Nue’ant greeted Juliana at their mansion’s entryway. Their mansion was a flutter as many Adasions ran back and forth. They were wearing white traditional robes with a gold circlet on their head and twin arm bands.

Juliana smiled, “You look amazing.”

“Not as much as you will soon. The tailor is upstairs. You’ll be wearing my white tonight and a pin with my clan’s crest. Any Asa citizen who approaches you will know you’re with me and must greet me first.”

Juliana frowned.

“It’s the sponsor’s role and tradition. If I don’t like them, they won’t speak with you. It’s as simple as that. After that Gongre’s visit, we must be cautious tonight.”

The ballroom was more than Juliana could expect. Held in the westward wing of the High Halls, free suspended lights held in curved glass sparkled like warm stars. Swishes of gossamer material hung between thick classical pillars. Each pillar was also wrapped with large, colorful, flowering vines. Reflected lights shown like constellations on the floor. Food that was egg-shaped was a theme point for a long buffet table. Juliana found it hilarious and even slightly disturbing since she now knew these Adasions were all hatched. Was it a celebration of the planet’s reproduction? She’d have to ask about that later.

The elves ate small bites using a pronged fork over their small clear plates. A tiered platform of Re singers was off to the side of the space. Bells and a soft drum accompanied their notes.

On a far platform, the Red King watched the ball with pride. Prince Hirote and Sophia sat at his table. Hirote was speaking to Sophia, but she looked bored.

The sounds of discussion rippled as Nue’ant and Juliana entered, paired in flowing white.

Nue’ant was immediately greeted by his allies. They started speaking to each other. Since they were near the dessert table, Juliana grabbed a hard-shelled egg-shaped dessert. It was brightly painted blue with speckled yellow. When she bit into it—its taste was of bright fruit covered by an earthy rich taste, similar to carob back home.

Nue’ant spoke with hushed tones to a pink haired and a green haired Fa Adasion, “A null black approached Juliana. He was from Gongre. Asked if she’d consider him for clan.”

“Outrageous!” The fuchsia one hissed, “Are they trying to incite war? We best be on guard or they’ll steal one of the women.”

“What if he seeks to cause chaos?” the emerald haired one retorted.

The Asans started speaking strategy to one another.

The pink one then said, “Allow me to introduce myself to her, Nue’ant. Once she’s danced we can start introducing her to someone more appropriate than that Gongre rubbish.”

Juliana was distracted by the delicious sweet egg. The rich, sweet center reminded her of a carmel custard. The pink Asan caught her attention by bowing before her. His ears waggled as he smiled. She found herself leaving the remaining sweet behind with Nue’ant as she was swept towards the dancing.

It’d been too long since she danced in a ballroom. It was so much fun! She suddenly wished that on Earth she had made more time for it.

From afar, the dancing made different patterns of stars. Sometimes the dancers rotated a large multi-pointed shape. Other dances they’d quickly step together in smaller groups of five or six. They held their arms out as they pulled the shape back and forth.

Juliana waved as Georgie passed, dancing in the arms of an elf with burnt orange hair. They had a long nose and sharp ears. They whispered in Georgie’s ear and she blushed and then boldly dragged the elf onto the dance floor.

Joining the dance, Juliana had a wonderful time. Between the hops, steps, swinging and rotating steps, Juliana was soon laughing. Her smile brightened on the dance floor. For the first time since her arrival, she was genuinely enjoying herself. Yes, she enjoyed the company of the other women, but in Nue’ant’s strict house, she wasn’t allowed to meet other Adasions except the staff. Because the staff was so low, they couldn’t even be considered potential clan. From elf to elf she stepped, meeting all different Asans. They had many things to say. Some were more annoying than others:

One couldn’t stop speaking of his accomplishments, “I’ve been in the military for two hundred years. I want strong eggs to be born to my clan. Think of the power we could achieve together, Juliana.”

Another bragged, “I have fourteen merchant houses.” Juliana perked up. Not because of money, but the fact that it took skill to grow a business to a certain size, “But I cannot ask you to join my clan. Your mana rate hasn’t been confirmed. It’d be too risky for a successor.” Jerk.

One pale pink Asan with a dainty figure and graceful steps tried to push flirtatious emotions towards Juliana. She knew what they were up to. She flushed and felt uncomfortable with the flattery they gave, “You are so beautiful. Like mountains at dawn. Your hair flows as the crests of the waveback beast. Your coloring is of the most succulent yunna mushrooms. I hear that young Adasions pick up some traits of their woman progenitor. Perhaps ours will have some of your beauty?”

These braggarts. Juliana was very familiar with that type of personality while she was…what was her position? Ah, while she was mayor.

One of the elves left her to fetch her some of the bubbly orange spicy tasting punch. Thankfully, she stood on the sidelines, catching her breath. Her feet were going to ache tomorrow.

A familiar smiling yellow haired elf approached. It was Eirian, the one who healed her when she first awoke in the High Halls.

“Thank you for helping me during the Welcoming Ceremony.”

“Naturally. May we dance?” Eirian bowed.

Juliana curtsied in return, and they began to dance. She spoke as they made swirling steps, “Why did you choose to dance with me?”

“Royce is your friend. He is mine as well. He spoke highly of you.”

“You’re the Fa Adasion he mentioned!”

Eirian smiled sheepishly. “I tried to keep a low profile. My contemporaries wouldn’t understand why I associate with Royce. His views are refreshing. He is a hard worker. I can see him joining my clan. At the very least, he can find purpose in doing tasks without mana. Why do we have to use mana for everything? Even this High Hall is illuminated by it.” They motioned towards the ceiling, “But Royce reminds me of your planet which thrives on science. You use science, not the planet’s power, to heal. That speaks volumes to me of the determination of the human spirit. I want his determination in my clan. Not as a servant, but as an equal.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“How progressive of you,” Juliana commented. From what she’d seen from Adasion society, this would be unheard of unless Royce was married.

They pursed their lips. “Hmm. Very progressive. I like that word.”

A sudden tap was given to their shoulder. Eirian startled.

“Excuse me,” A mature voice spoke to her side. This Adasion was different. They had streaks of brown on the sides of their head, indicating a more mature elf. Their rich purple hair was short and slicked back from their face. It was very different compared to the Adans she danced with. They loved keeping their hair long and in intricate twists and braids. Adan culture was very focused on pride and power. To see someone not have long hair was jarring.

“Of course, Ambassador.” Eirian bowed and quickly left. The Ambassador held her hand and lead Juliana a few steps away from the dancing. They walked to a part of the room where no one stood. He softly smiled at her.

Suddenly the ballroom around them changed into a stone walkway overlooking a gorgeous sea dock. Large wooden ships with brightly decorated sage green sails were docked in the harbor. The scent of the sea was thick. Juliana could almost taste it on her tongue. No, wait, she did.

“Where are we‽” She exclaimed, turning around and very alarmed, “Please don’t kidnap me! I’ve had enough of being taken here and there by you Adasions!”

“Please, peace. I mean you no harm. I am Ambassador Zarvick, Ambassador of Lysara. Juliana, we need to speak, but with your guardian Nue’ant I’ve had no chance.” He waited.

Juliana nodded, “Sure, okay. But where are we?” She looked around again. There was no obvious sign that this was an illusion other than she knew where she was one moment and then she saw this. Could the stepping into another plane also work from place to place on planet? She never wanted to experience that again.

“This is a complex illusion one of my Fa rank can make. To the others in the hall, it’ll appear as though you’re conversing still with Eirian. I chose this place so you can see my homeland.”

Juliana looked at the white stone buildings. It reminded her of the northern Mediterranean. But instead, carved Adasion sea creatures decorated each building.

“I need you to know that the Asa Dominion only have told you half the truth. It is true that all the losing nations of the last war must give tribute in the form of all our women arrivals, what was not shared was your freedom of choice. You do not need to choose an Asan. You can choose anyone from any clan on the planet.”

“What if I choose multiple Adasions from different clans? Can I choose from different countries?”

They sighed, “While we do wish for you to choose the same clan, there is no rule against you starting your own clan. Originally each of us desires a strong egg to be created in our color. The only women I know with mixed clans are in the Una’Ta Matriarchy. But the Adasions without a match are treated terrible in that country. All of us avoid it. The women have most of the power of government there.”

Juliana smiled, “Sounds like an interesting place.” Ambassador Zarvik paled. Juliana laughed, “I’m joking. I saw where they are on the map. Too cold for me. Not my type of place. I prefer equality. If they need my skills I could, but I think they know how to govern just fine.”

Zarvik hummed, “A skill to govern? I know many Adasions who would brave heat, storms, and cold for the chance to climb in power.”

“Power. I had it as a mayor in the past, and I love managing, but I don’t desire to rule the world. The more power you have, the more problems. I want to find my place here in Adasion, but this all feels so rushed.”

The Ambassador spoke, “Take the time you need, but please do not wait too long. If too much time passes, you’ll forget yourself. Remember that. Know that I’d be honored if I would be considered your clan. You would be respected, loved, cherished, and protected as you deserve.”

She was shocked by their bold statement. She should’ve have been afraid, but she was surprised that someone not from Asa Dominion would make an offer.

“Even if I decided to start from scratch and make a new clan?”

“My younger clanmate is old enough to take on my responsibilities as Ambassador. If you do not mind someone a bit older, maybe my wisdom will help your new clan.” They softly smiled.

“A bit older?”

“All Adasions are far older than you ladies. Does it matter? We all fade in the end,” he said with a chuckle. He looked somewhere far in the distance. Suddenly the sea breeze stopped and the image evaporated. The Ambassador vanished from sight.

“Enjoy talking with that yellow?” Nue’ant said, “I think I recognize him, but there are others here I want you to meet.”

Juliana tried her best to control her expression. Ambassador Zarvik must have been very powerful for not even Nue’ant to realize the illusion.

Nue’ant guided Juliana across the ballroom. They passed Sophia and Prince Hirote. Hirote was trying to drag Sophia by the wrist to the dance floor.

Sophia stomped, “No. I am through. You’ve shown me off enough tonight. I am tired of all the stares, bows, and all of these Adasion stammering. You’re not a god!”

“You’ll be my partner. Of course they should bow!”

“You’re such an ass, Hirote.” She shook his hold free and marched away.

“I don’t think that was a complement,” Prince Hirote said to his friend who was standing nearby.

“No, sire, I don’t think it was.”

Growling, Hirote followed Sophia out of a side exit.

Nue’ant started a new dance with Juliana. Pain shot through her foot and she winced.

“Are you all right?” They asked.

“No, I think I danced too much tonight.”

They smiled, their teeth bright against their darker skin. The slight wrinkles in their face stretched with mirth, “Of course you did! Tonight is an important evening. Did you find any Adasion you wish to meet again?” Their voice held hopeful notes.

“Many were…lovely.”

“Yes, I know we’re attractive to you women.”

“I mean their personality. Yes, and their looks. But so many were desperate. Too hungry for power. I’ve known men like that in my old world. In politics it never ended well. Backstabbing and lies were common occurrence in that environment.”

“While I hope no one you met tonight would act dishonestly—none of my political opponents would dare approach you while I’m your sponsor—I do believe there are many seeking power as you said. Juliana, so many are desperate since the war. Their clans, houses have almost collapsed. A few did. Welcoming you in their clan is their chance to rebuild. They’d do anything to welcome you among them and to keep you with them. I understand the feeling. If I was younger, I would’ve behaved the same.”

Juliana thought to Ambassador Zarvik. He was not young, but he seemed just as eager. She’d have to think carefully about what both Nue’ant and Zarvik shared. The decision would not be easy.

“I’m sorry, Nue’ant. No one from tonight.”

Their smile faded, “I understand. It is an important decision you must make.”

“What if I choose no one?”

They stilled.

“Nue’ant?”

“That had only happened once in our history. She was young, for someone of Earth. She wished to wait a few years. Eventually her memories faded and she forgot herself. The only thing she could remember was that she didn’t want to match. She ran away from Asa and was picked up by traffickers. When she couldn’t manifest an egg in the timing they wanted, they killed her. From the records the entire country mourned her loss. Women had only recently started to arrive in Adasion in those days. Juliana, I never want that to happen to you. I’ll do anything to make sure you do not make the same mistake she did.”

“So I truly do not have a choice on whether or not to join a clan.”

“No. You have freedom—to choose any clan you wish—but since her fate it has been national law that all women must be clan matched even if you are married to a human man.”

“But our instructor Mrs. Peterson isn’t matched to a clan.”

“What clan would she be helpful to? A Re? Yes, all of us know her. Her mana exchange rank is so low that the Red King had no issue with her not matching. She might as well have been a man.”

Juliana gasped at the slight vitriol in his voice.

“But that is not going to happen with you, Juliana. I will make sure you’re settled well.”

“I want someone who can challenge my mind.”

“You’ll find someone of at least decent power. I’ll make sure they are compassionate and honorable enough. Do not worry Juliana. I have everything planned. We’ll start by picking from clans I have screened.”

Juliana thought to herself that yes, they would want that as it meant political connections. But what if she wanted something else? Would the Asa Dominion allow her the freedom to choose? She was determined not to allow Nue’ant to set her pace. She would make the final decision.