Evony was nearly choked with hugs from Parisa and Uma after they learned of the news. Evony, Stasio, Dyson, Trick, Elders Sasaki, Batthews, Ghannam, and Santoni returned to the Parliamentary Conference Room where they had left Parisa and Uma, after their acceptance as the Renaştere Delegation had concluded the Convocation.
"They should have appointed you the 11th Dynasty." Parisa complained.
"One thing at a time mother. Right now, we just need acceptance." Evony replied.
"You do realize once this news reaches home some Fae will strike openly." Elder Batthews said.
"That's why we need to get ahead of this quickly. Just because we won Inclusion doesn't mean we can suddenly run roughshod over the Humans. We still need to operate in relative obscurity. Once we get back we can start moving with Transparency. Make ourselves known to trusted Humans and branch out from there." Elder Santoni replied.
"But we have the greater power." Elder Ghannam said.
"We've always had the greater power, Iyas, but we're also in the minority." Santoni replied.
"We have the Presidium to protect us now." Elder Ghannam said.
"And how will that look Iyas? We just spent months convincing the Presidium we're not a bunch of Under Fae and the first thing you set out to prove to them is exactly that!" Elder Batthews shot back.
"Besides, it's not a matter of numbers. It's also about avoiding a potential conflict between us and the Humans. If we suddenly run openly and rampantly over them that kind of arrogance would spark an immediate conflict, and like Evelyn said, would readily disprove everything we've spent months arguing about our value and worth." Elder Santoni added.
"Exactly." Elder Batthews commented.
"You're right. All of you. I just feel…free. For the first time in my life. I truly feel free to be myself. Without fear. Without hiding. Free." Elder Ghannam replied to thoughtful silence.
"I'm afraid that as much as we strive to contain this glorious news it's probably already getting out there back home." Elder Sasaki added.
"That's why we need to get back quickly." Evony said.
"Can't you stay for few days?" Parisa asked. "We should celebrate this Day of Days."
"Most assuredly! This achievement cannot go unrecognized." Uma added.
"I quite agree." Rana Duvall Chevalier of the LauDessar Dynasty said as he walked in and greeted with extended courtesies as Trick looked on. His Viceroy, Ganix Bonnaire followed behind him. "Congratulations, Evony!"
"Thank you, Your Excellency." Evony replied as he rose up from her curtsey. Trick walked up.
"You must be proud today, Fitzpatrick. You planned long and hard for this." Rana Chevalier said.
"I am fortunate the Realm recognized the value and potential of the Human Plane." Trick replied.
"It also doesn't hurt that The Princess Royal hails from the Human Plane. Not to mention The Queen's past paramour is its Grand Ducal." Viceroy Bonnaire said.
"Your point, Viceroy Bonnaire? Since you well know this is not the first time Her Grand Ducal Serene Highness has been a Grand Ducal." Regent Saladin said as he entered the room. Both Trick and Rana Chevalier straightened up and everyone else bowed.
"I was only highlighting the strengths of their roles in winning Inclusion." Viceroy Bonnaire quickly replied.
"And it is because Evony was a Grand Ducal within my Dynasty before she left for the Human Plane that the Renaştere Delegation should be aligned with our Dynasty now that she has returned." Rana Chevalier added.
"And with an entire plane to boot!" Viceroy Bonnaire noted with a grin.
"Due to her past history, perhaps, but because Rana McCorrigan instigated the entire affair and since all three have ties to the Human Plane it made sense to align the Human Plane with the Quedaerin Dynasty." Regent Saladin explained.
"For now, but things can change." Rana Chevalier said.
"You're quite right, Rana Chevalier. Many things can change." Regent Saladin replied.
"What brings you here, Your Excellency?" Evony asked Regent Saladin.
"Their Majesties wish to know when you're planning to return to the Human Plane?" Regent Saladin asked. "Given the fact the Convocation ended on a such a high note Their Majesties thought there should be some sort of celebration."
"That's what we said as well." Parisa piped in.
"We're heading back first thing tomorrow." Evony replied.
"Their Majesties thought as much and so have taken the liberty and organized a small affair for this evening to celebrate." Regent Saladin said.
"I have got to know what 'small' means because nothing is small around here." Elder Ghannam asked which elicited several smiles.
"Around 10,000 guests." Regent Saladin answered.
"Yep, that's small." Elder Ghannam said as he rolled his eyes slightly, and smiles turned into wide grins.
"Speaking of which, is Tamsin aware?" Evony asked Dyson.
"As soon as we left the Convicium." Dyson replied.
"Make sure she has the Agents watch out for any Fae suddenly taking advantage." Stasio said.
"She's already on it." Dyson replied.
"You know, I should speak to her as well." Evony said then looked around. "Naomi!"
A side door opened, and Naomi walked in.
"Yes, Your Excellency?" Naomi prompted.
"I need to speak with Tamsin." Evony replied.
"Yes, Your Excellency." Naomi replied and then stepped back through the door and closed it behind her.
"Does this mean you will establish your Ducal base there?" Parisa asked.
"For now. Once the Humans are aware and become acclimatized then I can consider moving the seat of power to the Presidium."
"Mother, I wish to go with Evony." Uma requested.
"Absolutely not!" Parisa said.
"I agree. Stay here." Evony added.
"I can help! Contribute! You will need help and what better help than from family." Uma pleaded.
"May I ask, what can you do?" Elder Sasaki asked.
"I am very good at organization." Uma replied.
"That you are." Evony agreed.
"I handle all our estate's logistical needs. I know I can help with the Transition Plan. I've actually read it, you know." Uma replied.
"How?" Evony and Parisa said in unison.
"I asked Stasio for a copy." Uma replied. Everyone looked at Stasio.
"I couldn't say no your sister." Stasio replied. "To be honest, it would be nice to have a Presidium perspective from the aristocratic class to help us. Her perspective on current normatives of the Realm would prove invaluable." Evony raised her eyebrows in agreement.
"Please Mother, Evony! I can help!" Uma pleaded.
"Mother?" Evony prompted.
"Very well, then." Parisa acquiesced. Uma bounced up and down on her heels.
"Noella is going to be so jealous." Uma said.
"Noella should really be the one to accompany you." Parisa said to Evony.
"Noella will need to defend our interests here, and Mother, you will need to trust her to defend our interests." Evony replied.
"I shall." Parisa said.
"Then with everything settled I shall leave you to the rest of your day. See you all this evening." Regent Saladin said then turned to Ranas McCorrigan and Chevalier. "Your Excellencies, if you would please join me. I have a few items I need to discuss with you along the way."
"Hold on a minute." Trick said then turned to Evony, Stasio, Dyson and the Elders. "I may have started all of this, but you all made it happen. This is much of your victory as it is mine. Enjoy it. Revel in it. The future of our Plane is now yours to shape. Congratulations." They all bowed in response. Then Trick turned and followed Rana Chevalier and Regent Saladin out of the room.
Then Naomi re-entered the room.
"Your Excellency. Regent Tamsin is on the comms."
"Thank you, Naomi." Then Evony looked to the Elders. "See you later this evening." The Elders bowed and then left the room, leaving only Evony, Stasio and Dyson.
"Call on!" Evony said into the air and Tamsin and Reed shimmered into view.
"Your Excellency! Allow me to express my congratulations." Tamsin greeted.
"Thank you, Tamsin. How are things?" Evony asked.
"So far, so good. The news is starting to spread amongst the Fae here already." Tamsin replied.
"We need to make sure Fae don't go crazy and start to strike openly." Evony said.
"Already have the eyes looking out." Tamsin replied. "When you expect to return?"
"Tomorrow." Evony replied.
"That fast?" Reed asked.
"Why? Is there something going on I shouldn't know about?" Evony countered.
"It's just that…isn't there a celebration or something?" Reed replied.
"Their Majesties are hosting a small celebration for us tonight." Dyson informed.
"Small?" Reed asked.
"He means 10,000 guests, small." Stasio answered.
"Oh yeah. That's small." Reed said to smiles.
"I need you to arrange for Crystal to visit the Ducal Compound. Going to finally pack it in with Crambs." Evony directed.
"She'll be glad to hear that news." Tamsin replied.
"Yes, she will. There is one final thing I want to do now that we have won Inclusion and it involves the four of you." Evony then scanned them all and said, "Kneel."
Stasio and Dyson knelt in front of her. Although Tamsin and Reed was on the comms she and Reed pushed back from their table and knelt down.
"The formal distinctions between the Light and Dark Fae were abolished soon after we began this quest. Now they are truly done. I am the last Morrigan. There will be no more after me. And Dyson. You are the last Ash. There will be no more after you. When we return, we will formally pay homage to those lineages and lay them to rest, but for now we need to move forward." Evony said then went and stood in front of Stasio.
"Stasio Alesandese, I formally appoint you Viceroy Prime of the Renaştere Delegation."
"I am deeply honored, Your Excellency." Stasio replied.
"Dyson Thornwood, I formally appoint you Viceroy Secundus of the Renaştere Delegation."
"I too, am deeply honored." Dyson replied.
"Tamsin, it my intent you continue to serve as you have always served, except now as Ducal Regent. This means you will head the Ducal Council, which means…"
"Chief Protector." Tamsin finished stunned.
"Over seven billion souls." Reed whispered.
"Which brings me to you, Reed Evangrassi, you will serve her as Vice Ducal Regent." Reed's eyes went wide.
"I need a drink." Reed whispered.
"You and me both." Tamsin whispered back.
"Is there an issue, Mr. Evangrassi?" Evony asked.
"No, Your Excellency. Just reflecting on the reason why I initially came to the County was to help out with Operations, not become fourth in line to the Throne!"
"Destiny calls for all of us." Evony said. Then she took a couple steps back. "Rise!"
Stasio, Dyson, Tamsin and Reed all rose. Evony scanned them all.
"Let's not dilly dally. We've got work to do." Evony said to nodding heads.
