Arianna's Lotus [http://i.imgur.com/oOhwKDZ.png]

Chapter Twenty-Two

Theories

I strode through our temple in Falrrsald barefoot and flipped through a folder of reports as I went. With the recent developments, I had assigned Eyrian, Reulidru, Azhar, and a few others to run the Claws and Fangs in my absence. I’d made it clear that I expected reports, and the first had come through sometime in the morning.

Over the past few days, the Fangs had captured several people who were corrupted beyond saving. When their corpses were examined, our mages found that the beast blood had been mixed in with the perfumes and soaps the people had been using.

The oddest part to me was that no one knew where the people came from. Some were Human, others were Elven, yet the remnants of their clothes didn’t match the styles of any known kingdom.

“There you are,” I called to Nalithor, padding into the library. “Ah, you’re working on something too?”

“I’ve almost finished reviewing the analysis of the samples I brought back from the anomaly in the Suthsul Desert,” Nalithor answered, glancing up from his desk. He set his long pipe aside and settled back in his chair, tracking me as I approached. “You look displeased.”

“The Fangs captured several corrupted people of unknown origin,” I answered, placing a single sheet in front of him.

“Weren’t we meant to focus on deity-related matters, for now? Nalithor sighed at me.

“Yes, but look at this.” I placed an image of one of the people’s clothes and jewelry in front of Nalithor next. “My men said that Lalira and the other children don’t recognize any of these designs either. If Lalira and the others are from somewhere on the Nrae’lmar Continent, then where did these people come from?”

“Elsewhere on the same continent, somewhere across Falrrsald, another flying island, or perhaps a continent we’ve yet to discover?” Nalithor murmured, tapping his fingers against a large pendant in the picture. “Is this metal?”

“Yes.”

“It is similar to some of the metalwork I saw by the structure that appeared in the desert,” Nalithor remarked, shifting a stack of papers, then finally handing me one with a piece of broken, white metal. “My colleagues at the academy weren’t able to identify the metals used to create this alloy. We think it may have been used in some manner of Magitech. It conducts aether much better than what we use currently.”

“Supposedly there was no one living in that structure, I thought?” I frowned.

“We could have been lied to, or the aether-repelling crystals scattered in the area could be masking their presence,” Nalithor stated, pulling me closer until I was leaning up against his chair. “Our current theory is that the structure is a fortress and the land around it was displaced by the Split—or something similar.

“The exterior shows massive scarring in the stone, caused by something that’s neither a dragon nor a beast.”

“Irt’chkali?” I suggested.

“Doubtful, I believe the marks were made by magic assaulting the structure,” Nalithor answered, pulling over another image. “The damage strikes me as the product of a siege.”

“And this?” I pointed at the crumbled stones by a river.

“The remnants of a bridge and aqueduct.” Nalithor offered me the paper.

“Hmmm, but where did it once go?” I asked, following the line of fallen stone. “I don’t see anything it would have connected to, and I don’t see remnants of another building. Hell, the ruins seem to come to an abrupt stop.”

“It could have been built that way,” Nalithor pointed out. “Rather than being an aqueduct, the water could have run out of the city and poured into the river below. In which case, perhaps the walkways were the for maintenance. A similar design was suggested once for Dauthrmir, but for expanding our airship docks.”

“Right. There’s demand for civilian airships to-and-from our allies.” I grimaced. “Though, it is possible there are other civilizations on Avrirsa with airship technology. If they’re just as new as we are, or newer, it would explain why they haven’t wandered into our territory yet. Assuming they’re on another continent, anyway. We’ve barely scratched the edge of Nrae’lmar.”

“If it was affected by the Split, they could have been centuries ahead of us, and their people died out,” Nalithor added. “After all, we’ve come across indications that X’shmir and other civilizations experienced time differently whilst displaced.”

“Let’s leave the complicated theories for after we’ve taken a better look at that structure.” I prodded his cheek with one finger.

“How are you feeling?” Nalithor asked, earning a questioning frown from me. “Given you are, officially, my wife and the Goddess of Balance now, do you feel any different?”

“Hmmm? No, I feel the same as always.” I perched on his lap and linked my hands behind his neck. “Why, do you feel something?”

“More powerful,” Nalithor answered, sliding an arm under my knees and shifting me closer. “I’ve felt this way since Sihix did…whatever it was, when I declared my intent to the ‘Elder.’”

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I suppressed a grimace. We had agreed to call the Jivyador “Elders” when talking aloud due to their sudden interest in visiting us over the past few days. They had all been Jivyador that Nalithor described as “more favorable,” but I still saw them as our enemy.

Alas, we had appearances to uphold.

“Want some tea? Maybe lunch?” I asked.

“Certainly. Once you return, we should make plans to venture to that structure.” Nalithor loosened his grip, allowing me to pull myself off his lap. He gave my ass a firm smack when I turned to walk away. I’ll call for our Guardians while you see to lunch.”

“You should summon the Vulin who’ve been keeping watch, too,” I whacked him with my tails before striding toward the door.

When I returned a while later, carrying tea and lunch for us both, Nalithor appeared to be absorbed in another stack of reports. I strode past him and over to a sitting area, placing our meal on the low coffee table. After setting our plates and pouring our tea, I walked over to him and nudged his shoulder a few times.

“For someone who chastises me for working too hard, you’re certainly absorbed,” I remarked, grabbing him by one of his horns and tugging. His gaze flicked to me finally, a faintly puzzled expression on his face. “Our food and drink will get cold if you take much longer.”

“Look at this,” Nalithor stated, handing me a sheet of paper as he stood up.

I skimmed the report, then looked up at Nalithor, “The debris is getting cleaned up, but the Vulin haven’t seen anyone or anything that could be responsible?”

“Djialkan and Fraelfnir will meet us where Falrrsald and the Suthsul Desert meet,” Nalithor informed me as we sat across from each other. He picked up his tea and took a swig before continuing, “Alala will remain here to guard our temple, and the Vulin will sort any further reports we receive.”

“And the Lari’xan approve of us heading off to investigate the structure?” I prompted. “As I recall, it threw you quite far and sapped your strength in the process.”

“They approved and stated only for us to exercise caution.” Nalithor nodded to me, smiling. “The Vulin and Alala will handle any guests that might wander through the portal from Dauthrmir. Yiltanys suggested that some of our comrades, and Lalira, might be best suited to work from here.”

“And they’re allowed to use the portal?” I gave him a doubting look.

“It was constructed by the Lari’xan.” Nalithor shrugged. “If the Elders do not like it, they will have to take it up with Sihix and Yiltanys.”

“…I would pay to see that.” I shook my head.

“I’ve contacted the Elders already as well—we will have to walk,” Nalithor informed me. I groaned. Another stroll across Falrrsald was not what I wanted. Not for a long, long, long time. “I know, my dear, I know. We must tolerate them and exercise restraint, for now.”

“Okay,” I began, sighing heavily, “when do you want to leave? You should probably tell me more about the place, and we should come up with a plan for what we’re going to do once there. I don’t like the idea of camping there or in the desert.”

“We can continue using our domain as ‘camp.’” Nalithor grinned, sitting back with his plate in one hand. “We will need a plan for how we wish to investigate the structure and its surroundings, however. I’ve never seen such a defense mechanism before, and it would be best if we didn’t activate it again.”

“And you didn’t see anything odd with the aether?” I frowned.

“Indeed, it’s a mystery.” Nalithor shot me an amused look. “And now who is far too absorbed?”

“I know, I know.” I pouted at him. “Well, the first step is getting to the border. Once there, I think we should retire to our domain, so we can get Djialkan and Fraelfnir fully caught up. They’ll probably have input regarding whatever plan we come up with between now and then, as well.”

“The two of you are off again?!” A female voice demanded. I glanced toward the door to find Corentine with her arms crossed, tapping her foot. “You should at least make some time to enjoy the married life before you go! Honestly, whether you leave now or six weeks from now won’t make a difference.”

“Are you saying that as an Oracle, or because you’ve missed Arianna?” Nalithor chuckled, shooting the indignant woman an amused smile. “We will remain here for a few more days. I have several more reports I’m waiting to receive and would like to review them before we make our way south.”

“Shouldn’t you two celebrate or something?” Corentine sighed at us. “Two centuries apart, several curses, murder attempts, and Lari’xan-know-what-else later, you’re married. The God and Goddess of Balance! I’d say that warrants a celebration, even if you haven’t had an official ceremony.”

“We’ll have to deal with plenty of celebration when our parents finally get to arrange a ceremony for us,” I pointed out dryly. “We’re content to keep mostly to ourselves, for now. Besides, we have our ways of celebrating.”

“At least let those of us in Auvry’e throw you a party.” Corentine growled at us, her ears flicking back. “You have any idea how excited everyone is that you were reunited with Nalithor? Let alone that you two are a pair now?”

‘Is this what having a mother is like?’ I asked, glancing at Nalithor.

‘Quite.’ Nalithor took a sip of his tea, his expression passive. ‘The celebration would be more for them than it is for us, but I see no harm in indulging them. Given how much they adore you, they might take offense if we don’t join them.’

“Fine, fine,” I sighed, looking toward Corentine again. “We will agree to one celebration—when we come back from the Suthsul Desert.”

“You’re really set on going so soon?” Corentine frowned at us.

“We already arranged to meet with Djialkan and Fraelfnir,” Nalithor offered, earning a heavy sigh in response. “I’ve also spoken with the Elders and the Lari’xan already. It wouldn’t due for us to change our plans so suddenly. I agree with my wife—celebrating when we return would be for the best.”

‘Are you going to get used to saying that? Hells, am I going to get used to hearing it?’ I wondered, feeling the heat in my face and excitement in my chest.

‘I hope not,’ Nalithor mused.

“Fine, fine, I’ll compromise. When you get back it is.” Corentine huffed. “Shir, Gari, and I will keep training Alala while you’re gone. Try not to be too long, alright?”

“We will be as quick as thoroughness allows,” Nalithor answered pointedly, shooting the Rylthra a matching look. “That place perturbs me, and I intend for us to get to the bottom of the matter. It shouldn’t be a mystery to so many of the gods.”

“Can I come by for dinner, at least, before you go?” Corentine gave us a pleading look.

“Of course—tomorrow,” Nalithor stated after we’d exchanged glances. “We will be having guests, and you should be one of them. Tonight, Arianna and I will be focused on our duties as Balance. We have many things to prepare for still.”

“I can live with that.” Corentine grinned. “In that case, I’ll stop pestering you for now. Left some gifts from Auvry’e by the stairs for you! See you later!”

I arched an eyebrow, watching the Rylthra prance out of the library, then turned my attention to Nalithor.

“Perhaps we should eat while we work,” Nalithor remarked dryly. “If her behavior is anything to judge by, our other guests will be troublesome as well.”

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