We beat the next two pairs without too much trouble, taking advantage of a shield wielder's single arm and the fact that a staff user only has two fingers on his left hand. I'm amazed that none of them complain, the one-armed man even thanks us for the demonstration.

The last pair almost takes Leomi down but I manage to save her at the last moment by side-stepping to strike the bottom of her shield to bring it up and block.

I get rather into it as they learn to apply what they've seen us do but Leomi insists we stop. Edusa immediately steps in to replenish the reserves of those who fought us, even healing a few bruises.

“You need some peace and quiet, Liz, go rest.” Leomi whispers with a gentle smile. “I'll make as much time as you want to talk, don't hesitate to ask even if you don't feel it's necessary or it looks like I'm too busy.”

Hearing her say the same thing as Celyz is what convinces me not to protest, along with the fact that I want to see her. I pick my liangi up and hold my right hand out to Leomi who briefly squeezes it.

“What do you think about this formation?” She asks me.

“I'm not sure.” I tell her. “A shield wall with long reach weapons behind looks good in training, but in battle...”

“The wall won't last.” Leomi instantly agrees. “But it takes a lot of time to train a regiment to function as a phalanx even if you have the proper instructors, which we don't.”

“Perhaps staggering them in lines would work.” I suggest.

“That would make it even harder for them to maneuver and the ratio won't last as soon as they start taking losses, some halberdiers will end up without a shield wielder and some shield wielders will end up without a backup halberdier.” She shakes her head.

“Then why train them like this?” I question.

“Because the Templars make it work.” Leomi says.

“But they have the energy, and the training.” I note.

“They do have the flow, each of them has the same access as a Baron. No, the fact is that this is a good formation for urban skirmishes so it's useful for them to be able to apply it to peacekeeping.” She tells me. “The problem lies in battles. I had the idea to split the shield wielders from the halberdiers and position them on their flanks but I'm afraid that there would be too many losses.”

“Do you have enough chain-mails?” I ask.

“I seized plenty from Duke Meria's personal guard.” She tells me. “You use heavy weapons, do you think the halberdiers would be able to hold their own?”

“Arrows will be a big issue. I think you should spread their formation out to mitigate that as well as give them space to more effectively use their weapons. The chain-mails will do a lot to protect them against small arms and projectiles.” I explain.

“But they'll be more vulnerable if they spread out.” Leomi counters. “They'll each have to face two soldiers.”

“It only makes them vulnerable if these two soldiers can reach them without dying.” I tell her. “Which isn't likely if they learn to effectively use their superior reach.”

“Hm.” Leomi nods. “If there isn't a shield wall, the second line of halberdiers would be able to support the first, making it an equal fight.”

“You could also treat the shield wall as a separate unit.” I tell her, suddenly getting an idea. “The halberds are long enough that the first line could still attack with two lines of shield wielders in front of them.”

“Just barely, but yes.” Leomi agrees. “You fought a cold blood, how well do you think they would do against them?”

“I have no clue.” I frown. “Badly, if I had to guess.”

“Why?” Leomi asks, looking like she has a good idea but wants to hear my opinion.

“Because the Lisilese have faced the phalanxes.” I tell her. “They're not likely to use cavalry charges against this, they would be able to tell that it would be a slaughter.”

“Agreed.” Leomi nods. “But they'll use their cataphracts or warbeasts to try to break us if we pose enough of a threat, or grind us down with arrows. Beyond tactics, I want to know if you think they would individually hold.”

“Not as they are.” I shake my head. “You need to find mercenaries who have fought the Lisilese to teach them because all I know is that they're ludicrously quick.”

“Okay, I will.” Leomi nods. “What are you going to do?” She asks.

“Take a bath to think about what you told me.” I tell her. “Probably come back after that if you're going to move out at noon.”

“We likely won't, much as we should.” Leomi makes a small grimace. “The Rykz need to start retreating or my words won't have enough of an effect.”

“As I said, I'll think about it.” I grunt.

I head out, making my way straight for the pool near the shore, passing through the Rykz camp. The workers are as busy as always, repairing weapons and armors at the forges while harvesters are pulling carriages, used like horses to move supplies and gear around.

Most warriors that I see are training as regiments while the scouts are either resting or patrolling. Quite a few Rykz turn as I pass by, acknowledging my presence more than they seemed to before. I wonder if it's a consequence of the Princesses' gratitude, the drones likely affected by their opinions.

As I reach the pool, I take my clothes off but keep the leather glove on, unwilling to risk exposing the Little one with Leomi getting so close to figuring me out. I set my weapon near the side of the pool.

I still hesitate about whether or not I'll tell her the truth in the end, Yvonne and Vikiana are the most important factors to this question as there is no way they'll let me get away with what I'm doing, not that there's no way to silence them.

I wave the workers away as I slip into the water, shivering. My nipple hardens. I wonder if it's because it reminds me of Leomi's cool touch or if it's just the normal reaction to cold.

One thing is for certain, Leomi can't know before I put her through a similar ordeal to the one I've experienced. She needs to make several decisions without being aware of who I am, that Jessica is observing her.

I hear the sounds of Princess feet hitting the ground. I throw a look over my shoulder, finding Hikyz and Qanyz heading in my direction. I recognize the first through her thicker trunk and the second because her tail is thinner, and longer, than most other Princesses.

“Elizabeth Vil.” Hikyz speaks up.

“Hikyz, Qanyz.” I reply in a tense tone.

“We wish to apologize.” Qanyz tells me.

“For?” I ask.

“We tried to impart our unease with the wrong form of communication.” Hikyz tells me. “It was a mistake, I apologize.”

“I offer you my apology as well.” Qanyz says, making an awkward bow.

“It's fine.” I sigh, pulling my right hand, that reflexively reached for my liangi, away. “I'm not part of your Hive, but I do wish for it to be safe so I understand your dilemma.”

“The Little one managed to communicate as much.” Qanyz says, sounding disconcerted.

“You have trouble comprehending that one wouldn't want to be part of the Hive?” I question.

“I do.” Qanyz admits in surprise. “You are quite perceptive, sister.” I feel a warmth at the word, that of family.

“Would you like to learn our language?” Hikyz suddenly asks. “It would help you, and the Little one. Words are, perhaps more precise, but lacking in emotion compared to pheromones. It makes it harder to impart the.... importance? The subjective meaning.”

“I'd actually love to.” I tell them. “But, I won't be able to use it without the Little one, if it is even able to learn it.”

“Then keep her, the Hive would work to keep you healthy, as it would any of its members.” Qanyz tells me, her tendrils uncomfortably twirling around her chest. She's having trouble sticking to words.

“If you worry about the Little one and Celyz, do not. We would accept you as one of our own whether you are linked or not, whether you are with Celyz or apart.” Hikyz hurriedly explains.

“Celyz put you up to this? Teaching me, inviting me.” I ask, suspicious.

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“She advised it yesterday, obliquely.” Hikyz admits. “But we have not seen her since she left.” I perk up, worried.

“Where is she?” I ask, rushing out of the water.

“Locked in her study, I am sure that she will open up if you call.” Qanyz says with a smile in her voice.

“Don't you dare.” I humorously threaten. “We're just friends.”

“We know.” Hikyz assures. “She also insisted on that point.”

“What exactly were you trying to tell me during the meeting?” I question as I get dressed up.

“We were trying to impart to you the degree of danger the Hive faces and the necessity to delay your decision.” Qanyz says. “We wanted you to feel that we are safe here as long as the Emperor sends no more of his Due. We overreached in thinking that you would welcome our help in changing your kingdom, your feelings on the matter are more complicated than we perceived.”

“I've done what I have to end the war.” I tell them. “That is what kept me going and how I justified the path I took. It would be a betrayal to follow my personal desires or aspirations.”

“That is laudable.” Hikyz tells me.

“Hardly.” I deny, setting the Vuskyt mail shirt on my shoulders. “It's cowardice and guilt.”

“Those emotions serve the purpose of survival, both physical and moral.” Qanyz explains. “Perhaps your view of them as unworthy is what causes you to risk your life as you have.”

“Maybe.” I admit, not too surprised by her perspective since the Princesses seem unwilling to risk themselves as a whole. Which is definitely an imperative for them to survive as a species with their low numbers. “But...” I shift on my feet, the Little one reinforcing my desire to see Celyz with its own.

“Go, run to your friend.” Hikyz says with a resounding chuckle.

“Thank you, sisters.” I reply without thinking.

I run away towards the large hill the Rykz dug out to occupy, pushed by my desire to see her and talk through our issues, carried by my wish to kiss her even though I won't, can't. My clothes are uncomfortably moist because I forgot to dry up in my hurry.

I enter the tunnel but pause at the first fork, realizing that I have no idea of where to go. I query the Little one but it replies with confusion. I step out and seek a drone out. I don't even have to tell my symbiont to ask to do anything as it emits the pheromones on its own, which attracts a couple of scouts.

The drones lead us deep into the tunnels, through several crossings, and past quite a few circular doors until they stop in front of one where a worker is waiting, a platter of food in its three-fingered hands.

“Rhy.” It squeals at me in what I interpret to be worry.

I take hold of it with my left hand and pat its shoulder. The worker leaves with the scouts, apparently satisfied by my reassurance. My own concerns have grown so I lay my weapon against the tunnel wall and resolutely tap the door with my fist.

“Celyz!” I call out. I hear the sound of something heavy dropping.

“Je, Eliz, hyk!” Celyz spouts out, obviously panicking.

I can't help but grin, beyond relieved by her attitude. I focus on my other sense, trying to perceive her through the thick door. I can somewhat catch a vague feeling of emptiness beyond. I close my eyes, focusing on the variations which almost appear like shades of color to me.

Celyz crosses my limited field of detection, apparently running going from one side of the room to another while smothering the sounds of her steps. I tap the door again, startling her.

I smother a chuckle as she turns around and shakes her tendrils before carefully wrapping them around her torso in a very orderly manner, appearing like a human setting their clothes just right.

“I can detect you, you know.” I comment, opening my eyes.

“Mhi.” Celyz exhales. “Why did you come to me, Jessica? I hurt you.”

“Yes.” I agree with tender feelings filling my heart. “You did exactly what you needed to in order to compete with her on more equal ground.”

“I did not!” Celyz protests.

“Let me in, we can talk about it.” I say, laying my left palm on the door.

“No.” She replies in a low tone.

“You obviously want to, or you wouldn't have taken that much care in setting your tendrils. It was adorable.” I comment.

“Khy.” She groans, sounding both pleased and miffed at the same time. “Jessica, you told me to push you. I don't understand.”

“Probably a mistake in translation.” I groan glaring at my symbiont. The Little one protests with a burst of indignation. “Either way, I just want to talk to my friend.”

“Truly?” She asks, taking a half-step towards the door.

“Truly.” I affirm. She takes another step. “Doesn't mean we can't talk about us.” I add. She freezes in the middle of taking the last step.

“Jessica...” Celyz trails off. “I, cannot do it. I cannot give you what you seek right now. I cannot clash with you over your decision to be with that woman, it goes against what I think love should be between two beings. If this is what you need to be with me, I can't do it.”

“Oh, so there wasn't any mistake in translation.” I note in a slightly cold tone.

“Sorry.” Celyz mutters. “I misled you.”

“I had no right to ask, it was insensitive. Forget about what should be.” I tell her. “I'm what I am, who I am, let's just be who we want to be.”

“Do you want to be Rykz?” She asks. Her tendrils rise in succession, like a gigantic wave traveling around her torso as she awaits my answer, suspended to my lips.

“It's, more complicated than that, Celyz, whether we're talking about me joining your hive or merging with the Little one.” I say, biting my lower lip. “Sorry, I'm being a hypocrite, just like she was earlier when she told me that while asking me to change something about me.”

“It is more complicated than just saying the words, do not blame yourself too much.” Celyz reassures me. “I understand your reluctance, you need time to find your way.”

“What do you think love should be?” I ask, shifting to lie my back against the door as she doesn't seem to be willing to open and face me.

“Acceptance, reliance, tenderness, care, support.” Celyz cites, her tendrils' growing less agitated.

“Would you teach me?” I ask, her desire to experience those things with me resonating inside my heart since it's what I feel like how Jessica and Leomi need to become, along with a few other 'immoral' additions.

“We would find out what works together, Jessica.” Celyz tells me, her resounding voice provoking a painful, scorching, feeling of weakness inside my chest with its warmth. “You're right, I shouldn't be limiting us.” She adds.

“Will you open up?” I ask in a rough voice, feeling a sharp need to feel her tendrils around my waist.

“As friends?” She questions, like a condition she's posing despite the fact that her tendrils are already rushing to the door's handles.

“As friends who have set aside romance.” I agree, sighing at my own unwillingness to torment my Princess.

Celyz pulls the door open, rolling it inside the wall. I turn, finding a room with a half-dozen bookshelves set against the walls, a few of the Rykz' odd seats, and several tables at the center. My eyes fall on her.

The platter escapes my hand, clashing down to the ground. The bowls miraculously remain on it while the food doesn't spill too much. Miraculous for falling from this height. Dammit, she'll think I'm making a spectacle when I'm just clumsy, really.

I tentatively approach the towering being who tempts me so much with her graceful swishing tail and tendrils along with her sublime brown rubbery skin tempt me so much. She remains there, silently breathing, without approaching.

“I can confirm my attraction to you definitely doesn't come from the Little one.” I tell her, inhaling sharply. “You offer, a striking vision that, I didn't feel when witnessing you through it.”

“Jessica, I am glad to hear that.” Celyz utters in a hard, cold, resounding voice that breaks the spell that the sight of her set on me. “But I can smell her on you. You should have drenched the clothes if you wanted to hide it from me.”

“Hikyz and Qanyz didn't seem to notice.” I mutter, feeling terrible about getting 'caught'.

“They don't know you as I do, or humans. They would think that the fear and violence came from battle.” Celyz shudders, shifting away. “I, would kill her, if it was all, I smelled.”

“Celyz.” I force the name out of my tightening throat. “P, please, don't. Threaten her.”

“I am sorry.” Celyz says, her tendrils slacking as she walks to one of the odd Rykz seats and lies against it. “The words come from a profound feeling of defeat.”

“Why?” I ask, pursuing her, anguished about the pain I just caused her.

“You left your weapon behind.” She says, pointing at it in the tunnel with one of her tendrils. “She, helped you when I could only offer empty suggestions.”

“Bullshit.” I counter, now angry about her defeatism. “I left it because I'm with you.”

“But you had it yesterday with me.” Celyz sighs. “She brings your cold side out, plays you by making use of it. Yet, it somehow helps you.”

“My cold side, my darkness?” I ask.

“Yes.” She nods, her head shifting away.

“You can't grant her credit for that when she's the one who caused the issue to begin with.” I frown.

“She did not, Jessica. I did.” Celyz says in a crushingly sad tone, her appendages tightening around her chest instead of reaching for me. “I want you to be happy, safe. But, Cetyz is correct, I have lost my way. What I wished to grant you, I destroyed by setting you on the path that harmed your mind further than she did.”

The Little one reaches out to her on its own at the same time as I do with my right hand, the two of us take hold of her waist and pull her out of the chair to wrap our arms around her.

Celyz doesn't fight it but she doesn't return the embrace either. I don't mind and focus on listening to her breath, how it immediately settled when her trunk settled against my chest.

I deactivate the construct sticking my mask to my face and lie my cheek against the center of her torso. I hear a soft continuous rumbling coming from her body, the sound of her blood flowing through.

“I'm listening to your heart right now.” I whisper.

“T, truly?” Celyz perks up, her gloomy demeanor fading as her ovaloid head leans down, apparently trying to hear what I do.

“Your life, it's feels so faint and so precious, my friend.” I tell her. “I made my choices, Celyz. I can't have you blame yourself for them.”

“But, I...” She trails off.

“You're jealous, finding faults in yourself to justify my choices.” I make use of her hesitation to speak in her place. “The truth is that this kind of reasoning leads nowhere. It's foolish to take things in isolation when so much happened. Trust me when I tell you that I don't resent you, at all.”

Celyz slowly unwraps her tendrils pushing me slightly so that the extremities don't brush against my clothes. She spreads them out as she takes a deep but unsteady breath.

“This isn't fair, I wanted to free us now for the future.” She says, almost pouting.

“You did, we are free and forever linked to each other.” I tell her, anguishing over whether she'll accept my declaration.

“Forever?” Celyz asks, tentatively shifting one of her tendrils to wrap it around my waist. “Forever.” She exhales in overwhelming relief.