CW:

mention of a painful removal of memory and analogizing it to body pains. politics and angry Doyans

“Thirty-one percent is not nearly acceptable!” The Doyan… eh… Letina? I’m not great with names. Especially when the person is shouting.

The other Doyans seem to just… settle back in their seats and let her go off again as is such a common dance we played over these past few weeks. They’d start going over Arudian Law, end up with tons of debate over what laws should shift and which should remain. Endless nonsense over small wordings and how such things would affect anything and everything throughout Arudia. Processes and protocols for studying gemstones, all the basic code of general regulations, and a ton of things I just… don’t have the ability to understand or give input on.

Gosh, what the actual fuck. We just… Ugh I kinda wish we could have simply changed the legal text but…What about the Zeridii?

After that night… long after the battle with Emarial and the Matron Veletross, and in the waking hours of the next morning, we'd become so aware of them and their really fucking sad song.

A sort of… low lilting wail that wriggled and pulsed throughout all the gemstones. We’d been hearing it, at least a little bit, since we entered Arudia. Stood surrounded by a city drowning in wonderful Cultivation. Ignored it as just… the thrum of magic.

But… Cultivation isn’t magic. It’s not a part of the World Song.

“Speaking of which...” The Grand Doyan, Boletii, leans forward. Able to easily tell my mind has wandered. “There is another important topic as we consider future alterations to our laws, Lady Sun Spoken.”

The room we sit in is huge! Easily bigger than any tavern’s common room. At its center sits this huge table, and upon it is this sort of… gorgeous carving of all of Arudia. Painted with gemstone dust and shimmering with incredibly detailed depictions of each of the settlements, only its edges are flat and clear for the five Doyans, and a Sun Spoken, to sit and work while discussing and debating.

I’m on the opposite end of the table from her, so I make a point to look up and give her my best and most polite smile. One I hope would make Yrelia very proud. Not accepting or open to any slights, but very inviting to discuss whatever she has on her mind.

“Yes, Grand Doyan?”

I’d um… tried to let these five work things out so far. We’d made our stance on the two major changes very clear that night. No more enslaving the… uh… monsters and parasites. And the Zeridii will remain free. They’d not voiced more concerns on the topics. At least... Not yet.

I’d needed to refuse to visit the um… ‘fertility wing’ of the Academy until the command was fully lifted and… The first had left us a blubbering mess after pulling it free. Like… Like tearing nails out or flaying skin. As much as I’d reviled even that little command, it tore our spirits apart to let it go. So… How much worse would this much bigger one be?

“On the topic of the gemstones, can we expect their… What was the word you used? Flourishing? To stop.”

“Um… Yes. Or stirring.” I supply quickly but not with the doubt I feel. “They’re waking up. And as for settling…” I sigh, knowing this will upset them. “We’re not sure it will. Not in the way you’re hoping.”

Over the past three weeks the gemstones had been… temperamental. Branded crystals would sometimes not work, or produce strange results. Minor at first, but with every passing day the amount grew. With some of the most powerful or rare gemstones ignoring their Mistresses commands almost entirely.

“Can you elaborate?”

I sigh, “I wish we could. But… this isn’t something that’s never happened before.”

One of the others fixes me with a very pointed glare, and… oh… Well I’m surprised it took them this long to turn their confusion and rage back on me. They’d spent three weeks treating me like some hungry jungle Cretilla ready to pounce. Afraid of my shadow after seeing the ruined remains of thousand year old unbreakable gemstones the size of a manor and hearing the Weaver's words.

They had to notice my calm and fairly kind demeanor was not an act by now. But just… the me that they could expect to deal with. I just hope they don’t puzzle together just how much more vulnerable I am. I mean… Matron Veletross probably told them about her time killing Weaver/Sun Spoken possessions but… We are SO much different that they must have been. She was even surprised to see us talking!

“Then why do it?” Doyan Letina demands. “Why not converse with us? Warn the people? Consider that maybe this… this Zeridii was kept restrained by those Obelisks for a good fucking reason!?!”

I pause, not in a need to restrain any anger. I understand their fear and fury in this. Came to grasp it even more as we began these conclaves. Cultivation is literally the reason Arudia exists, and what we did could very well shatter this nation if their gemstones continue to fail.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“You’re right.”

That twists her glare into a confused scowl. Many others watch me with a sort of sudden worry or disbelief. Let's... hm... Let's turn this into something useful. Try and make them see me as an ally instead of some crazed girl.

“What we did was done on impulse and out of a sudden desire to see wrongs righted.” I nod, give her a placating smile, “We… perhaps should have reached out first, but The Weaver spoke and Her will is more unstoppable than the Obelisks we broke when She is roused.”

At least She was. But now… well. They don't need to know anything more about Her.

“But I’m willing to dedicate my songs and actions to helping make sure Arudia not only survives, but thrives.”

That gets a myriad of reactions from these five. A few good, a couple disbelieving, one still very hostile, and one I cannot hope to read.

“Your… songs?” The Grand Doyan quirks an eyebrow. “You mean Her magic?”

I nod. “Mine, now. To do with as I please bearing Her full blessings.”

“What can you do with it?” One of the more disbelieving Doyan asks, expression now one of real curiosity.

“Last Emarial and I spoke we decided the best term for it was Inspiration magic. Fueled by will, focus, and need. I’m currently working on discovering how to speak with the Zeridii, once that happens I can share my findings and we can work together. Discover how best to move forward.”

There are a few grumbles and hushed whispers, but… what else can they demand of me?

The answer comes within a few seconds.

“Lady Inamatorii…” One of the less outspoken and much more calm Doyan begins to ask.

“Please, simply call me, Ina, when we’re at this table.”

All my fucking titles are a mouthful and just… clutter things. And I really hope these women can someday come to respect more than my status as Sun Spoken and current emissary to the Weaver. Maybe… maybe see me as a trusted friend to Arudia. I’m already sick to death of the feeling of being surrounded by women who only tolerate me out of fear or… or some begrudging respect.

There is a bit of a surprised pause, then the Grand Doyan speaks up. “We’d prefer to remain respectful and–”

I hold up a hand, a polite request to let me explain. She obliges with a nod.

“I would never dream to stop using any of your respected titles, honored Doyans. But…” I struggle to avoid biting my lip at… at this gamble. “I’ve not even been claimed as a Sun Spoken for a year, and I am young. I believe our actions were correct, but am still understanding their weight. You are my elders in almost all things, and I wish to serve the people of Arudia. Not rule or claim anything.”

There is even more shuffling and disparate flashes of expressions. Most just look surprised, but… a few seem to soften a little.

“That is quite unprecedented. But so is your presence and the events that lead you here.” The Grand Doyan shrugs. “If you insist there is little reason to refuse you. I thank you for your… Openness.”

Then I turn back to the other Doyan, “I interrupted, you had a question?”

She nods, now smirking. “I simply wished to extend an invitation, more of a request really. For you to sit with me during the allotment hearings.”

I have absolutely no idea what those are. And while I just admitted to being young, I’d rather not look outwardly stupid or ignorant.

Stupid.

I. Am. Stupid.

Fuck… I can’t stop the little smirk at being able to call myself that again without pain.

“I’m honored, but why request my presence?”

She leans forward, rests elbows on the table. “We’ll be hearing thousands of research requests and calls to aid important projects. It’s a chance for us to meet with the people who fuel the lifeblood of Arudian workings and help guide them toward the most prosperous paths. I’d adore your input and perspective.”

Ah. The hearings that determine where the Doyans toss some of the wealth around. Kque and Jevita seemed to especially hate them. Despised the idea of people having to grovel to the highest in the land and often had to use backroom political nonsense to get writs of funding and discount approvals.

“Oh, um…”

I’d already spent the past week attending these conclaves, and… each tended to go on for at least eight hours. If not for my little healing songs I’d be a mess! And today was supposed to be the final meeting before a two-day break.

I’d been planning on doing a ton of other things! Spending time alone with a few of my lovers, and just like… trying to get a good twelve or fifteen hour rest to Dream with the Weaver so we can work out more song things!

And sex. LOTS of Sex. Fuck me silly, did I still need to gather a ton of Amwella to replenish my wellspring! But… Fuck this is literally a chance to reshape Arudia for the people! Give input and push funding toward good things and not weird political nonsense!

“When is the hearing?” I ask, “And how long will it last?”

“Tomorrow, and it’ll be an all day affair.” My heart almost sinks before she adds, “You’re, of course, under no obligation to attend the entire event if you agree. A few of us will rotate in throughout the day.”

“Oh! I might be handling other things but… can I send you my answer later tonight or… or in the morning?”

“No need.” She shrugs. “You may attend at your leisure, Ina. I’ll be in session just after lunch if I could trouble you to join at my appointed time.”

That… okay she’s being friendly! I can’t help but feel a little spark of joy at that. Maybe I can start building a sort of healthy relationship with these women after all starting with her!

There were a few more topics, all weird technical things I had to just… pretend to understand at least the shape of. But we do eventually escape the long and tiring meeting. Finally, outside the chambers, I find my big patient protector waiting on one of their really soft cushioned benches.

Her dark skin is flawless now, both eyes find me before mine touch upon her form. A gift I’d sung the moment I had the Amwella for it. Even before allowing my first command to be removed I’d insisted we heal this woman who saved our life.

“Zigdara…” I huff as she stands, giving me a light bow. “You… you really don’t need to wait out here through the entire conclave every day.”

“Lady Ina,” She smiles patiently, comfortable with this old exchange. “As I’ve always said, I’ll not be far away, especially when you might be among enemies. Not again.”

Every day, of every week, she’d insisted on accompanying me basically everywhere since that night.

Well… not everywhere. Still one place I need to see if she wants follow...

“At least tell me you got some lunch or…”

“Tasii made sure I had food for today when we left again.” She nods, “Kque and her have taken to the craft and exploring the art together quite well this past week.”

I can’t help but smile at that, they are SO cute to watch fiddle with all the strange Arudian tools, ingredients and recipes. Now insisting to cook for the entire house for most meals. They often kept leftovers for me to enjoy before collapsing into slumber after these long days. But… I’d been so occupied with the Doyans I’d not been able to try most of their wonderful work fresh.

“Shall we?” Zigdara asks, holds out her arm for me.

With a smile I happily take her big warm arm and let her escort me through the Academy’s halls.

We’d restored our leg’s bone sword… thing. But adjusted it so I could at least walk without the cane for most days. Needed to keep at least a partial front of ease and grace. Also I’d insisted we dulled the blade. Should It be needed I’d have to call Her up to use it anyway, and the song to re-sharpen it would be quick and easy to hum out alongside Her Waking Melody.

“Anything exceptional happen in today’s gathering?” She asks after a few moments of silent walking.

“Actually… I think so?” I tilt my head in thought.

Zigdara seems to… well not stiffen but become much more alert at the sudden change to our normal routine. “Oh?”

“I’ve… Well I think I’ve gotten them to stop being so fucking scared of me.” I smile a bit, “I know that sounds weird but…”

She stiffens a bit. “Is it wise to allow their fear to wane? For these angry and devious women to slowly consider you less dangerous?"

I shrug. “We need to get things done, Zigdara. And I’m still a stupid temple girl with less than a year’s experience even walking the Paths. I need them to call me out on at least some of my stupid ideas if we’re going to make Arudia a better place.”

“Ina, you’re not stupid. You’ve come far and blossomed much from who you were at the temple.” She lets out a huff, “And that’s… an incredibly humble thing to admit. I only hope they’ll see it as the peace offering it is.”

“Thanks." I lean into her arm and hum affectionately. "I’m also just trying to stop anyone from throwing lightning at us again.”