Navalis stood to the side, her magic at the ready in case anything happened. Not that she expected soone to be quite that stupid.
Two squads of Sentinels protected the main city hall overlooking most of Morhill. Added to that were a group of war machines, fifty Shadowguard, and twenty high level Dark Ones from Hallowfort, all in full plate armor. Neither dwarves nor Dark Ones had been revealed yet to the general public.
She guessed so of the higher leveled adventurers were aware of things being a little strange but they would be distracted by the many available competitions and ludicrous winnings. She mightve thought about competing herself if Sulivhaan hadnt asked for their assistance. And she hated tournants. Mightve even had a chance with the bow one.
The need for at least a few actual Shadows to be present was obvious. Trusting Ravenhalls teleportation gates was one thing, but to see the Sentinels, war machines, Shadowguard, and Dark Ones painted a quite unfamiliar picture. Most people in the Plains, nobility included, still thought of the Shadows Hand as the most powerful and prestigious order of paid adventurers and rcenaries. Their presence here brought so stability and trust. Sothing to cling to before they truly lose their minds.
The city hall had certainly been upgraded. Colorful banners, flower arrangents, magical lighting, red carpets. And yet all of it couldnt perfectly hide the utilitarian stone structure itself. Built to govern a frontier town in the southern mountains. A town that didnt benefit from the business and reputation brought by the Shadows Hand. The builders certainly didnt expect the Empress of Lys to ever set foot into this hall. And yet there she was. In the flesh.
Navalis had seen her about a decade prior, but that was from afar. A few months ago she may have actually been impressed. Now everything here dulled compared to what she had seen in the North. These people are awed by teleportation gates. And yet its just a way to lure them in. To show them the truth. Four mark liches, taleen killing machines, and ancient space trees. Brace yourselves, humans of the Plains.
A small weight landed on her shoulder. Nothing she could perceive in any other way but she knew it was the tiny creature that had often been close to Ilea. Violence was its na. And it looked quite cute. Navalis however couldnt shake the feeling that the little Fae was more dangerous than everything she had seen, even the adow. That didnt an she minded its presence. On the contrary. Knowing the Fae was on her shoulder cald her down imnsely. None of these rulers, guards, or high level adventurers really mattered in the grand sche of things. She too was just one Shadow. What had once been thought to be the pinnacle of humanity, but those horizons were expanded too. The masked Empress Guard alone was not soone Navalis could identify.
They were welcod by the Accords, the entire hall set up in a ball like setting, gentle music drifting past the many guests. No thrones or platforms. Catelyn and Helwart were probably the main attractions. Rulers and nobility had co from all over to attend these events. The gathered power and the amicable behavior from various very influential individuals made the event quite smooth, though it wasnt hard to spot so who were very much against alliances with Dark Ones, dwarves, and ancient trees.
Navalis couldnt help but smile. Insignificant nobles who dont understand in whose presence they are. She glanced at Ilea, the woman wearing a black dress of ash that left her shoulders bare, her blue eyes downright striking as she approached the Empress and her guard.
She alone could wipe out half this hall. She felt a pat on her cheek. Yes. I shouldnt stress out.
The royal family of Kroll was present, sa as with Asila. Nipha sent nobles and rchants.
Navalis couldnt place most of the people present but many seed familiar with Lilith, or each other. I wonder if these people have ever been gathered in a single spot. If anyone wanted to weaken the Plains or start a war, this is the place to do it.
And yet she knew how foolish that would be. Ilea had destroyed an entire army on her own. The Shadows Hand had retaken a demon infested Ravenhall. That alone would dissuade most potential perpetrators but Navalis knew there was so, so much more. She had seen the Sentinels, their healing and fighting style similar to that of Lilith but compared to her they worked in teams. She didnt know if killing at team of battle healers was even possible. One would have to overwhelm them entirely. And then there was Aki. Out there sowhere, with that spy. She didnt know who terrified her more. At least the Pursuer didnt pretend to be sothing it isnt. She shuddered at the thought of its blade fingers.
She focused her magic and listened in on conversations to distract herself a little.
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Ilea was glad for everyone else in the hall. They took so of the attention off her. She had already seen Emmanuel Eilhart, Julianna Veyer, and most of the Kroll nobility. Michael had co as well. In the flesh even, if she hadnt lost the intuition she built back in Erendar. Claire had been right. The benefits of this alliance far outweighed any past grievances or even the fact that she had brought back the adow. With the teleportation gates alone, they were now a major player. One that couldnt just be dismissed or wiped out.
Representatives of the so called independent cities from the forr Baralia were present too, as were high ranking mbers from the various Healing Orders. Allistair was present of course, as were other important figures from Riverwatch. Dawntree had sent a few officials too, despite their quite young governnt. As did Stormbreach. Ilea didnt spot the Lady of Benevolence herself but she hadnt exactly expected her to show up in the flesh.
Ilea smiled at the Empress and her guard as they moved on to talk to the council of Hallowfort. She addressed the next group, so of whom she knew personally. General Ryse. Its good to see you in good health, she said, quickly glancing at Felicia who stood to his side.
I cant say I share the sa sentint, the General spoke, though his words lacked passion. He looked tired. You brought that dreaded thing back.
Please dont talk about my good friend in such a manner, Ilea said with a bright smile. You know I dont exactly care about diplomatic relations. It wasnt exactly true but she assud beating up a General wouldnt imdiately cause a war. Not after her eting with Alyris and her guard. Not with the teleportation gates and the adow Accords.
He grit his teeth but chose not to provoke her. I hope for the best, Lilith. I shall mingle, he said instead and walked off.
The other nobles and military leaders had a variety of reactions, likely based on their previous opinion of the man.
Ilea didnt care. Major Redleaf, she said and walked a little to the side.
The woman had chosen to wear her armor to the event, her black hair propped up with red pins, near yellow eyes taking in the various guests. She grabbed a glass of wine from one of the waiters and joined Ilea.
Youre so very blunt. That dismissal just offended half the Lys nobility, and your favorable treatnt of myself will cause quite a bit of trouble. And opportunities. At least your talk with Ryse will balance things out, Felicia said, the two finding a window sill at the side of the hall, ignoring the chairs and benches. The woman waved her hand. Apologies. I just spend so much ti around nobles.
Still dont know how you do it, Ilea said. Just looking at this hall makes want to go out and punch sothing.
Yes. I can tell, the woman said and sipped on her wine. How have you been?
Good, I suppose. Been training a lot. So interesting new partners, she said.
Sleeping around, are we? Felicia asked.
Hush. You know what I an, Ilea said.
I do. Im just not sure which one would be more intimate to you, she said.
Ilea smiled. Its really not that simple of a question.
Maybe youd indulge an old friend with a spar then, soti in the future, Felicia said.
Ilea grabbed a glass of wine as well. She sipped on it, avoiding eye contact with the woman. I will think about it.
This is really quite an unprecedented event, but then whats new with you. Michael is here too. Are you fine with that? Felicia asked.
What am I gonna do? Start a war for his revenge? He saved your life, Ilea said.
You dont sound convinced. But I agree. You wouldnt like the outco of a conflict. And Im sure neither would she, Felicia said.
I wouldnt exactly know, Ilea answered. Eve hadnt been the most open person she had t. At least the man didnt co and talk to her about the adow.
It was definitely a little strange, to see influential humans interact with Catelyn and her crew. If they knew about her cake obsession. Will have to introduce her to Popi finally. Quite a lot of potential introductions to be made.
She wasnt particularly interested in the current setting, mostly there as an additional deterrent if anyone decided to do sothing outrageously stupid. Her na had a certain weight attached to it, even if Kyrian could likely do just as well dealing with whatever could occur. A part of her did wonder what would happen to the Plains if everyone in this room would be removed in an instant. Half the Lily was there too. The mbers she knew at least. Nero was talking to a group of nobles and Helena had taken an interest in Elana. Guess thats the next mber.
Ilea assud the secret organization would happily bend the rules if the potential benefits were present.
I have to go talk to so of the others, lest the world starts to think were an item, Felicia said and stood up, bowing in a respectful manner.
Do enjoy yourself, Ilea said. She watched the woman go and turned her attention to the window, the bustling town with its massive festival extensions reaching through the valley beyond.
You look miserable, Kyrian said as he joined her.
Ilea puffed. Well. Yeah. You never struck as soone who would enjoy a setting like this either.
The man sat down on the sill and looked at the crowd. He wore clothes for once, instead of his tal armor. He touched the fabric close to his hands constantly. What do you an? I had an entire court back on the Krahen Isles.
Ilea checked Heron for a reaction but she was either too late or he hadnt listened in. She assud everyone was listening to everyone in here. She just didnt want to bother censoring herself. People now knew about the adow, at least in theory. Soon those who wished could visit Hallowfort.
Court of birds? Ilea asked.
Its not that different, he suggested.
I dont even want to hear your reasoning, she said.
At least Im not the fad Lilith. Im surprised at how few of the guests have approached you, he said.
Theyre watching each other. Gauging who has what kind of connection. This might as well be a battlefield. Just one where they cant brutally murder their opponents, so they talk, mingle, make deals. Approaching is a risk, a declaration, Ilea sent.
A declaration of what? Kyrian asked.
I have no clue. Look, Im not good at it. But I can see so of the patterns. And its exhausting. Thats why I leave these talks and negotiations to Claire and Catelyn. As long as everyone benefits far more than they lose, Ill hope that peace is possible, Ilea said.
And if it isnt? Kyrian asked.
Then it isnt, Ilea answered. But I dont see anyone that could stop . Or you. Let alone the combined forces of the adow Accords. Its a good start. Conflict is in nobodys favor, not with long range teleportation on the line.
It is quite an asset to have, Kyrian admitted. When are we going back to Karth?
Ilea smiled. You get .
Im just as bored as you are. By the way I actually had a reason to talk to you, other than well your state of misery, he said.
Oh? Do tell, Ilea said and hugged her dress covered knees.
Aliana is here. In Morhill. She ca through the Virilya gate with Felicia, he said.
Ilea grinned. Good for you. Is that why you want to get out of this hall?
He shrugged. One of the reasons. But I was wondering kinda wanted to surprise her. Keyla Aranoth the cook of the Golden Drake. Shes a good friend of yours right?
Yes, Ilea said. She set up the Golden Goose here in Morhill. I hear its quite popular.
Not just popular. Its beco kind of a competition to get a reservation. I sadly dont happen to be a rich noble, king of a country, or quite as famous as you, he said.
Ill check with her and co back to you, Ilea said. Today?
That would be best. Its the premiere of the new nu, Kyrian said.
Didnt know you were that interested in food, let alone high class dining, Ilea mused.
The man scratched his cheek. Well Aliana does like cooking a lot. And the culture is quite established in Virilya.
Very cute, Ilea said.
What do you an cute? Kyrian asked, brows rising.
Very cute, mr level four hundred tal curse man, surprising his love with a thoughtful gift. I approve, Ilea said.
Oh, if I have Liliths approval, that certainly ans sothing. The famous brawler who happens to be a healer too, obsessed with food and downright suicidal monster hunts, he said.
Ilea downed her wine. Who is this brawler you speak of? She sounds lovely.
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Navalis stuffed herself at the buffet after the guests had flowed back out into the city. Teleportation gate presentations and visits to the domain of the adow had been offered to everyone. She assud the next few days will be filled with a lot of paperwork, risk assessnt, and budgeting. For the smaller nobles that was. Navalis knew that with deals this large, the big players had already signed their deals days or weeks prior.
A few waiters and Shadowguards remained, eating from the buffet and talking to each other. Four dwarves were tasting various leftover wines, comnting on the quality, or lack thereof.
Theyre finally gone, eh, Ilea said, suddenly there and piling food onto a large plate.
The weight was gone from her shoulder a mont later.
Hey there, Ilea murmured. Didnt know you ca south too. How do you like it, Navalis?
The festival you an? she asked.
The festival, the buffet, the previous gathering of the most powerful humanity has to offer, Ilea said, biting down on a filled pastry.
Its strange. Having seen the adow. Owl, and Aki, Navalis said. You as well.
Ilea swallowed. Im just an afterthought. Thats good, she said and continued eating. Are you getting paid for this by the way?
Were helping out Sulivhaan. Pay is not expected, but hes likely going to do so anyway, she answered.
Good. This thing has cost an absolute fortune as far as I understand, Ilea said.
The gates will bring that back in a hundred fold, Navalis suggested.
Ilea smiled. Maybe. I have no clue. It will be way more convenient to travel, and deal with monster incursions. Or other conflicts.
Indeed. Prices for Shadows and adventurers will drop too, with travel tis reduced to re hours, potentially even less. But It will probably take years to set up a large network, Navalis said.
Not really, Ilea said. They massively reduce logistics too. With the ability to teleport materials, setting up new gates is trivial. Enchanters will have to do extra work, and their guards will have to deal with a bunch of would be thieves. But with everyone that was here today itll be a competition to see who gets the most gates working the fastest. Id imagine that in a few weeks, youll be able to travel from Virilya to Ravenhall, to Halstein, and back in the span of a few minutes.
It sounds quite surreal, Navalis said.
A man wearing a luxurious silver dress joined them. The slightly wild gray hair suited him, deep green eyes taking her in. He piled so food onto a plate before he grabbed a glass of wine. I dont think people realize how much of an impact these gates will have on the world.
Maro, this is the city hall, Ilea said.
Indeed. And the ball is over. This stuff is lukewarm. Better eat it now, the man said.
Didnt you want to et Elana? Ilea asked.
He raised his glass and winked at them. All in due ti, my dear savior. He walked backwards towards the large exit and twirled, his glass raised high. All in due ti.
Who was that? Navalis asked.
Old friend, Ilea said. I think hes been around Nero for too long. That or this is who he really always was. I wonder.
If hes happy, Navalis said.
I suppose, Lilith said. She ate a piece as they looked out towards the exit, bits of the highest reaching arenas visible with snow covered mountains spreading in the back. Taking part in any of the tournants?
No, Navalis said. The prices are incredibly though.
The adow Accords flaunting their wealth, Ilea said.
What about you? Navalis asked.
The tournants? Probably not. Doubt it would be very interesting. If a worthy competitor shows up, I can always ask them for a bout afterwards, she said.
I rember you asked about archery when we initially t, Navalis said.
I do have a bow, Ilea mused.
There is a bow tournant, Navalis said and looked over at the smiling woman. You could join.
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