Silvermoon, Silubra

  Two days after the Silvermoons returned to the capital, it began roiling again. Britiana Silvermoon was announced as the acting Vice Chancellor. That wasn't much anyone could say about that. She wasn't directly put in charge of the city, and her acting status made it a temporary arrangement. However, that's not what created waves. It was what happened next.

  The acting Vice Chancellor created a task force. This task force was headed by two knights. One was only a seventh rank Senior Knight and the other only an eighth rank Second Knight Lieutenant but they held considerable authority.

  A figure of a girl in a cloak could be seen standing in the rain outside a house. A man stood quietly behind her. Knights broke down the door and pulled everyone out, cuffing them whether they protested or not. This occurred more and more often across the city.

  In one such case, a child cried, running to the girl demanding to know why they were taking her daddy away. Britiana looked at the child. She knelt down to be face to face with the child. "Your daddy hates your neighbor so much that one day he and his friends surrounded and beat him until he couldn't walk. Hate is the root of evil and it must be pulled up. Don't follow that example," she said and patted the child on the head before standing. She gestured for someone to take the confused child away.

  During this time, she was yelled at and cursed at often. Many politicians condemned her for her heavy handed actions. The next day, said politicians were arrested for taking bribes from the hate groups to introduce or quash certain parliamentary discussions. Some were even members of hate groups.

  She almost sneered at that. It was one thing to represent the needs of your own people. It was quite another to actively try to harm the needs of others based on origin or even appearance.

  No one expected the round-face doe-eyed girl to act in such a manner. She was known for co-creating the Bridging Array, but people's general impression of this long-lost heir was not deep. She hadn't been in front of the public eye much and in general didn't make much impression outside of her magical skills.

  After this operation, no one would underestimate her again. Perhaps if she'd merely stayed in an office to direct things behind the scenes, she wouldn't have become so notorious so quickly. But she didn't.

  She attended every high profile raid personally.

  There was only a pause on the day of the acting Chancellor's funeral. A funeral procession with lively music from her homeworld wound its way through Silvermoon to a central plaza. Butterfly kites, and dancing caterpillars were part of the parade. At the very back of the parade, several people in manacles and chains were practically dragged behind a carriage. This was also part of the ceremony.

  The music and dancing celebrated the life of the deceased, but if the life was cut off prematurely, then those responsible, if caught, were shown for all to see. People were provided a special type of smelly fruit to throw at them.

  Once in the plaza, Xolani's body, which was encased in a silk-like cocoon, was laid upon a pyre. Chrystianna gave a speech, detailing the wonderful things about Xolani's life, then she set the pyre on fire.

  The flames burned for one day and one night as a celebration continued around it, and the culprits were displayed for continued humiliation.

  Afterwards, the crack downs continued, beginning to expand to the areas around Silvermoon as well.

  The fearsome reputation of Britiana and her task force was also spreading beyond Silvermoon and even beyond Silubra.

  --

  Eveningstar, Silubra

  After Seamus listened to yet another report about the task force in Silvermoon, he contacted his cohorts. They appeared one by one. "Vik. It looks like you did a good job," he said.

  Vikkernoff waved a hand dismissively. "It was my first time working with Viscount Darkdawn. I have to admit, the man knows his dark magic," he said. Aside from the six of them, there were also ranked members of the Syndicate coinciding with the Conclave of Scales. Except they didn't have any Diamond Dragon members. They didn't trust Diamond Dragons and their nosy tendencies.

  Claus Darkdream was a fourth-tier mage from Wyntercrest. He was their Amethyst Dragon representative in the Syndicate. He also had a penchant for studying the darker side of magic. When Vikkernoff was tasked with eliminating Xolani D'a'Kar, he thought about working with him. It seems that it went well. He would have to keep it in mind for future projects. Perhaps there would be more chances for them to collaborate.

  Seamus explained what was happening in Silvermoon. "They fully believe the alien was murdered by hate group vandals," he said, somewhat delighted. "The best part is that one of my favored candidates has been earmarked for a reinterview," he said.

  "The only downside is that I lost a few members of Lower Parliament," he sighed ruefully.

  "Ministers are as easy to replace as underwear," Adonis said dismissively.

  Seamus agreed, so his mood was rather good at the moment. He dealt those women a blow and was running them on a wild goose chase.

  "Don't get cocky, your Grace. Those women are cunning," Lucien warned.

  Seamus snorted. "I know. I need to figure out how to use this new wave to grab a bit more power," he said with sinisterly shining eyes.

  The others also had to prepare their next moves. Those women were like a herd of cows, where one led, the others would soon follow. Once crackdowns started in their own neighborhoods, they had to figure out how to take advantage of the chaos.

  With nothing better to do, the other men began to offer suggestions to each other. It wasn't every day they got a win against those chyasiti. With enough patience, maybe even one day the world would finally belong to them.

  --

  Starshadow, Myrkir

  Britiana and her task force's formidable reputation came to Starshadow before long. Thinking about it, Sonja called Roark into her office. Roark met with his mother. While Zane was in Thale, Roark was somewhat in an acting role of his own.

  "What do you think?" she asked as they discussed what was happening.

  Roark frowned thoughtfully.

  The death of the acting Chancellor was a local event and didn't require the presence of the Dracosenati or Conclave members, but they had sent condolences, and offers of help if they were needed. Chrystianna had also briefed everyone on the Cruinog travel ban and why she did so. No one argued with her stance. In fact they agreed with it.

  However, the boldness to kill someone of the status of the Chancellor of a capital city was quite shocking. Chrystianna had confided that there was another killer and the loud noise was to mask their secret investigation.

  Sonja, however, appreciated the loud noise. She also commended Britiana on her efforts. She encouraged her daughters to look up to her. Now, she was discussing it with her son.

  "We can do something similar," Roark finally said. "We don't have an abundance of hate groups because we're not as diverse as other places, but they exist. There have also been rashes of theft in the city lately, likely a newly formed street gang," he explained and listed several other things.

  "An anti-crime task force?" Sonja asked.

  Roark frowned. "I'm not sure. There's something odd about it. They separated from the military in all but name, they even have a building. I don't think this is a temporary arrangement," he said.

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  Sonja raised her eyebrows. "Then, do you want to see how it unfolds first and emulate them later?" she questioned. She honestly always worried about Roark. He didn't quite fit in anywhere. He enjoyed working in the military but the highest he could ever rank was Sentinel Brigadier, the second highest rank. He didn't have the qualifications to become the High Sentinel even if there was no Troi unless another disaster befell Emphyralis.

  He also couldn't take on her role one day. He could always leave Starshadow and become a magistrate or a sheriff, or switch his focus to law or magic. But that didn't seem to suit him. She even offered him the position of Vice Chancellor when he came of age but he turned it down due to lack of interest in becoming Chancellor one day.

  If there was a way for him to spread his wings, she'd gladly point him toward it.

  "There's no need to wait. We can create the task force now," Roark said.

  "Then will you finally take the position of Vice Chancellor?" she prompted.

  He sighed and finally agreed. "Only to head the task force. I don't want old Deluca's job," he said, referring to the current Chancellor of Starshadow.

  Sonja nodded and gave him the authorization to act as he saw fit. She shifted topics. "Have you spoken to her yet?"

  Roark shook his head. "I wanted to give her time to settle in. I was planning to talk to her tonight," he said.

  Sonja held up her hands. "I won't interfere," she said.

  They came to an impasse, and Roark decided to leave to begin organizing his plans.

  After working for a while, laying out his plans for a similar task force, he left his office. He had dinner in his room and left for the rooms in the residence assigned to the household attendants.

  Melaina Darkbane was in her quarters there. More than a week had passed and she was still reeling. One day she was at home, being bossed around by her younger brother, and then people from Starshadow came. They told her that the Duchess had invited her to be the caregiver for the unborn child she was carrying.

  Melaina had been overwhelmed with fear, trepidation, and gratitude. She knew she wasn't qualified to take care of the Duchess' child. It was her kindness to help her out. She immediately agreed and packed her few belongings and left despite her father and brothers' protests. The soldiers who came for her intimidated her family, which was somewhat unreal and delightful.

  When she arrived she was led to this room by the steward and was told that her training would begin when she settled in. He was stern faced but kindly. Not long after she arrived, the Duchess came to see her. Melaina tried to ask for a lower position. The Duchess had not agreed. "I picked you. It's final. This isn't a charity. Learn well," and with that, the Duchess left.

  Since then, an old nursemaid came to instruct her on how to care for infants and children. It was a lot to learn, but she was grateful for the chance. She was provided room and board and even a salary. She couldn't ask for a better life. As she hummed to herself and embroidered on a handkerchief, a thank you gift for the Duchess, she heard a knock at the door.

  Thinking it was one of the other attendants, she got up to open it only to find a tall, handsome man at her door. Of course she recognized him, but was a little confused. "Lord Roark," she greeted with a bow.

  Roark nodded. "May I enter. I have something to discuss," he said.

  Melaina nodded and allowed him entry. "What can I help you with, my lord?" she asked nervously as she closed the door behind him.

  Roark sat in an armchair near a cold fireplace and gestured for her to take the other one where she'd obviously been working. She smoothed her skirt nervously and sat down on the edge of her chair.

  "My mother is a tough but kind-hearted woman," he said. "She won't ask, but she wants you to marry me," he said. He really had a way with words.

  Melaina paled. "M-my lord?" she asked, her red eyes wide with fear. Yes, fear. Being beholden to a man was terrifying to her at this moment.

  How can this be something she has to consider?

  Roark noticed her reaction. He wasn't good with gentle words, so he explained the protective benefits. "In name only. After your Changing Age, we'll hold a wedding to sooth the masses who are still unsettled after the betrayal and death of my father.

  "It will also protect you from being taken advantage of by your family in the future. Once enough time has passed for you to feel comfortable being on your own, preferably after my baby brother enters school, we can amicably part if you wish to pursue your happiness elsewhere. I only ask that you not see other people during our marriage," he explained in the most unromantic way possible.

  Melaina was flabbergasted. "Is this what the Duchess intends?" she asked.

  He didn't know whether to nod or shake his head. "Your employment is not contingent on your agreement. This is just my mother's hopeful heart that we would be a good match," he explained. "I can't promise a grand passionate love, but I can guarantee to fulfill my obligations as a husband for the length of our marriage and offer you the protection of my name until you don't need it any more," he said.

  Melaina frowned slightly. "What do you get out of this?" she asked suspiciously.

  Roark's face unconsciously softened. "It will make my mom happy," he answered. "She worries about me more than the girls," he admitted. "I don't know other ways to ease her worries, but at least for a time, she won't have to worry about this," he answered.

  Melaina found herself somewhat swayed by the emotions he couldn't control. "What if you end up falling madly in love with me?" she couldn't help but bravely ask.

  "It's useless if you don't feel the same way," he said. He decided to spare her feelings by saying it was very unlikely to happen.

  Melaina fidgeted and blushed. "What about marital activities?" she asked in a low voice and stared at the fireplace.

  Roark raised a brow. "I'm not opposed," he said. Which was true. He found Melaina Darkbane to be quite an attractive woman and wouldn't be opposed to sharing his life with her if that's what she wanted.

  Melaina nodded. "Then, if I am opposed..."

  "Then it won't happen," he assured her.

  Melaina was silent.

  "You have a lot to think about. There's no rush. If you agree, just send word. We can discuss when to announce the engagement. If you don't, that's also fine," he said. For his mother's sake, he did hope she agreed. He stood, gave her a gentlemanly bow and let himself out.

  Melaina let out a long breath and deflated into the chair. Maybe some things were too good to be true after all. Still...the benefits far outweighed the costs. Just the thought of the protection from her family was appetizing enough. She bit her lip and began to work on her embroidery again.

  She had a lot to think about.

  --

  Silvermoon, Silubra

  While the hate groups were being wiped out, the Cruinog Bridge had been activated and Raven had finalized her plans, coordinating with the Crowley family. Eve herself volunteered to guard the Bridge on Cruinog while keeping an eye on the area and the state of the planet.

  Raven also decided to join her. No one from Emphyralis was allowed to go, and Raven didn't want the Crowley family to jeopardize Terranthea further by taking the chance that the Wild Gods would notice them, so she didn't allow them to travel to Cruinog.

  Help came from an unexpected source. When Professor Snyder heard about everything this man of science believed it. Although it sounded mystical, it was actually, in it own way, scientifically sound. He proposed to go back to Cruinog and coordinate with the two Earthborne women. He would spend the next five years understanding the ichor and helping more humans evacuate if they believed that the end of the world was coming.

  Though he had one question. "Do we also have the Spark of Life?" he asked, referring to humans.

  Raven had smiled at the man. "All creatures of Cruinog are born of the Spraech na Beathe, including humans," she said.

  Snyder nodded. He requested permission to take a storage device and a way to copy knowledge. He wanted to try and preserve as much as possible for future generations of Cruinite humans. Unfortunately he was denied. He was simply too dangerous for Emphyralis for any of their magic or technology to be left behind.

  Snyder understood, so he resolved to do it the old fashioned way. He, his partners, and assistants went back to Cruinog to begin their preservation and rescue mission.

  Raven and Eve wouldn't be the only Earthborne on Cruinog. They vetted a few other Earthborne whose ties to New Bienskurr had loosened, including Johan Graylock. They mainly just needed someone to man the Bridge to send people through.

  Brannoc Bystrika, a mage who'd been living in Starshadow also volunteered as well as a few others like him.

  They all hoped to make the next five years count for something.

  As for the traditionalist colony, Chrystianna approved it right away, but told them to wait until the area had been cleared of Wyrms first, making Elder Graylock furious, but even more determined to get back to the traditional way of life.

  Surprisingly, quite a few women joined them. Some believed in the traditions, some just wanted to stay with their families, and some just liked being protected and pampered.

  Several Banshees also volunteered to go back to Cruinog to guide the fae to their new haven. Maeve didn't stop them. It was their freedom.

  Delaney watched all the preparations. She also heard from ZsaZsa about her plans to pray during a certain time of year, which would be a few months, so she decided it was time to leave Silvermoon. First she'd go visit Sariya in Undirheim and check on the status of her unborn niece, then stay in the Starshadow Mage Corps to get a feel for it.

  There was something about Starshadow that called to her. Perhaps it was what the Dragons called fate. She assured her family that she would still take her turn in Terranthea and visit often. After bidding her family and friends farewell, she stepped into the shadows with her bags packed to start the next phase of her life.

  --