The council room was large in size for the few people present, the usual chairs bearing carved symbols of nations or Disciples not standing by the two crescent moon shaped tables in the center of the room. The lack of the many chairs made the spacious room look empty and void of any importance but it still served its purpose. It was located in the highest point of the Tree of Life, its open walls and archways granting an impressive view of the Sadida kingdom. Even though the darkness of the night had crept in and turned the vibrant green, brown and blue colors of the scenery into a palette of dark blue hues, the sunset and the many stars that became visible had been quietly admired during moments of silence or thought.

The master of Bonta either stood in the middle of the half circular tables, paced a little or lingered by the open archways over the span of several hours, listening and partaking in the held discussion. One of the long tables turned into Toufdru's personal desk as many parchments laid piled upon it, consisting out of the deciphered research of the Xelor and many reports that followed the attack on the Tree. Although Joris had spoken with the King about the powerful artifact Nox had in his possession before, this was the first time the discussion took a painfully long while.

The royal court of Sadida had their doubts about housing the Eliacube and a Dofus under their roof. Even though several weeks had passed since the defeat of the Xelor Nox and the gratitude the royalty and citizens of Sadida felt for the saviors was large and abundant, the slow pace in the process of handling the Eliacube began to put several on edge.

The king Oakheart sat upon a massive chair that acted like his throne outside of the throne room while before him stood his son Armand and Master Joris, who remained a guest of honor to the court. The chamberlain Toufdru sat off to the side, hidden behind the stacks of rolled up leaf, linen and paper parchments after he nodded off a few hours into the discussion. The King had informed both Armand and Joris of what unfolded in the Dofus chamber earlier this day and while the small council was meant to ease any concerns revolving around the cube and the presence of Eliatropes, dragon and Dofus alike, it only stoked the fire.

Armand had pressed his opinions on the situation forward, wanting to be heard and understood but he was clashing with those around him… as he mostly was. His loud voice hadn't been able to wake the napping chamberlain but it began to drain the other two who were present and still awake.

"The Eliacube can not stay here if nobody can even touch it. It isn't safe," Armand said while pacing a little, his eyes pinned on his father," and neither can the Dofus. If the knowledge that Sadida houses two powerful artifacts begins to spread, we will have unwanted guests and disputes. We already have so few allies, father. Are we really going to risk what we have?"

The king watched his son wander nervously about, circling a little around the small master of Bonta while occasionally cracking his knuckles or stroking his grass goatee and chin in thought and frustration. "I don't believe that our situation will improve even if we were capable of using the cube… and as you know, we cannot."

"Have we even tried? If the Xelor could handle it to a certain extend, perhaps we can too," Armand said as he lingered by the table and the stack of torn and stained notes, eyeing them before he continued talking with a dramatic way of waving and moving his muscular arms," we have the research, we can prevent the mistakes he made. All we have to do is try!"

Joris glanced towards Oakheart after Armand brought forth a point which was troubling at best, and met the king's gaze that betrayed he was thinking the very same as him. To even think of using the Eliacube simply to have it finally react in a pleasing way would only bring along more risk and trouble than Sadida could afford. "I advise against such actions, Your Royal Highness. The Eliacube responds to but a few individuals and those few are the Eliatropes. The Eliacube will not bend to anyone but its rightful masters, like the Xelor experienced himself."

"And I will not subject any of my people to the madness of the cube, Armand," the king said as he chose Joris' side on the matter, hoping his son would see reason," even you can feel its aura when in or near the Dofus chamber; nothing good will come of trying to master or understand it. Even if we were to try, some of the other nations and rulers will not be satisfied that we managed to tap into the Eliacube without the aid of the Eliatropes. We will only wroth fear and distrust…" Oakheart sighed as he could already able to imagine the bad consequences. Armand was right, they only had but a few allies; the World of Twelve was not as united as it should be. Bonta was one of the only trustworthy allies Sadida had alongside the Cra, but it would be a lie to say their alliance was perfect. "Besides," he continued," we owe the Eliatropes a debt like we do towards sir Tristepin Percedal; they are our guests and the Eliacube is in our protection. We are safekeeping the Eliacube for the Eliatropes, not to find a use for it or take advantage of its powers. To tamper with it without Yugo's consent would be an insult and shame our name."

Scowling was something Armand had done a lot this evening and he did it again after his father didn't agree with him once more. "What does he know about what is right and wrong? About what must be done? He is a boy!" he said with a raised voice, finally standing still to face his father while standing beside Joris with clenched fists.

"A boy who managed to defeat an enemy that was free to roam for nearly two hundred years," Joris reminded Armand in a way that sounded too calm for the situation at hand," you are underestimating what the Eliatropes are capable off, Your Royal Highness, no matter their age."

"Age…" the prince scoffed, the scowl he had letting up a little as he grew more serious," what if it is age that prevents Yugo from using the Eliacube? Are we going to wait for him to grow up? We cannot keep the Eliacube for that long without any of the other nations questioning our intentions or wishing to have the cube for themselves. We have an adult Eliatrope in our midst, why are we relying on a child?"

Armand's concerns and questions were valid; the king had no answer to them. Joris however straightened up a little to be able to look up to the tall figure of the prince, having to tilt his head far back to look him in the eye so his honesty wouldn't be easily discarded," we have already stated that the Lady Alys is incapable of using the Eliacube. She-"

"She can't remember, of course!" The sudden sarcasm in Armand's voice threw Joris off but the master said nothing as he kept himself composed, allowing Armand to vent his thoughts," what if it is a ruse? What if she knows the secrets of the Eliacube and refuses to share it? How long was she with the Xelor? Five, ten, twenty years? Who is to say she wasn't aware of things all the while during her captivity there? She could be keeping it to herself!"

Oakheart closed his eyes and took a deep quiet breath as he listened to Armand's vocal rampage, waiting for an opening to make the attempt to stop him rather than interrupt him and increase his already growing temper," you are grasping at straws, Armand..."

"And what if I am?" he asked with wide open eyes before they narrowed with a harsh look," we have welcomed them with open arms, father, but it was only one Eliatrope who showed good intentions. To think all of his people, wherever they may be, are the same as him is naive and stupendous. What if they are warmongers? What if they've been hiding all these centuries for a purpose? We know nothing about the Eliatropes, the records which exist too old or watered down like some drunken Pandawa fairytales! What if there is a reason for there being so few left? What if the Eliacube is nothing but a weapon waiting to be used? Have any of you thought about that?!"

"If the boy is truly one of the few who can access the Eliacube, then the purpose of the Eliacube is not to cause havoc or any other kind of discord. He has proven to be of noble heart and possesses a maturity which surpasses many adults; to be able to access such a relic already means Yugo is of great importance to his people. He has no malice in him… even you must see that," Joris said with his usual collected and calm demeanor, not appearing to be phased by Armand's frantic speculating. He was thinking however, the prince's accusations, assumptions and speculations having kicked a line of thoughts into motion.

Both king and master kept their tongue when Armand's heavy fist met the top of the table with a strong and loud slam, the suddenly startled stammering of the chamberlain sounding behind the pile of parchments as the sudden noise woke him from his nap. A parchment rolled off the heap to hit the floor before Armand expressed his displeasure," we are being far too trusting! A child is always innocent, aren't they? Just wait till he grows up!" He took his fist off the table while meeting his father's disapproving gaze, his upper lip curling far upwards to bare his teeth before he turned himself around," I have had enough for tonight. It's late."

"Armand…" Oakheart sounded warningly but the calling of his son's name did not stop the prince from leaving the council room, forced to watch Armand leave with pure frustration and anger. He sighed with a deep breath and slumped a little in the large chair that was his temporary throne until his tired eyes turned to Joris, the master keeping his eyes on where the prince rounded the corner," forgive my son's outburst, Master Joris. It is a complicated matter."

"That it is…" Joris nodded in agreement before he turned his attention back to the king," but it isn't difficult to see that the Prince is concerned for the kingdom's well-being, Your Majesty, and he isn't wrong in thinking that the Eliacube and Eliatropes are not what they appear to be. We know too little to be certain of what their true intentions are, or what the true power of the Eliacube is."

Oakheart ran one of his massive hands across his face, the long council having exhausted him but it wasn't over just yet. It needed to be ended on a note that felt completed and without much hanging unanswered in the air. "You have spent a great deal of time with the Lady Alys, Master Joris; you know her best. Do you believe she is hiding something in regards to the Eliacube and her people?" he asked, not able to shake off the wary tone in his voice.

Joris took a moment of silence to think about the one he had been tutoring and looked after, knowing exactly what to say. "Other than her fears and concerns, no. The lady is genuine in her doing; she knows nothing. Though I will be truthful… that she doesn't know or remember anything doesn't mean she is innocent; she may have done terrible things in her past that could portray the Eliatropes we know in a completely different light. However, I believe she is as good willed and hearted as the boy; there is not a shred of ill content within her. I have no reasons to doubt her words." The king soft but thoughtful humming and nodding indicated he was thinking about what Joris shared with him, taking it all in consideration while also keeping in mind what Armand had said. "The Eliacube is a different matter however," the small master continued to not ignore other important facts," we have seen what it is capable of… and as long as it isn't in the hands of someone who can properly master it, it remains a threat."

"It would indeed be naive to believe that nobody would take interest in the cube, no matter that it is currently dormant…"

"Indeed…" Joris lowered his head a little to cast his eyes down to the pointy ends of his shoes, thoughtfully kneading his hands behind his back. It was a difficult situation Sadida was in. Of all the years he roamed this world, this was by far one of the more complicated issues Joris found himself in. But then the Eliatropes and their Eliacube were peculiar to begin with… He could only hope that his own involvement would not jeopardize Bonta in any way, no matter that his King asked of him to remain in Sadida and assess the situation the best he could. "The other Kings of the World will take heed of what Sadida is holding within the royal court and they will begin to ask questions. Sadida will need to come forward and reveal the Eliacube's presence, sooner than later. The King and Council of Bonta are aware of the Eliacube's presence but they too wish to know what will become of the Eliacube, no matter if Yugo, Adamaï or Alys are not capable of using it. It is a relic of power… and you know that some people desire power more than anything while others fear it."

The king nodded. There was no avoiding the fact that the Council of Twelve, along with the other nations and rulers, needed to be informed about the Eliacube before they would find out about it through false rumors. He needed to time it right, but it also depended far too much on Yugo's progress. He pushed himself up from the chair to rise to a standing, saying as he bore down to the master who looked like an infant in comparison to the giant king," I thank you for your advice and opinions, Master Joris. I need to think about the matter before I make any decisions… However, I can promise you that it won't be long before I decide on what to do next. Let us adjourn this council until then and get some rest…"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Joris bowed respectfully to accept the king's gratitude, keeping his head low as the ruler of Sadida brushed past him to take his leave from the large circular room. Toufdru was no longer asleep thanks to Armand's little outburst and managed to peel himself off the chair he sat on for hours, following his king after gathering all the present parchments and notes under an arm and leaving the master to himself and his thoughts. It was late, as the prince stated before he stormed off, but Joris did not feel tired, his mind working overtime. He gazed up to one of the glowing spheres of moss that illuminated the council room before turning his eyes towards the dark view of the outside world. The answers to the many questions were somewhere out there, but he couldn't help but wonder where exactly the most important answer would be. Someone knew… he was certain of it, but who?

The weather was pleasantly warm, even after the sun sank away beyond the horizon and let the night fall over Sadida. To enjoy it, Alys placed one of her chairs by the open archway that lead to her chamber's balcony, the leaf curtains drawn open to let the breeze flow in. She was reading a book, using the light from within her chambers to read while allowing the summery night to dry her damp hair, the curly locks hanging down her shoulders and curling around her slender neck. Sitting dressed in the spare white and light blue gown she owned and what was once her tattered hood, she lost herself in the writings of the book she had borrowed from the library, the terrors she endured earlier kept at bay by the tale of a broken heart and a shattered friendship.

She took a bath after she returned to her chambers and washed away the earlier events of this day, having taken the opportunity to try and drown her worries and thoughts in the warm water. She already felt better after she talked with Yugo and Adamaï and even had dinner with them, Alibert and Ruel, but this day drained her more than previous days. She thankfully retreated to her room and took off the soiled dress to clean away the dirt and troubles soon after the door closed behind her and she was alone.

Her eyes moved away from the writings when a sound drew her attention away from the dispute between the dragon Bolgrot and an Iop called Rykke, her focus shifting. The sound was soft, like a thud, but stood out from the chirring of crickets and the gentle rustling of the leaves; it almost immediately piqued her interest. She slowly rose from the chair as she peered into the darkness of the night before laying the book open on the chair's cushion to not lose track of where she was forced to stop reading, squinting her eyes while stopping herself from asking if anyone was there as she stepped outside.

She wandered onto the balcony with caution in her steps, her gaze gliding over the mossy balustrade, the night sky and the dark horizon yet found no trace of anyone being present. Was it an animal or merely the wind? She softly hummed when the thought of still being paranoid crossed her mind before she cast her eyes upwards to take in the sight of the stars, the right distraction to keep the inner turmoil at bay. There were so many… and all were beautiful. She took the last few steps forward to cross her arms on the balustrade and lean on it, a deep breath leaving her as she replaced the writings of the book for what was but a small portion of the Krosmoz.

"Are you looking for the Seadragon?" a familiar voice suddenly sounded after silence and peace returned to the balcony and the Eliatrope nearly lost herself in the various patterns of the stars above, her eyes searching once more for whomever was there before they fell on a dark shape that stood further along the balustrade she leaned upon. The dark colors of his attire blended perfectly with the surroundings and the night, yet the light from indoors betrayed him, reflected in the few metal decorations he wore while the warm glow shone against his back. Once again the master of Bonta managed to appear undetected, and unannounced.

"Master Joris, I did not-"

"-Expect me here?" Joris asked, his eyes shrouded in the darkness of his hood and the night though a pale glint was visible, giving away he was smiling," forgive me, I know it is not the norm..."

She looked at him in awe as her little fright settled before she brought down her gaze to hide what she truly felt and quietly spoke with a soft tone," no, it is almost like… then." Her first new memories. The green of the forest, the blue of the sky, the smells of nature and his voice that startled her like it did just a moment ago. Their first meeting was engraved in her mind and though it was currently night time, she was reminded of that day while he stood there in the dark. She stroked the back of her hand after recalling how he took it when he introduced himself before she rose her gaze up towards the stars and admitted," I don't think I will ever mind you not using the door like everyone else…"

An inward chuckle sounded from the master's shadowed hood as he remained where he was, appreciating her honesty. "I was about to retreat to my quarters when I saw your lights were still burning," he said while turning his head to look towards the open archway and windows that let the warm glow of candles, illuminating moss and flowers alike escape from the room onto the balcony," I was hoping to find you awake."

"Hoping?"

He nodded after he looked back ahead of himself and raised his hands to tug at his gloves, his fingers flexing as he turned more serious. "I picked up on the distressing news of today," he said while watching his own fingers for a moment before his penetrating eyes snapped towards Alys, the look he gave her unintentionally intimidating. The way she straightened up with an expression of unease confirmed several things for him before he continued," I am sorry that your attempt to reach out to the Eliacube was unsuccessful."

Alys swallowed when Joris sounded sincere with his expression of sympathy, waiting for him to say more but nothing followed. She should have known he would find out about what had happened within the Dofus chamber but did he also know about what happened afterwards? He made no mention of it, not yet at least. "I was hoping that it would turn out different after you shared Nox's notes with me…"

Joris easily picked up on the disappointment and what was described as shame in the Eliatrope's voice, saying as he let his gloves be and instead held his hands behind his back," we both knew it would not be easy, Lady Alys. You made the attempt however, and that is something to be proud of, no matter the outcome. Though that neither you or Yugo were able to understand the Eliacube this day has brought forth some concerns. His Majesty Sheran Sharm instigated a small council to discuss the future of the Eliacube within the Sadida borders. It did not conclude contentedly."

"What was decided upon…?"

"Nothing so far," Joris assured when Alys' eyes were no longer on the stars but on him. He didn't move when she took her weight off the balustrade, watching her take the few steps required to come closer rather than keep the distance between them," there isn't much which can be done as all depends on Yugo's capabilities. The main concern is the amount of time Sadida has to keep the presence of the Eliacube a secret from other nations. It is growing short…"

Alys took a close stance beside Joris to listen, picking up on his pondering as he remained thoughtful while talking about what was discussed during the council he attended. "I have faith in Yugo," she said quietly as she rested her hands back upon the wood that reached till her waist," I may not have faith in myself, but I truthfully believe in him. It isn't because he wishes for me to be a part of his family, although it makes him all the more special; it is because of his views… his virtues. There is something about him that I cannot explain, but it makes me respect him." She was indeed proud of him and Adamaï, and it showed. "This day may not have gone by smoothly, but…" she paused as she recalled her rippling reflection on the lake's surface," but I believe that the next time Yugo comes in contact with the Eliacube, it will go better."

Joris watched her from the corner of his eyes, asking her as he took note of how she was caressing the back of her hand," did Yugo not succeed today because of you, Lady Alys?"

"It-yes…" she shamefully admitted, the question Joris slid her way not harsh or judgmental in tone but concerned," I…" She pressed her lips together while closing her eyes, not wishing to see what scared her in the Dofus chamber. The attempt alone made her heart beat faster but she tried to remain calm. "I promised Yugo I would stand by his side, but I left him alone with the king when I couldn't face my fears… I fled."

The King did speak of how Alys took her leave from the Dofus chamber after looking like something had spooked her and while her reaction came as no surprise to Joris, he wasn't certain how to feel about it now that he heard it personally from Alys. She was truthful but then he had no reason to doubt her, not like Armand did. But what did she experience in the Dofus chamber? Was it the usual fears she had or did she remember something? He grew curious but it didn't feel right to ask her. How he would like to know her thoroughly though… there were still parts of her he wished to explore but the distance between them stayed for each other's sake.

"But…" her voice broke the silence that had fallen over the balcony, forcing the master to leave his thoughts and return to the present," I did apologize to Yugo for my behavior afterwards and promised him that I will stay by him during the next attempt. It is too important… I know the Eliacube is a crucial element for our future, and if the dragons believe Yugo is the only one who can master it, then my personal fears should not get in the way. I'll be stronger the next time around. I have to be…"

One grows stronger with each step they take, that much was true and Joris believed wholeheartedly that Alys was not as frail as she came across. An agreeing and approving nod from the master followed her words before the silence crept back towards them, the peculiar pair looking at each other as if they were conversing without words. They both had much to say to each other but neither took the initiative to share what was on their mind. It was strange how the situation was in between them...

"You…" Joris blinked when Alys softly spoke to him, appearing flustered all of a sudden as she averted her eyes from him and let them wander until they rested on the star speckled sky above," you asked if I was looking for the Seadragon. I-I don't know what the Doziak looks like. Could you perhaps…?" She didn't finish her question as she kept her eyes cast upwards, the darkness of the night almost hiding the blush on her cheeks that welled up by a thought and feeling she deliberately kept to herself.

"Gladly," he said after following her gaze and searched for the star pattern which represented one of the twelve Doziaks. He knew it was an attempt to change the subject to not have things grow awkward between them after they couldn't look away from each other, but he didn't mind. Stargazing gave him the excuse to stay with her and not think of the burdens she bore and he wished to take upon himself.

To be continued