And what exactly do you need this piece for? the Empress asked after Heron had placed the entirely black key onto the round table. Ilea had wanted to follow into the treasury but after a short argument had decided to go there on her own time. There were sure to be some interesting trinkets, and thanks to her locator of the Taleen key, she had a good enough idea of where to look. [The Obsidian Key Ancient Quality] Its part of a set, and I need it for later, Ilea specified. That doesnt explain anything, Syrithis murmured. Its to help the Hunters, Ilea added. She wasnt about to tell them about the One without Form. And I doubt you had any use for it. I can pay for it too if you need me to. Its quite alright. Take it as a sign of our future cooperation, Alyris said. Ilea smiled and made the obsidian key vanish. Four to go. I swear to fuck if any of these have been thrown into another bloody dimension, Im gonna lose it. I formally request to represent Lys in the tournament of Morhill, the lizardman spoke, finally giving voice to his visibly growing frustrations. Some of the nobility will want to participate as well. Im not sure formal representation will be an option in the first place, Alyris said and looked to Ilea. I have no clue. I just deliver letters, she answered. And unmask hidden secrets that have been kept from even the most tenacious spies, Heron added. Well you dont keep them very well, Ilea said. Any moderate space mage would perceive Ruler. We know that to be factually untrue, Alyris said. But its beside the point. You have proven to be trustworthy in many ways, Ilea. I do however hope that bringing the Meadow back from that ice covered realm will not cause harm to ours in the long run. She knows whats out there, Ilea nodded to the half elf. The Taleen alone could slaughter every single human on the continent. Why not get some allies that could actually help. Yes. This coalition that is mentioned who exactly is part of it? Alyris asked. Ilea smiled. Youll have to find out in Morhill, I suppose. Ah dont look at me like that, I cant tell you everything. The others will want to do some of the reveals themselves. Ive had enough fun for one evening. You do not wish to battle? the lizardman asked. Ah no, I do. I mean like reveal fun, not fighting fun. But Ill be honest, youll need all the help you can get, she said. The large human growled. Yes, I do want to see you fight. Never fought a bone bruiser before, at least I dont think so. And the Shadow magic you use is something I want to figure out. Why dont you all fight me at the same time? Ilea suggested. You know that isnt possible, Alyris said and rubbed her brow. Scared youll lose? Ilea asked with a grin. Dont push it, I have an army at my back, Alyris said. Ive fought armies before, Ilea retorted. Youre at the center of our power. Every wall is enchanted to repel a force of hundreds, the woman said again. I have escaped the clutches of Audur. You do not scare me, human, she said. The Empress looked at her with tired disbelief. Her face slackened before she laughed. Its been a while since I felt this way, she said afterwards, grasping the hand of Syrithis. Its downright electrifying. I know what you mean, Ilea mused. Im interested, Ilea. Your Medic Sentinels is there more to them? More than the objectives known to the public? the Empress asked. Not that I know, Ilea answered. Is it so surprising to form a healing organization with the goal to help people? she asked. Their reputation, isnt the most shining, Alyris said. I will believe you. And thank you, for adding this asset to humanity. Thank my friend Trian, Ilea said. The Alymie survivor, Valarienne mused. Unfortunate events, and within our very lands. I apologize on behalf of the Lys nobility, they can be more barbaric than the tribes of the north. The large man growled, this time aimed at the storm mage. Ah hush, you know its true! the woman said and looked away. We will come to your tournament, Lilith. But know that the Lys nobility isnt as unified as the people in this room. I hope those gates work, Alyris said. They work. Better than the Taleen ones even. And it wont be the only thing to sway opportunistic minds, Ilea answered. Its not the opportunistic minds I worry about, Ilea. Its those chained to traditions and old power. Tell Claire and Sulivhaan they have to put a lot of weight on the Shadows Hand, its the one Order older than all my court, with a reputation that may even precede the very Empire of Lys. Are the Elders still lost? Alyris said. Well get a few of them to be there. All but Adam, Ilea said. The demon summoner, Heron said. I had never thought him to be tempted by such madness. He didnt exactly seem mad to me, Ilea thought but chose not to mention it. The man was responsible for thousands of deaths, and if she ever met him again, he would not get away. I didnt mean to have a pissing contest before, by the way, Ilea said. I assume it gets pretty boring for people of your power, sitting around, defending against low level assassins. Whens the last time youve been seriously challenged? I didnt see you out there during the siege? You were coordinating from in here to be sure, too important to risk. Baralia probably hoped to bait you out. But Im not King Baron you know me, Ilea said and grabbed the Fae from her head, holding it by its large head as it dangled in the air. She helped it flip before it landed in her palm. Ive been flying around the Plains all day. Im bored. Please, Empress, indulge me.
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