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Revision History: 03/20/2015: 04/18/2015 (Head Matriarch changed to Potinia)
Cybean
Lidova undulated her hips, sliding her deliciously sensitive kunaja, the long ridge of flesh that ran from her birth channel to the top of her cleft, which was now greatly swollen and slick with the juices of her arousal, against the equally aroused flesh of her lover. She and Ceyia were silent except for the increased rate of their breathing within their tent as they focused on bringing pleasure to one another. Not that they were at all embarrassed or trying to hide what they were doing for there was no reason to be, and certainly any Huntress passing nearby would smell their mingled arousal and know exactly what they were doing, but others were trying to sleep around them. It was courteous to let them, especially as there was a chance that negotiations might fail tomorrow and they might not just be there to show Serrice's commitment to the fulfillment of the Goddess Athame's Prophecy, but prove it.
In the darkness Lidova could not see Ceyia's deep blue eyes go black, but she felt the change in her aura and felt the tingling on her skin that meant her lover wanted to meld with her. A meld was not necessary for them to pleasure one another, but the mental joining added yet another level of intimacy and the intensity of their physical arousal would be that much greater when shared with one another. Lidova relaxed and let their aura's merge with one another, felt the first overlaid sensation of Ceyia's pleasure along with her own as her body moved against the other asari's. Her lover did not deepen the meld, mindful of the need to not become so unaware of their surroundings; it was only deep enough for the sharing of sensation as well as a light touch of emotion.
Their bodies and minds danced together, moving, shifting, and sliding against one another in a rising spiral of shared need and pleasure which was both physical and mental. Though they also needed to rest, the two of them were in no great hurry, letting their arousal steadily rise instead of rushing to the summit. Eventually their bodies stiffened as they reached the peak of their pleasure together, holding one another tightly as their bodies and minds crested as one and then slowly came down on the other side. As their bodies relaxed, their minds remained joined for several moments longer, savoring their mutual fulfillment and sharing their love of one another before gently slipping apart. Returning fully to herself, Lidova inhaled the rich, full scent of their mutual arousal, which had at the beginning of their pleasuring stirred her to even greater heights of need but was now soothing to her senses. Shifting closer to Ceyria in the darkness, she sought out and brushed her lips against those of her lover.
With the blessings of the Goddess Athame, tomorrow would go as well as the day that they had first met, hoped Lidova as she settled herself into their shared bedding. Events had played out as the Commander of the Sixth Mora of Serrice had suspected those many months ago, proving, at least to her, that the Matriarchs indeed did not let anything happen by chance and that they had a well thought out overarching plan for the unification of Thessia. In less than two years, the foremost Lineages of Serrice, Armali and Ulee had all sworn themselves to the Goddess Athame's Prophecy for the Asari.
The other three leading Armali Lineages: T'Esro, T'Kaos, and T'Mire had joined the T'Soni Lineage in each accepting one of the Swords of Athame as they were now called, and swore their Lineages to the fulfillment of the Goddess's Prophecy within months of one another. Almost a year later, the Lero Lineage was offered the eleventh sword, and promptly accepted, becoming the first of the Ulee Lineages to swear themselves to Athame's Prophecy. The Vare and Seva Lineages of Ulee followed before the heat of summer cooled to fall. Now, with the spring of the following year, the Sixth Mora of Serrice along with a mora of Huntresses from both Armali and Ulee were less than a day's march away from the city-state of Cybean, which was north of both Serrice and Ulee upon the Ceripian Ocean.
The following day Zelina T'Estro, Commander of the Second Mora of Armali, Ni'ra Lero, Commander of the Fourth Mora of Ulee, and Lidova as Commander of the Sixth Mora of Serrice, wound their way through the outskirts and marketplace of Cybean to its acropolis gates. The city-state of Cybean was not located in mountainous regions, as were Serrice and Armali, therefore the acropolis was not located at the highest point, but roughly in the middle of the outlying residential and commercial buildings. Open areas of grassland mixed with lowland forest surrounded the city-state. To the east, nearer the coast, was a wide marshland with brackish water from the nearby Ceripian Ocean. To the southeast, the Nirynia River meandered through the marshland, inland, and then through the southern part of Cybean where there were many warehouses and docks along the river.
Just in front of the open gates of the fortified acropolis, Matriarch Talara, Potinia of the Edoro Lineage, and Matriarch Esella, Potinia of the Saro Lineage, greeted them along with the Matriarchs of the Families allied with the two Lineages and a full complement of Huntresses arrayed both outside and inside the gates as well as upon the acropolis walls. Lidova's gaze went past the two Potinias to the five other Matriarchs arrayed behind them, recognizing from the descriptions given in her briefing Matriarch Jiora of the Ateoro Family, Matriarch Tala of the Matro Family and Matriarch Imiza of the Keiro Family who stood with Matriarch Talara as they were allied with the Edoro Lineage, and then Matriarchs Kaliha and Aiakiva of the Jasaro and Daliro Families respectively who stood with the Potinia of the Saro Lineage, Matriarch Esella.
The city-state of Cybean was much smaller both in population and size than either Armali and Ulee and much, much smaller than Serrice, and the two Lineages between them held the allegiance of all the Families both major and minor in and around the city state. Though the possibility of the two Lineages rejecting the High Priestess's offer of a Sword of Athame existed, Commander Lidova was not expecting that outcome as Matriarch Talara, who was noticeably taller than any of the asari around her save for a few of the Huntress's guarding her, undoubtedly also members of her Lineage, was a descendant of Huntress Phaora Edoro one of the followers of the Goddess Athame. Just as in Armali and Ulee, Lidova expected this public offer to be more of a formality than anything else, and behind the scenes the two Potinias' acceptance had been sought and gained before she was given orders to depart for Cybean.
Commander Lidova Saris stepped forward, and raising her voice for all present to hear, spoke, "Matriarch Talara, Potinia of the Edoro Lineage and Matriarch Esella, Potinia of the Saro Lineage," the Huntress turned her attention next to the Matriarchs standing behind them, politely recognizing each of them as well before continuing with her speech. "I am Huntress Lidova Saris, Commander of the Sixth Mora of Serrice, with me are," she introduced her two fellow commanders, "I bear a message from the High Priestess of Athame, Matriarch Oressia to the Potentia of the Edoro Lineage, Matriarch Talara and the Potentia of the Saro Lineage, Matriarch Esella…"
From there, matters proceeded much as they had at both Armali and Ulee, with the two Potinias agreeing to swear their Lineages and allies to the fulfillment of the Goddess Athame's Prophecy for the Asari and accepting the High Priestess of Athame's offer of one of the Swords of Athame for each of their Lineages. That made the Edoro and Saro Lineages the fourteenth and fifteenth Lineages to accept Matriarch Oressia's offer, and Cybean the fourth city-state to join the steadily growing alliance. Afterward, Matriarch Talara and Matriarch Esella invited Lidova and her two fellow Commanders along with their officers to join them this evening at the central meeting hall within the acropolis where they celebrate the day's events with a communal meal.
That evening Lidova along with, Commander Zelina T'Estro, and Commander Ni'ra Lero as well as a few of their officers, including Ceyria T'Soni who was in command of an enomotia, or group of thirty-two Huntresses, under T'Estro's command, made their way back to Cybean's acropolis. The evening weather was chilly, as it was still early in the spring, so the warmth of the meeting hall with its two lit fireplaces, one at each end, was very welcome as they shed their cloaks. Once inside, both Potentias and the sight of tables alongside one wall filled with food and drink greeted them.
Lidova and Ceyria were nibbling upon the repast as they wove their way among the throng of asari, pausing to speak with their fellow officers as well as their new allies. The two were describing the Great Temple of Athame to a small group of Cybean Huntresses, mostly maidens but also a few matrons, who had never been as far south as Serrice, when an attractive, sky blue maiden dressed in a simple but well made robe dyed in the light green of the Edoro Lineage approached the small group and, upon catching the Commander's attention, bowed respectfully. The tall, muscular Huntress frowned slightly, shifting her attention away from the other Huntresses to glance inquiringly at the younger asari.
"Commander Lidova, My mistress, Matriarch Talara, requests your presence," the maiden announced, confirming her suspicion. Lidova glanced around, noting quickly that messengers were talking to her fellow commanders. "Commander Zelina and Commander Ni'ra have also been invited," the maiden commented, having followed her gaze.
The matron Huntress nodded to the young maiden, then turned back to her audience of Cybean Huntresses, "If you will excuse me, I'm sure Huntress Ceyria would be willing to answer your questions?" she turned toward her lover.
"Of course," Ceyria responded with a smile, "you should not keep the Potentia of the Edoro Lineage waiting Commander."
Lidova reached up, brushed the back of her fingers delicately across the smooth skin of her lover's cheek affectionately, "Thank you, I will return after attending to the wisdom of the Matriarch."
The Commander of the Sixth Mora of Serrice spoke both to Ceyria and for the benefit of the listening Cybean Huntresses. She knew that some of them were not only sworn to the service of the Edoro Lineage as Huntresses, but were also acolytes of its Potentia, seeking to learn from her wisdom and guidance. From their approving expressions, Lidova could see that her respect of their Potentia had made the desired impression. While Cybean was not nearly as large or influential as Serrice, Armali or Ulee, the Commander wanted the Huntresses to know that did not mean that they did not value and respect their latest allies.
Lidova followed the sky blue maiden though the crowd and to a hallway leading farther back into the meeting hall where she fell into step with her fellow Commanders. The hallway ended at an anteroom with two wide arches on either side, above one was the Edoro crest, above the other was the Saro crest. The maiden led them though the Edoro marked archway, through a large reception area with several empty desks arranged around the perimeter, and to an open doorway of a large office. Within Matriarch Talara awaited them along with two matron Huntresses who Lidova recognized from earlier introductions, Lead Huntress Jidra Edoro, the commander of the Huntresses guarding Cybean and Lead Huntress Kala Ateoro, commander of Matriarch Talara's personal guard.
The Matriarch and two matron Huntresses rose from the chairs they had been seated in upon their entry. Lidova stopped a respectful distance away from the Matriarch and bowed, her fellow Commanders beside her doing the same. "You wished to speak with us, Matriarch?"
"Yes," the elder asari acknowledged her. She made a sweeping motion with her hand to the three empty chairs arranged in a loose semi-circle across from where she and her Huntresses had been seated, "Commanders please be seated. Madiva," the Matriarch turned her attention to the sky blue maiden who had brought her message to Lidova, "if you would get us refreshments please."
Commander Lidova, along with her fellow Commanders moved over to the indicated chairs and then waited politely for Matriarch Talara to return to her own seat before seating themselves. As soon as they sat the two Lead Huntresses standing to either side of their Matriarch returned to their chairs as well.
"Thank you Madiva; if you would serve the wine please and then you can return to the meeting hall," the Matriarch said as the maiden entered with a tray containing six glasses filled with what Lidova suspected was tuweavin; a sweet, fragrant, red dessert wine from the marshland tuwean fruit that Cybean was well known for producing.
"Matriarch," the maiden bowed, "I would be honored." The sky blue complexioned young asari started toward Matriarch Talara before halting when the elder asari waved her toward her guests and changing direction toward them. Lidova took one of the glasses for herself, lifting it to her nose for a moment to enjoy the intense fragrant fruit and floral aroma of it before lowering it as she waited for everyone else to receive their own. As soon as everyone had a glass Madiva bowed once again to the Matriarch, and then quietly left the room.
Lidova, like everyone else in the room, waited for Matriarch Talara to take the first sip before actually tasting the wine. A quiet sound of enjoyment escaped as the first taste of it upon her tongue more than held up to the promise given by its aroma. It was less sweet than she expected, with unexpectedly bold fruit flavors predominating at the start and then finishing a nice crispness underlaid with a hint of minerality. The Commander lowered her glass for a moment to stare bemusedly at it before drawing in its scent once again before taking another sip. The wine was definitely from Cybean, but bolder and more complex than anything she had tasted from this area before today.
"Matriarch Xanazia named this 'Maiden's Promise'," Matriarch Talara commented drawing Lidova's attention away from her wine. "It is the result of an experiment with cultivating tuwean fruit on the edges of the marshland and using just enough irrigation to keep the vines healthy. I would say it is a success. The fruit of the vines are not as large or numerous, but the fruit that is there has a more intense flavor…and that carries over into the wine made from them."
"It is excellent," Lidova responded, "I am honored that you would share this with us and if you would," she paused to incline her head to the Matriarch, "please let Matriarch Xanazia know of our appreciation for her skilled crafting of it." Her fellow Commanders quickly echoed her expression of appreciation for the wine.
For the first time the Commander actually saw the Great Matriarch of the Edoro Lineage smile. "I am pleased that you enjoy it and I am certain Matriarch Xanazia will be pleased to know of your appreciation as well. Unfortunately the harvest was too small to make more than a few casks of the first vintage, but that was two years ago and since then we have only increased the amount of fruit we are cultivating with the same method. Another few years and we should be able to produce enough for trade." She looked thoughtful for a moment, "However there are just enough casks left for me to bring a few with me as a gift for the High Priestess of Athame when we travel to Serrice."
Lidova took another sip to give herself a moment to carefully compose her reply. "I cannot speak for the High Priestess, but I would not be surprised to learn after your visit that she enjoyed this wine as much as we are right now. Certainly I will await the opportunity to purchase a few casks for my Potentia and our household."
Matriarch Talara regarded her with a hint of amusement, "Your words are kind and well considered Commander Lidova," the elder asari complemented her. "Wine however, is not the only thing I would like to bring with me when I visit Serrice." Lidova's gaze sharpened on the Matriarch in curiosity as she waited for her to continue.
"Serrice and Cybean are linked by the Ceripian Ocean and there is strong trade traffic by way of merchant vessels between our two city-states," Matriarch Talara lifted her glass slightly, "our wines being one of our strongest exports. Yet for all of that trade, truly only the merchants, sailors and the occasional wandering maiden is as familiar with Serrice as they are Cybean. With our closer alliance, I would see that change," Matriarch Talara paused for a moment before continuing. "If we are to be truly unified, then our maidens and matrons must become more familiar with their sisters in Serrice, Armali and Ulee. I would like to bring a small group of Huntresses with me to Serrice, no more than twenty or thirty. Let them live and train together with your Huntresses for a year and then return here with what they have learned both from you and of Serrice so that our two city-states do not seem so far apart. In the future, I would be pleased if this became an even exchange, with Cybean hosting an equal number of Huntresses from Serrice."
Commander Lidova's eyes widened with surprise, of all the possible topics of conversation she had not expected this one…but the more she thought about Matriarch Talara's idea the more she saw the wisdom in it. Such an exchange would not only bring knowledge of Serrice to Cybean, both of their different methods of training and knowledge of their ways and beliefs, but also bring knowledge of Cybean to Serrice. Binding together the city-states in ways that declarations of alliances could not, through personal friendships of Huntress to Huntress - unification that would go well beyond the ties of politics and trade.
Lidova took a moment to glance at her fellow Commanders, and saw in the way their gazes met her own the same interest in the Matriarch's idea. She turned back to the Matriarch, "Lineage Edoro is blessed by your wisdom Matriarch Talara," she complemented the elder asari, "I believe your Huntresses will be very welcome among those who serve Serrice."