The first thing I did when I got back to the castle was go to my room and switch into a beautiful teal colored dress. The dress was aligned, hugged my body just right, and fell short of touching the ground as I preferred my dresses I wear on the daily, not to touch the ground. That was just my way of keeping them cleaner, despite them being magically enhanced to self clean and keep tidy.
I kept my hair casual as I brushed it out of the pony tail and let it flow free. I strapped a black belt across my waist to keep my bag of holding in place and left my room shortly after.
I went down to the kitchen shortly after to inform Roland that we need a few bottles of wine delivered to the Council chambers around noon.
“Noon’s a little early for drinking isn’t it?” Roland questioned me as I sensed a wave of concern wash over him.
I shrugged, “They requested it considering a new member is joining.”
“Ah… the tradition of the oldest wine being drunk at the celebration.”
“Exactly.” I said in response, “So do you think you can have it there around noon?”
“Should be no problem. Who’s the lucky one joining?” Roland questioned.
“Aster.” I told him. His body stiffened a bit then relaxed. I could tell he was nervous considering Aster’s family history. “It’ll be alright.” I reassured him.
He sighed, “I know it will, that boy has a good head on his shoulders. I just hope his family keeps their cool.”
That thought didn’t cross my mind that much, “I’m sure it will be fine. Aster is his own person. If his family causes issues, we will deal with that when the time comes.”
Roland nodded, “Understood. I will have the wine there just before noon.”
“Thank you.” I said. Before I headed out I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie off the counter and munched on it on the way down to the Council chambers.
Despite hearing someone else's concerns on Aster joining the Council I still felt confident in my decision. Aster may have a rocky family past, however, that is his past. His present and future is still yet to be decided and like I said he has a good head on his shoulders.
You made the right choice. Théoden told me through the bond reassuring me.
Thanks. I believe I did. I just hope the others won’t be negative about it.
Not everyone will agree but that is part of life. Théoden told me.
I simply nodded. At this point I was down in the chambers a couple of hours in advance. I cleaned up the Council chambers a bit and sat in my chair and waited.
I had a couple of hours I needed to prepare and think for what I was going to tell Wulfric, Fredrick, and Thora.
Just get straight to the point and let it play out. Théoden told me. Just remember they have the right to react how they wish.
I nodded, what he said made sense. However, it still made me feel a bit uneasy. I’ll try my best.
Just let me know if you need me there. I will be watching otherwise.
I will. Just keep an eye on things for now.
Mhm. Théoden responded. What are you going to do for the next few hours?
I sighed… Think about what I’m going to say before the meeting.
Alright. If you get too bored…
I know and I might. I told him that part of me wanted to jump into his vision now, however, when I do that, it seems like time flies and then I won’t have any time to prepare and I need to prepare a bit.
“Alright Maria…” I began to mumble to myself. “Main points I need to get across. Aster is taking Sybil’s spot. Let them react. Ask questions if needed. Aster says the pledge. We drink wine.”
I nodded, as if agreeing with myself to the order of events that I hoped would follow suit.
Two hours have come and gone by now and Roland had just dropped off the wine and had it uncorked and ready for us to pour. “It’ll be fine Maria.” Roland told me as he gave me a gentle pat on the shoulder.
I nodded, “I know it will. It still doesn’t make this any easier.” I told him.
“I get it. Just know it will be fine.” Roland said as he walked to the Council chamber door and placed his hand on the knob.
“Thanks Roland.” I said as I felt a bit better now despite his reaction to the news earlier. I wondered how he could change his mind so easily.
Roland nodded and walked out. Soon after Cedric arrived in a grey colored suit. “Ready for this Princess Maria?” Cedric asked in his calm voice. He walked in stride over to his chair, not missing a beat. He pulled his chair out with ease and took a seat. He sat tall and firm and looked at me. Waiting for my response.
“Most definitely. Let’s just hope this goes better than my Formal Celebration.” I said as my own Celebration ended with all of us getting poisoned and Théoden saving us by utilizing a spell called Lesser Restoration.
“Indeed… Indeed…” Cedric said as he nodded in agreement. “Theo is on standby right?”
I smiled and pointed to my mind, “Of course, he always is.”
“Good.” Cedric said. I could tell he was a bit nervous since our last few meetings haven’t been that great. Something I hoped would turn around and perhaps Aster and his personality would do the trick.
“Cedric, I did find some old files my father was working on prior to….” By then the door was opened and Wulfric and Thora both walked in. Causing me to lose my thoughts in the process.As I was hoping to change the subject a bit by discussing those files I found.
Thora wore a beautiful floor length deep green gown that contained a golden belt. Whereas Wulfric wore a black suit. Thora walked in wearing flats, so the sound of soft tapping filled the air as she walked with a gentle pace. Wulfric, on the other hand, moved silently as if his feet never touched the ground.
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“Cedric said you found someone to take Sybil’s spot?” Thora asked as she took her seat across from Wulfric.
“I have. He should be here soon.” I told her.
“Who is it?” Thora asked as I could almost sense the curiosity radiate off of her and Wulfric both.
I took a deep breath before telling them. It was only fair that Cedric already knew. “Aster. Aster Orion.”
They both just stared at me blankly at first before Thora responded, “Interesting Choice Princess Maria. Do you think he will perform well in the role?”
I could tell that she was worried as they both were. “I do and I hope we all can get work well together.”
“I’m sure we will. I have no problem with him or his family. I don’t like how his family treated his father and the forced change from half-elf to elf.” Thora responded with honesty.
“Thank you for the honesty.” I told her. “I get the hesitation but I assure you Aster is a good kid.”
“There is no question about that.” Wulfric said, “After all, he volunteers half his time with the kids of the kingdom telling them stories.” Wulfric pointed out. “His family may be rotten but Aster has a heart.”
“Indeed he does.” I responded.
A few more minutes passed before Fredrick walked in. Fredrick looked awful as the one he loved had been buried just this past week. On top of that he was fooled to think a dragon was his love.
“Princess this meeting… necessary?” Fredrick asked as he walked to his seat. His face shone like that of depression. As his eyes contained darkened circles underneath. His weight also seemed to have been affected as he appeared a bit skinnier now.
“Sorry Fredrick but yes.” I told him as I averted his eyes. I couldn’t stand to look at someone else’s pain. And I knew, the way he looked, he was hurting. “Are you alright?” I asked him cautiously.
He sucked in a deep breath of air and released, “It’s been rough… but healing is a slow process.” He said.
I nodded, “Yes…. yes it is. If you need someone to talk to Fredrick, please don’t hesitate.”
“Thank you Maria but I think dealing with this alone right now is the best way to go.” Fredrick said.
“Grieving alone may not always be the best.” Thora said. “We are all here for you Fredrick.”
“She’s not wrong.” Cedric said, chiming in. “Your grief is greater than ours but we are all grieving that loss.”
“Thank you all. Truly. But I'm dealing with it how I can. I was made to be the fool, not all of you.” Fredrick said.
In reality he was the one that was used. Crimson somehow managed to manipulate him to help Marcel and her plans along. Let alone messing with his heart as he loved Sybil.
“We all mean it Fredrick.” Thora said once more reassuring him. He simply nodded and stared at the table.
Shortly after the conversation died, A gentle but firm knock sounded against the door and Aster walked in. “Am I late?” Aster asked as he looked around the round table and saw all of us here.
I looked out the window and back at him “Nope, we were just early.” I said, “Please come take a seat.” I said as I motions towards Sybils chair.
“I…” Aster spoke, taking a deep breath. I could sense he was nervous for this. As he was filling a big role.
“It’s alright boy, we don’t bite.” Thora said in an attempt to reassuring him that it was alright.
“Are you sure? I can back out…” Aster spoke as his eyes drifted to Fredrick and his somber appearance.
“Aster, please take your seat.” Fredrick breathed. “As much as it pains us to move forward, it needs to be done sooner than later.”
“Al…Alright.” Aster spoke he walked with confidence to his chair but I could tell deep down he felt terrible for taking the spot.
“Thank you Aster for agreeing to this. I know it might not have been an easy thing to agree to.” I said. “We will let you recite the pledge in a moment. I first would like to open the floor to anyone with any kind words or encouragement.”
The room fell silent briefly before Wulfric stood up and cleared his throat. He looked at Aster who had mixed emotions on his face. “Aster, I know you must worry about your family’s past and even more with the events that led you to this great opportunity. We all know you have your own head and heart. And I know as the rest of us do, you are not your past. As your past does not and should not define you. You have learned to overcome it and prove your worth to this kingdom. Granting you to be one of the final three choices that the Princess had to choose from.”
Wulfric paused briefly. Giving a moment for everyone to comprehend his message. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “We all choose the final three. Then the Princess chooses you. Just know, this position has responsibility and I hope you can fulfil that responsibility.”
Aster spoke up, “I know I can. I know I won’t let you all down. And I thank you all for allowing me to have this opportunity.”
Wulfric nodded, “To close my statement, don’t let the fear of fulfilling big shoes overwhelm you. With your mind on the right path and presistances to do the right thing, anything is possible.”
“Thank you Wulfric, I appreciate those kind words. I promise you all I won’t let the Council or the kingdom down.” Aster said as he and Wulfric both took their seats.
Thora stood up next, “I honestly don’t have much to add as Wulfric pretty much summed it up. All I can say is I know you will make us all proud and carry the position with a good heart.”
Aster nodded, “Thank you Thora.”
Thora took her seat and Cedric stood up, “The decision to add you to the Council wasn’t an easy one. There were several good candidates and out of all of them you were chosen. Just don’t let the power go to your head. Don’t let us regret this decision.”
“I won’t.” Aster spoke with confidence. “I promise I won’t.”
“Good.” Cedric spoke and took his seat.
We all looked over at Fredrick who shook his head. I understood and took a stand. “My last words of encouragement prior to the pledge that is to be spoken. Just remember, you may be a part of something big, but you are your own person. Don’t let the Council influence your decisions on day to day activities or voting choices. If you don’t like the law that is presented at a meeting please voice your opinion as I respect all of your opinions. If something doesn’t feel right, please let us know. And just remember this, you aren’t alone in this and don’t have to face the public alone. As I know some of the public won’t like you being here. Just speak up and we will have your back.”
Aster nodded and stood up, “Thank you Princess Maria and thank you all. Now I will take five minutes to state the pledge then we shall have that delicious looking wine?” Aster’s eyes drifted to the wine cart that was brought in prior.
A smile fell on Thora’s lips, “Indeed we shall.”
The majority of us chuckled at her comment, followed by Aster giving his pledge. We ran a quick test to see if the wine had been tampered with or not prior to consuming with the use of a spell called Detect Poison and Disease. Wine itself can be considered to be poison in a way however, the use of the spell was to primarily detect any abnormalities within the wine. Thankfully, the wine was clear. Which meant Théoden's search through the wine cellar was successful as he ran several tests to determine if any of them was left tampered with. There were a few bottles in the cellar that had to have been thrown out but not all thankfully.
As the wine had a bit of a fruit taste that was followed by a strong alcohol taste. As most of these bottles had sat for ages.
After an hour of drinking and talking I dismissed them. “Y’all can stay or y’all can leave. I need to rest.” I told them as I bid them all a farewell.
To my surprise Théoden was waiting for me outside of the Council Chamber door. “You thought I was going to have you walk up all of those stairs after drinking five glasses of wine?” He said with a smile. I felt a burst of radiate energy flow from him and into me as he used the spell Lesser Restoration to remove the majority of the effects. He took what he thought he could considering he still had a half day's work. I was pretty much buzz free after the spell, however, Theo was cautious and wanted me to make sure I got to my room alright.
“Thanks Théoden…” I spoke as I allowed him to wrap his arm around my waist and help me to my room.
“Rest for an hour and you should be alright.” Théoden said as we made my way up to my room.
Within a few minutes he dropped me off, “I’ll check in through the bond. If I need to take more I will but I still have work.”
I nodded, “Understandable.” I said, I went over to my bed and kicked off my boots and rested my head against my pillow. “I think I’m just going to take a nap. After I wake up I may peer into your mind.”
“Of course. I may be in the middle of a round then.” I nodded, “I’m going to go now.” Théoden said as he gave me a quick glance prior to leaving.
“Theo…” I mumbled, causing him to pause.
“Yes?” He questioned as he glanced over his shoulder.
“Thank you, love.” I said.
He gave a smile in turn, “You’re welcome Mi Amor.” With that he walked out of my room leaving me to rest. A rest that was most welcome after consuming five glasses of wine within a short amount of time.