Without a doubt, the turn in the conversation was the weirdest interaction Thepa had ever had with her mother. Thepa knew her mother to be stern, often uptight, and downright ruthless when it came to matters of the state, but the moment Thepa started to come apart and her mother doing an about face, was one Thepa couldn't recall happening in living memory. The conversation vexed her so much, Thepa didn't even noticed the continued slights against her position as the two sipped on morning tea in the luxurious halls of the embassy.

"Have you even thought about when you will come home? You don't know what I had to—"

"Sister Vivian and Sister Onna," Thepa shouted, cutting her mother off.

"Keep your voice down. There's no need to let the whole of the nation hear you," Lockti answered, her tone laced in condescension, cleaning her hand from tea that had escaped her cup.

But Thepa pushed forward. She knew how precise her mother was with language. If manners were the most important lesson Thepa had to learn growing up, precision of language was a close second. From the moment she could speak, she learned to say things clearly and with intent. If they weren't careful, a wayward Matriarch could destroy a matron's life with a stray word.

"You said, 'Not all sisters are like Sister Vivian or Sister Onna.'"

"I know what I said. I was there."

Thepa could tell it got to her mother, who was looking quite intently at her own wrist, having long ago wiped the spilled tea from her body. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was on the offensive and had cornered her mother into an unseemly act.

"But why?" Thepa continued to press. "Shouldn't I want to have friends...advisors as you say like Sister Zelphina too?"

Lockti stopped, finally settling down her cup of tea. Looking her straight in the eye she rocked Thepa to her core for the second time that day.

"Bean."

It had been eighteen completions since Thepa last heard her mother call her Bean. Most six completions old wouldn't have given it a second thought, believing a younglinghood nickname was something they would have grown out of. However, Thepa never forgot. It was the day the three people she knew died, just not in the same way. Her Mimi to life, her mother to happiness, and her to her freedom. It was the day she was deemed to be the daughter of the Matriarch.

"Mom?" she asked afraid. Vulnerably couldn't even begin to describe what she was seeing or feeling. She set her own tea cup down trying not to shake.

"There are times when the path you're on feels like it's crumbling beneath your hooves," Lockti began, her voice low but steady. "When everything seems to be falling apart, you must keep moving forward. You have to trust you will find solid ground again."

Lockti's gaze, though soft, hinted at something more. Thepa felt a chill run through her, realizing that her mother was trying to tell her something without revealing it directly.

"Is something happening in the Beachwick?" She asked, her voice barely registering above a whisper.

"You can't run away from who you are," Lockti replied, sidestepping the question. "You are a Warbol. A Youngling of the Mountain hears the call of the wild, but a Warbol breathes Esha's smoke. His fire lives inside us, beckoning us to take our place among the Sisterhood."

Thepa's heart pounded in her chest. "Mom, you're scaring me."

Lockti looked at her for a long moment, locking her gaze, her expression unreadable. "Fear is a powerful thing, Bean. Don't let it hold you back. Instead, go where it teaches you. Go where he teaches you."

Thepa wanted to ask who, but a knock on the door interrupted their conversation, effectively ending it. It was time for them to go to the council meeting. Once more, her mother slipped on her facade as if the whole conversation never happened and the two walked to the council chambers in stone silence. When they arrived, Thepa took her post at the door, allowing each individual to fill in in rapid fashion.

The first to be seated was King Virran Starmoon, ruler of the Kingdom of Clayborn or, at least as he said it, the true ruler of the Youngling of the Stars. Unlike Goldale which was mostly elves, Clayborn was exclusively elves having locked out the other races long before satyrs had even met them. The king himself was grayed, but walked with a spring in his step. It was impossible to be sure, but Thepa estimated him to be many completions old, as most elves lived longer and aged slower than the other races of Sainta.

The Matriarch, Thepa's mother, and Mistress Deeprabbit were the second and third guests to be seated. The Matriarch walked right past her without saying a word, while the Mistress gave her a slight nod, neither gesture surprising her.

The fourth guest to be seated intrigued Thepa. He was the leader of the Free State of Swampspell, a hidden town on the far west side on the Isle of Esha, known only as Gildie. While all guests were allowed to bring a page, he was the only one who had done so, accompanied by a young woman wearing a black top that stopped at her midriff and matching shorts that didn't even make it down to her thighs. Attitude plastered her youthful face, followed up by pink hair, and pale skin. Had she not had a strong resemblance to the Swampspell leader, Thepa might have assumed she an escort. Somewhat concerned, she saw the girl down the hall to the waiting room in silence.

The fifth guest to be seated was President Bashan Skydane of the Republic of Lightmount. Of the five leaders Thepa met, Thepa disliked Skydane the least, believing him to be sly, devious, and generally untrustworthy. Whenever she knew she had to be in the same room as him, she kept her distance.

The last person to sit was the Archduke: Leoxidor Elderfond of Goldale. As he entered and shut the door, he apologized to the other members of the council for his 'accidental tardiness.' Thepa doubted that was true, knowing him to never be tardy for anything unless he absolutely intended to do so.

Thepa herself stood watch, keeping a silent vigil as observed pleasantries turn to petty squabbles. Two hours in, they accomplished nothing, other than posturing. Skydane and Starmoon dominated most of the conversation, parading like male peacocks to non-existent peahens.

Things were going nowhere, and they were getting there fast. Thepa tried to keep her interest, knowing that even the slightest lapse in attention could cost her or her soldiers dearly. She focused on their body language, noting every subtle shift in posture, every unspoken tension that might hint at something more than the surface-level bickering, but her mind started to wander back to the earlier conversation with her mother. Her mother's eyes locked with Thepa's, slightly turning her head. Thepa thought she might give her another clue to what she earlier meant, before Skydane banged on the table.

"This is preposterous. My Raiders were clearly chasing a group of goblins across the countryside. If your Reserve had not intervened, the problem could have already been handled. Now you damn elves have got goblins in your territory. Pretty soon they'll be breeding with those orcs and then who knows what kind of half beast we will have mucking about in Sainta."

King Starmoon sat back in his chair, a squeak escaping its hinges as he responded to the outburst. "Eloquent as always, Skydane. You know the laws as your people agreed to them fifteen completions ago. Our territory is our territory. Your people need an escort or papers to enter our lands, just like we need the same to enter yours. You pulled this same thing against us just last week outside Salmarah.... Besides, my Reserves report no sighting of these said goblins you claim were there. If they were, we would have quickly dispatched them ourselves."

President Skydane continued his outburst. "You know damn well that territory is ours."

"It most certainly is not." Said the elven king. "You're fortunate we agreed to let you keep half of it for the time being."

Thepa wondered if this was what the Archduke meant by needing her as his gentle tutting cut through the chamber. "Gentleman, now is not the time to be discussing land disputes. You both already agreed to table this manner until after headway is made in the war. However, President Skydane has a point. We cannot effectively deal with threats if we're constantly boggled down by bureaucracy."

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"Archduke if I may," said Deeprabbit gesturing to speak. "Wildehaven has experimented with a different approach to border control which has proven effective. Last completion we pulled back our guards to check only those entering the city of Wildehaven. Our agents found it not only lessened the burden on our automations, but showed no visible increase in hobgoblin raids. Perhaps we can consider dispensing with customs for allied nations outside of our cities, at least temporarily."

The Archduke nodded in agreement. "That is an interesting proposal, Mistress. What do the other nations think?"

Unsurprisingly, her mother was the first to answer. There wasn't a force on Sainta strong enough to make the Matron's break custom. "While the idea has merit, the Matrons have always relied on our traditions to see us through difficult times. Our laws are not something we are willing to compromise on, even in times of crisis. Even if I wanted to change," she said, looking at Thepa has she did, "I doubt the other Sisters would allow it. Political winds in the Beachwick may already be shifting."

What if there not shifting, but tearing everything a part?

"So, we are at an impasse," said President Skydane in frustration. "Even if Lightmount's senate agrees, we would not receive the same courtesy from the other nations."

"Maybe not," responded the Archduke. "I believe Mistress Deeprabbit's plan might work, but may require a little tweaking, that is, if you'll indulge me for a minute."

"What do you have in mind?" The Mistress said with a giggle, grabbing the elf's hand in the process. The two shared a knowing look causing Thepa to lose a small amount respect for the halfling.

"Captain Thepa." The Archduke called, snapping her to attention. She gave a quick salute, to acknowledge presence, but felt embarrassed, as if she had been caught with her hand in the sugar jar. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how she would feel about it later, her embarrassment was spared from only the Archduke, who continued to address her. "Captain, where do you hold diplomatic credentials?"

"Goldale and all five nations," she responded quickly.

"Great!" answered the Archduke. "How many of those nations have you been to?"

Thepa hesitated for a moment glancing towards Gildie before answering, "All five, my liege." Honestly, she wasn't sure. All who left Swampspell who were not a Youngling of Swampspell woke up with no memory of the experience. The only time she was sure she had been there, she woke up at the Goldale outpost on the Isle of Esha, after a blinding flash of light.

A slight smile escaped the corners of Gildie's mouth.

"Our issue is three-fold," said the Archduke. "We need to be able to work together, we need to protect the sovereignty of our borders, and we need to deal with threats that cross those borders. Therefore, I propose the creation of an elite team led by Captain Thepa. Each nation will provide a representative controlled through magical diplomatic pouches. If you need to communicate with your representative or require access to the team, your corresponding pouch will give you instant communication to them. Matriarch, your representative could ensure male team members stay off sacred ground. Gildie, your representative could assist the team in entering Swampspell and wiping their memories when necessary. Mistress, you have already stated Wildehaven is open to the plan, and unless there are no strong objections from President Skydane or King Starmoon, I believe we have an accord."

King Starmoon gave a nod in agreement. "The plan appears to be sound."

President Skydane wasn't so sure. "The threat to Lightmount, no, all of Sainta is looming. What if more than one nation requires their aid?"

"Excellent point, President Skydane. If the proposal proves successful, say by the time we meet again, I propose the creation of another team. That way, if multiple threats are present, there are multiple teams to deal with the problem."

Thepa watched as the president's face contorted into a malicious expression he often wore that made her not want to trust him in the first place. "In that case, I offer my personal guard and best fighter. He has faithfully served Lightmount, and I am confident that he will be a valuable asset for the team. Perhaps you've heard of Commander Will Steel?"

Thepa had not. Lightmount had the biggest army in the realm, so she didn't know of his feats, but the way the president spoke of him made her feel as if he was going to be trouble. She thought to ask more, but suddenly everyone was on board, offering their services as if their petty arguing had never happened.

Not to be out done, King Starmoon quickly followed. "I recently reviewed the Order of Kai. There is a monk who has proven himself to be more advanced than the rest of the Order, save for my son. I offer up this monk for the team."

Gildie chimed in, "There's only one person I trust. My daughter will give me the real scoop. Unless she supports it, Swampspell won't endorse a new team. Luckily for all of us, my Lily is the best rogue in Sainta."

The Matriarch looked at Thepa as she spoke. "Sister Vivian will represent the Beachwick. There is no stronger Matron in all the land."

"Agreed," said Thepa stoically. It was one hundred percent true.

Finally, the Mistress stood up tall and made a rare boast. "Sargent Major Silver is my finest paladin. Furthermore, I believe she already has diplomatic credentials in all your nations." Thepa suppressed a smile, but inside she was jumping for joy. It was almost a dream come true to be alongside her friend again.

Just as Thepa was about to express her approval, the atmosphere shifted. The doors to the chamber suddenly burst open, startling everyone inside. Standing in the doorway was a tall feminine figure, her hand poised, ready to cast a spell. Thepa's eyes widened as she took in the sight—a warrior dressed for battle whose face was hidden behind a mask with sharp blue tips jutting out in all directions.

A quick glance at the Archduke's expression confirmed the visitor was not expected. Acting swiftly, Thepa leapt, drawing a well-concealed dagger from behind her back. With insaintian speed she pounced, sending both her and the intruder spiraling to the ground. With one arm, she pinned the intruder down and brought the other to the intruder's throat, ready to neutralize any possible threat. She heard gasps from behind her, but it was the voice in front of her that caught her attention.

"Madam Priestess!"

Thepa looked up and there, ten feet away stood an astonished Gamma. Confused, she loosened her grip on the intruder as they struggled to free their hand revealing a piercing set of green eyes and red hair pulled back into a bun.

With a grin, Rory spoke to her. "I knew it had been a while since I wrote, but I didn't think you were mad enough to attack me."

Thepa scrambled off her sister and helped her to her feet.

"I'm so sor...what are you...I'm..." Thepa tried to get the words out but Rory ignored them and hugged her.

It was a warm hug and one she sorely missed. It had been so long since they had seen each other, she didn't care if her mother or the nation's leaders witnessed her affection. Instead, she crushed her sister in her arms as tightly as she could.

As Thepa held her sister, a voice behind them interrupted, clearing its throat to gather their attention. "You want to fill me in on what's going on here, Captain?"

Rory, turned, letting her go, then set her mace on the table with a small bow. "Forgive me for my brash entrance, Archduke. I only just arrived, and I promise you that Captain Thepa did not know I would be here," she explained.

"Well, Ma'am. "Not that I'm thrilled my captain would attack a friend for my life, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage."

"My apologies, Archduke. Sometimes the High Priestess forgets her manners," Deeprabbit answered with a frown. "Therefore, allow me to introduce you to Madam Aurora Fox, High Priestess of Chandeidra."

The Archduke seemed satisfied and gave Rory a look that made both Thepa and the Mistress uneasy. "That's quite alright, Mistress. Rudeness can be excused, especially if it comes in good packaging. Unfortunately, Madam, we are in a rather important meeting. If you have some time in an hour or two, we could meet in my chambers to discuss the reason for your visit?" he offered.

Rory looked as if she was about to speak, but instead was interrupted by King Starmoon. "Did you say Aurora Fox?"

Recognition dawned on President Skydane's face, his eyes widening. "The Hero of Selmarah?"

Thepa answered them both with a smile towards her friend and sister. "Correct."

Skydane sat back in his chair reeling, "She saved a group of my Golden Scouts at that battle. If what half of General Todla said is true about you, I should be pinning the Silver Cross on your chest."

Rory blushed in embarrassment.

"No offense President Skydane, but she would hate that." Thepa affirmed at Rory's embarrassment, her friends' cheeks clashing horribly with her hair. "Not that she wouldn't be grateful, but she's never been one comfortable with receiving rewards."

Rory nodded in agreement. "I would...be grateful, but a reward isn't necessary. What I do, I do for Chandeidra and Sainta." She then turned back towards Gamma. "I think everything is alright now, please wait for me in the sitting room." Gamma nodded and turned down the hall, while Rory turned her attention back towards the group. "Again, forgive my intrusion, but I was sent straight here by Madam Delphi."

Mistress Deeprabbit jumped, shock dribbling over her. "The Prophetess sent you here? Why?"

Rory shrugged, "I've been instructed to join your team."

"Team?" said the Matriarch in a solemn voice. Thepa was just as confused.

"I believe she is referring to the elite team we are currently putting together. Is that correct Madam Priestess?" Asked the Archduke.

Rory smiled. "That is correct."

The Mistress sat back in a huff. "Always trouble when those two are together."

"Trouble? What do you mean by trouble?" Gildie asked speaking for the first time since offering his champion.

The Mistress looked up vaguely and said, "I would just make sure that you lock up your valuables, as things tend to go missing when those two get together."

Thepa was mortified and blushed profusely, realizing that she might be in serious jeopardy. She tried to say something while avoiding eye contact with her mother, "I...."

But the Mistress cut her off with a boisterous laugh, echoing across the room. "Next time you take my sherry, you two better invite me. You could barely walk by the time I found you. Yes, Wildehaven approves this. If we vote, I vote aye."

There was an awkward silence, which was soon broken by a chuckle from the Archduke. "Any objections to a second representative from Wildehaven?" He waited a minute, but no one spoke. "Very well. Have each of your representatives' report to Captain Thepa one week from today. Captain? Priestess? You're dismissed, but I would like to see both of you after the meeting. Now on to intelligence reports. King Starmoon, my scouts have seen an unusual number of orcs on our borders..."