thehometree | The Royal Court

“That’s great, thank you.” After spending the day riding in the wagon with the blue cat, Orcelito doesn’t hesitate to talk to him as he would any other member of the party. It is nice not to have to leave a trail of thread or breadcrumbs!

Between Astor and the natural wall sconces, he picks out the path easily. The drop doesn’t frighten him; he’s grown up around cliffs after all. But the glimpse of soldiers up ahead does bring him up short.

Orcelito pauses, assuming a composed expression. His heart is pounding, but you wouldn’t know it looking at him. He turns to address the rest of the party. “There are guards approaching. No drawn weapons, please. We don’t want to look hostile.”

Finally, this quest was getting good! The wagon ride had been disappointingly uneventful, but a huge maze of underground tunnels populated by possibly-hostile giant ants more than made up for it. Owain was quick to descend into the tunnels, alert and watchful for any threat, a far-too-eager grin on his face.

It was fortunate that Orcelito spoke up when he did, because at the sight of the soldier ants Owain's immediate reaction had been to reach for his sword. He hadn't exactly hit it off with these guys last time, after all. But he was able to stop himself short of drawing it, reminding himself that this was supposed to be a diplomatic mission and he was currently an Emissary of Peace. A role he was far from accustomed to, but surely the latent ability resided within his blood. He was Emmeryn's nephew, after all.

"Greetings, noble ant warriors!" he called in a loud voice. His words echoed strangely through the tunnels. "We come in peace!"

Hopefully the effect of that statement wasn't lessened by the fact that his hand still rested lightly on the hilt of his sword.

Nagi smacks Owain's untrustworthy swordhand. Mostly to get it away from said hilt of the sword. No need for threatening gestures around here. Yes, he's taking Saber's advice a bit seriously, mostly because he knows how royal guards can be.

"Where we're going, you won't need that."

Nagi didn't have a worry either way. Most members of royalty had their pride invested in treated guests properly. Harming a guest was tantamount to harming your own people, which meant only the insane would do it. No, he had quite a bit of faith in this.

For his part, though it's never really occurred to him to think about it, Mika's actually somewhat more comfortable once they're underground. Partly because he's out of the sunlight, but also, well, he's spent the last eight years of his life in an underground city.

He'll leave the talking and decision making up to those who actually have some idea what they're dealing with for now, though, instead just trailing along near the back of the group and trying not to let how unnerved he is by having his power suddenly reduced show.

Agitha didn't have any weapons to sheathe, so she simply stepped forward and gave her best curtsy.

"Hello, friends! We are so honored to be your guests in your lovely kingdom!"

Arj's scrawny chest puffs up at the prospect of Being Useful. But it soon deflates when he hears what's approaching.

He can't see too well from where he stands. There are too many humans in front, and they're all taller than him, so he weaves his way through the crowd, trying to get the best view he can without being seen himself.

It's not the sight of the ants themselves that starts a jolt of adrenaline running through his system, making him dig his claws into the dirt to persuade himself not to run. To his eyes, they're a lot more normal looking than any human, even if he's been starting to get used to the strange creatures. It's the weapons they're pointing that make it quite clear this isn't a welcome party.

He doesn't say anything, watching from behind someone's legs and hoping the humans have everything sorted.

Arturia would have liked to be in front of the group, however, stripped out her might and disarmed as long as she could not summon Excalibur, she cannot offer the group the same protection. Orcelito has a firefly and, thus, he has the source of light to show them their way in the underground tunnels. It is good she is disciplined enough to conceal just how unsettled she is about her vulnerability.

She listens to Agitha's explanation, impressed by the girl's knowledge about these insects and then, when the group of ant warriors come to them, shoots a somewhat proud glance as he stops Owain.

"Greetings to your people," she steps forward with her head bowed to support her new Master in his attempts to discourage potential threatening gestures. She carries no weapons, but she does keep her leaf bag. There is a purpose she has anticipated and prepared it for. "We have traveled from the Tree to deliver a gift to Her Majesty and request an Audience with her. Our sincerest apologies if our arrival was not expected, we do not have means to of communication nor we were able to dispatch a messenger."

"That's right! We come in peace, take us to your ruler!" Gil pips up, a big grin on his face. Ant people! How interesting! An entire system dedicated to supporting their queen in all endeavours, it was almost enough to make Gil jealous! Although really, he couldn't possibly be the King of Heroes if he couldn't be sure if his subjects had any autonomy, so perhaps it was for the best.

Not having any of his vault on hand at all was a bit of a pain. If he had known that this would be the case from the start, he would have brought a few swords with him. But well, the important thing here was to charm his way into the hearts (did ant-people have hearts?) of these fine folk, and he had charm in spades!

They're not exactly sneaky, but are still managing to circle the group to surround them. Spears are pointed harshly in their direction, mandibles clacking together as they 'spoke' to each other, seemingly discussing what to do with them.

Saber's mention of a gift makes them pause, however, and they look around to their brethren for a moment before using the spears to urge the group forward, taking them deeper into the massive maze.

Maybe they were taking them to their Queen, or maybe they were just taking them to the dungeons. Who knew?

His teammates’ reactions are reassuring. Orcelito remains quiet, but his shoulders and jaw tense as he straightens his posture. His firefly flickers uneasily. When the guards spread out in a circling formation, he moves closer to his company, careful not to bump into Arj.

Orcelito struggles to keep his expression clear of reactions as he studies the guards. Their sharp alien features and clicking sounds chase words from his mind. Always, he’s used human facial expressions, voice inflections, and choice of words to negotiate. But this… he doesn’t know where to begin.

Thankfully, Saber is making an excellent opening gesture. Orcelito regards the spear pointed at him warily; it doesn’t come any closer. The guard holding it makes more sounds and motions he can’t interpret. But the jerk of the spear towards the path is something he understands. He resumes an unhurried stride to follow.

He wonders if the ants do not know they are without the use of their magic. That would explain the close guard. Perhaps it’s best if they continue believing that. He glances at Saber, and nods at the path ahead to indicate she should lead. The gifts may be their best card in play right now.

Arj looks up and around as the ants bristle with spears, urging the group onward.

"Ah," he says, stumbling a little in his haste not to get jabbed by anything sharp. "Well. I'm sure this is all according to plan. Yes, I'll come along. Of course..."

It's not like he has a choice, but jabbering away is probably better than making a run for it.

Agitha wasn't particularly bothered by all the spears, but she did think them just a tad unnecessary.

"My, they're awfully serious, aren't they? So much pomp and circumstance." She whispered to her companions. "The craftsmanship on their weapons is impeccable, though! So impressive!"

"...You were saying?" Owain muttered to Nagi as the circle of sharp pointy spears closed in around them. His hand drifted right back to his sword's hilt. "Don't question the sword hand, comrade. I have sworn a sacred oath to restrain it from any unnecessary heroics, but you may yet find yourself grateful that it remains ever vigilant!"

Big talk, sure, but Owain was well aware that he'd be very hard-pressed to hold off so many spear-wielders with a sword, should it come to that. So it was probably better it didn't. Mystletainn remained sheathed, and he moved forward without question at the guards' urging, although he eyed them all warily. And he was mostly positive the ant in front was the one who'd spit acid at him last time. Although it could've been the one next to it, or maybe--well, they all looked pretty much alike to him.

Being an Emissary of Peace wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

Agitha's comment about the weapons was a welcome distraction. They really were very nice spears. "...Hmm, yes, indeed! I've never seen their like before... and I've seen a lot of weapons. Say," he addressed the nearest ant, "do you think I could have a closer look? Just for a minute? --Er, after you're done pointing it at us, of course," he added hastily.

Fuu was very, very glad that Saber had thought to bring a tribute. Judging from the behavior of the soldiers, she didn't think they would have proceeded any further without it no matter how deferential their language (and perhaps might not have left the nest either).

She kept her head facing forward as the guards escorted them, though her eyes constantly swiveled to try and observe unobtrusively. In spite of the danger, this really was a fascinating place. "Indeed, the ant smiths must do wonderful work," she said in an undertone to Agitha and Owain.

"Orcelito-san, Saber-san, maybe it would be prudent to leave the bulk of the discussion to you?" she suggested after a bit of thought. Fuu was pretty confident in her own politeness, but the soldiers really hammered home the importance of decorum.

Agitha’s comment draws his attention back to the spears. He hadn’t thought to look at them closely, but clearly that was an oversight. If the ants are the Builders, it makes sense they would have a fair hand- ah, an ability to craft. If he gets the chance, he will inquire further. For now, he gives a warning look to Owain. It’s generally good policy not to take a guard’s weapon.

To Fuu, he nods and gives a reassuring smile. He appreciates the vote of confidence. "I will do my best." He is formulating a plan in case their request is rejected. But implementing that plan correctly… that will be the difficult part. He’s been turning Blue Rose’s words over in his mind, trying to apply the key points to the ants’ perspective.

While they are walking, Orcelito causally glances over his shoulder at his teammates. Seeing the blond boy – Mika, was it? – hanging back, and Arj slinking away from the guards, brings up another concern. If anyone would rather stay behind, he’d like to open up the option.

“Perhaps it would be best if only a few of us attend this audience.” He’s betting on the ants taking them to an audience chamber or at least a waiting area. He makes that expectation very clear in his voice.

Saber didn’t react at the show of hostility, she kept her head bowed courteously and complied to be led wherever they were guiding them. At least they had made them vacillate with her opening gesture, what was left would be the will of the Queen once their message was passed to her. She gave a silent nod at Orcelito’s suggestion to lead the way, although she was merely following the path mapped by the spear-wielding guards.

She did not turn back or let the gossip among her companions distract her. “If only a few were needed, the numbers permitted in the wagon would have been fewer,” she commented when Orcelito made his suggestion. She looked over her shoulder and paused very briefly before she continued. While she was in agreement that some were not very qualified for this role, there was the possibility that they would fail this quest if they did not work together as group.

It takes a while for the ants to bring them deep into the hive, the winding path nearly a maze of different chambers. Some stored food and other typical ant things, while others... others stored weapons. Spears, swords, shields - all made with a talented hand (or six).

It seemed the builders had gone from building little fae homes, to building a militarized empire.

When they finally reach a smaller chamber adjacent to a much larger one with the entrance shielded by leaf drapery, the soldiers withdrew their spears and gestured for the adventurers to wait there.

"Ah, marvelous," says Arj, as he listens to the conversation going on around him. "I'm sure we can all die happily knowing that we're being skewered by the finest example of the craft." But he says it quietly. The last thing he needs is for the ants to take offense.

It's not easy for him to see where they're being herded. He comes up to about chest height on the humans (he's still used to calling them that, even if recent encounters have taught him otherwise - they're all about the same shape.), which makes it difficult to see around them. So he misses most of the details, and the weaponry too. Besides, when it comes to weaponry, his attention is fully focused on the ones being pointed at him.

It's only when they stop and the ants motion to wait that he manages to get a good look as to where they are. "Looks official," he says, and sits down. Despite everything, he's oddly calm. Being made to wait means he's not dead yet, after all.

Saber’s response surprises him. He assumed the wagons were filled to provide full team support for the journey – but not necessarily for the destinations. After all, only Saber and Gil had the power to obtain the sword at the lake. The rest of them may as well have stayed on the ship.

He doesn’t reply immediately, for at that moment, the ant guard marches them past an opening in the wall showing a… most impressive armory. Orcelito can’t help but stare and almost slows down to look more closely. But he quickly catches himself. If this is a show of military power, it should ultimately appear to mean very little to him. He will not be intimidated.

Left in the waiting room with the others, he immediately crosses over to the curtain. He knows better than to push it aside, but he does stand beside it to listen. If they’re being overheard, he would like to know.

Afterwards, he approaches Saber and lowers his voice to continue the conversation. “I won’t dismiss that idea.” He replies carefully. “But I would like to make an excellent impression before Her Majesty. A display of ceremony and confidence would be worth a great deal in opening negotiations.”

Gil's stayed mostly quiet so far. He's far more interested in people (and ant) watching than seriously taking part, and it seems like the others have the situation under control, so he's been free to just linger around the back of the group until now. But if they want a display of ceremony and confidence, then it would hardly be fair for Gil not to speak up.

After all, who could know ceremony and confidence better than him?

"It might be difficult to show off anything if none of our powers work. We're hardly dressed for court." Gil would be perfectly content attending buck naked, but he doubts that's the kind of impact they want to make this time.

"But confidence, that we have in spades. Myself, Owain, and..." He looks over his shoulder at Saber. She's probably barely keeping herself from being at his throat as is, but he can hardly deny her charisma.

Only the push of his comrades around him had kept Owain moving when they'd passed the weapons stores. He could quite happily have stopped right there, forgotten all about their mission, and spent days immersed in the gleam of polished metal, examining and naming each sword and shield and spear in turn. Even now, awaiting their audience, a part of him wanted to try to slip away and return to the armouries... but no, no, Gil was right. His talents were needed here.

So he nodded, cupping his chin in his hand. "Indeed, if it's ceremony and confidence you seek, seek no further! I ooze both from every pore--in fact, there is no foreign queen alive who can restrain her awe at my boldness! I humbly offer my services for this noble task."

And if they played this right, maybe they could even forge an alliance with the ants! Just think of the powerful bosses they could decimate by calling these guys in as reinforcements!

One larger, well-armored ant walks out from behind the drapery, eyeing the gathered with a suspicious look before he gestures with one arm for them to join him

The Royal Court

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