Re: Wind and Fire
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2022 5:58 am
Wind and Fire - Chapter 27
-
Being a child certainly has its perks. Among them is having one’s needs catered to at the hands of adults. The other is being adored by adults. And occasionally by other children. While Ben enjoyed the pleasant company of the loroi, it could get a bit overwhelming when they lavished him with too much attention. That was abundantly clear to the little boy as Black Mark gave him a tour of the mansion. Black Mark did not understand Enligsh, but was armed with a datapad to assist with translation. The caregiver had taken the day off to show Ben around the creche. And they weren’t alone.
Black Mark’s entire class of twelve loroi children were granted a free day from lectures to accompany them. Every once in a while, one of the girls would push or shove the other to get closer to Ben much to the caregiver’s annoyance. They were dying just to be near him. Occasionally one would explain in stuttering Trade an interesting fact about the mansion to get his attention. Ben understood at best half of what the jittery stutterers were saying since his own Trade needed improvement.
Girls will be girls, thought Black Mark.
To say that Ben was amazed by the mansion was an understatement. The entire grounds looked and felt more like a small village. There was a library, an arcade, the training arena from yesterday, a spa, bathing facilities, even a small harbor with a few boats. And much more. There were underground facilities which the children were not allowed to visit without clearance from the adults. There was even a small farm, but it lay a few kilometers away for the sake of keeping away the stench of beasts.
Now the children and their teacher were within the children’s dorms. The girls were huddled around a toy box showing their toys for Ben.
“This!” Rune said holding up a darkly clad action figure whose most notable features was its ankle-length orange hair and red gem resting on its left shoulder. “This… this Warhammer. She is… she was great… warrior with… from long ago... with powers!”
“You mean like superpowers?” Ben asked.
“Y-yes.” Although Rune was not entirely sure what a superpower was. “Warhammer so strong… she m-m-moved… a m-m-mountain.”
Ben’s dropped. “No way!”
Rune stomped her foot to assert, “Is true!”
“Cool! But she’s not as strong as… Superman!” Ben hoisted his own doll in the air.
“W-who… is… S-Superman?” Softwood asked.
“A superhero from Krypton!” Ben stood proudly waving Superman back and forth, catching the gazes of the loroi girls. “He’s so strong he can move a planet!”
“No!” Rune said incredulously.
“Yes!”
“No!”
“Yes!”
Rune stood and stomped her foot. “No!”
Ben faced her. “Yes! Superman’s the greatest!” Ben held Superman as if brandishing him like a saber.
Rune did likewise as she held Warhammer in standoff. “Warhammer stronger than Superman!”
Ben stomped angrily. “No!”
“Yes! Superman stupid!”
Taking offense, Ben shoved Rune back. “No he’s not!” The now angry girl forgot Ben was a male and pushed back. The mob of girls gasped in shock as the two shoved each other.
“Stop!” Black Mark raised her voice. All eyes fell on her. “Please! There’s no point in fighting over something so trivial.”
Ben tilted his head, not quite understanding all of her Trade. “Huh?”
Black Mark sighed as she constructed a simple translation on her datapad: “Stop fighting. It is silly.”
“Oh.”
“Both you… be friends again.” Black Mark hoped that translation got her point across.
Ben and Rune eyed each other. It did seem wrong to fight over their heroes.
“Sorry, Rune,” said Ben.
“I… sorry… also,” Rune said back. “Superman seems… like good… warrior.”
Ben accepted the compliment. “Warhammer is pretty cool too. But Superman is still better!”
“No he not!”
“Yes he not!”
Catching that grammatical error, the kids just giggled at their own silliness. Black Mark just let them have their fun. Children were a blessing but also a burden to bear. And while she liked this little human, it seemed clear that his presence complicated the creche’s order. Just what was the Emperor planning to do with him?
Beep!
A whistle drew the caregiver’s attention to her wrist-comm. Tapping the device, Black Mark drew up her holographic display to read an incoming message.
“Children,” Black Mark called their attention, shutting down the hologram. “There is a family meeting at the Arena. We must attend. Put your toys away and come!”
Half the children got the message and started packing away their playthings. The rest ignored the command, as was typical of children.
“Children!” Black Mark said more strictly as well as sent. “The Emperor summons us. I will not repeat. Put the toys away! Time to go!”
Now picking up the urgency, the children put their toys away and stood at attention. Including Ben who still clutched his Superman.
“Ben, you must put away your toy.”
“Nuh-uh!” Ben shook his head. “Superman stays with me.”
“Ben, it is a rule,” Black Mark insisted gently. “Put away the toy in the box.”
Ben was terrified of parting form Superman. What if he got lost in the loroi’s toys? “No.”
“Ben, do not argue. You must. Give!” Black Mark held out her hand.
Ben defensively clutched his doll close. “No!”
Black Mark groaned as she took hold of the Superman. Feeling threatened, Ben angrily tore his toy from her grasp.
“Poophead!” Ben cried. He ran for the door out to the corridor.
“Ben! Come back!” Black Mark and the children gave worried chase.
Ben rounded the corner and ran face first into a soft pillar. A pillar that was the Emperor.
Ben’s pursuers stopped dead in their tracks as they came face to face with Greywind accompanied by Cotton.
“Ben?” Greywind had come to the dorms to fetch him. But it seemed he had come to her instead.
Ben jumped back to his feet and clutched Greywind’s side. “She tried to take Superman from me,” he whimpered.
>Your highness, please pardon me and Ben,< Black Mark sent with a huff. >I was only trying to make him understand the rules of leaving toys in the dorms.<
>Say no more,< Greywind sent back. “Ben, put your toy in your room and come back.”
Ben protested, “But I-”
“Now!”
Ben did as he was told and was back in a minute.
“Ben, remember,” said Greywind. “Black Mark is your caregiver and teacher. Like Cotton. So you will listen to her. Respect her.”
“But she was mean! She tried-”
“Ben!” Greywind left no room for argument. “Discipline is not… being ‘mean’ as you say. Black Mark only wants to take care of you. But the adults make the rules. And you will follow them. Now apologize to her.”
Ben’s shoulders slouched as he trodded back to Black Mark. With a slumped head, Ben shamefully said, “Sorry.”
Black Mark sighed and bent forward. “I accept your apology. I am also sorry. I did not mean to steal your toy. But please listen to me next time.”
Girls gasped as Ben pecked Black Mark on the cheek. Black Mark froze shocked at the contact.
>It is a way Ben expresses regret,< Cotton clarified. >And affection.<
>Oh!< Black Mark’s cheeks and ears turned a deep blue as she stood erect.
It seemed the children’s vocals suddenly improved as Quill yelled excitedly, “I want kiss!”
“Give me kiss too,” said another.
The girls surrounded a now nervous Ben as they demanded a peck.
>Silence!< Greywind sent strictly.
The children, hearing the call to order, stopped and faced their elder. They understood whenever Greywind spoke, she laid down the law.
Greywind sent as well as spoke, “There will be no kisses at this time. You children must learn to compose yourselves.”
The children sulked but accepted their elder’s command.
“Now come! We have a family meeting.”
The children cleared the path for their Emperor as she lead the way to the Arena.
Rune walked closely by Ben’s side, holding a determined fist up. >I will get that kiss.<
>Me too!<
>Me first!<
>Children!< Greywind silenced them. Loroi youngsters were joyfully bothersome enough as it were. But adding a human male certainly complicated that equation.
-
The Arena was once again set up for the creche’s inhabitants. Caregivers and children sat on floor cushions in a semi-circle. Even the employed servants attended these meetings. Ben sat with Cotton and his new friends. Swinging his head left and right, he couldn’t help but notice the other children, junior and senior, cast curious glances his way. It was also easy to make eye contact with a few girls whose eyes clearly said, “I don’t like you.” Like Edge who sat a couple bodies away. Was she still upset over getting pushed?
Well if she’s upset she shouldn’t have been a mean poophead to me or Clay, Ben resolved.
Speaking of which, he caught sight of Clay sighting some bodies away. With a broad grin, Ben waved hello to her. Clay cocked an odd eyebrow. Ben kept waving, hoping she would return the gesture. But he could guess with a tilt of her head that she didn’t get it. That’s when he remembered sanzai.
“Cotton,” Ben asked. “Can you tell Clay ‘hi’?”
Happily obliging, Cotton sent Ben’s greeting. Clay’s confused expression turned to one of surprise. Then a pleasant grin with a wave of her own hand.
Ben smirked with triumph. “Thanks, Cotton. Loroi are so cool.”
Cotton blushed at the praise.
A call to attention rang out through the Arena from Housemaster Crescent. “All rise for her highness, Fourth Emperor Greywind.”
Greywind strode to the center of the assembled circle. The children and adults rose to their feet, offering silent reverence. Looking over the crowd of young and old, Greywind extended a hand.
“You may be seated,” she sent as well as spoke.
The assembly sat back down.
For the sake of their human guest, Greywind continued with dual communication. “The family conference is now called into session. This meeting concerns the affairs of the West Ginazaigo Imperial Home for Clan Lenarasin (Rainfall).”
The children shifted in their seats as they anticipated their elder’s news. Cotton assisted Ben with translation.
“Now before discussing the creche’s primary affairs, there is an interpersonal conflict that must be resolved.” Greywind summoned forth, “Edge! Clay! Ben! Stand and approach!”
The two girls rose from their seats to stand before the Emperor. It took Ben a few seconds to register that he was expected as many eyes fell on him.
Swinging his confused head left and right, Ben looked up at Cotton as he pointed at himself. “Me?”
Cotton nodded as she stood. “Come on, Ben. You are called.”
“B-but… I don’t know what to do.”
“Just go stand with the girls in the center and answer whatever questions the Emperor has. And remember not to speak unless she asks you something first. And show respect. Don’t worry. I will help you.”
Taking a nervous gulp, Ben rose and approached. Muscles tensed as he felt many eyes follow his every step. Standing by Clay, Ben looked up at Greywind.
The Emperor began, “Edge… what is the motto of the Loroi Union?”
Standing straight and attentive, Edge answered proudly, “Victory from duty only. Ascension through community only.”
Greywind’s eyes narrowed though not maliciously. “Indeed. Do you agree with that motto?”
“Yes, my Elder.”
“Edge, tell us what community is in simple terms.”
“My Elder, a community is a group of people working together toward a goal.”
“And how do people work together, Edge?”
Edge thought a moment. “By creating things that help the good of the group.”
“Is that all?”
“Emperor, I don’t understand.”
“Edge, would you agree that a community needs companionship?”
“It… does seem to help… I think.”
“Then answer this: why have you shown no companionship toward Clay?”
Edge eyed the civie born before looking back to Greywind. “Emperor, what are-”
“I ask the questions now, Edge,” Greywind said firmly. “Do you think Clay is unworthy to be a companion?”
“Emperor, I… I never said that.”
“But you feel it. You think it.”
Even if she could speak it, Edge could not lie with sanzai as she sent, “I… I do.”
Girls murmured verbally and telepathically, some in favor or against Edge’s outlook.
Greywind’s overbearing authority silenced the gossip before carrying on. “Tell us why you think Clay is not worthy to be a companion.”
Edge tried to justify herself, “Clay doesn’t get along with us. She’s always fighting with us and is bitter. Sure we’ve teased her, but teasing is common. Besides, she is a civilian. She’s born from civilians. Civilians are failed warriors. Failed warriors can’t fight or protect the Union. They’re inferiors who should stay with their own kind. And be thankful that we even take care of them.”
“Their own kind?” Greywind stepped toward the young trainee. “And what about half our servants here? Do they belong with their own kind? Or Black Mark? Was she not one of your first teachers during your first and second years at this creche? Did she not nurture you? Feed you? Is she unworthy to be here?”
Suddenly feeling cornered, Edge shrunk beneath Greywind’s towering height.
Greywind’s eyes burned brilliant blue as she looked down upon Edge. >Well?<
Overwhelmed with sudden dread, Edge could not find the courage to justify her statement.
Greywind’s blue orbs dimmed as she took a few steps back. “Edge… where does our food come from?”
Taken aback by such a question, Edge answered, “From farms? Agricultural stations?”
“And who operates these farms and agricultural stations?”
“L-loroi?”
“And who are these loroi? Warriors?”
“I… think so-”
“Wrong! Warriors’ primary duty is fighting enemies of the Union and defending its subjects. To keep the peace. They don’t have time to plow and harvest fields. So who must tend to farming then?”
Edge could not answer.
Greywind commanded, “Say it!”
“C-civilians?”
“Precisely. The civilians provide warriors with all that they need. Food. Tools. Weapons. Fuel. Clothing. Without the civilians we would not have these necessities. The civilians serve our needs. And we the warrior castes are sworn to defend them. And that is the whole meaning of community. Of companionship. One serves the other without reservation. And you label the civilians as inferiors simply because they cannot fight?”
"B-but... th-they are... cowards."
“I suppose that gives you all the justification then to mistreat them without fear of consequence?"
Edge lowered her gaze shamefully.
Greywind further reprimanded, "Foolish! Ignorant! Arrogant! Such sentiments further drive the wedge that separates the warriors from civilians. Giving our subjects and citizens all the more reason to sympathize with axis parties and criminal elements detrimental to the order of the Union. If you were a Diaderet, Edge, you would no doubt have won much favor with the Traditionalists... but lost the respect of the masses. The empire cannot run without the fuel and support of all its peoples. Including the civilians."
Edge’s lips quivered ever so slightly even as she fought to maintain strong composure.
Greywind was silent a moment to let her realization sink in. "You are not obligated to like the civilians, Edge. But you are expected to show decency. Something that too many warriors lack in these times. A time when rebuilding is crucial for the prosperity of the empire. Without decency, people lack respect. A society without respect sours and rots from within. Slowly. While Clay may come from a long line of civilians, that does not mean she is fated to a life of failure. Failure is a result of incompetence and bad luck. But most of all… of a stubborn refusal to learn. It seems true that we are better suited to certain roles in society. Hence why the caste system was founded. But it should not be the absolute determinant of who or what we may become. After all, if it were, do you think I would have become the Fourth Emperor? Clay’s mother gave up her child so that she would have the opportunity to allow her daughter to prove she is capable of becoming a warrior. That you, Edge, should choose to ‘tease’ for personal amusement rather than devoting your talents to building up a fellow comrade is an insult to what this creche, indeed our entire familial clan, represents.” The Emperor loomed over the shorter initiate. “I could command you to apologize to Clay, Edge. But what use is an apology without decency? Without sincerity? But I will command you to show respect. Indeed I command it of Clay. Of every loroi here. For if you intend to make enemies of people simply because you don’t like them, you can safely bet that you are not going to get far. Do I make myself clear?”
Edge's eyes watered as she held back tears. Whether she liked it or not, she had to obey. “Y-yes, my Elder.”
Clay, who had been watching the exchange unravel, smirked at the serious reprimand dealt to Edge.
“Clay!” Greywind’s eyes fell next on the civilian-born. “Wipe that smirk off your face!”
The grim satisfaction Clay felt at Edge’s scolding fell away along with her smile.
“Do you find this amusing?”
Clay could not help but shrug as she sent, >A bit.<
“Well, don’t! It is one thing to be proud. It is another to revel in the pain of others. A target for bullying ought to know this better than anyone else.”
Realizing her error, Clay lowered her head ashamed. “Yes, Emperor.”
“Listen well!” Greywind’s verbal and telepathic address went out to all. “This creche is not merely our home. Or our school. It is a symbol of unity. Of progress. Meant to serve as a bridge between people’s of difference. To prove that we can become more regardless of heritage or circumstance. Which brings me to my next order of business.” Greywind’s eyes fell on the only male present. “The reason for Ben’s presence.”
All eyes fell on the human.
Greywind carried on, “Ben is a victim of abuse and neglect. He was smuggled by criminals and brought to Taben where gangers led by Eternal Endurance intended to trade him. And yet fate seems to have brought him here. To us. You all are undoubtedly wondering why I would bring a human here to Deinar. To this creche. And my reason being: Ben, if he so accepts, will become a Union citizen. And be adopted into our family so that he may grow up and learn at this creche. In fact this creche will serve as sanctuary for any human children rescued from the Great Wastelands. This is the the special project I have told you about. It will be our duty to live alongside these humans and teach them the way of the warrior. This creche will serve as a revolutionary example to all loroi. A new community. A new way to ascend.”
Vocal and telepathic gasps echoed in the Arena.
>An alien?! Staying with us?<
>More humans are coming?!<
>Is a male really going to be allowed to stay here?<
>But that’s against loroi rules!<
>That would be awesome if the human gets to stay!<
>I want Ben to stay! I want to get to know him!<
>Me too!<
>I don’t want a human here! It seems wrong.<
>Neither do I.<
>Shut your mouths! Ben is wonderful! He should stay!<
>The alien belongs with its own kind.<
>Ben stays! We want to keep him!<
>Not us!<
>We want Ben to stay! And we outnumber those who don’t!<
>We want Ben! We want Ben!<
A heated argument began to brew.
“Silence!” Greywind commanded peace back to the assembly. The children settled down under Greywind’s order. “Silence. For those opposed to this idea, you have your own reasons. However sensible or irrational they seem. But I intend for Ben to stay here. So I command this of you: build a bridge and cross the river! Don't like it? Bow to fate!” Greywind’s attention turned to Ben. “Ben, I asked once if you wanted to be adopted by our family. Now I must ask what you want. Do you want to be adopted?”
Upon translation by Cotton, Ben stiffened nervously. The truth was he loved the loroi. They mostly seemed very kind and generous. But he still counted on being reunited with Lagertha. And some part of him really wanted to go to Earth. It was his dream. Sure the loroi seemed to promise he could go when he was older, but it seemed like an awfully long time away. Could he really wait that long?
“Well,” Ben said nervously. “I… uh…”
“Say yes!” One of the children spoke out, “Ben say yes!”
Another shouted, “Please say yes, Ben! We take good care of you!”
“We want you to stay!”
“We make you happy!”
“Deinar great world! You be happy with us!”
Ben felt overwhelmed as most of the girls chanted and urged him to accept Greywind’s proposal.
Even with his lotai, Greywind could see his distress. “Silence, children!” The yells quieted down. “Ben must not be coerced. This choice must be his. But it seems he needs more time to think about it. And that is why I want you to show Ben the best hospitality we loroi have to offer.”
Though many seemed disappointed, the children took the hint. Greywind ordered Edge, Clay and Ben back to their seats. Cotton guided the little boy back to his peers. Even as he sat back down, the children whispered for him to accept being adopted but were silenced by Black Mark and Cotton.
“Ben’s fate will be settled later,” said Greywind. “For now let us move on to other matters. According to Housemaster Crescent, quite a few of the younger children have been neglecting their studies. Particularly in literacy. While I don’t expect you to be literary scholars, you must be able to read and write if you are to serve in the military. Especially if you hope to climb the ranks…”
Greywind brought up quite a number of issues that the children and adults of the creche were expected to remedy eventually. Particularly in education and food consumption. And reminding the children to obey the creche masters. All the while, Cotton translated for Ben. Though was a bit frustrated that Ben’s focus seemed to be elsewhere. Indeed Ben could not help but keep wondering what he wanted to do.
Stay on Deinar? Or go to Earth?
-
Disclaimer: I don't know if Greywind's familial clan name is Lenarasin (Rainfall). That part I made up. But it seems to sound good. In fact I cannot be sure if loroi use clan names much like the way we use family names.
-
Being a child certainly has its perks. Among them is having one’s needs catered to at the hands of adults. The other is being adored by adults. And occasionally by other children. While Ben enjoyed the pleasant company of the loroi, it could get a bit overwhelming when they lavished him with too much attention. That was abundantly clear to the little boy as Black Mark gave him a tour of the mansion. Black Mark did not understand Enligsh, but was armed with a datapad to assist with translation. The caregiver had taken the day off to show Ben around the creche. And they weren’t alone.
Black Mark’s entire class of twelve loroi children were granted a free day from lectures to accompany them. Every once in a while, one of the girls would push or shove the other to get closer to Ben much to the caregiver’s annoyance. They were dying just to be near him. Occasionally one would explain in stuttering Trade an interesting fact about the mansion to get his attention. Ben understood at best half of what the jittery stutterers were saying since his own Trade needed improvement.
Girls will be girls, thought Black Mark.
To say that Ben was amazed by the mansion was an understatement. The entire grounds looked and felt more like a small village. There was a library, an arcade, the training arena from yesterday, a spa, bathing facilities, even a small harbor with a few boats. And much more. There were underground facilities which the children were not allowed to visit without clearance from the adults. There was even a small farm, but it lay a few kilometers away for the sake of keeping away the stench of beasts.
Now the children and their teacher were within the children’s dorms. The girls were huddled around a toy box showing their toys for Ben.
“This!” Rune said holding up a darkly clad action figure whose most notable features was its ankle-length orange hair and red gem resting on its left shoulder. “This… this Warhammer. She is… she was great… warrior with… from long ago... with powers!”
“You mean like superpowers?” Ben asked.
“Y-yes.” Although Rune was not entirely sure what a superpower was. “Warhammer so strong… she m-m-moved… a m-m-mountain.”
Ben’s dropped. “No way!”
Rune stomped her foot to assert, “Is true!”
“Cool! But she’s not as strong as… Superman!” Ben hoisted his own doll in the air.
“W-who… is… S-Superman?” Softwood asked.
“A superhero from Krypton!” Ben stood proudly waving Superman back and forth, catching the gazes of the loroi girls. “He’s so strong he can move a planet!”
“No!” Rune said incredulously.
“Yes!”
“No!”
“Yes!”
Rune stood and stomped her foot. “No!”
Ben faced her. “Yes! Superman’s the greatest!” Ben held Superman as if brandishing him like a saber.
Rune did likewise as she held Warhammer in standoff. “Warhammer stronger than Superman!”
Ben stomped angrily. “No!”
“Yes! Superman stupid!”
Taking offense, Ben shoved Rune back. “No he’s not!” The now angry girl forgot Ben was a male and pushed back. The mob of girls gasped in shock as the two shoved each other.
“Stop!” Black Mark raised her voice. All eyes fell on her. “Please! There’s no point in fighting over something so trivial.”
Ben tilted his head, not quite understanding all of her Trade. “Huh?”
Black Mark sighed as she constructed a simple translation on her datapad: “Stop fighting. It is silly.”
“Oh.”
“Both you… be friends again.” Black Mark hoped that translation got her point across.
Ben and Rune eyed each other. It did seem wrong to fight over their heroes.
“Sorry, Rune,” said Ben.
“I… sorry… also,” Rune said back. “Superman seems… like good… warrior.”
Ben accepted the compliment. “Warhammer is pretty cool too. But Superman is still better!”
“No he not!”
“Yes he not!”
Catching that grammatical error, the kids just giggled at their own silliness. Black Mark just let them have their fun. Children were a blessing but also a burden to bear. And while she liked this little human, it seemed clear that his presence complicated the creche’s order. Just what was the Emperor planning to do with him?
Beep!
A whistle drew the caregiver’s attention to her wrist-comm. Tapping the device, Black Mark drew up her holographic display to read an incoming message.
“Children,” Black Mark called their attention, shutting down the hologram. “There is a family meeting at the Arena. We must attend. Put your toys away and come!”
Half the children got the message and started packing away their playthings. The rest ignored the command, as was typical of children.
“Children!” Black Mark said more strictly as well as sent. “The Emperor summons us. I will not repeat. Put the toys away! Time to go!”
Now picking up the urgency, the children put their toys away and stood at attention. Including Ben who still clutched his Superman.
“Ben, you must put away your toy.”
“Nuh-uh!” Ben shook his head. “Superman stays with me.”
“Ben, it is a rule,” Black Mark insisted gently. “Put away the toy in the box.”
Ben was terrified of parting form Superman. What if he got lost in the loroi’s toys? “No.”
“Ben, do not argue. You must. Give!” Black Mark held out her hand.
Ben defensively clutched his doll close. “No!”
Black Mark groaned as she took hold of the Superman. Feeling threatened, Ben angrily tore his toy from her grasp.
“Poophead!” Ben cried. He ran for the door out to the corridor.
“Ben! Come back!” Black Mark and the children gave worried chase.
Ben rounded the corner and ran face first into a soft pillar. A pillar that was the Emperor.
Ben’s pursuers stopped dead in their tracks as they came face to face with Greywind accompanied by Cotton.
“Ben?” Greywind had come to the dorms to fetch him. But it seemed he had come to her instead.
Ben jumped back to his feet and clutched Greywind’s side. “She tried to take Superman from me,” he whimpered.
>Your highness, please pardon me and Ben,< Black Mark sent with a huff. >I was only trying to make him understand the rules of leaving toys in the dorms.<
>Say no more,< Greywind sent back. “Ben, put your toy in your room and come back.”
Ben protested, “But I-”
“Now!”
Ben did as he was told and was back in a minute.
“Ben, remember,” said Greywind. “Black Mark is your caregiver and teacher. Like Cotton. So you will listen to her. Respect her.”
“But she was mean! She tried-”
“Ben!” Greywind left no room for argument. “Discipline is not… being ‘mean’ as you say. Black Mark only wants to take care of you. But the adults make the rules. And you will follow them. Now apologize to her.”
Ben’s shoulders slouched as he trodded back to Black Mark. With a slumped head, Ben shamefully said, “Sorry.”
Black Mark sighed and bent forward. “I accept your apology. I am also sorry. I did not mean to steal your toy. But please listen to me next time.”
Girls gasped as Ben pecked Black Mark on the cheek. Black Mark froze shocked at the contact.
>It is a way Ben expresses regret,< Cotton clarified. >And affection.<
>Oh!< Black Mark’s cheeks and ears turned a deep blue as she stood erect.
It seemed the children’s vocals suddenly improved as Quill yelled excitedly, “I want kiss!”
“Give me kiss too,” said another.
The girls surrounded a now nervous Ben as they demanded a peck.
>Silence!< Greywind sent strictly.
The children, hearing the call to order, stopped and faced their elder. They understood whenever Greywind spoke, she laid down the law.
Greywind sent as well as spoke, “There will be no kisses at this time. You children must learn to compose yourselves.”
The children sulked but accepted their elder’s command.
“Now come! We have a family meeting.”
The children cleared the path for their Emperor as she lead the way to the Arena.
Rune walked closely by Ben’s side, holding a determined fist up. >I will get that kiss.<
>Me too!<
>Me first!<
>Children!< Greywind silenced them. Loroi youngsters were joyfully bothersome enough as it were. But adding a human male certainly complicated that equation.
-
The Arena was once again set up for the creche’s inhabitants. Caregivers and children sat on floor cushions in a semi-circle. Even the employed servants attended these meetings. Ben sat with Cotton and his new friends. Swinging his head left and right, he couldn’t help but notice the other children, junior and senior, cast curious glances his way. It was also easy to make eye contact with a few girls whose eyes clearly said, “I don’t like you.” Like Edge who sat a couple bodies away. Was she still upset over getting pushed?
Well if she’s upset she shouldn’t have been a mean poophead to me or Clay, Ben resolved.
Speaking of which, he caught sight of Clay sighting some bodies away. With a broad grin, Ben waved hello to her. Clay cocked an odd eyebrow. Ben kept waving, hoping she would return the gesture. But he could guess with a tilt of her head that she didn’t get it. That’s when he remembered sanzai.
“Cotton,” Ben asked. “Can you tell Clay ‘hi’?”
Happily obliging, Cotton sent Ben’s greeting. Clay’s confused expression turned to one of surprise. Then a pleasant grin with a wave of her own hand.
Ben smirked with triumph. “Thanks, Cotton. Loroi are so cool.”
Cotton blushed at the praise.
A call to attention rang out through the Arena from Housemaster Crescent. “All rise for her highness, Fourth Emperor Greywind.”
Greywind strode to the center of the assembled circle. The children and adults rose to their feet, offering silent reverence. Looking over the crowd of young and old, Greywind extended a hand.
“You may be seated,” she sent as well as spoke.
The assembly sat back down.
For the sake of their human guest, Greywind continued with dual communication. “The family conference is now called into session. This meeting concerns the affairs of the West Ginazaigo Imperial Home for Clan Lenarasin (Rainfall).”
The children shifted in their seats as they anticipated their elder’s news. Cotton assisted Ben with translation.
“Now before discussing the creche’s primary affairs, there is an interpersonal conflict that must be resolved.” Greywind summoned forth, “Edge! Clay! Ben! Stand and approach!”
The two girls rose from their seats to stand before the Emperor. It took Ben a few seconds to register that he was expected as many eyes fell on him.
Swinging his confused head left and right, Ben looked up at Cotton as he pointed at himself. “Me?”
Cotton nodded as she stood. “Come on, Ben. You are called.”
“B-but… I don’t know what to do.”
“Just go stand with the girls in the center and answer whatever questions the Emperor has. And remember not to speak unless she asks you something first. And show respect. Don’t worry. I will help you.”
Taking a nervous gulp, Ben rose and approached. Muscles tensed as he felt many eyes follow his every step. Standing by Clay, Ben looked up at Greywind.
The Emperor began, “Edge… what is the motto of the Loroi Union?”
Standing straight and attentive, Edge answered proudly, “Victory from duty only. Ascension through community only.”
Greywind’s eyes narrowed though not maliciously. “Indeed. Do you agree with that motto?”
“Yes, my Elder.”
“Edge, tell us what community is in simple terms.”
“My Elder, a community is a group of people working together toward a goal.”
“And how do people work together, Edge?”
Edge thought a moment. “By creating things that help the good of the group.”
“Is that all?”
“Emperor, I don’t understand.”
“Edge, would you agree that a community needs companionship?”
“It… does seem to help… I think.”
“Then answer this: why have you shown no companionship toward Clay?”
Edge eyed the civie born before looking back to Greywind. “Emperor, what are-”
“I ask the questions now, Edge,” Greywind said firmly. “Do you think Clay is unworthy to be a companion?”
“Emperor, I… I never said that.”
“But you feel it. You think it.”
Even if she could speak it, Edge could not lie with sanzai as she sent, “I… I do.”
Girls murmured verbally and telepathically, some in favor or against Edge’s outlook.
Greywind’s overbearing authority silenced the gossip before carrying on. “Tell us why you think Clay is not worthy to be a companion.”
Edge tried to justify herself, “Clay doesn’t get along with us. She’s always fighting with us and is bitter. Sure we’ve teased her, but teasing is common. Besides, she is a civilian. She’s born from civilians. Civilians are failed warriors. Failed warriors can’t fight or protect the Union. They’re inferiors who should stay with their own kind. And be thankful that we even take care of them.”
“Their own kind?” Greywind stepped toward the young trainee. “And what about half our servants here? Do they belong with their own kind? Or Black Mark? Was she not one of your first teachers during your first and second years at this creche? Did she not nurture you? Feed you? Is she unworthy to be here?”
Suddenly feeling cornered, Edge shrunk beneath Greywind’s towering height.
Greywind’s eyes burned brilliant blue as she looked down upon Edge. >Well?<
Overwhelmed with sudden dread, Edge could not find the courage to justify her statement.
Greywind’s blue orbs dimmed as she took a few steps back. “Edge… where does our food come from?”
Taken aback by such a question, Edge answered, “From farms? Agricultural stations?”
“And who operates these farms and agricultural stations?”
“L-loroi?”
“And who are these loroi? Warriors?”
“I… think so-”
“Wrong! Warriors’ primary duty is fighting enemies of the Union and defending its subjects. To keep the peace. They don’t have time to plow and harvest fields. So who must tend to farming then?”
Edge could not answer.
Greywind commanded, “Say it!”
“C-civilians?”
“Precisely. The civilians provide warriors with all that they need. Food. Tools. Weapons. Fuel. Clothing. Without the civilians we would not have these necessities. The civilians serve our needs. And we the warrior castes are sworn to defend them. And that is the whole meaning of community. Of companionship. One serves the other without reservation. And you label the civilians as inferiors simply because they cannot fight?”
"B-but... th-they are... cowards."
“I suppose that gives you all the justification then to mistreat them without fear of consequence?"
Edge lowered her gaze shamefully.
Greywind further reprimanded, "Foolish! Ignorant! Arrogant! Such sentiments further drive the wedge that separates the warriors from civilians. Giving our subjects and citizens all the more reason to sympathize with axis parties and criminal elements detrimental to the order of the Union. If you were a Diaderet, Edge, you would no doubt have won much favor with the Traditionalists... but lost the respect of the masses. The empire cannot run without the fuel and support of all its peoples. Including the civilians."
Edge’s lips quivered ever so slightly even as she fought to maintain strong composure.
Greywind was silent a moment to let her realization sink in. "You are not obligated to like the civilians, Edge. But you are expected to show decency. Something that too many warriors lack in these times. A time when rebuilding is crucial for the prosperity of the empire. Without decency, people lack respect. A society without respect sours and rots from within. Slowly. While Clay may come from a long line of civilians, that does not mean she is fated to a life of failure. Failure is a result of incompetence and bad luck. But most of all… of a stubborn refusal to learn. It seems true that we are better suited to certain roles in society. Hence why the caste system was founded. But it should not be the absolute determinant of who or what we may become. After all, if it were, do you think I would have become the Fourth Emperor? Clay’s mother gave up her child so that she would have the opportunity to allow her daughter to prove she is capable of becoming a warrior. That you, Edge, should choose to ‘tease’ for personal amusement rather than devoting your talents to building up a fellow comrade is an insult to what this creche, indeed our entire familial clan, represents.” The Emperor loomed over the shorter initiate. “I could command you to apologize to Clay, Edge. But what use is an apology without decency? Without sincerity? But I will command you to show respect. Indeed I command it of Clay. Of every loroi here. For if you intend to make enemies of people simply because you don’t like them, you can safely bet that you are not going to get far. Do I make myself clear?”
Edge's eyes watered as she held back tears. Whether she liked it or not, she had to obey. “Y-yes, my Elder.”
Clay, who had been watching the exchange unravel, smirked at the serious reprimand dealt to Edge.
“Clay!” Greywind’s eyes fell next on the civilian-born. “Wipe that smirk off your face!”
The grim satisfaction Clay felt at Edge’s scolding fell away along with her smile.
“Do you find this amusing?”
Clay could not help but shrug as she sent, >A bit.<
“Well, don’t! It is one thing to be proud. It is another to revel in the pain of others. A target for bullying ought to know this better than anyone else.”
Realizing her error, Clay lowered her head ashamed. “Yes, Emperor.”
“Listen well!” Greywind’s verbal and telepathic address went out to all. “This creche is not merely our home. Or our school. It is a symbol of unity. Of progress. Meant to serve as a bridge between people’s of difference. To prove that we can become more regardless of heritage or circumstance. Which brings me to my next order of business.” Greywind’s eyes fell on the only male present. “The reason for Ben’s presence.”
All eyes fell on the human.
Greywind carried on, “Ben is a victim of abuse and neglect. He was smuggled by criminals and brought to Taben where gangers led by Eternal Endurance intended to trade him. And yet fate seems to have brought him here. To us. You all are undoubtedly wondering why I would bring a human here to Deinar. To this creche. And my reason being: Ben, if he so accepts, will become a Union citizen. And be adopted into our family so that he may grow up and learn at this creche. In fact this creche will serve as sanctuary for any human children rescued from the Great Wastelands. This is the the special project I have told you about. It will be our duty to live alongside these humans and teach them the way of the warrior. This creche will serve as a revolutionary example to all loroi. A new community. A new way to ascend.”
Vocal and telepathic gasps echoed in the Arena.
>An alien?! Staying with us?<
>More humans are coming?!<
>Is a male really going to be allowed to stay here?<
>But that’s against loroi rules!<
>That would be awesome if the human gets to stay!<
>I want Ben to stay! I want to get to know him!<
>Me too!<
>I don’t want a human here! It seems wrong.<
>Neither do I.<
>Shut your mouths! Ben is wonderful! He should stay!<
>The alien belongs with its own kind.<
>Ben stays! We want to keep him!<
>Not us!<
>We want Ben to stay! And we outnumber those who don’t!<
>We want Ben! We want Ben!<
A heated argument began to brew.
“Silence!” Greywind commanded peace back to the assembly. The children settled down under Greywind’s order. “Silence. For those opposed to this idea, you have your own reasons. However sensible or irrational they seem. But I intend for Ben to stay here. So I command this of you: build a bridge and cross the river! Don't like it? Bow to fate!” Greywind’s attention turned to Ben. “Ben, I asked once if you wanted to be adopted by our family. Now I must ask what you want. Do you want to be adopted?”
Upon translation by Cotton, Ben stiffened nervously. The truth was he loved the loroi. They mostly seemed very kind and generous. But he still counted on being reunited with Lagertha. And some part of him really wanted to go to Earth. It was his dream. Sure the loroi seemed to promise he could go when he was older, but it seemed like an awfully long time away. Could he really wait that long?
“Well,” Ben said nervously. “I… uh…”
“Say yes!” One of the children spoke out, “Ben say yes!”
Another shouted, “Please say yes, Ben! We take good care of you!”
“We want you to stay!”
“We make you happy!”
“Deinar great world! You be happy with us!”
Ben felt overwhelmed as most of the girls chanted and urged him to accept Greywind’s proposal.
Even with his lotai, Greywind could see his distress. “Silence, children!” The yells quieted down. “Ben must not be coerced. This choice must be his. But it seems he needs more time to think about it. And that is why I want you to show Ben the best hospitality we loroi have to offer.”
Though many seemed disappointed, the children took the hint. Greywind ordered Edge, Clay and Ben back to their seats. Cotton guided the little boy back to his peers. Even as he sat back down, the children whispered for him to accept being adopted but were silenced by Black Mark and Cotton.
“Ben’s fate will be settled later,” said Greywind. “For now let us move on to other matters. According to Housemaster Crescent, quite a few of the younger children have been neglecting their studies. Particularly in literacy. While I don’t expect you to be literary scholars, you must be able to read and write if you are to serve in the military. Especially if you hope to climb the ranks…”
Greywind brought up quite a number of issues that the children and adults of the creche were expected to remedy eventually. Particularly in education and food consumption. And reminding the children to obey the creche masters. All the while, Cotton translated for Ben. Though was a bit frustrated that Ben’s focus seemed to be elsewhere. Indeed Ben could not help but keep wondering what he wanted to do.
Stay on Deinar? Or go to Earth?
-
Disclaimer: I don't know if Greywind's familial clan name is Lenarasin (Rainfall). That part I made up. But it seems to sound good. In fact I cannot be sure if loroi use clan names much like the way we use family names.