On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty-Two

Your Class, True Faeduine, has increased from level 3 to level 5. Your Fortune, Majesty, Charm, Foresight and Fate have increased by one. You have sworn Oaths and Boons with a Fae of the highest standing, and your spirit has internalised these Oaths. Your Spiritually Pure Physique has resonated with these Oaths, and those who have sworn Oaths with you as a Noble Faeduine will find their Fae-Bonded Class strengthened.

Your Skill, Kin Bonding and Restoration, has become more intimately entwined with your being, enabling the spirit-lights of beings of greater League to be sheltered, and the aether drain of such spirit-lights to be reduced and optimised. Oaths sworn to Kin are strengthened, and the consequences of breaking them more severe.

Your Determination has increased by two. Your Resilience has increased by forty-four.

I see. So Fae aren’t just disinclined to break given word, but it’s actually another aspect of themselves. No wonder Shaeula and Grulgor were so careful in what they swore. It’s very much the old trope of the monkey’s paw and the wishes being literal, not what was intended… It also made sense why Shaeraggo abided by the results of the Trial of Three, despite clearly not wanting to at the time. Although I like to think now we have sorted out our differences. This was the first time I had really considered the changes to my body since I had transcended my mortality. Although saying it that way makes it sound cooler than it is. The spiritual body was certainly more malleable than the Material, and while working out and getting proper nutrition, the condition of the Material, physical body could be improved, the spiritual seemed more affected by the amount and quality of aether it drew on. No, not just aether…

“That felt rather-rather deep.” Shaeula managed to smile. “I thank you, mother, but I am-am perfectly well.” Her gaze turned to me. “Such a set of Oaths. Father, it is too-too late to back down now, no cunning wordplay will allow you to sidestep this.”

Shaetanao shook his head. He too was seeming a little weighed down by the bargain we had struck, but being of a higher League, he had recovered more quickly. “You wrong-wrong me my Shaeula. Though I fear I have given you good reason to doubt me. I say it now and I say it in words that can not be misconstrued. If this Akio is the one you have chosen, then I shall-shall support you, so long as he does not betray your expectations.”

“Then we have no reason for fear, for Akio will never-never betray me, nor I him.” She relished her mother’s care for a moment more before disentangling herself. “That is a great-great weight off my mind. Now only brother Shaerixx remains.”

“He has not been seen-seen in years. No doubt out exploring the far reaches beyond the lands of the Fae. He always was an adventurous one. Even I rarely see him.” Shaetourach said of their elusive older brother. “I doubt he will stand-stand in your way.”

“This is all well and good, and I’m happy for you bro, Shaeula…” my sis said. “…but what’s going on? The three of you looked pretty unwell and pained for a moment.”

Yes, it wasn’t comfortable. No wonder… it seemed that in a sense, the Oaths functioned almost as a type of adherence. It wasn’t exactly the same, but it shared a lot of the characteristics. Perhaps it’s fair to say that while the effects are slightly different, the cause itself is a type of adherence? And why did it resonate…? Does that mean that karma, an extremely nebulous concept, is governed by an overarching adherence as well? If so… that would be a massive power. Considering how many people believe in the concept so fervently…

The Astral body was greatly mutable and driven by thoughts. Perhaps that was why Divine Favours were only usable by certain people. And why they can be made to perform far beyond their limits by those with talent such as Arisu-san. But Tsukuyomi’s Favour… it had changed, the aether, adherence and something else I could feel but not understand having become a part of me. I wonder, is it Heavenly Qi, or is that just a different way of referring to the most powerful aether?

What hadn’t changed were the shining beads around my wrist, the seeds of the fruit of the World Tree that Ortlinde had bestowed upon me. Within them now, I could sense a powerful adherence, likely the Divine Favour of Tyr, and since these seeds had been prepared in an unusual way, they had remained unchanged, even for now. No, not unchanged. Not entirely…

“It’s fine.” I reassured my sister. “Now I really understand just what Shaeula means when she says we have to keep our given word. For Fae, it’s more than just cultural, it seems, but an imperative. And now I’m partially Fae myself, it hit me.” Though since I’m mitigating the weaknesses of being a Fae due to my Faeduine nature, I think it’s not so bad.

“That’s good.” My sis said, a smile on her face. “Guess you have to follow through now bro. No more being wishy-washy like you were with Kana-chan.”

“I’m not sure it works like that…” I protested, only for the shrill, angry voice of Anna to break through our reverie.

“What the fucking hell is that evil bitch, fucking whore doing here?” Anna ranted, pointing angrily at Urakaze.

“Do not-not speak about my mother like that, Shaeranna.” Shaeula said, her tone frosty. “Even from you, I will not-not stand idle!”

“I see you are as unwelcoming-hateful as ever.” Urakaze sniffed. “Though I do not know which caused me more anguish-pain, your malice, or Shaetanao’s lavish-excessive praise.”

“I think I liked the gushing family bonding more than family feuding.” My sis remarked loudly, and while Eleanor looked a little scandalised, Yukiko-san was shaking her head, smiling wryly, muttering that she had seen it all before. The four-tailed fox seemed to have the same opinion, as she guffawed heartily, laughing so much her ample chest threatened to bounce free of her overstressed kimono.

“Our dear Urakaze is indeed known for being abrasive, just as her winds are sharp, so is her temper. It hardly surprises me that she is not widely loved. Such a shame.” She chewed on the stem of her pipe, an expression of mock concentration on her face. “But to be so reviled. I feel sorry for you…”

“You can be silent, shut your mouth too, fox.” Anna snapped. “Shaking your tails for any man who caught your eye, tickled your fancy. All you Yōkai are the same.” She paused. “Not you, my darling Ula, you are the only good thing ever to come from, be born from that wretched place!”

Shaetanao looked like he was going to intervene, when his wife Annae, the mother of Anna and Shaeraggo, shot him a venomous look, and he shut his mouth. Is it me, or is she suddenly looking powerful, rather than an ordinary weak weaselkin? My stomach is starting to hurt, I wonder if being so henpecked is in my future? The more women, the more problems, certainly…

“You tell Ula, Raggy.” Anna pressed. “Tell her she needs to side with us! Her bitch mother abandoned her, threw her aside…”

“I am staying well-well out of this.” Shaeraggo said fervently. “Shaeula is now old-old and wise enough to make her own decisions.”

“Wow, some wisdom from you there.” My sis applauded. “I’d expect no less from my rival in archery! You’ve changed from the stories I’ve heard.”

“Even an idiot can learn-learn…” he muttered. “And I am not so foolish as that…”

“Anna…” I interrupted. “Just how did I meet Shaeula?”

That halted her rage, though she still glared at Urakaze angrily. “It is quite different, not the same. But… you make a good point, and you have the right to say it, speak of it.” She took a deep, bitter breath, almost a growl. “I hate you, bitch. Your existence nearly led to the ruin of our family, destruction of the weaselkin. Worse, you failed little Ula, our precious treasure!”

“I… must shoulder my share of blame. But Urakaze was simply so-so enchanting. When I saw her, I knew I had to have her.” Shaetanao let out a shamed chuckle, for a moment looking nothing like the powerful Prince with a titanic League, but an old man caught cheating. Seeing me looking, he let out another laugh. “Learn from my mistakes and be careful of your relationships.” He looked at Asha and Hyacinth, eyes narrowing. “I see no issue with a daughter of Orion, it is unusual, but quite-quite an honour to be one so chosen by them, but your maid…”

“Hyacinth is not merely a maid. That’s just her hobby.” I shot down that line of thought. “And she’s non-negotiable. She’s more than proved her worth. Besides…”

Shaeula took up the mantle. “Shaeranna, you know Akio has many-many lovers. My father likewise. Just because you-you have never felt love, you do not-not understand… why is it you can accept the others, but not my mother?”

“Call me Anna, please my Ula…” she said, and Shaeula shook her head.

“I will, when you start acting like Anna again. My kind sister who loves me would not-not be so vile.”

“But…” she managed, and fell silent, biting at her lips until blood matted her fur.

Everyone suddenly turned as there was a loud clapping sound, and we were surprised to see it was Eleanor. She had stood and slammed her hands together, gauntlets ringing. “I have had quite enough of this. I sympathise, I do. Multiple relationships just seems wrong to me, though I am trying to be tolerant. But for the love of God, we are here to celebrate a triumph and make alliances. Not… not whatever this disaster is.” She turned an accusing glare on me, and I shrugged, for once mostly innocent.

“I think this mortal Princess speaks true.” The four-tailed fox pointed out. “Urakaze here isn’t merely here for a touching, tender reunion that I am sure Red and Blue will delight in hearing about.” Urakaze glared at her, but she didn’t stop. “No, we are here as envoys of the Hyakki Yagyō, the dreaded and fabled Night Parade. Our words are Nurarihyon’s words, and to insult us, it to defame the Parade.” She had changed from the flirty, languid and tricksy fox into one that radiated cold power and wisdom, and I once more wondered just how old she was.

“Yes. Although…” Eleanor seemed a little down, and on seeing me looking, she raised one eyebrow. “I am not at liberty to criticise. Grandmother said I was devastatingly incompetent when I was so rude to you, and when even my brother Henry is saying I was wrong… I accept it. Please… can we get down to business? If the other royals arrive, won’t we all be shamed, and it’ll harm our cause?”

“You’re right.” I agreed. “Besides, the most important part of this pre-meeting is done. So, father-in-law…” I said to Shaetanao, who with one last look at Urakaze, sat down.

“Shaeranna, Annae, for now, hold-hold your disquiet. There will be ample time for recrimination and reunion later. I would not ruin Shaeula’s moment of triumph, nor risk the Court by offending the Night Parade.” He conceded.

With everyone calmed down, and taking their seats again, I spoke. “All right then. In fact… ideally, afterwards will be the perfect time for this. To celebrate your acceptance, and thus the Court’s acceptance of our upcoming marriage…” I looked at Shaeula, who nodded, a brilliant, yet predatory smile on her face. “…we intend to offer a selection of mortal delicacies and treats, available only here at the Spring. What better way to hash out your worry than over some mortal alcohol, and indulging in some mortal pursuits?”

“Delightful.” The foxwoman purred. “I look forward to it, and seeing how jealous those Oni will be.”

“That depends on negotiations.” I warned, and she waved her pipe, the thin stream of sweet-smelling smoke drawing a serpentine line in the air.

“So long as we are offered due respect, I see there being few issues.” She assured me. “After all, did you not bravely face Lord Nurarihyon in his own domain, and walk out not only alive, but with the aid of the noble Bintara?”

“True. But that’s me, not the Seelie Court. So… if we can get preliminary proposals worked out, it would make our lives easier.”

“It is quite simple-easy.” Urakaze said, no longer robed and now taking an active part in the negotiations. “The threat-danger is to us all.”

“She’s right.” I agreed, all levity gone. “The threat is grave. This golden-eyed devourer is not going to be satisfied until it’s consumed everything. I’ve fought… we’ve fought…” I corrected, and Shaeula nodded. “…a mere clone of it, and that was dreadful enough. Fortunately it seems to be injured, and the destruction of the clone probably hurt it more, but…”

“You are not its match, father.” Shaeula warned. “Nor even is Primal Forest or the other Princes and Princesses of the Seelie. The Queen… perhaps, but…”

“If Nurarihyon fears to face it alone, no, with the whole of the Night Parade, I don’t think the Queen of the Seelie can stop it. If we all work together… we have a chance.” I finished, and silence enveloped the Spring.

“As for me… Tsukiko, she predicted I would have to face it and the swarms of red ants. Obviously that’s another invasion, just like Kyoto.” Yukiko-san said. “It isn’t just this creature, China is a land of over a billion people. You might not think much of that, feeling safe here separated from us, but there are thousands, tens of thousands probably, like us. And the Boundary is breaking…” she looked at me, worried, and I smiled.

“Yeah, the situation is pretty grim, I’m not going to lie. On the other side, we have problems too. But our immediate goal is preventing trouble none of us needs. Like I said earlier, there’s a lot I don’t like about the Night Parade.” That poor idiot Yamato-san, still comatose and in the grasp of Nurarihyon. “But Shaeula is an actual Number, as is Urakaze. We have a chance to make inroads. And the first thing is…”

“The Wild Hunt and the Unseelie.” Shaetanao spat, and around us the gazes of the weaselkin grew sharp and hot, full of hatred.

“Yes, the last thing we want is for the Night Parade to make deals, throw their weight behind our enemies. If we simply must fight, which I hope it doesn’t come to that, for the sake of our family…” Urakaze sighed at that, while the fox chuckled heartily. “…we should do it after we’ve dealt with outside enemies who threaten us all.”

“The Hyakki Yagyō is not a monolith. The Numbers order and rule-command, yes, but individual Yōkai can do as they will-please.” Urakaze explained. “Despite that, if we of the lower Numbers command-exhort, there will be few who will go against us.”

“Yes. We have abided by the old agreements and do not tread on hallowed ground.” The fox agreed. “We are not bound by Oaths such as you Fae, a quaint custom, so very amusing…” she grinned, showing her canines. “…but we have our own ways. Perhaps yes, we share more in common with the Dark Court, as you call it, and there has been some traffic between us, the Wild Hunt as well, but…” she eyed me languidly. “…I have been rather impressed by you. And not just me. Nurarihyon would not have let you out of his grip, such a tender morsel, were there no benefit in it for him. So, dear Shaetanao…” he flinched at her tender manner of address, and Annae was scowling at him bitterly. “…best you remember, we are here at this negotiation because of him and your lovely little daughter, our new Seventy-First. Be sure to be suitably grateful.”

“I am. I confess to being enraged, when I first-first heard. My precious Shaeula, treasure of my lost love…” he sighed, unwilling to reopen the argument again. “…taken by a mortal. But I am no-no fool…” he paused, seeing that my sis was going to say something inappropriate. “I am not-not!” he growled. “I put aside my own pain for the good of all. Whether right-right or wrong, I will not be mocked. But I am glad to be reunited. Here of all places.” He gestured. “The Spring, it was impossible to retake. Yet here it is… so these matters work both ways.”

“Oh, how so?” the fox said languidly.

“Simple. They are my children.” he said, and I was surprised, though it was true. That’s what getting married means, you join both families. Or in my case… a lot of families. The family tree is going to be one hell of a tangle. “I may have been a fool-fool, but Urakaze, you left our daughter in the care of the Seelie. I know you had your reasons, you too are a victim of circumstance, of your position, but that means credit must-must be given to them.”

“Yes, other than our Seventy-First, here, he has no bride from the Night Parade. A shame. It would bring us closer.” She licked her lips seductively. “I would offer myself, of course…”

“No way, bro doesn’t need any old sluts…” my sis said harshly, just as Shaeula also denied it, her words malicious.

“I think not-not. Even that worthless cat is more-more of a winner than you.”

“Urakaze…” the fox whined, though I could hear her amusement. “They are being so cold to me, when all I offered was my love. Console me!”

Urakaze snorted. “They are hardly wrong-mistaken, are they? You are like all foxes, promiscuous. Ever since the first and greatest, with nine tails, you foxes have slept with anything-everything that has taken your fancy. I know.” She growled, and the fox shrugged, chest bouncing, tails wagging behind her.

“That was before your time, Urakaze. I was a young fox alone on my travels, and these foreign men simply ate me up.”

“Yeah, your innocent act is about as convincing as my bro saying he’ll not grow his harem.” My sis complained. “You’re making our Princesses here uncomfortable. Get to the point.”

“Indeed. We should.” Shaetanao hurriedly changed the subject. “You are from the land the Seelie Court called home, are you not-not?” he questioned Eleanor, who nodded.

“Yes, the fair isles, the land of Britain. We have many myths of the Fae, such as the Lady of the Lake.”

“Ah, Nimuë.” Shaetanao said, reminiscing. “I have not had the pleasure of her company in many-many long years. Though perhaps…” he looked down at the shining waters of the Spring below us, pondering something. “But as the descendants of those the Fae warred with bitterly, before the Court split in civil war-war, we have mixed feelings. Yet our fates are likely linked. Oaths were exchanged before the schism, and we remember.”

“That is correct.” Shaeula unsheathed her Mortal Fragarach, the blade shimmering. “That is why we must not-not stand alone, but come together. Be it giants with burning eyes, this golden-eyed toad-toad or anything else, I have no desire to lose. I am Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, I am Fae, I am Yōkai, and I consider myself a human also, for do I not-not have an adorable human sister?” she grinned broadly at Aiko, who blushed.

“Damn, when you say nice things like that, it makes me happy I was such a bad friend to Eri…” she muttered.

“I believe I, and Akio, who is likewise human, Fae and Yōkai… for he has a Tengu sister…” At that, Haanōbō and Arangbō, who had remained quiet throughout the whole arguments over our relationships, had different reactions, Haanōbō hiding her masked face, Arangbō howling with loud laughter, wings spasming.

“.. should be the lynchpin, the ones-ones to lead, to unite. For only we know what-what is truly at stake. And have shown results already.” Shaeula finished.

“To lead… that is a task none has managed since the King was injured and the Queen secluded herself to heal-heal him.” Shaetanao said softly, wistfully. “If that is what you wish, then I wish you good-good fortune, but the politics of the Seelie is deep and dark-dark…”

“And the undercurrents of the Parade likewise-also.” Urakaze finished, a gloomy look in her eyes. Still, we were undeterred, and as I glanced at Shaeula, naked blade in her hand, she nodded. Yeah, this isn’t going to be easy, but it’s not the first difficult set of negotiations we’ve done…

********

“I do love what you’ve done with the place.” A stunningly handsome elf with long mossy-green hair was saying as he took his seat. Only his eyes and the great wisdom within showed his age, otherwise he could have passed for my age, or perhaps even younger. Behind him was Moira, who rolled her eyes at me, giving a long-suffering sigh.

“Prince Aethelathrion, I bid you welcome.” Shaeula declared, and he smiled in return.

“As boldly as ever. Upstaging her own father, I see.” At that Shaetanao merely shrugged. “I am surprised though…” The elf continued teasingly. “…with how overprotective you are of your daughter now she has returned to you, I had expected the decking here to be soaked in blood.”

“I hardly find that-that amusing.” Shaetanao sighed. “I am eminently reasonable. My daughter has chosen, and I can hardly gainsay her choice now-now. I no longer have the right for that. I pushed her away-away, and he picked her up, sheltered her.”

“I see. Well, congratulations then, Duchess.” He said, before turning to me. “And to you, though I do have to wonder…”

“Go on.” I said, having a bad feeling.

“I was just wondering why you have been so cold to my lovely Moira here, as well as Bellaera and Soliteare. They are all wonderful beauties, and very fond of you.”

Behind him, Moira was signalling with her eyes that she wasn’t, and I held in a chuckle. “Don’t get me wrong, I do think they’re beautiful, and Bell was a great help to me recently. But I’m not interested in increasing my women.”

“Liar.” My sis mouthed at me.

“I see. Yet I do hear that you have just accepted someone called the Diviner?” he raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

“That was… pre-planned.” I said, uncomfortable. “Look, I’ve done arranged marriages, for political gain. Sure, it turns out they worked out, and I’m happy, but I’m not in the mood for more. Unless I want them and they me, for genuine reasons… it’s not going to happen.”

“I see. So it seems they still have a chance. Especially Bell. Hmm.”

“Always so hasty. You should be more composed, act your age. Har. Har. Har.” The slow, ponderous words of the massive Treekin that clambered onto the platform, the weight making it shake alarmingly, were amused. His form was reminiscent of the Treants from that very famous British story, the Lord of the Rings. Mom gave me a copy when I was a young boy…

“Noble Primal Forest, it is good to see you. And you-you too, Ala.” Shaeula declared, and I did indeed recognise the Plantkin behind him as the one that had helped us with our Ring Gate to Kyoto.

“I would not miss this. The great joy of nature returning to dead lands…” he paused, his mouth, a split in the bark of his body, curving into a mocking grin. “I see you, Dryad. You must be pleased, to see life sprout anew, death, decay giving way to rebirth and growth. Especially since this blighted land…”

“I am. My heart sings.” Asha admitted. “Akio and Shaeula have considered all my sorrows. I would ask you to visit the site of the deaths of my sisters and their precious Trees, noble Primal Forest. Perhaps some of your grace will help their spirits rest peacefully.”

“I see. I shall.” He rumbled in his glacial way, his words ponderous. “Now, elf, do not be full of sorrow that none of yours have attracted him. A daughter of Orion, of the Trees, is tie enough. Content yourself with that.” His smile seemed smug. As Prince Aethelathrion was about to retort, a tiny figure glowing with the light of multiple elements flew down from the branches that crowned Primal Forest, almost like hair, and a cute yet bossy voice rang out.

“Oh will you two please hurry it up? There’s no need for such petty bickering!”

“Wow, now this is what you think of when you think of Faeries, right, right?” my sis gushed to Yukiko-san and Eleanor. Eleanor nodded.

“Yes, it does bring to mind images of Fairies.” She agreed, her pronunciation a little different.

“I see.” The cute, green-haired little Fae, with gossamer butterfly-style wings, flitted down onto the armrest of a chair set up for her, shifting to make herself more comfortable, a glow of jade shimmering, cushioning her with wind. “I suppose I should be flattered. So, I finally meet your rumoured chosen husband. He has many elements indeed.” Her eyes glittered with multi-coloured light. “You have hardly been idle either. Lightning.” Her grin was somehow both cute and hungry. “I would be fascinated to hear that tale.”

“When you get her started on elements and mysticism, you’ll never get her to shut up.” Our next visitor was someone who looked like a woman in her late teens, though rather short and lithe. Her long red hair hung down to her waist, and it was braided with what looked like golden coins. She was wearing a green dress, belted at the waist, with some sort of black tights underneath, and she was followed by what looked like leprechauns and there were also several women dressed in old-fashioned maid attire, likely brownies such as Hyacinth was before. “Though I have to admit, I do like what you’ve done with the place.” As she turned her head to look at the surrounding stalls and bars, the coins jingled softly.

“Ffionnan, you old miser.” Estalian, for the little Fae was surely her, Shaeula having spoken of her previously, sniffed, crossing her arms defensively. “It’s more productive to learn how to strengthen ourselves, transcend our limits, than seek to hoard old gold, jewels and treasures that do nothing but gather dust.”

“You think so, Estalian? I beg to differ, and it looks like the little weasel here agrees with me.” She greeted Shaeula with a nod. “We meet again, I’ve brought my pot of gold, like you suggested.” She gestured to one of the Brownies, who was lugging a clay jar as big as she was, the lid having slipped off a little, revealing gold coins, gems and even some glittering Etherites.

“Excellent. I know you covet wealth and dislike letting any coin slip through your fingers, but-but I think you shall find this enlightening. Harden your heart-heart, contribute, and you will find yourself as a dragon, on a hoard of gold.” Shaeula puffed out her chest proudly, enjoying being the centre of attention. “Though… power is also vital. I do not-not disagree. Princess Estalian, perhaps you should discuss with Akio after this-this, when we have time for socialising. You might yet-yet be able to master a fourth element.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not.” Another voice, this one sounding neither young nor old, male nor female. Up onto the platform stepped our newest arrival, and out of the corner of my eye I could see Raidre trying to sink into his chair and avoid notice. The Fae who was ascending the platform alone was strange, looking vaguely humanoid, skin pale white, but not a healthy shade, one of bleached paper. It was seemingly male, yet with a featureless face shrouded with white hair nearly the same tone as the skin, so it was hard to be certain. Long limbs ending in three slender fingers were waving, and overall, the figure was eerie and otherworldly, much more than any of the other Fae.

“Oh, my apologies. I should know better than to interrupt…” the strange voice said mournfully. The figure then paused, having spotted Raidre. “If it isn’t Raidre? If I remember, you gave Oath not to set foot in the Seelie Court until the corruption and politics had run their course? Or perhaps my memory fades, in my old age?” Even as we watched on, the pale figure transformed, until it was a handsome Selkie not dissimilar to Raidre in appearance, though the skin was still shockingly pale, and offset by ink-black eyes and hair.

“Prince Morioth…” Raidre breathed. He glanced at Eleanor, before bowing, though there wasn’t much respect in it. “You remember rightly.” He ground his teeth together, holding in his anger. “But I have also given Oath to accompany my Princess where she wills, and I was invited by another.” He nodded at Shaeula.

“Ah yes, the little weaselkin. How fascinating. It seems you are as changeable as me.” His form shifted, and now he was a black-furred weaselkin with shocking white eyes. “I have given my agreement for your ownership of the Spring, but as for more…”

“The politicking Raidre hates is not-not my preference either.” Shaeula sniffed. “I too welcome you, Prince Morioth. And Raidre comes to see the end of the dissention, the fragmented factions. So do not-not judge him harshly. Besides…” her eyes narrowed. “We have other guests still to come. Quite-quite unexpected ones.”

“Am I not welcome here? How disappointing.” A droning, spectral voice said, and it was echoed by dozens of other voices, all crying out “How disappointing, not welcome, surprising.” My sis stood up in shock at the sight, as what could only be described as a ghost, a transparent woman wearing veils which while see-through, somehow still blocked the view of her face, leaving it in shadow. She was wearing a black mourning dress, the train of ghostly black rags drifting behind her, where a dozen young girls, who looked perhaps only six or seven years old, though age could be deceptive for the Fae, were holding it as if it was the train of a wedding dress.

“Of course you are welcome, Princess Moraine.” Shaeula said quickly. “I was merely-merely surprised that you attended. The spectralkin have been refusing all our overtures.”

My sis, on calming down, sat down, blushing scarlet, muttering to herself that if Haru-chan found out, she wouldn’t be able to face her, and that she wasn’t prejudiced against ghosts. The Princess ignored her, drifting to a vacant seat. “Such is the way of things. We have little left but grief. But I thought perhaps…” her voice was a mourning whisper, her attendants repeating part of her words over and over in a dark echo. “… a change of scenery would be a brief diversion. Especially considering who else is coming…” She waved one black-clad arm, and our gazes followed, to where two more people were waiting. One was a woman, wearing beautiful white robes and a matching white veil, her metallic-blue hair appearing almost silver, sweeping down to the floor, rippling like water in a river. Even just standing quietly, observing the water of the Spring, she had a League not inferior to the Princes and Princesses around us. She was wearing a garland and bracelets of small blue and white flowers, and I could feel the Spirit Water in my body reacting. Shaeula and Princess Estalian must have felt the same, as they too were twitching, a little uncomfortable.

“I be sorry good Queen Ariel be unable tae attend, but… I be here tae escort lady Nimuë.” The second figure was rather overshadowed by the powerful figure beside him, who seemed to be the mythical Lady of the Lake. On hearing the name, Eleanor went pale, hand over her mouth, and that drew the attention of the blue-haired woman. In a melodious voice, sounding as sweet as fresh spring water, she spoke.

“Oh, one bearing the lineage of Kings. No blood remains from his day, but Oaths are thicker than blood, and those sworn and upheld still remain on you. You have my blessings, good child of Kings.” With that, aether and water element surged. Sir Arthur looked panicked for a moment, but Raidre grabbed his arm.

“Great Nimuë would never harm her. But offend her and you will be sorry. She is as revered as the lords of the Seelie, perhaps more so, as much as any barring the King and Queen.”

“He be right, the salt-smelling Selkie there.” The man boomed, his thick Scottish accent hard to decipher, making even Bjarki sound eloquent. He was huge, maybe six and a half feet tall, with bulging muscles and a flaming red beard and mane of crimson hair. “T’lady of tae Lake merely wishes tae lend a smidgen of aid tae one who has kept t’faith, all these years. Not even t’Fae can be trusted for that, I cannae deny it.” He then looked at me, and his blue eyes were deep and powerful. “So, it be a long barren spell o’years since I saw another human come tae t’Court. Nay, a number of ye.” He nodded to my sister. “And she be t’more human of the pair of ye. Ye be kin, siblings, I wager, by t’stink o’ye? Whereas they be not?” he nodded at Eleanor, Yukiko-san and Sir Arthur.

“Wow, rude, I don’t smell! Beautiful girls never do!” My sister protested, and the man, the Scotsman, surely, who Shaeula had sometimes spoken of, grinned.

“It’s nae that stink, pretty one. Though exotic be ye looks, ye nae be from the blessed isles, ye ken?”

“No, though my mom is.” My sis said, getting his meaning.

“I see. Well, then I greet t’pair of ye as distant kin, while two of ye be from these isles, I ken. Would that I could hoist a horn o’mead and toast to a fateful meeting, but… nae such fortune. Although…” his eyes took in the barrels around us. Shaetanao coughed loudly, interrupting the talk.

“It is an honour to see you here, Lady Nimuë, Scotsman. The Queen…?” he asked, and the Scotsman shrugged.

“She cannae leave his side, ye understand, nay? But… she hears the whispers on t’wind, and nae plot nae design escapes her notice. I was feelin’ a wee bit cooped up, and fancied tae taste the air and see t’moon for a wee while, so I offered tae escort t’Lady here, as befits her own regal origins, ye ken?”

“Of course. Who are we to question the Queen-Queen?” Shaetanao spoke for everyone. “Take a seat wherever you wish. We are just waiting for Duke Formor now, and…”

“I am here.” The giant boomed from the passageway. Soon he emerged, followed by a smaller giant carrying a long staff. And he was accompanied by someone else, a creature of red fur and beady, crimson eyes, peering around the Spring as if surprised, lips curled into a toothy scowl. On seeing Shaeula his eyes narrowed, and his grin grew more vicious. It was then Shaeula leapt to her feet, her League unleashed, anger boiling within her, and she let out a bitter, rage-filled shout. “Duke-Duke Vulpatrius, you scum! You dare show yourself before me-me?”

Shit. Not good… I reached out a hand to console her, but she didn’t even see it. Around us the looks on the faces of the Fae nobility were mixtures of curiosity, detachment and amusement. It was then I met the eyes of the Scotsman, and I could see the question in it. So, you want to see how we deal with this, do you? Is it a test from the Queen, or… simple spite from the Duke? Either way, I had a feeling that wasn’t Foresight that we would soon find out…