Diabolique couldn't help surpress the gleam of accomplishment on her face as she exited the town hall with another signed treaty,
It had taken several days to complete and yet to date it seemed the most brain draining experience for the fact she had to use all her knowledge – even though she had to silently admit it wasn't all hers but rather the result of her genetic memory - she silently congratulated herself as she headed though the small market of the capital city, though most would think it a simple yet family based town.
It reminded her of the small towns in north Yorkshire she had visited with her grandparents before arriving on Tullan.
She supposed it was why she felt somewhat homesick as she stopped from time-to-time at various stalls.
After picking up a few trinkets and souvenirs, including something from a local confectionary which strangely tasted like chocolate though looked like a thin green bamboo root, she headed out of the small town towards the forest to the east where she was lodging with a local ninety-three year old spinster who had a very kind heart,.
The smell of wild flowers greeted Diabolique as she came out from the tunnel of tall trees.
The short, brisk walk was strangely welcoming after such a long negotiation.
The sight that greeted Diabolique's eyes was one of peace and love, for an old cottage with a thatched roof danced in the crisp sunlight, wild flowers and various planets decorated the grounds around the home, a path of shingle-like stone led towards the house and yet watching the old woman with silver hair tied in a bun, wrinkles graced her plump face and cat like blue eyes showed just why this home was so wonderful. She was Maria, with a plump frame and dirtied hands from caring for the various plants, dressed in a flowery dress graced with the same dirt, she grinned upon seeing Diabolique reach the trees.
Diabolique watched as Maria shouted towards to small pond a mere stone's throw away to a small child, only a toddler of three winters old.
The boy had light brownish blond hair with hazel eyes. He seemed underweight though by his bouncy nature Diabolique reasoned he burned off more then he ate.
"Dia!"
Diabolique laughed slightly as the child dropped what toy he was playing with as he ran towards the negotiator. Swinging the child up into the air Diabolique laughed again.
"Miss me did we, Tobias?" Diabolique questioned as she settled the child upon her hip as she headed towards the old woman.
"I take it went well?" Maria asked with a soft voice only rusty with age.
They headed into the cottage where the smells of stew cooking upon an open fire, various drying herbs hung up by the hearth, sandalwood freshly polished up the table. The house was simple – most furnishings made of wood, each hand-carved, reminding Diabolique of Haven somehow.
"It did," Diabolique commented softly as she set the small boy upon the wood floor only to watch him dart up the wooden steps to his room.
"They signed?" Maria asked as she started to ladle stew into three wooden bowls.
Diabolique nodded as she set down the few purchases she had acquired and washed up for the meal.
"Yes they did, though... I suppose I'm surprised."
"Why?"
Diabolique pondered why as she set the table for the three of them with matching wooden cutlery.
"Truth? I guess I deem myself unskilled," she admitted. A wrinkled hand was placed upon
Diabolique's arm and Maria smiled softly as she looked slightly up to the child before her.
"You are a skilled diplomat, be it by your own mind or those from another which has been gifted to you."
Diabolique found herself nodding once again though Maria could see it had little impact.
Sighing, the older woman called out the young child's name, and chuckling softly this young boy raced down the few steps towards the food.
The night was cool and dark which still surprised her. She expected the cool purple sky and yet before her laid a perfect dark sky with stars sparkling. A mug seemed to float in front of the child.
Blinking, Diabolique grinned as she looked up at Maria.
"Thought you'd need a hot drink child,"
"Thanks Maria," Diabolique said, sipping the hot drink as Maria settled slowly upon the wooden seat even though her body protested against the low seating.
"You'll be leaving soon?"
Diabolique found herself nodding as she sipped the warm tea laced with a liquorice herb. "When?" Maria asked with bated breath. Diabolique frowned as she looked over to the old woman, a curious, inquiring look in her blood red eyes.
"As soon as things are settled here, maybe two days or so. Why?"
Maria was silent for a number of moments as though selecting her words carefully before letting out a gush of breath, sighing heavily as though the world rested upon her shoulders.
"First, hear me out child before you react."
"Okay." Diabolique frowned as she nodded, giving the woman her full attention.
"I want you to take Tobias with you. Ah ah hear me out!"
Diabolique's jaw snapped shut again. "I'm old, Diabolique, coming to the end of my days. Since Tobias arrived... well, since that shuttle crashed here and I took in that poor child after the people rejected him I've watched him grow, knowing it is possible his parents are buried not far from these trees.
I want a decent life for the boy, one where he is not rejected by my people. You may be slaves as you state yet there is a very good chance you'll be free..."
She paused, gathering her words as she once again sighed.
"You may even find who the boy belongs to, maybe blood family. I know you say you cannot find anything within that memory of yours, yet you may one day? I want what's best for the child, you can give him that I know you can. Don't deny an old woman that hope."
Diabolique sat dumb-struck. As her hands gripped the mug she pondered just what to do.
In a way she wanted to, but what would she be, a parent to the boy? A sister? She shook her head sighing softly.
How could she deny Maria? She had allowed her into her home with open arms, listened to her vent about the councils, her past, the torture... and it felt so good to trust someone so caring, so like a grandparent...
"Okay. I'll take the boy with me."