from him. "You have anyone you are currently seeing?"
Serena chewed on her bottom lip. "No," she said ruefully.
Aoshe looked at her. "No one you are interested in?"
Serena smiled faintly. "I suppose there's a guy, but I don't think he feels the same way."
Aoshe had his guesses about the identity of Serena's interest, but chose not to air his speculations.
"Enough about this," Serena said suddenly. "I wasn't planning to ask you about your love life, and I certainly didn't want to answer questions about mine. I was hoping to find out more general things."
Aoshe shrugged. "Such as?"
"Well, for a start, how old are you?" Serena asked.
"I'm not exactly sure myself," Aoshe admitted. The people he had grown up with were not very familiar with human ages, and rate of growth, so he could only speculate, and he had not had much to compare with. "I believe I am approximately fifteen to seventeen years old."
"What, your parents forgot your birthday, or something?" Serena inquired, curious.
Aoshe was silent for a while. "I...was orphaned at a young age,"
"I'm sorry," Serena said, sympathetic. Or was she sorry? Humans were able to lie so easily, full of deceit. But she seemed genuine. Perhaps she was different than the usual human.
"Do you remember them at all?" Serena asked.
"Not really," Aoshe said gruffly. Aoshe winced inwardly. He had been told that his parents had abandoned him, saving themselves, about how that was just one of the examples of the selfishness and greed of the human race. Even so, no matter how much he hated them at times, and how angry he felt himself, he still secretly wished he could remember them.
"Who raised you?" Serena questioned.
"I had someone who adopted me," Aoshe answered. "She took care of me." Until he had grown powerful enough to take care of himself.
"Oh. Does she live here, or...?"
"She is...no longer with me," Aoshe finished.
"I'm sorry," Serena said. "I seem to keep on asking the wrong questions."
Aoshe sighed. "It is alright. You couldn't have known."
Serena smiled. "When I met you at first, I thought you were a wimp. But it seems like you're pretty self-sufficient. I suppose there's other ways to take care of yourself than knowing how to fight."
Aoshe shrugged. "Still, I am thankful you stepped in when you did." Killing several people would probably have blown his cover.
Serena laughed. "I do anything to get into a fight, as you've found out. Oh, and drink. Speaking of which, I think it's time for lunch."
Aoshe looked at the sun, still rising in the sky. "I don't think it's lunchtime yet."
"Well, we can have the meal that's in between breakfast and lunch," Serena suggested.
"I didn't know one existed."
"It was just created. We should celebrate it's birth with some beers."
"Sounds good to me."
*
Max, still talking aimlessly with Anri, passed by Serena, heading in the other direction. Max easily picked out her distinct aura, like a star in the night sky. He considered stopping to say hi, but decided not to disturb her and her new friend, who, from his aura, seemed unremarkable.
*
Early in the morning, Aoshe opened the closet in his room at one of the local inns, reached into the closet and pulled out the dress uniform he had brought with him. It was a somber grey, all hard and angular, projecting strength. He slipped out of his middle-class civilian clothing, and put on the uniform.
It wouldn't be good to not look his best, especially when he was striving to make an impression.
He completed the outfit with a long, hooded cloak. It certainly wouldn't do to look conspicuous, not until he had met the person he had come out to see. He raised the hood, throwing his face into shadows.
He began walking toward the castle, drawing little attention. Like any city, Guardiana had it's share of unsavoury characters, and he looked just like any rogue trying to keep a low profile. Most people wisely chose to mind their own business. In no time at all, he was at the castle, where the gate guards stopped him.
"State your business," demanded one of the guards, casually resting his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Aoshe paused, silently recalling his prepared answer. "I am the chosen representative of a foreign country. I would like to arrange a meeting with Her Highness, Queen Anri."
The guard relaxed. "That would be possible. However, Her Highness is currently dealing with many problems that require her attention. If you would care to wait, she will see you as soon as she can."
"Certainly, thank you," Aoshe said gracefully. He allowed himself to be led away by a castle functionary.
One of the other guards shrugged. "An ambassador from another minor country. Do they ever stop?"
Another guard agreed. "I've lost track of all the countries that have tried to open diplomatic relations. I haven't heard of half of them."
"Where was this guy from?" the first guard asked.
"I don't think he brought it up," the second guard replied.
"It doesn't really matter," the first said. "Probably some minor noble out there in a squalid, run-down castle, declaring himself a country."
"Probably," the other agreed. They went back to their look out duties.
*
Aoshe was lead to his seat, in a long corridor. The corridor was filled with a row of chairs, on which were seated a long line of dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and minor nobles, all with problems or suggestions they needed the queen to decide on personally. Every now and then, the great double doors at the end of the hall would open up, and someone would walk out, followed by an aide. The aide would then call another person into the room, and close the doors. This was how the bureaucracy of Guardiana functioned. It would mean a lengthy wait, but Aoshe didn't mind; patience was a virtue, and one long neglected from where he came.
Aoshe sat down, lowered his hood, and relaxed; no point being tense over what was to come. It was unlikely that anyone would recognize him, as only two people had seen his face, and one of them was currently indisposed. Aoshe knew the other unknowingly relied too heavily on his unique ability to detect auras; fortunately, Aoshe knew how to counteract it. To pass the time, Aoshe casually pulled out a roll of parchment, and glanced over it. It had taken him days to write it, poring over it, rewriting sections, and throwing in new ideas. He was confident that it would have the effect he wanted to convey. No harm in checking things over one more time.
Aoshe finished his careful examination of the parchment's contents, and rolled it up and stowed it safely inside his cloak. While doing so, he caught the eye of a heavily set man directly opposite him, who had came just behind him.
The man held his hand out. "Drannon Segunto."
Aoshe met his hand in a firm grasp, and shook it. "Aoshe."
"No last name?" Segunto asked.
"No, I never had one," Aoshe said, shrugging.
"Oh," said Segunto, shrugging. "From the looks of you, I'm guessing you represent...some kind of dignitary?"
"Close," Aoshe said. "I suppose you could call me a kind of ambassador."
"Ah," Segunto said. "From what country?"
Aoshe blinked. "A good question. The people I represent do not have an actual country, per se. Only what we call ourselves."
"Which is?" Segunto asked.
"The Forgotten ones," Aoshe said softly.
"I see," Segunto said, a slight note of trepidation in his voice. "I'm guessing a nomadic race, with no official standing in your place of origin?"
Aoshe nodded. "Very good. That comes very close to describing our...grievance. And you, sir? Whose interest do you represent?"
Segunto chuckled. "I'm here as an official envoy from Edgen, out in the northwest."
Aoshe smiled politely, feigning enlightenment. Where the hell was Edgen? He made a mental note to brush up on the geography, and to pay special attention to minor powers. "If I may, what is the nature of the item you wish to address with Her Highness?"
"Some of our fisherman have some complaints about the fisherman from Guardiana. It seems they've been crossing the previously agreed on border, as determined in Tri-fishery treaty several years ago."
Aoshe continued to smile. It was hard work, pretending he actually took an interest. He silently applauded Anri, who had to deal with this every single day. "That sounds important."
Segunto nodded gravely. "Twenty-five percent of Edgen's total export comes from fish. This is severely cutting into our profits."
"Not that you had ever fished a day," Aoshe thought. "Unless going through a significant portion of your country's export counts." "Oh my," Aoshe said out loud.
Segunto shrugged. "I'm hoping to clear this problem," he said. "By the way, I think you're next."
Aoshe looked over. The fat man was right; he was at the head of the line. Perhaps Anri's personal presence was only required as a diplomatic courtesy, with the real work delegated to the government. A wise choice, as Aoshe had seen what happened when one person tried to control as much as he could.
One of the queen's aides came to where he was sitting. "Her Highness is ready to see you now, Sir...?"
Aoshe smiled easily. "Oh, no need to announce me." He pulled out the roll of parchment from his cloak. "If you would just give this to Her Highness, please. I will be waiting out here, with my friend, Segunto."
The aide blinked. This was unusual, but he saw no harm in it. He sketched a short bow. "As you wish," he said. He opened the double doors, stepped through, and the doors closed behind him.
Segunto raised an eyebrow. "That was it? You just needed to deliver something to Her Highness? You could have just dropped it off at the castle, you know, and avoided the wait."
Aoshe shrugged. "Her Highness probably would not read it until later. I am sure, though, that she will wish to see me after she finishes reading the contents of my message."
Segunto began to speak, but stopped as the double doors burst open. The aide rushed through, followed by half a dozen guards, with drawn weapons. The aide pointed at Aoshe, and the guards rushed up to him, swords and spears at his throat.
Anri stormed out a moment later, blood rushing into her usually pale face. She stared at Aoshe. "You!" she sputtered. "You dare..."
Aoshe glanced at Segundo, who looked at him, appalled. Aoshe winked at him. "Like I said..."
*
Aoshe was searched for weapons, and escorted into the throne room, surrounded by heavily armed guards. He calmly came to a stop, ignoring the various sharp objects pointed in his direction. Anri paced around, and turned on him suddenly.
"What is this?" she demanded, holding up the roll of parchment he had given to the aide.
"Your Highness, I thought it would be clear from the contents," Aoshe said calmly. "Perhaps you could specify which areas you would like me to clarify?"
"This...this...is a declaration..." Anri said, stuttering.
"...of war," Aoshe finished calmly. The sharp objects came that much closer. "As of this date, my people, The Forgotten ones, formally declare a state of aggression towards your kingdom of Guardiana, as well as your allies. I believe you will find the details summed up quite nicely in that parchment."
"But what are you doing here?" Anri demanded. "Have you already begun? Are your forces already inside our walls, ready to strike?"
"I assure you, Your Highness, that I come merely as an ambassador today," Aoshe said firmly. "In fact, I wish to-"
"What? Demand our surrender? Threaten me, and my family? Oh, wait, I have no family, because my father is already dead," Anri said bitterly.
"As I was saying, I wish to negotiate some conventions for this upcoming conflict," Aoshe finished.
"Conventions? What kind of conventions?" Anri said, baffled.
"Conventions of war," Aoshe said. "For example, guidelines regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, and civilians."
Anri stared at him, then glared, suspicious. "Why should I believe you?"
"The last time I was here, were their any casualties?" Aoshe asked.
"No," Anri said reluctantly. "Quite a few were knocked out, but no deaths."
"Ah, I see. Do you want to know why?" Aoshe inquired. "It is because I did not authorize the use of deadly force in our...tactical strike."
"You mean when you kidnapped Max, and tried to sacrifice him in some kind of insane blood ritual?" Anri said, her voice dark with anger.
"Yes, that's the one," Aoshe said easily. "Do we have anything to talk about, or should I go back to my troops and tell them they have free reign?"
Anri nodded reluctantly. "Very well," she grounded out.
Aoshe glanced around. "I find it hard to negotiate when someone is holding a weapon to my throat."
Anri hesitated. Aoshe shrugged. "If I were going to kill you, I would have done it long before, when you were completely unaware of our presence. However, I do not believe in...unhonourable attacks."
Anri smiled, in the first hint of humour since she had seen him. She waved her hand, and the guards reluctantly lowered their weapons. "I find it amusing to be lectured on honour by someone who's people worship evil."
Aoshe smiled. "As I have said before, it all depends on your point of view."
Anri acknowledged his statement with a nod. "If you care to follow me into the war room, we can start out talks." She stood up, and began walking towards a set of doors off to her right. She held the guards back with just a look.
"She will be spending a lot of time in that room in the future," Aoshe thought. He noticed that while Anri had dismissed her personal guards, her right hand had tightened up on the staff she carried. He smiled inwardly. He would have been disappointed if she had let her guard down that easily. A worthy adversary, indeed.
*
"So, we agree, that civilians are to be treated as non-combatants, and treated as thus?" Aoshe asked.
"I wasn't aware that your people even had civilians," Anri said.
"An army does not run by itself, as I am sure you are aware."
They had been talking for hours, hammering out details, asking and giving concessions. People had stepped in from time to time, including a female centaur, Mae, if he recalled correctly. She had shot a look of pure hatred at him, and her hand had tightened around her lance. Other notables included a fiery-haired mage, Tao, and a strange floating squid...or something. Aoshe was putting the finishing touches on the treaty they were both to sign.
"So, we are in agreement regarding the treatment of civilians...I think that is just about it. Unless there is something else you wish to add?" Aoshe asked.
Anri shook her head. "Not at all. I believe you have been quite thorough."
Aoshe nodded. "I will just finish reading this through then, and after you have are satisfied with the contents of this treaty, we will sign it to complete our agreement. With witnesses of course."
"Of course," she agreed. "We've been talking for hours. May I offer you some sort of refreshment?"
Aoshe grinned inwardly. He could tell that she was wary of him, probably hated him. However, as queen, she could not let her personal feelings interfere with this important event. She was certainly a tremendous lady. "I will have to decline," Aoshe apologized. He didn't think she would attempt to poison him, but he would rather not take any chances.
Aoshe glanced over the formally scribed parchment, making sure there were no loopholes, no ambiguous meanings. As he continued to read, he noticed Anri watching him. "Yes, Your Highness?" he asked.
"It's...just your demeanor. The last time we met, you were...how shall I say...different." Anri said slowly, puzzled.
"Ah," Aoshe nodded knowingly. "You mean, I did stuff like this?" He suddenly threw his head back, and burst into a loud, deep cackle, startling Anri. The doors slid open, and the guards glanced inside. Determining there was no danger to the queen, the doors closed just as suddenly. Aoshe looked at Anri, abashed.
"Oh, and I'm guessing I talked like this, always rambling about 'them blood sacrifices, and plague sweeping the land, and I'm going to kill you all', et cetera, et cetera." Aoshe said, filling his usual formal speech with contractions, grammatical errors, and pitching his tone into what seemed like an excited, mad rambling.
"Yes, and of course, I looked like this," Aoshe said. His eyes lit up suddenly with a mad fire, and he pulled his lips back into a grin, showing all his teeth.
Anri smiled nervously. "Yes, something like that."
Aoshe resumed his normal, calm expression. "Just so we are clear."
"Why, though?" Anri asked.
Aoshe sighed. "Well, Darksol, Kane (with the mask), Mishaela...they all had a certain charisma, a certain force behind them. You could see it in them, feel it when you spoke to them. My people expect a leader like that, demand it, really. So I fake it."
"You fake it?" Anri said, surprised.
"How do you suppose a human survives so long?" Aoshe asked. "I had to play many roles in order to ensure that I lived. If not for my current position, I would be a great actor, I am sure."
"But what about the blood sacrifice?" Anri asked.
Aoshe hesitated. "Not exactly my decision. One of my generals came up with the idea. I reluctantly agreed."
"But you're their leader! Surely you could have stopped them." Anri insisted.
"I could rule through fear, true," Aoshe said. "That was how Darksol and his gang operated, and look how they turned out. It leads to stubbornness, and clouded vision. I give a little, I take a little. I listen to others, and share my opinion. In essence, I am shaping the government in the spirit of democracy."
Anri snorted. "With a somewhat different set of morals and values."
Aoshe shrugged. "I suppose. However, you do not have to worry about this treaty not being obeyed," Aoshe said. "I still command enough respect and fear to be sure of that." He smiled. "It is hard to let go of the old ways."
"Oh, by the way," Aoshe said, as if remembering something. "You do not have to worry about any further kidnapping attempts on Sir Max."
"Given up on any further resurrections?" Anri said, raising one eyebrow.
"Indeed," Aoshe said softly. "We believe we do not need Darksol, or anyone. We have more than enough strength."
Anri narrowed her eyes. "I'll take that into consideration. If you're done with that?"
Aoshe shrugged, and handed the parchment over to Anri. She took her time reading over it, then nodded. "Everything seems to be in order," she said. "Your articulation is excellent, as good as any scribe I've seen."
Aoshe bowed in acknowledgement. "The person who raised me taught me many things."
Anri hesitated. "And who raised you? How did you grow up with...with them?"
Aoshe smiled. "I'm afraid that story will have to wait for another time."
Anri sighed. "Tao, Mae, if you want to come in, please," she called out, in a loud voice.
The mage and centaur Aoshe had seen earlier stepped in, obviously eavesdropping. Anri stood up. "I, Anri, Queen of Guardiana, the fourteenth in my bloodline, hereby agree and adhere to the Conventions of Warfare, dated the twenty-third day of the summer season. She signed her name to the bottom of the parchment.
Aoshe stood up. "I, Aoshe, leader of The Forgotten Ones, also agree and adhere to the Conventions of Warfare, dated the twenty-third day of the summer season. He signed at the bottom.
Tao and Mae signed as well, as witnesses to the event. Aoshe bowed deeply. "I believe that concludes my business here," he said gracefully. "Good day, Your Highness." He turned his back to them, and started stately off towards the doors.
"You're just going to let him go?" he heard Mae mutter to Anri.
"He came under a truce," Anri said wearily. "Taking him or killing him now would violate the convention I just signed."
Mae snorted audibly, and galloped over towards the doors. "If you'll allow me to escort you out, sir," she said, in a sickeningly sweet voice.
Aoshe bowed. "Thank you, Captain Mae." They proceeded in silence, Mae escorting him all the way to the gates of the castle.
"Just so you know, I will have your head for what you've done," Mae muttered to him.
Aoshe looked over at her steely gaze. "I look forward to meeting you on the battlefield," he said coolly.
"Count on it," Mae snarled. She turned away abruptly, and walked off. Of course, she would have people follow him from here, perhaps hoping he would unwittingly lead them to the location of his base. Futile, of course.
Aoshe briskly walked back towards his room. Everything had been settled in a satisfactory way. He had ensured that the lives of his people would be protected, at least mostly. This left only one small matter to wrap up.
*
"But...there's still the entire northwest bars to go through!" Serena said. "You're not going, and that's it!"
Aoshe bowed. "I apologize, but something has come up. I must depart immediately on urgent business."
"Jeez, the master calls, and you rush off like a beaten dog with your tail between your legs?" Serena said, in a spiteful tone.
Aoshe smiled. "I believe the beaten dog analogy is quite apt."
Serena sighed. "Sorry, it's just that this is kinda sudden, y'know?"
Aoshe nodded sorrowfully. "Again, I apologize for the abrupt nature of my leave. It really cannot wait, and I am required to depart immediately."
Serena nodded. "I know, I know..."
"I must thank you for the pleasure of your company during my stay here," Aoshe said formally. "I have enjoyed talking to you, and..."
Serena laughed. "Jeez, will you cut out the robot act?"
"What's a robot?" Aoshe said, puzzled.
"Something I heard about from Max," Serena said. "Which I WILL tell you about, some time. This is definitely not goodbye, but farewell for now, you understand me?"
"I understand, but what do you mean by robot?" Aoshe said, still confused.
"Lighten up! Cut out the formal, stiff talk, and try smiling!" Serena said.
Aoshe smiled. "Am I really like that?"
"Oh, yes," Serena said. "That's a lot better. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Aoshe nodded. "You too." He hesitantly held his hand out.
Serena took it, and pulled him into a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Aoshe blushed, unused to such contact. Such intimacy was non-existent where he came from.
"Oh, and one more thing," Serena said. "Stop being such a wimp." She suddenly turned her hug into a sleeper hold."
"Nmmph Pmmmmph," Aoshe mumbled, his breathing constricted.
Serena let go. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some serious drinking to do," she said. "To toast a friend."
Aoshe smiled one last time, bowed, and stepped through the door onto the street.
Why exactly had he kept in the company of such a naïve, headstrong young woman? He certainly hadn't planned to at the start. But there was something about just enjoying the company of a person who, a) didn't fear him, b) didn't want to kill him, or c) wasn't trying to manipulate him for his or her own personal gain. He could just simply relax, and not be a leader, a general, or a powerful magic wielder.
Unfortunately, he knew he would probably be losing his only friend very soon.
*
Serena sighed. Life was going to get a lot more boring from now on. She supposed she'd have to tag along with Tao and Diane on their shopping sprees, or train with Mae, or something. She stood up, preparing to leave.
Lowe burst through the door that very instance. "Serena! Nova told us we'd find you here."
Serena frowned. Lowe was obviously in distress. "What's wrong?"
Lowe shook his head. "No time to explain. There's a major situation brewing, and we'd like you in on the meeting. We go up to the castle as soon as you're ready."
Serena reached into her pocket, and threw down a few gold coins without bothering to check what exactly she was putting down. "Let's go."
*
Author's note: Yeah, it's been a while, eh? I didn't exactly plan to take a hiatus for so long. I kept on thinking to myself, "I'm gonna finish, just as soon"
a) I finish my exams.
b) I finish leveling up and getting that damn ice storm spell.
c) One more game of Starcraft...
And so on. Basically, I couldn't work up the creative energy to start writing. Writer's block? Just pure procrastination. But now, hopefully, I'm back in the swing of things. I'm not promising anything, except that I'm back on task.
Reviews would be appreciated, anything you want to send in private or what not can be sent to strider_yoshi@tekken.cc. BTW, that mailing list thing I had? Uh, kinda lost it, so if you want to be sent an alert when I update, and you don't have that ff.net service, just send me an e-mail.
Cheers!
*
Although they didn't know it, Aoshe and Serena were strolling in Max and Anri's direction. They had left the bar (without getting into any fights), and were now strolling aimlessly, much like Anri and Max were doing.
"You know, I really don't know much about you," Serena said. "Every time we've met, it's been about me, me having problems, me getting drunk after lunch, me getting into bar-clearing brawls."
"Well, having life revolve around you seems to be much more interesting," Aoshe said, smiling.
"No, I'm serious," Serena said. "Talk about yourself."
Aoshe hesitated. "There really is not much to know. I am just your average guy."
Serena laughed wryly. "A male who doesn't want to talk about himself, and what he does? Someone who just likes to listen, and possibly stay clear of bar fights? Are you sure you're a guy, because you're certainly not a typical one."
Aoshe blushed. "I must protest at this questioning of my manhood. I assure you, I am very much a man."
Serena grinned. "Well, then why in the whole time we've been together, you haven't hit on me once? Have a girlfriend already?"
Aoshe brushed some imaginary dirt off his shirt, avoiding Serena's mischievous face. "Um...no," he mumbled.
"Ah..." Serena said. "Perhaps, then, you are not interested in the female sex?"
"No, no!" Aoshe interjected hastily. "I certainly am, I just...well, have not really had the opportunity, or the time..." he trailed off helplessly.
"Others have made the time," Serena said playfully.
"Well, how about you?" Aoshe said, trying to deflect attention away from him. "You have anyone you are currently seeing?"
Serena chewed on her bottom lip. "No," she said ruefully.
Aoshe looked at her. "No one you are interested in?"
Serena smiled faintly. "I suppose there's a guy, but I don't think he feels the same way."
Aoshe had his guesses about the identity of Serena's interest, but chose not to air his speculations.
"Enough about this," Serena said suddenly. "I wasn't planning to ask you about your love life, and I certainly didn't want to answer questions about mine. I was hoping to find out more general things."
Aoshe shrugged. "Such as?"
"Well, for a start, how old are you?" Serena asked.
"I'm not exactly sure myself," Aoshe admitted. The people he had grown up with were not very familiar with human ages, and rate of growth, so he could only speculate, and he had not had much to compare with. "I believe I am approximately fifteen to seventeen years old."
"What, your parents forgot your birthday, or something?" Serena inquired, curious.
Aoshe was silent for a while. "I...was orphaned at a young age,"
"I'm sorry," Serena said, sympathetic. Or was she sorry? Humans were able to lie so easily, full of deceit. But she seemed genuine. Perhaps she was different than the usual human.
"Do you remember them at all?" Serena asked.
"Not really," Aoshe said gruffly. Aoshe winced inwardly. He had been told that his parents had abandoned him, saving themselves, about how that was just one of the examples of the selfishness and greed of the human race. Even so, no matter how much he hated them at times, and how angry he felt himself, he still secretly wished he could remember them.
"Who raised you?" Serena questioned.
"I had someone who adopted me," Aoshe answered. "She took care of me." Until he had grown powerful enough to take care of himself.
"Oh. Does she live here, or...?"
"She is...no longer with me," Aoshe finished.
"I'm sorry," Serena said. "I seem to keep on asking the wrong questions."
Aoshe sighed. "It is alright. You couldn't have known."
Serena smiled. "When I met you at first, I thought you were a wimp. But it seems like you're pretty self-sufficient. I suppose there's other ways to take care of yourself than knowing how to fight."
Aoshe shrugged. "Still, I am thankful you stepped in when you did." Killing several people would probably have blown his cover.
Serena laughed. "I do anything to get into a fight, as you've found out. Oh, and drink. Speaking of which, I think it's time for lunch."
Aoshe looked at the sun, still rising in the sky. "I don't think it's lunchtime yet."
"Well, we can have the meal that's in between breakfast and lunch," Serena suggested.
"I didn't know one existed."
"It was just created. We should celebrate it's birth with some beers."
"Sounds good to me."
*
Max, still talking aimlessly with Anri, passed by Serena, heading in the other direction. Max easily picked out her distinct aura, like a star in the night sky. He considered stopping to say hi, but decided not to disturb her and her new friend, who, from his aura, seemed unremarkable.
*
Early in the morning, Aoshe opened the closet in his room at one of the local inns, reached into the closet and pulled out the dress uniform he had brought with him. It was a somber grey, all hard and angular, projecting strength. He slipped out of his middle-class civilian clothing, and put on the uniform.
It wouldn't be good to not look his best, especially when he was striving to make an impression.
He completed the outfit with a long, hooded cloak. It certainly wouldn't do to look conspicuous, not until he had met the person he had come out to see. He raised the hood, throwing his face into shadows.
He began walking toward the castle, drawing little attention. Like any city, Guardiana had it's share of unsavoury characters, and he looked just like any rogue trying to keep a low profile. Most people wisely chose to mind their own business. In no time at all, he was at the castle, where the gate guards stopped him.
"State your business," demanded one of the guards, casually resting his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Aoshe paused, silently recalling his prepared answer. "I am the chosen representative of a foreign country. I would like to arrange a meeting with Her Highness, Queen Anri."
The guard relaxed. "That would be possible. However, Her Highness is currently dealing with many problems that require her attention. If you would care to wait, she will see you as soon as she can."
"Certainly, thank you," Aoshe said gracefully. He allowed himself to be led away by a castle functionary.
One of the other guards shrugged. "An ambassador from another minor country. Do they ever stop?"
Another guard agreed. "I've lost track of all the countries that have tried to open diplomatic relations. I haven't heard of half of them."
"Where was this guy from?" the first guard asked.
"I don't think he brought it up," the second guard replied.
"It doesn't really matter," the first said. "Probably some minor noble out there in a squalid, run-down castle, declaring himself a country."
"Probably," the other agreed. They went back to their look out duties.
*
Aoshe was lead to his seat, in a long corridor. The corridor was filled with a row of chairs, on which were seated a long line of dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and minor nobles, all with problems or suggestions they needed the queen to decide on personally. Every now and then, the great double doors at the end of the hall would open up, and someone would walk out, followed by an aide. The aide would then call another person into the room, and close the doors. This was how the bureaucracy of Guardiana functioned. It would mean a lengthy wait, but Aoshe didn't mind; patience was a virtue, and one long neglected from where he came.
Aoshe sat down, lowered his hood, and relaxed; no point being tense over what was to come. It was unlikely that anyone would recognize him, as only two people had seen his face, and one of them was currently indisposed. Aoshe knew the other unknowingly relied too heavily on his unique ability to detect auras; fortunately, Aoshe knew how to counteract it. To pass the time, Aoshe casually pulled out a roll of parchment, and glanced over it. It had taken him days to write it, poring over it, rewriting sections, and throwing in new ideas. He was confident that it would have the effect he wanted to convey. No harm in checking things over one more time.
Aoshe finished his careful examination of the parchment's contents, and rolled it up and stowed it safely inside his cloak. While doing so, he caught the eye of a heavily set man directly opposite him, who had came just behind him.
The man held his hand out. "Drannon Segunto."
Aoshe met his hand in a firm grasp, and shook it. "Aoshe."
"No last name?" Segunto asked.
"No, I never had one," Aoshe said, shrugging.
"Oh," said Segunto, shrugging. "From the looks of you, I'm guessing you represent...some kind of dignitary?"
"Close," Aoshe said. "I suppose you could call me a kind of ambassador."
"Ah," Segunto said. "From what country?"
Aoshe blinked. "A good question. The people I represent do not have an actual country, per se. Only what we call ourselves."
"Which is?" Segunto asked.
"The Forgotten ones," Aoshe said softly.
"I see," Segunto said, a slight note of trepidation in his voice. "I'm guessing a nomadic race, with no official standing in your place of origin?"
Aoshe nodded. "Very good. That comes very close to describing our...grievance. And you, sir? Whose interest do you represent?"
Segunto chuckled. "I'm here as an official envoy from Edgen, out in the northwest."
Aoshe smiled politely, feigning enlightenment. Where the hell was Edgen? He made a mental note to brush up on the geography, and to pay special attention to minor powers. "If I may, what is the nature of the item you wish to address with Her Highness?"
"Some of our fisherman have some complaints about the fisherman from Guardiana. It seems they've been crossing the previously agreed on border, as determined in Tri-fishery treaty several years ago."
Aoshe continued to smile. It was hard work, pretending he actually took an interest. He silently applauded Anri, who had to deal with this every single day. "That sounds important."
Segunto nodded gravely. "Twenty-five percent of Edgen's total export comes from fish. This is severely cutting into our profits."
"Not that you had ever fished a day," Aoshe thought. "Unless going through a significant portion of your country's export counts." "Oh my," Aoshe said out loud.
Segunto shrugged. "I'm hoping to clear this problem," he said. "By the way, I think you're next."
Aoshe looked over. The fat man was right; he was at the head of the line. Perhaps Anri's personal presence was only required as a diplomatic courtesy, with the real work delegated to the government. A wise choice, as Aoshe had seen what happened when one person tried to control as much as he could.
One of the queen's aides came to where he was sitting. "Her Highness is ready to see you now, Sir...?"
Aoshe smiled easily. "Oh, no need to announce me." He pulled out the roll of parchment from his cloak. "If you would just give this to Her Highness, please. I will be waiting out here, with my friend, Segunto."
The aide blinked. This was unusual, but he saw no harm in it. He sketched a short bow. "As you wish," he said. He opened the double doors, stepped through, and the doors closed behind him.
Segunto raised an eyebrow. "That was it? You just needed to deliver something to Her Highness? You could have just dropped it off at the castle, you know, and avoided the wait."
Aoshe shrugged. "Her Highness probably would not read it until later. I am sure, though, that she will wish to see me after she finishes reading the contents of my message."
Segunto began to speak, but stopped as the double doors burst open. The aide rushed through, followed by half a dozen guards, with drawn weapons. The aide pointed at Aoshe, and the guards rushed up to him, swords and spears at his throat.
Anri stormed out a moment later, blood rushing into her usually pale face. She stared at Aoshe. "You!" she sputtered. "You dare..."
Aoshe glanced at Segundo, who looked at him, appalled. Aoshe winked at him. "Like I said..."
*
Aoshe was searched for weapons, and escorted into the throne room, surrounded by heavily armed guards. He calmly came to a stop, ignoring the various sharp objects pointed in his direction. Anri paced around, and turned on him suddenly.
"What is this?" she demanded, holding up the roll of parchment he had given to the aide.
"Your Highness, I thought it would be clear from the contents," Aoshe said calmly. "Perhaps you could specify which areas you would like me to clarify?"
"This...this...is a declaration..." Anri said, stuttering.
"...of war," Aoshe finished calmly. The sharp objects came that much closer. "As of this date, my people, The Forgotten ones, formally declare a state of aggression towards your kingdom of Guardiana, as well as your allies. I believe you will find the details summed up quite nicely in that parchment."
"But what are you doing here?" Anri demanded. "Have you already begun? Are your forces already inside our walls, ready to strike?"
"I assure you, Your Highness, that I come merely as an ambassador today," Aoshe said firmly. "In fact, I wish to-"
"What? Demand our surrender? Threaten me, and my family? Oh, wait, I have no family, because my father is already dead," Anri said bitterly.
"As I was saying, I wish to negotiate some conventions for this upcoming conflict," Aoshe finished.
"Conventions? What kind of conventions?" Anri said, baffled.
"Conventions of war," Aoshe said. "For example, guidelines regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, and civilians."
Anri stared at him, then glared, suspicious. "Why should I believe you?"
"The last time I was here, were their any casualties?" Aoshe asked.
"No," Anri said reluctantly. "Quite a few were knocked out, but no deaths."
"Ah, I see. Do you want to know why?" Aoshe inquired. "It is because I did not authorize the use of deadly force in our...tactical strike."
"You mean when you kidnapped Max, and tried to sacrifice him in some kind of insane blood ritual?" Anri said, her voice dark with anger.
"Yes, that's the one," Aoshe said easily. "Do we have anything to talk about, or should I go back to my troops and tell them they have free reign?"
Anri nodded reluctantly. "Very well," she grounded out.
Aoshe glanced around. "I find it hard to negotiate when someone is holding a weapon to my throat."
Anri hesitated. Aoshe shrugged. "If I were going to kill you, I would have done it long before, when you were completely unaware of our presence. However, I do not believe in...unhonourable attacks."
Anri smiled, in the first hint of humour since she had seen him. She waved her hand, and the guards reluctantly lowered their weapons. "I find it amusing to be lectured on honour by someone who's people worship evil."
Aoshe smiled. "As I have said before, it all depends on your point of view."
Anri acknowledged his statement with a nod. "If you care to follow me into the war room, we can start out talks." She stood up, and began walking towards a set of doors off to her right. She held the guards back with just a look.
"She will be spending a lot of time in that room in the future," Aoshe thought. He noticed that while Anri had dismissed her personal guards, her right hand had tightened up on the staff she carried. He smiled inwardly. He would have been disappointed if she had let her guard down that easily. A worthy adversary, indeed.
*
"So, we agree, that civilians are to be treated as non-combatants, and treated as thus?" Aoshe asked.
"I wasn't aware that your people even had civilians," Anri said.
"An army does not run by itself, as I am sure you are aware."
They had been talking for hours, hammering out details, asking and giving concessions. People had stepped in from time to time, including a female centaur, Mae, if he recalled correctly. She had shot a look of pure hatred at him, and her hand had tightened around her lance. Other notables included a fiery-haired mage, Tao, and a strange floating squid...or something. Aoshe was putting the finishing touches on the treaty they were both to sign.
"So, we are in agreement regarding the treatment of civilians...I think that is just about it. Unless there is something else you wish to add?" Aoshe asked.
Anri shook her head. "Not at all. I believe you have been quite thorough."
Aoshe nodded. "I will just finish reading this through then, and after you have are satisfied with the contents of this treaty, we will sign it to complete our agreement. With witnesses of course."
"Of course," she agreed. "We've been talking for hours. May I offer you some sort of refreshment?"
Aoshe grinned inwardly. He could tell that she was wary of him, probably hated him. However, as queen, she could not let her personal feelings interfere with this important event. She was certainly a tremendous lady. "I will have to decline," Aoshe apologized. He didn't think she would attempt to poison him, but he would rather not take any chances.
Aoshe glanced over the formally scribed parchment, making sure there were no loopholes, no ambiguous meanings. As he continued to read, he noticed Anri watching him. "Yes, Your Highness?" he asked.
"It's...just your demeanor. The last time we met, you were...how shall I say...different." Anri said slowly, puzzled.
"Ah," Aoshe nodded knowingly. "You mean, I did stuff like this?" He suddenly threw his head back, and burst into a loud, deep cackle, startling Anri. The doors slid open, and the guards glanced inside. Determining there was no danger to the queen, the doors closed just as suddenly. Aoshe looked at Anri, abashed.
"Oh, and I'm guessing I talked like this, always rambling about 'them blood sacrifices, and plague sweeping the land, and I'm going to kill you all', et cetera, et cetera." Aoshe said, filling his usual formal speech with contractions, grammatical errors, and pitching his tone into what seemed like an excited, mad rambling.
"Yes, and of course, I looked like this," Aoshe said. His eyes lit up suddenly with a mad fire, and he pulled his lips back into a grin, showing all his teeth.
Anri smiled nervously. "Yes, something like that."
Aoshe resumed his normal, calm expression. "Just so we are clear."
"Why, though?" Anri asked.
Aoshe sighed. "Well, Darksol, Kane (with the mask), Mishaela...they all had a certain charisma, a certain force behind them. You could see it in them, feel it when you spoke to them. My people expect a leader like that, demand it, really. So I fake it."
"You fake it?" Anri said, surprised.
"How do you suppose a human survives so long?" Aoshe asked. "I had to play many roles in order to ensure that I lived. If not for my current position, I would be a great actor, I am sure."
"But what about the blood sacrifice?" Anri asked.
Aoshe hesitated. "Not exactly my decision. One of my generals came up with the idea. I reluctantly agreed."
"But you're their leader! Surely you could have stopped them." Anri insisted.
"I could rule through fear, true," Aoshe said. "That was how Darksol and his gang operated, and look how they turned out. It leads to stubbornness, and clouded vision. I give a little, I take a little. I listen to others, and share my opinion. In essence, I am shaping the government in the spirit of democracy."
Anri snorted. "With a somewhat different set of morals and values."
Aoshe shrugged. "I suppose. However, you do not have to worry about this treaty not being obeyed," Aoshe said. "I still command enough respect and fear to be sure of that." He smiled. "It is hard to let go of the old ways."
"Oh, by the way," Aoshe said, as if remembering something. "You do not have to worry about any further kidnapping attempts on Sir Max."
"Given up on any further resurrections?" Anri said, raising one eyebrow.
"Indeed," Aoshe said softly. "We believe we do not need Darksol, or anyone. We have more than enough strength."
Anri narrowed her eyes. "I'll take that into consideration. If you're done with that?"
Aoshe shrugged, and handed the parchment over to Anri. She took her time reading over it, then nodded. "Everything seems to be in order," she said. "Your articulation is excellent, as good as any scribe I've seen."
Aoshe bowed in acknowledgement. "The person who raised me taught me many things."
Anri hesitated. "And who raised you? How did you grow up with...with them?"
Aoshe smiled. "I'm afraid that story will have to wait for another time."
Anri sighed. "Tao, Mae, if you want to come in, please," she called out, in a loud voice.
The mage and centaur Aoshe had seen earlier stepped in, obviously eavesdropping. Anri stood up. "I, Anri, Queen of Guardiana, the fourteenth in my bloodline, hereby agree and adhere to the Conventions of Warfare, dated the twenty-third day of the summer season. She signed her name to the bottom of the parchment.
Aoshe stood up. "I, Aoshe, leader of The Forgotten Ones, also agree and adhere to the Conventions of Warfare, dated the twenty-third day of the summer season. He signed at the bottom.
Tao and Mae signed as well, as witnesses to the event. Aoshe bowed deeply. "I believe that concludes my business here," he said gracefully. "Good day, Your Highness." He turned his back to them, and started stately off towards the doors.
"You're just going to let him go?" he heard Mae mutter to Anri.
"He came under a truce," Anri said wearily. "Taking him or killing him now would violate the convention I just signed."
Mae snorted audibly, and galloped over towards the doors. "If you'll allow me to escort you out, sir," she said, in a sickeningly sweet voice.
Aoshe bowed. "Thank you, Captain Mae." They proceeded in silence, Mae escorting him all the way to the gates of the castle.
"Just so you know, I will have your head for what you've done," Mae muttered to him.
Aoshe looked over at her steely gaze. "I look forward to meeting you on the battlefield," he said coolly.
"Count on it," Mae snarled. She turned away abruptly, and walked off. Of course, she would have people follow him from here, perhaps hoping he would unwittingly lead them to the location of his base. Futile, of course.
Aoshe briskly walked back towards his room. Everything had been settled in a satisfactory way. He had ensured that the lives of his people would be protected, at least mostly. This left only one small matter to wrap up.
*
"But...there's still the entire northwest bars to go through!" Serena said. "You're not going, and that's it!"
Aoshe bowed. "I apologize, but something has come up. I must depart immediately on urgent business."
"Jeez, the master calls, and you rush off like a beaten dog with your tail between your legs?" Serena said, in a spiteful tone.
Aoshe smiled. "I believe the beaten dog analogy is quite apt."
Serena sighed. "Sorry, it's just that this is kinda sudden, y'know?"
Aoshe nodded sorrowfully. "Again, I apologize for the abrupt nature of my leave. It really cannot wait, and I am required to depart immediately."
Serena nodded. "I know, I know..."
"I must thank you for the pleasure of your company during my stay here," Aoshe said formally. "I have enjoyed talking to you, and..."
Serena laughed. "Jeez, will you cut out the robot act?"
"What's a robot?" Aoshe said, puzzled.
"Something I heard about from Max," Serena said. "Which I WILL tell you about, some time. This is definitely not goodbye, but farewell for now, you understand me?"
"I understand, but what do you mean by robot?" Aoshe said, still confused.
"Lighten up! Cut out the formal, stiff talk, and try smiling!" Serena said.
Aoshe smiled. "Am I really like that?"
"Oh, yes," Serena said. "That's a lot better. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Aoshe nodded. "You too." He hesitantly held his hand out.
Serena took it, and pulled him into a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Aoshe blushed, unused to such contact. Such intimacy was non-existent where he came from.
"Oh, and one more thing," Serena said. "Stop being such a wimp." She suddenly turned her hug into a sleeper hold."
"Nmmph Pmmmmph," Aoshe mumbled, his breathing constricted.
Serena let go. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some serious drinking to do," she said. "To toast a friend."
Aoshe smiled one last time, bowed, and stepped through the door onto the street.
Why exactly had he kept in the company of such a naïve, headstrong young woman? He certainly hadn't planned to at the start. But there was something about just enjoying the company of a person who, a) didn't fear him, b) didn't want to kill him, or c) wasn't trying to manipulate him for his or her own personal gain. He could just simply relax, and not be a leader, a general, or a powerful magic wielder.
Unfortunately, he knew he would probably be losing his only friend very soon.
*
Serena sighed. Life was going to get a lot more boring from now on. She supposed she'd have to tag along with Tao and Diane on their shopping sprees, or train with Mae, or something. She stood up, preparing to leave.
Lowe burst through the door that very instance. "Serena! Nova told us we'd find you here."
Serena frowned. Lowe was obviously in distress. "What's wrong?"
Lowe shook his head. "No time to explain. There's a major situation brewing, and we'd like you in on the meeting. We go up to the castle as soon as you're ready."
Serena reached into her pocket, and threw down a few gold coins without bothering to check what exactly she was putting down. "Let's go."
*
Author's note: Yeah, it's been a while, eh? I didn't exactly plan to take a hiatus for so long. I kept on thinking to myself, "I'm gonna finish, just as soon"
a) I finish my exams.
b) I finish leveling up and getting that damn ice storm spell.
c) One more game of Starcraft...
And so on. Basically, I couldn't work up the creative energy to start writing. Writer's block? Just pure procrastination. But now, hopefully, I'm back in the swing of things. I'm not promising anything, except that I'm back on task.
Reviews would be appreciated, anything you want to send in private or what not can be sent to strider_yoshi@tekken.cc. BTW, that mailing list thing I had? Uh, kinda lost it, so if you want to be sent an alert when I update, and you don't have that ff.net service, just send me an e-mail.
Cheers!
