Daniel had spent the next several days working with Katrina to try and perfect the ability she was said to have developed in mere minutes. It was more difficult for him, as his Dunamis was a far more volatile element. But in the end, he managed to change his skin color and hair to match those of a Dae. He now had a yellow complexion, and pearl white hair. Though not the common length of a Dae, which hung down past their shoulders, it would pass. Alektor had shorter hair too, so he would just say he styled it after his. He also had assumed the identity of a Visgo prince named Pol’medus, younger brother of Queen Athica. And second in the line of succession, after her unborn child. It was a strange sensation, changing his appearance; but also, somewhat liberating.
After another two days of preparation, Daniel and his party were ready to embark. Having been briefed on their route by Turak, assigned a retinue of twenty-four elite warriors, and provided with as many supplies as they could carry; the time had come to finally leave.
Daniel rode at the head of the column, next to Turak. In the rear were Avria and the hand-picked elite warrior, Malak, riding just behind a stone carriage that slid across the road. The trek to Exous would be a long one. Being a small kingdom at the far South side of Eleutheros, they would have to journey through Baa’Yega territory, then through Sabree, and through Volsung. Turak told Daniel it would be weeks of travel, at their current speed.
Within two days, they approached the familiar pale walls of Baa’Yega. A long barrier that had been erected centuries ago, back when Lokkon and Rexun had been the same clan. They approached the large gate house that would be their entrance, and found a full entourage of blue clad warriors and what Daniel thought were noblemen and women.
“Here we go.” Turak said, bringing his Cro’kan to a trot.
As they approached, one of the Baa’Yega warriors held his hand up and the party came to a stop.
“Please state your business.” He announced.
Turak removed a scroll from his satchel, and presented it to the warrior. It was golden, and held on it the royal seal of House Roh. It was Alektor’s decree and proof of their identity as ambassadors of the High King himself. “I am Lord Turak, of House Skotos. We come on behalf of our High King, Alektor. We bid passage through your lands to fulfill our diplomatic mission to Exous.” Turak lowered the scroll, and the warrior before him bowed his head.
“We welcome you to the territory of Baa’Yega.” The warrior said, “Princess Avria, and Lord Turak as well as all members of your party, are invited to rest here for the remainder of the day. Our Prince and Princess have overseen the construction of a small site. They wish to meet with you.”
Daniel shrugged when all eyes turned toward him. Turak’s look was unreadable. And Daniel let out a sigh. He really wasn’t going to make this trip easy on him.
“We’re alright.” Daniel said, “We’ve got a strict schedule to meet. Tell them we—”
Daniel was cut off when Avria rode next to him. “Don’t be foolish.” She said, her voice hushed. “The Prince and the Princess are both here. They expect an audience.”
Daniel scowled at her. “Avria, we don’t have time for this. We don’t know how long our spies can keep tabs on the cultists. lives are at stake here.”
“Daniel.” She said firmly, “Our mission here is not just to find your friends or these other humans. It is also to conduct ourselves with our neighboring clans. They have gone through the trouble of setting this up. It would be greatly offensive to deny them this.”
Daniel stared at her for a moment, then shook his head. “Fine.” He said, then lifted his head up to speak to Turak. “Tell the Prince and the Princess that we would be honored to accept their hospitality.”
Turak nodded with a grin and relayed the message.
The warrior bowed his head again, even lower this time, and turned to guide them through the gate.
As they moved past the wall, Daniel was again struck by how beautiful the Baa’Yega territory actually was. The trees littered the valleys below. There were long spiraled towers that stood hundreds of feet in the air throughout the valley as well, sticking out of the canopy of the trees. Tearing his eyes from the scenery, he saw that just outside of the gate, there was an assortment of luxurious huts made of stone. Nearly identical to the ones Alektor had been using with them lately. There were six large houses that surrounded a massive fire pit in the center. Daniel had to admit he was growing very fond of these royal camping spots. Just outside of the huts were two dozen small tents. Daniel figured they were for the warriors they had accompanying them.
After dismounting, and turning their Cro’kan over to several Dae handlers, Daniel, Turak, and Avria made their way toward the center of their royal encampment. Standing there were two Dae in luxurious clothing, a man, and a beautiful woman, surrounded by attendants.
“Lord Turak of House Skotos!” One of the attendants announced. “Princess Avria, of House Regios! And…” He looked at Daniel expectantly.
“Oh, uh… Prince Pol’medus of house Krat.” Daniel whispered.
“And Prince Pol’medus of house Krat!”
The two well-dressed Dae approached with the grace of nobility, their attire shimmering under the soft light of the sun. Their smiles were warm, inviting, and as they neared, the air seemed to carry a hint of anticipation.
“Welcome! I am Prince Reni of House Rogima.” He greeted, his voice resonant yet gentle, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect.
His companion, equally regal, followed suit. “And I am Princess Tali, also of House Rogima,” she announced, her voice melodious as she mirrored her brother's bow. “We are so happy that you have accepted our invitation.”
Avria responded with a courteous bow of her head. “Prince and Princess,” she acknowledged, her tone respectful yet weary from her journey. “Thank you for your hospitality. It is a welcome respite from the road.”
Tali, unable to contain her excitement, pranced over to Avria, her movements light and almost dance-like and took Avria's hands in hers. “Princess Avria!” she exclaimed with a genuine warmth that seemed to light up her eyes. “I am so pleased to finally meet you. And congratulations to your father for his new appointment as King of Lokkadonia.”
“Yes,” Reni added, turning his attention now to Daniel. His gaze was appraising, perhaps curious about the unexpected presence of a royal from Visgo. “And it is wonderful to finally meet one of the royal members of House Krat. Visgo royalty seem to all be isolationists.”
Daniel felt the weight of the situation. He was not born into this life, and every word he spoke was a learned response, not a natural one. He bowed slightly, trying to mimic the practiced ease of those born into nobility. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he managed, his voice steady but lacking the natural flair of his peers. He was acutely aware of his own limitations in the art of courtly conversation. “A respite from the harshness of the road is more than welcome,” he added, inwardly congratulating himself on sounding somewhat regal. However, he caught Avria's subtle eye roll, a silent critique of his performance.
“Please, please!” Reni said, “Change from your travel clothes, bathe. Today you are our honored guests! You have a long road ahead of you yet, so rest and leave your worries for tomorrow.”
Daniel was approached by several attendants and looked behind him briefly to catch Avria’s eye. She nodded toward him, and they followed their guides to their royal accommodations. The stone hut he was brought too was far more luxurious than the ones he had used previously. It even had a stone door that opened and closed when you placed your hand on an imbued plate that sat in the center of it. When he entered it, Daniel could hardly believe his eyes. Velvet-like curtains hung from the ceiling, and lush rugs covered the floor. There was a massive bed in the center with fine pillows and sheets as well.
“The bathing room his here, my Lord.” The attendant who led him there said, bowing his head. “Feel free to use any of the clothes that have been left for you. Leave your travel clothes here, and we will have them cleaned for you in time for your departure tomorrow.”
“Thanks– eh, Thank you.” Daniel corrected himself, looking again at how amazing his accommodation was.
After bathing and putting on the most normal looking clothes he could find from the assortment provided for him. Daniel made his way outside and saw Turak in a discussion with Malak, the one in charge of their warriors. Daniel approached and greeted them both.
“How’s everything coming?” Daniel asked,
“Oh, hello Daniel.” Turak said, forcing a smile across his face. “It would seem our hosts are insisting our warriors and guards stay out of the royal area here. They keep assuring us that we are well protected here and have no need for any extra security. That isn’t the point though. As up until a short time ago, the Baa’Yega were our enemies, and I would like my own warriors to protect us while we sleep.”
“Seems rational,” Daniel agreed. “Who’s in charge?”
“An annoying woman, who’s name I didn’t care to remember.” Turak spat in annoyance.
“Alright.” Daniel nodded, “Where is she?”
“Back at the tents.” Malak said, “She is helping our warriors organize our sleeping arrangements...”
“Alright.” Daniel said, “Tell her that it would greatly offend the princess of Lokkon if she doesn’t have her warriors present. Make sure to convey that it is a great insult to a warrior princess like her.”
“I will relay the message, my Lord.” Malak said, then bowed to him and Turak and left.
“Warrior princess, huh?” Turak said, letting out a chuckle.
“She fits the bill.” Daniel shrugged.
“I’m sure she does.”
Daniel noticed a slight grimace on Turak’s face. “Well, you look like you could use a drink. Care to join me?”
Turak turned to meet his eyes. “I would be honored. And truer words have never been spoken.”
Daniel and Turak made their way to an assortment of stone benches in the center. Avria sat with Reni and Tali, sipping wine and talking amongst themselves.
“I hope we aren’t intruding.” Turak said, bowing as they approached.
“Lord Turak! Come, sit!” Reni said, gesturing to the empty benches. “We were just discussing the war.”
“Ah… a fine topic to start the night.” Turak remarked sarcastically.
“I didn’t know that Princess Avria was a warrior.” Tali said, smiling at them. “It is so rare to find royalty that fights with the warriors as well.”
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Turak chuckled, “Highness, in Rexun all who wear the crown are expected to fight. If you cannot fight for your people, how can you expect them to fight for you?”
There were several seconds of silence as Turak’s words sank in, and Daniel noticed Tali’s smile slip, ever so slightly.
“Well, none of us here can deny the battle prowess of Rexunii royalty.” She said, then looked at Daniel. “And Prince Pol’medus.”
“Pol, is fine.” He added, already tired of people pronouncing his entire name.
“Pol.” She repeated it, “What a strange name. I am most curious about you. There are many rumors in our court. Would you be willing to answer some questions?”
“With all due respect.” Turak interjected. “Your Highness, I think we should hold the questions until Pol’medus at least holds a bowl of wine.”
Reni and Tali laughed, and motioned the attendants around them who held jugs of wine. “Let’s solve that problem.” She chirped happily,
Daniel accepted a bowl and took a long drink from it. To his surprise it was very sweet and refreshing. More like punch than wine. He also noted that it was ice cold.
Tali, seeming to have observed his reaction, giggled. “Do you like it?” She asked, “It is one of Baa’Yega’s most popular blends of wine. We imported imbued containers from Vohnavix. The civilized settlement of Delmaya has many interesting trinkets from the savages who live there. It keeps everything very cold. Perfect for a day like today, don’t you agree?”
Daniel drank the rest of his bowl and held it out to fill it again. “Wow. This has got to be the best damn wine I’ve had since I got he— uh left Pontos. Nothing like this on Visgo, let me tell ya.”
Avria took a shaky breath, most likely restraining her unyielding desire to reprimand him. “Be sure to slow down then, Prince Pol. This wine is rather strong. I would hate to see you stumbling around here drunk.” She said, before whispering “again.”
“Nonsense, Avria.” Tali smiled, her eyes turning predatory. “Let the poor man enjoy himself.”
“Tali.” Reni chuckled. “Have you forgotten your questions?”
“Ah~!” She lifted her finger dramatically, “You’re right dear brother.” She looked Daniel in the eyes and smiled. “We have heard from several people in court, that you are well acquainted with the Spirit-Sent. Particularly you, Avria. We heard you trained one of them how to fight!”
“I…” she managed to say. Attempting and failing to hide her obvious discomfort. “I did, in fact, train Spirit-Sent Katrina in the ways of her blade.”
“Oh! How exciting!” Tali exclaimed. “Is it true they don’t sleep?”
Turak almost spit his wine out at the question.
Daniel chuckled. “That, is uh… untrue. Humans sleep, some way too much.”
“I see. So, you are familiar with them as well. That would make sense, given King Reku is your brother-in-law after all.” Tali leaned back, her smile unwavering. “This is so thrilling! Alright, next question. It's said they possess strange and unnatural abilities. We've heard tales of their deeds in the last battle—calling forth golden flames, raising mountains from the ground, or even resurrecting the dead! Is there any truth to this?”
Daniel hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to answer.
“The Spirit-Sent have abilities that are different from the Dae.” Avria interjected mercifully. “That doesn’t mean that they are unnatural. Spirit-Sent Daniel is a Dae-Ra, and his control over fire is strong. Spirit-Sent Katrina is a Dae-Voh, but as far as slaughtering swaths of warriors with flames or raising the dead, the answer is no; nothing else need be said.”
Tali gave a slight look of disappointment. “That’s a shame, I suppose. We heard that one summoned a spirit blade in the second battle for Vul De Rah, and blasted hundreds of warriors to a fiery death.”
Daniel swallowed hard.
“I was there, Tali.” Avria reaffirmed, her voice serious. “Daniel is a skilled warrior. not an unnatural one.”
“Fine. I will accept your answers, though I think you’re holding back.” Tali raised a mischievous eyebrow. “That brings me to my next question. Why are they here? Humans, I mean. How did they get here, and why?”
Daniel took a deep breath and shrugged. “I’m sorry, but we really don’t know. According to them, they woke up in this world with no recollection of how it actually transpired. There isn’t much more information we can give you. It’s a real mystery”
“But where did they come from?” Reni asked, “Isn’t it odd that they arrived, just after the High Espi-Dae’s vision?”
Daniel laughed. “I don’t know. So far, they haven’t done anything to show me they’re demons.”
“They are just like you or I.” Avria continued for him. “They eat, sleep, just like a Dae.”
“It seems so surreal.” Tali said, “From how the Espi-Dae said it, they were all demons and monsters. But you’re making them out to be… just normal.”
“Well, they can’t be all that different. King Reku has mated with the Visgo queen.” Reni said, “That can only mean that humans and Dae have the ability to reproduce together.”
“These questions are making me feel a bit uncomfortable.” Turak said, turning to look at Daniel. His look was obvious. Don’t say anything. Daniel took the hint, and again shrugged, feigning ignorance.
“I wouldn’t know about that either.” He said, “If it’s possible, I guess we’ll just have to see.”
Tali sighed, “I suppose.” She glanced at Avria. “I would propose another game then. I think my curiosity has been sated, for now.”
Avria gave her a blank stare, clearly not enjoying the attention.
Tali snapped her fingers, and five jugs of wine were placed on the table in front of each of them. “The game is simple. We drink and drink, until each of these jugs are empty.” She giggled eagerly pouring wine into her bowl.
Avria rolled her eyes, looking as though she were about to decline.
“Don’t even think about backing out, Avria.” Tali said, “We are celebrating your ascension into true royalty as well. It would be very rude to decline.”
Avria grimaced, but filled her bowl of wine and started to drink.
After what felt like hours, Daniel’s vision started to blur, and the smell of sweet wine had completely filled his senses. They had laughed and conversed with the siblings, mainly Daniel and Turak. Avria seemed to be sulking on the sidelines, slowly sipping her wine. Darkness had started to embrace the land, and small bulbs of fire were made around them to keep the light. It wasn’t until Turak started to talk about his new mate to be. With that, Daniel’s attention was brought back to the conversation.
“Well, who is it then!?” Rani asked. “Spit it out, Turak!” He laughed.
“I really shouldn’t.” Turak grinned, leaning back. After some time, one of the attendants was pulled into the festivities, and had been given permission to drink, but only if she sat on Turak’s lap. By this time, she giggled and held him like he was a king.
“It must be someone high in the ranks. And you said she was Lokkadonian…” Tali pondered, her face flushed blue. Then her eyes widened. “I know! It’s Illya of House Ignos!”
Turak smacked his forehead dramatically but groaning in feigned defeat.
“Wait… it is!?” Reni seemed surprised. Daniel sighed heavily, the topic one of genuine concern for him.
“Alektor is making you mate with her!?” Reni continued.
“Scandalous.” Tali laughed, “Why in all the names of the spirits would she agree to something like that. After what happened.”
“Well, it was either that, or her brother face the consequences.” Turak’s face split into a grin. “Well, it isn’t until I return from this mission, so.” He grabbed the attendant’s rear, and she let out a yelp. “Until then, I will have my fill where I can.”
Daniel was still a bit shocked from learning this before, but Alektor’s strategy made sense to him. Illya was still from an old and powerful House. No doubt Alektor believed he had every right to punish her for her family’s crimes. But this way, she still retained some political value. And in a way it would elevate her family to a higher status. Turak was Alektor’s second after all, though his discomfort with the whole situation was evident.
“Well, my dear?” Turak asked, looking at the attendant, a hunger in his eyes. “Would you mind showing me to my hut? I tend to get lost when I drink too much wine.”
She giggled and stood from his lap and pulled him by his hands out of the light, and into the darkness of the camp.
Tali stretched her arms and looked into her empty jug of wine. “Well, I must say, it has been quite a pleasure meeting all of you. But there are still a few things we absolutely MUST go over together.”
“It is a bit late.” Avria spoke, her eyes betraying her feelings. “And we have an early start tomorrow.”
“Oh, come now~” Tali's voice took on a conspiratorial tone as she scooted closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I want to tell you the real reason our father insisted we come here to meet with you.”
“Tali,” Reni interjected, his voice carrying a note of caution. “It’s too late for this.”
“No, Reni. You know what father said. You can't get out of it.”
Avria shifted, her discomfort palpable. She sighed heavily, clearly bracing herself for what was to come as the effervescent princess continued undeterred.
“Father said,” Tali paused for dramatic effect, her voice lowering to a whisper, “that he wanted to propose a marriage between our families!”
Avria, caught completely off guard, spat out her wine, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and indignation. “I’m sorry?”
“Our father, King Tegan, sent a formal request to your father, King Telmos, this morning.” Tali's smile was broad, almost triumphant. “He wants you to marry Reni here!”
Avria's face contorted into a complex tapestry of emotions; offense, disgust, hatred, and a flicker of fear, all mingling together in a single, intense expression.
Despite the tension, or perhaps because of it, Daniel couldn't suppress a laugh. The absurdity of the situation, coupled with Avria's priceless reaction, was too much for him.
“Pol!” Tali chided. “Don’t laugh, it’s serious!”
“I don’t think that would be possible.” Avria replied, glaring at Daniel. “With my… mission… or.” She narrowed her eyes. “My father wouldn’t—”
“Time for bed, Tali.” Reni stood, his face one of complete embarrassment. “I must apologize, Princess. My sister tends to be a bit brash and overzealous when drunk.”
“Oh, stop it.” She giggled. “It was just a bit of fun.” She lifted her arms in the air dramatically. “Very well, I am tired now. Reni!” She called, “Take me to bed.”
Reni sighed heavily and picked her up off the stone bench. “My sister seems to have had too much to drink. I better get her to bed before she vomits all over me. Please accept my sincerest apologies. Sleep well my friends!”
After, Daniel was left with Avria and several attendants who still stood around them. “You all can go.” He said to them. “We’re fine.”
The attendants all looked at one another nervously, then bowed and walked away.
“You alright?” He asked her, and she tilted her head toward him. Daniel noticed then that her eyes were a bit hazy, and she had a deep blue blush on her face. “Hah! I can’t believe Kat is missing this, you’re drunk!”
Avria scoffed, turning away from him. “I am not ‘drunk’, Daniel. I just haven’t had the misfortune of indulging in childish games and drink in many years.”
“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad.” he said, chuckling. “I thought it was fun.”
“Of course you would.” She stiffened, “You can’t hold your wine though, so I’m surprised you’re still standing.”
“Hey now.” Daniel held his hands up defensively. “I can hold my wine just fine. I just.” His eyes became distant as the memory of Rin and Matea flashed across his mind. Avria must have noticed this because she immediately turned to face him.
“I’m sorry, Daniel. I didn’t mean to bring that up.” She looked at him sympathetically.
“No, Avria. It’s alright. I know you know what I’m going through. Seeing people you care about die, is…”
“I’ve seen comrades die, Daniel. Friends and family on the battlefield” She took another small sip of wine. “But, you said something to me after the death of Oros. That for whatever reason stuck with me. You said, ‘You are a force of nature when you’re focused. Keep their memory alive in your deeds. Fight on and lead your friends and companions to victory. And complete your mission’.”
Daniel smiled, happy that he was at least somewhat helpful to her during that difficult time. “I guess you’re right.” He said, “But don’t tell me I can’t hold my wine. Last time was a fluke.”
Avria seemed to bristle at the words. “It certainly was.”
Daniel sat for several seconds, drinking more wine to numb his thoughts. “Come on.” He finally spat. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”
Avria raised an eyebrow, her golden eyes glaring at him. “I hope you aren’t talking about what I think you are.”
“And what would that be?”
Avria sighed, “Don’t play stupid with me. We agreed never to speak of it again.”
“Hey, don’t make it seem like I was the only one at fault.” Daniel’s eyes blazed with defiance. “You kissed me back. I also seem to remember you wrapping your arms around my neck and pulling me in too.”
Avria’s face went completely blue, and she fumed. “We are not having this conversation, Daniel.”
“No, we need to clear the air.” He continued. “The first time you brought it up, I let it slide, but at least I had an excuse.” He held up his bowl of wine. “I was drunk off my ass. You were sober.”
“What do you want from me?” Avria growled. Daniel’s words caught in his throat, at the sight of her eyes flaring with anger. “I am struggling with my own obstacles, Daniel. My family, my status, my clan,” She paused for a moment, and her posture softened ever so slightly. “You… I don’t know the right way forward. I have been a strong and reliable ward for decades, advising the will of my Hego and my father. Now I am a princess who has responsibilities beyond anything I would have imagined.” She shook her head, “And you keep prodding me with this nonsense. Pushing me because of a foolish moment of weakness.”
“Avria.” Daniel said, unsure how to proceed. How to reassure her. “It wasn’t a moment of weakness, Avria. I am not your weakness.”
She looked at him, puzzled
“I won’t let you label me as such either.” Daniel took a long drink from his wine and slammed his bowl on the table. “I am a strength. And I always will be. You fuckin’ know that, because of all the shit we went through. Just like you are a strength to me. You’re the one who always is talking about honor and duty and all that other bullshit. Maybe your own insecurity is the weakness.”
Avria narrowed her eyes. “What are you trying to say?”
“That night we both reached out for our strength.” He said, “I looked in your eyes, and saw one of the most beautiful and trustworthy people I’ve ever met. And whether through a lapse in judgment, or the wine or whatever, I went in. And when you reciprocated? I knew that I made the right call.” He stood and tossed the remaining wine in his bowl on the grass. “But you moved on, told me to call it quits.”
“Don’t talk to me this way, Daniel.” Avria stood angrily as well. “I will not sit here and be spoken down to, by you or anyone else.”
Daniel waved his hand dismissively. “Then you should go to bed. Let’s cool our heads and. I don’t know… deal with this shit in the morning.”
Avria huffed, and left Daniel there alone. He watched as her silhouette faded into the night and cursed at himself internally. This mess was definitely becoming a distraction. He didn’t have time to focus on feelings or any other meaningless drama. He let out a sigh, suddenly regretting tossing the last of his wine in the grass.