As the group regained their composure, they embarked further into the heart of the island, only to unveil that they were on Sidra, the Island of Mans, just a few kilometers north of Highbluff – the capital city of the Elven Hier Kingdom.
The journey forward was marked by a somber air, punctuated by silent tears and the gentle symphony of nature. Menelik cradled Oduduwa's lifeless form in his arms, his body limp, as they advanced toward the city. Through dense woodlands they tread, surmounting one last hill before the city's grandeur unfolded before their eyes.
Highbluff, nestling near Sidra's northern border, is a display of steam ingenuity. Brass edifices adorned with intricate piping interconnected in a network of engineering marvels. From some of the larger structures, steam billowed forth, windows obscured by a shroud of fog, concealing the secrets within. Streets paved meticulously with refined stone offered an almost flawlessly smooth expanse, interrupted only by scant imperfections.
A train floated gracefully above the avenues, suspended a mere breath above the ground, gliding through the city's serpentine layout with a grace that ferried passengers seamlessly toward their destinations.
Sidewalks thrived with vitality as Elves of varying forms and statures bustled beneath the lamplight's embrace, enmeshed in the tapestry of their daily routines. Among the vibrant assembly were the Uthol Forest Elves, intermingling with a scattering of MoonShadow Elves.
Clad predominantly in leather trousers and voluminous dark green ponchos cascading over their upper bodies, the Forest Elves presented a uniform appearance. Some adorned themselves with unadorned black shirts and supple leather armor. Unifying their diversity were their striking azure eyes and cascading locks of blonde hair, an emblem of elegance.
Into the heart of the city they wandered, gazes converging from all directions, whispered conversations swaying like wind through leaves. These hushed exchanges metamorphosed into approaching Elves, extending inquiries about their well-being and offering assistance. Most avoided direct gazes with Menelik, his arms cradling Oduduwa; instead, their curiosity gravitated toward Taharqa and Idris. Encounters with a Dark Elf, much less a Gargoyle, were a rarity. The crowd brimmed with inquiries for both, but Zero adeptly redirected the flow, beseeching an audience with Queen Máire.
Queen Máire, the reigning sovereign of the Hier Kingdom for the past six centuries, stood as one of Zero's most enduring companions. While Sukki might have been present during the early stages of his journey, Máire's unwavering presence from its inception underscored her significance.
One of the Elves stepped forth, an inquisitive expression on their countenance. "What business brings you to the Queen? She's embroiled in quite a lot at the moment."
Zero's gaze shifted beyond the Elf, ensnared by the path as it twisted and wound up a modest hillside, crowned by a humble wooden castle. The focus returned to the Elf confronting him.
"Here's the situation: I can either teleport us all right in front of her chamber doors…" His words paused, a thoughtful glimmer gracing his eyes. "...although, with Máire's tendencies, I'd wager her chambers haven't changed all that much. I could easily deposit us right in her bedroom."
A blush crept onto the Elf's cheeks, their gaze darting toward their companions. "Escort him to the Queen," she addressed the group trailing behind. "...actually, take them all to see the Queen."
Queen Máire reclined gracefully in her bed, her presence commanding respect and attention even in this unexpected moment. Two other Elves attended to her, their surprise evident at the unannounced arrival of the group. Reacting swiftly, Zero cast a luminous barrier that shielded the group's view from the Queen.
The chamber resonated with the Queen's melodious laughter. "Dear Zero, there's nothing here you haven't seen before."
Taharqa and Oiwa exchanged puzzled glances, while Idris and Menelik shared mischievous grins. Zero's perplexed expression invited questions. "What?" he inquired. "I wasn't always married to Maeve."
Sitting up and draping a blanket over herself, Queen Máire greeted Zero and the group as they approached her across the chamber. The room, fashioned from dark wood, possessed an understated elegance. Minimal furnishings adorned the space, with blue curtains gracing a distant window and a small, scroll-laden desk beneath it. The floor, cool stone covered by an expansive rug, led to a bed adorned with more pillows than necessary, its small wooden frame clothed in smooth white sheets.
Máire's appearance adhered to the aesthetics of her kin: cascading blonde tresses, sapphire eyes, and a fair complexion. Concealed under her sheets, Zero caught a glimpse of movement near her chest.
"Máire… Were you..." Zero's voice trailed off as the Queen's emphatic nod confirmed his suspicion. Surprise flickered in his eyes, soon replaced by a deflated mood as he sighed. "As much as I wish we were here for them." Stepping aside, he revealed Oduduwa.
"Oh my," Máire exclaimed, propping the baby upright and ensuring his comfort. "Please take him." The attending Elves carefully received the infant, swathing him in a warm blanket before exiting the room.
With the baby attended to, Máire stood and enveloped herself in a sheet, which magically transformed into a verdant gown adorned with golden accents. Moving toward Menelik, she extended her hand, gently traversing Oduduwa's form until she paused at the cavity in his chest. Her touch emitted a soft golden radiance, closing the wound. The glow expanded, embracing Oduduwa, soothing and healing. She turned to Menelik. "May I?"
Menelik lifted the body, positioning it between himself and Máire. His gaze shifted between Zero and the Queen. "What are you doing to him?" he inquired.
Máire withdrew her hand swiftly, causing the magical light to fade. Oduduwa settled back into Menelik's arms. Stepping back, Máire apologized, "I thought you wished me to prepare him for his final rest, I apologize."
Zero glanced at his companions, his furrowed brow indicative of his concern. "Máire…"
Moving closer, Máire's hand found Zero's cheek, an empathetic connection forming. Her touch prompted her to clasp his hands in hers. "Zero, what's wrong?" Her inquiry pierced the air, her keen perception grasping his emotions. Her hands slipped from his. "Where is she, Zero? Where is Maeve?"
Her words cast a chill upon the group, Menelik's tension palpable. Idris intervened, his raised hand an attempt to temper the atmosphere. "Perhaps we should all take a seat, collect our thoughts… And take care of Oduduwa," he suggested, his gaze encompassing the group, then settling on Zero and Máire. "Afterward, we can address the Maeve situation."
"Or," Menelik retorted, his voice laced with anger, "we could discuss this now." He lifted Oduduwa's form. "He's not going anywhere, and I'm eager to understand how an eclipse turned your wife into a murderous psychopath. So, let's talk."
The chamber fell silent, uncertainty pervading the air. What words could bridge this gulf? Their journey had been brief yet intense, the labyrinth had subtly tested them, but this was a challenge none had foreseen. Zero wrestled with his thoughts, seeking an answer that could change their perception. Maeve stood branded as a traitor and a killer, a reality no words could undo.
"Menelik, everyone, I'm sorry," Zero's voice resonated, his shoulders drooping in admission. "Right now, that's all I can say."
"Yeah, right," Menelik's grumble reverberated. "Just wait until I find her."
Zero sighed deeply, his resolve firming. "You won't lay a hand on her."
Idris turned away, while Taharqa's and Menelik's reactions were stark. "You're actually gonna defend her?" Taharqa's voice held disbelief. "She killed him, plain and simple."
"And I'm gonna kill her," Menelik declared, his anger unrelenting.
"ENOUGH!" Zero's Dragon Roar reverberated through the chamber, its intensity forcing everyone, apart from Máire, to their knees, even causing Menelik to drop Oduduwa's body. Zero moved to assist, but Menelik intercepted him.
"WILL YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE, MAN?!" Menelik clung to Oduduwa, his anguish evident as tears streaked down his face. "He was my brother, and now he's gone. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE HAD BEEN THROUGH?! HOW MUCH WE WERE ALL GONNA DO TOGETHER?!" His gaze bore into Zero's. "AND YOU STILL WANNA ACT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED!" Rising abruptly, Menelik spat words of accusation. "It's no wonder Varin died; you probably killed her yourself."
"What?" Zero's voice was soft, a foreboding hint of smoke beginning to envelop his head, drawing Máire to embrace him in support.
"Calm down, Zero, relax, it's okay," Máire's voice soothed.
"No, it ain't okay," Menelik roared. "This man's wife killed our friend."
Máire withdrew slightly, her gaze reflecting profound pain. She spoke hesitantly. "And you said… It was because of the eclipse?"
Zero turned slightly, a subtle nod confirming the truth. Before anyone could react, Máire lamented, "This is all my fault."
"How could it be your fault?" Menelik's anger surged. "Did you instruct her to commit murder?"
Máire shook her head, her gaze steady. "No."
"Exactly, so let me just go kill her and–"
"Enough!" Máire's complexion turned a somber blue, her eyes momentarily shadowed by darkness. The transformation was swift and almost unnoticed.
"I'm sorry," Máire's voice trembled. "Though I can't condone Maeve's actions, I can't deny my involvement."
Menelik's skepticism was palpable. "Y'all need to start explaining before I start complaining."
Máire struggled to collect her thoughts. "I…" Inhaling deeply, tears welled in her eyes. "I need your help, Zero." Sobbing, she clung to him. "My husband's been missing for a week, and the eclipse is almost complete. I can't handle this alone, for my son's sake..." She gazed up at him, vulnerability etched on her face. "I don't know what to do. There can't be another Battle of the Four Armies. There's only one army left, Zero. There won't be any forces to face the Vampires. Humans lack an army and so do the Lycans… And we… We are safe here in the capital, but we won’t be able to get anyone to fight. They’ll take all of Sidra, Zero." Tears flowed once more as she buried her face into Zero's chest.
Zero surveyed the group, studying each face. "I won't force any of you to join me," he asserted. "But I have to find Maeve, and I also owe it to those who cared for me on Sidra to ensure their safety." He gently eased Máire from his embrace. "The Elves saved Sidra before; this time, it's on me."
"Cocky prick," Menelik muttered.
Zero's nod acknowledged him. "I mean, it’s kinda my fault for killing the Emperor, it’s the least I can do… Also, if you’re gonna insult me, I prefer the term… Arrogant."
Zero wasn't allowed to participate in the burial itself, but he found a vantage point from which to observe. A trail of leaves had been meticulously laid out for Menelik, Idris, Taharqa, and Oiwa to walk along, each holding a corner of the woven vines that cradled Oduduwa's form. Nestled within these vines, his body was cocooned in a long, elegantly carved wooden structure, serving as a poignant, shallow coffin. Elves lined the path on both sides, clutching bundles of robust green onions in their hands. They moved down the leaf-strewn aisle, with Queen Máire waiting at the end. In her left hand, she held a substantial cluster of green onions, while her right hand grasped a pine cone.
A second row of Elves stood behind the first, joining in a gentle hum that resonated through the dense forest, awakening the creatures within to join in a natural symphony. Amid this harmonious soundscape, Máire's voice rose.
"To the north and to the south, as the wind sweeps from both the west and the east, encompassing us just as the forest does. Though we may have ventured from the embrace of Vol long ago, her solace still envelops us. Let us ensure that Oduduwa is encircled in the same warmth.”
Upon reaching her, they laid him at her feet. She knelt and traced her hand from his feet to his chin. Gratitude etched her expression as she presented the green onions to the four of them, each taking a bunch and standing before her.
She swept her hand over his face, the vines igniting in a luminous yellow before tightening until they snapped. Oduduwa's form shattered into a myriad of butterflies, each with its own vibrant hue. They took flight, scattering in all directions before reassembling into a luminous silhouette of Oduduwa, wrapped in a brilliant white light.
"Hey there,” the light intoned.
Menelik, Idris, and Taharqa bowed their heads, tears glistening, their vulnerability briefly unveiled before they wiped the traces away.
"Why the tears? It's not like I'm gone forever, right?”
Each met his words with a pained smile.
"I mean, come on, we were just there, just come get me when you got the time.” His words coincided with the silhouette's transformation back into the array of butterflies where they unfurled and fluttered in a rhythmic pattern. This ethereal dance caused the green onions in everyone's hands to emit a soft, orange glow.
Menelik and the others turned their attention to Máire, who responded with a nod and a serene smile. Together, they dug into the earth with their free hands, planting the green onions side by side in front of the coffin. Rising, they walked the leaf path again, replicating the act. The others followed suit, a collective effort that yielded a lush cluster of planted green onions.
Queen Máire lifted her hand high and swayed the pine cone in a slow arc. "Farewell, Oduduwa, and as you become one with the wind, take this, as a light in the void that awaits you in your trials ahead.”
A faint breeze blew through the area, lifting the pine cone from her hand, dropping it onto the forest floor where it began to roll, following the stream of butterflies into the forest.
As the group regained their composure, they embarked further into the heart of the island, only to unveil that they were on Sidra, the Island of Mans, just a few kilometers north of Highbluff – the capital city of the Elven Hier Kingdom.
The journey forward was marked by a somber air, punctuated by silent tears and the gentle symphony of nature. Menelik cradled Oduduwa's lifeless form in his arms, his body limp, as they advanced toward the city. Through dense woodlands they tread, surmounting one last hill before the city's grandeur unfolded before their eyes.
Highbluff, nestling near Sidra's northern border, is a display of steam ingenuity. Brass edifices adorned with intricate piping interconnected in a network of engineering marvels. From some of the larger structures, steam billowed forth, windows obscured by a shroud of fog, concealing the secrets within. Streets paved meticulously with refined stone offered an almost flawlessly smooth expanse, interrupted only by scant imperfections.
A train floated gracefully above the avenues, suspended a mere breath above the ground, gliding through the city's serpentine layout with a grace that ferried passengers seamlessly toward their destinations.
Sidewalks thrived with vitality as Elves of varying forms and statures bustled beneath the lamplight's embrace, enmeshed in the tapestry of their daily routines. Among the vibrant assembly were the Uthol Forest Elves, intermingling with a scattering of MoonShadow Elves.
Clad predominantly in leather trousers and voluminous dark green ponchos cascading over their upper bodies, the Forest Elves presented a uniform appearance. Some adorned themselves with unadorned black shirts and supple leather armor. Unifying their diversity were their striking azure eyes and cascading locks of blonde hair, an emblem of elegance.
Into the heart of the city they wandered, gazes converging from all directions, whispered conversations swaying like wind through leaves. These hushed exchanges metamorphosed into approaching Elves, extending inquiries about their well-being and offering assistance. Most avoided direct gazes with Menelik, his arms cradling Oduduwa; instead, their curiosity gravitated toward Taharqa and Idris. Encounters with a Dark Elf, much less a Gargoyle, were a rarity. The crowd brimmed with inquiries for both, but Zero adeptly redirected the flow, beseeching an audience with Queen Máire.
Queen Máire, the reigning sovereign of the Hier Kingdom for the past six centuries, stood as one of Zero's most enduring companions. While Sukki might have been present during the early stages of his journey, Máire's unwavering presence from its inception underscored her significance.
One of the Elves stepped forth, an inquisitive expression on their countenance. "What business brings you to the Queen? She's embroiled in quite a lot at the moment."
Zero's gaze shifted beyond the Elf, ensnared by the path as it twisted and wound up a modest hillside, crowned by a humble wooden castle. The focus returned to the Elf confronting him.
"Here's the situation: I can either teleport us all right in front of her chamber doors…" His words paused, a thoughtful glimmer gracing his eyes. "...although, with Máire's tendencies, I'd wager her chambers haven't changed all that much. I could easily deposit us right in her bedroom."
A blush crept onto the Elf's cheeks, their gaze darting toward their companions. "Escort him to the Queen," she addressed the group trailing behind. "...actually, take them all to see the Queen."
Queen Máire reclined gracefully in her bed, her presence commanding respect and attention even in this unexpected moment. Two other Elves attended to her, their surprise evident at the unannounced arrival of the group. Reacting swiftly, Zero cast a luminous barrier that shielded the group's view from the Queen.
The chamber resonated with the Queen's melodious laughter. "Dear Zero, there's nothing here you haven't seen before."
Taharqa and Oiwa exchanged puzzled glances, while Idris and Menelik shared mischievous grins. Zero's perplexed expression invited questions. "What?" he inquired. "I wasn't always married to Maeve."
Sitting up and draping a blanket over herself, Queen Máire greeted Zero and the group as they approached her across the chamber. The room, fashioned from dark wood, possessed an understated elegance. Minimal furnishings adorned the space, with blue curtains gracing a distant window and a small, scroll-laden desk beneath it. The floor, cool stone covered by an expansive rug, led to a bed adorned with more pillows than necessary, its small wooden frame clothed in smooth white sheets.
Máire's appearance adhered to the aesthetics of her kin: cascading blonde tresses, sapphire eyes, and a fair complexion. Concealed under her sheets, Zero caught a glimpse of movement near her chest.
"Máire… Were you..." Zero's voice trailed off as the Queen's emphatic nod confirmed his suspicion. Surprise flickered in his eyes, soon replaced by a deflated mood as he sighed. "As much as I wish we were here for them." Stepping aside, he revealed Oduduwa.
"Oh my," Máire exclaimed, propping the baby upright and ensuring his comfort. "Please take him." The attending Elves carefully received the infant, swathing him in a warm blanket before exiting the room.
With the baby attended to, Máire stood and enveloped herself in a sheet, which magically transformed into a verdant gown adorned with golden accents. Moving toward Menelik, she extended her hand, gently traversing Oduduwa's form until she paused at the cavity in his chest. Her touch emitted a soft golden radiance, closing the wound. The glow expanded, embracing Oduduwa, soothing and healing. She turned to Menelik. "May I?"
Menelik lifted the body, positioning it between himself and Máire. His gaze shifted between Zero and the Queen. "What are you doing to him?" he inquired.
Máire withdrew her hand swiftly, causing the magical light to fade. Oduduwa settled back into Menelik's arms. Stepping back, Máire apologized, "I thought you wished me to prepare him for his final rest, I apologize."
Zero glanced at his companions, his furrowed brow indicative of his concern. "Máire…"
Moving closer, Máire's hand found Zero's cheek, an empathetic connection forming. Her touch prompted her to clasp his hands in hers. "Zero, what's wrong?" Her inquiry pierced the air, her keen perception grasping his emotions. Her hands slipped from his. "Where is she, Zero? Where is Maeve?"
Her words cast a chill upon the group, Menelik's tension palpable. Idris intervened, his raised hand an attempt to temper the atmosphere. "Perhaps we should all take a seat, collect our thoughts… And take care of Oduduwa," he suggested, his gaze encompassing the group, then settling on Zero and Máire. "Afterward, we can address the Maeve situation."
"Or," Menelik retorted, his voice laced with anger, "we could discuss this now." He lifted Oduduwa's form. "He's not going anywhere, and I'm eager to understand how an eclipse turned your wife into a murderous psychopath. So, let's talk."
The chamber fell silent, uncertainty pervading the air. What words could bridge this gulf? Their journey had been brief yet intense, the labyrinth had subtly tested them, but this was a challenge none had foreseen. Zero wrestled with his thoughts, seeking an answer that could change their perception. Maeve stood branded as a traitor and a killer, a reality no words could undo.
"Menelik, everyone, I'm sorry," Zero's voice resonated, his shoulders drooping in admission. "Right now, that's all I can say."
"Yeah, right," Menelik's grumble reverberated. "Just wait until I find her."
Zero sighed deeply, his resolve firming. "You won't lay a hand on her."
Idris turned away, while Taharqa's and Menelik's reactions were stark. "You're actually gonna defend her?" Taharqa's voice held disbelief. "She killed him, plain and simple."
"And I'm gonna kill her," Menelik declared, his anger unrelenting.
"ENOUGH!" Zero's Dragon Roar reverberated through the chamber, its intensity forcing everyone, apart from Máire, to their knees, even causing Menelik to drop Oduduwa's body. Zero moved to assist, but Menelik intercepted him.
"WILL YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE, MAN?!" Menelik clung to Oduduwa, his anguish evident as tears streaked down his face. "He was my brother, and now he's gone. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE HAD BEEN THROUGH?! HOW MUCH WE WERE ALL GONNA DO TOGETHER?!" His gaze bore into Zero's. "AND YOU STILL WANNA ACT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED!" Rising abruptly, Menelik spat words of accusation. "It's no wonder Varin died; you probably killed her yourself."
"What?" Zero's voice was soft, a foreboding hint of smoke beginning to envelop his head, drawing Máire to embrace him in support.
"Calm down, Zero, relax, it's okay," Máire's voice soothed.
"No, it ain't okay," Menelik roared. "This man's wife killed our friend."
Máire withdrew slightly, her gaze reflecting profound pain. She spoke hesitantly. "And you said… It was because of the eclipse?"
Zero turned slightly, a subtle nod confirming the truth. Before anyone could react, Máire lamented, "This is all my fault."
"How could it be your fault?" Menelik's anger surged. "Did you instruct her to commit murder?"
Máire shook her head, her gaze steady. "No."
"Exactly, so let me just go kill her and–"
"Enough!" Máire's complexion turned a somber blue, her eyes momentarily shadowed by darkness. The transformation was swift and almost unnoticed.
"I'm sorry," Máire's voice trembled. "Though I can't condone Maeve's actions, I can't deny my involvement."
Menelik's skepticism was palpable. "Y'all need to start explaining before I start complaining."
Máire struggled to collect her thoughts. "I…" Inhaling deeply, tears welled in her eyes. "I need your help, Zero." Sobbing, she clung to him. "My husband's been missing for a week, and the eclipse is almost complete. I can't handle this alone, for my son's sake..." She gazed up at him, vulnerability etched on her face. "I don't know what to do. There can't be another Battle of the Four Armies. There's only one army left, Zero. There won't be any forces to face the Vampires. Humans lack an army and so do the Lycans… And we… We are safe here in the capital, but we won’t be able to get anyone to fight. They’ll take all of Sidra, Zero." Tears flowed once more as she buried her face into Zero's chest.
Zero surveyed the group, studying each face. "I won't force any of you to join me," he asserted. "But I have to find Maeve, and I also owe it to those who cared for me on Sidra to ensure their safety." He gently eased Máire from his embrace. "The Elves saved Sidra before; this time, it's on me."
"Cocky prick," Menelik muttered.
Zero's nod acknowledged him. "I mean, it’s kinda my fault for killing the Emperor, it’s the least I can do… Also, if you’re gonna insult me, I prefer the term… Arrogant."
Zero wasn't allowed to participate in the burial itself, but he found a vantage point from which to observe. A trail of leaves had been meticulously laid out for Menelik, Idris, Taharqa, and Oiwa to walk along, each holding a corner of the woven vines that cradled Oduduwa's form. Nestled within these vines, his body was cocooned in a long, elegantly carved wooden structure, serving as a poignant, shallow coffin. Elves lined the path on both sides, clutching bundles of robust green onions in their hands. They moved down the leaf-strewn aisle, with Queen Máire waiting at the end. In her left hand, she held a substantial cluster of green onions, while her right hand grasped a pine cone.
A second row of Elves stood behind the first, joining in a gentle hum that resonated through the dense forest, awakening the creatures within to join in a natural symphony. Amid this harmonious soundscape, Máire's voice rose.
"To the north and to the south, as the wind sweeps from both the west and the east, encompassing us just as the forest does. Though we may have ventured from the embrace of Vol long ago, her solace still envelops us. Let us ensure that Oduduwa is encircled in the same warmth.”
Upon reaching her, they laid him at her feet. She knelt and traced her hand from his feet to his chin. Gratitude etched her expression as she presented the green onions to the four of them, each taking a bunch and standing before her.
She swept her hand over his face, the vines igniting in a luminous yellow before tightening until they snapped. Oduduwa's form shattered into a myriad of butterflies, each with its own vibrant hue. They took flight, scattering in all directions before reassembling into a luminous silhouette of Oduduwa, wrapped in a brilliant white light.
"Hey there,” the light intoned.
Menelik, Idris, and Taharqa bowed their heads, tears glistening, their vulnerability briefly unveiled before they wiped the traces away.
"Why the tears? It's not like I'm gone forever, right?”
Each met his words with a pained smile.
"I mean, come on, we were just there, just come get me when you got the time.” His words coincided with the silhouette's transformation back into the array of butterflies where they unfurled and fluttered in a rhythmic pattern. This ethereal dance caused the green onions in everyone's hands to emit a soft, orange glow.
Menelik and the others turned their attention to Máire, who responded with a nod and a serene smile. Together, they dug into the earth with their free hands, planting the green onions side by side in front of the coffin. Rising, they walked the leaf path again, replicating the act. The others followed suit, a collective effort that yielded a lush cluster of planted green onions.
Queen Máire lifted her hand high and swayed the pine cone in a slow arc. "Farewell, Oduduwa, and as you become one with the wind, take this, as a light in the void that awaits you in your trials ahead.”
A faint breeze blew through the area, lifting the pine cone from her hand, dropping it onto the forest floor where it began to roll, following the stream of butterflies into the forest.
