The strange, bronze sky painted the whole landscape the colour of burned sulfur. Hot, violent winds blew dust and dead leaves about, eroding everything it lashed against. Only the deafening sound of the scorched torrent was present. The ground was parched and cracking into hard, individual cells. What plants sprouted from the soil had died long ago, showing in shades of yellow and light grey. Most trees had been weathered of their bark, revealing pitted heartwood while some others had been uprooted from their beds of dust and ash.

Ruins of a stone city spread endlessly down a shallow hillside toward the northwest like an unrelenting labyrinth. Its pathways were filled with a ghastly blue glow that undulated slowly like liquid fire. No, it wasn’t fire. Individual instances of the energy wandered down the paths leading into the mouth of the decrepit maze. The winds whipped at the bluish white forms, making them appear as fragile silks wrapped around pillars made of white fire opal. They were spirits, trapped in a place in which death was the tyrannical force that shaped and ruled the world.

Though Paca felt almost entirely numb, he felt the sand as it flayed at him like embers. His feet sensed as though the ground were made of bullet ants. The pain was only potent enough to make the experience real to him, though his visions of late had been all but lucid. Despite sensations that threatened the slow devouring of his flesh, his eyes and lungs felt unaffected.

As his feet were pointed forward at a path that stretched forth and eventually swept to the south, that was the direction in which he traveled. As though he was held up by cords coming from his shoulders and back, his toes curled inward and forced his feet to drag on the ground slightly behind him. Regardless of his crude method of movement, his progress was quick. He made his way around a large forest that was cupped by a natural wall made of jagged rocks that eventually became the gnarled mountain range directly south of him. Hills poured out of the other side of the abrupt mountain formations, rolling wildly as far as the eye could see. The path became nothing more than packed soil and small stones. Paca’s pace quickened effortlessly. His speed was possibly twice as fast as a full spirit using his legs, and the hills were not affecting his progress at all.

After long moments, Paca came upon lands that were completely alien to him. Until now, most of what he saw was much like the landscape on Earth, yet now his mind told his body to stop so that he could travel with care. Instead of slowing down or stopping, his body maintained its speed; though a being was now traveling beside him. He turned his head to look at it.

[Paca Bowinghead, remember this way you are coming. I am a courier for this planet's Gaia and am guiding you to the location of your people. You will need to go to them soon.]

[Messenger, are my people in danger?]

[Yes, Paca Bowinghead. Mind the path. It is the same here as it is in life.]

Paca turned back to the landscape in front of him. Though he was more aware of his surroundings, his mind now felt heavy with the bad news.

The ground was made up of hexagonal stones that eventually became circles containing fountains of blue flame. Dead vines of various girths were loosely covering the stones. Trees that were shaped by hand into smoothly woven spires rose from the center of some circles. If this place really existed in the waking world; the stones, the trees, the vines, the furnaces and the arrangement of everything must have some purpose. Who or what was responsible for this? He supposed he would find out soon.

The stone circle motif spanned over much of the land that was being traveled. Despite his incredible speed, the journey felt as though it spanned the course of several days, with the geometric stones being beneath his feet for hours. From some of these circles rose tall, cylindrical structures, each of their faces dotted with hexagonal holes. Large stones suddenly appeared below Paca’s feet, spiraling in toward a structure that resembled an onion with flowing petals and widely arching leaves. As he got closer to the perfectly carved stone flower, it loomed high above him in an easy reach to kiss the sky. The space between each petal had pillar-like supports that flowed along the edges of the openings, suggesting that each of them was a way into this shrine. The Mayan traveled too quickly by each opening to tell what was inside, but he was certain that he would one day get a tour of the place.

Once back on the stone studded ground, Paca minded the general location of each of the many six-sided pillars and woven trees. It occurred then that he was traveling down a massive, gradually declining hill. After a few more hours, the stones stopped and a rocky desert took over. Mountains became sand dunes that spilled out into the distant ocean. The Mayan and his guide swept around the side of the large dune to the west, seemingly arching around the mountain range they passed moments ago. After a few more moments, the two were on a plain that was surrounded by mountains, desert and the coast. This was the place that Paca saw in the vision showed to him by the De’Kandis Regalium back in the Nymphallatess Dictorium.

“Why are they in danger here?” Paca felt alarm surge through every part of his being.

[We are not far from the lands that are both North and South. As the land becomes North, beyond the Ocean known as the Teshi'Vadnalogos Body, the Dragonlands become apparent. If the Dragons discover this oasis, your people will not be here to welcome you home.]

“Is there any reason why we should be concerned now?”

[The Dragons have started to inhabit The Asura Ring Station- an island to the southeast that is separated by a channel from the desert land we traveled moments before arriving here. It may be soon that they mobilize against the Fah'Voy Ra. If they leave from that island, your people will surely be discovered.]

Paca faced the eroded ridge, but could discern what this place looked like in the living world. “I see. Is there anything else I need to know? How is it that your Gaia knows about the impending attack?”

[A powerful servant of my preceptor has been tracking the Dragons for a long time. They have been very busy with their plans. Every day brings them closer to bringing those plans into action. You will have to find a way to defend from the attack or move your people. That is all I can tell you.]

Immediately, Paca was awake in his bed. Having lived in a place without windows for so long, the Mayan could make accurate guesses about the time of day without seeing the position of the sun. It was morning. As he moved, the Apranis Guardian stirred to life as well. It buzzed its wings a few times before taking flight to follow its charge to the washing bowl. The man poured water into the wide, stone dish and dipped his hands into the cool liquid. He placed the tips of his fingers into a smaller dish, made of an insect’s carapace, and removed them to reveal a yellowish, sticky powder. Running those fingers through the dish, he stirred the mixture until it foamed. Satisfied, he lathered his face and arms and rubbed the solution into his skin until the suds disappeared, then rinsed with the water left in the tall decanter. As the water dripped off of him, it was absorbed into the porous stone beneath him. Employing a cloth, he dried himself. The smell of the wash was invigorating and fresh. His eyes closed as he took the aroma deep into his lungs. The cleanliness of his skin and the balmy essence of the soap made Paca feel refreshed, inside and out.

Tipping the washing bowl, he emptied the contents into the tall, blue, segmented decanter. After he wiped the bowl clean, he placed the cloth and the filled vessel just outside of his quarters. The Mayan clothed himself in the robes he wore the day prior and left, Ourik following faithfully behind.

Moments later, Paca arrived at the trade quarter, already seeing his tailor waving excitedly at him. Smiling, he went to meet the yellowy Nymph. “I assume that you’ve got something for me?”

“My good man, do I ever! Here!” The beaming Nymph gave him an object that looked like a large, spiraling snail’s shell. Following the spiral, dragontongue script naming the designer flowed along the outer edges. Finding the seam, Paca’s fingertips pried the shell in half to reveal his robe. Taking it by the shoulder seam, Paca held it up as he studied it, astonished at the detail of the work that went into it. The tailor, noticing the speechless nature of his client, chimed in again. “I’m certain that everything will fit just fine, but if you would like to wear it now, you can change behind this screen.”

“I… think I’ll do that.” Paca was absolutely impressed with his purchase. Going behind the Nymph’s cart, he found himself between a folding screen and the inner wall of the Nymphallatess. Placing his old robe into the shell, the Mayan wrapped the new one around him and tied the sash. The tailor was very attentive with his measurements, Paca noted. The robe felt like second skin and was absolutely the most comfortable clothing he had ever worn. Upon emerging from the space, the smiling man presented himself to the designer.

“It’s perfect! Look at you!” Hands clasped in front of his chest admirably, Azorob adored his work. Paca also noticed the designer’s wings flit excitedly. “I’m almost finished with your other request as well… but I can’t show you until it’s finished, my dark sir! I promise- you will look splendid when you go to meet Lyenthil’s Children. Now, do you have time to talk about the rest of your wardrobe?”

“Azorob, I have this feeling that you know what I like. Thus, I will leave the creative work to you.” The Mayan felt like an entirely different person. He noticed a growing group of admirers encircling him to view the intensely styled robe. He knew that if Shei were to see him right now, she would tell him how great he looked. Even the thought warmed his heart.

“You are the perfect client, Human! Come back tonight and I will have the second project finished, all right?” Azorob’s teeth were tense with the size of his smile. “You have to come this way anyways… I’ll see you!”

Paca flitted his fingers at his side like Shei did on occasions like this. Smiling back, he said, “Yes, I will be back this way. Tonight, then.” He took up the packaging with his old robe inside and put it beneath his arm. Waving with the free hand, the dark man went on his way to meet with Voy’Brakken and continue his studies.

As he moved along the halls, his mind wandered to Shei and her welfare. It became apparent to him that he had no conceptions as to why she had gone in the first place. Considering her diplomatic position, Paca didn’t give much thought to the likelihood of her being in danger. The length of whatever negotiations she undertook was surprising, though he was certain that matters of this gravity should always be taken carefully. Especially under her guidance.

There was something else. His travels to his people would probably happen soon as well. Not knowing whether or not she would return before his departure troubled him. Even as there had been no humans on this planet before he, Shei still tolerated him admirably and, far beyond the call of her duties, became the man’s greatest friend in this world. The thoughts of having to leave such a powerful friendship behind wrenched at Paca’s heart.

Lyenthil’s Children. He remembered Azorob’s mention of the people and began to wonder how they fit into his situation. Were they a part of this? How deeply did the impact of his people’s arrival into this world go?Eri mentioned his people as well. Why did it seem that everyone around the Mayan knew more about the whereabouts and safety of his people than he?

***

Ulterzan awakened to an insistent shaking of his shoulder. As his consciousness returned and his vision cleared, Sahzenthis came into view. His face was drawn and his lips were tightened. The Son of Asceve raised an eyebrow at his most trusted commander. “I am awake, my friend. What troubles you?”

“Your sleep has not gone without event, my lord.” The commander’s eyes dropped and settled on empty space. “In fact, there is much I have to report. May I sit with you beneath this tree?” He looked up with his dark amethyst eyes as he asked his question.

Ulterzan tilted his head curiously. “You may.”

Sahzenthis grunted as his arms guided his massive form to the ground below him. Crossing his legs, he appeared small and distraught; like a child that had been overpowered. Some of his long, golden hair fell into his face as his head dropped slightly forward. It was the signature of his lost countenance. From behind those few locks, the commander fixed his eyes onto Ulterzan’s. “It was a distraction… as hard as it is to conceive. The battles that we have been fighting here for days were just a distraction.”

Ulterzan’s back went ridged. “What… happened…”

Sahzenthis closed his eyes tightly. “There was a massacre at the Wisewood. Namanae delivered the message herself. She says that Toltanthis is there, personally overseeing the attacks.”

“But what reason would there be, beyond mere chaos, to attack the Wisewood? It is a peaceful city!” The Son of Aceve gnashed his teeth as he looked around himself for an obvious answer. Then his glare settled on his friend’s eyes. “It is a strategy… but to what end? There is more to this than is apparent. Someone knows what is unfolding.”

“We captured an Inflicted Commander. Upon hearing about the attack, I personally interrogated him. All I got out of him was laughter. Even as he died, nothing at all was revealed.” Sahzenthis’ fist lightly pounded at the ground in front of him.

“Is there anything else?” The lord began to rise and offered his hand to help his friend stand.

“Namanae was accompanied by someone who might have more than just an idea about what is occurring,” the commander uttered as his fingers clutched Ulterzan’s wrist and pulled against it.

“Who?”

“Simianthil.”

***

Black night gave way to blue morning with no enemy activity. The runners and spies returned to the camp as the Sura rose from the southern sky. Shei felt weakened from lack of sleep, but watched as the leaders accounted for everyone in their charge. Once the report came back that everyone had returned, the Diplomat called for Qfove. When the tall, beautiful Fah came to her, Shei gestured at the northern pass, which lead back to Annayl. “Shall we walk?” Qfove’s only response was her gesturing at the path.

“I planned to go back to the Nymphallatess today, but my warfyle is dead.” Shei shrugged her shoulders and turned her palms up to emphasize that she didn’t have any ideas about effective traveling.

Qfove turned her head slightly toward Shei. “Fah do not travel very much, but it is said that they run when travel is necessary. The Voasq are exceptionally skilled runners, Shei.”

“All Fah need is water and food. Your muscles aren’t like mine… I get weak if I use them for too long. You probably know this.” Shei furrowed her brow and looked towards her companion as the meaning of the Myric’s statement revealed itself. “Are you suggesting that I have a Voasq runner carry me there?”

“The Voasq run as both animals and people. They do not simply look like votheri, they can act as these animals in almost every way; even running on hands and roots. Using this skill, you will reach your city in little time.” The polished Fah paused for a moment, thoughtfully. “Since I am not as fast, I may employ a runner as well.”

“Very good. Once we reach the Nymphallatess, we can send our runners back via warfyle in appreciation for…” Shei began to say.

Qfove interrupted. “Fah prefer standing on their roots. I think they will decline your offer.”

“Then this is a detail that requires no more thought. Once we reach my city, we will need to meet with Ardoren, King of the Nymphs. There is business to be discussed there.” Shei noticed that Qfove stood attentive and silent, as though waiting to hear more. “We need to discuss the occurrences here at Annayl, along with the possibility of foul play on the part of the Dragons. Once Ardoren has heard what needs to be said, I plan to ask him for permission to travel to the city of Nyahna, where we will meet with the Graelynisse to discuss what they might know.”Shei squinted her eyes a little at her companion and flashed a small grin from one side of her mouth. “I wonder if your travels will also be written into history.”

“If I bring honor to the Fah’Voy Ra over the course of my life, this adventure will certainly be recorded.”

The halfling smiled again but it felt obvious to both that there was a lot more on Shei’s mind. The two made a brief journey to the Governing Chambers on top of Annayl, where they delivered an uneventful report and a fully drawn map of the surrounding area to Poliden’Ra. Once coming to an agreement that the camps’ positions around Annayl were the best that could be managed, it was decided that Shei had fulfilled the first responsibility to her dryadic charges. So the time to send Nymph reinforcements to Thokta Dell came at last.

As Shei had brought very little to Thokta Dell, not much time was spent in preparation for the return journey. Back at camp, she and her guardian approached Qrava and gained the services of two runners. They then had everything they needed to make the journey back to the Nymphallatess.

Trees and rocky cliff sides whipped by the travelers as they proceeded quickly north. Once the lush, green forests of Thokta Dell ended and the Sefspar Peninsula opened up into open land, they traveled on the grassy plains that were part of the Neutral Territory defined in the Nymph-Fah Treaty. It was at this time that Shadowless came and went, indicating the time that the group had before nightfall.

The plains dipped into a grey, shallow, pebble-lined valley. Without a change in pace, the Voasq runners scurried along the new terrain effortlessly, though the sound of shifting stones was a bit more pronounced. Using their skills of intuiting the coming terrain, the runners shifted their course slightly to intersect with the midnight blue Ahjera Pond. As they traveled along the shallow edges of the pond, Shei believed that this would be how the runners would rejuvenate as the journey progressed. The girl, using her memory of the flight to Annayl, surmised that they had only gone a quarter of the way. As the cold water from the pond splashed upon her legs, the Diplomat calculated that the group would arrive shortly after dark.

After the valley rolled upward into a small, grassy knoll, the undulating grasslands appeared before the travelers. In an effort to maintain the efficiency of the travel, the Voasq runner that was carrying Qfove took the lead and guided Shei’s runner to follow the base of the hills they traveled. Though the visibility was limited to the tall grass and the dunes it covered, the Sura’s path into the Northern sky lent well to Shei’s sense of direction. There was really no way to tell how much longer the group had to travel before reaching the Nymphallatess, as the land was otherwise void of any character that would indicate distance.

An i’keiren was seen occasionally, digging into the side of a mound or chasing prey, bushy tail following wildly behind like a candle’s fire in a sudden breeze. It was no wonder that she saw more of these creatures now, as the bay to the south was named after these animals in particular. On that thought, Shei recalled a brief story that Manada had told her when she was very young. The i’keiren hunts by land in the morning and evening, but fishes during the time before and after Shadowless. The story suggested that the animal had a preference of the temperature of its food and knew, after many years of existing, how to get a varied diet that remained true to its taste.

The hills began to level out, signaling to Shei that the final set of plains, where the vin are hunted by the Nymphs, were coming into range. The light of the Sura was but a bright green razor that sliced the northern sky from the land beneath it, fading quickly into the blackness of the Universe.

It was the season during which one could see the Tyrion Ring, the asteroid ring in the orbit outside of Logos Anima, at its closest. It was a silver scar or a Magon’s eye that divided the sky from the east to the west, and was largest in width in the center of the southern sky. As Yoreth’s Season passed into Binding Season, the Tyrion Ring looked as bright as powdered crystals dusted over boiling tar at Shadowless. The only time The Ring is more beautiful is when it’s being crossed by Pansuraki, a nearby planet made of ice. When Logos Anima comes to be alongside Pansuraki, the night is much brighter. Yet, when Tyrion’s Ring crosses between Logos Anima and Pansuraki, the most radiant gemstones become muted in comparison. This happens every 26 Aunnei, so Shei would not see this again until she was 31 Aunnei old.

Shei saw the stars reflected in the shells of the vin that were clinging to the trees as her runner passed by the insects. Vin were fast creatures that were about the size of her head. Their shells were very hard, making them surprisingly hard to hunt for the Nymphs. They mostly fed on suralight, spreading their amber coloured, photosynthetic wings to collect nutrition. It would be while a vin was eating that the Nymph hunter would strike, throwing his spear while the wings remained spread. Vin have excellent hearing, so the Nymph had to move throughout the grass in absolute stealth before moving in for the kill. Attached to a tree with its shell closed, the vin was uncaring of any attack that came upon it. They were perfectly content to linger motionlessly as the travelers impelled by.

Small lights flickered into existence directly in front of them to the northwest. It was Sheidell, which meant that the Nymphallatess was even closer. Bending forward, she indicated to her runner that the company would need to slow and have her in the lead. The Guard would be standing by and, as the travelers were little more than shadows moving along the plain, Shei found it best to offer as little reason for a defensive maneuver on the part of the Nymphs as possible.

Her runner became the leader of the small group and approached the edge of the crescent opening that contained the Nymphallatess deep within. Traveling along the rocky brim toward the northern gates of Sheidell, the the Voasq were brought to a halt at the call of a guard posted there. As Shei dismounted, her protector followed in suit.

A short, winged shadow approached. “What is your business in this land?”

“I am Shei Rhessi, Ardoren’s noble diplomat between Nymph and Fah. I have need only to bring one in my company into Sheidell.”

“Shei Rhessi… welcome back! The Nymphallatess has undoubtedly missed you over the last three days.” It was Ra’Toh. “Which of these Fah’Voy Ra will be joining you?”

“Rah’Toh, it is good to be home. I will be accompanied by my Myric Guardian, Qfove. These two are our escorts and will leave immediately after getting water and whatever food they require to return to Thokta Dell.” Shei was matter-of-fact in her tone, but smiled at the silhouette of her friend.

“Very well. You may all follow me. I’ll take care of the provisions for your escorts and let you tend to your own business.” The guard paused. “I have no right to further interrogate you, honorable diplomat.”

The four followed the armored guard to the northern gates. Once there, firelight spewed out in dense rays from between the tall, wooden pikes that make up the gate. Shei could see her friend a little better as he thudded against the massive door with his fist. A shadow blocked out some of the light as someone approached the other side. Moments later, the gate swung slightly open. Ra’Toh turned to face Shei. “I was there when your friend became one of us. You have done well in the teaching of our language! He was quite impressive to witness.”

Shei looked at the ground. “I wish I could have been there. At least I will be able to see the results of his accomplishments.” Returning her focus to Ra’Toh’s eyes, she spoke again, saying, “Please take good care of these two. They have done well in getting us here quickly.”

“Consider it done!” Ra’Toh bowed and gestured to the Voasq runners to follow him into a stone hallway.

Shei’s course would take her into the corridor that was the sole connection between Sheidell and the Nymphallatess. As most Nymphs prefer to fly between the two parts of the city, the corridor was unkempt and unfinished. Even the stairs that spiraled down to the corridor became more dusty with every step. Her foot left the final sculpted stone step and landed on the compressed dirt floor of the tunnel. Taking one of the torches at this level, Shei held it out in front of herself. Distance was consumed by the silk nests of the yvern worms that lived here. The Diplomat pushed aside the first nest, which sagged from the ceiling to the dirt floor, but quickly discovered how sticky the silk was. After spending several moments of cleaning her hand, they continued on their journey. Moving forward, the two avoided as many nests as they could. Those that could not be averted were burned with the torch. After a while, Shei commented on the prospect of having the tunnel cleaned of the webs.

Emerging from the other side, the two were greeted by four Nymph guards. They instantly recognized Shei, but were slightly taken aback by her taller companion. Knowing the nature of the Diplomat’s work, they simply let her by. After only moments, Shei realized that this was the end of the detention corridor beneath the Dictorium. Though she visited this corridor often, Pahkah’s cell was just on the other side of the tunnel’s entrance. These cells were completely alien territory for the girl.

Coming upon the heavy wooden door that separated the detention corridor from the rest of the Nymphallatess, Shei and Qfove met with two more guards. One of them turned to give a solid thud to the door. In the next moment, the door was pushed open from the other side of it, allowing the Diplomat and her personal guard through to the public world. It made more sense to come this way, Shei thought. Though Nymphkind had seen the Fah’Voy Ra before this day, their appearance was often associated with a pivotal event for the Nymphs. The last time they were seen, they brought a promise of peace and Shei herself. This time, however, would be quite different. Qfove would only be seen by official Nymphs for the time being, lessening the Nymph’s opportunity to feel premature alarm.

The door loomed ahead, protecting what Shei believed to be the greatest treasures of Nymphkind. The Dictorium awaited. A few steps more toward the massive wooden gateway and the guards burst into action, swinging the thick panels open, filling the halls with a low, wooden groan. As soon as the two were inside, the door shut with a soft, deep boom.

Shei didn’t slow her pace until she was face to face with the D’Kandis Regalium, at which she knelt. Qfove stood slightly behind her and chirped, “This is an interesting use of wood and nyfyle. I can feel it breathing.”

The Diplomat slowly let her forehead come in contact with the stone flooring. What do you know about this, Shei thought, hoping the Regalium would answer. Her only response came in the form of her companion’s footroots slowly navigating around the circumference of the Dictorium, dully echoing the sound of a dense staff lightly pounding a cave’s floor. Soon, she continued, this room will entertain the loftiest Nymphs of the Nymphallatess… at least those that would lead Nymph military back to Annayl and command those forces when they arrive.

[Ah storya lykin, amoriah mir...] The sounds outside of the door became just audible enough to hear music. It was the kind of sound that probably wasn’t music at all, but is perceived by the mind as such.

[Attande de kourin, a frandre de fir...] A slow, rhythmic drum and the sound of a woman’s voice was heard; as though coming from the other side of a small mountain. The Fah called this effect ‘The Music of the Wind’. It was steady. Thoughtful.

[Ah lahkin di sidre, assahnder derkeir...] Sonacy belched forth the impact of a thousand spears striking twice at the grassy myne. The second strike was accompanied by a deep gong, which had deep, circular reverberations lingering on as the slow tom kept its pace. The woman’s voice wavered upward in pitch, breaking rank into a poetic battle cry. Her voice reached closer as the gong’s vibration became as still as dead air.

[Nessedrah matourah ahrahstina fir.] Another solid strike to the ground and the gong. This time, it was as if the gong was hung at the opening of an endless cave. Echoes fighting harmoniously in the stone tunnel, highs and lows pulling in and thrusting out a cool sea breeze. It was crisp outside and the water in the cove below playfully slapped at the rocky cliffs that towered high above. Spray kissed the air and gave it life as the Sura cast its warm, greenish glow over the whole landscape. Reverberations hung… calling in a determined manner for a single lost soul. The pressure in the cave drops and the single noted song disappears.

“The Innokti priests still write in this script.”Qfove observed after some time. “It is this writing, which is on your more recent tablets, that I cannot read.”

The girl opened her eyes. Shei could tell that there were impressions on her forehead, caused by the hard floor upon which she heavily relaxed her head. She rested her chin on top of her arms, hoping that whatever markings were actually left would go away. “Can you read the older Regalium?”

“Yes. The stories on your walls are very old, but I have never been told of them. Not many nymphs have come to Annayl… and much less to the Blood Channel.” Qfove clicked her tongue a couple of times, not forming any words. It sounded as though the Myric was musing over what she had read. “Are most Nymphs acquainted with their history?”

“Not many Nymphs come to the Dictorium, but I feel that most know the basics of where they come from.” Shei finally straightened her back, though she maintained her kneeling position. “We’re making history right now, Qfove…” Her tired eyes turned to look at the glossy, blood-red Fah. “I just have a hard time believing that this is happening during my lifetime.”

Qfove didn’t say anything, but remained faced toward her charge. She clicked her tongue a few times and finally responded. “I can understand, though I was trained for situations like this.”

“Situations like this…” Shei let out in a half whisper. “Situations like the night of my arrival, I could understand… but a full scale war? Are the Fah really prepared for more than tribal skirmishes?” It almost felt like an inappropriate question, but any war experience the Fah’Voy Ra may have had eluded Shei’s understanding of world history.

Her companion didn’t answer right away, yet even as she started to speak, no assurance could be found. “Aside from our beginnings, which were long ago, we have no true experience with war. What fighting skills have been passed down were indeed honed by battles between tribes. That which the Myrics have learned is assumed to be successful against any foe. If war really came to the Fah’Voy Ra, however, I am unsure if the tactics would change.” The tall Fah turned to face the halfling. “Is your people’s experience with war much different?”

Now the original question was muted. While both races have always entertained the possibility of war, there were no Nymphs alive that remember, and certainly none that fought in the Blackforest War. “Not to my knowledge. Our military was trained with what was learned from the wars in our history, but Nymphkind itself is made up of hunters, gatherers and Nymphs of industry.” Shei paused. As far as experience was concerned, both races were just as equipped as the other to deal with the dragons. “The Graes and the Skal’ah are the only people that could claim such an advantage.”

The Graelynisse. What a powerful ally. These people were certainly older and more advanced than any other on this world… in every aspect. Shei couldn’t begin to imagine being in possession of such a lengthy lifespan and the vast wealth they maintain. Shei’s only doubt was whether or not the Graes actually knew what was happening. The Diplomat and her companion would find out soon enough.

Shei walked to a small pedestal in the far corner and took a nyfyle egg from a small wooden dish. Cupping it in her hands, she focused her thoughts of the important meeting to be had in the Dictorium. It would be filled with a sense of urgency so that its recipients would know to meet with the Diplomat as early as possible. It took everything she had to concentrate on the immediate matter, but in no detail; only enough to urge those who would be involved to come in a timely manner. She wanted to think about the travels she needed to make as soon as this nightfall. She wanted to anticipate the events that have yet to pass. Yet she didn’t. She kept her focus until the nyfyle egg was warm, then placed it in a dish in the center of the great table.

Approaching one of the guards, Shei asked quietly for an Apranis Messenger, one trained to go to the nobles residing at Sheidell- including Ardoren. He thudded his fist on the door and, when it cracked open, he relayed the message to the guard outside. The guard to whom she spoke simply nodded to affirm that her request was being honored.

The chamber echoed almost everything; from the whispers to the guard to the wooden footsteps of Shei’s guardian. Qfove seemed to keep herself busy, moving from one Regalium to the next as she read their contents. As the halfling came to terms with the long wait they would have to endure, she noticed that the Fah that shared her space made the whole room look different. It was as though she was still at Annayl, though in a similar corridor. One inside which the priests would keep their history.

It wasn’t long before the door creaked open again. The hand-sized insect flew into the room and landed on the table. Scooping it with her fingers, Shei gave it the egg and let it fly back out. The buzzing of its wings disappeared into the hallway that would both take it into the trade quarter of the Nymphallatess and let it out through the opening above the busiest part of the city.

Now the waiting game was in full effect. Shei had not even a guess as to how long the requested officials would take to organize and be at the Dictorium, but it was policy. This was stage one to any diplomatic solution. Now Shei Rhessi would wait at the great table and compose her urgent requests. Sitting onto one of the rooted stumps that circled the circular stone surface, the Diplomat cupped her face in her hands and began composing her presentation.