User blog:ExdeathsBagel/A royal invitation (WWYD by Spazerz)

WWYD by Spazerz: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:732509

As my advisor, Navlaan, requested for my orders, I took a deep breath and recalled the situation. This had all happened so fast. Our kingdom, Ariandel, was not out own, but rather we took it from ist former rulers, who were more than content to use us as slave labor while they feasted on what we sowed and entertained themselves with what we had built.

We were but a small rebellious faction in the beginning, but overtime we grew, and soon, the name the Phoenix of Ariandel was said to cause those in charge to and hide in the recesses of their manors. We were lucky this dictatorship was only concerned with stuffing its gullet with food and drink, as any true dictatorship would’ve shut us down long before we truly organized.

I say we as to speak for us all, but truly I have no right. I was but mere member, it was Vendrick, our original leader who led us. While I rose up the ranks over time, I never had any true interest to lead, only to serve. I figured that a weakness, yet one day Vendrick took me aside and said that was a great strength, that I had the will power of what a monarch should have, one who truly puts their people first.

Perhaps that is why, only mere weeks after throwing the ruling nobles in jail if they were lucky, or executing them if they weren’t, that in his final days ravaged by an illness, he assigned me as Ariandel’s ruler.

And now here I sit on this throne, pondering over which nation I should ally us with.

“My lord?” My advisor asks.

I take a deep breath, this is now my responsibility, I will serve my people, and make us a great nation. “Our nation, despite the toll taken from the rebellion, is one of prosperous farmlands and attuned to nature.” I begin, “As such, we’ve quickly became fruitful, now we need only to share this fruit with one who could be our arm for protection, our hand in the fields, and our shoulder to bear our burden.”

“Well said, King Thomas. Whom shall you marry to provide us with such assistance?”

Before I could answer, voices of men and mamono alike erupted from the royal court.

Richard was the first to raise his voice higher than the others, “Marry Queen Eiko of the Gazarian Kingdom, her technology can make us far more advanced than our fellow neighbors!”

Rebecca, a Harpy, managed to soar above the table around us and got the court’s attention, her voice making the flapping of her wings appear silent, “Nay! Do you even know how the Fairies are? They are like spoiled children, they do not lift a finger and make their husband do everything! Such an alliance would surely put back to where started with us under the nobles’ thumb!”

Rachael, smashed her large snake tail to the ground, causing the court to rattle as she spoke, “Hark the both of you! My lord! Marry Queen Beatrix of the Alexandrian Kingdom. Cyclops are a hardworking, driven, and dependable folk, they can certain help shoulder our burden!”

Daniel pounded his hands on the table, “You wish for our King to marry such a barbaric queen?! The Cyclops are mud dwellers, and one can never know what they think, if anything at all. They will send us back to the Stone Age! My lord, the Jinko ruler of Parzania, Queen Alexia has a strong military force that can provide us with the power and protection we need to rebuild ourselves!”

Cersei put her hoof down, “She’s also a gods forsaken Jinko! You think the Cyclopeans are barbaric? Her neighbors despise her, her very kingdom despises her! She too is dealing with rebellion. Tell me, how would our children feel if we, once proud rebels, allied with a nation looking to squash fellow rebels under its thumb?!”

It was impossible to think under this typhoon of noise, even my time in the most intense battles were quieter than this. I slam my staff on the ground to bring everyone to attention, “Enough!” I relish in the temporary silence before turning the Navlaan.

“Advisor Navlaan, outside of what was just said, do we know anything else about our neighbors who are offering us their hands?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Navlaan shook his head, “No my lord, indeed, what we have on them is very little.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I see,” I sit in my throne, contemplating my next move, “Then, I shall go to each kingdom and see for myself what they truly are.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Members of the royal court gasped, “My lord, why not just send ambassadors?” Rachael asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will, but I will go with them to see what type of kingdom they are.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But if the other kingdom’s know you’re gone, they might attack, especially Parzania!” Rebecca said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will depart shortly after the ambassador, who will carry three messages stating my immediate arrival for each kingdom when he arrives to them. None of the kingdoms will know I am leaving one for the other and assume I am going just to them. In case something does go wrong, I will need you all to stay and defend Ariandel, looking to Navlaan for guidance.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Navlaan smiled at me, “A good plan my lord.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But why not just send an ambassador?” Richard asked, “Will you not trust their words?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I look over my royal court, “Just from the mention of the propositions, this court erupted into chaos. I understand why, this is a very serious decision, but I can’t help but see biases in each of your statements. The news of propositions has spread throughout the kingdom, and no doubt everyone has their own ideas of each mamono queen and their respective kingdom. I need to see them with my own eyes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">My eyes meet each and every one of them, “I trust you all with defending this kingdom; we all fought for it after all. But this decision is mine alone to make, I need to know for myself what each kingdom will offer for us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I see,” Richard said, silently.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My lord, at least let me escort you!” Cersei said. “You will be taking your own horse of course,” she said with a slight blush, “but it would be foolish to go without some semblance of protection.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good point. Thank you, Cersei. Now, all you, please leave and let me prepare, except for you, Navlaan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">As everyone exits, some still bickering, Navlaan shuts the door and turns back to me. “You handled that quite well, not to mention, the royal courts seems to trust you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Did they not before?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">He gave me a sad look, “While everyone knew Vendrick’s word was final, and even I backed you, some still had their doubts.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t blame them.” I take a deep breath and collapse into my throne as Navlaan looks at me, concerned.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was like a second father to me, I never knew my mother, and he more or less became my father when mine passed away during a battle. He was Vendrick’s second in command, and it was through him that perhaps Vendrick noticed me. I’m not sure to be grateful for that, or angry at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m scared, Navlaan. What if I make the wrong choice?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thomas, that might happen. Everyone makes mistakes, including Vendrick.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But I am not Vendrick, I doubt I could recover if I made such a disastrous mistake.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Navlaan put a hand on my shoulder, “Thomas, indeed you are not Vendrick, you are your own man. Do not hide in his shadow, and think for yourself what is right. Think. You have a nation to serve, people who are looking to you for guidance.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Right.” I take a deep breath, “I am King now, I did not want this, but that is not important. I have a people to serve, a nation to build. I have no time for self-wallowing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well said, but remember not to over-exert yourself. As a King, you must not only trust yourself, but also your queen, your advisors, and your court. You are not alone on this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yes. Thank you, Navlaan. I’ll get my things ready for tomorrow’s departure. Tell Cersei we shall leave at sunrise, and tell the ambassador to head north for Gazarian a little earlier than that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei and I had little time to exchange pleasantries as we quickly rode after the ambassador, though along the way to the Gazarian kingdom, we were able to talk.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My lord, are you worried of yourself being captured and held for ransom by the kingdoms we are visiting? Don’t get me wrong! I will lay down my life to protect you, but I doubt even I can hold my own against an army.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. To be honest, I doubt we have much to worry from one of the kingdoms attacking us. There was a pattern of urgency in each kingdom requesting a share of our crop in return for the queen’s hand and what they offered. Capturing me would only send the other two kingdoms onto them as well as ours. If anything, I believe we only need to worry about near-by bandits and beast causing harm to our kingdom while I’m away.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Why the desperation for our crops? Do you think they all suffer from a food shortage?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Perhaps, but the best way to see what they truly want from me will be seeing how they truly are. If we keep this pace, they will have little time to doll up their kingdom and have us see only that which they want us to see.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Then why send an ambassador at all?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I need to have some semblance of manners, don’t I?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei laughed at this, and the rest of our journey was done in silence as we admire the landscape to the Gazarian Kingdom. Though that admiration of the landscape quickly changed to admiration of the approaching Gazarian Kingdom. Even from our distance its castle walls were magnificent, yet that was not what caused to stare in awe. Bellowing from large towers that peeked above the walls where large clouds of what we assumed were steam, yet the steams was in colors ranging from blues to pinks.

<p class="MsoNormal">Our curiosity made us speed up our approach faster than before, and as we approached the gates, even Cersei was tired from out sprint. After showing the guards my seal, the guards gave to ones on the castle walls a signal.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s the King of Ariandel! The King of Ariandel is here!” A voice called from above. “Stand back everyone!”

<p class="MsoNormal">The gates began to away from us with that same colored steam blew from the nearby walls. As it the gates opened I noticed there was no one pushing it, and no sign of machinery of alchemy at work, much to our shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Is this some sort of magic?” Cersei asked

<p class="MsoNormal">“No, it is something far better than magic.” A large fairy approached us, accompanied by many smaller ones that were flying around her, giggling, “It is machines powered by spirit energy.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The large fairy curtsied, “Greetings King Thomas, I am Queen Eiko of Gazarian.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I bowed, “It’s an honor that the queen herself would meet me at the front gate, especially on such short notice.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Queen Eiko giggled, “Indeed your arrival was rather unexpected, I would’ve had an entourage ready to escort you to my castle if I had known earlier.”

<p class="MsoNormal">A rumbling sound was heard from behind her, and stepping aside, Cersei and I saw something wondrous. A bright blue carriage, occasionally bellowing pink smoke, was approaching, but this carriage was horseless!

<p class="MsoNormal">“But worry not, we can make it my castle with speed and comfort thanks to my carriage.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“But it has no horse!” Cersei said in shock, “How is it moving?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just as with our gates, it is powered by spirit energy, which provides the power it needs to move.” Eiko then spread her arms out over her Kingdom, “Most things in the Gazarian Kingdom are powered by spirit energy! Indeed, magic and alchemy are seldom needed!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Quite fascinating,” Cersei said, getting a closer look at the carriage, “Your Majesty, I am curious as to how this machine works.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly the smaller fairies around Eiko surrounded Cersei, two taking her hands and pulling her to a nearby Inn. “Come, we will show you!” One said as the others giggled.

<p class="MsoNormal">Eiko noticed my shock raised a hand, “Fear not, no harm shall fall upon your Centaur, I assure you. Now, come, let me show you around my kingdom.” As she approached the carriage, a man quickly stepped out from the front and opened her door, doing the same as I approached mine.

<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the Queen insisting the carriage was only going around the speed of a light trot, the lack gait that accompanied a horse put me on edge, and I became embarrassed as the Queen giggled at me holding onto the door handle for dear life. She then insisted I look out and enjoy the view of her elegant kingdom.

<p class="MsoNormal">And elegant it was. Indeed the streets were immensely wide to provide space for this carriages, as well typical horse pulled ones. As one would expect from the Fairy Kingdom, building of Gazarian were brightly colored, almost obnoxiously so. The bright colors were inescapable, for the sky was rarely its natural blue, but rather a mixture of colors emanating as smoke from nearly all building and carriages.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at it too long left me somewhat nauseous, so I instead turned my view to the streets and its people. Most seemed happy and content, especially the fairies, who chased one another around. Still some did work, as most of the men did, yet even they seemed happy and content.

<p class="MsoNormal">To be honest, it left me very uncomfortable.

<p class="MsoNormal">I then remembered why I came in the first place, and turned to the Queen, who was simply staring in content at her Kingdom.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Queen Eiko. Forgive me, but I must cut my visit short. I know our alliance is about my crops, and am curious as to the state of your farmlands.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Queen then let out a very childish huff but quickly composed her regality, “Of course, King Thomas. I understand you are a busy man. Driver, please take us to our farmlands.” As the driver made a sharp turn that caused me to cling to the handle much to the Queen’s delight, she spoke again, “You know, this marriage is not just about farmlands and a merging of our Kingdoms. I am truly looking for a man, and believe you would be great husband material. As my husband and King, I can promise you not only peace for your people after a violent rebellion, but peace for you, my dear husband. The games we could play… What do you think?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Before I could reply, the driver spoke, “Queen Eiko, we reached the farmlands.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Already?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Indeed,” Queen Eiko said as she stepped out, “this is why my Kingdom needs you. As you know, fairies live off sweets and spirit energy, both are easily accessable to us. But for our mamono and human civilians, they need meat and vegetables, both we struggle to make.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I stepped out expecting a field, but what I was instead greeted with was a building. I assumed it to be a greenhouse, but it lacked a transparent roof. I followed Queen Eiko inside, and was met with alchemy powered lights which lit a display similar to that of a greenhouse, yet its workers, human, mamono, and rarely fairy, wore immense protection.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Though spirit energy is incredibly powerful and convenient,” Queen Eiko began, “It seems to hurt the soil, and it prevents most of the sun’s light from getting through. Yet we can’t give it up now. Most of city is powered by it, and I am worried how my people would react if we ceased its use. This is why we need you, you’re crops can help us stave this off. Please, King Thomas, consider my offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will, Queen Eiko. Thank you for showing your Kingdom and farmlands, I need to go back home now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Really? Can you not at least stay for the night?” The Queen seemed to borderline whine.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. I am sorry, but I have to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Queen once again let out a huff, “Fine. Driver, take us back to the entrance.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The drive there was silent, with the Queen’s arm crossed and looking out the opposite window. In its reflection, I saw her cheeks were puffed. Even the Queen of Fairy’s is rather childish, it seems. As we made it to the entrance and the gates swung open, I saw Cersei step out of the Inn she was dragged into, her face a deep red.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you okay, Cersei?” I asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">She nearly jumped out of her skin and for whatever reason covered her chest, “Forgive me, yes my lord.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good. Ready to go?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Please! I mean, if that is your wish, my lord.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Our ambassador soon followed, with a fairy clinging to his arm, claiming to have been dragged into that Inn earlier, as he too had the deeply blushed face. As soon as I told him to make for the Alexandrian Kingdom, he seemed disappointed but quickly made haste. We gave him some space as we simply walked down path leading away from Gazarian.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, what happened in that Inn?” I asked Cersei.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei’s blushed returned, “I-I was taught how their machines work. They use spirit energy, and in order to get it they- milk it out of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Like a cow?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei’s blush deepened, “No, not like that! Forgive me my lord. They milk it out of you through, sensual means.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh. Guess that explains why the ambassador wanted to stay.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Indeed, he seemed to enjoy it far more than I. How was your visit with the Queen, what did you learn?”

<p class="MsoNormal">As the sun set and we began to pick up our pace, I told her about the Queen, the Kingdom, and the issue with her crops.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It seems like joining her might be more harmful than good.” Cersei said as we set up our tent.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Her technology is amazing, even from the little I saw. Yet the people seem too reliant on it. I fear they are somewhat slothful thanks to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Well, I guess that’s one Kingdom down. Perhaps Alexandria and Parzania will be better.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I hope so.” I say as we sit by the fire. In the distance, I saw the dim light from another fire, no doubt from the ambassador. He knew to continue his journey earlier at sunrise, just as we would, and head east to the mountains for Alexandria.

<p class="MsoNormal">Our journey there was mostly silent as we made our way through the forest that guarded the entrance to the mountains. The Cyclops of the Alexandrian Kingdom were a solitary folk, only letting their presence known through travelling merchants and the rare mamono or human they let in. It was said all the men there were husbands. Because of their isolation, many kingdoms, including my own, assumed Cyclopeans were a backwater folk, talented in smithing and little else.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the forest cleared and we ascended the mountains, even under the fog that shrouded the Kingdom above, the heat of the day soon bared down upon us. By the time we had reached the castle gates, the mist had cleared, the heat of the summer was sweltering, and the two Cyclops guards did not look like they were ready to accept visitors.

<p class="MsoNormal">“State your business here, though if it’s to enter Alexandria, you will have to turn around.” One of them said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“And why would that be? What sort of Kingdom locks away visitors in a time of peace? And how then would we get over the mountain?” Cersei said, hand on her sword, ready for a fight. Typical hot-blooded behavior of Centaurs.

<p class="MsoNormal">I got between them fast, “I am King Thomas, of Ariandel, and seek an audience with Queen Alexandria. Surely my ambassador was here not too long ago?”

<p class="MsoNormal">The guards went wide eyed with shock, “Ah, so what he was saying was true. Forgive us, King Thomas, the Queen is indeed expecting you.” One of them looked to castle walls above, “Send someone to Queen Beatrix, King Thomas is here!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Without another word the guards moved to the large metal gate and began to lift it up with little difficulty. For their size, Cyclops were an immensely strong race. As the gate was raised with the aid of guards above, I noted the intricate design on the door, hinting me at the splendor of Alexandria.

<p class="MsoNormal">And as the gate was fully opened and the guards ushered me, indeed that door was but the tip of the iceberg demonstrating the splendor of Alexandria and the skill of Cyclopean hands. For to call them cave dwellers or a backwater folk was insulting the artistry that stood before me. Works of stone and metal masonry that put the most talented men to shame. Though simple in shape, each building was decorated with carving dug into the stone and boasted a sturdiness on par with their beauty. It was like the earth was their canvas. Even the cobblestoned walkway before us seemed perfect, and it stretched forwards and upwards into a Kingdom of beauty.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Outsiders are always taken aback by our Kingdom, even Kings it seems.” A guard said, snapping me out my trance, “Come, King Thomas, I will take you to the Queen. Also, worry not about your ambassador, he is at the Inn, under the watchful eye of one of the guards” She said with a smile

<p class="MsoNormal">The other guard approached Cersei, taking her by the hand, “This way, Ms. Centaur.” She said as she pulled her to a nearby building.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Where are you taking me?” Cersei asked nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal">The guard smiled and blushed, “I wish to express my apologies for being so blunt at the gates, come and bathe with me. Surely you must be tired after your long hike up here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei pondered for a moment, before agreeing, and nearly stumbled trying to keep up with the guard as she pulled her into what I assumed was a bathhouse.

<p class="MsoNormal">As I followed the guard with me, I looked around town, still marveling at its architecture. Yet I also noticed how aside from Cyclops, there were also no other mamonos around, and human women also seemed to be a rarity. This Kingdom seemed to be mostly inhabited by Cyclops and human men.

<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly the guard in front of me gasped and quickly took a knee. “My Queen! Forgive me, I should’ve made haste to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s fine, Alissa.” A Cyclops, whom I assumed was Queen Beatrix, said as she approached us. This was confirmed as many other citizens stopped what they were doing and also took a knee. Yet whereas Queen Eiko was dressed in a long, flowing, and colorful dress, Queen Beatrix wore what appeared to high grade armor, were they at war?

<p class="MsoNormal">I bowed to her, “Greeting Queen Beatrix, thank you for coming to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She bowed back, “It is of no trouble. I believe we are both busy, so while I would like to show you around my kingdom, I assume you simply want to know of my terms and then be on your way?”

<p class="MsoNormal">I was somewhat taken aback by her directness, but quickly answered, “Yes, thank you Queen Beatrix.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The Queen smiled, “Please, don’t take my forwardness for a lack of hospitality. I’d love to show you my kingdom, but I lack the time. The reason I need your crops is because we are dealing with an Ant Colony. We have shared these mountains for generations but for whatever reason they have begun to raid us, ruining our farms and stealing our crops. Even with our smithing skills granting us powerful weapons for our army, the Colony is simply far too large, and a battle of attrition would end in defeat. With your aid, we can drive them back and would be more than happy to return the favor.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you, Queen Beatrix. I will consider your offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good. Alissa, please take our guest back to the gates.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“My Queen! Soldiers from the Colony have been spotted by the northern gates, they have begun attacking the guards stationed there!” A guard from the distance shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Double time, Alissa.” Queen Beatrix said as she quickly whirled around and began running to the guard calling her.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Forgive me King Thomas, but we must make haste. The Ant Colony is dangerous, and have breached our castle walls before.” Alissa said as we began to run to the front gate, all the while citizens ushered others out in the open in their homes and slammed the doors behind them and guards quickly stepped out in to the street, swords ready. It reminded me of my time during the rebellion.

<p class="MsoNormal">As we made it to the gates, I saw the ambassador with two cyclops’ clinging to his arms, and Cersei, dripping wet, waiting for me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you hurt, my lord?” Cersei asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m good. You two?” Both of them simply blushed.

<p class="MsoNormal">“King Thomas, please make haste to leave.” Alissa said as other guards began lifting the gate. “The way out is clear but not for long. Don’t worry, we will escort you outside our borders!”

<p class="MsoNormal">As we all rode out of the gates, it was clear the gates weren’t secure for long, for we soon heard shouting from the trees around us and saw Ant mamonos moving from between them. The Cyclops urged us to hurry while others broke off to fight them. I had to keep convince Cersei not to join them. Fortunately, out downward path aided us in our escape, and soon we were outside Alexandrian borders and back at the forest. The Cyclops still with us gave us a farewell and headed back up the mountain.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now back on track, we had only one Queen left to visit: Queen Alexia of the Parzania Kingdom. This time the ambassador was hesitant to travel far, so he remained within eyesight of us as we headed down south to Parzania. Even Cersei seemed nervous.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, how was your time in the bathhouse?” I asked, trying the get her mind off our destination.

<p class="MsoNormal">She blushed, “Well, I learned it is customary of Cyclops to bathe after smithing, and given how they seem to be at war, many of them smithed that day. On top this, many had never seen a Centaur before and were very…curious.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Oh.” I say, feeling uncomfortable.

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei sighed, “It’s fine, it was a far better experience than the one in Gazarian. I heard from some of them there that the ambassador was being shown the ‘glory of the Cyclopean race.’”

<p class="MsoNormal">I laughed, “Guess he had a good time too.” I then told her about the Queen.

<p class="MsoNormal">“A Queen who fights for her people, eh? Good. Forgive me, my King, but I doubt Queen Eiko would lit even a finger to fight her for her people. Yet, do you think it’s a good idea to join a kingdom at war?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don’t know whether to truly call it a war. She said it was an Ant Colony, not a Kingdom. I doubt the Ants are allied with anyone, still, they would probably require much of crops to fight this war, and our own army is a little lacking due to the rebellion.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I pondered the option as we headed for Parzania. Since our departure was earlier than anticipated, it was still early in the morning, though given the distance travelled it was sunset when we approached the gates of Parzania where our ambassador was waiting. I showed the guards the royal seal.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Huh, so he wasn’t bullshitting. Okay, stand back.” The two guards then operated cranks to open the gate towards us. As it opened I noticed the metal had a few dents and scratches on it, and two more guards approached us.

<p class="MsoNormal">“This way, King Thomas.” One of them said.

<p class="MsoNormal">The other, and the two standing by the gate approached the ambassador, “And here I thought you were lying, but nope, you’re an honest man. Ladies, lets show this man how we treat honesty.” They proceeded to drag him to a nearby Inn as Cersei and I followed the one guard.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Worry not, this time I’ll stay by your side.” Cersei said to me.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you, Cersei.”

<p class="MsoNormal">She then leaned closed, and whispered, “Forgive me my King, but in truth I doubt these are a people we can trust.” She then motioned to be the kingdom around me.

<p class="MsoNormal">It looked not too different from our own prior to the rebellion; numerous ruined building, people in the streets, and guards patrolling every street.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I heard that, you know.” The guard said, twitching her ears. “Trust me, this is not how it seems. We had recently been struck by a powerful storm that ruined our farms. We had to ration out our supplies and the people have been none too happy about it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">As we moved closer to the Queen’s castle, it was clear these people were humans, and mamonos that weren’t Jinkos. Every Jinko we met seemed to be part of the guards, with well-kept and looked well fed, in the meantime, almost everyone else, even those who looked like nobles, appeared ragged and hungry. Parzania did indeed remind me Ariandel prior to rebellion, a gilded kingdom with a suffering underbelly, but this time it seemed only the military had much benefit as opposed to strictly nobles.

<p class="MsoNormal">As we stepped into the castle, we were all told to take a knee, “My Queen, King Thomas of Ariandel has arrived to discuss the terms of an alliance.” the guard escorting us said.

<p class="MsoNormal">“I see,” Queen Alexia said. Like Beatrix, she too was dressed in armor as opposed to a gown, and as she sat up from her throne and approached us, she was clearly a few inches taller than me, and much more muscular. “Tell me, King Thomas, what do think of Parzania. Not what you know, I assume the guard filled you in on the recent disaster, but, as a part of your own Kingdom’s rebellion, what do you think of us?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Something in her tone seemed to challenge me, so I looked her in the eye, and answered her truthfully, “You remind me of the nobles we fought against. Granted, you got out of your throne, not even our tyrant could do that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Queen Alexia chuckeld, “Honest and funny, I like that. Well, King Thomas, let me assure you we are nothing like your dictators in any sense. We are a…I believe you men call it a Spartan society.” She looked down at Cersei, who was still kneeling, “It is akin to the males of your species, long before they went extinct.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“So you value war above all else, Queen Alexia?” Cersei said, looking at the Queen dead in the eye.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My, my, it appears you have some bite.” The Queen looked at me, “You choose a good escort. But not necessarily. Being a mostly Jinko kingdom, we value strength above almost anything else. This is a warrior based society. Now, with that in mind, King Thomas, I offer you this: you give provide us a portion of your crops, and we’ll provide you a portion of our army, the greatest army in the land. With it, you need only point them in whatever direction you want, and they’ll get whatever you desire. This is the way of our kingdom, we take what we want from those not willing to work with us, and if you don’t want to work with us, we will take what we want.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Are you saying you’ll attack us?” Cersei said, glaring daggers at Queen Alexia.

<p class="MsoNormal">“No. We will simply take what we want, whether it be from you or another kingdom depend entirely on our reach. What do you say, King Thomas?”

<p class="MsoNormal">“I will need some time to think this out, but thank you for your time, Queen Alexia, I must take my leave.” I say as I bow.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Of course. Yet I assure you, whatever Gazarian or Alexandria offers pales to my offer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">Cersei and I couldn’t leave the castle fast enough as were escorted by the guard back to the gate. The ambassador was waiting, with three Jinkos surrounding him. Without a word we headed back the Ariandel, though night soon fell and we to camp on the edge of the Paraznia border. Even from our position we could hear the sounds of combat echoing from the kingdom. None of us slept soundly that night.

<p class="MsoNormal">The closer we got to Ariandel, the more at ease we became, and practically ran through the gates as a precession of cheers echoed from inside our walls. I made my way to my castle, and sat at my throne with my royal court, in a scene not too different from the two days ago when I left.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you everyone for taking care of things while I was gone.” I say to the court.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It was no trouble my King, in fact, many of us assume you’d be gone for longer. So, what did you learn about the kingdoms?” Navlaan asked, and I recounted my travels to everyone. I was expecting voices to erupt, but the court remained silent and attentive.

<p class="MsoNormal">“So, my lord, who shall you marry?” Navlaan asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">I took a deep breath, “I shall marry Queen Beatrix, of Alexandria.” While only Richard and Daniel objected to this, the rest of the court drowned them out in agreement. Yet Rebecca seemed troubled by something.

<p class="MsoNormal">“My King, while you were gone we had a troubling thought. What if this alliance causes the other kingdoms to go to war with us?”

<p class="MsoNormal">My heart skipped a beat, hadn’t considered this, “Then, then perhaps the Cyclops’ can aid us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“You said they were dealing with a battle on their own!’ Richard said, “How can they support us when they are dealing with the Ant Colony?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rebecca quickly interjected, “We can help stomp those Ants with ease. As the King said, the Alexandria Kingdom seems far more capable than we initially thought.”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Confident enough to stop a high tech Jinko army?” Daniel said, “Surely it won’t take the Gazarian Kingdom long to send those strange horseless carriages to them, allowing them to mobilize quickly!”

<p class="MsoNormal">Rachael laughed, “You truly expect the fairies and Jinko’s to unite? You’re better off trying to convince a Red Oni to stop drinking!”

<p class="MsoNormal">“Everyone enough!” I say, preventing the court from falling into chaos, “I have made my decision and won’t budge. We’ll just need to play things by ear for now, though I too doubt Gazarian and Parzania will unite. Regardless, neither will know for a while that we united with Alexandrian, and in that time we can help with their Ant Colony. Now, send an ambassador, preferably a different one than the one I was with, to Alexandria immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal">The next few days were rather tense as transferred messengers back and forth between Ariandel and Alexandria to arrange for a marriage. All the while the court feared an alliance between Gazarian and Parzania, so in order to assuage there fears we came up with a plan. Half of my court would stay while the rest of us travelled to Alexandria for a wedding in secret. Fortunately, Beatrix accepted this plan, even willing to wait for our crops yet sending us a few Cyclops workers for our workforce if I sent a platoon of soldiers to aid them against the Ants.

<p class="MsoNormal">The half of the royal court with me all shared shock as were entered the Alexandrian Kingdom and were enveloped by its beauty. The Queen and I took joy in their shock, as most assumed the Cyclops were a simple a folk.

<p class="MsoNormal">The royal wedding soon followed, though neither Beatrix nor I were one for wedding, a great festivity was still held, much to my confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s because you are a human and I am a Cyclops.” Beatrix said to me as we sat together during the feast. “I’m sure you know Cyclops are vied in a - less than favorable light but humans, the fact that you are willing to marry me is proof that might be changing. And by the way,” she took my hand, “I don’t want this marriage to be purely political, we Cyclops aren’t one for politics. I wish to become your devoted wife, if you will become my devoted husband.”

<p class="MsoNormal">I smiled, “Of course Beatrix, to be honest, I’ve never been one for politics either. I really want us to get along.”

<p class="MsoNormal">And get along we did, even if most of it was in combat fighting the Ant Colony, we came to really trust each other. With the help my platoon and the supplies, we were able to push the Colony back for good, and Beatrix then decided to stay visit Ariandel. During the time we were gone, the Cyclops workers had rebuilt most our infrastructure with their expert masonry. It was through Beatrix that I learned Cyclops record their history through such masonry, and I noticed many of our once simple buildings became decorated with murals of earth indicating a hopeful future with Cyclops and humans coexisting with other mamonos. Not to mention, I heard they gave me the name ‘The Phoenix King.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Beyond our infrastructure, the Cyclops’ expert blacksmithing strengthened our army, though small, we were now very well equipped to take n larger armies, and this was only strengthened further with fusion of our two armies. Queen Beatrix was also a skilled smith, and requested our castle be built with her own personal forge, which she mostly built herself. It was with this that she reminded me it was customary for Cyclops to bathe after smithing, and would almost always invite me to relax with her. Sometimes, that time relaxation would become a time of passion as we became closer.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet this peace and joy was soon spoiled, as our worst fears came to fruition, the Gazarian Kingdom and Parzania Kingdom did unite, not doubt upset as to my choice of unification. Beatrix and I fought side by side for our kingdom. Fortunately, with the little supplies they had as well as the well-disciplined Jinkos not blending well with the childish fairies, the war did not last long. Gazarian soon begged for an alliance, while Parzania resisted, eventually the two conflicted and began to fight each other in a pitiful war that still going on today.

<p class="MsoNormal">All the while Ariandel and Alexandria’s relationship continued to grow, as well as the relationship between Beatrix and I. While Gazarian and Parzania might be stagnating, I am certain Ariandel and Alexandria will last for a long time.