“Gates have become more numerous in recent years, and the Dread Scar continues to expand eastward towards us. Previously, it was just Wisteris in the line of fire, but now, the entirety of the Inside is under threat.”
Juno had no idea which individual within the council room had spoken then, but it was undoubtedly someone from the outer seats. Bored as she was on the flat side of the crescent room, she only half paid attention as the woman carried on the heated conversation. “We must look to the Outside and begin our settlement there in preparation for the possibility of the Inside being destroyed.”
“Yet it is precisely the continued creation and encroachment of the Outside worlds that has led to the expansion of hostile forces. The Bridges themselves continue to pour into the four continents around us. We should be focusing on bolstering our defenses here.” It was a man on the other side of the room that argued in opposition, no doubt believing his own idea to be the most logical.
“There still remains the issue of both resources and manpower at our disposal.” Another council member joined in, adding their own two cents.
“The other Great Isles have reached out to the continents, especially Wisteris. Doomed it may be, but the resources it possesses will undoubtedly be beneficial to us. Perhaps we ought to do the same.”
“While I do not support the notion of war with the Wisterian nations, the Isle of Skye cannot remain independent any longer.”
“Aside from the other Great Isles, our military might still remain unrivalled. We should expand while we have the chance.”
“The Sorkosi have begun harnessing the power of the Lost Empire, it is only a matter of time they rise as well.”
“Then perhaps our forces ought to be bound for the south then! Food and minerals are plentiful in those jungles and deserts.”
“Always so noisy.” Juno sighed as she stared at the white stone floor, the lids of her crystal blue eyes threatening to shut. For the past hour she had listened to this rambling, and she could not do so any longer.
It would not have been the first time she had slept in one of these meetings, although this one in particular was supposed to be a most ‘important’ session. Even so, as the discussion became more and more raucous with each passing second, she found herself completely able to drift off into her dreamscape. She was so far gone that if she had a choice between fighting a Dragon or continuing on with the meeting, she would have chosen the former within a heartbeat. That said, any blame for her departure would be rightfully placed on the council for boring her to death, not that many could stand up to her.
The ‘Queen of Wrath’ did not earn her moniker without good reason.
Unfortunately, Juno’s anticipated slumber would ultimately not come to pass as someone from her left suddenly spoke up.
“Regardless of what course of action we choose to take today, we will certainly need more of everything to realise our goals.” As soon as the woman spoke, the hall quietened down out of equal amounts of fear and respect.
Juno glanced at the speaker, her crystal blue eyes peeking through the locks of her golden chin-length hair. The figure sitting to her left was at the centre of attention, and coincidentally also occupied the central throne among five. It was a large seat, one made of the blood-soaked bones of a Leviathan’s skull the size of a wagon. A beast slain by the Ruler of Skye, Scathach, who carried herself with all the grace befitting of a royal.
“For the advancement of Skye, the ‘Ascendant Program’ on Emerald Island will commence in one hundred days from now.” The warrior Queen announced, sipping her glass of wine as if she were simply talking about the weather at afternoon brunch. Just judging from her demeanour, one would not have thought she had just sanctioned the beginning of a project that would cost them more resources than buying an entire country.
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Juno drank from her own cup of wine as she took in the addled faces of the council. The rich and sweet alcohol left a pleasant tang on her tongue as her lips curled into a faint smile of amusement. “I guess now’s the time.”
“Your grace, are you certain?” One man, who was quicker to recover than the rest, questioned with care. Although they were part of the Queen’s court, they knew all too clearly that they could be replaced at a whim and in a heartbeat. Still, brave soul that he was, the nobleman continued his explanation. “Although it is our nation’s objective to pursue the training of warriors, such an expense would be…devastating to the treasury, even if the funds are there.”
“That is why adjustments have been made. Should everything go smoothly, any losses incurred upon its creation will be reimbursed in three moon’s time from the starting date.” Scathach answered smoothly, as if she had rehearsed the answer dozens of times before the meeting. “And in five years’ time, we will have created a powerful, if not the greatest warriors in the world.”
The warrior Queen’s gaze turned to the only other monarch present. “Juno, can we expect the cooperation of Hearthwood Isle in this endeavour?”
The blonde’s mask remained stoic, sitting back in her throne. Her answer was preordained. “We will participate.”
“Then it is settled, as is this meeting.” The Queen of Skye did not wait for a single moment before getting up, her dark dress swaying as she departed through one of the back doors, a dimensional gate that directly led to a section of her private quarters.
With the council adjourned, Juno moved through another door beside the thrones, one that sent her straight to Hearthwood. Stepping into a small circular room, the blonde was unsurprised to find a familiar brunette with light bronze skin and intelligent silver eyes waiting for her.
“Did it go well, mother?” The young woman asked with folded arms and her back against the stone wall.
“About as well as it could have, Athena.” Juno inclined her head, greeting her foster daughter with a faint yet warm smile. “The council did not oppose it all too much, but Scathach didn’t give them much of a chance to.”
“They’re probably worried that those of the four continents will rise out on top, leaving the Isle citizens as second-rate in the end.” Athena theorised. “They should have more faith, but I suppose most politicians are worryworts by nature. I’m sure some of them also see the merits though. Even if the continental citizens don’t officially join us, having them equipped with greater power will buy us precious time.”
“Indeed.” The blonde tilted her head left then right, earning herself two satisfying cracks from her stiffened neck. “But, are you certain about this?”
“Whatever do you mean?” The brunette feigned innocence.
“You advocated for the reintiation of this program for the little ones, didn’t you? But are you certain that whatever plans you’ve cooked up in that silly little brain of yours won’t blow up in our faces later?” The Queen of Wrath clarified as a mild rage sparked from annoyance set fire to her heart. She stifled her anger in an instant, remaining tranquil as water. Her face however, was stern.
“I think they’re ready. Sera’s still a little off but I thought she could just join in later.” Athena answered with a confident smile, pinching and twirling a strand of her bronze hair. “Also, I’m sure you’ve also already noticed that the little crow and raven have hit the edges of their cage. Z in particular has exceeded all that we’ve thrown at him thanks to Lavenna. But… they’re not quite ready to fly out into the world yet.”
The brunette smiled. “Their appetites grow and I, for one, am running out of things to feed. I think letting them loose in a bigger cage where we’re still in control is the best way forward. Aunt Hestia will certainly feel more at ease. Besides that, we all need this. A break for us and a feast for them. Let them experience the world and devour everything they can.”
Athena’s words were more than convincing for the blonde. There was not a single point of argument.
“Agreed.” Juno let out a sigh, suddenly feeling exhausted. The day’s work was catching up to her. She eyed her daughter in all but blood, dubious as she noted how the younger woman skipped over addressing the possibility of failure. “I suppose you have a dozen other schemes lined up.”
“Obviously.”
“Is there anything I need to know about? I would rather not have things sprung on me as you had done today.” The older woman said. “In fact, I would appreciate a say in such matters. Wise as you are, sometimes you rush too quickly.”
“But you specifically said to me ‘Don’t bother me while I’m day-drinking and fighting everything that moves. Just handle it yourself’, so I did.” Athena’s skewed recollection earned her a lightning-fast flick to the head.
“As irresponsible as I may sound, I still care.” Juno scowled, her eyes glowing a menacing red. “And don’t make me sound like some Norkosi barbarian.”
“...That’s just racist.” The brunette quipped with a smirk as she rubbed her forehead, not at all fazed. “But there is something somewhat important. For the program to work, suitable ‘mentors’ will need to oversee the process. To create the strongest, they must learn from the strongest.”
“Alright… wait.” The blonde narrowed her gaze in suspicion, then understanding. Her tone lowered to a growl. “Did you put more work on my plate?”
Athena shrugged. “I saw that it was empty anyway.”
…
Juno subdued her rising anger, glaring at the brunette. “You’re grounded.”
“Well that’s just petty…”