A Dream of Empire Ch. 026

"Oh! You want to aid him in my stead. That could suffice," Tanya nodded. "But, she'll never give you permission. She'll only saddle you with your own workload."

"That's why we won't ask for her permission," Alanna winked, getting a chuckle out of her mind-mate.

"Huhu. How devious," Tanya murmured. "Cass is going to loathe you. Loathe me, too, for helping you."

"Maybe. But, what can she do? Exile us?" Alanna shrugged. "Like Talos would allow such a thing."

"She's frightening, honey."

"And Talos more so. Besides, who are we truly beholden to? Her? Or the father of my child and our soulmate?" Alanna seriously questioned. Tanya pondered on the enchantress's words - and a dozen outcomes of her underhanded scheme - before pushing herself away the table.

"Fuck it. Let's get you packed," she excitedly giggled, grabbing Alanna's wrist to lead her to the bedroom.

The girls gathered Alanna's things with a flurry of excitement. Tanya offered to take care of the necessities whilst Alanna dealt with the clothes, and before a quarter-hour had passed they'd nearly filled her backpack to the brim. Alanna dressed herself for the day in her favorite thigh-high boots, a gray woolen dress that fell to mid-thigh, and a hefty coat that would protect her from the worst of winter.

Then, just when Alanna believed they were done, Tanya pushed a large green tome into her hands. It was titled, A Concise History of Elven Falinor.

"You'll need that too," Tanya softly said. "I haven't finished it yet. I've been meaning to, but, well-"

"Got it. Anything else?" Alanna impatiently interjected. Tanya nodded, leaning over to fetch a bottle from the floor and forcing that into Alanna's hands as well.

"It's a bottle of Evoran honey-wine," she explained with a happy grin. "A present for our man. Talos should appreciate a taste of home, I think."

"How romantic. You really are too good for him," Alanna smirked, stuffing those things into her pack. It was a tight fit, but she made it work.

"Now," Tanya continued, "the first task I gave Talos was to locate an elven artifact called the 'Codex of Falinor'. Rumor has it that the Codex contains all the information one could ever need of Falinor and its surroundings. With any luck, they already have it, and you can begin reading it to find Faranya's family crypts and learn how to suppress the traps within."

"All the information, huh? Must be a thick tome," Alanna worriedly murmured. She wasn't a particularly fast reader.

"Terribly thick, I'd imagine," Tanya frowned. "Still, it's Talos' only path forward, and it's the duty of his sorceress to save him from having to read it himself."

"You're right, of course," Alanna sighed. She'd make the best of it.

Tanya sharply inhaled, "Remember, the goal of their excursion is to locate anything that would show her legitimacy to the Remillan throne. Artifacts, tomes, gods willing maybe even a crown? But you need to keep those two on track, else a war might come to the Empire before they're finished. That too is a sorceress's duty."

"Okay," Alanna murmured. Okay. Surely she could do all of that?

The girls rushed to town a moment later, giddy as they were to finally have their way. They caught many a stare from those elves they passed, of course; seeing humans running about in Cindervale was odd enough on its own, but for one of them to be wearing a thick fur coat on the first day of sun only added to their suspicion.

None of this hindered Alanna or Tanya. They soon arrived at the teleportation pier, nestled between the two ship moorings that made up the 'harbor' of Cindervale. Due to the massive ward protecting Cindervale, all teleportations both inbound and out had to happen from this very specific location.

Alanna charmed her way past the guards with a simple spell, allowing the girls to rush to the end of the pier. There, they hugged.

"Gods. Despite its faults, this has been the best week of my life, Alanna. I'm serious," Tanya wholeheartedly admitted, clutching Alanna so very tightly. "You give Talos all my love, okay? Tell him that I wanted to be with him more than anything."

"I will. You take care of the other, alright?" Alanna replied, lovingly squeezing her back.

"I will," Tanya promised with a whisper.

A glimpse of twilight. A cackling void.

-=-> Imperial County of Falinor <-=-

The entire world was upended in an instant. The kaleidoscope of colors provided by the houses, trees, ocean and sky fell away in an instant, and all was replaced with white. The temperature plunged. Trees sprouted from the world's crust in every direction. The eternal summer of Cindervale was replaced by the winter felt most everywhere else. A fine white dusting of snow, carpeting the world for as far as the eye could see, crunched softly beneath Alanna's feet. She gasped, and threw up her hands.

"It's me, gods!" the enchantress yelped, coming face-to-face with an armed Talos and a Faranya preparing her magics. Both yielded as soon as they realized it was her.

"Fucking whores," Talos exhaled, sheathing his glinting blade. "Fuck. Lana, can't those portals be any quieter?" he gruffly asked. Alanna shivered under her lover's gaze, shrugging as cutely as she could.

"Where's Tanya?" he added a moment later.

And Alanna's smile disappeared. Talos had wanted his sorceress to accompany him, and in his mind Alanna wasn't that. Taking a deep breath, she vowed to prove her worth from this point forth.

"She isn't coming," Alanna groaned, treading softly over the snow towards her man. They were situated on a snowed-in road, one which meandered through the tall trees around them. "Cass won't let her leave Cindervale, honey. She's saddled her with task after task, each more impossible than the one before."

"Ha," Faranya laughed. Alanna gave her a quick once-over; the blonde elven princess was dressed in a heavy coat, one with a hood that hid her long, pointed ears from view. "Now there is a surprise. The childish Queen acting like a child?"

"And, let me guess; you snuck off anyway?" Talos smirked.

Alanna only bit her lip mischievously, and Talos could resist her no longer. He strode towards her, picked her up in a vise-like hug, and planted a wet kiss on her cheek, tickling her face with his frosted beard. Alanna giggled her appreciation until she was placed back onto the snow.

"Don't think I'm not thankful that you're here, but uh... did you bring Tanya's necklace perchance?" Talos asked. He was referring to the Universal Translator, of course. Alanna shook her head.

"Damn. 'Cause there's this book we found that-"

"Codex," Faranya interjected.

"-this Codex that needs translating," Talos corrected. "You wouldn't happen know ancient elvish, would ya?"

"Sorry, honey," Alanna frowned. Talos shrugged it off.

"No worries. Isn't called a dead language for nothin'. Did Tanya tell you where the crypts were, at least?" he asked next.

"Umm..."

This was turning into a disaster. Alanna had just barely arrived, and her confidence was already wavering. Rather than be capable of thought, Alanna seemed only capable of shifting nervously under her partner's gaze.

Wait! Maybe the answer was in the tome Tanya packed!

"Nevermind. We'll just ask the locals," Talos said before she could answer. "Anyway, we've six-or-ten miles to the nearest town, and only five-or-so 'til sunset. You ready for a hike?"

"Of course," she murmured. Alanna could walk, at the very least.

And so, with the enchantress in tow, the party set off once more. As was his way, Talos spent most of his time fifty yards ahead of the girls, scanning the trees before them for any sign of ambush or trouble. He was always prepared; a penchant of his, hardened through decades traveling the world alone. This gave Alanna and Faranya plenty of space to speak to one another on their lonesome, and, sure enough, Faranya soon sidled up beside her.

"Don't you fret, cutie," she said to Alanna. "It is more embarrassing that I do not know ancient elvish. And I for one am actually glad you are here."

"Thanks, Faranya," the enchantress grumbled, giving the elf the best smile she could muster.

"I am serious. Talos keeps the bed awfully chill at night, what with him sleeping so far away. Surely you could talk some sense into him."

She was jesting, Alanna had to remind herself. "I can always try. Besides the cold nights, how've things been with him?"

"Oh, just wonderful dear," Faranya sarcastically replied, eye-roll and all. "During the day we march as if the world's collapsing, and at night we abstain from any sort of entertainment, wine included. I imagine a soldier would have a simpler time. The only excitement to be found was when we fooled the local constable into believing we were traveling tome merchants."

Alanna giggled at the thought. It sounded just like her man. "He always was difficult to travel with," she softly admitted, feigning an inspection of her nails as they hiked. "I had it easier, though. He actually fancied me."

"Pfft! Do not act so high, dear. He's coming around on me. Last night, Talos called me 'Anya'," Faranya teased with a wink.

"A nickname? Goodness. You're practically married to my man," Alanna shot back.

"I thought as much myself," the elf dryly retorted. "But, enough of that droll; tell me more of our juvenile Queen back east. I am most curious of her mood," she purred, slipping a hand onto Alanna's arm as they walked.

Alanna wondered if she should even share information with Casiama's rival, but ultimately she couldn't find it in herself to shy away from gossip. They spoke candidly of Casiama for a quarter-hour or so, a conversation which soon turned to the traditions of elvendom, then to magics, then to histories, then to less tedious topics such as men, cute clothes, makeup and dances. In fact, it was only the sun setting over the western mountains that signaled just how long the two of them had conversed. Faranya was surprisingly amicable, truth be told.

The forests of Falinor grew chill as the day waned on, and besides for the occasional trader or scampering rabbit, the party had had the road all to themselves. With dusk came a pinch of anxiety, though. Alanna decided to catch up with Talos and ask him when they should pitch camp, only for him to point through the trees at a cluster of smokestacks rendered pink by the setting sun.

"That town had an inn last time I came through. You really think I'd let you sleep in the snow?" he smirked.

"We've camped in worse places," Alanna giggled.

The party arrived at the town about a mile later, a mere smattering of shoddy, wooden homes, surrounded by acres of unused farmlands. The largest building in town, situated just alongside the road with a bed-shaped sign out front, was fortunately built to a higher standard than the others. They got out of the cold without delay.

The inn was completely empty except for the three of them. Despite the empty tables, though, it was still quite cozy inside; there was a fireplace lit at both ends of the room, and an aroma of thyme, or perhaps bay leaf, permeated through the air.

"Hello?" Talos half-shouted.

"Ah, customers! Coming, coming!" a young woman exclaimed from the back room. Some clamoring of metal-on-wood accompanied her hurried rush to the hall.

The woman was young; no more than twenty years, Alanna noted, and held quite the pleasant visage despite living in such a backwater. There was more meat on her bones than your average peasant, but not near enough to be considered a turn-off. The woman wrung her hands on her apron as she approached them.

"Welcome lords 'n ladies, welcome!" she warmly greeted them. "What can I do fer yas?"

"Hail, miss," Talos greeted her. "Just food and board for the night. We've no horses. What'll it run?"

"Ah, um... really you'd be doin' me a charity with jus' two silvers," the innkeep answered with a cheeky grin. "I wasn't 'specting company tonight. Not much goings-on in the winter if ye can imagine it. I've only rabbit stew fer supper, 'n a good helping of ale to drink."

"Sounds great," Talos smirked, fetching the coins from his purse. "You own this place yourself?"

"Ahm, aye m'lord, I do. I's passed down from my pa, peace on 'im, and his pa before that. Near fifty years in our blood if ye can believe it."

"A lady of her own castle, then," Talos coolly replied. He placed a stack of coin in the innkeep's hands. "Here, we'll call it five. What should I call you, miss?"

"It's Ashlynn, m'lord. Like the tree," she answered with a smile, glancing at the coins in her hand. "Great Goddess, this is like double charity! Have ya forgotten how to haggle, hm?" the innkeep joked, clearly taken aback by the generosity. "Thanks truly. How can I call you? Or does m'lord suffice?"

A quick perusal of Ashlynn's mind showed that she didn't care to know of Faranya or Alanna's names. In fact, she'd nearly forgotten they existed.

"Name's Talos. It doesn't mean anything," he dryly jested in turn.

"It's strong ne'rless," the innkeep blushed. "Well, Talos - and, ahm, you ladies," she nodded, acknowledging their existence, "Please take a seat wherever ya'd like. I'll bring the sup 'n drinks. Yer room's the first down the hall, if it pleases ya."

"Gratitude, Ashlynn," Talos bowed, getting a dumb giggle from the innkeep. She then scurried off to the kitchen before she could further embarrass herself.

With that, the party finally found comfort from the day. Backpacks were thrown to the floor, the nearest chairs were taken with all haste, and Talos couldn't help but prop his boots onto the table. Alanna breathed a sigh of relief now that she rescued away from the cold of Falinor, her throbbing feet finally given rest.

Alanna looked to her new elven friend. She knew she could speak to her about most anything tonight, what with their talks from the day. Most of those topics would bore Talos, though, and Alanna always strove to include everyone. Something fun, she thought. Hm...

Talos unfortunately broke the silence first. "Wonder if Ashlynn knows where the crypts are," he thought aloud. "If they're close, we might be out of Falinor in a day or two. Then we'll just need allies to get this boat sailin'." He looked towards Faranya. "Say, got any friends who'd be willing to work with us?"

The princess thought on it for a moment. "Well... not really. Just the ones at this table, I suppose," she shrugged. "But what use have I for friends, Talos? I am the rightful heir to my grandfather's crown. My people will recognize that claim."

"Taking a crown is never that simple," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "We'll need swords for the endgame, preferably of the elven kind. We can try Tor Valliya next. I know a few good warriors there."

"And then what? They just follow me because you order them to?" Faranya playfully replied.

"Noo, they follow you because they believe in you," Talos corrected her, speaking as if she were five. "And if that doesn't work, you offer them gold, girls, and stations once you gain power. Such is the way it's always been."

Alanna snorted at Talos' patronizing explanation, but still he went on.

"But seriously, no one? At all? In the whole wide world, Faranya?" Talos smirked. Faranya shook her head. "Gods, that's tragic."

"Don't be a cock," Alanna huffed.

Faranya clenched her fists upon hearing Talos' words, her gaze falling hopelessly to the table. Alanna entered the elf's thought-stream out of curiosity, only to be disgusted by the levels of self-doubt festering there.

She tried to salvage things, nudging the elf's knee under the table. "Here's a silly idea. Let's agree to not talk about work after sunset," Alanna suggested with a smile. "It's tiring enough dealing with it during the day, mm?"

"But he is right," Faranya whispered dejectedly, hiding her fists from view. "I have ninety-two years, Alanna, with nothing to show for it but for three day's effort. I cannot name a single elf who would endorse my claim. How pathetic is that?"

"You're not alone in that," Alanna pouted. "I imagine there's less than a dozen people in the world who could say otherwise. Hells, who'd ever endorse me for something so great? Or Talos?"

"I'd fight for you, Queen Alanna," Talos replied as a moron would.

Faranya let out a soft, sad sigh. She gracefully grabbed her pack from the floor and flung herself to her feet, already looking for an escape. "I suppose it does not matter," she muttered. "I am not in the mood for ale or rabbit. I am going to the room."

"Faranya..." Alanna called out to her, only to be ignored as the elf trudged off. She then glanced at Talos, squinting at him.

"You dolt. I hope you're happy."

"What'd I do? It's an important ask," he groaned.

"You forgot to be a gentleman," Alanna hissed as she rose from the table. "D'you remember a while back when I said that your insolence ruins the people around you? Well, you need to ram that lesson through that thick skull of yours, Talos of Evora. It clearly didn't take the first time."

"Oh, c'mon. She's just stressed from the long day. Stay, sup with me."

Alanna rolled her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. "And who are you to belittle her for having no friends? Who would come to your aid if asked?"

Talos knew it'd been rhetorical. Alanna'd read that on him. Still, he started to list off, "The Queen of Cindervale, for one. Her father, the King of Tor Valliya. The Duke of Moradria, the Count of Sommerton, the Countess of Taisha, the Thane of Vitvarg, the Jarl of Theinhall," he took a breath, "the company of the Reaper's Due, about two-dozen mages, the Lord of-"

"Shove it," Alanna chuckled, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Talos. Come find us if we're not back in twenty, 'kay?"

"'Kay," he smirked.

Alanna skipped off just as Ashlynn was returning with the food and ale, earning a confused look from the innkeep. Alanna cast her a quick smile before making her way to the first door down the hall.

"Looks like you'll have to help me with that ale, Ashlynn. The ladies decided on an early bed," she overheard Talos say.

"Ah, is that so? I-I'd be happy to oblige ye. I 'ardly drink the good stuff m'self."

"You might as well with me. I did pay for it."

"That ya did, m'lord Talos," the innkeep giggled, taking a seat beside him after offloading the foodstuffs. Alanna felt a little sorry for the innkeep - Talos was only playing her strings, after all.

Alanna rapped her knuckles against the first door down the hall, once, twice, then put her ear against it. She heard Faranya cough.

"Come in."

She opened the door just slowly enough to catch the elf still wiping her eyes, then noticed that she'd been redecorating the room on her lonesome. Patches of multicolored flowers were now growing through the floorboards, some blue, others pink, and others still a curious crimson - a color which Alanna figured would look lovely on a dress. She shut the door behind her.

"I am fine, Alanna," Faranya smiled at her. The enchantress knew otherwise - she was still skimming the elf's mind. Still, Alanna played it cool, merely deciding to sit on the bed beside her.

"I know. I only had a thought about that Codex of yours. May I see it?" she softly asked.

Faranya raised a puzzled brow, but still fetched the tome from her pack and placed it in Alanna's hands. The enchantress flipped through the pages, finding the words just as alien as she'd expected.

"Back when I attended the College of Catriona," Alanna said, turning a page, "I used to write these little love notes to the other students. Stupid things, really. I'd compliment a girl on how her blouse brought out the color in her eyes, or how adorable I thought her smile was. Little things," she smiled, placing a hand on Faranya's thigh. She gave the elf a quick once-over, meeting her gaze. "Like, say if I was writing one to you... I'd write how envious I was of your hair. We've been through one or more hells today, and still it looks just perfect."