Chapter Thirty-Eight
When everyone returned, V’shir elders in tow, it took all my self-control to keep myself from sighing in aggravation. Each and every one that I hadn’t bound knelt, lowering their heads. I wanted them to stand tall and proud, not prostrate themselves before me.
“Must you do that?” I asked, rising to my feet.
“You deserve our respect,” Casair answered flatly, looking up to meet my eyes in fiery challenge. “Not like you can reach our heads if we don’t kneel anyway. Well, unless you jump.”
That got a twitch out of me. “Not all of you are that much taller than me…”
Ciheri raised his head to peek at me, his expression sheepish and his face flushed. “Elara…we would feel like we’re mistreating you if we didn’t show respect while you bind us to your clan. Since we can’t hold a ceremony, the least we can do is treat you well.”
“Uh…oh.” I stared at the pastel-haired Syldrari. “…that’s how you think of it?”
“Why else do you think even I’m kneeling like this?” Aldiner piped up with a grin.
“This is an exciting time,” Lynir offered, giving me a knowing smile as I tried to stifle my embarrassment. “Finally, we can be recognized as a real and valid clan. No longer will Rel or Jysel receive constant threats of being married off to iri who are strangers to them.
“Even those of us who don’t wish to some day join your constellation are immensely grateful. You’ve given us hope that there are good queens left, and that our species can still change its course.”
Oh, damn it, I don’t want all this praise. I haven’t even done anything yet! I fidgeted with one of my sleeves. “Fine, fine. Then, there won’t be any objections if I start? Um…where to begin…”
Rel shot me a devious smile as he placed a forearm on Jysel’s shoulder. He murmured something to his twin, then said to me, “Why don’t you begin with the V’shir elders first? They have work to do, while Jysel and I have work for the others.”
Lynir laughed at that. “Oh yes, so much work. Really. A solar storm, rewriting trade agreements, combing through extensive lists of ship designs…”
“None of which you have to worry about, because you’re a tailor,” Rel pointed out. “Elara, don’t you start putting off work as well.”
“Right…” I obliged them, binding each of the existing V’shir elders to my court in turn. They were so focused on returning to their work that all I got from each of them was their name and a brief thank you. Rel and Jysel swiftly replaced their neurochips, dissolving the old ones in a vial of what I assume to be caustic liquid. Then, the elders-made-courtiers left.
“See? That wasn’t so terrible now, was it?” Lynir laughed before walking over to Rel. “You had something to show me, didn’t you? When do you want to attend to that business?”
“Later this afternoon,” Rel answered, nodding once to Lynir. “You will need to bring whichever tools you use for measurements and design.”
“Oh? How intriguing. Something for the queen?” Lynir suggested slyly. “Perhaps you want her in leather just as much as she wants to take you out of it?”
“Nothing quite like what you’re thinking,” Rel stated, smirking. “I’ll consider that idea for later.”
“Pity. Ah well, let me know if you change your mind. You know where to find me,” Lynir called, waving as he walked onto the teleportation glyph and vanished.
“Should I be here for this?” Suisuni asked quietly, looking to Rel. “I’m not a V’shir elder, and I’m not one of your confidants.”
“Stay. Those of us in this room are who you’ll be working with closely,” Rel answered, pivoting to look at Suisuni. “And, your chip is to be replaced as well. Let’s see to that while Elara finishes her task.”
I looked to the remaining men, not sure what to think. They seemed a little more relaxed than before…but I couldn’t imagine the floor was comfortable. After steeling myself again, I walked over to stand in front of Casair. He, at least, didn’t keep his eyes on the floor. His focus sharpened as he met my stare.
“Let me guess—military advisor?” Casair asked, his sarcastic tone failing to conceal the sound and colors of disappointment.
I stopped midreach for his head, peering at him. Then, I let my hand fall to my side. “No, actually. That isn’t the plan. I should make sure you’re okay with the role, hmmm…”
“If not that, then…?” Casair stared at me. “You know I’m a soldier, Elara. War, hunting, and martial arts are my talents.”
“And protection. Which is why I want to ask you to lead and teach the royal guard.” I watched his face as, slowly, he registered what I’d said. The tension left his expression, replaced by a loose jaw and wide eyes. A flush crept into his face as he searched for any hint that I was ‘joking.’
“You…would trust me to be a royal guard?” Casair asked, his voice a rough whisper. “It would be an honor, but I…I don’t know if I deserve… It’s such a prestigious position.”
I smiled at the bashful man as he turned his opalescent white eyes to my face again. “I’m confident you’re capable and deserving. You may struggle with my existing royal guards at first, but I know you’ll show them you’re their new superior for a reason—if you accept.”
“I accept. Of course I accept! I’m not gonna deny an endorsement like that,” Casair exclaimed, promptly straightening his posture and bowing his head. “On my life and honor, I will serve and protect you with all my strength. Until a day comes where you no longer require me or you become someone I can’t believe in, my skills are yours.”
That got a nervous glance from the others, but I smiled. “Good! I’m hoping everyone here will help make certain I don’t stray from being…me, or following my morals.”
I placed my hand on Casair’s head and concentrated, engraving his aether with his newly found roles of courtier and royal guard captain. A storm of emotions raged within him, making his aether tremble in excitement. When I was finished, Casair launched to his feet and swept me up in a bear hug.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will not disappoint you,” Casair spoke quietly into my shoulder. When he set me down, I discovered he was grinning like a fool.
Casair joined Rel, Jysel, and Suisuni to get his new chip. The remaining three men watched me with hope in their eyes. I looked between Zafir and Ciheri, then looked to Aldiner.
“Zafir, Ciheri, your roles will be related. Aldiner, would you prefer to go now or after them?”
Aldiner shifted. “After. For…uh, reasons.”
Reasons? I raised an eyebrow.
[His connection to the Y’serdyn, or the Syldra-made tech, probably has him nervous,] Jysel offered.
“You’ve known Zafir longer, you can bind him first,” Ciheri offered bashfully, fidgeting with his long sleeves. “You said…our roles are related?”
“If you accept them, yes,” I answered. “From what I understand, you’re both capable researchers but your studies are in separate fields.”
“Correct.” Zafir reached up to fidget with his glasses. “I focused my studies into biological fields, including fields which combine with aetherology, psychology, and so on.”
“My focus is more on technology and machinery—aethertech or otherwise. How it works, how to improve upon it, figuring out what will help society grow and better itself…” Ciheri paused, thinking, then shot me a beaming smile. “Ah! And I’ve studied in anthropological and archaeological fields as well. Understanding the past is useful in many ways, including figuring out how to help society grow.”
I looked between the two as I thought. That certainly seemed like a good start. Liir’sryn drifted over, floating at my eye level as they spoke, [If you make them two of your lead researchers, they will each have their own separate premises and teams. There is plenty of space allocated for the sciences. Or is it title you need to find?]
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Titles would be nice… I considered.
[Very well! Zafir, head of the biological lifeform complex. Ciheri, head of the technological and production complex.]
You can hear my thoughts? Well then. I tilted my head, tapping my fingers against my leg. Those titles are a bit…broad, aren’t they?
[As members of your Nys’tarene, they will be at the top of their respective chains.]
A message from Rel popped up, containing a picture of a triangle of Syldran writing. The translation was much longer than what Liir’sryn had stated, but gave me a proper image to visualize.
“You two didn’t say if you want to accept positions as lead researchers,” I reminded them, earning wide-eyed stares. “What?”
“You…you didn’t say you were considering making us lead…” Zafir gasped, his eyes ticking back and forth. “That is… I…if it is what you want, then I will of course accept.”
“Yes!” Ciheri cheered, practically vibrating in excitement. “Absolutely! I’ll do it! I’ll help make ours the best clan it can be! Theres so much stuff we can do with the right materials and tools. Ooooh, and I have these designs for new tools too! You’ll want some of them, Zafir!”
[I like this one,] Liir’sryn remarked, floating over Ciheri and peering at him. [He talks to me a lot when working around my nursery. Hmmm, I hope he likes his complex. Maybe I should print a few assistants for him.]
I’m…just not going to ask about that. I’ll find out later. I looked between Zafir and Ciheri, hoping they wouldn’t think I was playing favorites by binding them one at a time. Ciheri just happened to be closer. “Can you stay still for a moment, please?”
“Huh? You don’t want to bind Zafir first?” Ciheri blinked at me, and Zafir turned away.
“Uh…? I’m sorry, is there some relevance in what ‘order’ I bind you in?” I asked. “I thought about trying to bind both of you at once but I don’t think I’m skilled enough for that.”
“Seniority, under most circumstances,” Zafir grumbled. He sighed, then looked up at me. “You want us to treat this as though the order means nothing?”
Rel walked over and came to stand beside me. “I think that’s only fair. She was forced to bind Jysel, Suisuni, and myself. We could argue the pecking order was already decided. Or…we could follow Elara’s thinking. A matter of seconds or minutes shouldn’t determine who holds more power in her Nys’tarene.”
“Zafir has known her longer, he should go first!” Ciheri pouted, his stubborn glared fixed upward at Rel. “Even if it doesn’t mean seniority!”
Rel gripped Ciheri by the jaw, an amused smirk spreading across his face as the smaller man’s skin turned blue. “While it’s endearing that you want to let Zafir go first, it’s still Elara’s decision. Or do you intend to spend the entire day here, on your knees?”
Zafir coughed into his hand. “We get the point. Elara’s way is more logical—the royal guard captain shouldn’t be able to undo or change medicinal research on a whim, for example. I’m confident we can adjust.”
“That’s all settled, then?” I asked, looking between the two as Rel released Ciheri from his grip.
“One more thing,” Ciheri interjected when Zafir nodded. I motioned for him to continue. “Is there anything you want us to do first in our roles?”
“Oh…” I considered it, then gave a brief nod. “Yes, I think it would be wise for you two to familiarize yourself with your new positions and what can be found at each others complexes. There may be ways in which your fields do or can overlap. I would like to see close coordination between your sectors, and how you can facilitate each other’s tasks.”
The pair exchanged a look, then nodded to me.
“One last thing,” Ciheri added, his gaze unusually firm. “Zafir has known you longer. I insist you bind him before me and Aldiner. Otherwise, one or both of you will regret it later.”
Zafir flushed and averted his gaze when I looked over to him for confirmation. Clearly, I wasn’t going to get a verbal answer. I approached him and waited for him to shift to face me, which he did after further hesitation.
“This better not be pity…” Zafir muttered.
“No. Ciheri makes a valid argument.” I raised an eyebrow at him.
Ciheri promptly nodded and latched onto Zafir’s arm. “We all care about Elara, and Elara cares about how we feel! You shouldn’t hide it.”
“…Very well.” Zafir let out a soft sigh and raised his gaze to meet mine. “I will gladly accept the position you have offered me within your Nys’tarene. My vow is to improve the lives of our people and allies through the research we conduct. Nutrition, medicine, defenses, weaponry… Whatever we need, whatever it takes, and with respect to the natural law.”
I placed my hand on Zafir’s head and concentrated, visualizing the Syldran writing Rel had sent for Zafir’s title. The tension seemed to leave his body as I worked, his breathing slowing into a steady rhythm.
When I finished, he opened his eyes and checked himself. “I…expected to feel different.”
“And perhaps that is why you don’t. Yet,” Rel mused, watching as Zafir carefully got to his feet.
Zafir fidgeted awkwardly in front of me, blue creeping into his face and the tips of his ears. His glow wavered as he struggled with himself. After a moment, he outstretched his hand as if wanted me to shake it. “T-thank— Oof!”
Zafir grunted in surprise when I yanked his silly self into a hug. It took a moment before he relaxed, then gave me a squeeze in return. “I suppose, since I’m not your ‘boss’ anymore, this is more acceptable. I…hope you can continue to rely on me.”
“I can, and I will.” Releasing him, I gave him a warm smile, nudging him off toward Rel. “Let’s make sure it stays that way. Right?”
“Of course,” Zafir answered, his body seeming to loosen as he shot me a beaming smile. Then, he turned to Rel. “I’d like to know more, once the procedure is complete.”
“I’ll forward you some of the information I received, once it’s done.” Rel nodded, leading Zafir off to the waiting crate.
“Now then, Ciheri,” I remarked, turning to the cheerful man. He was so excited he was bouncing against his heels despite kneeling. “Head of machinery and technological research and production, hmmm?”
He perked up, grinning. “Yes! I want to make everyone’s lives easier but also help make things to keep us all safe.”
They all want to help their people… Would other queens take that away? I wondered, noting both Jysel and Rel glanced briefly in my direction at the thought. Queens take away the ambitions and art of their Nys’tarene. Right?
[Many do. Speaking of which…with how things have changed, perhaps you should be present when we take Suisuni to his new ‘nest,’ if you will.] It was Rel who answered, but Jysel also gave a quick grumble of agreement.
“Anything else?” I asked, looking down at Ciheri.
He tilted his head, staring at me in confusion. “No… Oh! Yes! May I still work on my smart plating designs? It’s really fun, and I want to make some proposals for what we can use if you build up a fleet!”
I smiled at him. “Of course, Ciheri. I don’t want to take anyone’s fun or art away from them. My hope is that you all will follow your passions.”
Ciheri grinned broadly and snatched my hand, guiding it to the top of his head. “Come on, come on, come on! There’s so much to talk about, but I need my new chip first!”
I gave him a lopsided smile before doing as he asked. The instant I was done, he tackle-hugged me so hard I nearly toppled to the floor. Just as quickly, he bounded off to join the others, leaving me with a fidgety Aldiner.
“What is it you want to do?” I asked bluntly, causing Aldiner to stare at me with wide eyes. “I’ve heard recommendations and I have a vague understanding of what you like, and what you already do. But, I have no idea how you feel about the matter.
“What were you recommended?” Aldiner grumbled, scratching at the back of his head.
“To give you some sort of espionage role,” I answered simply. “But I have no idea what your full qualifications are, and if that is something you would even enjoy.”
“Or if you can break my existing clan bind…” Aldiner complained quietly. “Espionage and all that shit isn’t something I want to do. I’ve just done it to survive on Creshe and help make connections. Humans are suckers for a pretty face.”
“And what you would prefer?” I probed when the grumpy man went quiet.
“Look, I’m a simple guy. I like dancing and that’s what I want to do. Perform, study, learn dances from all over the universe, and pass the techniques on to other dancers.” Aldiner shrugged, giving me a self-deprecating smile. “‘Court Dancer’ may not be as lofty as guarding our queen, protecting our people, or creating a safe environment…but I just want to pursue my art.”
“You live and breathe dance, like how Suisuni is with music or Jysel is with books?” I offered, earning a surprised blink. Even if I didn’t relate, yet, I could understand the concept. Liir’sryn? Is that acceptable? Would he have a place?
The little manta-person avatar zipped around me excitedly. [Yes! There are multiple places Aldiner may choose from, depending on who he wishes to teach.]
“Aldiner,” I began, watching him shift under my gaze, “I would never want to steal your arts or passions away from you. I didn’t do so to the others, and I don’t plan to start now or ever. If you would rather not take on an espionage role, then I won’t give you that role. ‘Court Dancer’ isn’t ‘lesser’ than the others. I admire you for following your ambitions and being willing to speak up for yourself regarding them.
“You’ll have whichever spaces you need to realize your goals.”
Aldiner promptly flushed bright blue, his glow sparking nearly every shade of pink, blue, green, and yellow. “W-what, I thought you were going to…”
I placed a hand on Aldiner’s head when he fell into a stunned silence. The moment I probed his mind, I was met with a looming wall of inky darkness. Bright green lettering reminiscent of Syldran dotted the wall, repeating a crest, various wards, and a singular title. Every inch of the place writhed with echoes of the Y’serdyn’s presence.
Concentrating, I visualized placing my hand against the wall. The Y’serdyn’s power exploded around me, crashing against mine as it rose to meet his. Cold tendrils slid around my body, up my neck, and curled around my jaw, attempting to pull me downward.
A frozen calm came over me as I pushed back against the power, a melody echoing through my mind and behind my thoughts. Aldiner deserves his freedom. Let him have it.
The dark wall suddenly froze, the lettering and crests ceasing to pulse with light. Then, they flickered out and the wall began to ‘melt.’ Beyond, I sensed the true binding placed on Aldiner and cupped it in my aetheric hands.
With a single thought, I reshaped the binding. Light and clarity exploded through my senses, a kaleidoscope of shifting colors.
I removed my hand from Aldiner’s head and opened my eyes, finding him staring at me in stunned silence. Around us, particles of starry darkness dissipated upward in the air, carrying peridot green arcs of energy with them.
“You’re…you…” Aldiner struggled.
A flash of green light announced the arrival of one visibly concerned Y’serdyn. He looked around, spotted us, then stormed over with his jaw set.
“How did you do that?” The Y’serdyn hissed quietly as Aldiner got up and fled to the others.
I gave the Y’serdyn a small smile. “Instinct. I’ll say no more unless you are getting your neurochip replaced as well.”
“My…?” The Y’serdyn fell silent, taking a moment to study me, glanced over at the others, then looked at me again. I see much has happened. Perhaps we should talk after the chips are taken care of.