"Pick your fights. Stay focused. Or this only gets worse." - Lord Shaxx


Meren hadn't expected to hear from Variks anytime soon. It had been under no uncertain pretences that he had sent her on her way. He had a job to do, after all. But Meren sensed it was more than just duty that drove him this time - the Judgement scribe had a score to settle with the Wolf Kell.

Variks had managed to weasel his way into the Vanguard's carefully-orchestrated operation. In doing so he had brought the Queen into it too. The Vanguard would have little say in matters, now. Skolas would be returned to the Prison of Elders, and the Awoken would have their vengeance. The sun was quickly setting on the House of Wolves' rebellion.

And what, then? Would the Queen send the Guardians on their way - leaving the Awoken to their secrets? Meren didn't know. She only hoped it wouldn't put an end to her time here, too.

Despite the uncertainty, Meren had done her best to put the down time to good use. She had drafted two chapters of a memoir - the words had come so easily this time. If anything, her time in the Reef had granted her fresh perspective.

After, she had binged a holo net docuseries on the Hive. The whole thing had been terrible. Only morbid fascination had kept her going - reminding her of all the reasons she detested the Hive in the first place.

Days had passed without anything from Variks. There had been no word on Skolas. When Meren had pestered Velia for information, the Corsair had been silent. Meren had tried reaching out to Cayde over the comms. Nothing.

Completely in the dark about the whole situation, Meren had been left to brood, alone. But her bad mood hadn't lasted long. She dragged herself to Outer Orbit - the Guardians would surely have something to say about Skolas. If only she had thought of it sooner.

At the bar, she had sidled up to a very drunk Warlock. Meren put on her best smile, and he willingly told her everything. Skolas had been bested - the Vanguard's strike was a success. In the end, the Kell had been taken into custody by the Awoken.

The Warlock hadn't known anymore after that. With the details exhausted, he had suggested that they go back to his ship. Meren had little interest in anything else the Lightbearer had to offer. She had refused him - leaving him to finish his drink at the bar, alone.

Meren headed back to her room. She mulled over the Warlock's news of Skolas. Variks should be happy. The Queen, too. Meren reached her quarters and saw herself in. The lights came up slowly, and she turned on the display over her desk.

When the City's feed showed nothing of interest, Meren turned away. She let her hair down. The excursion to Outer Orbit had taken longer than expected, and it was getting late.

Meren went to wash up before bed. Leaning over the sink, Meren checked herself in the mirror. She had worn something nice to Outer Orbit - low cut. No wonder the Warlock had wanted to take her home.

But staring at her reflection, her clothes weren't the only thing she noticed. Meren barely recognized the person looking back at her. Her face looked gaunt, her eyes tired. Had she eaten today? Yes, twice. And she had been sleeping fine. Was it stress? Or was the absence of sunlight in the Reef finally taking its toll. She couldn't tell.

Meren sighed and turned away from the mirror. Over the background drawl of the holo feed, she heard something - the slightest scuffle from outside. Velia and Yasmin, Meren figured, changing the guard.

It was like this at the end of every cycle. Tired, Meren went to the door to say goodnight. Despite their indifference toward her, Meren always strove to be polite.

A quick tap to the access panel and the hatch slid open. She expected to find the Corsairs waiting there. What she found, instead, was the last thing she could have anticipated. Petra and Variks stood just outside.

"You tell her, yes?" Variks burbled.

Petra countered, "I'm not-"

No sooner had the door opened than the pair fell immediately silent. The Eliksni blinked slowly and the Queen's Wrath shifted uncomfortably in place. The two of them just stared back at her.

Meren raised her eyebrows. "Tell me what?"

Variks smoothed his robes with his lower hands. Petra huffed. Neither wanted to be the first to speak. Meren crossed her arms and looked evenly at them.

"Well…?" Meren probed.

Variks nudged Petra with his staff. The Awoken woman shot him a look before finally breaking the silence.

"Professor Hale," she began, "your presence is requested for an audience with the Queen."

"Now?" Meren was caught off guard. She had just wanted to go to bed. "Why?"

Out of the corner of her eye, Meren could see Variks shaking his head ever so slightly.

"You are not in a place to be asking questions," Petra replied coolly.

Meren exhaled through her nose, and heeded Variks' unspoken advice - keep your mouth shut.

Petra continued, "You will speak only when spoken to. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," Meren deadpanned.

"Good." The Queen's Wrath glanced at what Meren was wearing and narrowed her eyes. "Let's go."

Petra turned. Meren looked to Variks for anything. But he couldn't speak plainly here. As she met his gaze a lump formed in her throat. His eyes were completely unreadable. Whatever this was about, it couldn't be good.

"Variks, come along!" Petra snapped.

He rumbled softly before going after her. "Yes, yes. Variks is coming."

Meren fell in behind them as the Queen's most loyal servants led her through the corridors of the resident sector. She had never seen Variks outside of the Prison. Here they made for an odd pair - the Eliksni scribe and the Queen's Wrath.

As they walked, Variks and Petra said nothing at all. Meren would have appreciated a little insight into the current situation, but they left her in the dark and led on.

It wasn't long before they reached the Vestian Outpost. In the middle of the hanger, a sleek Awoken ship was waiting for them. The mirrored finish glowed with a purple hue, reflecting light from the heart of the Reef itself.

There was no time for gawking. Petra strode forward with a purpose and was already halfway up the boarding ramp, Variks at her heels. Meren rubbed her face in frustration and followed.

When Meren boarded the craft, Petra had already taken the pilot's chair. Variks settled into the seat beside her. The Eliksni reached overhead, flicking switches that brought the ship purring to life.

"Long time, Petraa," Variks grated out.

"It has been a while, hasn't it?" Petra smirked, "Let's see if we remember how to fly this thing."

Meren strapped in silently behind them. They ignored her. It made her feel like a child, sitting in the back, watching the adults work.

Petra and Variks deftly worked the controls in silence - decades of familiarity evident in their teamwork. Petra had once spoken of an understanding between herself and the scribe. Perhaps that was what Meren was witnessing now.

The Awoken and the Eliksni had clearly not forgotten how to fly the ship. The craft rose effortlessly before gliding out of the Vestian Outpost's hanger. Petra looked over at Variks. He programmed the heading at her unspoken request.

Meren didn't need to look at the display to know where they were headed. They were going to see the Queen in the one place Meren wasn't permitted - the Dreaming City.


The short trip had been blessedly quiet with Petra and Variks at the helm. Outside the cockpit, Meren could see they were approaching the heart of the Reef. As the Watchtower came into view, Meren leaned forward in her seat to get a better look.

The city itself was seated on a flat disc of stone - a cobbled-together assemblage of asteroids. Silver waterfalls poured endlessly over its edges, the water disappearing into a swirl of rainbow clouds. In the middle of it all, the ivory tower stood - a testament to Awoken ingenuity here in the heart of the Reef.

The ship circled the parapet once, before streaking toward the city's well-guarded hanger. The display wasn't lost on Meren. Petra was showing off. It was a subtle reminder that Meren was merely a guest and wasn't welcome here.

The craft landed without a hitch. Petra and Variks unbuckled as the ship powered down. Meren followed suit and traipsed down the landing ramp after them.

Through the hanger, Meren trailed. At the end of the bay, they ascended a flight of expansive ivory stairs, into the heart of the Dreaming City. Meren faltered as they entered the sweeping central hall. Everything in the Last City paled in comparison to what she saw here.

Marble columns stretched from the floor to the ceiling. The stars shone through the vaulting overhead. Everything was so bright, bathed in a rosy hue. She didn't even have time to take in the statues, the architecture. Petra and Variks walked with a purpose - this wasn't a sight-seeing tour.

Meren turned her eyes downward. She couldn't remember ever feeling as small as she did now. If the Awoken had meant for this place to be intimidating, they had certainly succeeded.

She looked at Variks. The Eliksni was out of place here, too. But all the grandeur seemed lost on him - he had certainly been here before. Doubtless, Variks would have had much to say about the Dreaming City, had the circumstances been different. But he and Petra were silent guides, leading her up another flight of stairs to stand before a monstrous set of doors.

"If you have anything imprudent to say, Professor Hale. Best get it out now," Petra warned, clasping her hands behind her back.

A few choice words came to mind as she stared at the doors to the Queen's chamber. But Meren kept all of it to herself. When she remained silent, Variks glanced over his shoulder.

"No more questions, yess?"

"No," Meren replied evenly.

Petra hummed. Variks acknowledged Meren's judiciousness with a slight nod. The doors swung soundlessly inward, opening to the throne room beyond.

Meren tried to center herself. She had no idea what was about to happen. Petra and Variks crossed the entryway, leading the professor forward. Meren followed, lifting her chin and focusing her eyes forward.

Atop a dais at the end of the chamber, Mara Sov reclined on her imposing throne, one leg crossed over the other. The Queen's face was serene as she gazed out at them, but her eyes were cold.

To either side of the throne, two robed figures stood motionless. Meren had heard enough of the Awoken Tech Witches to be wary, but she hadn't known what to expect. Though she couldn't see their faces, Meren felt their eyes on her. Under their scrutiny, she felt exposed.

The Queen fixed her gaze on Meren and suddenly the witches were all but forgotten. Those Awoken eyes were on her, searching. Meren exhaled sharply. For the briefest moment, she had felt as if all her secrets were laid bare.

Petra and Variks seemed completely unbothered. They crossed the chamber, stopping just short of the dais. Meren tried to keep up. Once they reached the steps, Petra and Variks bowed low in unison. Meren shared none of their confidence, but she did her best to imitate the sweeping gesture.

The faintest smile played at the corners of the Queen's lips. "Meren Hale, we finally meet. I have heard so very much about you."

Meren stood stark still at her words. Afraid to move, to breathe. What was she supposed to do in the presence of Awoken royalty?

"Come forward," the Queen commanded, her voice ever so soft.

Meren took three steps ahead, past Variks and Petra - the Queen's loyal servants remaining still as stone in her wake. She had thought herself frightened once, standing before the Spider. But that fear paled in comparison to the dread the Awoken Queen stirred within her now.

Meren straightened her shoulders and folded her hands slowly in front of herself - she could at least feign confidence here. She raised her eyes to meet the Queen's.

"She is terrified," Mara Sov murmured to no one in particular.

So much for looking confident.

"Tell me, Meren Hale," the Queen directed her words to the professor now, "when did you lose your way?"

Meren blinked. What was she supposed to say to that? She couldn't even wrap her mind around what the Queen was asking of her.

But then Mara Sov continued. Perhaps she hadn't meant for Meren to answer at all. "It matters little. You are but a single drop in an endless sea of Light."

It sounded like some nonsense Ikora would say. Meren took the remark in silence, perplexed.

The Queen waved her hand, dismissing the thought. "But that is not why I brought you here. We have other matters to discuss."

Meren glanced from the Queen to the witches and back again.

Mara Sov continued, "Skolas has been returned to the Prison of Elders. Certainly you are aware of the current situation, Meren Hale. Seeing as you had some hand in all of it."

Meren shifted ever so slightly. What else did they know?

The Queen gave her a tight lipped smile. "Skolas had some words for us, before Variks locked him away. Would you like to hear them? Perhaps it might mean something to you."

Meren furrowed her brow before nodding. Variks was standing right there. If anyone should be interpreting anything, it was him.

"Variks, my most loyal," the Queen entreated, "tell our guest what Skolas had to say."

At Meren's shoulder, Variks spoke, grating out a string of words in Eliksni. Meren could understand what he was saying, but she struggled to make anything coherent out of it.

Light-Snuffer. Dark-Binder. Was that what Skolas had meant to say? It was nonsense. Perhaps the rabid Kell had truly lost his mind in the end. The Queen eyed Meren, waiting.

Meren shook her head. "It means nothing to me. His words make little sense. If you're looking for a translation, perhaps Variks-"

"Variks has already enlightened me. Skolas spoke of a Light-snuffer. A Dark-binder," the Queen scoffed. "It seems his words are wasted on the both of you."

Despite the affront, Meren kept her eyes fixed on the throne. She could hear the servos in Variks' arms whining as he shifted behind her.

"But what do a human and an Eliksni truly know of the Dark?" The Queen tittered.

"They cannot know, your Grace," one of the witches hissed, "they are simple creatures."

"Perhaps." Mara Sov mulled over the witch's words. "But even the simplest of creatures may yet serve a greater purpose."

Meren tried to hide her displeasure. She was used to being told she was naive and stupid by the Eliksni. But never had she been called "simple" before.

Mara Sov stood slowly, looking down on Meren from on high, and elaborated, "I would have you understand this - something is coming, Meren Hale. I know not when - but I believe we have so little time. It is for this reason, that I have one request to make of you."

For a moment, Meren wasn't sure she had heard the Queen correctly. "Me?"

The witches' eyes were on her. Had she seriously said that out loud?

Meren tried to save face. "Anything, your Grace."

Mara Sov nodded almost imperceptibly before continuing, "The Dreaming City stands to lose everything. When He arrives, additional forces will be required to ensure the safety of our city."

Meren narrowed her eyes as the Queen spoke. What was she getting at?

"Perhaps you might have some idea of where the Awoken could turn for aid," the Queen purred.

Meren hesitated. Who did the Queen think she was? Meren was a teacher, not a diplomat, and was woefully underqualified to have any say in Awoken politics. She spread her hands. "Your Grace, I'm a professor. I'm nobody…"

"Are you?" Mara Sov purred, "Perhaps you would care to explain what a nobody has been doing on the Tangled Shore time and time again."

Meren blanched at the sudden revelation. "It was just... research."

"Research?" The Queen replied, "Or was it business, as the Spider would so eloquently put it?"

Meren inhaled sharply, betraying her shock. The Queen knew everything, she was sure of it.

Mara Sov laughed again. "So surprised. Do you think I have no idea what goes on, even at the edges, of my realm? The Spider once belonged to me. He knelt for a time, however briefly. I have not forgotten to where he had run off - and you after him."

Meren didn't like where this was going. "I'm not a spy…"

Mara Sov shifted and returned to her throne. "Of course not. You are merely driven by that ill-fated curiosity of yours. And in doing so, you managed to fall into a partnership with the Spider. You have made yourself...indispensable. Do you understand now, Meren Hale?"

Realization had been slow in coming, but Meren finally grasped the intent behind the Queen's words.

"You want the Spider to see to the city's defense?" Meren asked, incredulous.

The words seemed even more absurd as she said them aloud. Did the Spider even have the resources for that? The Vanguard would be much better equipped to deal with military defense on such a scale.

The Queen appraised Meren silently, her glowing eyes fixed on the professor. That wasn't all.

"...and you want me to be the one to speak with him?" Meren finished skeptically.

"As it stands, you are our most suitable envoy," Mara Sov said simply.

It was true that Meren had unintentionally built up some rapport with the Spider. Sending someone like Petra as an intermediary would be disastrous, and the Queen knew it.

"You will go to the Spider on my behalf. Tell him he is to divert all of his resources to the Watchtower's defense. That is my command." The Queen made it sound so easy.

Hesitant, Meren shifted her weight from one foot to another. It didn't work that way - not with the Spider. She couldn't just walk up to the Baron and command him to do anything. Even if the order came directly from the Queen. The Spider would make Meren pay for such insolence with her life.

When Meren didn't respond, the Queen's eyes bore into her. "Should you refuse...the Prison of Elders will be all that awaits you. Is that not right, Variks?"

"Yes...my Queen, my Kell," the Eliksni whispered, his voice faltering.

"I'm not refusing, your Grace," Meren weighed her words, debating between death or prison, "But I don't expect to succeed."

Every eye in the room was on her, then. Meren felt them all staring as the Queen's face twisted with displeasure.

"Explain yourself," Petra hissed.

Meren faltered for a moment, but her next words were spoken with confidence. "The Spider will refuse a direct order, coming from the Queen or not."

"He will pay for his disobedience with his life," Petra huffed.

Meren turned to glare at Petra. "You would execute him?" She snapped. "Any Eliksni loyal to him will scatter. And who will you call on to defend your Dreaming City, then? Will you go crawling back to the Vanguard?"

Petra didn't answer as her eyes blazed back at Meren. Variks hissed. The witches were still. Meren was made painfully aware how out of line her words have been.

"Shrewd." The Queen was the one to break the silence. "You do not disappoint, Meren Hale. Tell me, do you have an alternative to propose?"

The Queen had taken her insolence better than expected. Meren spoke slowly, careful to maintain a respectful tone this time. "Not an alternative. A compromise. Offer the Spider something in return for his services. I believe he would gladly aid your city - for the right price."

Petra huffed. "This is no place for bargaining, Professor Hale."

But Meren knew Petra was wrong - the Awoken were out of options.

The Queen ignored Petra's words and studied Meren. "Perhaps you have the right of it. Perhaps...this is the wisest course of action." Mara Sov closed her eyes for a long moment before she spoke again. "In return for the Watchtower's defense, I will choose to turn a blind eye on the Spider's dealings - however illegal they may be. He can do what he likes with the Tangled Shore. I believe my offer is more than generous."

Meren nodded once, ever so slowly. "It is very generous, your Grace."

"Then we have nothing more to discuss." The Queen relaxed back onto her throne as she regarded Meren. "Do not fail me."

"I won't, your Grace." Meren bowed low, her confidence wavering.

"Petra, see to it that our envoy makes it safely to the Tangled Shore," the Queen purred.

Petra did not smile. She simply bowed in turn.

"Leave now. All of you." Mara Sov said with finality.

Meren didn't need to be told twice. She was eager to be away from the Queen and her witches. She turned toward the chamber's exit. Only then did Meren let her face fall.

Variks fell in beside her, silent. She didn't want to look at him - to see his disapproval. But Variks' eyes caught hers. There was something dark about his gaze that Meren couldn't place. As they exited the throne room, Petra sulking after them, Meren caught the faintest purr from the Eliksni at her side.


AN: Thanks to Keltoi for the edits!

Related Lore: Queen's Ransom (D1 Grimoire)

How would you feel about having links to associated lore added to the end of each chapter? Helpful? Boring? Let me know!