The Little one tries to take hold of one of Celyz' tendrils in its fingers but Celyz slips the appendage around it to wrap it around the wrist. I feel left out, especially since I can tell my symbiont is projecting complaints about me.
“What's it saying?” I ask.
“Well...” Celyz hesitates. “It could be interpreted as the symbiont saying that human interactions are not as satisfactory? But... delicious.” She says, faltering on the last word.
“Heh.” I chuckle.
“It is growing in its desires.” She comments, sounding a little worried.
“I won't need to leave it with you, right?” I ask.
“It would be preferable if you did for my research but I think you should keep it. It has adapted to you personally and I would feel better if you had it if things do not go as you wish they do.” Celyz tells me. “I warn you that it might grow apart and that re-implantation will be easier but in no way safe.”
“How do I take care of it? Can I just plant it?” I ask.
“Yes, but keep large animals away. It is omnivorous but it will regularly require meat, once a month at the least. Do not worry if it becomes less active once in the ground, the Little one will be fine if it has a water source.” Celyz tells me, squeezing my left wrist.
We break our embrace in a silent but common accord so as not to push the bounds of our friendship. She retains her tendril's hold on my waist as she takes the platter of food and starts eating, plunging a few of her toes in a bowl of mushrooms.
I take a look at the room, specifically looking for what she dropped when I arrived. At the feet of a corner bookshelf, I find a thick book with few pages, likely meaning that it's for Rykz since their writing has relief and so takes more space. I assemble and alter an air-blade to pick it up, bringing it to my hands.
“Wait, that is a treaty in writing, it is not important!” Celyz protests.
“Now I'm curious.” I smile.
I open the book and immediately close it, blushing. The random page I found had two black paint drawings of humans having intercourse. Celyz slowly pulls away from me, shrinking down in embarrassment.
“Well, that's unfair.” I humorously comment. “I don't know much about your physiology, yet you're already studying the advanced stuff.”
“It's that, yes, research.” Celyz hurriedly agrees.
“Would you tell me about Princesses' weak points? It's only fair since I can't read up on it.” I ask.
“Princesses.” Celyz notes.
“In general, but you can be specific. It's for knowledge.” I affirm in as serious a tone as I can.
“W, well... my spine from my lower back to the tip of my tail, the front of my upper torso, either side of my waist, the back of my neck, my head excluding my breathing openings.” Celyz lists them off one by one, her tendrils wriggling awkwardly.
“I meant in battle, Princess Celyz!” I call her out, faking shock. “I only thought of protecting you!”
“You did not, I can smell the dishonesty on you!” Celyz protests, taking the bait. It would be a lot easier to spare your feelings if you weren't capable of that, yet I am still responsible for the heartache you suffer.
“Are you saying I wouldn't protect you?” I ask in a saddened tone.
“N, no, but that is not what you, it is, you...” Celyz stutters, trailing off and apparently lost as to how to handle this. “Jessica!” She exclaims in outrage but with a smile in her resounding voice.
“Sorry, sorry.” I grin, not sorry at all to have managed to raise her mood. “So, this is the kind of thing you read.” I say, waving the thick book.
“I didn't, know what it was when I picked it up... and I had time while waiting for a project result... and I was just skimming it.” Celyz justifies.
“When was that?” I ask, smiling.
“A, a month ago.” She admits, angling her head down.
“Don't be down, I'm just teasing you.” I cheer her up, patting the tendril around my waist.
“I know, and wish you would stop.” Celyz groans.
“Fine.” I nod. “What's the project?”
“It is a test for the stability of a construct in Port-Odo.” She tells me. “I should get the result today.”
“Oh, that's right, you've been using the leyline.” I acknowledge. “What is it for?”
“A long distance construct to strike from outside of retaliation range.” She tells me. “I am operating under the same principle as the wave of water we used except this one should be harder to defend against, the issue is that there is too much flow leaking so it isn't viable and prone to fail.”
“Hm.” I ponder, interested. “Can you tell me more?”
“Not now.” She shakes her head. “Apologies.”
“It's okay, Cetyz explained that you are not free to share such things when she taught me the water construct.” I reassure her.
“Did she teach you the temperature control?” Celyz asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “She said the ice one is a specific Rykz construct... I think. Or that was about the ways to make water hover.”
“The latter is, the former isn't, or at least not originally but we've improved it.” Celyz says. “The Lisilese are the ones who created the temperature control construct.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” I nod, remembering how Ka'tchuk took a fireball to his back and transferred the heat throughout his body. “I doubt I'd have much use of it unless it can extinguish fire since doing that would likely scorch me inside out.”
“You can disperse the heat in the ambient air.” Celyz tells me. “But it is quite energy intensive, doubly so if you use flow to completely smother the fire without dispersing the energy.”
“Do you know how the Lisilese reinforce their scales and boost their reflexes?” I ask.
“I do but those are specific to their biology, it would not be of any use to you.” Celyz says. “They do have ways to reinforce their armors but it isn't compatible with the human defensive construct, the two overlap but the human one is more effective and adaptable. I could teach it to you, it would take a while.”
“Vikiana taught me.” I tell Celyz. “It was one of the things that made it possible for me to rescue Cetyz.”
“Hyh.” Celyz snorts. “That woman definitely has left things out, how much time can you spare?”
“For you? All the time in the world.” I reply.
“Ih.” Celyz exhales, waving one of her tendrils that disperses a sweet and soft odor. “But, you do not have it.”
“Unfortunately.” I acquiesce. “We need to talk about our deal.”
I send an air-blade to bring my liangi to my right hand. Celyz pushes the platter of food aside with one of her feet. I walk to a table and set the weapon on it, still holding back on my decision.
“You have guessed Fenyz' plan.” Celyz says sadly. “I had hoped not to burden you with it.”
“I talked with Countess Lance.” I reply. “Were you going to ask me for what you need without telling me of the consequences?” I ask.
“No.” Celyz denies in a firm resounding voice. “I only wanted to leave you out of it if possible, at least until we determined the viability of the plan.”
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“Have you?” I question.
“To a point.” She exhales air from the twelve openings in her ovaloid head in a deep sigh. “The Bloody Claws are aptly named, they are aggressive. Treating one of their own as prey would invite their contempt for the one weak enough to be handled as such and their challenge to the being who acted as predator.”
“Lance said that the Lisilese would learn of what happened eventually and gather in Hordes to retaliate in two years.” I tell her. “What do you think?”
“We estimate that they would interpret what occurred in the institute differently than what I have just told you about, they may think that the Empire dared treat one of their species as cattle, as a slave. It is not unprecedented, the Empire has attempted to make use of Lisilese as workforce in the past but the practice was abandoned as they sent Horde after Horde until the Emperor decided to execute those slaves, which satisfied them. While the Lisilese do keep some human prisoners for a limited time before usually eating them, they do not keep slaves as they believe recipients of flow must retain the freedom to improve themselves as hunters to feed the Blaze as long as they live.”
“Wait, they eat their prisoners?” I ask, baffled.
“Not all the time, they ransom some, but yes.” Celyz confirms.
“So, when I was told that Templars were taken prisoner and then executed...” I trail off, feeling sick. Is that what happened to Leomi's first crush?
“They were eaten.” Celyz declares in a calm tone. “It is not as gruesome as other methods such as quartering or impaling as the victims die quickly from their throats being ripped out in a single bite for the Lisilese to drink their blood.”
“Okay.” I murmur, chasing the image out of my head. “I suppose I'm not one to judge considering I fed people to the Little one. What is the risk to your Hive?”
“We are uncertain about how they would react towards us in this specific case since the Emperor paid tribute. They may attack us, if Rasaec made the demand that they do, and then strike at the Empire. But they may also thank us for bringing this to them first so that they may have the honor of leading the retaliation ahead of other Hordes.” Celyz explains.
“It seems unlikely they would risk forces by doing battle with the Hive before attacking the Empire.” I note.
“The Hersir might desire to challenge a Princess while blooding his new recruits.” Celyz shakes her head. “But, this is all speculation, we might not even run into them or the Horde might not even venture north in time to stop us from passing through the grasslands, or they may be too far west.”
“Would it help to have the weapon and name of the Lisilese it belonged to?” I ask.
“It would.” Celyz acknowledges. “But we can call upon our previous interactions with a Horde called the 'Smothering Embrace' to instill trust.”
“I want to help, but...” I hesitate. “Would you be willing to tell them that humans ended it? If they were satisfied with the execution of the slaves, perhaps it'll be enough.”
“That came after years of war, Jessica.” Celyz shakes her head. “They had their fill of war, many of their veterans wanted to return south, the Hersirs wanted to take the glory they gained and elevate themselves in their society. The fact that you did what you have will likely help lessen the consequences, but it won't prevent their retaliation. I am of course willing to make that case for you.”
“Will it be enough for the Hive to retreat with relative safety?” I ask nervously.
“It is not, but you only have to say the word, Jessica. We owe you this.” Celyz gently tells me.
“But, I don't want to put you in danger for it.” I say, torn between my oath to end the war and my desire to protect Celyz, Cetyz, and all ou... their sisters.
“Jessica, we took the risk to come here, it isn't on you to worry about our path of retreat. We are able to navigate the obstacles in front of us. It would help us to have more time to prepare but you should ultimately prioritize your own goals, Jessica, as we are.”
“Are you able to win this war if it goes on?” I ask, wondering if an alliance of humans and Rykz could be made, it would be peace in a sense but a betrayal of my oath in spirit so not something I could truly consider.
“No. We are capable of destroying the army facing us at the moment but not without incurring significant losses which would make any extended stay in human lands unwise, at most, we would then be able to ravage southern Caeviel or make it to Meiridin but perhaps not back.” Celyz says, surprising me. “This army has no phalanxes, it would break.” She adds, catching my reaction.
“Even with the King present?” I ask.
“Four Princesses directing coordinated constructs against his position would suffice to force him to pull on his army's reserves, weakening it as a whole while the rest of Nobility would be confronted with drones that simply do not retreat and would have to either retreat or use even more energy to replenish their forces while we could hold onto our reserves for a decisive strike. It is not a decision we would lightly take, the Rykz do not use these tactics victory is guaranteed and the gain incontestably worth the drones' sacrifice.” Celyz explains.
“Would you have, had I not sent the letter?” I ask, a cold sweat running down my back.
“We were about to decide when we received it.” Celyz admits. “Mother considered crossing over to take Meiridin and then head further north into the mountains to seek a new path out of the Empire. That plan was beyond risky considering that winter is only beginning and that even Caeviel has no knowledge of the terrain there.”
“Why not wait?” I ask.
“Because we do not have the food to sustain the army, Jessica. It must be used to obtain supplies or progressively discarded in our retreat.” Celyz sadly reminds me.
“I'm sorry, it slipped my mind.” I say with a grimace.
“It is alright, you had a lot to think about.” Celyz waves the concern. “The truth is that our decision to wait isn't one, Jessica. We may lose fewer drones if we depart now because famine will strike if we delay too much and we might be able to purchase food from the Lisilese or we could very well lose more because of the Bloody Claws or any other Horde. It is unknowable.”
“I, I.” I frown, angry at myself for my hesitation, for my fear that the Rykz might break their word now that they have Cetyz and I've lost the leverage by my own weakness, my unwillingness to keep this sister of mine prisoner after what she went through. “I demand you fulfill our agreement, Princess Celyz. In spirit, no play on words such as that you free the Izla but do not leave Caeviel, or attack Telnur, or any other such variation.”
“I formally promise that the deal will be respected in spirit, Jessica Elizabeth Vil.” Celyz declares with a profound bow, without hesitation or delay.
“I'm going to trust that your word counts for your Hive because I refuse to accept that you would be playing games on this.” I tell her.
“You can.” Celyz nods seriously.
It baffles me that such an important decision to the fate of so many beings can be decided like this. It further concerns me that such is the way of the world, that those at the top make decisions to declare wars with little to no say from those that it affects and in circumstances similar to these, the largest difference likely being that there would be more gold in the room.
“The Lisilese's name was Ka'tchuk, Director Suxen used a collar to threaten his life and force him to fight me. She later activated a construct that severed his neck when he tried to kill her. The weapon should be his.” I say, pointing at the liangi on the table.
“Ka'tchuk.” Celyz ponders. “An aspiring Hersir of the Red Fear, he was well known and believed to be close to challenging his Hersir when he fell.”
“Red Fear?” I ask.
“Another Horde, the Lisilese have two dozen words describing different fears and about as many for the color red so it doesn't quite translate. Their name refers to the fear a prey feels when it is about to be caught by a predator, it is a boast on their part.” Celyz explains.
“Would it be possible for you to make me the same weapon but in Vuskyt?” I ask.
“The Lisilese make liangi out of Lassus steel, which is more flexible and lighter if somewhat less durable than Vuskyt. It would be preferable to use this traditional metal as it further enhances that weapon's strong points, its speed and capacity to bend without breaking when simultaneously striking targets that are not perfectly aligned.” Celyz tells me.
“Alright.” I nod.
“Qanyz has the knowledge to forge it, I am certain that she would be glad to do so... at an appropriate size for your height.”
“I'm tall enough to wield it.” I affirm.
“But it is not optimal for you.” Celyz contests.
“Are you saying I'm short?” I ask, glaring.
“I am simply saying that it is not adapted.” Celyz carefully tells me.
“Answer my question.” I frown.
“You are below average in height for humans, yes. It is a fact, Jessica, not a criticism.” Celyz admits. “You are of the perfect height in my opinion.” She hurriedly adds.
“Hmph.” I pout. “You're an overgrown tree, you're so tall that you think the average is closer to you than it is. I'm actually above average.”
“That is, unlikely but possible?” Celyz hesitates.
“So I'm right.” I affirm.
“That is not how it wor...” Celyz interrupts herself as my frown worsens by an order of magnitude.
“Did you finish copying Suxen's book?” I ask, changing the subject since she acknowledged that she's wrong.
“I did.” Celyz soberly says. “I have not had the time to seriously go through it, however.”
“See, that's what you get for being overly preoccupied with the size of human anatomy.” I smirk.
“You were not complaining when I first mentioned that I was studying what it is that would please you.” Celyz notes noncommittally. I feel my cheeks heat up a bit.
“What did you find in the book?” I ask, kicking myself for going back to a settled matter.
“Many formulas that have no meaning without context.” Celyz shakes her head. “But, I've grown amazed that you succeeded in breaking the institute's defenses considering some of the details I've found.”
“Was there?” I blink, not actually remembering any details about that.
“Yes, I can show you but I first need to find a scout to relay orders. Will you remain and spend some time together with me?” She asks in a timid tone.
“Of course.” I hurriedly agree. “I have a few hours.” I tell her, determining that the Rykz will start retreating without delay but that the news will take time to spread to Caeviel's army, likely only reaching it in the afternoon.
Celyz nods. She abruptly turns around, taking hold of my liangi to step outside into the tunnel. She heads out in the direction I came from. I pick up the intellectually interesting book she was reading and carefully open it on the table. My cheeks grow hotter as I turn the pages but that's probably because the room is warm.