Khiz: Pallas

1219-12-22

Tal Aquavelle:

The warm sunlight poured over the field. In the center stood the fountain—a magnificent structure carved from pale stone. Its surface is adorned with intricate patterns of vines and roses. Water danced and sparkled as it flowed. Around the fountain, flowers of every color bloomed in wild abundance. Beyond it, the garden stretched in neat rows.

Ana, now six, had grown tall for her age. Her amber eyes glimmered with excitement as she chased after Mira and Kalina, her younger sisters. Mira and Kalina, only four years old, dashed through the field with boundless energy..

"Catch me!" Mira called, her voice playful and defiant.

Kalina responded with a loud laugh, sprinting after her twin. "I'm faster than you!" she insisted, though Mira was already a few strides ahead.

Ana slowed her pace near the fountain. Her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. 

"I'll get you both next time," she grinned.

"Next time starts now!" I declared, tossing the ball high into the air. It arched above the fountain and bounced once before rolling into the grass.

Mira was the first to spot it. "Mine!" she shouted, running after it, her twin hot on her heels.

Ana lingered for a moment, her gaze shifting to me. 

"You're on their side?" she accused.

I crouched down to her level. "They need all the help they can get to beat someone as fast as you."

"You're going to regret that, Father."

With a burst of energy, Ana darted forward, weaving around the fountain to intercept Mira and Kalina. I followed at a slower pace, watching the three of them circle the fountain in a chaotic game of tag.

Mira managed to grab the ball first, holding it above her head triumphantly. "I win!"

"Not yet!" Ana countered, leaping to snatch it away. The two tumbled onto the grass, laughing uncontrollably, while Kalina joined in, piling on top of them.

I approached the scene, shaking my head with mock disapproval. "What kind of game is this? 

Kalina peeked out from under her sisters, her cheeks flushed. "We're winning!"

"Winning?"

The soft clatter of footsteps broke my moment of peace. I turned to see Altor approaching, flanked by two palace guards. He halted a few steps away, straightened his posture, and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Your guests have arrived, Grand Regent," he said, saluting sharply.

I returned the salute with a nod. "Thank you, Altor," I replied with a smile. Then, glancing at the guards, I added, "Stay here with the children. Their mother is busy today."

One of the guards bowed slightly, replying, "As you wish, Grand Regent."

"Is Lucius going to be there, Father?"

"He should be," I smiled, nodding at her.

Ana tugged at my sleeve. "Can I come with you, Father?"

"Just stay close."

We walked down the expansive corridors of the palace. Sunlight streamed through arched windows. From here, the city of Disla stretched out below us—a grand, sprawling metropolis nestled atop a hill. Its structures gleamed white and gold, with rooftops of deep red tiles

"This city, Ana," I said, gesturing to the view, "is the heart of Khiz. Disla is more than just a city—it's a symbol of unity and strength."

Ana nodded, her small hand gripping mine as we continued. Eventually, we reached a large chamber—the map room.

At the center stood an enormous circular table, its surface inlaid with a glowing map. Each seat around the table was carved from white marble, adorned with crimson ance.

The walls of the room bore banners representing each of the Twelve Kingdoms, their colors vibrant against the polished stone. Shelves lined one side, filled with scrolls, charts, and ancient tomes, while the other side held tall windows that framed the city and the horizon beyond. This was more than just a meeting place—it was the nerve center of our alliances and strategies.

I settled into my seat. Two guards, clad in the red leather and black metal armor of Pallas, flanked her. Lilian herself wore the same distinctive armor, adorned with the royal symbol of Pallas. 

Her long jet-black hair framed her striking green eyes, which sparkled faintly with gold—a color now synonymous with royalty in Pallas. In her lap sat a young child, slightly older than Mira and Kalina.

"Grand Regent Tal," she said, offering a graceful bow.

"Lilian Kundra," I replied, rising briefly to return the bow. "It's been far too long."

The child in her lap smiled shyly, waving at Ana. Ana grinned and waved back, stepping closer to me.

Altor entered behind Lilian, accompanied by two maids. The maids approached, taking the child gently from Lilian's arms.

"Have fun, Lucius," Lilian said with a soft smile, watching as the child waddled away with Ana and the maids.

I chuckled. "They'll be good friends in no time," I said, glancing at Lilian.

She nodded, her expression serene but thoughtful. For a brief moment, a stillness filled the room, the only sound the faint hum of the glowing map.

"We have much to discuss," Lilian finally said, her tone steady yet tinged with gravity.

"And much to accomplish," I replied, leaning forward in my chair.

I glance at Lilian as she speaks. Her words are heavy, and I can feel the weight of them settle over the room. 

"The loss of Tethambia is tragic. Are we really going to allow Shatar to continue?"

"Yes," I say simply.

 "We have no choice." 

I take a breath, the memory of those purple eyes and the black hair of the Tethambians flashing in my mind. 

"Their purple eyes and black hair are unique to Tethambians. Only they have those traits. And Shatar killed them all. Without a second thought."

She doesn't flinch. Lilian is always composed, but there's a sadness that lingers in her eyes.

 "I know," she replies softly. "But you truly want to help, don't you?"

"I want to help, however, war with Rali is all I can manage," she says, her voice tinged with frustration. "I barely have time with my daughters as it is."

Lilian seems to understand. She sighs, then her thoughts shift to her own struggles. "Taking care of Lucius and Hailey... it hasn't been easy," she says.

I glance at her, my mind wandering briefly to Adrian. "How is Adrian?" I ask, hoping for better news than I expect.

She pauses before answering. "He's been affected by the blight, but with Loret's help, it's getting better."

I nod, but something lingers in my mind. "I thought there was no cure for the blight," I murmur.

Lilian looks at me then, her face hardening slightly. "I thought so too."

The room feels colder. Why is she really here? The question burns in my mind, and I can't hold back from asking. "Why are you really here?"

She meets my gaze, and for a moment, I can see the determination there. "To help with the fight against Shatar," she says firmly. "After what happened to Tethambia, we can't sit idly by."

Where was Pallas when we needed help? I can't keep the bitterness from my voice as I ask. "Where was Pallas?"

Lilian's eyes flash briefly with frustration, but her tone remains even. "Pallas was at a standstill with Wara. One wrong move and we could have lost many more people. Wara had dragons and dragon riders at the ready, and our defense was too flimsy."

I lean back in my chair, the weight of her words pressing on my chest. "A war with Shatar would mean more deaths," I say quietly, almost to myself.

She doesn't back down. "If UIK, Rali, and Pallas united, we could definitely take on Nor and Shatar," she argues.

I shake my head. "If war with Rali continues, I'm not willing to sacrifice my people in a pointless conflict."

She knows I've made up my mind. "We'll see," she says, her voice colder now.

a maid brings Lucius back into the room. He's frowning, his little face scrunched up in displeasure. "I didn't get enough time to play with Ana!" he complains loudly, crossing his arms.

I smile, despite the seriousness of the conversation that just took place.

 "Next time, Lucius."

Lucius hops into his mother's arms, and she picks him up with a small smile on her face. His golden eyes gleam as he rests his head against her shoulder, the warmth of her embrace calming him.

 "I hope you're able to get the peace you wish for."

Lucius, with his bright golden eyes and tousled blonde hair, glances up at his mother, sensing her quiet concern. His presence is a small reminder of the innocence they're all fighting to protect.

There's no easy answer.