Chapter XVIII: The Opening Dance
One by one, the guests from around the planet began arriving at the palace, coming up through the main square of Eternos, following the landline up to the palace doors, where valets took their transports and moved them to a nearby field.
The royalty, for that was what the majority of the guests at this affair were, then were escorted through the great doors of the palace. Their invitations were read, and the title of the person as well as which kingdom they represented was announced throughout the hall.
Two of the very first of the guests to arrive were "Lord Stratos and Lady Hawk, of Avion." They were followed shortly by "Lord Buzz-off of Andreenos," and "King Carnivus of Quaedia."
King Randor, Queen Marlena, and Prince Adam were seated in thrones upon a large dais, welcoming their guests as they stood and grasped forearms.
Randor's Man-at-Arms was nearby, of course. To Stratos and Buzz-off he shouted warm welcomes, as they were his fellow Masters. To Carnivus, and later, "Lord Dactus of the Speleans," he gave a small bow of respect. His daughter Teela stood at his side, looking absolutely stunning in her blue dress, fully aware that she was getting stares, most notably from Price Adam.
The interior of the palace was fitted with dozens of tables, each organized by a certain order. For example, some tables had specific chairs that had been customized for their owners. In the case of "Lord Ceratus of Subturnia," the seat had a special cushion designed to hold the weight of his large tail.
As the majority of the guests began to fill the room, the doors began to open less and less frequently. More of the nobility began to find their seats, drinking the wine at their tables and nibbling on the various delicacies as they awaited the opening welcome speech.
A small hush went through the guests as a figure appeared at the door. She was a tall woman, her dress as deep blue as the depths of the Sea of Rakash. Her long red hair had been pulled back into one great plait at the last moment, throwing her cheekbones into a state of prominence on her face.
The doors fully opened, and her eyes swept over the occupants of the room. Whether her eyes were blue or green seemed unable to determine as she looked from guest to guest. She carried a gold staff with the form of a falcon resting upon the top, but that was as far as her accessories went. She stepped slowly, gracefully in through the doors, as, in the background, the announcer's voice was heard to say "The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull."
The Sorceress was slightly bemused that her name had not been on the invitation, but, as she entered into the chamber, she realized that Randor had probably not known her by anything other than her title. So few did, now that she thought of it. Lady Moria, of course, and possibly Man-at- Arms. Maybe He-man, though that was stretching the possibility.
She nodded in recognition to Randor and Marlena, and then walked over to stand by Man-at-Arms, who seemed flabbergasted and unable to speak.
Teelina regarded him with a bemused smile on her face as he struggled for words. He finally managed to choke out, "You look. fantastic."
"Thank you," she responded with a smile, moving her gaze over to her daughter, her eyes drifting over the dress she had supplied. Teela had her hair up in her usual tiara fashion, but this complimented the dress wonderfully. It appeared she had been correct in guessing her daughter's sizes. Teelina nodded gently to her child, feeling a dull ache in her heart before going off in search of her seat.
She found herself sitting alone, at a table somewhat near the back wall of the room. The tables on either side of hers were vacant as well, extending in this pattern for almost the entire length of wall. To anyone else, this might be inconvenient, but it was a perfect seating arrangement for her. Being, as she was, out of the immediate circle of society, she was unaccustomed to seeing this many people in a single room at one time. It was easier for her to deal with if she had at least a small amount of personal space.
Teelina looked around the room, noticing all the many faces of different Eternians who were present. She amused herself by thinking that, no matter how different these peoples were, they were all Eternians, and all susceptible to the same things such as hunger, thirst, plague, and war. No matter what happened between them, they were all, in essence, the same. Not that they ever truly realized it, of course.
All around the room, peoples of different species, different ages and different sexes were conversing in pleasant tones, all happy to be there. It did not matter, that one moment in time, why they were there, or where they had come from. They were content to know that they shared this planet, and that, no matter what the reason, they were talking to other nobles from other kingdoms.
Time wore on, and at last the final guests were arriving, finding their seats and sitting, conversing with this neighbor or that. Randor realized that the time had come.
He began his welcoming speech, thanking all parties for coming to his home for this affair. .....
Far away, deep within the Sands of Time, a daughter looked up at her mother. Evil-Lyn smiled gently as she viewed the scene in the palace, knowing that it was almost time for their arrival.
"Shall we?" she questioned, watching her mother's face for affirmation.
Surprisingly, Lady Moria negated this question, caressing her daughter's face when she noticed Lyn's confusion. "Not just yet dear. It would be frightfully rude to interrupt Randor as he's speaking, don't you think?"
"Possibly, but when are we-?"
"Soon enough, love," her mother smiled, winking a swirling eye at Evil-Lyn. "Very soon."
Lyn nodded, looking back into her orb and noticing someone. "The Sorceress seems to be all by herself," she commented, bemused. "I do hope we'll be changing that?"
"But of course, Lyn," Moria answered, smiling widely. "We wouldn't want an old friend of mine to be lonely, now would we?"
The younger woman laughed wickedly, her voice echoing into the chamber. "Not at all."
Lyn's echoing laughter was quickly joined by her mother's as they watched Randor begin to complete his speech.
".So again, I wish to thank you all. And I hope that, together, we can find some way to end the evil that plagues our land, and live in peaceful harmony. It is only by working side by side with one another that we will do this."
Moria's eyes locked with her child's. "Now it is Time," she said, reaching for her daughter's hand. Evil-Lyn took it, made sure she had their 'invitations,' and nodded to the elder Dereskian.
They began to sink into the floor, arriving just outside the doors to the palace as Randor's final words were heard.
"...will take hard work and determination, but I have no doubts that, together, we can do our best and rid Eternia of all possible threats. I thank you for coming, my friends, and I look forward to our new unified efforts to rid the planet of those such as Skeletor. I invite you to please eat and drink and have a good time this evening."
The doors to the hall opened, and a terrified announcer check and re- checked the invitation in his hands, praying that he was mistaken. Stuttering upon finding that he was not, he tried to swallow his fear as every eye in the room turned to the door. Panicking, the announcer managed to choke out, "L-l-lady E-evil-L-Lyn. of the De-res-ki-gia." He stumbled over the last word, both his terror and inability to pronounce it contributing to his inarticulateness.
Evil-Lyn entered, glaring at the announcer, who cringed visibly, hiding behind the door. She swept her skirts into the room, her head held high. Man-at-Arms and Teela instantly found their weapons, preparing to attack as Lyn walked with her staff in her hands.
They more than likely would have come running forward if not from a scream from the announcer. Pale and shaking, he trembled openly as he read off the name of the newest paper slip in his hands. "L-l-la-lady M-m-m," he paused out of sheer terror. "L-lady M-m-Moria V-v-Vadorian, t-the Dereskian Q-qu- queen." There were a few loud shrieks and thumps on the floor while various peoples fainted, including the announcer. Several of those still conscious gasped in shock and terror as she became visible.
She stepped inside the room slowly, regally. Her head was parallel to the floor, as she seemed more to glide than to walk. Her booted heels made no noise upon the chamber as she regarded the room detachedly.
Mouths were gaped open all around the room while their owners looked upon a creature out of legend turned reality. They stared into her amethyst eyes, looking away quickly for fear of being cursed. Some marveled at her white hair, looking from Evil-Lyn to Moria, unsure of the obvious resemblance between them and flinching.
Lady Moria smirked visibly, moving in step with her child, who now walked about half a pace behind her. They moved silently, regarding all in the room with almost undetectable glimmers in their eyes.
Randor seemed to be frozen on his dais, unable to either move or do anything other than froth at the mouth, which he seemed to manage quite well.
Lady Moria and Evil-Lyn reached the back wall without incident. The elder woman let her daughter go before her, choosing a table about two down from the Sorceress.
As for Teelina, outwardly, she was bristling. She was not exactly happy that the elder woman and her child were here. That said, she was inwardly laughing and applauding Moria's daring. It must have taken some nerve for her to show up with her daughter when she knew she'd be hopelessly outnumbered.
The Ancient Dereskian paused by the redhead's table, winking at her and knowing well what she was thinking. Not so daring as you would think, dear, she said mentally. It's not as if I'm here to fight anyone.
Smiling warmly, she gently brushed her hand across the Sorceress' cheek, and then moved over to sit beside her daughter.
*Have I told you lately you're insane, Moria?* Teelina countered, trying to hide the smile on her lips.
Lady Moria smiled at her, winking before turning to look as Randor seemed to be thawing. She grasped her daughter's hand across the table, smiling at Lyn gently. Her only child smiled back.
Randor seemed to hiss through clenched teeth, forcing a smile at his other guests, signaling with his head towards Man-at-Arms and Teela.
Beside his father on a nearby throne, it was evident that Prince Adam was debating excusing himself to 'go and find' He-man. However, Man-at-Arms shook his head, knowing that right now Adam could not be in two places at once, and could not risk running off to transform.
Randor made the necessary noises to signal that everything was alright, that it was only a joke, that everything was under control, that the guests should still enjoy themselves.
Said guests did not look very convinced, but warily began conversing in hushed tones as Teela and Man-at-Arms closed in on the Dereskians.
\\This should be fun,\\ Moria commented in her native language, not really minding that Teelina could understand her as well as her child.
Lyn found the fact that her mother was not worried in the slightest heartening, and she grinned, making sure her staff was within reach in its position against the wall.
Man-at-Arms and Teela reached them, Teela having a hold on her cobra staff and getting ready to extend it. Man-at-Arms was just about to raise his facemask in preparation for an attack.
Lady Moria looked from one to the other with an unreadable expression on her face. She reached behind her and poured a glass of wine from the bottle that had been at the table. She sipped it gently, regarding the two Masters as she did so.
The Ancient Dereskian's nonplussed attitude was making Teela nervous. While she was, in a small way, glad that something interesting had happened at this party, she had certainly not been expecting Lady Moria to show up in the palace. She had not forgotten the last, and only, time she had Moria had fought. Teela looked over at Evil-Lyn cautiously. She hadn't forgotten the last time they had fought, either.
Teelina debated standing as well, but decided that it may be best for her to remain in her seat. Instead, she clutched her staff in her hands tightly, just in case, watching the scene intently. Not a word had been said, as yet.
Moria's eyebrows rose as she gently sipped her glass of wine, smiling in her enigmatic fashion. She looked directly at Man-at-Arms, taking the bottle in her hand once more. "Would you like a drink?" she asked pleasantly.
Duncan regarded her as if she were some type of venomous snake about to strike. "What exactly do you think you're doing here?" he questioned gruffly, his mace already in his hands.
"I'm offering you a drink," Moria replied calmly, a smile on her lips. "It's a traditional offering of an alcoholic beverage, used to convey the emotion of being cordial, which, I must say, I do not find radiating from you."
Evil-Lyn covered her mouth to hide a snicker, replying into her mother's mind. *Well done, Morämé.*
If one were looking closely, you could see the elder woman wink quickly at her daughter, waiting for Man-at-Arms' reply.
His eyes narrowed and he clenched his mace in his hands threateningly. "I meant, what are you doing here, at this meeting, in this palace?" he growled, trying to control his anger. The last thing he wanted was to set off Moria's temper and endanger everyone in the room. Though he supposed her mere presence was enough to do that.
The Dereskian Ancient looked over at her daughter, nodding to indicate she should answer the question.
Lyn looked at the two 'Masters' somewhat reproachfully. She said, quite calmly, "It came to Mother's and my attention that, though this affair of Randor's was supposedly open to representatives of all the sentient species on this planet, no one among the Dereskïgiä had been offered a delegate."
"That would be because the only members of the Dereskïgiä currently living are you and your Mother," Teela spat acridly, clenching her staff in her hands.
Lyn's eyes focused on the young redhead, a small smirk appearing on her face. "Precisely," she said, winking at Teela. "Hence why we decided to rectify the situation."
Teela, slightly unnerved by Evil-Lyn's winking, growled in reply, "Did you ever stop to think that you weren't wanted?"
"Not at all," Moria answered, smiling over her glass. "If we weren't, Randor shouldn't have said 'all nations are welcome.'" She grinned at them, setting her glass down on the table and standing from her chair.
Man-at-Arms took a small step back, readying his weapon as he looked upwards into Lady Moria's eyes.
"Allow me to set your mind at ease, Man-at-Arms," she said cordially, her eyes whirling gently. "My daughter and I are not here to fight you, nor do we intend to engage in any threatening positions towards the other 'guests.' We are here to represent our nation, which your 'king,'" she spat out the word almost like a curse, "seemed to have conveniently forgotten. We are here to listen, to comment when we so choose, and to enjoy ourselves in a social environment. As I understand Eternian laws, you cannot forbid us from being present."
Man-at-Arms growled apprehensively. "And just how do you justify that?" His grasp unconsciously tightened a bit, and he raised his weapon, not really trusting Moria's words.
The Dereskian Queen smiled gently, raising her hand to prevent her daughter from using her staff. Lyn slowly relaxed her grip on her weapon, watching Man-at-Arms and Teela defensively.
Lady Moria answered him calmly, quoting, "'In such a case of any monarch visiting the Eternian palace with a non-malicious intent, the Rulers of Eternian and the Eternian commonweal must treat said monarch with as much respect as they would themselves. Should said monarch be accused of committing crimes against any other nation, he/she will hold diplomatic immunity while in the Eternian Court. The visiting royalty will not be turned away, so long as they bear no ill will towards the People.' Do you recognize those words, Man-at-Arms?"
Duncan faltered, his eyes widening and his grip around his weapon loosening. He nodded begrudgingly, swallowing with some effort. "A quote from the 'Charter of Eternia'. Verses 12-8 through 12-10."
"And do you, as a courtier to the King, uphold that Charter to the letter?" she questioned, a large smirk on her face. Sitting behind her, Lyn once again had to stifle a snicker.
Man-at-Arms' head lowered, and he sighed roughly. "Yes."
The Dereskian Queen nodded, sitting once more in her chair, sipping from her glass. "I rest my case." She turned away from them and smiled at her child.
Duncan, having nothing to counter a direct quote from the Eternian Charter, turned away in defeat. His daughter, however, was not so easily persuaded.
"Your majesty," she called, bringing an unreadable almost-glare from Lady Moria. "If your intentions are so noble, why does your daughter bear a weapon?" Her tone was respectful, even if the green glare she shot in the direction of Evil-Lyn was not.
The Ancient Dereskian smiled almost invisibly, nodding to Lyn.
Her daughter grinned at the young redhead, causing a small shiver to roll down Teela's spine. Evil-Lyn responded courteously, "In case a diligent protector of Eternia should feel threatening towards my mother or myself and seek to hinder our passage here. However, if my staff offends, I will gladly remove it from my immediate reach." She closed her violet eyes, and her staff vanished, returning to her mother's quarters in the Sands of Time.
Lyn raised her white eyebrows at Teela. "Are our motives now cleared for innocent, since we have bereft ourselves of all weaponry and conceivable threats?" Idly, she wondered exactly when it was her societal speech patterns had changed so drastically, and chalked it up to due to her mother's influence. She was finding many of her usual habits had now been perfected sine Moria's arrival, though she could not consciously remember altering them.
Teela had most certainly not been expected Evil-Lyn to answer, much less send her staff away. Unable to think of a witty retort, the young redhead departed without saying anything, and returned to her father, who was busy been talking in a low voice to the King.
At the nearby table, the Sorceress had been listening carefully to every word, and had silently applauded when Moria had used the Eternian Charter to her advantage. She was having a similar debate as Evil-Lyn, wondering just when it was she had begun to actually look forward to Moria's company. She knew it was dangerous, and a large part of her did question the elder woman's actual intentions. However, as she could sense no incurring threat from the Dereskian pair, she had no reason to feel undue worry. Moria had never in her life lied having given her word, after all.
That said, she was not at all happy with the prospect of having her in the palace, especially since Lyn was with her. Lady Moria, at least, had a code of morality. Teelina was unsure as to whether or not her daughter also possessed one. Besides, there was something about having Skeletor's second- in-command within the walls of the palace, in the same room as the King, Queen, and Crown Prince that was extremely upsetting.
The sound of Evil-Lyn laughing at the nearby table brought the Sorceress crashing out of her reverie. She glanced over at the Dereskians, noting that they appeared to be watching Man-at-Arms repeat Moria's words to the king.
Teelina noticed Randor's face redden, Marlena's face whiten, and Adam jump to his feet, glaring angrily at the pair of white-haired women.
Around them, the other guests were slowly getting back into a normal state, talking amongst themselves, eating, drinking, and doing their best to ignore the odd pair in the back of the room.
And, for the most part, they succeeded.
Indeed, it seemed that Evil-Lyn and her mother were doing nothing more than simply sitting there, talking to one another. They were not interacting, not chatting with the other guests, and certainly not threatening anyone.
Even so, Randor was naturally uncomfortable with Lady Moria's continued presence. He excused himself from the dais, and began to walk over towards the two Dereskians. When Adam offered his assistance, Randor refused, and did likewise when Marlena said she would join him as well. King Randor strode through the room, his hand on his sword, just in the odd chance Moria tried anything.
Noting the king's approach, Lady Moria stood, and bade her daughter to do likewise. Even with as much contempt as the Ancient Dereskian had for Randor and his family, she would still never let it be said that she was discourteous.
The king stopped a few paces in front of the Dereskian Queen, placing his hands on his hips. Moria inclined her head ever so slightly in recognition.
Slightly taken aback, Randor did likewise, though it was only an automatic response. As a reflex, he also began to bow to Evil-Lyn, but managed to catch himself and realize what exactly it was he was doing.
Once he had done so, his face reddened deeply, but not in shame. "Your highness," he said, not working up the courage to actually call Moria by her name. "I must insist that you leave my palace immediately!" Though his words were courteous enough, his tone was anger-filled and his eyes seemed to burn with indignation. The audacity of these women! Coming into his home and interrupting his meeting!
Lady Moria considered for a moment, and sank back down in her chair, as if it were a throne she was regally returning to. She sipped her glass of wine calmly. "Kan qui, canti, we estë me atyr li donné?" she asked, a smirk on her lips.
Randor faltered, turning to look around confoundedly.
"She asked why it was they should do as you command," came a calm, soothing voice from behind the king.
Randor whirled and came eye-to-eye with the Sorceress, who had been listening from her table.
Teelina nodded to the Dereskians. "You should probably answer her, your highness," she proposed, her voice calm. "Lady Moria does not appreciate being kept waiting."
"And I don't appreciate people speaking in languages I cannot understand," Randor replied, glaring at the eldest woman.
"Ki it tymie muin semi í Morifania iubrach nessi ceartach 'na cànain ât soorat í eanish se í glareyder rot ry laue," the Dereskian Queen replied, smiling enigmatically. Her daughter chuckled gently behind her, having also reclaimed her seat.
Randor looked pleadingly at the Sorceress.
"She says she was always taught that a Queen does not need to adjust her language to fit an audience when a capable translator is nearby," Teelina said, her eyebrows raised at Moria. "Though that she finds me 'capable' is an interesting point in and of itself."
The Dereskian Queen winked at the Sorceress gently, and turned to say something to her child. Lyn responded in kind, chuckling slightly.
The Eternian king looked over at the Sorceress, who shook her head. "I don't know that dialect. The language is the same, but the accent is different."
"It's Dereskian Highspeech," came a new voice to the conversation. Both Randor and Teelina whirled to look at Evil-Lyn as she spoke. "It's more than the accent, the entire inflection is different, and it is only truly able to be mastered by the descendants of Vädia."
Randor raised his hand in anger. "As fascinating as that is, you are still trespassing in my home. Leave, before I'm required to use force to get you out of my home!"
"And by so doing you would consciously, willingly break your own Charter?" Lady Moria asked in the common tongue, her eyebrows raised. "I find that unlikely."
Randor's eyes lowered, and he stiffened visibly. "The Charter refers to monarchy who have no malicious intent, and-"
"I can give you my word that Lyn and I intend to do nothing harmful to you, your people, or anyone currently in this room," Moria interrupted, her tone soothing.
"And what good is the word of a murderer?!" Randor bellowed, keeping his loudness in check so as not to worry his other guests.
Lady Moria's eyes darkened considerably. Evil-Lyn leapt to her feet and seemed about to rip the king to shreds with her bare hands.
Before anything could be done, the Sorceress stepped in. "Your highness," she said soothingly, drawing the king safely outside of Lyn's reach. "If Lady Moria gives you her word, you may rest assured she will keep it."
Randor backed away from Teelina, swirling his cloak dramatically. "I do not trust her. Nor do I trust her words."
"Then you may trust mine," the redheaded woman stated, her eyes flashing in a mix between blue and green.
All eyes turned to her immediately. Moria's were amused, Lyn's impressed, and Randor's seemed quite stunned.
The faintest hint of a blush appeared on the Sorceress' cheeks. "I know Lady Moria, King Randor," she said gently. "I have never known her to lie or ever go back on her word. I believe her if she says she will not harm anyone."
"Then kindly tell me why it is she is here!" Randor exclaimed, wondering if suddenly everyone in his kingdom was now against him
Teelina looked over at Moria slightly pleadingly.
The elder woman nodded, getting to her feet gracefully. "My daughter and I are here, Randor, to rectify the void you left by inviting every nation except ours. We are here to represent the Dereskïgiä tonight, and nothing more. The very Charter your nation is founded upon advocates our presence, and we have every right to be here at this 'meeting.'" Her tone was soft and somewhat soothing, but was also firm enough to allow no refusal or argument.
King Randor's gaze lowered. "The premise of this gathering is to find a way to defeat Skeletor. Do you honestly think that you and your" he paused to glare at Evil-Lyn "daughter can prove helpful?"
"That would depend, King Randor," Lyn said, rising to stand beside her mother. "How many of your other guests do you think will prove helpful? Do you expect all of them to have ideas?"
"No, but none of them are actually in alliance with Skeletor!" Randor growled lowly. "Much less are his second-in-command or chief advisors!"
The young Dereskian crossed her arms over her chest, muttering something about not being able to help it if the others haven't realized their full potential.
Moria looked at her reproachfully, smiling and shaking her head before turning back to Randor. "That may be true, your highness. However, as I look over your guests, I do see some who are affiliated with Skeletor." She gestured with her head to the other guests. "Mer-man has been one of Skeletor's warriors for years, and yet I see Fishpeople among this assemblage. The same goes for Caligars. I notice that Lord Ceratus is featured in a place of honor. He evidently was not made to leave because of affiliations with the enemy, seeing as Whiplash is his own brother."
"Whiplash is seen of as a traitor to the Caligars, and the Fishpeople who are in attendance both seek to overthrow Mer-man as their leader. None of the guests here side with Skeletor or his minions." Randor again glared at Evil-Lyn, evidently more displeased with her presence than her mother's.
"It is hardly our fault if the Dereskïgiä can be represented by none other than ourselves, Randor," Evil-Lyn said, somewhat accusingly. "In fact, if the limited options of Dereskian representatives is anyone's fault, it is your people's," she finished, her eyes flaring somewhat.
King Randor hesitated, the words of the white-haired women sinking in and making him realize there was little he could do to make them leave. He looked from Lady Moria to Evil-Lyn, his eyes shifting slowly from one to the other. "You give your word that no one will be harmed?"
The younger Dereskian looked at her mother, who nodded. Evil-Lyn replied, "Not a hair, scale, flipper, or anything else upon them will be harmed by us, you have our respective words."
He looked cautiously at the Sorceress. The redhead nodded just as Lyn had done. "Then I will not hinder your right to represent your nation," Randor said, continuing almost inaudibly, "Enjoy yourselves." He bowed his head, and quickly departed back to his throne.
Moria watched his retreat, sitting once more in her chair and sipping her glass of wine. "Oh, we shall," she commented, winking an eye at the nearby form of Teelina sitting back down at her table. She smiled at her before turning back to her daughter.
"We shall indeed."
One by one, the guests from around the planet began arriving at the palace, coming up through the main square of Eternos, following the landline up to the palace doors, where valets took their transports and moved them to a nearby field.
The royalty, for that was what the majority of the guests at this affair were, then were escorted through the great doors of the palace. Their invitations were read, and the title of the person as well as which kingdom they represented was announced throughout the hall.
Two of the very first of the guests to arrive were "Lord Stratos and Lady Hawk, of Avion." They were followed shortly by "Lord Buzz-off of Andreenos," and "King Carnivus of Quaedia."
King Randor, Queen Marlena, and Prince Adam were seated in thrones upon a large dais, welcoming their guests as they stood and grasped forearms.
Randor's Man-at-Arms was nearby, of course. To Stratos and Buzz-off he shouted warm welcomes, as they were his fellow Masters. To Carnivus, and later, "Lord Dactus of the Speleans," he gave a small bow of respect. His daughter Teela stood at his side, looking absolutely stunning in her blue dress, fully aware that she was getting stares, most notably from Price Adam.
The interior of the palace was fitted with dozens of tables, each organized by a certain order. For example, some tables had specific chairs that had been customized for their owners. In the case of "Lord Ceratus of Subturnia," the seat had a special cushion designed to hold the weight of his large tail.
As the majority of the guests began to fill the room, the doors began to open less and less frequently. More of the nobility began to find their seats, drinking the wine at their tables and nibbling on the various delicacies as they awaited the opening welcome speech.
A small hush went through the guests as a figure appeared at the door. She was a tall woman, her dress as deep blue as the depths of the Sea of Rakash. Her long red hair had been pulled back into one great plait at the last moment, throwing her cheekbones into a state of prominence on her face.
The doors fully opened, and her eyes swept over the occupants of the room. Whether her eyes were blue or green seemed unable to determine as she looked from guest to guest. She carried a gold staff with the form of a falcon resting upon the top, but that was as far as her accessories went. She stepped slowly, gracefully in through the doors, as, in the background, the announcer's voice was heard to say "The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull."
The Sorceress was slightly bemused that her name had not been on the invitation, but, as she entered into the chamber, she realized that Randor had probably not known her by anything other than her title. So few did, now that she thought of it. Lady Moria, of course, and possibly Man-at- Arms. Maybe He-man, though that was stretching the possibility.
She nodded in recognition to Randor and Marlena, and then walked over to stand by Man-at-Arms, who seemed flabbergasted and unable to speak.
Teelina regarded him with a bemused smile on her face as he struggled for words. He finally managed to choke out, "You look. fantastic."
"Thank you," she responded with a smile, moving her gaze over to her daughter, her eyes drifting over the dress she had supplied. Teela had her hair up in her usual tiara fashion, but this complimented the dress wonderfully. It appeared she had been correct in guessing her daughter's sizes. Teelina nodded gently to her child, feeling a dull ache in her heart before going off in search of her seat.
She found herself sitting alone, at a table somewhat near the back wall of the room. The tables on either side of hers were vacant as well, extending in this pattern for almost the entire length of wall. To anyone else, this might be inconvenient, but it was a perfect seating arrangement for her. Being, as she was, out of the immediate circle of society, she was unaccustomed to seeing this many people in a single room at one time. It was easier for her to deal with if she had at least a small amount of personal space.
Teelina looked around the room, noticing all the many faces of different Eternians who were present. She amused herself by thinking that, no matter how different these peoples were, they were all Eternians, and all susceptible to the same things such as hunger, thirst, plague, and war. No matter what happened between them, they were all, in essence, the same. Not that they ever truly realized it, of course.
All around the room, peoples of different species, different ages and different sexes were conversing in pleasant tones, all happy to be there. It did not matter, that one moment in time, why they were there, or where they had come from. They were content to know that they shared this planet, and that, no matter what the reason, they were talking to other nobles from other kingdoms.
Time wore on, and at last the final guests were arriving, finding their seats and sitting, conversing with this neighbor or that. Randor realized that the time had come.
He began his welcoming speech, thanking all parties for coming to his home for this affair. .....
Far away, deep within the Sands of Time, a daughter looked up at her mother. Evil-Lyn smiled gently as she viewed the scene in the palace, knowing that it was almost time for their arrival.
"Shall we?" she questioned, watching her mother's face for affirmation.
Surprisingly, Lady Moria negated this question, caressing her daughter's face when she noticed Lyn's confusion. "Not just yet dear. It would be frightfully rude to interrupt Randor as he's speaking, don't you think?"
"Possibly, but when are we-?"
"Soon enough, love," her mother smiled, winking a swirling eye at Evil-Lyn. "Very soon."
Lyn nodded, looking back into her orb and noticing someone. "The Sorceress seems to be all by herself," she commented, bemused. "I do hope we'll be changing that?"
"But of course, Lyn," Moria answered, smiling widely. "We wouldn't want an old friend of mine to be lonely, now would we?"
The younger woman laughed wickedly, her voice echoing into the chamber. "Not at all."
Lyn's echoing laughter was quickly joined by her mother's as they watched Randor begin to complete his speech.
".So again, I wish to thank you all. And I hope that, together, we can find some way to end the evil that plagues our land, and live in peaceful harmony. It is only by working side by side with one another that we will do this."
Moria's eyes locked with her child's. "Now it is Time," she said, reaching for her daughter's hand. Evil-Lyn took it, made sure she had their 'invitations,' and nodded to the elder Dereskian.
They began to sink into the floor, arriving just outside the doors to the palace as Randor's final words were heard.
"...will take hard work and determination, but I have no doubts that, together, we can do our best and rid Eternia of all possible threats. I thank you for coming, my friends, and I look forward to our new unified efforts to rid the planet of those such as Skeletor. I invite you to please eat and drink and have a good time this evening."
The doors to the hall opened, and a terrified announcer check and re- checked the invitation in his hands, praying that he was mistaken. Stuttering upon finding that he was not, he tried to swallow his fear as every eye in the room turned to the door. Panicking, the announcer managed to choke out, "L-l-lady E-evil-L-Lyn. of the De-res-ki-gia." He stumbled over the last word, both his terror and inability to pronounce it contributing to his inarticulateness.
Evil-Lyn entered, glaring at the announcer, who cringed visibly, hiding behind the door. She swept her skirts into the room, her head held high. Man-at-Arms and Teela instantly found their weapons, preparing to attack as Lyn walked with her staff in her hands.
They more than likely would have come running forward if not from a scream from the announcer. Pale and shaking, he trembled openly as he read off the name of the newest paper slip in his hands. "L-l-la-lady M-m-m," he paused out of sheer terror. "L-lady M-m-Moria V-v-Vadorian, t-the Dereskian Q-qu- queen." There were a few loud shrieks and thumps on the floor while various peoples fainted, including the announcer. Several of those still conscious gasped in shock and terror as she became visible.
She stepped inside the room slowly, regally. Her head was parallel to the floor, as she seemed more to glide than to walk. Her booted heels made no noise upon the chamber as she regarded the room detachedly.
Mouths were gaped open all around the room while their owners looked upon a creature out of legend turned reality. They stared into her amethyst eyes, looking away quickly for fear of being cursed. Some marveled at her white hair, looking from Evil-Lyn to Moria, unsure of the obvious resemblance between them and flinching.
Lady Moria smirked visibly, moving in step with her child, who now walked about half a pace behind her. They moved silently, regarding all in the room with almost undetectable glimmers in their eyes.
Randor seemed to be frozen on his dais, unable to either move or do anything other than froth at the mouth, which he seemed to manage quite well.
Lady Moria and Evil-Lyn reached the back wall without incident. The elder woman let her daughter go before her, choosing a table about two down from the Sorceress.
As for Teelina, outwardly, she was bristling. She was not exactly happy that the elder woman and her child were here. That said, she was inwardly laughing and applauding Moria's daring. It must have taken some nerve for her to show up with her daughter when she knew she'd be hopelessly outnumbered.
The Ancient Dereskian paused by the redhead's table, winking at her and knowing well what she was thinking. Not so daring as you would think, dear, she said mentally. It's not as if I'm here to fight anyone.
Smiling warmly, she gently brushed her hand across the Sorceress' cheek, and then moved over to sit beside her daughter.
*Have I told you lately you're insane, Moria?* Teelina countered, trying to hide the smile on her lips.
Lady Moria smiled at her, winking before turning to look as Randor seemed to be thawing. She grasped her daughter's hand across the table, smiling at Lyn gently. Her only child smiled back.
Randor seemed to hiss through clenched teeth, forcing a smile at his other guests, signaling with his head towards Man-at-Arms and Teela.
Beside his father on a nearby throne, it was evident that Prince Adam was debating excusing himself to 'go and find' He-man. However, Man-at-Arms shook his head, knowing that right now Adam could not be in two places at once, and could not risk running off to transform.
Randor made the necessary noises to signal that everything was alright, that it was only a joke, that everything was under control, that the guests should still enjoy themselves.
Said guests did not look very convinced, but warily began conversing in hushed tones as Teela and Man-at-Arms closed in on the Dereskians.
\\This should be fun,\\ Moria commented in her native language, not really minding that Teelina could understand her as well as her child.
Lyn found the fact that her mother was not worried in the slightest heartening, and she grinned, making sure her staff was within reach in its position against the wall.
Man-at-Arms and Teela reached them, Teela having a hold on her cobra staff and getting ready to extend it. Man-at-Arms was just about to raise his facemask in preparation for an attack.
Lady Moria looked from one to the other with an unreadable expression on her face. She reached behind her and poured a glass of wine from the bottle that had been at the table. She sipped it gently, regarding the two Masters as she did so.
The Ancient Dereskian's nonplussed attitude was making Teela nervous. While she was, in a small way, glad that something interesting had happened at this party, she had certainly not been expecting Lady Moria to show up in the palace. She had not forgotten the last, and only, time she had Moria had fought. Teela looked over at Evil-Lyn cautiously. She hadn't forgotten the last time they had fought, either.
Teelina debated standing as well, but decided that it may be best for her to remain in her seat. Instead, she clutched her staff in her hands tightly, just in case, watching the scene intently. Not a word had been said, as yet.
Moria's eyebrows rose as she gently sipped her glass of wine, smiling in her enigmatic fashion. She looked directly at Man-at-Arms, taking the bottle in her hand once more. "Would you like a drink?" she asked pleasantly.
Duncan regarded her as if she were some type of venomous snake about to strike. "What exactly do you think you're doing here?" he questioned gruffly, his mace already in his hands.
"I'm offering you a drink," Moria replied calmly, a smile on her lips. "It's a traditional offering of an alcoholic beverage, used to convey the emotion of being cordial, which, I must say, I do not find radiating from you."
Evil-Lyn covered her mouth to hide a snicker, replying into her mother's mind. *Well done, Morämé.*
If one were looking closely, you could see the elder woman wink quickly at her daughter, waiting for Man-at-Arms' reply.
His eyes narrowed and he clenched his mace in his hands threateningly. "I meant, what are you doing here, at this meeting, in this palace?" he growled, trying to control his anger. The last thing he wanted was to set off Moria's temper and endanger everyone in the room. Though he supposed her mere presence was enough to do that.
The Dereskian Ancient looked over at her daughter, nodding to indicate she should answer the question.
Lyn looked at the two 'Masters' somewhat reproachfully. She said, quite calmly, "It came to Mother's and my attention that, though this affair of Randor's was supposedly open to representatives of all the sentient species on this planet, no one among the Dereskïgiä had been offered a delegate."
"That would be because the only members of the Dereskïgiä currently living are you and your Mother," Teela spat acridly, clenching her staff in her hands.
Lyn's eyes focused on the young redhead, a small smirk appearing on her face. "Precisely," she said, winking at Teela. "Hence why we decided to rectify the situation."
Teela, slightly unnerved by Evil-Lyn's winking, growled in reply, "Did you ever stop to think that you weren't wanted?"
"Not at all," Moria answered, smiling over her glass. "If we weren't, Randor shouldn't have said 'all nations are welcome.'" She grinned at them, setting her glass down on the table and standing from her chair.
Man-at-Arms took a small step back, readying his weapon as he looked upwards into Lady Moria's eyes.
"Allow me to set your mind at ease, Man-at-Arms," she said cordially, her eyes whirling gently. "My daughter and I are not here to fight you, nor do we intend to engage in any threatening positions towards the other 'guests.' We are here to represent our nation, which your 'king,'" she spat out the word almost like a curse, "seemed to have conveniently forgotten. We are here to listen, to comment when we so choose, and to enjoy ourselves in a social environment. As I understand Eternian laws, you cannot forbid us from being present."
Man-at-Arms growled apprehensively. "And just how do you justify that?" His grasp unconsciously tightened a bit, and he raised his weapon, not really trusting Moria's words.
The Dereskian Queen smiled gently, raising her hand to prevent her daughter from using her staff. Lyn slowly relaxed her grip on her weapon, watching Man-at-Arms and Teela defensively.
Lady Moria answered him calmly, quoting, "'In such a case of any monarch visiting the Eternian palace with a non-malicious intent, the Rulers of Eternian and the Eternian commonweal must treat said monarch with as much respect as they would themselves. Should said monarch be accused of committing crimes against any other nation, he/she will hold diplomatic immunity while in the Eternian Court. The visiting royalty will not be turned away, so long as they bear no ill will towards the People.' Do you recognize those words, Man-at-Arms?"
Duncan faltered, his eyes widening and his grip around his weapon loosening. He nodded begrudgingly, swallowing with some effort. "A quote from the 'Charter of Eternia'. Verses 12-8 through 12-10."
"And do you, as a courtier to the King, uphold that Charter to the letter?" she questioned, a large smirk on her face. Sitting behind her, Lyn once again had to stifle a snicker.
Man-at-Arms' head lowered, and he sighed roughly. "Yes."
The Dereskian Queen nodded, sitting once more in her chair, sipping from her glass. "I rest my case." She turned away from them and smiled at her child.
Duncan, having nothing to counter a direct quote from the Eternian Charter, turned away in defeat. His daughter, however, was not so easily persuaded.
"Your majesty," she called, bringing an unreadable almost-glare from Lady Moria. "If your intentions are so noble, why does your daughter bear a weapon?" Her tone was respectful, even if the green glare she shot in the direction of Evil-Lyn was not.
The Ancient Dereskian smiled almost invisibly, nodding to Lyn.
Her daughter grinned at the young redhead, causing a small shiver to roll down Teela's spine. Evil-Lyn responded courteously, "In case a diligent protector of Eternia should feel threatening towards my mother or myself and seek to hinder our passage here. However, if my staff offends, I will gladly remove it from my immediate reach." She closed her violet eyes, and her staff vanished, returning to her mother's quarters in the Sands of Time.
Lyn raised her white eyebrows at Teela. "Are our motives now cleared for innocent, since we have bereft ourselves of all weaponry and conceivable threats?" Idly, she wondered exactly when it was her societal speech patterns had changed so drastically, and chalked it up to due to her mother's influence. She was finding many of her usual habits had now been perfected sine Moria's arrival, though she could not consciously remember altering them.
Teela had most certainly not been expected Evil-Lyn to answer, much less send her staff away. Unable to think of a witty retort, the young redhead departed without saying anything, and returned to her father, who was busy been talking in a low voice to the King.
At the nearby table, the Sorceress had been listening carefully to every word, and had silently applauded when Moria had used the Eternian Charter to her advantage. She was having a similar debate as Evil-Lyn, wondering just when it was she had begun to actually look forward to Moria's company. She knew it was dangerous, and a large part of her did question the elder woman's actual intentions. However, as she could sense no incurring threat from the Dereskian pair, she had no reason to feel undue worry. Moria had never in her life lied having given her word, after all.
That said, she was not at all happy with the prospect of having her in the palace, especially since Lyn was with her. Lady Moria, at least, had a code of morality. Teelina was unsure as to whether or not her daughter also possessed one. Besides, there was something about having Skeletor's second- in-command within the walls of the palace, in the same room as the King, Queen, and Crown Prince that was extremely upsetting.
The sound of Evil-Lyn laughing at the nearby table brought the Sorceress crashing out of her reverie. She glanced over at the Dereskians, noting that they appeared to be watching Man-at-Arms repeat Moria's words to the king.
Teelina noticed Randor's face redden, Marlena's face whiten, and Adam jump to his feet, glaring angrily at the pair of white-haired women.
Around them, the other guests were slowly getting back into a normal state, talking amongst themselves, eating, drinking, and doing their best to ignore the odd pair in the back of the room.
And, for the most part, they succeeded.
Indeed, it seemed that Evil-Lyn and her mother were doing nothing more than simply sitting there, talking to one another. They were not interacting, not chatting with the other guests, and certainly not threatening anyone.
Even so, Randor was naturally uncomfortable with Lady Moria's continued presence. He excused himself from the dais, and began to walk over towards the two Dereskians. When Adam offered his assistance, Randor refused, and did likewise when Marlena said she would join him as well. King Randor strode through the room, his hand on his sword, just in the odd chance Moria tried anything.
Noting the king's approach, Lady Moria stood, and bade her daughter to do likewise. Even with as much contempt as the Ancient Dereskian had for Randor and his family, she would still never let it be said that she was discourteous.
The king stopped a few paces in front of the Dereskian Queen, placing his hands on his hips. Moria inclined her head ever so slightly in recognition.
Slightly taken aback, Randor did likewise, though it was only an automatic response. As a reflex, he also began to bow to Evil-Lyn, but managed to catch himself and realize what exactly it was he was doing.
Once he had done so, his face reddened deeply, but not in shame. "Your highness," he said, not working up the courage to actually call Moria by her name. "I must insist that you leave my palace immediately!" Though his words were courteous enough, his tone was anger-filled and his eyes seemed to burn with indignation. The audacity of these women! Coming into his home and interrupting his meeting!
Lady Moria considered for a moment, and sank back down in her chair, as if it were a throne she was regally returning to. She sipped her glass of wine calmly. "Kan qui, canti, we estë me atyr li donné?" she asked, a smirk on her lips.
Randor faltered, turning to look around confoundedly.
"She asked why it was they should do as you command," came a calm, soothing voice from behind the king.
Randor whirled and came eye-to-eye with the Sorceress, who had been listening from her table.
Teelina nodded to the Dereskians. "You should probably answer her, your highness," she proposed, her voice calm. "Lady Moria does not appreciate being kept waiting."
"And I don't appreciate people speaking in languages I cannot understand," Randor replied, glaring at the eldest woman.
"Ki it tymie muin semi í Morifania iubrach nessi ceartach 'na cànain ât soorat í eanish se í glareyder rot ry laue," the Dereskian Queen replied, smiling enigmatically. Her daughter chuckled gently behind her, having also reclaimed her seat.
Randor looked pleadingly at the Sorceress.
"She says she was always taught that a Queen does not need to adjust her language to fit an audience when a capable translator is nearby," Teelina said, her eyebrows raised at Moria. "Though that she finds me 'capable' is an interesting point in and of itself."
The Dereskian Queen winked at the Sorceress gently, and turned to say something to her child. Lyn responded in kind, chuckling slightly.
The Eternian king looked over at the Sorceress, who shook her head. "I don't know that dialect. The language is the same, but the accent is different."
"It's Dereskian Highspeech," came a new voice to the conversation. Both Randor and Teelina whirled to look at Evil-Lyn as she spoke. "It's more than the accent, the entire inflection is different, and it is only truly able to be mastered by the descendants of Vädia."
Randor raised his hand in anger. "As fascinating as that is, you are still trespassing in my home. Leave, before I'm required to use force to get you out of my home!"
"And by so doing you would consciously, willingly break your own Charter?" Lady Moria asked in the common tongue, her eyebrows raised. "I find that unlikely."
Randor's eyes lowered, and he stiffened visibly. "The Charter refers to monarchy who have no malicious intent, and-"
"I can give you my word that Lyn and I intend to do nothing harmful to you, your people, or anyone currently in this room," Moria interrupted, her tone soothing.
"And what good is the word of a murderer?!" Randor bellowed, keeping his loudness in check so as not to worry his other guests.
Lady Moria's eyes darkened considerably. Evil-Lyn leapt to her feet and seemed about to rip the king to shreds with her bare hands.
Before anything could be done, the Sorceress stepped in. "Your highness," she said soothingly, drawing the king safely outside of Lyn's reach. "If Lady Moria gives you her word, you may rest assured she will keep it."
Randor backed away from Teelina, swirling his cloak dramatically. "I do not trust her. Nor do I trust her words."
"Then you may trust mine," the redheaded woman stated, her eyes flashing in a mix between blue and green.
All eyes turned to her immediately. Moria's were amused, Lyn's impressed, and Randor's seemed quite stunned.
The faintest hint of a blush appeared on the Sorceress' cheeks. "I know Lady Moria, King Randor," she said gently. "I have never known her to lie or ever go back on her word. I believe her if she says she will not harm anyone."
"Then kindly tell me why it is she is here!" Randor exclaimed, wondering if suddenly everyone in his kingdom was now against him
Teelina looked over at Moria slightly pleadingly.
The elder woman nodded, getting to her feet gracefully. "My daughter and I are here, Randor, to rectify the void you left by inviting every nation except ours. We are here to represent the Dereskïgiä tonight, and nothing more. The very Charter your nation is founded upon advocates our presence, and we have every right to be here at this 'meeting.'" Her tone was soft and somewhat soothing, but was also firm enough to allow no refusal or argument.
King Randor's gaze lowered. "The premise of this gathering is to find a way to defeat Skeletor. Do you honestly think that you and your" he paused to glare at Evil-Lyn "daughter can prove helpful?"
"That would depend, King Randor," Lyn said, rising to stand beside her mother. "How many of your other guests do you think will prove helpful? Do you expect all of them to have ideas?"
"No, but none of them are actually in alliance with Skeletor!" Randor growled lowly. "Much less are his second-in-command or chief advisors!"
The young Dereskian crossed her arms over her chest, muttering something about not being able to help it if the others haven't realized their full potential.
Moria looked at her reproachfully, smiling and shaking her head before turning back to Randor. "That may be true, your highness. However, as I look over your guests, I do see some who are affiliated with Skeletor." She gestured with her head to the other guests. "Mer-man has been one of Skeletor's warriors for years, and yet I see Fishpeople among this assemblage. The same goes for Caligars. I notice that Lord Ceratus is featured in a place of honor. He evidently was not made to leave because of affiliations with the enemy, seeing as Whiplash is his own brother."
"Whiplash is seen of as a traitor to the Caligars, and the Fishpeople who are in attendance both seek to overthrow Mer-man as their leader. None of the guests here side with Skeletor or his minions." Randor again glared at Evil-Lyn, evidently more displeased with her presence than her mother's.
"It is hardly our fault if the Dereskïgiä can be represented by none other than ourselves, Randor," Evil-Lyn said, somewhat accusingly. "In fact, if the limited options of Dereskian representatives is anyone's fault, it is your people's," she finished, her eyes flaring somewhat.
King Randor hesitated, the words of the white-haired women sinking in and making him realize there was little he could do to make them leave. He looked from Lady Moria to Evil-Lyn, his eyes shifting slowly from one to the other. "You give your word that no one will be harmed?"
The younger Dereskian looked at her mother, who nodded. Evil-Lyn replied, "Not a hair, scale, flipper, or anything else upon them will be harmed by us, you have our respective words."
He looked cautiously at the Sorceress. The redhead nodded just as Lyn had done. "Then I will not hinder your right to represent your nation," Randor said, continuing almost inaudibly, "Enjoy yourselves." He bowed his head, and quickly departed back to his throne.
Moria watched his retreat, sitting once more in her chair and sipping her glass of wine. "Oh, we shall," she commented, winking an eye at the nearby form of Teelina sitting back down at her table. She smiled at her before turning back to her daughter.
"We shall indeed."