Cricket had to cover her ears from how loud Sundew roared in rage. She thought the entire building would crumble to the bottom from it. Sundew was always loud and angry, but this was the first time Cricket heard her mix in anguish, hatred, and betrayal.
"Sundew, it's okay." Willow had stood up to comfort her girlfriend, who was bristling. Tears threatened to fall down Sundew's face as she searched for anything to destroy. Luckily, Willow's action kept her from doing so.
"Of course she'd do that!" Sundew spat, voice thick with emotion. "Of course she'd just… have another! Was that all I was to her!? Someone to pass on Leafspeak!?"
Cricket and Blue could do nothing but smile sadly. Even Bumblebee, who had insisted on coming in, was at a loss for words. Cricket saw no reason why her daughter should be excluded, because if there was someone other than Willow who could get through to Sundew, it was her.
"Again, we don't know if it is hers." Cricket tried to soothe Sundew, but she didn't believe her own words.
"You said she chased after this one and picked them up?" Sundew retorted hotly. Cricket nodded. "It's hers." Silence. "Were they… happy?"
"We didn't get a chance to look properly. It kind of just happened when we were leaving," Blue answered. "Looked more like she was trying to stop the dragonet from running into something."
A sigh escaped Sundew. "I suppose I'll find out on my own." She glared at Cricket and Blue before softening. "I'm glad you prepared me for this. And I know why you hesitated. If you didn't tell me, though… I probably would've caused the LeafWings to split again."
"I was honestly expecting you to go to war." Cricket laughed nervously.
"I still might." Sundew shook her head. "But I'll hold off, for Bumblebee's sake."
"Honestly, if I found out my biological mother did that, I would've been mad too," Bumblebee had gotten up to pace. "I mean, yay a sibling I can get along with potentially, but it'd hurt."
"Mmm, I'll try to refrain from punting the dragonet across the field. It's not their fault," Sundew said in a way that Cricket wasn't sure if she was joking or not.
"Is there anything we should discuss before going off?" Willow questioned. "Because Luna spelled it out for it, but that doesn't mean the other tribes are going to react as positively."
"I'm not going to go in telling Queen Jewel to move her tribe," Cricket said. "I may suggest it, but as I said, it's not my place."
"I'll… try and convince the tribe to build more toward the south." Sundew took a deep breath, calming. "There's a whole area near the ocean that is untapped. It'll be a thin line, literally, but it should be more than enough to prevent extinction. Anything to get away from those dragon-trap plants, really."
"Do you want me to go with any of you?" Blue offered. "Luna probably expects me to go with one of you, but I'll double check with her."
"Go with Cricket," Willow said. "Sundew and I can take care of ourselves."
"Should I try and convince a three-way meeting?" Cricket suggested, tail tapping along the floor alongside her thoughts. "Problem with that, though, is we are probably going to either be expected to side with our respective tribe if we were to monitor."
"Yet I don't see another way for this to go." Willow agreed. "We cannot simply play messenger."
"Alright, I'll bring it up to Luna later," Blue said. "I'll probably go with Cricket and Bumblebee to Wasp Hive after."
"Gives me time to calm," Sundew hissed. "Again, thank you for telling me. I should be mad that you withheld information, but I know you did it to protect me. Just… next time, tell me upfront. I can take it."
"We will." Cricket promised, hugging Sundew lightly. Sundew smiled a bit at the action.
Wasp Hive was, admittedly, gorgeous. Yet, Cricket could not stare upon its beauty and not remember how it was made. How many SilkWings had given their entire being to create such a wonderful and exquisite piece of art. Structures of pure wood, elegantly carved. However, it was also in a state of massive reconstruction.
Many of the angry, intimidating wasp statues had been removed. Tapestries that depicted the former queen, burned or otherwise put into storage. Perhaps the biggest change was the giant, marble statue of Queen Wasp being placed in storage somewhere. Cricket wasn't entirely sure where. No new statues had been made to replace it. It felt strangely empty in a way, but at the same time, a welcome change. The name had been kept, as renaming it to Jewel Hive would make it confusing, but there would be a vote on a new name later this year.
There were some who protested against the change, though. Not out of love for their former Queen (well, for the most part), but the fact that history was being erased. That the statues should, at least, be accessible to the public in some way as a way of reminding. Cricket was inclined to agree, as forgetting the past is dooming the future to repeat. Yet, she could not blame the HiveWings for removing them.
The hive was predominantly populated by HiveWings. Very few SilkWings, and little to no LeafWings. Blue looked completely out of place as a result. Not that he seemed to mind.
"How do you think Queen Jewel is going to react to all of this?" Blue questioned as they flew up to Jewel Mansion.
Being formally Queen Wasp's, it was made to be aggressive looking. Like a giant wasp nest that she or any of her royal guards could swarm out of in a moment's notice. There wasn't much to do without completely dismantling it entirely, so it remained. Although, many of the eye-like structures and angry hornet motifs had been taken down.
"She's very pragmatic – likely taking lessons from her mother - so either it'll be straight to the point, or her vetoing everything." Cricket sighed. "She did save me, though…" Cricket perked up. "Actually, there's a chance my mother may be there! She did say she moved to Wasp Hive to be with my father since, you know, it wasn't forbidden anymore."
"That'll be nice," Bumblebee said. "I wonder if she made more of those treats… I know I shouldn't eat a whole lot cuz I'll get lazy, but they're just soooo good!"
"As if I wouldn't let you leave without you having at least one." Cricket winked. "Provided she wasn't too busy, anyway."
Inside was exquisite, with marble floors and pillared walls. Once, this would've been a looming, ominous place to be. Now, it felt… well, still imposing, but more welcoming at the same time. Cricket couldn't explain it. But the lack of aggressive statues certainly helped. Royal guard moved about, as did staff.
Past the entrance hall was the grand reception, where there was a spiral staircase leading up to the throne. Guards stood before it, and to get permission, one must ask her personal secretary. Cricket couldn't help but smile upon seeing him.
It was a HiveWing with warm, orange scales and kind eyes. Much like she, he wore glasses. He didn't notice them coming in, busy filling out paperwork. His wings fluttered happily, which was surprising. Paperwork was Cricket's least favorite part of her job. Although, her wings did flutter excitedly whenever she was deep in her work.
"Hello, father." Cricket approached the wooden desk.
Her father, Malachite, blinked a few times before looking up at Cricket. Immediately, his focused face widened, and he stood right up.
"Cricket!" Malachite exclaimed. "I'm so glad you came! Queen Jewel was expecting you, as were your mother and I." He glanced at Bumblebee and Blue. "And of course, how could I forget my son-in-law and granddaughter!"
"Hello granddad," Bumblebee greeted warmly.
"We're not married, yet…" Blue mumbled under his breath, embarrassed. Cricket smiled at his words, specifically at the 'yet' part. Both had talked about it. But they wanted to wait until they stopped flying around everywhere and could invite everyone to the wedding. The sooner things were settled here, the sooner they could get married.
"I know you have to meet the queen, but after, I'd like to hear about how Pyrrhia is!" Malachite grinned. "I wish I could visit, but alas, things here are always so busy! I know your mother misses you greatly. She'll probably cook a whole feast for you."
"She doesn't need to do that." Cricket giggled. "Just seeing her again is enough."
"Well, yes, but your mother is your mother." Malachite pulled over what looked like a long tube that connected up to the throne. "Queen Jewel, Cricket and the others are here. Shall I send them up?"
"Oh, yes!" Queen Jewel's voice came through the pipe. It was tinny, but most certainly hers.
"Pyrrhians don't have that." Blue mused. "You'd think they would, though. It seems simple."
"It is, but I imagine their structures are more open." Malachite bobbed his head up and down. "We have to rely on this. We're trying to make it connect to the other parts of the palace, but it's just a matter of our voices not carrying without shouting our lungs out."
"Have you tried using a wiring system?" Cricket suggested. "I know the humans do that in Pyrrhia. Our talons are dexterous, too. You'll need copper, of course, and I don't think Pantala has that…"
"No." Malachite sighed. "But I will suggest that to Queen Jewel. Or you can. Either way, we can import some if she goes for it."
"Bumblebee, stay here with your grandfather," Cricket said to Bumblebee. "Or roam. I'm not sure how long this meeting will be, and I don't want you stuck in it."
"Fine with me!" Bumblebee said happily. "Meetings are boring, anyway."
Up the stairs they went, where they were allowed in the throne room.
It was yellow and black, with hexagonal one-sided mirrors that allowed the Queen to look out. Velvet curtains were draped over them, blocking the sun in this case. The floor, also hexagonal, was akin to polished glass and caused their talons to click and clack with a reverberating echo. The throne itself was intimidating, rising high above the floor so that the Queen would look down upon them. The insectoid theme remained, with giant wings sprouting off the back and what looked like a mandibled face glaring from the bottom of the seat.
Upon it, Queen Jewel rested with a noble, majestic pose. Her bright golden scales, finely polished with reflective material. Upon their approach, her iridescent green eyes focused with an unreadable stare.
"I am pleased you made yourself available so soon," Queen Jewel said as Blue and Cricket bowed. "Has the situation in Possibility been resolved?"
"No, but it was good enough for us to depart," Cricket answered.
"Hm," Queen Jewel said non committedly. "Regardless, you must know why you are here by now. I was informed you spent the night with Queen Luna."
"Yes." Cricket nodded in affirmation.
"I'll admit, I am surprised by her." Queen Jewel held a flicker of admiration. "However, I know what she wants. As I do the LeafWings. You must understand that I cannot abandon the Hives, yes?"
"We have not come to convince you," Cricket said. "However, Queen Luna is amenable to the suggestion of a three-way meeting with the other queens."
"Yes, we have had those before." Queen Jewel waved her claw. "They have not amounted to much."
"However, as you specifically requested our presence, we would be there as well." Cricket added on. This caught Queen Jewel's attention.
"Hmm." Queen Jewel peered down at them. "And I am to assume you will be a neutral faction? You would side with, say, the SilkWings if it benefits them at the expense of us?"
Cricket anticipated such a question and was still caught off guard by how direct it was.
"We would be neutral, yes," Cricket confirmed. "I speak for our group when I say we want this to benefit all of us. That means sacrifices. But I do not wish to see one side the clear 'loser', as well."
"So, you seek a balance." Queen Jewel's eyes narrowed. "Not one tribe above the other?"
"That is how I want to see it." Cricket averted her gaze. "But I know that such a reality is not always feasible. That does not mean we should not try."
"And you, Blue." Queen Jewel turned her attention to the SilkWing in question. "You would go against your sister if the situation arises?"
"I would," Blue said resolutely. "I told her as much."
"And then you would be labeled a traitor to the SilkWings. Are you prepared for that?"
"This cycle of vengeance and punishment has to fall on someone to stop." Blue looked to the floor, once again staring at his palm. Both Cricket and, to a lesser extent, Queen Jewel grimaced at this. Cricket's heart broke whenever she saw him staring at the tattoos. "My wish is that when it does, it will not cripple a tribe but give a fair resolution to those who deserve it."
"I see why Cricket went for you." Queen Jewel allowed a faint smile to tug at her face.
"We don't see tribes, we see dragons," Cricket added on. "Not that tribal and cultural differences shouldn't be acknowledged and respected, but at the end of the day, we're examples of what could be."
"Then I ask you this, Cricket." Queen Jewel focused intensely on the younger HiveWing, who felt small under the gaze. "If you were Queen, what would you do to resolve this? Do keep in mind that if you give in to demands, you would be seen as a weak Queen. If you react with defiance, the other tribes will grow irate."
Cricket stopped and thought about it. She did often think of this question, never finding an appropriate answer. She wanted to go with Luna's suggestion of building hives to the south, but that would involve wood and silk. Giving these hives to either tribe would not work, as many would not wish to be in a place so previously dominated by their oppressors.
And now… it seemed like the HiveWings were in the position of vulnerability. Their goods and culture relied on exploiting the resources that were now barred. There was ore mining and technology, true, but again that may fall under tribal territories. Cricket examined the glassy floor underneath her talons. The glass itself came from Flamesilk… but there were ways to replicate it. Blue had graciously allowed her to run experiments on it.
Not to mention the rich minerals that this land was known for, even in the savanna. There were also the Greenhouses.
Cricket glanced to the throne, noting the insect motif. Specifically, the hornet and wasp aspect of it. Many species had hives in trees or other plant life… but there were some who made nests in the ground. A whole ecosystem. The problem was getting everyone else to go along with it, but they could make homes this way out of materials that didn't rely specifically on Leaf and SilkWings. That may just be enough to convince them that there were efforts being made.
Cricket said all of this, in which Queen Jewel listened with patience and interest.
"An interesting set of ideas," Queen Jewel said upon reflection. "Yet, as you said, there is no guarantee that the masses will go for it. Especially the underground hives. Yet, if we build said hives around important ores and other resources, it may be enough to convince a good portion. We need not be, as you said, reliant on other tribes."
"At the very least, it's a start. A show of faith, if you will," Cricket replied optimistically.
"Indeed. I am uncertain as to what we can export , but I suppose that will come up at the meeting." Queen Jewel nodded thoughtfully. "However, you did not answer my question. How would you resolve this? By that I mean what would you do to ensure that the HiveWings are not bullied into submission but also not seen as too resistant?"
"That would depend on the specifics," Cricket answered after a moment. "I cannot give a definite answer without knowing, exactly, what is being demanded. Land, yes, I understand being resistant. However, I don't know what else is being asked of you."
"Finally." Queen Jewel smiled approvingly. "It was a trick question. The truth of the matter is that payment is not worth much to either tribe; land is. We can apologize, make improvements, but what they want is what we cannot give, regardless of whose territory it was. Your idea of the underground hive will not make everyone leave Wasp Hive. As such, we have been seen as resistant."
"No other compromise will work?" Cricket frowned.
"None that we have thought of." Queen Jewel let out a lengthy sigh. "The LeafWings grow irate with our 'stubbornness'. The SilkWings are more amenable, but many wish to be far away from us. The top left corner of Pantala is a place for them to expand, however. Yet, they have built nearby. It is a lesson in frustration. I hope you do not take offense, Blue."
"I'll have to speak to Luna about that." Blue's brow furrowed. "I suppose if they just expand to that area, it'll be fine…"
"And what happens if both Silk and Leaf tribes envelop the coasts?" Queen Jewel continued. "We will be at the mercy of them. I will not allow that. Each of us should have an easy trade platform with Pyrrhia."
"Have you brought this up?" Cricket's tail began to swish back and forth, apprehensive.
"Of course I have. I played the fool, but I am not one." Queen Jewel responded crossly. "The LeafWings want to regrow the current 'visitation' area. That means it'll be their territory. If we try and build a port, it'll be on their terms or the SilkWing's. And if we are to build one, it'll doubtlessly come with a tax."
Cricket frowned, glancing at Blue. He, too, saw the implication of this.
"And so, that is where the HiveWings stand on the matter," Queen Jewel concluded. "At least, the main points. Anything else is open to negotiation, but I cannot budge on these matters."
"I see." Cricket frowned. This… was a lot more difficult than expected. She knew it wasn't going to be easy at all, but admittedly, Cricket had no idea how to do politics. Her field was science. What may seem like a good idea could have devastating ramifications.
"But, I will not occupy your time any longer." Queen Jewel readjusted herself, looking more dignified. "You have the run of the palace. I'm sure your parents will be happy to have you here." A smile tugged at her face.
Cricket and Blue both bowed and departed, minds ablaze. Cricket didn't need to read his mind to know that he was thinking what she was.
"Luna won't be happy." Blue stopped halfway down the stairs, sighing. "I didn't question it before, but I do wonder why she built the Chrysalis where she did. Sure, it's within distance, but…"
"Probably just wanted a quick place for the SilkWings to go." Cricket hypothesized. "She was just barely reaching adulthood and didn't think it through. I know I would've likely done the same thing."
"Mmmh." Blue's antennae flicked in the air thoughtfully. They looked like a pair of snakes or tentacles lashing about whenever he did that. "It's not like they can move it, either. Silk is very light, yeah, but it has other stuff in it and there's no telling if it'll just collapse if moved."
"Well, if your silk is anything like a spider's, then that would actually be feasible in terms of weight." Cricket tapped her chin, brow furrowing. "It's just being top-heavy I worry about. You'd need dragons on each side working together. I'm not sure how many SilkWings are in the capitol, but there are doubtlessly those who cannot assist. Where will they go during the move?"
"Exactly my thought," Blue said. "I suppose we should bring that up as a last resort. In the meantime, we can try and find a place for the HiveWings to build a trade port. I'm sure Luna would be fairly open to that. Same with Queen Sequoia."
"So, you think that Queen Jewel's reaction to being taxed may be an overreaction?"
"It's possible." Blue nodded slowly. "An understandable one, but I imagine we'll suss that out at a later point."
"Indeed." Cricket let out a low chuckle. "For now, I am hungry, and I have a good feeling my mother made us quite the dinner."
Sure enough, her mother did make a splendid dinner. Roasted meats slathered in honey, a fine assortment of sweets, fruits and vegetables… no one was left out between the five of them. Even if Blue was the only vegetarian among them. Cricket had acquired a taste for some of the sweeter fruits, however, such as apples.
They were in a private quarter, where Malachite lived with Katydid. It was a spacious place, with a room and a dining center with a mahogany table. All exquisitely made, and Cricket felt like she was among royalty here. Books and other recreational objects filled shelves along the walls, too. A majority of them were fantasy – something Katydid enjoyed – but Cricket could never get into. Bumblebee called her 'boring' as a result. Additionally, paintings made by Katydid lined the walls, ranging from landscapes to portraits.
Katydid herself resembled Cricket more in color, with freckled orange-yellow scales. Her kind face was filled with mirth, which was something Cricket was not always used to. Growing up, Katydid always seemed sad. Cricket found out why , of course, but it was a complete 180 from before.
"This is much better than the food in Sanctuary!" Bumblebee exclaimed, tearing into her meal. While Bumblebee was often polite and restrained around other dragons, when it came to food, she turned quite feral. Cricket had to keep nudging her, but it did little to help.
"Well, I'm glad you like it." Katydid smiled warmly. "I pulled out everything for this."
"I can tell," Blue said happily. "Granted, the fruit in Sanctuary is nice, but I think there is something more… flavorful here. I can't put my wing on why."
"Oooh, maybe I can ask Peacemaker!" Bumblebee perked up. Blue and Cricket exchanged a glance. "He grew a strawberry as big as my head! Maybe if we bring some fruit back he can figure it out…"
"Who's Peacemaker?" Katydid questioned. From the way she asked, she saw their glance.
"Oh, a hopeful classmate of mine at Jade Mountain! He's very nice. A farmer, too, so I'm sure he'd like to see how things are done here."
"Really?" Malachite looked up from the paper he was reading. He still was technically on duty. "Sounds like you are already fast friends."
"… I feel like you're getting at something, and I don't know how I feel." Bumblebee immediately withdrew from her excited talk. Cricket giggled. "Whaaaat?"
"Oh, nothing." Cricket patted her head. Bumblebee scowled. "Try not to make a mess is all."
"I don't get it…" Bumblebee grumbled.
"I'm not sure I do, either." Blue leaned in to whisper.
"We both know how she can get with affection is all," Cricket whispered back. "That reminds me, though… we still need to finish that talk…"
"Oh, no, that's all you, dear." Blue returned to his meal. "You're more scientific than me."
"You are not escaping this, Blue." Cricket narrowed her gaze. "If I must suffer, so too shall you."
"To be young again like that…" Katydid sighed, amused. "I wish I got the chance to raise Cricket as a mother, but let me tell you, that conversation never gets any less awkward."
"Is this really a suitable dinnertime conversation?" Malachite raised a brow.
"What conversation?" Bumblebee asked through a mouthful of steak.
"The one we started before your open house," Cricket said.
"Oh, sex, yeah I know about that." Bumblebee shrugged nonchalantly. All four adults stared. "What? You have an anatomy book. I read your books, too…"
"Well, that certainly saves time." Malachite chuckled.
"I suppose it does." Cricket giggled. "But, you never know what'll happen in the heat of the moment. And I want you to be careful is all."
"Well duh ." Bumblebee rolled her eyes. "You're acting like I wanna start a family with Peacemaker already."
"Things can move fast," Blue said. "Your mother and I are an example of that. But, yes, I agree with Malachite, we should really continue this conversation outside the dinner table."
"So shy, you are." Cricket patted his back. Blue shook his head. "In my opinion, there is nothing to be shy about when it comes to science."
"On the subject of eating," Katydid said with a smile, "will I be preparing another meal for tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure, truthfully," Cricket said slowly. "I imagine Queen Jewel will want us to remain for another day or two to coordinate a meeting. At the very least, I will be. Blue will most likely deliver the news in person."
"Probably." Blue nodded slowly, trying to take a bite of an orange as he spoke.
"Can I just say how proud I am of the dragon you became?" Katydid spoke to Cricket. "Despite everything, you rose and are now personally called upon by the queen. I think Lady Scarab really did see something in you all those years ago."
"She does ask about you whenever she visits." Malachite nodded in agreement. "She's enjoying her retirement, but I imagine she'll be poking around soon enough."
Cricket fidgeted. If there was one thing that still got her flustered, it was compliments.
"I'm not sure how she would've known, but yes, I am glad she did what she did." Cricket grinned before it fell sadly. "I just wish grandma could see it that way."
"Your grandma is a stubborn dragon who can't admit she was ever wrong." Katydid huffed out. "She does come by every so often, but it is not anything noteworthy."
"You know where grandad is?"
"He's on the other side of Pantala," Katydid replied with a sense of sadness. "He writes a lot. I just wish I had more time to see him outside of maybe once or twice a year. Maybe one day you two can meet again; he seems awfully proud of you."
"Once this is settled, I'm sure we'll be free more," Cricket said optimistically. "Either that or Queen Jewel is going to send me down there to oversee one of the things I suggested."
"I think your time in Pyrrhia is a bit more important," Malachite said with a wink.
"True," Cricket mused. "Let's just hope that Sundew and Willow's talks went as well as ours…"
Sundew has a sibling. Mmm. That was a subject I was iffy about doing but the more I wrote I was like 'yeah this is a good idea'. You'll see them next chapter ;D.
Also I really enjoy writing Crue here. Yes, I don't say Blicket, I say Crue. Wrong ship names only on this boat.