The Royal Court

[thecanopycrew]

The destination is set, and the wagon gems have shone green to tell that they are ready. It was time for another journey into the wilds to find a key to an unknown lock.

...and to deal with a royal court deep within the ground.

Comments

Don’t worry about posting order, everyone. Just hop in if you want - let’s get this wrapped up!

[princeandscholar]

Those words incite a cautious silence from Orcelito. The Queen is too vague for his liking, but he understands her message on the surface level. He might even agree if he knew more, as he already bears resentment against the Tree. But personal feelings aside, they are faced with a new obstacle.

After meeting Blue Rose, he assumed the forest had some sort of reliance on the Guardian – the way people rely on their ruling lord for protection and prosperity. If the Queen’s words are to be accepted, that does not appear to be the case. In fact, considering what they have witnessed so far of the ant colony, it appears to be a budding empire.

He withholds a scoff under his breath. Absurd, to think of insects creating a separatist movement! Did this come about because the Guardian is perceived as weak?

No. Now is not the time to worry about specifics. This does not bode well for them. They should leave soon.

Orcelito can’t begin to understand the worth of magic. To him, it is beyond price. He looks to Saber, waiting for her to make an offer.

[donotmail]

Arj has been silent for a while, letting the others handle the negotiations. He fills the awkard silences by twisting like the housecats he resembles and licking at his shoulder, the spot where his wings would be, if the gems still worked out here. Their lack is almost as strange as the loss of his innate magic, and it serves only to remind him of how little he has to offer.

But now, he's growing more and more conscious that the team are in danger of losing the deal. He looks back at his fellows, silently pleading for help. "What does everyone have?" he says. The complexities of ant politics are of no interest to him - they only make so much sense. What he knows is that the mission must be a success. "Maybe something from one of our own worlds?"

[scionoflegend]

Owain knew exactly what Fuu's less-than-gentle grip on his elbow meant; he'd been on the receiving end of similar ones from his mother ever since he was little, and later from Lucina. Stop talking right now was how it usually translated. But what had he said? He was trying his best to help, so why were his comrades giving him that look? He hadn't screwed anything up, had he?

Well, if they didn't want his help, he could keep his mouth shut. He was capable of doing so when he put his mind to it, despite popular belief. Although when the queen spoke of compensation and Arj suggested something from their own worlds, Owain scowled and bit his lip to hold back the protest that threatened to spill out as his hand drifted protectively over his sword's scabbard.

The ants were not getting Mystletainn. No key was worth that; Owain didn't care if it was made of a hundred swords.

[knight_king]

Arturia waits until some of her colleagues speak up, but only Arj asks a question. She has no answer for him because she has already given up what she could surrender as gifts. There is no time to consult, and she doubts the Queen will let them speak of this matter privately though she knows a way that may ensure negotiation and involve set them free to fulfill their part.

"What about those golden vials, Your Majesty?" she asks, "At the time being, we do not carry more with us. Though, if my companions agree, we can secure more for you, and use the water current to carry them to the other side of the mist barrier in exchange of the key."

If she mistrusts them, they could do the trade like this as a proof of good faith.

[thecanopycrew]

The Queen seems more pleased with this, nodding slightly as she watches them with a hint of sharpness in those black eyes. "Bring Us twenty vials worth of dust, and We will give you Our key." She demands, snapping her fingers. The retainer that had left earlier comes back with a roughly-made glass bottle with a shimmering mint-green flame in it.

"Our soldiers will leave the key with you once We have Our dust."

[princeandscholar]

Orcelito listens to the offers, considering them for present and future reference. Arj’s suggestion intrigues him – it may be worth pursuing later. But right now, it feels like they’re being herded into a pre-decided outcome. As soon as Saber makes her offer, he feels the atmosphere in the room change.

Until now, Orcelito has been careful to keep his focus only on the queen. When the servant returns, he allows his gaze to drift and take note. He tries not to look surprised. ‘The key’ was not a terribly descriptive phrase, but he did expect something material… perhaps another weapon? This looks magical. A spell, perhaps?

His gaze is back to the Queen’s now. The figures work themselves out in his head. There aren’t many spare vials left in the Tree – they’ll have to contribute from their daily allotment. Even if only a few are open to participating, it should take no more than ten days. As Tone provides new arrivals with their own vials, supply is likely not an issue. Ideally, he would have liked to discuss this with everyone beforehand… but Her Majesty has spoken, and he hesitates to contradict her will when he has a team to see safely back to the Tree.

He glances behind him to observe the others’ reactions. If they appear to agree with this proposal, he quietly addresses Saber. “We could fulfill this request within two weeks.” He drops his voice lower. “Though, not all at once.”