A new day calls for a new adventure. It’s time to head to the southwest of the country.
Lord Yamir requested the new leaders’ aid. Now they have to decide who they are going to bring along.
“Good morning, Zay. How did you sleep? I slept well for the first time in I guess months.”
Zayden turns around in bed towards Jowlani, his eyes still shut.
“Ugh, good morning Lani. I slept so so. Tossing and turning at times. Then falling asleep at the mere sight of you. Seeing you just calms me down. I can’t believe it’s all happening so fast. I’m just happy I get to spend every moment with you. By your side, together. Are you ready to go to Las Tyconas?”
Jowlani steps out of the bed and turns towards Zayden, who’s opening his eyes.
“I’m anxious a bit. I’ve never been there so I don’t know what to expect. Neither can I still believe that we are the leaders of this country. Though it calms me down that you are with me. When we are ready, we should talk to everyone. I’ll let you decide who comes along. You have better judgments of these things than I do. I’m getting ready.”
Jowlani goes to the bathroom and takes a shower. In the meantime, Zayden gets up and goes there as well.
“You look stunning as always. Mind if I take a front row seat?”
Jowlani’s face turns red and he addresses it. “Of course I mind. Can’t you see I’m busy? Although you are the only exception to the rule, of course. I will keep the hot water running so you can jump in when I’m done. Just take care of the rest first. Don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”
As it’s told, so it happens. The new leaders of Netralia get ready and then eat breakfast downstairs.
A new living space for them, having taken over Caelira’s quarters, but turned into their own. It’s nothing too fancy. Just like a simple household would have everything. Living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. And now an office to take care of all the administration. Although the clerks like to help, Jowlani and Zayden have vowed to be hands on with their leadership approach.
“Who do you think we should take with us, Zay? As Remyra asked us, we should keep Adnap and Luke here. What’s the wise thing to do?”
Zayden takes Jowlani’s hand as they walk to the new meeting hall. A meeting hall designed to house many people. To hold advisory councils and strategical meetings.
All of the recruited allies so far have come to the hall.
Jowlani and Zayden step towards the front. Jowlani pokes Zayden to instruct him to begin today’s assembly.
“Good morning, everyone. I hope you all slept well after yesterday’s events. It’s a strange feeling to stand in front of you like this. No longer on the same level officially. But to us, nothing has changed. And nothing will change.
I invite Remyra to step forward next to us. As mentioned, he will be our personal advisor. In case of our absence, please refer all questions to him. He will refer them to us or answer them in our stead.
Be noted that all of these questions and answers will be written in paper. That way we can always examine them after. Transparency is the key to success.
Now let’s get to the important points for today’s assembly. We have been asked by Lord Yamir to come to his city. For those unknown, that is Las Tyconas to the southwest.
What exactly is going on there I’m not aware of. Neither is Jowlani. Do you maybe have more news, Remyra?”
Remyra has stepped to the podium next to Jowlani and Zayden. He understands the question. He looks at them like he doesn’t have much more information.
“That is a good question. I’ve heard the word amok being used by Lord Yamir. There has been some unrest recently in that city. Mostly about the local economics not being good. But to raise prices is not in the kind nature of the city.
Though unfortunately, many workers can’t pay their bills anymore. Small plundering has taken place by some groups of youth. Hopefully sending you there will help calm things down. Maybe even see if there’s some negotiation possible.
While you are there, I will consult with the political landscape here. Smaller towns have gotten a lot less budget under Caelira’s reign. It has only benefited the bigger cities. Maybe we can arrange a more equal share for all in the meantime.
That is the only answer I have. Who are you going to take with you?”
Jowlani looks a bit flustered and looks to Zayden for help. Zayden then looks at Remyra and smiles. He takes a step forward to address all the allies first.
“Before I answer that, let me just thank everybody who is here. You have all been an amazing part of our journey so far. Some of you have to stay here for critical defence. Adnap, Luke, I entrust you to hold the fort here. Let’s talk about who’s coming with us then. Kelly, can you step forward, please?”
Kelly does as she is asked and steps forward. She looks a bit grumpy at being called out though.
“With reluctance. Though please tell me what’s on your mind, dearie. That way we can move forward quickly. I’m not one to waste my time. Even in the presence of such beautiful men.”
Zayden blushes a little bit at the backhanded compliment.
“I have an urgent request for you. I expect things to go well in the southwest. I do foresee trouble here. It’s a gut feeling. We trust you with all our hearts. Especially after the connection we had with L’Tesera. Stay here and help out Luke and Adnap. Also, please see Jowlani and me after this meeting. Thank you for your continued partnership. We value it highly.”
Kelly gets a bit teary eyed by the mention of her deceased partner.
“As you wish. So far it’s only been an honour. Let us keep it that way. The beauty of your two doesn’t lie in just your lovely looks. Your hearts resonate that which we all like to witness every day in your presence.”
Kelly then turns around and stands back in the position she started in. Which is right in the back of all the allies.
“Thank you very much, Kelly. I now want to get to the people who are joining us on this journey. To make sure we are well protected, but also balanced in skill sets, the following people are coming along.
First off, that will be Laura. Your acting skills have helped significantly in the recent past. We might need use of that in Las Tyconas.
Of course, I cannot go without my trusted bodyguard Marques. Not a whole lot of people can match your swordsmanship.
I urge the rest of you to remain here. We need all ears and eyes on the ground. Seeing what lives in the capital. Caelhem is still distraught in some bits. Tend to those feelings and nurture positivity. That is the start of our leadership. Remyra will divide the rest of your duties. Some of you will also go to the new headquarters to help develop it. There’s no time to waste. We need to move quickly before Altgrön strikes again.
Thank you for listening to today’s assembly. Stay safe, stay healthy. And make sure today’s prosperous for our nation.”
The allies chant ‘hear, hear’ and they move out. After everyone has left, somebody’s left startled. Remyra approaches Jowlani and Zayden. “That was a great opening speech. Why did you decide to leave Kelly here? She could keep you safe, you know?”
Jowlani has no idea why Kelly’s staying. Zayden has kept him in the dark until Kelly meets with them privately.
“There’s something I need verified. The only one I expect to get is that answer is Kelly. It’s nothing personal against you. Though we need the maximum security in all our affairs. I hope you understand. Thank you for guiding us so far. Without you, it was never possible to become leaders. We entrust you to do the right thing. It’s time to head out to our room for the final preparations. We will see you when we are back. Stay safe and healthy. Thank you once again for dividing all these duties. It’s making our life a lot easier.”
Jowlani and Zayden then step out of the meeting hall with Remyra. Remyra heads outside towards the rooms of Parliament. He will meet with other leaders today to gauge their opinions. Possibly swaying the finances towards struggling villages like Las Tyconas a bit more.
As Zayden and Jowlani are in their room, a knock is heard. A specific triple knock. It can only be one person.
“Please enter” says Jowlani. It’s Kelly. She steps inside and immediately starts casting a spell. A bubble around them appears.
“We can never be sure enough. I don’t want anyone eavesdropping. What is it you called me in for?”
Zayden then informs Kelly of his trail of thoughts. “I would have loved to take you to Las Tyconas. Taking our strongest mage, though, would weaken us significantly here. Right in the heart of things.
While we are gathering our resources, I expect Altgrön to make a move. Not a big one. But with a small group. Possibly with strong mages, to try and infiltrate. The only one who could send such powers is you. Plus you’re the only one capable of taking them out. Single handedly.
Besides that, I want you to check something. I am not 100% sure whether Remyra is with us, or against. I trust you to check that for me. How you do it is completely up to you. There will be no hard feelings if you use, let’s say, peculiar measures. As long as it’s never traced back to us. That might crush our leadership.
One last thing before I send you off. We still miss L’Tesera to this very day, and we know you do. Jowlani has used his magical skills to create something. It’s assembled in an item that Adnap bought from Reltican merchants. Lani, if you will?”
Jowlani steps to a cabinet and takes out a small gifted item. He hands it over to Kelly. “Here Kelly, it’s for you. Unwrap it, and then wear it.”
Kelly unwraps the gift and a glowing amulet appears. It’s infused with a purple shine, in the form of a leaky cauldron. Kelly starts to laugh, but also get tears in her eyes.
“Of course the two of you would think about that. Even before the actual priorities of the country, you thought of me. A gift from wondrous, handsome men. Such a shame you are never into women. If I felt any better I would have made it worth your while. This is a great present. I will cherish it. I can already feel the magic flowing. Sincere magic, wielded by a wonderful talent.
You have been and will remain amazing friends. Even though my words will sound weird at times, I treasure you. Just like I once treasured L’Tesera, and even Caelira.
I will do as you ask. Never will I inform you of the methods used. Only of the outcome that bears no doubt. Once I learn of the outcome, I will inform you at once. You will see how that will come around, even in Las Tyconas.
I will now take my leave. Should you be back, and maybe interested, come see me privately. For a drink. Or maybe two? Who knows?”
Kelly winks to the pair and then steps out, as the bubble bursts. Zayden then looks towards Jowlani.
“That certainly took an interesting turn. Though she did seem really happy with the gift. There is no doubt that she is one of our strongest allies. She is a mesmerizing woman, I have to say. How about you Jowlani? How do you feel?”
Jowlani then looks at Zayden, takes his hand, and smiles. “I’m feeling really good. This was something we had in mind for quite some time. I’m sure that Kelly does exactly what she tells us. She is one for giving out meant compliments though. Though her assumption is wrong. We know we love each other. That doesn’t mean I do not like women. On the contrary, I’ve been with many. Maybe when we’re back we should take Kelly up on that offer, haha.”
With the rules now divided and a special talk with Kelly over, the pair is ready to set off to Las Tyconas. Jowlani and Zayden’s tour de force across the country is starting now. They are both hoping that it will soon calm down in Las Tyconas. A small village will mean a small start. Though small victories can amount to much.
They head out of their room and then meet up with Laura and Marques.
The complimentary quartet is going to the sunny village of the southwest.
I'm Amethyst, 31, and from the Netherlands. I've always had a passion for adventure in roleplaying games. Being able to immerse myself into these universes allowed me to escape the trauma's of my youth. Now I want to share my gaming passion with all of you!
