Meeting With The Elders

Stella was led down the hall to the door that led to the meeting hall she had been to once before, and she had to admit it was nice not feeling like shit like when she was here 3 weeks ago.

"The elders are waiting inside for you." The maid said while bowing

Stella pushed open the doors and entered, the room had been repaired from the last time she had been in here and upon making it to the center podium the door behind her closed and she heard someone speak.

"Presenting the Elders!"

"On the 8th seat, we have Deja the Origin Slime! In the 7th seat, we have Ruin the Wither Pope! For the 6th seat, we have the Blaze Empress Rasi! The 5th seat has Senex the Elderman! In the 3rd seat, we have Dandle Dorf the Arch-Mage! On the 3rd seat, we have Besk the CEO! For the second seat, we have Teala the High Priestess! For the first seat, we have the Queen of the Piglins, Vanera!"

"Dear, do you mind stating your name and where you come from? It seems that we lack that information." Queen Vanera spoke

"Sure, my name is Stella. I came from a portal 3 years ago. I was originally brought to Urbs Inferni because some of my companions had killed a patrol of Piglins. When I got to the bastion Brad took me and locked me up. I think you all know what happened after that." Stella said

"We are truly sorry for what happened to you, we were told that a criminal had found a portal and killed the patrol to cover up its existence, the patrol party that brought you back was paid off by Brad and his subordinates so we were in the dark about everything." Queen Vanera explained

"Not just are we sorry about your rather unfortunate time here in Urbs Inferni, but we are thankful for saving Wix, she was originally the leader of the NSOF but after she was reported MIA the Brutes pushed one of their own into power which led to even more missing people." Priestess Teala said

"Yes Teala is correct because of what you did, not only have we gotten rid of a traitor you have avenged hundreds if not thousands of people with you pulling the Brutes schemes to light!" Queen Vanera replied

"Although with the loss of the Brutes the military and a few other industries are lacking, you have prevented many more deaths in doing so." Elderman Senex spoke up and said

"What happened to the Brutes, I know I killed all the ones that I saw but what about the rest of them?" Stella asked

"We had them all killed." Pope Ruin said

"Damn, I kinda wanted to do that myself." Stella mumbled

"She needs a reward." Empress Rasi said

"A reward and what do you suggest?" Priestess Teala asked

"Well we know she is a thaumaturge from the wand, so why not share your insights into it." Empress Rasi replied

"Are you out of your mind? I understand that she saved a huge number of people but that research is my life's work! It got me to where I am today, if you are so inclined then why don't you share your knowledge about alchemy and potions?" Priestess Teala angrily responded

"Now now you two she is a human right? Then why not just pay her some money?" CEO Besk intervened

"I don't mind giving her my knowledge about alchemy though?" Empress Rasi responded

"Oh well I guess we do--" "YOU WHAT?! You are ok with giving someone you JUST met your alchemical knowledge but you won't even share the tiniest amount with me?!" Priestess Teala interrupted CEO Besk

"Why not? She is quite powerful and was even able to create and use foci without using lapis, something not even you could do. Plus she's human, the first one we have seen in decades for that matter." Empress Rasi said while tilting her head to the side with a confused look on her face

"That doesn't explain why you won't share your knowledge with me?" Priestess Teala stated

"It's because I know you would use it so that you could binge on lapis more than you already do." Empress Rasi countered

That shut Priestess Teala up but Stella was thoroughly confused why lapis was needed to use foci, and how could you binge on a gemstone?

"I might be a little lost. Why do you need lapis to use foci? Even if the wand you use is the most basic form and you lack a node to use you can still recharge it using internal vis." Stella said

"We are getting off track, you 3 can speak about this later, does anyone have an idea for a reward?" Queen Vanera asked

"I got an idea, how about we give her access to the Lab, Besk can fork over some money, and Vanera can provide a place to live." Deja said

"Good so everyone agrees? Great!" Deja said before anyone else could get a word in.

"Where are you going? We aren't finished here." Queen Vanera said with annoyance clearly present in her voice.

"You all interrupted me in the middle of some rather sensual work and this clearly doesn't need my input." Deja replied before leaving through a door behind him

"How dare she just leave! She was worried sick about her missing people and was by far the most excited to see the person who avenged them, what's her deal!?" Queen Vanera yelled

"I agree she is being rather odd, but moving past that her suggestion is quite feasible yes?" Elderman Senex said

The other elders seemed to come to an agreement and Stella was surprised to hear that her reward was a house in the research district along with access to the Lab which was a huge research complex that the races in Urbs Inferni shared along with a rather hefty amount of money that she could use for her own needs. Stella hoped that these rewards were worth her 3 years of suffering.

-----------------------------

Word Count: 1025

The meeting with the Elders! This obviously won't be the last time Stella talks with them but it is a nice intro to them. If you are wondering about appearances that will come later when she meets them in a 1 on 1 envioment. Suggestions and power stones are always welcomed!