When she arrived in Colony 9 fourteen hours later, Melia felt her stomach flip flop as she and her two guards walked up the path towards Fiora and Dunban's home. The nighttime air was hot and humid, but Melia enjoyed the feeling of warmth on her skin. With Alcamoth on the Eryth Sea, the city was usually on the colder side. She supposed she should be used to the sunny but cold weather by now, being almost 90 years old, but the young woman's body refused to adapt. The eternally warm climate that Colony 6 and Colony 9 were blessed with was more her preference.
As they neared the town, Melia caught sight of her destination. Lights blazed throughout the two-story home. It seemed the party was in full swing. Much larger since I last was here. She observed. Both the bottom and top floors were expanded, and from what she could tell, the bottom floor had an added balcony over the cliffside, overlooking the beach below. The Empress knew Fiora to have complained about the smallness of the home in the past, often bringing it up many a time when they visited Colony 9 on their journey. If Melia remembered correctly, Fiora had wanted more privacy from her older brother. Perhaps she and Shulk are now together.
Thoughts of Shulk and Fiora passed through her mind. Musing, she recalled how eight months ago, her heart was full with emotion for Shulk, brimming, eager to burst. Love was too strong a word, but still there had been heartache. However, it had become clear to her that Shulk and Fiora belonged together. It was easy to see, especially how Shulk vehemently pursued Fiora when he realized she was alive. And so, Melia let go. Busying herself with the restoration of the High Entia made it easy for the feelings to die, leaving nothing behind. Truthfully, it was as if the feelings had never existed, save for her memories.
Laughter reached her ears as she and her guards got ever closer to the house. Stopping just short of the door, the young woman felt her heart miss a beat. She bit her lip and fidgeted with her hands. "Milady?"
Melia turned around to address the guards. "Yes?"
"If you should be needing anything, we will be right outside."
"Thank you." Melia said turned back to the door. No more delays. She raised her fist and knocked on the door.
"Coming!" a voice came from within. After a few seconds, the door flung open to reveal a rosy-faced Fiora, dressed in a short pink dress with matching earrings dangling from her ears. "Melia! We were just wondering when you'd arrive!" She grabbed the Empress' wrist and pulled her inside, shutting the door as quickly as she'd opened it. "It's been too long!"
"Yes, it has. You look beautiful tonight, Fiora," Melia admired.
"Oh, thank you! I wasn't sure if it was too flirty or not. Shulk seems to like it. Can't say anything though. You know how he gets, all blushing and shy." Fiora grinned, and continued, "Dunban tolerates it. I think he's just not used to seeing me all grown up."
"I'm sure he just wants the best for you." Adrenaline shot through her veins as she forced her mind to think of things to say.
"I'm almost twenty. He's got to get used to it." She paused and blushed. "Oh gosh. Look at me keeping you from everyone. It's just so good to see you," Fiora hugged her and pulled away, "Why don't you give me that, and go on in and see everyone. I'm just going to bring out more food." She gestured to the gift Melia held in her right hand. Melia nodded and handed over the wrapped parcel she held in her right hand.
"You're sure I can't help?"
"I wouldn't think of it! Now go on in. Everyone's excited to see you!"
Melia nodded and turned away. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out the small wrinkles in her blue dress. Goodness she hoped she hadn't overdressed for the occasion, considering Fiora was in a short, cute party dress with her hair curled and she was in a floor length dress with her hair done up in a tight bun. She hardly wore it down anymore; essentially only in private. You look just fine. They're all going to be dressed up. It's Shulk's 20th birthday. Just relax.
As she walked into the living room, her eyes swept over the scene in front of her. Furniture had been pushed to the edges of the room. People were milling about, jokes being told; the sounds of conversation filling the room with their varying intonations. Scanning the room, the High Entia tried to find a few familiar faces.
"Melly!" The Heropon caught sight over and bounced towards her.
"Oh Riki! It's great to see you." She scooped him up into her arms and smiled widely.
"Riki was wondering when you'd arrive! Oka been asking when she gets to see bird Empress."
"Oh, I'd be very happy to see her!"
"How is Melly? Riki not say anything about last visit to friends." His brow furrowed in concern.
Her body went cold. Of course. She had forgotten Riki had been present during the attempt on her life. "Everything's fine, Riki." She reassured him, stroking his fur to calm him.
Riki opened his mouth to protest, but a voice called to her. "Melia!" Shulk said as he came up to the two. "Thank you for coming."
Melia plastered on a smile and stood. "Of course. I couldn't miss your birthday."
He gave her a hug and said, "It's good to see you. We want to hear all about how you've been."
"Let the girl get settled before you grill her." Sharla appeared behind him, dressed in a semi-revealing v-neck jumpsuit. Melia found herself once again amazed at Sharla's confidence. Not that she had anything to hide. Simply put, the High Entia would never feel comfortable wearing something that exposed even the smallest amount of curves of her breasts.
"Melia! Or is it Empress Melia now? Your eminence," Reyn smirked and bowed grandly.
Sharla rolled her eyes. "Don't be mean, Reyn."
"I think you'll need this." A glass of champagne appeared at her side. Melia turned to see Dunban, who gave her a small smile of understanding. The reunion had turned into a bit of an ambush.
"Don't let that charm fool you, Melia. Dunban's still as hermetic as ever." Fiora joked as she joined the group of friends. "Anyways! Now that you're here, let's have a toast. To being back together again!" Melia scooped Riki up with her left arm and held him in the crook of her arm.
"And to Shulk. Happy birthday, mate!" Reyn added quickly. Glasses clinked and sips were taken. Or in Reyn and Riki's case, gulps.
"Slow down, Reyn. It's not a contest." Sharla pointed out.
"Oh yes it is! I'm about to drink this furball under the table." Reyn pointed at Riki.
"Riki beat Reyn. Riki have years of experience Reyn only wishes he has." Riki said.
"You'll be out in minutes you old man!"
"Riki not old! Riki just much wiser than baby Reyn."
"I am not a baby!"
Everyone burst out in laughter and Melia found herself squeezing her eyes shut and joining in. It felt so good to be with friends. It had been a while since she had laughed.
Later in the evening, Melia found herself needing a breath of fresh air. Opening and closing the door to the balcony, Melia walked to the edge and leaned on the rail. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath in, she listened to the whistle of wind rustling the leaves and the splash of a fish into the water below. Opening her eyes, Melia looked over the beach; the stars' lights blended together like watercolors in the reflection of the water. It was peaceful. The moment didn't last long though; she heard a door open and close behind her.
"It's beautiful tonight, isn't it?" Dunban said as he ambled over to the railing next to her.
"Oh yes. You've done lovely work with the porch. And your whole home." Melia said, turning to face him.
"It's all for Fiora."
"I thought as much."
A silence grew between the two of them. Melia wondered if he had come to join her for a specific purpose. A wave of anxiety tried to rise and grip her, but the warmth of the champagne kept it at bay. Finally, he said, "You've done a good job avoiding the subject of Alcamoth."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I've mentioned plenty," she said calmly, embracing the buzz in her body.
"Yes, that's true. You have mentioned a few things about being a ruler. But they've lacked any real details. And you haven't mentioned anything about the rebuilding efforts for Alcamoth. What stage they're at. How your people are faring."
"It's not exactly party conversation. And besides, it wouldn't be appropriate to monopolize the conversation on Shulk's birthday."
"It's not terribly appropriate to leave your friends wondering where you've been for eight months." Her stomach turned but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue. "Let me be clear: I'm not here to scold you. We're adults. Shulk and the others are merely...worried about you. Whatever is bothering you…we just want to help you."
Melia nodded, unable to speak. The lump in her throat grew, and her vision blurred, but she forced herself to stay impassive. The high from the champagne evaporated immediately. She couldn't explain it all; it was too sensitive. Too private. And yet…Something inside her desperately wanted to get out. The words threatened to arrest and control her tongue, but the Empress banished them to the corners of her mind. Instead, she looked back out towards the black of the night and asked, "Dunban, what was rebuilding Colonies 6 & 9 like after the Fall? I left too soon after to really see how you handled it all."
The man paused in thought before he answered her question. "It wasn't easy. Everyone had their own opinions. We hosted quite a few town halls to vote on different building projects and proposals. People will agree or disagree, but they'll live with the outcome. In the end, they just want to be heard."
Tortured and traumatized faces flashed in her mind. She could hear the screams of anguish and pain. Melia's grasp on the hand rail tightened and she locked her jaw. All she wanted to do was save them.
"Things are a bit more complicated than that, aren't they?" Dunban's question interrupted her thoughts. From the corner of her eye, Melia could see the concern written on his face.
"Just a bit." She acquiesced. The young Empress could feel the overwhelming emotion threatening to push through her and force her to tears. Too much champagne. She knew better. She had to keep her wits about her; losing control was not something she was allowed to do any more. What had her father said? An out of control ruler is a loser to his people. Melia did not feel she was living up to her father's words at that moment.
"Melia. If you would like…I could assist you."
Stunned, Melia turned to him. Had she heard him right? "I'm sorry…what did you say?"
"I would be happy to help you with rebuilding efforts. There may be different concerns, but my experience may prove useful to you. Just tell me what needs to get done."
Had he just offered to help? Surely he was just offering out of politeness. She couldn't take him up on that. It would be inappropriate. She had to deal with it on her own; it was her responsibility and duty. Yes, it was best to keep the problems within the High Entia community. But before she could refuse, she heard herself saying, "Yes. That would be appreciated."
"When do you leave?"
"Early tomorrow morning. Of course, you can come whenever you'd like. Please don't feel obligated to leave with me tomorrow. Please come when it is convenient for yourself."
"I shall join you in the morning."
"I will meet you here then."
"Perfect." Dunban said and gestured to the party, "Shall we go back in?"
"I'll be in a minute." Dunban nodded and returned to the party.
What had she just done? Panicked, she felt her thoughts race in her mind at light speed. She meant to refuse his offer. Dunban was to join her now in Alcamoth. Dunban was coming to Alcamoth. It was a terrible idea, right? She had to tell him it was all a mistake. But any assistance would be appreciated. There was still so much to do. And he had plenty of experience with reconstructing both Colony 9 and Colony 6. Who was she to turn down a generous offer that would benefit her people? Of course it was a good idea.
It had to be.