"Ben, queens and kings are monarchs that are typically born into the role,” said Cotton. “The Emperor is not born as a ruler. She is chosen by a group of Loroi. The Emperor can do many things, but only if the Diadem.”
Something is missing at the end of this paragraph. (allows? implicitly allows? approves?)
“Why not? You’re so smart. You’d be a great Console Member.”
Console member? Or Council member?
Nice flying Superman!
Jedi mind tricks, indeed!
The force is strong in these two!
STAR CONTROL: The Ur-Quan Masters finally gets a continuation of the story! (sorry for spamming, will amend signature again when Kickstarter has ended, or many complain about my signature)
"Ben, queens and kings are monarchs that are typically born into the role,” said Cotton. “The Emperor is not born as a ruler. She is chosen by a group of Loroi. The Emperor can do many things, but only if the Diadem.”
Something is missing at the end of this paragraph. (allows? implicitly allows? approves?)
“Why not? You’re so smart. You’d be a great Console Member.”
Console member? Or Council member?
Nice flying Superman!
Jedi mind tricks, indeed!
The force is strong in these two!
Your powers of logical deduction serve you well, Padawan! Yes I meant sweet wafers.
And went back and corrected the mistakes. When you're in a rush to finish a chapter and post, you tend to miss a few details. Especially after a long day of work.
Also, I meant for Ben to mispronounce the word Council for Console.
Ah, nice (the mispronunciation).
Half expected that, but since I've been writing his post already, I included it.
I thank you for your efforts, and continue to look forward to the next chapters.
STAR CONTROL: The Ur-Quan Masters finally gets a continuation of the story! (sorry for spamming, will amend signature again when Kickstarter has ended, or many complain about my signature)
Cotton simply could not believe it. She simply could not believe it and yet it was undeniable. The Listel lay in her bed staring at the ceiling. Outside the tinkling of rain could still be heard as it bombarded the rooftop.
The Emperor barely several thousand solons ago finished explaining to Cotton that there seemed to be a weak point in Ben’s lotai. And for reasons they did not understand, only Greywind could exclusively peer into this breech in Ben’s psyche on a subconscious level. Ever since discovering this many days ago, Tempo had been assisting the Emperor to delve into the dreamscape and explore Ben’s subconscious mind. While Ben’s mask was still active against all other loroi, this discovery could very well be the first step to dissolving the human lotai. And that is why Greywind was eager to find Lagertha and bring her to Deinar as quickly as possible. To convince, with a bit of coercion if need be, Ben’s mother to stay with the loroi and give Greywind a justifiable reason to keep Ben in Union territory. But even if they never found Lagertha, Greywind intended to keep Ben on Deinar.
Which is why Greywind was promoting Cotton to the rank of Listel Saszet. So that Cotton would have the clearance to access all the information and resources she needed to research Ben’s mind in Greywind’s absence. Cotton was also instructed to report all findings to Greywind and Greywind only, lest Greywind’s enemies should seek to use such knowledge, or even Ben, against the Fourth Emperor.
Cotton should have felt honored to receive such a high rank so quickly. Enthralled that the human lotai could possibly be bypassed. But her thoughts wandered to the little human snoozing beside her. It did not sit well with her to submit Ben to experimentation and testing. Ben was no loroi, yet he was kind. Gentle. Bright. And occasionally quite funny. Did he deserve to be held in the Loroi’s custody?
Cotton knew her mind, in its troubled state, was prone to mental assaults. Upon sensing this, Greywind commanded Cotton to leave Ben in her care the next day and engage as little as possible with other loroi until Tempo had properly trained her mental defences.
Ben shuffled on the bed, groaning in his sleep. The boy kept snoring away, his mind and dreams invisible to Cotton. He looked so peaceful when he slept.
The Listel rolled onto her side as she watched the little boy snore. She thought back on the day she was summoned to the hangar bay aboard Cry of the Wind after the Emperor’s shuttle returned from Taben’s Space Dock. Cotton stood behind Greywind’s Diaderets and other high-ranking officers as they waited for their Emperor to disembark. As composed as the Cry of the Wind’s crew were trained to be, the Loroi were taken aback upon seeing the Emperor come aboard with a little guest in tow.
The crew of the Mobile Capital went ecstatic as news of a little human male washed over the ship’s occupants. But were quickly reminded of their place by their superiors and firm warnings from the Teidars. Cotton was called forward by Greywind and given strict instructions to care for and safeguard the human. Which Cotton graciously accepted. The Listel also found it quite humorous to find the little human hiding behind Tempo, risking brief peeks at the assembly of new Loroi. Even a few of Greywind’s officers bent over curiously to catch a glimpse of this little newcomer. It took a bit of coaxing from Cotton to convince Ben to come out of his hiding place as she knelt down to his level. Upon realising that the Listel could fluently speak English and introducing herself, Ben buried his head into her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her neck.
Though mildly shocked by the initial contact, Cotton recalled that this was how some humans showed trust and affection and just let it happen. And she had to admit it was pleasant. But Cotton was in for another surprise when she found herself locked in Ben’s tiny arms. Tempo tried to pry him free, to which the little human muffled with a shake of his buried head, “Mm-mm”. The more Tempo pried, the harder Ben seemed to squeeze the Listel’s neck. Cotton, momentarily hard pressed for air, assured Tempo that she did not mind as she hefted the boy up and carried him to his new quarters. More relieved when Ben eased his hold.
One of Greywind’s officers joked, much to the amusement of the assembly, >Careful, Listel! Don’t let that little thing get attached.<
After arriving at the delegate dorms, Cotton placed Ben on a bed, at which point he was willing to let go. The Listel spent the next days feeding, cleaning and educating Ben. A task she was happy to undertake for the young boy.
All her life, Cotton was loyal to the Loroi Union. Even as a warrior, dominance and conquering the Local Bubble were the least of her concerns. Cotton’s greatest motivation in life was science and the accumulation of knowledge. Now the Emperor wanted Cotton to devote her scientific talents to breaking the human lotai and agree to keeping Ben in the Loroi’s protective custody. And while Ben was by no means in any physical danger of his loroi hosts, Cotton could not help but feel as if they were essentially making Ben their captive.
Although it alleviated some of the Listel’s concerns when she posed the Emperor with the question: >If breaking the lotai requires inflicting pain onto Ben, will you command it?<
To which Greywind replied, >I would only harm or allow harm onto humans worthy of our hostilities, Listel. Fortunately for Ben, he is not. Besides, hurting Ben seems counter-productive.<
In the end Cotton would simply have to hope for the best and devote herself to studying Ben’s mind while caring for him.
As her mind finally began to doze off, Cotton thought, >Don’t worry, Ben. This may not be what you wanted. Fate takes us to unexpected places. But I promise I will keep you safe.<
-
Grey sat alongside Ben, who sat with his small head resting on Lagertha’s side on their cot. Once again, Grey slipped into Ben’s subconscious mind, escaping from her brutal trials in the Perrein woods. Now she was sitting beside Ben back at their old home on Grind, looking at an illustrative book that Lagertha was reading. As was expected, Lagertha’s projection was unaware of Grey’s presence as she read a queer fable called, “Rapunzel”. An old legend about a female infant stolen at birth by a witch and held captive in a tower where only the witch could reach her. The witch adopted the child, who over the years grew into a beautiful girl with beautiful hair that stretched so far that the witch used it as a rope to climb up to her captive in the tower. The witch would climb up to her adopted daughter simply to watch and admire her beauty.
>I think someone in this tale has an unhealthy obsession with young people,< Grey thought aloud.
“What do you mean?” Ben asked. He had become used to Grey entering his dreams now.
Hesitant to elaborate on her comment, Grey just sent, >Never mind. Let’s keep listening to Lagertha’s story.<
Ben shrugged and kept listening to his mother’s recital.
“… Then, one day, a young Prince was lost within the woods and trying to find his way home,” said Lagertha, with an arm encircling Ben’s small frame as she held the book in display. “But he heard a song. The most beautiful song he ever heard. He followed the song until it led him to Rapunzel’s tower…”
The story went on that the Prince, enamored by Rapunzel’s beauty and gentle nature, wished to visit her within their tower. Rapunzel hesitated to permit him entry for fear of her adoptive mother’s warning never to let a man near. But eagerly wishing for the company of another, and fascinated by this Prince, she lowered her hair and the Prince climbed up to her. Unbeknownst to the witch, the Prince and Rapunzel would meet in secret and talk with each other every day. And soon they fell in love and planned to escape back to the Prince’s kingdom.
>Oh, here we go,< thought Grey. >A love story destined to end tragically. Typical.<
According to Loroi, all romantic tales ended tragically when two parties became too attached. It distracted them from their responsibilities and could entail misfortune for the pair’s families and clans.
Grey’s prediction was proven right when the witch finally learnt of Rapunzel’s affair and angered upon learning that her adoptive daughter had not only pair-bonded with the Prince but conceived with him. Enraged by her adoptive daughter’s betrayal of trust, the witch cut Rapunzel’s hair and banished her to the wilderness. The Prince, unaware of what had befallen Rapunzel, returned to the tower and climbed up Rapunzel’s hair. But was shocked to find that the witch had used Rapunzel’s shredded hair to bait the Prince. In an act of spiteful vengeance, the witch pushed the Prince from the tower and he fell. The impact was so traumatic that it blinded the Prince.
>Low blow,< thought Grey, disgusted and confused by such cruel treatment. It seemed very strange to Grey that the witch disgraces her own adoptive child by shredding her hair and inflicts harm on a male. That a female would do that to a male is sacrilege. And why did the witch become angry that her adoptive daughter conceived with a male? Shouldn’t the adoptive mother be proud that her child has an heir? Why disgrace and banish her for fulfilling a biological function?
The story went on. For years, the Prince wandered aimlessly in the wilderness until he happened upon Rapunzel, who had given birth to twins. Saddened by the cruel treatment yet overjoyed to be reunited with the man she loved, Rapunzel shed tears that fell upon the Prince’s eyes. But her tears healed the Prince of his affliction, restoring his sight. Happy and reunited, the two returned to the Prince’s kingdom.
>Sweet,< Grey thought amusedly with a bit of sarcasm. She knew romantic tales never ended that way, but let it be.
“That’s sad,” said Ben. “That the Prince is hurt and then goes blind.”
“But it doesn’t stay that way, Ben,” said Lagertha, closing the book and casting it aside. “They find each other again and get to be happy together.”
“Yeah, that is nice,” Ben shrugged with a grin.
“Time for bed now.” Lagertha lay down, Ben snuggling into her side as they rested on their cot.
“Mom? Does that story happen on Earth?”
“Yes, Lilla Gubben,” said Lagertha.
“I can’t wait to see it,” said Ben. “When are we going?”
Lagertha was silent a moment. “Soon, sweetie. Very soon.” Lagertha kissed his head, holding him close.
Grey watched them with envious eyes. Who knew that a mother and son could share such a tender bond? She could not help but feel jealous. Why was it that some people were born lucky with loving parents while others were not? Grey’s own mother, Rainlash, had never shown such affection. It was humorous how Grey could compare that awful witch in the fairy tale to Rainlash. Grey knew what it was like to feel trapped, caged and receiving harsh treatment when she failed to meet her mother’s expectations.
Her thoughts made Ben’s dream unstable. Ben’s subconscious world faded away along with him as Grey reached for him. Why did he have to leave? How come Ben slipped from Grey’s reach every time she felt happy to just be with him? Her distraught thoughts and feelings sent Grey into a new dreamscape; a memory of Grey’s unpleasant upbringing.
-
Grey suddenly found herself back on Deinar, as a four year old child.
>Grey,< Rainlash sent sternly. >Pay attention!<
Grey’s wandering thoughts were brought back by a slap on her shoulder. The little girl, with shoulder length grey hair, held the spot where her mother struck her. They were in the upper tiers of the Grand Residency Tower in the heart of Toridas. When Rainlash was not busy at work, she would summon Grey to Rainlash’s private quarters to continue Grey’s tutoring. Or drilling would be a more accurate term.
Rainlash was one of the most highly esteemed and influential Sentinel Ambassadors working for the Emperor’s cabinet. Every one of Grey’s sisters understood that Rainlash had high hopes for their family by maintaining the Emperor’s policies and fulfilling Eighth Dawn’s vision for a stable Union. And with that came high expectations.
Everyday, when Rainlash was busy, Grey was expected to study and learn. Particularly on Loroi history, spoken communication and wilderness survival. The latter being essential for Grey’s coming diral band trials. When Rainlash summoned Grey each afternoon for their tutoring sessions, Rainlash tested what Grey learnt during the day and how well she could apply it in theory to hypothetical scenarios. All Grey wanted to do was play during the day, but her mother made it clear that slacking off her studies would not be tolerated. A smack to Grey’s wrists made that point clear.
Today Rainlash was testing how well Grey absorbed her history lesson concerning Perrein culture. While Grey was born on Deinar, Perrein was her family’s ancestral home, which her mother prided in.
>Now, what major event happened on Perrein five hundred tozons before the Unification Era?< Rainlash asked.
Grey desperately fished for a reply as she recounted what she read today and sent back, >Well… it was the holocaust.<
>What holocaust?< Rainlash tested her daughter.
>The holocaust… of Highrock. The Capital of the Highland Combine which united the Northern City States.<
>True, Grey. But why did this holocaust happen?<
>Because the Capital of Aesha, after declaring the Combine an enemy of the state, dropped an atomic weapon on Highrock. After that, the Northern City States surrendered to Aesha, accepting it as the main capital of Perrein. And ended the war.<
>And why did Aesha drop an atomic weapon on Highrock?<
>Because they were the enemy of Aesha.<
Rainlash groaned, aggravated at her daughter’s lack of imagination. >But why?<
Grey thought it over. She knew a reprimand was coming, but tried to find a suitable answer. >Because… they wouldn’t accept Aesha as the ruling state?<
Rainlash smacked Grey’s shoulder. >Simple creature,< she called Grey. >Have you learnt nothing today?<
>I’m sorry, mother,< Grey sent timidly, shrinking in her chair. >I studied the history of the war all day.<
>Not well enough,< said Rainlash. >You’ve been letting your mind wander again, haven’t you? I will not tolerate slacking. That behavior is only becoming of a civilian. Now, yes, Highrock and the Northern Combine refused to yield to Aesha. But Aesha wanted something from the Northerners. What was it?<
>Loyalty?< Grey asked.
Rainlash groaned. >Idiot child. Yes, but I was looking for a more substantial answer. What do all nations need to survive?<
Though hurt by the insult, Grey tried to keep her hurt feelings to herself as she thought. >Resources?<
>What kind of resources? What did the Highlands of Perrein have that all the Southern lands did not?<
Grey thought a long while. Maybe something scarce on Perrein? Then it came to her. >Water!<
>Exactly, Grey. Water! The most important resource to loroi.<
>But what’s the point of fighting over water?< Grey asked. >The Southern woods and forests always had plenty of water and juicy vegetation. If they needed a drink-<
>Use your head, Grey,< sent Rainlash. >Water is more than just a food source. Loroi use it for agriculture, industry, commerce and as a power source. No matter how much it rains, Perrein’s surface has few lakes and terrestrial water bodies. Water has always been one of the most valued things in Perrein before unification with Deinar. But beneath the surface are saline aquifers where the surface water runs into. And the Highlands had subterranean seas where their City States were built to well up these boundless water supplies.<
>But didn’t the Highland loroi trade with the Aesha loroi?< Grey asked.
>Yes, but since the Combine controlled the wells, they controlled the water supply to the Southerners. So, if the Combine controlled the water, what else do you think they could do?<
>Demand any price?<
>What else, Grey? Think!<
Grey thought a moment. >So the Combine… could make the Southerners do whatever they wanted.<
>And what word means to make people do what the ruling party wants?<
>……Policy.<
>Exactly, Grey. Aesha was striving to be the unifying city state of Perrein and bring order to the chaos that had plagued the Perrein Loroi since the collapse of the Soia. Allowing the Combine to shape policies would have jeopardize that goal.<
>But why kill all the people of Highrock City with an atomic bomb?< Grey asked. >If Aesha just wanted the water, they could have just killed the leaders and put someone else in charge-<
>Little fool,< Rainlash sent. >Highrock was one of many Northern states opposing Aesha. Appointing a new leader in Highrock would never have been enough. The rest of the Northern states would have continued their resistance against Aesha, with tens of millions of loroi backing them. The atomic bomb was a sure and fast way to destroy Highrock and bring the rest of the states to their knees. The states had to see just how far Aesha was willing to go just to stop its enemies. With power never before seen.<
>But it just seems so… wrong,< sent Grey. >A waste of life.<
>It was a necessary sacrifice for a greater good,< Rainlash sent. >Remember, Grey, we are descended from the ancient order of Sentinels of Aesha. Without them, Perrein’s city states would still be warring with each other. It was the Sentinels’ influence that ended conflicts across Perrein quickly. It allowed for easy assimilation of Perrein into Deinar and become an integral part of the Empire. The Torrais govern the Empire. But we Mizols are the true intelligence of the Union. We have stopped wars before they even started. Helped forge policies that bring huge profit to the Loroi people. The point, Grey, is that by sacrificing one city state in that era, the rest of the Northern States fell to their knees begging for Aesha’s mercy. And mercy we gave them in exchange for their obedience and loyalty and the steady supply of water. Thus dissolving the influence of the Combine. And resistance fighters trying to revive the Combine movement were wiped out after that.<
>But what about the millions of Loroi that had nothing to do with Highrock’s rulers’ decisions? Or the Combine?<
>What about them, Grey?<
>The millions of Loroi that died from the atomic bomb. They didn’t seem to deserve to die just because their leaders made bad choices.<
>Grey, they resided with Aesha’s enemies. They worked for Aesha’s enemies. They paid taxes to Aesha’s enemies. And so, they too were the enemy.<
>But what if there were Highrock Loroi that didn’t even like their rulers? Or hated the Combine? What if there were loroi who sympathized with Aesha-<
>Stupid girl, that is inconsequential!< Rainlash shot at Grey.
Grey cowered as she shrunk in her seat.
Rainlash sighed. >There have always been casualties in war. And there always will be. Morality is useful, Grey. But if you want to achieve greatness, you cannot be hindered by conscience or sentiment. If you see an opportunity, seize it. So long as you can organize and bring order to the Loroi who survive afterward, you will triumph and reap the rewards. Besides, if other Loroi see that you are steered by your morals, they will not hesitate to exploit your weakness. Are you weak, Grey?<
Averting her gaze from her mother, Grey lowered her head in cowardice. It was pointless arguing with her, but Grey did not want to give her mother the satisfaction of triumph.
Stomping toward the little girl, Rainlash smacked her head. >I will not tolerate disobedience, child! You will answer when I speak to you! Now… are you weak?<
Grey’s lips quivered ever so slightly, but she swallowed her fear, trying to muster up her courage. >No, my elder,< she sent. A tear rolled down her cheek.
>Don’t try to win my sympathy with tears, Grey. Tears will not save you. Only resilience, resourcefulness and strength will shield you from life's cruelties. You will find your strength, one way or another. Only then might you have the competency to rise as a Mizol. Now let’s continue the lecture…<
Grey sat glumly in silence as she absorbed her mother’s lecture.
Thousands of solons passed and Rainlash finished their daily lecture. Grey was excused to retire for the evening. As Grey rose from her seat and walked out with her head low, Rainlash sent, >Stand straight, Grey! Head held high! You look like a Neridi with a crooked neck.<
Grey solemnly did as instructed and left her mother’s quarters, begrudgingly holding her formal posture. By the time she was safely out of Rainlash’s range of sanzai, she sprinted into a run for her room. She met no other loroi since Rainlash occupied one of the most exclusive tiers of the Tower. Upon reaching her room, Grey ran for her bed and buried her head into her pillow. To be raised and trained by one’s own mother was a rarity among loroi. Grey would often receive praises from Rainlash’s friends that came to visit.
>It is a great luxury and honor to be trained by your own mother,< they would tell Grey as encouragement. But Grey did not feel honored. She felt trapped.
After spending most of her tears, she took out her datapad and brought up recordings of loroi children laughing and playing in creches. Although she could not feel their telepathic presence or what they shared, Grey loved to watch them. In an obscure way, it made her feel like she was a part of their creche.
Most of Grey’s sisters had long completed their trials and moved on. They made few visits. None of them cared about Grey. They were too busy trying to bolster their own rank and reputation. Or lick Rainlash’s boots. Except for one who was deployed elsewhere in orbit of Perrein.
Grey activated the messenger on her datapad and sent an encrypted transmission. Within solons, the image of Grey’s eldest sister came up.
“Hello, Loremark,” Grey said with a smile, genuinely happy to see her older sister.
“Greetings, my little warrior to be,” Loremark said back.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m about to enter a staff meeting with some Sorroin Torrets in charge of Perrein's defence fleet.”
“For what?”
“Usual boring stuff,” Loremark joked. “Pointing out the liabilities of our commanders. Or how to moderate the aliens passing through our territory. Or that our Citadels are understaffed and need more girls. Maybe some cute Nedatans too.”
Grey snickered. “You’re funny.”
Loremark smirked. “So I seem. How are you feeling, Grey?”
Grey tried to sound positive. “I’m fine.”
Loremark suddenly looked suspicious. “I recognize that tone. You don’t sound fine.”
Grey shrugged. “It’s nothing.”
Loremark sighed. “Alright. What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Lie!” Loremark pointed out. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
Grey was silent a moment before confessing, “Our mother is mean. That’s what’s wrong.”
Loremark sighed. “Grey, if you just do as she instructs and absorb her lectures, it is painless. Remember I also had to suffer her tutelage and I turned out fine. Look where I am now. I’m a Senior Analyst on my way to be an Ambassador. And then… who knows. Maybe I will be a Torrai someday.”
“But I didn’t do anything wrong,” Grey defended. “She’s so strict. We were reviewing Perrein history and the Atomic holocaust and I saw something wrong in her reasoning.”
“The more you defy her, Grey, the worse it gets. You don’t have to agree with what she says. Just absorb it. Take what you can from the lesson and use it. I know she can be harsh. But Rainlash only wants you to be the best that you can be. And to care about the family legacy.”
Grey snorted, “All she cares about is her own legacy.”
“Careful, Grey,” Loremark gently warned. “You have a right to be upset. But never disrespect our mother.”
An awkward silence followed.
Loremark sighed. “Listen! I will speak with her. In the meantime, you keep up your studies and behave. Can you do that for me?”
Grey’s lips twitched sideways as she considered her sister’s proposal. “Only if you promise to come visit soon.”
“That might take some time, Grey. But I promise, as soon as my schedule permits, I’ll take some shore leave and visit you.”
“And take me to the next Windsurfing game at the Great Lakes,” Grey added. Grey loved the Great Lakes of Perrein. The largest bodies of surface water on the whole planet.
“Again?! We always see a Windsurfing game. Can’t we do something else? How about visiting the ancient Soia ruins?”
“No!” Grey said sternly. “Windsurfing! Or I declare war in this house!”
Loremark laughed hopelessly. “Alright. Windsurfing then. But be good! And no more defiance with our mother.”
Grey grinned content and said as maturely as a four-year old could, “We have reached an agreement here.”
“I have to go, Grey. We’ll talk again soon.”
“Bye, Loremark.”
Grey stuffed her datapad away before laying back on her bed. Having at least one affectionate sister helped ease Grey’s rough upbringing. She was so happy that Loremark would be coming to visit soon…
-
Greywind awoke from her dream. It had been a long time since she dreamt about Loremark. Even after centuries, Greywind missed her eldest sister. The old Emperor pushed that memory to the back of her mind and got up from bed. She was not tired enough to sleep anymore so she dressed in a robe and left for the kitchen to make some tea. As she set water to boil, she noticed a cool draft enter the room. Coming from the glass door leading out to the terrace. The old Emperor tensed a moment. While there were plenty of guards, both belonging to the Monastery and her personal security team patrolling the grounds, one could not be too careful. Slowly approaching the open door, she sighed relief upon seeing Ben sitting outside on the terrace’s edge.
It could still be disconcerting to be near this little human lacking a detectable presence. She stepped out onto the terrace to see what the boy was up to.
“Ben,” Greywind said in English. “What are you doing?”
A surprised Ben swung around. “Shooting stars,” he said.
That was a term Greywind never heard before. “What?”
The little boy pointed up at the sky. The rains had stopped and seemed to have moved on as quickly as they came. Leaving a perfect view of Deinar’s starry sky and rings. And a meteor shower which had captivated Ben’s interest.
“I see,” said Greywind. Now she could see how one might call meteors shooting stars. “You should be sleeping now.”
Ben shrugged, his gaze fixed on those shooting stars. “I couldn’t sleep.”
“And you should not be outside alone, Ben,” Greywind scolded him. “You cannot leave without our permission.”
“Sorry,” he said, looking down at the turf. “I’ve just… never seen shooting stars before. Only in books and movies.”
The old Emperor sighed. She could order him back inside. But what were they going to do? He could not sleep. She could not sleep. Greywind just stepped back into the villa, finished fixing her tea. Along with a hot cup of nectar juice. Grabbing the blanket from her room along with a bundle of pillows, Greywind returned to the terrace and made a fine pillow fort.
“Here,” she handed the hot nectar juice to Ben.
“Thank you,” said Ben.
Greywind was impressed by Ben’s manners. For someone who had grown up in impoverished conditions, Ben was unusually polite. He seemed to truly appreciate everything the Loroi gave him. The old Emperor sat down and leaned against the pile of pillows. She brushed her hair cape to the side before patting the empty spot on the blanket beside her. Ben took the hint and walked on his knees before plopping down beside the Emperor.
Such a silly thing, thought Greywind, taking a sip of hot tea. The Emperor sighed with relief and gazed up at the stars.
Ben looked up to, resting back against the pillows as he sipped his nectar. The hot sweetener warming him up.
“It’s beautiful, huh?” said Ben.
“Yes. It is.”
Ben’s gaze fell down as he became glumly silent.
“What are you thinking about?” Greywind asked, noticing his downcast mood.
“I miss Mom,” he said sadly.
“I know. But we are looking for her.”
“Emperor?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think… Mom is at Earth?”
Now that was a surprise question. “I… really do not think so. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve been thinking,” said Ben. “Mom said she was taking us to Earth. But then the aliens came and took me away. But.. what if Mom kept going to Earth?”
“But, Ben, you do not know that.”
“But what if she did? Maybe she’s there waiting for me?”
Greywind could see that Ben was looking for hope. “I… suppose that’s possible. But I don’t think so.”
“But what if she is? Couldn’t we go there and find out?”
Greywind paused a moment in thought. Trying to explain the complications of interstellar travel as well as searching for one person across hundreds of lightyears was too much for a child to grasp. Or accept. She needed to convince Ben with a simpler explanation.
“Ben, you said your mother loved you. Correct?”
Ben nodded.
“So,” Greywind continued, “do you think she would go to Earth and leave you behind?”
Ben was silent as he thought it over but gave no reply.
“If your mother loves you, Ben, then she did not go to Earth without you.” Greywind was not sure if that was entirely true. But upsetting Ben or confusing him with a pessimistic explanation was not a sure way to win his confidence. Or make him cooperative.
Sniffling as well as tears escaped from Ben as he placed his cup down, tucked his legs in and buried his head into his arms and thighs. As hard as he tried to hold it in, Ben could not stop himself from crying. He felt like he was never going to see his mother again.
Greywind sat awkwardly beside the little human. She had seen crying before, but had no idea how to make it stop. Greywind was a ruler, not a caregiver.
“Ben,” she tried to say something comforting, holding out a hesitant hand. “Do not cry. I… I did not… mean to make you sad. I understand… this is hard. But you must be strong. And patient.”
“I just want Mom back,” Ben whimpered amidst his sobs.
“I know,” said Greywind, lowering her hand. “If I had the power, I would give her back to you, Ben. But I can’t. I just… I just want you to be safe… and happy.”
Ben looked up from his crouched position, staring at Greywind with tear stained eyes. Greywind froze as Ben suddenly threw his arms around her torso, burying his little head into her chest. It was most inappropriate for anyone, much less a human, to make such physical contact with her. A handshake was tolerable, amusing even. Embraces were not commonly done among loroi save for those sharing deep connection. But this was improper.
This was indecorous.
Unfitting.
Ill-suited.
Awkward.
Warm.
Calm.
Harmless.
Gentle.
Greywind just stared down at the little boy as he moistened her robe with his tears. She hoped that he would eventually run out but there seemed no end to the waterworks. Perhaps Ben needed some reciprocation to calm him down. With reluctant, gawky motions, Greywind brought her left hand to rest gently against his back while her right fingers became intertwined with his dirty, blonde locks. He was so warm to the touch.
Ben’s arms only seemed to tighten more, making Greywind stiffen under the contact. But realising there was no harm to her person, she relaxed. And assured herself the little human only wanted to relieve himself of despondency.
“It is alright,” Greywind assured the little boy as he wept, her hands relaxing as they rested on him. “You are alright.”
Ben’s cries subsided as he let out his sadness, feeling better in Greywind’s arms. Slowly but surely he calmed back down. As cold and alien as the Emperor’s body felt, it was comforting.
She’s so nice to me, thought Ben.
The two of them stayed in that position for several minutes until Ben finally released the Emperor.
“You feel better now?” Greywind asked, gazing into his eyes. Blue eyes like her own.
Ben nodded, wiping his nose. “Uh-huh.”
“Then lie down. And watch the stars with me.”
And they did.
Last edited by Snoofman on Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:57 pm, edited 11 times in total.
I greatly enjoyed it - Greywind comforting Ben is so sweetly awkward. Good thinking for her on how to deflect Ben wanting to go to Earth.
I enjoyed listel Cotton's concern about Greywind's intentions towards Ben (and her new rank). Would that rank need to be announced? Some political rivals (either of Greywind of Cotton might wonder why she was promoted.
One minor correction?
SpoilerShow
"She’s no nice to me, thought Ben." = I assume from the tone of the piece, this should be "She’s so nice to me, thought Ben." Otherwise it changes a lot
Your powers of observation continue to serve you well. Thanks for pointing out the errors. Spotted and corrected.
In a way Greywind is being soft, but she'll come to realize how that is a problem in the upcoming chapters. I don't want to portray Greywind as a complete softy and, whether in this fanfic or another instalment, I'd like to go over how Greywind's upbringing, past and missions over the years hardened her and steeled her resolve to be the unorthodox Emperor that the Union came to know. If it ever comes to a separate instalment about Greywind's past, story advice, lore and inspiration would be most welcome.
Perhaps it is also worth noting that Greywind is not hard on Ben because she is sensible enough to realize that Ben is just a child. Besides, Ben is docile enough that she doesn't have to be harsh with him.
In the actual Outsider lore, Greywind was a mother of four daughters. So unless Arioch plans to portray her as a ruthless hard-ass who whiplashes her neophytes (including her own children), I imagine Greywind had to have some manner of tenderness at least to kin and truest friends.
As for Cotton, I suppose traditionalists would want all loroi who receive new promotions to be done officially. But I'm sure there are those who receive their promotions discreetly with as few spectators as possible if one wants to keep certain info under wraps.
I think that promotions within a caste are not a problem, unless she jumps up too many ranks at once. It's the promotion into the Torrai caste that requires proper decorum, ceremony and all that.
Also, Greywind is not too soft, especially because in "Loroi years", Ben is actually younger than Grey from the flashback.
Standards of softness might differ for the Azerein compared to other influential loroi. I agree that Ben does not need harshness, but wonder if general loroi society (at least, the parts Greywind would have to consider) feel the same. I like the current tone of the story though. But she probably has some other Emperor-business she needs to attend to? I guess we don't see what she is doing all day so she could get through a bunch of that off-screen.
I should have double-checked the lists of ranking before bringing it up - I didn't remember saszet so I thought it was a much bigger promotion based on Greywind's statements about needing it to get the information Cotton needs.
Not sure about all the technicalities of ranks within loroi military. Maybe Greywind could just give Cotton clearance to whatever information or resources she would need without the promotion. But the idea was that, if Cotton had a superior rank, it would incline other suspicious loroi not to mess with a superior officer.
Another note to readers: I have gone back to chapter 12 and changed that a piece of plot. It was fun entertaining the idea of Danny and Samar finding a way into the Monastery, but I've scrapped that idea. And instead of meeting with Ambassador Ziga, they meet with a loroi called Torrai Oirel Shadow, who has taken an interest in Ben. Want to know more? Better go back and find out.
Ooh, a very high-ranking Torrai named Shadow that has the Emperor's best interests at heart. There's absolutely nothing suspicions there, right? She's just worried about her beloved, yet aging, Azerein.
Ooh, a very high-ranking Torrai named Shadow that has the Emperor's best interests at heart. There's absolutely nothing suspicions there, right? She's just worried about her beloved, yet aging, Azerein.
Ooh, a very high-ranking Torrai named Shadow that has the Emperor's best interests at heart. There's absolutely nothing suspicions there, right? She's just worried about her beloved, yet aging, Azerein.
I know right?
Interesting twist - it adds to the drama. Probably for the best though I do miss the idea of Danny sneaking into the monastery.
For those who didn't notice, check all of chapter 12 for Shadow - there is a bit more after she risks her career in the interests of safeguarding the Emperor from a scourge of hand-holding and (even worse) hugs from the little charmer Ben.
Hey fellow readers and fanfic enthusiastists! Sorry no new chapter yet. I've just got back from a sailing course and have been busy with home renovations. As well as having difficulty how to progress the story. I have a direction and an ending in mind, but it's hard to construct how to get their. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it.
But I am here to say that I've gone back and made a slight change to chapter 12. Specifically, before Tempo wakes up the others in the villa, she shares an exchange with the Emperor concerning a new theory about Lagertha. Also, I've made minor changes to chapters 10 and 11; instead of seeking out Grind, Livewire's instruction is to return with the Delrias to Deinar.
Hey fellow readers and fanfic enthusiastists! Sorry no new chapter yet. I've just got back from a sailing course and have been busy with home renovations. As well as having difficulty how to progress the story. I have a direction and an ending in mind, but it's hard to construct how to get their. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it.
But I am here to say that I've gone back and made a slight change to chapter 12. Specifically, before Tempo wakes up the others in the villa, she shares an exchange with the Emperor concerning a new theory about Lagertha. Also, I've made minor changes to chapters 10 and 11; instead of seeking out Grind, Livewire's instruction is to return with the Delrias to Deinar.
Nice twist on Lagertha, were you perhaps inspired by the "sailing" "course"? How many ships did you plunder? How many sailors were forced to walk the plank?
As to the direction of the story, it's just a fanfic, you are definitely overthinking it. I mean, you can adjust it later on.
Hey fellow readers and fanfic enthusiastists! Sorry no new chapter yet. I've just got back from a sailing course and have been busy with home renovations. As well as having difficulty how to progress the story. I have a direction and an ending in mind, but it's hard to construct how to get their. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it.
But I am here to say that I've gone back and made a slight change to chapter 12. Specifically, before Tempo wakes up the others in the villa, she shares an exchange with the Emperor concerning a new theory about Lagertha. Also, I've made minor changes to chapters 10 and 11; instead of seeking out Grind, Livewire's instruction is to return with the Delrias to Deinar.
No worries - good luck with the home renovations and hope you enjoyed the sailing. I'm sure the story will be great once you are ready.
It wasn’t the chirping of Deinar birds that awoke the old Emperor. And it wasn’t the chirps and buzzing of other things that creeped and crawled. Or the slight chill in the early morning air. Nor was it Deinar’s sun that was just breaking the horizon. It was the bite of a tiny insect on her left cheek. Greywind would have used her psychokinetic powers to enact vengeance on the insignificant bug if only she was not so dozy.
Greywind yawned, arching her back slightly, releasing a few pops in her tendons. She seemed to have fallen asleep while stargazing. The early chill made her shiver slightly. She slowly made to get up, but was stopped as something caught her hair.
Ben, at some point after Greywind fell asleep, decided to make like a caterpillar and cocooned himself in Greywind’s cape. The little boy lay on his side, rolled up in a swirl of violet threads, only his dirty, blonde head poking out.
>What effrontery,< thought Greywind. >How the shred did he do that?<
Her cerulean eyes went wide upon seeing drool oozing out of Ben’s snoring maw and clinging to Greywind’s violet threads like oil stains. On the outside, Greywind merely looked mildly upset. But inside her anger shot through the roof. She was going to wake the little caterpillar from his hibernation and make him understand-
Rustle!
Tug!
Greywind did not get to take immediate action as Ben rolled onto his back, unintentionally tugging her head into the make-shift mattress. An aggravated groan passed through Greywind’s sealed lips as she rested her head on her elbow.
Greywind thought: This is ridiculous! I’m the Fourth Emperor of the Loroi Union and being held captive by a tiny, insignificant human. I’m getting too soft with him. Too lenient. As soon as he wakes up, I’m going to… going to… going to…
The old Emperor was distracted by Ben’s snoring and gentle features. Her frustration slowly burnt out with a huff. She would discipline him when he woke up and just lay there as she watched him rest.
He is a naughty one, thought Greywind. And further pondered: Granted he is just a child, but even so, he needs to understand the rules of loroi society if he stays here. Especially when dealing with the Emperor. And he… he… is… not… completely… unpleasant to look at. I suppose… he is… nice. Naughty, but nice. And helplessly fragile. No wonder he needs us to protect him-
The old Emperor berated herself: Wake up, Greywind! Get a hold of yourself! You’re allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by maternal instincts and for this little human. He’s influencing your decisions! You’ve allowed him to override your common sense. You need to be strict with him.
She lost her train of thought as an insect landed on Ben’s cheek. But flicked it away with her blue finger without waking him.
Greywind sighed and thought: I should be firm with him. I ought to wake him… but… why do I continue to just lie here and watch him sleep?
She focused again on the boy’s gentle snores. His smooth, alien skin. Golden locks. And soft cheeks. Many of the loroi that happened to pass him by could not stop ogling over how adorable he was. As annoying as the jittery seed-heads were, Greywind admitted that Ben could be considered… cute.
I wonder what his hair feels like, Greywind suddenly thought. She remembered giving strict instructions for no one to touch him. Save for Listel Cotton who understood how to appropriately handle human children without violating humanity taboos. Yet lying so close to Ben, Greywind was suddenly curious. Carefully stretching her aged fingers, Greywind carefully took a few strands of Ben’s hair. Rolling it between her index finger and thumb, she admired the alien yet familiar texture of his hair. Growing a bit bolder Greywind traced the tips of her fingers along his scalp, brushing against-
Bun rustled in his sleep as he rolled onto his side, facing the Emperor. Greywind quickly retracted her hand and lay on her back. Her eyelids slammed shut as she feigned sleep.
After waiting for tens of solons, and hearing no sign of waking from Ben, Greywind let out a huff of relief and frustration. That was a close one. She knew she shouldn’t have, but it was hard not to admire the warmth from his head radiating into her fingertips. She remembered how warm his hand felt when he sealed their first deal together.
So warm.
She risked a peek at his face. Still asleep.
I wonder if his face is just as warm as his hand, she thought. But berated herself: Stop being an idiot! Of course his face is warm! He’s a human! Humans have a higher body temperature than loroi. You know this! So stop thinking about it!
Greywind audibly huffed and huffed, anticipating that her audible exhalations would rouse Ben. Swinging her gaze down, Ben still did not wake up. So she swung her gaze back up. Then down and up again. Growing more restless, she lifted and beat her head back into her pillow repeatedly. Ben still did not wake up. Just kept snoring away.
Why don’t I just tell him to wake up?! Why am I behaving so idiotically?! Greywind thought, risking another look.
Greywind fixed her gaze into the sky, hoping for some interruption. Anything to stir Ben. Her own will to wake him infuriatingly failing her. Overwhelmed by her insatiable curiosity.
She thought: I shouldn’t! I mustn’t! I can’t! Well, technically, I can… but I won’t!
Slowly she rolled back onto her side, her gaze more at level with him. Her arms lay folded between her and him.
Greywind breathed out and thought: Just one touch. It’s not inappropriate. It’s just one touch. To satisfy my curiosity. Then it’s over and done with. And I’ll never think of it again.
Carefully Greywind extended her index finger and gently pressed it against Ben’s cheek. Her cold finger caused him to stir. Greywind tensed but relaxed as he remained asleep. This should have been enough to satisfy her. Now it was best to retract her finger.
But she grew bolder as her middle finger’s tip made contact as well. Then the tip of her ring finger. Then her pinky finger. Soon the entirety of Greywind’s fingers were resting against Ben’s warm cheek until her thumb rested on his chin. With delicate motion Greywind’s fingers wrapped around Ben’s skull as her entire palm rested on his cheek. Amazing how his small head fit into her hand. His body heat radiated into her palm.
So warm. So soft.
Greywind’s eyes closed. The warmth and gentle texture of Ben’s skin made her mesmeric. She just lay there and held Ben in the palm of her hand. Without thinking her thumb gently stroked his cheek.
It feels like he hasn’t lost all his baby fat, thought Greywind. She opened her eyes and gazed into Ben’s blue eyes.
His blue eyes.
His blue eyes!
That were open!
And very awake!
The old Emperor awkwardly froze in her position as she and the little human just stared each other down.
“Achoo!”
Until Ben sneezed a few blobs of mucus onto her face.
“Oops!”
“That’s it,” Greywind grumbled. “Get out of my hair!”
The old Emperor rose to her feet and forcefully unrolled Ben out of his cocoon, until he tumbled off the edge of the terrace.
A now very awake Ben sat up, a bit dizzy and confused as to what just happened. But as he came to his senses, he looked up at the Emperor who just rudely dumped him off the porch.
Strange how someone so nice could suddenly turn so bitter. Greywind sneered down at him.
Ben just sneered back. “Poophead!”
Last edited by Snoofman on Fri Oct 08, 2021 2:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hey fellow readers and fanfic enthusiastists! Sorry no new chapter yet. I've just got back from a sailing course and have been busy with home renovations. As well as having difficulty how to progress the story. I have a direction and an ending in mind, but it's hard to construct how to get their. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it.
But I am here to say that I've gone back and made a slight change to chapter 12. Specifically, before Tempo wakes up the others in the villa, she shares an exchange with the Emperor concerning a new theory about Lagertha. Also, I've made minor changes to chapters 10 and 11; instead of seeking out Grind, Livewire's instruction is to return with the Delrias to Deinar.
Nice twist on Lagertha, were you perhaps inspired by the "sailing" "course"? How many ships did you plunder? How many sailors were forced to walk the plank?
As to the direction of the story, it's just a fanfic, you are definitely overthinking it. I mean, you can adjust it later on.
She's just worried about her beloved, yet aging, Azerein.
