Lucy sat in place waiting, till night descended. The naturally quiet Spring-crest pond fell into deeper silence, yet Lucy did nothing but wait.

The silence in the room was broken by the sound of a woman's heel walking through Lucy's chambers till it was right behind her.

"Why do you look so glum? Sitting in the dark with no light," an elderly woman asked.

"I never assumed that the grand dowager empress of Khul would be a martial artist, moving through the night unseen," Lucy said.

"If you had not suspected I was one, you would not have left the path to your chambers unguarded so that I could just walk in," a strong female voice said.

"You have lived an oddly long life, it would be odder for one to not assume it was not because of your accomplishments in martial arts," Lucy said and turned. It was too dark to see the woman, but she knew she was right before her. Lucy heard a chuckle, as the sounds of walking made their way to her bedside.

Soon, light from a match lit the room dimly as it was used to light the lantern. The woman, who Lucy could now see, continued on and lit other lanterns till the room was bright.

Lucy watched her movement and saw that she moved delicately, but with strength. One would not assume her an old woman by looking at her form. She had a head that looked to be full of grey hair and slight wrinkles under her eyes, but she was still a beautiful woman; martial arts did maintain a person's vitality, keeping them young. But the lady did not stop. She moved to the door and opened it, letting in three older women, two young women and a girl a little older than Lucy. They all looked to have blonde hair.

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Lucy got up at their arrival. She needed no introduction to know who they were. They were Thraines. She never thought this many would come. She said nothing as she took a lantern and led them into the sitting room in her chambers. Grand as it was, it could not seat eight women. As if on cue, shadows appeared and placed enough chairs to accommodate them. They all sat in silence as the grand dowager empress of Khul took her time to bring in two more lanterns. She placed them in different positions, before sitting down.

"Lucy, I hope you don't mind, I brought other Thraines with me," the grand dowager empress of Khul said.

"Is there a reason you arrived this way?" Lucy asked.

"I was told to come. We had all met Her Eminence, the grand dowager empress of Khul at some time, I just assumed she had something to say," the lady in sharp red said.

"This is quite a gathering," the lady in bright green said mildly. This earned a chuckle from the grand dowager empress.

"This is the second time all Thraines have sat in one room," the grand dowager empress said with a smile.

"You called me, Lucy, is there a reason why?" the grand dowager empress asked.

"Yes, I called you, but you came with many; I'm assuming you already know why I called?" Lucy asked.

"No, I have always been waiting for your call, I can't begin to guess why you did; but I am happy nevertheless," the grand dowager empress said, her face maintaining a soft smile.

"My hair is not …. I'm not blonde... and the only person that I could ask about this is dead. I assumed this has something to do with my mother's lineage. That is why I called," Lucy said and they all had this knowing look.

"Ah, well. That has always been a sting to us all, like a curse," the grand dowager empress said slowly,