NationStates Jolt Archive

<:: Encrypted Transmission ::>
<:: Priority - Alpha ::>
<:: Sender: Siri O’Neill – Defense Central Command Datalink – Northrop-Grumman ::>
<:: Recipients: Valsharess Kaymiril VII, Annastrianna d' Maril ::>

Greetings and Salutations.

We at the Northrop-Grumman Corporation have been aware of your friendly relations with the Greater Prussian Empire as a whole for some time already. In light of this situation, I wish for diplomatic talks to commence between our two nations so that the relations between one another can greatly improve. I believe that it can be beneficial for both of us if this occurs whether embassies are exchanged, free trade is opened up, knowledge is exchanged, or perhaps a military defense pact is sealed. Of course all of these things take time but a first step should be taken if such a thing were to happen.

If you are interested and wish to take part in this, please reply back at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time.

[signed]
Siri O’Neill
Chairwoman of the Northrop-Grumman Corporation

<:: Text Ended ::>
<:: Transmission Sent ::>

Teril d' Kestal was the one to receive this diplomatic transmission, as he was Kaymiril's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Valsharess would want to know of any Greater Prussian communiqué, in any event, but first and foremost it was his duty to know.

He read through the message, and then made the brief journey to the Valshanth. He was greeted by a servant, and led to the office of the Valsharess.

She looked up at him from her work as she entered.

"Uncle Teril, what do you have for me today?"

The older Drow smiled at the young Valsharess -- he was married to her mother's sister, and his own brother had been selected as the former Valsharess's husband.

"The Chairwoman of Northrop-Grumman sent a message inviting us to open diplomatic relations with her nation."

The Valsharess nodded. "Then reply to her, telling her that myself or my representatives would be happy to meet with her in either country, at a date both parties find best."

The aging diplomat bowed slightly, and returned to his own office to write the letter.

Transmission
Encryption level: high
From the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kaymiril
To the Office of the Chairwoman of the Northrop-Grumman Corporation

Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro, Chairwoman.

I write to you by the command of my Valsharess, Kaymiril VII. She has received your message, and desires to make the first step in the good diplomatic relationship between Kaymiril and Northrop-Grumman.

She would be happy to arrange a meeting for the earliest convenient date for your representatives or ours.

Gre'as'anto tlu xuil dos,

Teril d' Kestal, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Now all that was left was to arrange the details, and to anticipate the meeting.

The later transmissions between the Chairwoman and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were quite brief and had quickly bolted back and forth through the airspace between the two nations. In only a short amount of time, the details of the upcoming meeting were swiftly arranged by both parties. The Corporation would be sending three representatives to Kaymiril: A typical arrangement for any diplomatic meeting that it was a part of. But the decision this time was mostly made by the rather poor condition that the nation was in at the current time. The capital city and the headquarters for the Corporation still lay in ruins as was the home of the Chairwoman and Chairwoman. Neither had wanted the diplomats to see the nation in this terrible shape so the meeting would be held elsewhere.

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

Almost a day later, a small cylindrical shuttlecraft cruised steadily through the upper atmosphere as the evening sun cast its glow across the silver-tan hull. At the twin joysticks of this vessel, Chairwoman Siri O’Neill weaved it through the puffs of clouds that reached up towards her, totally relaxed in the peacefulness of the flight. She gazed back towards her passengers, smiling a little as her son and her advisor chatted some about the upcoming meeting. A little too low for her to listen, she looked back up at the screen in front of her. It displayed the time remaining until they entered foreign airspace. Ah well, she thought leaning over to transmit a new message. Almost there.

This is Puddlejumper Alpha from Northrop-Grumman.
We’re requesting entrance into your airspace and a place
to land. Over.

Puddlejumper Alpha, you are cleared to land at the reserved area. One of our guidance shuttles will join you momentarily to take you to your landing spot.

Even as they got the message, a small craft pulled up alongside them.

>Transmission
Greetings, Puddlejumper, this is the Mrigg Blyn. Please follow us during the descent.
Transmission<
__________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, the young Qu'essan -- the eldest daughter of the Valsharess -- was preparing to greet her mother's guests.

She looked to be a child no older than seven or eight in human years, but she was actually nearing fifteen.

Her job was to greet the diplomatic guests when they arrived and bring them to her mother.

To the three delegates, the rest of the flight was largely uneventful, as was most trips to the place where a diplomatic meeting would be held. The three were certainly glad though when the puddlejumper touched down with a loud clank upon the designated landing zone. The vessel was not a particularly fast one and lacked hyperspace capabilities so the trip had taken quite a few hours, but it was definitely faster than jet aircraft.

A few moments after landing, the large rear metal door slowly swung down much like an old drawbridge and gently came to a rest upon the ground. The first person who emerged from the puddlejumper was a blonde haired fair-skinned elf who scanned the scene around her very carefully before moving forward. As she approached the Honor Guard, her ankle-length green dress with gold hand-embroidered in the shape of leaves carefully flowed with her movements. Those who were close to her knew that this unarmed appearance was quite deceiving for no matter where she went, she always carried a weapon or two or three.

Stopping in front of the Honor Guard, her green eyes watched them closely. “Good evening, I am Chairwoman Siri O’Neill,” she said. “I assume that you all are our escorts today. Please, lead the way.”

Next out of the vessel, a male Drow stopped to the left of the Chairwoman and smiled a little. He was dressed in what most humans would consider rather medieval-appearing clothes, but they suited his rather warrior-like role rather well. Most of it was brown in color, a type of rare leather to be exact. And of course, he kept a few of his weapons with him that included several steel daggers that were fastened to his belt and a longsword in its scabbard that also hung from his belt.

The final person to leave the puddlejumper was a female Drow, who took up a position to the right of the Chairwoman. A little uncomfortable in these particular clothes, she tugged slightly at her black robes with one hand while the other held a long wooden staff that rested firmly on the ground. For the most part, she remained emotionless as she looked up and examined everything around her. It was a new place for her and certainly different from what she was used to. But nevertheless, she was interested in it all.

The head of the Honor Guard made a bow to the Elven woman who had stepped forth from the foreign craft.

"Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro, Chairwoman O'Niell. It is our duty and honor to escort you and your party to the Valshanth."

He stepped aside, clearing a path to an open-air transport.

"The ride will be brief, and if you have need of anything please do not hesitate to ask it of the Valsharess's servants."

The ride was to take them through some of Kaymiril's most beautiful scenery. Unlike other nations, Kaymiril did not show off buildings that reached into the infinite skies, or cities that belched pollution and boasted industry -- instead it showed off the gemtones of the land its people had lived in and with for the many centuries previous.

"We will ask that you check your weapons upon entering the Valshanth, though, and these will be returned to you upon your departure."

The three delegates each welcomed the pleasant, but short, ride to the Valshanth in their own way. Remaining perfectly silent a distance away from the other two, Chairwoman O’Neill gazed out across the landscape, admiring the beauty of it. It was certainly refreshing for her to be out and away from the constant reconstruction of her own capital city. The loud blasts of dynamite, the high-pitched clanging of the reinforced steel I-beams hitting each other, and the bulldozers scraping the rubble away had slowly been getting to her, and she was tired of it all. This trip did indeed come at an excellent time.

Sighing a little, the Chairwoman glanced back towards the two Drow delegates that were sharing in a little conversation with each other as they also looked out upon the scenery.

“Was this the way things looked when you were Valsharess?” the young male Drow asked politely.

The other seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before she finally replied. “Not at all. Many millennia ago, cities dotted the landscape of our land, full of millions of Drow. Beautiful cities of dark stone that rose high into the sky aided by the wondrous technology of our allies. But like anything, the ravages of war ripped them out from us, laying everything to waste…”

An eerie quiet followed afterward for several minutes until the head of the Honor Guard mentioned the weapons that the delegates were carrying. As would be expected, the Chairwoman did not take this lightly. But fortunately the others knew this, and when she was on the verge of making a very unwise comment, the one male Drow cleared his throat and looked right at her.

A single voice forcefully pushed through his thoughts and rang out in his mind. What do you want?

Aren’t you being a little too uncourteous to these people? He unfastened the scabbard that contained the sword along with the row of daggers on his belt and carefully handed them over to the Honor Guard while the other Drow stated that she had no such weapons, only her simple wooden staff.

I certainly do have a right to protect myself against anyone who tries to threaten me, do I not?

Of course, but they have so graciously provided us with an escort and transportation for our safety. You need not worry about them trying to attack you either. They’re just being cautious. I know that you would do the same if you were in their position.

Considering what he had said, the Chairwoman looked from him back to the head of the Honor Guard. “Alright,” she replied to him. “I think that will work out.” She gently pressed upon the fabric of her dress that rested around her waist. With a loud clank, a leather belt fell out from under it onto the decking of the open-air transport. Around ten small daggers and many assorted kinds of throwing stars. But she was not done with just this. Reaching down the side of her dress a little, she unfastened a holster from her leg that dropped to the ground. That contained a small nine millimeter pistol. Leaning over to the other side, another strap was loosened and a black metal lightsaber fell.

After picking up each one, she handed them over to the head of the Honor Guard and replied, “I believe that is all of them.”

The guard had already taken the younger Drow's weapons, and the staff was to be permitted in the Valshanth...

And then the female elf dropped enough weaponry to arm half of the remaining Kaymirilian ground army.

His eyebrows raised a fraction of an inch, and he took the weapons.

"Thank you, milady," he said mildly.

A servant offered them drinks, and soon enough they were being escorted up the stairwell to the entrance of the Valshanth, where Qu'essan Arisderana d' Maril was waiting.

She spread her hands in greeting and dipped forward a little in a slight vow.

"Gre'as'anto lueth verve dro, and welcome to my mother's nation. We hope you have enjoyed the sight of Kaymiril thus far. If you will follow me within, my motherthe Valsharess awaits you, Chairwoman Siri O'Niell and guests."

Though she was a young child of no more than fifteen, her movements were graceful, her mannerisms regal, and her language fluent. She was every inch the Princess that her mother before her had been, and if itt was fated for her to someday be Valsharess, she would bear that title, too, with dignity.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Valshanth, Chairwoman O’Neill cocked her head in curiosity at the sight of the Qu’essan. She was quite surprised to see someone that appeared to be so young greeting her and the other two delegates. Ordinarily, an older person, whose job would be to do just that, would be sent do escort her in to meet a leader not a young child such as this.

Bowing her head along with the two Drow delegates, she replied to the Qu’essan, “Greetings to you, too, young one. Of course, I, along with the rest of this delegation, have certainly enjoyed the little tour through your nation. It is quite a beautiful place.” She smiled and gestured towards the entrance. “Now, let’s not keep your mother waiting.”

Ending with that, the Chairwoman turned and followed her into the Valshanth as the other two delegates kept closely behind.

Aris was accustomed to the odd facial expressions she got when she announced herself their escort. Of course, they didn't realise that this WAS part of her job as Qu'essan, but that was okay.

The corridor they were lead through seemed fairly straight, but some fake paneling would be easily visible to the two Drow, meaning that with a few commands the straight path to the Valsharess' throne room could be completely closed off.

When they reached the end of the hallway, the Qu'essan opened the doors and retreated, while the Valsharess herself stood and spread her hands in greeting.

"Gre'as'anto lu' verve dro, Chairwoman O'Niell. I am Valsharess Kaymiril VII, and it is my honor to host you and your entourage here."

Lagging a little behind the rest of the delegation, the one male Drow glanced every now and then at the fake paneling in the corridor and wondered what it was for, in his usual curious attitude. He was fairly certain that this structure held many secrets and hoped that he may be able to find out what some of them are. But hearing the Chairwoman begin speaking, he hurried down the corridor to where she was.

There, the Chairwoman was standing before the Valsharess, smiling widely. “It is an honor for us to be here, Valsharess Kaymiril.” She gently pushed her hair back away from her face. “I am certainly grateful that you have allowed my delegation and I to personally meet with you. And I would like to say that the escorts that you provided for us on our trip here were quite courteous and attentive to our needs. They and the rest of the land of Kaymiril that we have witnessed have displayed the best of your nation and I am quite impressed.”

The Chairwoman nearly forgot about the rest of the introductions when the male Drow came to a halt next to her at the end of her greeting. She saw him out of the corner of her eye and continued on. “Oh! I seem to have forgotten to introduce the rest of my delegation to you.” Gesturing to the one beside her, she began. “This is my son, Alakantar.”

He respectfully bowed his head to the Valsharess. “I am pleased to meet you.”

“And this is the personal advisor for the Chairman and I, Irae’arra Aleanrahel.”

Bowing like the other Drow, she spoke with barely any expression upon her face. “I am grateful to be in your presence, Regina Kaymiril.”

The Valsharess held out her hand, and a table rose from the floor, complete with four chairs.

"Please be seated. I am glad to hear that your voyage was pleasant..."

The Valsharess waited until her guests were seated before taking a seat herself.

At this, goblets slid up from the table's paneling, to the right of each person seated, filled about midway with a mild Kaymirilian wine.

"We are always pleased to see representatives from the Greater Prussian Empire. Now, if I may ask...how did a young Drow come to be the son of an Elf?"

The Chairwoman chuckled. “I am not at all surprised that you asked this question. It does happen quite often I must say.” As she took a sip of the wine, a pleased look came over her face, an indication that she liked it. Setting the goblet back down onto the table, she began. “Around twenty…twenty-one years ago, one of the worst winter storms hit Northrop-Grumman, burying it under several feet of snow and covering everything in a thick layer of ice. Most people, of course, stayed home, but my husband and I chose to go into work anyway. To make a long story short, two lifesigns were detected on Hutcheson Island, a restricted zone, by one of our battlecarriers in orbit. Both seemed to be suffering from this weather and also it was determined that one was an infant and assumed that the other one was its mother. So we teleported them into the capital building’s sickbay to see what we could do for them.”

“In contrast to Alakantar who came through it rather well, his mother was barely being kept alive by the life support systems. The hypothermia had gone on for too long. But, unfortunately, very little conversation was spoken between us before she passed away.” She sighed a little. “At that point, my husband and I decided that the best way to care for the young Drow was to adopt him, and so we did.”

The Valsharess smiled.

"A noble guesture."

It was...especially from an elf. Elves and Drow traditionally had amnity issues, so it spoke volumes of the Chairwoman's character to adopt a Drow infant as her own.

"It is indeed a pleasure to host you, and I will be glad to create relations between our two nations."

“As will I,” the Chairwoman replied kindly as she nodded. She was definitely looking forward to these talks and the possibility of a lasting friendship with these people.

She stroked her chin gently, thinking. “Perhaps, we should begin with a basic embassy exchange. Our capital city’s Embassy District would be the best location for one because of both its proximity to the capital building and the security that it provides with its ever present police forces and walled borders. I believe that we can clear a sizeable space for a structure of your choosing. What do you think?”

Meanwhile, Alakantar had pulled a small datapad out of his belt and powered it up. He was preparing himself for any questions that the Valsharess had about this embassy location.

The Valsharess' eyes lowered thoughtfully.

"I like the thought of an embassy exchange, but new embassies are high profile -- at least in Kaymiril, and I hear your capital is a little hectic right now already. I propose that first we exchange students, and a year after we exchange embassies. Many Kaymirilian citizens also speak Common, even if your student does not, so language barriers will not be all-pervasive. It will also grant each nation a learning period, so that when embassies are exchanged, the ambassadors are not completely ignorant of foreign customs and expectations. I just sent an Ambassador to Gronde recently who knew nothing about the nation or culture, and she tells me that that is the hardest part of her job."

The Chairwoman nodded a little. “I understand your concerns completely and would like to try out this student-exchange. I believe that it would be quite beneficial to both of our nations. Now, of course, finding the right student would be rather difficult…” Her voice trailed off as she began to think.

“I am a college student so I could go,” Alakantar replied, breaking his mother’s ‘train of thought’.

She looked over at him curiously. “Hmm?”

“Well, who else would know about what the ambassadors would need? I mean, I’ve been to many of our embassies abroad and know quite a few of the ambassadors themselves. It would be rather easy to relay what they need to know.” He chuckled a little. “Besides, you know me extremely well and what I am like so you don’t have to worry about me making the Corporation look bad or anything like that.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Definitely…and I would see this as an excellent opportunity to live amongst fellow Drow and learn more from them, something I’ve been wanting to do for years.”

The Chairwoman rubbed her chin and thought it over for a moment before she gave her answer. “Alright, I don’t see any problem with it myself.” She turned her head towards the Valsharess. “Would this be fine?”

"Your son is quite welcome here, Chairwoman O'Niell. I would send my eldest daughter in exchange, but she is yet a bit young to venture beyond our borders. Instead, I propose sending my cousin Jaril. He is the youngest son of my Uncle's family, and well traveled enough to be highly adaptable. His father was the one who arranged the details of today's meeting."

She then turned to look at Alakantar.

"We have a few options for you. If you are magickally inclined, we have seven major cities whose primary function is to train specific types of mages. If you lean more toward the military, the Military Academy in Vashano is a mere fifteen miles away. If you seek a more general education, the nation's finest university is located just outside of Mithdelmar. Each is home to a very specialized sample of the nation."

“I believe that would work out just fine,” the Chairwoman replied, taking the goblet from the table once again. “I’m sure that he would find our society rather unique in the way it functions. I know I certainly did when I first stepped foot in it.” She chuckled a little and took a sip of the wine.

Alakantar paused for a moment as he ran through the options through his mind. He wasn’t particularly magickally inclined, but he rather liked the military and was always interesting in it. Although he could have a taste of that whenever he wanted since being the son of the Chairman and Chairwoman allowed him such privileges. After a minute, he made up his mind. “I think the university outside of Mithdelmar would be the best for me. It does sound to be a place that I’d like to attend." He smiled and continued. "Of course, I can imagine that your universities are probably not like ours at all. So I think that it would be a really good eye-opening experience for me.”

"Our universities teach our young aristocrats how to interact suitably with others -- politics, if you will -- by throwing it right at them. There are classes, but the purpose is really not education. Anyone who attends comes from a family with sufficient money or education to provide them the education they receive, already. As far as your education has been up to this point, do you even speak Drow?"

A little disappointed in his own abilities, he sighed. “I haven’t had that much of an opportunity to learn since no one from Northrop-Grumman knew how to speak it. Ire’arra here came to our nation only a few months ago, and I have since only learned a few words here and there from her, not exactly enough to get by in a conversation. I would like to learn though if given the chance.”

"Perhaps you would care to take Jaril with you at your return to your own nation, or even return here soon and be hosted by one of our noble families. You won't last long in one of our facilities without being able to speak our language. Think on your options for a few moments, waelin uss."

She turned back to the table at general and picked up her glass, taking a sip of her wine before looking back to Siri.

"We look to already have an agreement for cultural exchange, leading to eventual solid diplomatic relationships. Perhaps next we should speak of trade?"

Alakantar thought carefully about the choices given unto him before he replied. “I think that I ought to do the latter because, honestly, it would be better if I am…immersed…if you will…in a society that speaks that language predominately rather than my own, that does not. So yes, that would be best.”

Beside him, the Chairwoman was nodding a little, watching her son and listening to what he was saying. Although few could tell by her facial expressions, she was worried about him going away, worried that he would be away from her protection. It troubled her, but forcing the emotions down, she took another sip of the wine before she answered the Valsharess. “I think that is a very good idea.” She rested the goblet down on the table. “To start this off, I should ask…what are Kaymiril’s primary imports and exports?”

"I will speak with my uncle and see if his family would be willing to host you."

The Valsharess thought for a moment.

"Our primary export is silk, which is better than you can find almost anywhere, and at a far lower cost. We also export some foods that are unique to Kaymiril, and are beginning to consider exporting someof our alchoholic beverages...not much, at first...we'd have to see if there was a market.

"As for imports, we mainly import plastics and large machines for agriculture. That's all we import en masse, with other such trinkets and treats as make children happy."

“Silk…food…alcoholic beverages…” She recalled each one verbally, sorting through all the information that she knew from the Corporation’s economy and the importing that was typically done through its allies. “I believe that all two of those, the silk and food, should be able to fill in a niche in our economy that largely has no competitors, domestic or foreign. As for the beverages, we do have one nation that exports them to us, but often they are far too strong for the typical human to enjoy. Therefore, only the small elven population can truly digest them. So if your alcoholic beverages are pleasing to all races, then I don’t see any reason why you would not be able to profit.”

“Now as for imports, the Corporation does produce large amounts of plastics that are mainly used for electronics and such, but we can surely increase production to export them to Kaymiril.” Thinking for a moment, she continued. “We do possess abundant farmlands that stretch across the nation which provide the food for our bustling urban population and to enhance the efficiency of the harvesting, we use large automated machines such as hovering combines that collect the food from the fields, and specially designed cargo vessels fly over and teleport the food aboard where they are taken to distribution warehouses. So, yes, we could provide those to your people.”

"Perhaps, Chairwoman O'Niell, we could make the exact details ourselves, and allow your son and your other companion to take some time to enjoy their stay in Kaymiril. Surely such talk is unbearably dull to your son, and it cannot be any better for our other guest."

The Chairwoman glanced over to her son and noticed that he did, in fact, look quite bored with the rambling about the economics of Northrop-Grumman and Kaymiril. He was becoming more anxious about his upcoming stay than sitting here watching this meeting going on with nothing to do. But he did like to be apart of a diplomatic conference when he was able to provide some input, and that only happened when he was with his father or the Vice Chairman. With his mother, he would not be able to do really much of anything as she almost had an encyclopedia about everything one needed to know about the Corporation stored in her mind.

Looking to the right of her, the Chairwoman observed her advisor sitting quietly in her chair, watching those who talked carefully as if studying them. Ire’arra seemed to be one who strove to understand people by listening to how they talked, acted, and moved and most of the time only spoke if it was truly something important or unless it was a greeting. So most of the time, she sat and observed, rarely being that social.

Siri O’Neill brought her eyes back upon the Valsharess and nodded. “I agree. What do you two think?” She quickly looked back to Alakantar and Ire’arra.

Her son seemed to perk up some and answered. “I’m up for anything. I would certainly like to get out and stretch my legs or something.”

In contrast, the advisor merely nodded approvingly.

The doors open.

"My daughter should be in the near courtyard at this time of the day. She can see to your needs. Perhaps you would like to contact the d' Kestal house and arrange the time you will arrive there."

The Valsharess nodded to the older Matron, a sign of respect but not of deference.

Rising up from his chair gradually, along with the ever-quiet advisor, Alakantar replied to the Valsharess. “That sounds just fine, your Highness. I think I may go ahead and do that.” He then smiled graciously. “And thank you for showing us such excellent hospitality.”

“Farewell to you both, and I hope that when I come back that I will find that this was a prosperous meeting for both nations.” Ending with that, he bowed his head to the two leaders and left the room through the open doors along with Ire’arra beside him. As she sat in silence, the Chairwoman’s eyes followed them as both left and sighed some as she took another sip from her goblet.

After they'd left, the Valsharess turned to the Chairwoman.

"You are very brave. I know that I would have tried to persuade my daughter to stay behind, in Kaymiril, where she is under my protection. Likely to as much effect as my mother's arguments had on me -- none at all. I can assure you, I will make sure Alakantar is taken care of as if he were mine. He will be well taken care of while he is here."

Still watching the doorway, the Chairwoman replied to the Valsharess’ words in a tone that was beginning to some emotion. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.” She turned her head around back towards the Drow and softly sighed. “Honestly, this will be the first time that he’ll be out of my reach, my sight, my protection. Am I brave? I don’t think that I am in this situation. He is though. Always has been…”

"He will be safe. And I am sure he will make you and your husband very proud while he is here...and maybe find some of the answers he seeks."

She nodded. “He does have many, many questions about his people. I just don’t know how to answer them. For once in my life, it’s something that I am not familiar with. I hope that he can find his answers here.”

"Chairwoman O'Niell...we are Drow here, but we are as different from most Drow as humans are from Elves. We have a history with them, we were them...but not for centuries now. He can learn the language from us, some of the history and how we interact among each other, but not how the average Drow lives. He'll even be left out of the political struggles the other students go through -- he is Do'suul, an outsider -- part of the reason I am certain he will be safe. I do hope your son finds his answers...but I do not think we are exactly 'his' people."

“Please, call me Siri. I’d rather be less formal, especially considering the topic at hand.” She rested her back on the chair and continued. “I understand what you are saying, and I am well aware of how you are not his people. It’s just that he wants to learn more about his people, and he even knows where they are. But he becomes discouraged when neither he nor anyone else can walk among them.” Looking a little annoyed, she huffed. “Ire’arra knows how to reach them, but she is insistent that ‘certain things must come to pass before all will be revealed’. Nothing else will come out of her. I’ve tried numerous times…It’s…aggravating.”

"If you are Siri, I am Anna. Ire'arra...reminds me of an old Drow Matron...they were powerful, but they were utterly ruthless...many people died before any Matron came to power."

“I don’t know if she’s like that. Then again, she is never a talkative person. Rarely ever talks about her life before she met us. I think the only person who seems to understand her is my husband but there is a very…strange…reason for that…” Siri’s voice trailed off some in thought.

The Valsharess's eyebrows drew together.

"I...see."

Snapping her mind back from pondering too far, she made sure to clarify. “It wasn’t anything that was particularly bad.” She thought for a few moments before replying. “Few people know of this, but for a period of a week, she and my husband shared his body and working together, they managed to save his life, the Corporation…and my own during the worst day in our history. I think because of that time, he understands her more than she allows anyone else to.”

"That I understand, though I cannot claim to have experienced it myself...sharing a mind with someone would be a rather...bonding...experience."

“I agree,” she nodded and chuckled. “But that depends on the person. I mean what would happen if that person just happened to be quite annoying. I doubt it would be that bonding…”

"I think it would be like having an annoying sibling. You don't really want to deal with them, but you look out for each other anyway. It would be a bonding experience still, I think."

“Ah yes.” Siri’s expression began to lighten more when Anna mentioned siblings. “That reminds me of when I used to live on my homeworld with my sister decades ago. Oh, she could be an annoying one at times. Sticking her nose in my business when I dealt with people, saying I was too harsh and other nonsense. Pestering me about my reluctance to learn how to deal with magicka. Even though I did eventually learn how…,” she said as an afterthought.

“She was the opposite of me in almost every way, but even throughout all of that, I still love her and always do keep after her, protecting her from all the danger that lurks around.” She smiled warmly and took a sip of her wine.

"My sister and I are very different. She was a political opponent of mine for many years...I advocated bringing us out of isolation, she wanted to keep us away from the potential dangers of foreigners. I won, being the one our mother had chosen to succeed her. She went on to marry the Crown Prince of Newtdom...has three beautiful sons with him. I think they're planning on having another child in a few years. My brother was the annoying one...Into EVERYTHING, wouldn't leave anything alone. He died almost a century ago, though. Many of our technological advances are due to his tinkerings. He died a hero, though. Shogun Himura's father was manipulated into starting a war with us...his treacherous board unleashed a massive laser attack on us...he went up and deflected it...and died in the blast."

“I’m very sorry to hear what happened to your brother but it sounds to me like he died honorably, saving the nation that he loved. You should be proud of him.” When she stopped speaking, Siri appeared to have been overcome with sadness, but it quickly disappeared within moments as if she buried all the emotions that came with what she said next. “I know how it feels to lose a brother…I had one around two centuries ago when I was quite young. But I still do remember him after all these years. He was not your typical antagonizing older brother. He treated my sister and I as equals and taught us to do the same to each other. I remember him as being someone whom I could look up to…but…he, my parents, and my town were ripped from me one day by the Imperial Legion and killed before my eyes…”

"I am proud of my brother...very proud of him...but it made my mother and sister hate humans as a race. My sister got over it, for the most part, eventually. My mother made exceptions for two individuals."

She paused a moment.

"And I am sorry about your birth family. It must have been an incredibly difficult experience, having them torn from you like that."

“Yes, it was.” Siri stated with no hint of emotion in her voice as her eyes seemed to stare right past Anna at something distant. She was never really one to go in depth with her life story, but the Drow seemed to be someone who shared similarities with her, a mother for one thing and someone who knew how it felt to lose someone. So she felt compelled to continue on.

“From that day on, I made it one of my goals in life to never let that happen again to anyone I cared about…I’ve trained myself in swordplay for centuries, learned the skills of a mage, and have done some distasteful things in my life to achieve that goal…I’ve done all this so that I will not lose anyone or even myself…that is why I am worried about Alakantar…its not because of you or your people…I know that you will do your best to protect him, you said so yourself…but its that one time that he’ll be away from my protection…” She paused and refocused her eyes upon Anna. “Perhaps this is life telling me I need to learn to let go, let him finally grow up and take care of himself.”

"I have watched many people come of age...my uncle has agonized over each of his children as they moved along in their lives and became the people they are now. And yet each and every one of my cousins that have left have become so much more since they became independent than they ever could have been had they remained. My cousin Talraena runs her own embassy in Gronde, hundreds of light-years away from her father's watchful eye. And yet, she has forged close relations between our two nations. My cousin Jaril knows the customs and idiosyncracies of a dozen nations, which makes him the ideal candidate for sending to your nation."

She paused a moment, before smiling.

"And yet, the d' Kestal family remains very close. They communicate with each other on a level families of few Houses and Races dream of, and the ties that bind them are deep and lasting. I would not worry about your son not keeping in touch with you, if only because someone will ask him on an almost daily basis how his family is doing back at home."

“The close relationships that the d’ Kestal family have amongst one another is something that I long for in my own. I hope that one day my family can become just as they are. It’s something that I have wanted to be a part of for nearly all my life.” She bowed her head in thought before replying. “But, I do see your point, Anna. I must let Alakantar go…”

Siri suddenly stopped mid-sentence and stared at nothing in particular as if she was concentrating deeply. But after a moment, she resumed speaking, albeit slower. “I must allow him to live his own life, walk his own path, instead of me meddling in his…he is destined to become something more than what he is now…I can feel it…” She looked back over to Anna again. “I did not know it until just a moment ago, but this place is a part of his path…he must be here for a reason…but it is one that I do not know…”

"I like to believe that anywhere we go, we go for a reason. Here, Alakantar can learn what it is like among Drow without being exposed to the danger he might in a Lolthian nation. He will have enough historical material to get to know of the typical Drow culture, but not the constant threat of danger.

"When we travel, we invariably learn. When we receive guests, we learn as well. Alakantar will have opportunities to do both while he is here, and his host family will prevent him from making the worst mistakes. Meanwhile, we will all see what part this time in Kaymiril will play in his life."

“That we most certainly will,” Siri added approvingly. “From what you have told me so far, he will have many opportunities to learn during his time here, much more than he could have back in Northrop-Grumman. Of course, his inquisitive nature for all things new will greatly assist in that too, and I am positive that he will gain the knowledge that he must learn for his intended path.”

She smiled warmly to Anna. “I want to thank you again for your offer of protection of my son. It means a lot to me for someone to be willing to do such a thing.”

"I offer the same protection I would wish for my children if they were going somewhere beyond my ability to protect them. Neither more nor less."

While Siri and Anna continued to confer with one another over the details of these negotiations, the two Drow of the Northrop-Grumman delegation slowly passed through the halls of the Valshanth. They were taking their time as no rush was truly necessary. Besides, contrary to Alakantar who always seemed to be eager, Ire’arra was never really one who ran and instead, moseyed along, not concerned about much of anything.

It took a few minutes before they had reached the exterior of the Valshanth. They then stepped out into the courtyard and gazed out for who they were looking for. Being the overly observant one of the two, Ire’arra was the first one who pointed the Qu’essan out with her wooden staff.

When they finally reached her, Alakantar, of course, was the first one to speak. “Greetings again. Certainly good to see you again.” He bowed his head once along with Ire’arra. “The Valsharess suggested that I see you first in order to contact the d’ Kestal house so I can arrange the appropriate time that I will arrive there.”

Nearly forgetting something, he spoke again. “Oh yes, I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves. I’m Alakantar O’Neill and she’s Ire’arra Aleanrahel.”

"Arisderana d' Maril," replied the Qu'essan cooly.

"May I ask why you are arranging a time to arrive at the Kestal home, so I may explain it to my great uncle, if necessary?"

In another hour, she'd have been informed, but at the present, she didn't know what had been decided in the Throne Room.

Suddenly, Alakantar’s error hit him. “Oh! I’m sorry…I seem to have gotten a little ahead of myself.”

Forcing a chuckle to cover up his uneasiness, he continued, although in a more ‘professional’ tone. “Just a few moments ago, the Valsharess and Chairwoman O’Neill decided that an embassy exchange between the Corporation and Kaymiril would be unsuitable at this time due to differences in both societies and culture. In its place, there would be a student exchange so that each nation can learn from one another.

Representing the Corporation in this matter is myself, but the Valsharess suggested that I inquire the d’ Kestal house about hosting me while I am here for I have yet to learn your language and other such important things. Also, she offered that your great uncle’s son, Jaril, be Kaymiril’s representative to our nation.”

He rubbed his chin for a moment. “I believe that is it.”

The Qu'essan nodded understandingly. Had she been a few decades older, it would have been she her mother had offered, instead of her cousin.

"If you will follow me."

She stood, leading Ire'arra and Alakantar to a side room that didn't lead anywhere, it was just convenient for communications.

She sent out a request to speak with Minister d' Kestal, but instead got one of his sons.

The male had the green eyes which ran in his father's line and an agreeable face.

"Qu'essan. My father is currently meeting with the heads of other branches of our family, would you like me to inform him of this call when he gets out?"

"Xas, Jaril. In the meantime, it is my mother's will that you attend a university in Northrop-Grumman next year, instead of the one outside Mithdelmar. Taking your place there will be Alakantar O'Neill, son of the Chairman and Chairwoman of Northrop-Grumman. My mother also wishes for the Kestal House to host him for the year or so he is here...he will wish to come soon, I believe."

"I will speak with my father about it and he will contact your mother."

Listening in, Alakantar felt that he needed to mention something fairly important before the conversation closed out. “Excuse me, Jaril,” he interjected. “I am the one whom Arisderana speak of. And I would like to say that if you are the one who will take my place at the university in Northrop-Grumman, then before you are to leave, I would like to meet with you, briefly though, to lend some important advice that I think you will need.”

Jaril grinned warmly.

"You'll see me plenty, if you plan on coming over before the school term starts to get to know the country a little bit."

“Of course.” Alakantar nodded as he smiled. “I’d rather learn more about your nation instead of jumping in headfirst without a clue. I really don’t need to find myself in an awkward situation or anything.” He turned his head a little towards Ire’arra. “What do you think?”

She remained unemotional as she spoke. “I believe that it would be best that you seek Jaril’s assistance before you attend the universitas in Kaymiril, and I am certain that your mother would agree with my assessment.”

"I'm certain he will be more than welcome in our home."

A lower noble couldn't refuse the wishes of a higher one without jurisdiction from a higher House -- and there were no higher Houses than that of the Royal Line.

Aside from that, if Alakantar was a good guest, he'd have been more than welcome anyway.

He rubbed his chin for a moment before he asked, “In advance...is there anything that you would recommend that I bring along with me for my stay here? I certainly wouldn’t want to forget something important.”

Jaril thought for a moment, the skin around his eyes and the bridge of his nose tightening.

"I honestly can't think of anything you'll need that we won't provide you with. I mean, other than a few personal items and a way to keep in touch with your family."

“Ok, that sounds pretty good.” He paused for a second before he resumed speaking. “I think that covers all the concerns that I have as of now…Thank you.”

"Who should we contact and when to make the proper arrangements?"

Leaning on her ornately carved wooden staff, Ire’arra spoke this time, instead of Alakantar. “It would be wise to contact Chairman O’Neill through the Defense Central Command at a time of your own choosing, sooner would be best though, and apprise him of the agreement that your Regi…I mean…Valsharess and the Chairwoman have agreed upon. He should be willing to contact the necessary people and have you admitted into the universitas within a reasonable amount of time. Also, he will discuss your options for housing while you are in Northrop-Grumman.”

"Siyo, Ilharess. I will do as you suggest. And since we're on the subject, is there anything either of you can recommend that I bring to Northrop-Grumman?"

Ilharess -- Matron. It was a term of deference used for the female Head of another House -- at least in Kaymiril, that was how it was used. It could also be used as a term of respect from a younger Drow to an elder.

While there was no way for Jaril to KNOW how she stood in her House, she was obviously older and had an air of authority about her, making it an appropriate time to use the 'title.'

“A device to communicate with your family here in Kaymiril would be wise as you suggested previously to Alakantar,” Ire’arra replied first.

The younger Drow added to her statement. “Other than your own personal belongings like clothes, that about covers it…” He paused briefly. “…but if you are skilled in swordplay, you might want to bring a sword of your own. Not for your own security as my mother will surely keep up with that, but you may have an opportunity to spar with someone.”

Jaril laughed. It wasn't scornful, it was just an easy, warm laugh.

"I know only how to weild a blade in self defense...I am no Drasdera to play at combat for entertainment."

The d' Kestals were arguably the worst Noble House at non-magickal self defense...which was probably why they were the second-best with their magickal defenses...even the best, some generations.

For the time being, Alakantar knew very little of the strange house system in Kaymiril and even less about the various abilities of each one. So he was indeed at a severe disadvantage here, and that was rather obvious in how he replied.

“Oh…err…that’s alright. Not everyone in Northrop-Grumman wields a blade. Actually, few do outside of the military...so I doubt that you would be asked for a little sparring match.”

"If you enjoy swordplay, Eyarayin d' Kestal will also be attending the University in Mithdelmar. I'm sure she'd be happy to spar with you...well, happy as a d' Drasdera ever gets. They're our equivalent of Warlords, train from the cradle in strategy and combat...so you'll have a challenge. She and her sister are both Captains of the Fleet, but her sister won't be attending. Tarean ceased her attendance in the middle of last year, as her education had been completed to the satisfaction of her grandmother and the head of her House. It will be Eyarayin's first year."

Here, Jaril blinked his deep green eyes, realizing he was rambling. He chuckled, and ran his hand through thick white hair that was pulled back elegantly behind his ears.

"You'll hear all of this and more while you're here, no doubts, so I shouldn't keep you now."

“Interesting,” the Drow spoke aloud.

Alakantar decided that he would have to ask this Eyarayin for a sparring match, if not for the reason of simply having a challenge for him, but instead maybe he could find out how others truly fought. On numerous occasions he found himself in a match against his own mother, the one who proclaimed herself to be the greatest swordswoman in Northrop-Grumman, and on those few times where he had her beaten, she would pull a trick upon him like a spell or use one of her Force-assisted abilities and would essentially win the fight. She always won whether by her own skill or by her trickery. And afterwards, he would argue with her about how a sparring match was supposed to a test of one’s swordplay and not an actual battle, but no matter what he said, his mother would not or, perhaps, could not differentiate between the two. Her saying at the end of every match was that one must not play honorably because that will bring death; one must fight to win and that’s all that matters.

Looking back over at Jaril, Alakantar once again spoke. “From what you have said, it certainly sounds like it would be quite an experience for me. I am definitely looking forward to my time at the University, and I hope that you are, too.”

"I am indeed, and I am certain that my anticipation will be heightened as I learn more about your nation in the time before my arrival there."

“Excellent!” Alakantar exclaimed before continuing in a much lower tone. “And before we meet again, I will make sure that I collect the necessary information that you will need so that things run smoother when you are in Northrop-Grumman. Shouldn’t be anything too complex, but it would be much better if you know it all.”

“Indeed,” replied Ire’arra. “Although, Jaril, from what I have been able to understand about you from witnessing this conversation and others, you should be able to be quite functional in our society. I do not foresee any problems that could arise.”

"Good," he replied at once to both of them. "I will speak with my father about everything you'll need, and probably be there when you arrive back in Kaymiril to bring you home."

“Perfect,” Alakantar nodded. “As for transportation…unless there are technical difficulties or something like that, I should arrive in the same vessel that I came here today in and just leave it in Kaymirilian care while I am here. Would you like the Corporation send one of its ships to pick you up or would you rather use your own? We wouldn’t really mind doing the former.”

"I have a personal shuttle for diplomatic use. I'll likely arrive in that, if your nation is willing to provide a place for it during my time there."

A shuttle of his own would also give him some personal space for when he was homesick or just needed to feel Kaymirilian again. It had proven useful before, and that was for less-extended stays.

Alakantar looked down and pondered briefly. “If you want a shorter flight distance, you can land at one of our orbital space stations in the Criun System where your ship will be kept safely and travel to the Northrop-Grumman homeland by stargate…or…you could travel to Earth, a longer distance though, and have your ship stored at Davis Air Force Base where you can have easier access to it.”

"I have traveled farther distances...I will speak further with your father, or your nation's attache, and make the necessary arrangements."

“That sounds pretty good,” he nodded. “My father can set you up with the necessary ID cards, the place where you can land, and more information about the University. The way you can contact him is through the Defense Central Command Datalink…its really the only way you can talk to any of the leaders nowadays, considering the extensive damage in the capital city.”

"Good, I will do that. And if you will excuse me, my father requires my presence. After attending to the duties he has for me, I will speak to him on this matter."

Aris shook her head. "Before, Jaril. It is the will of the Valsharess that this happen."

Jaril looked briefly at his second cousin before nodded.

"Siyo...before."

The communication line closed, the screen going dark.

After the communication line had closed, Alakantar clapped his hands together once, quite pleased with what was happening. “It looks like everything is squared away in that part. Everything else is up to my parents,” he replied, turning to Ire’arra. “Speaking of which, I wonder how my mother and the Valsharess are in their meeting?”

“I believe that they are most assuredly doing well and are working quite feverishly to work out the terms of diplomatic relations.” She looked over to Aris and asked quite bluntly in Alakantar’s opinion. “Qu'essan, are there any places in this vicinity that provide food and other refreshments?”

"Advisor, what would you like to eat, and what atmosphere would you find preferential?"

The Valshanth had many servants, and almost any sort of food could be quickly prepared for consumption in the Valshanth's dining hall, gardens, courtyards, or some of the other inner rooms.

Ire’arra lightly tapped her fingers upon the wooden staff as she thought. “Perhaps…instead of the usual meals that I am served in Northrop-Grumman, I would prefer a native meal from here in Kaymiril, preferably one that is quite different from the norm. Anything will be acceptable since I have a wide variety of tastes.”

Pointing her staff out of the room, she added. “As for atmosphere…the courtyard is a perfect place to dine, in my opinion.”

The Qu'essan stood, exiting the small room and moving into the spacious courtyard, raising a hand in a casual manner that was somehow commanding at the same time.

From seemingly out of nowhere, a servant appeared to respond to her command.

"Siyo, ussta Qu'essan?"

"Cahallin whol l' quivveden d' ussta ilhar. Sila ol ghil."

"Siyo, ussta Qu'essan."

He disappeared, and within fifteen minutes a three course meal was being brought out to them, being laid and served on a table that was already located in the courtyard.

The Qu'essan turned to her mother's guests.

"If you've ever had a good Underdark meal...don't worry. This will taste nothing like one."

Gently seating herself before the delicious appearing meal, Ire’arra just glanced over to Aris after her last comment and merely replied, “I see…” She did not fully understand what the Qu’essan was joking about, but whatever the meaning was, she did not want to inquire further for an explanation and began to eat quietly.

On the other hand, while Alakantar did not understand any of it, he was more willing to ask as was his inquisitive nature. “Underdark? I’m sorry but haven’t really heard of that term before. What exactly is it?”

Aris's eyebrows raised. She couldn't believe that a drow knew nothing of the UnderDark.

Still...

"The UnderDark is the ancestral home of all Drow, and where most of the population of our race currently resides. It is, as the name suggests, a subterranean society, which explains why we have excellent thermal vision and why light is painful to us. We branched away from that society over a thousand years ago, and there is a long-running animosity between us and the UnderDark...particularly between our Valsharesses and the line from which they come in the city where their relatives still hold power as the First House -- Baendar is the name of the House, I believe. The joke was that crustaceans, insects, and fungi, along with some versions of rodents and lizards are almost all the foods that can be found locally in the UnderDark, and up here we have more variety, better taste, and a lot less dankness."

As he began to eat his meal, Alakantar glanced up quickly as he was surprised by the answer. “Whoa, I didn’t know about all that. It does sound interesting though. I’d like to know more about it in the future when I spend my time here.” He turned to Ire’arra and asked, “Is that where we come from?”

Without even looking at him she replied, “Over ten millennia ago, the congreg…erm…society from which you and I came was subterranean quite like the Underdark, which the Qu’essan has just described and, in my opinion, savage. But in the region of that time period, an occurrence happened which our people later labeled the “Renovatio”. We were changed in our bodies and minds, ripped from that which made us what we were, and led on a new path towards a civilized postremo.”

"There's not much to learn about the UnderDark here in Kaymiril. Just a basic outline in our prehistory."

Aris had noted Ire'arra's use of 'congregation.'

It referred to the mass of people under a particular Matron...in the worship of Lolth or one of her lackey deities.

She said nothing now, but made a note to herself to bring it up with her mother later.

Alakantar nodded to Aris as he replied, “Oh, that’s quite alright. A little information can go a long way.” Then he thought for a moment before gazing over to his mother’s advisor and commenting. “Besides, I’m sure that you may be able to fill in the gaps since you’re familiar with that time period.” The younger Drow had nothing against the advisor and really hated to have to be like this, but it was the only way one could get any information out of her since she almost always remained silent.

“Etiam, pulsus mihi in effectus is,” she muttered under her breath before switching back to English in a more peaceful tone. “There are extensive archives underneath the caput urbs that can provide you with added detail if you truly care to learn more. All of the libri are still in readable shape considering their age and ought to be easy for you to comprehend since you understand the language.”

Ignoring the comment in Latin, he thanked her graciously and turned back to Aris. “I’m sure that your people would be interested in such a thing, would they not?” He smiled.

Aris shook her head.

"We've all the records we need of the Underdark and its society. We just choose to not teach it to most of our populace. There is certain knowledge contained in the texts that is forbidden to us, and punishable by death if it is sought after and put to use."

The advisor glared at him for a moment before she resumed eating, quietly, as usual.

At the moment, Alakantar felt a little embarrassed by what he had done as he looked back and forth from the two Drow. He had pushed a reluctant Ire’arra into giving him information that she really did not want to relay and offered to give information to people that would execute those who did want it.

Glancing down then at Aris, he replied, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that, but I am glad that you told me now instead of me finding out by myself when I am living here.” He sighed. “It appears like my curiosity hasn’t helped on this one occasion.”

"You come from a nation where there's a much less delicate political balance. Every Kaymirilian knows WHY we left the Underdark...but much more knowledge might be a dangerous thing for a few more generations."

He thought for a moment before he spoke, “Well, I can certainly understand political balance and that adding something like that into the mix would be dangerous. For the Corporation, it has its own delicate balance that would create problems if it was ever disrupted.” …like what is happening right now, he failed to add, not wanting to carry on about Northrop-Grumman’s issues.

"Then you understand why we are as we are."

“Yes, yes, I do now.” He settled back down into eating again and asked, “I’ve asked you and Jaril many questions over this time, is there anything you’d like to know about us or our nation?”

"Well, for the first part, the research done before you came here said that the son of Chairman and Chairwoman O'Neill was twenty-two years of age, yet you appear nearer to a century and a half in age. How is this?

Alakantar rubbed his chin and thought about what was being asked. He had heard the answer to that question from his father and briefly referred to by Ire’arra, but now, she managed to speak first. “When the Renovatio occurred those many millennia ago, the civilization that lived above us sought to recreate us into a perfect…society…In doing so, we were placed in apparatus of unthinkable power and manipulated for their purpose. Our bodies were changed through its…” She paused for a moment, thinking. “…the word is difficult to pronounce and even more difficult to understand in its native language…perhaps I should show you.”

Closing her eyes and resting her hands out on the table with the palms up, she appeared to be in deep concentration, recalling her memories from long ago. In front of her, particles of light spun together, forming various shapes, and finally they integrated into a sort of holographic image. There a tan and silver platform sitting on the floor with another on the ceiling appeared. In between was a double-helix hologram in front of a female Drow, both of which were in the center of a golden beam that shot through these platforms. The double-helix broke apart, changed, integrated new pieces, and fused back together.

“A DNA resequencer!” Alakantar exclaimed. “They must’ve engineered our people to mature at a faster rate. I’ve heard about these things screwing people up, but they got it right. I can’t believe it.”

Aris watched the illusion with interest that changed to horror at the actions of the humans.

"What an appalling thing to do! I'd heard of human meddling to create 'better' societies in their limited and short-lived mode of thinking...but this...and what did they intend to do, enslve the Drow they changed?"

Ire’arra glared at Alakantar who was showing a little too much excitement for her liking and obviously Aris’ and shook her head. Noting the overall change in attitude with everyone, the young Drow calmed down some and turned his mind towards clarifying one of the Qu’essan’s assumptions. “Ummm…to be more specific, they were not really humans in the modern sense. They were in fact humanoid in appearance but highly advanced physically. If I recall from my studies and what my father has seen, they could perform telekinesis, heal others, and had remarkable sensory abilities, along with longer lifespans. And actually, they used their technology to create humanity in their own image albeit less advanced and protected them for as long as they remained on this plane of existence.”

Alakantar raised his eyebrows some. He knew that it would be difficult for an outsider to believe the creation of humanity, but he hoped that Aris would at least distinguish the difference between humans and these people. But Ire’arra was one who believed him as she saw the data, technology, and the humans herself.

She shook her head to Aris’ last question, still with no emotion upon her face. “Their intentions were to never enslave us but to instead guide us away from our cruel, destructive past and towards what the Alterans referred to as ‘a civilized populus’.”

"If you take the blood of a Kaymirilian Drow, and the blood of an UnderDark Drow, there is no difference. They didn't have to change the very core essence of your people to change you, and cannot very well call themselves civilized without being able to recognise the sovreignty of choice of another sentient culture."

Ire’arra folded her hands over one another in her lap and broke eye contact with Aris, seemingly lost in thought. But she did answer the Qu’essan. “I was informed of their intentions…I witnessed their reasoning behind it…The Alterans were to adapt us to peacefully living upon the surface of the planet, a place where we had always feared to tread.”

She looked up once again, those cold eyes looking directly at Aris. “When they had completed their task, we were able to mature with greater speed without any ill effects on our lifespans, walk upon the surface without harm to our eyes, and not experience the harsh memories of the evils of our past.”

Only a select few leaders would have that kind of access if it was given...she'd had been one of the Top Eight...but she said I. Not WE.

"Ilharess Valsharess d'lil Ust Qu'ellar. You were their leader...and you chose to do that to your own people...all of them."

The title by which Aris had referred to the ancient Drow resurfaced so much from Ire’arra’s past. She had not been called this for almost ten thousand years and it rang so much differently to her ears this time. Sitting fully erect in her seat and resting her hands upon the arms, she appeared to be quite regal and stared at the Qu’essan.

“The title is correct, young one, but I did not choose the fate of my people initially. Though I was the first one to be altered by the lengthy procedure, it was against my will until my mind was fused with the knowledge of the Alterans. I became aware of their history...law codes…technology…and my own destructive past.”

She sighed slightly. “I was able to cope with the new-found knowledge, but others were not as strong-willed. Suicide spread rapidly throughout the altered as did insanity, until I compelled the Alteran Emperor to seek other options. Unfortunately, the only one that was readily available was to tamper with the memories of those unaffected. Out of desperation, I chose it. I had nothing else…”

"You allowed them to redefine your culture by their own rules. And then when most of your people couldn't deal with it, you had them numbed. A series of paradoxes. A Valsharess, Matron Mother of the First House, to defy your goddess and be changed to the moralities of someone else, instead of guiding your society gradually to a more peaceful era. It's a process that is ongoing."

Aris was angry, thus not reigning in what she said. It was a skill she'd learn more as she got older.

"No wonder your soceity couldn't handle it, it wasn't ready!"

Alakantar’s eyes widened at the tense situation, unsure of what to do. Normally he would’ve tried to intervene to get two people to calm down, but these were females, and he knew enough that one just does not get involved in those kinds of arguments. Appearing a little antsy, he quietly asked Aris where the restrooms were and was directed towards the southwest corner of the flowery courtyard. He politely excused himself from the table and made an effort to get there as soon as he could, away from this mess.

After carefully watching the younger Drow leave the table, Ire’arra snapped her head back towards Aris, oddly not angered by anything she was saying. “I could do nothing to retaliate against this civilization since they were superior to us technologically. I could do nothing to change the alteration of my people, but I could choose a different path for their future. I set out to prove myself able to lead my people and worked diligently to that end, and eventually I was able to establish a monarchia with the First House ruling over the new…independent…nation.”

"But why agree to the alterations in the first place?"

She shook her head slowly, disagreeing with Aris’ question. “I never agreed to alter the genetics of my people except when having their memories manipulated. The only reason for it was that I wanted no more to die…no more to be terrorized by what they had been…all of my people had their corrupt ones extinguished save for one person…me.”

"Then why the primary alterations? Why allow them, and who authorized it?"

“For one to understand the reasoning behind the primary alterations, one needs to understand the Alterans themselves. They were a people that sought to create life where there was no life. They reconstructed civilizations so that they could reach their full potential. With my people, they sought to bring us to the surface, to greaten our population, and to set us on a course to be a power in the world of that time. In their scientific minds, resequencing of our…DNA was the quickest and most effective solution to meet this goal.”

Ire’arra paused, recalling the memories of when she interacted with these people. “The person made the initial decision to interfere with my people was the Emperor of the Alteran Empire, Kar Rarnin, but he was willing to take a diplomatic path to meet that goal of a restructured civilization. Unfortunately, his chief scientist, Hremstir, manipulated him to pursue what I have been explaining to you.”

"So you're saying that the diplomatic community wanted to try to bargain with your people, while the scientific community desired to use force."

Ire’arra nodded, pleased that things were going smoother now. “You are correct, Aris. The scientific community under Hremstir succeeded in altering my people and managed to acquire much information from us during that time. They used this information for future experimentations even to the point where it provoked the Imperial government to conduct extensive oversight of their operations. All of this led to the eventual exodus of most of the scientific community.”

"How can you defend them after that?"

“I have a unique perspective in that I am fully aware of what my people were like before the Empire intervened and its aftermath, and I prefer what our civilization became than what it was once before. But I do not agree with how this alteration was conducted. The original idea of Kar Rarnin would have been the preferred method.” She sighed and rested her hands in her lap. “However, as a leader, I had to make the best of the situation I was in and chose a new direction for my people.”

"This I can understand. Your people had been programmed to abhor the violence they were capable of, and the beings that altered them had made themselves as gods, and your people suffered for it."

My ancestors would have wiped them out had they attempted such.

"You made the only choice a responsible leader could under the circumstances. But what the Alterans did was still evil, in the very basic sense of the word."

Glancing over to the restrooms then back over to Aris, Ire’arra once again shook her head to the young Drow’s statement. “I disagree. The entire Alteran civilization cannot be condemned for the evil actions of only a segment of the scientific community. The remainder of the population was for the most part, ordinary people who sought to live their lives by high moral standards, including the Emperor himself. Their fault was that they were easily manipulated by Hremstir and his colleagues.”

"Their society as a unit believed that to alter other races to make them capable of living up to what THEIR society judged as full potential was a good thing. While their scientists may have been condemned for their actions, they came from the position of knowing, from a cultural standpoint, that what they were doing is right, even if their leader was willing to try and reason with you."

Her eyes fell from Aris’ and thought about what she was saying. “Yes, you are correct. That was how their society functioned…that is what they believed to be their greatest contribution to this universe. They did marvelous works in their time, some that can be perceived as either for good or for evil.” She looked up, a little saddened. “Sitting here in this courtyard ten thousand years later, I can do nothing to change that. Those events are forever in the past…those people are forever lost…”

"And that is how time works."

“I know too well of it…”

Rising abruptly from the table without another word, Ire’arra gradually stepped over to one of the botanical gardens and sighed deeply, staring at the lush plant life. What was slowing becoming quite apparent on her face was that she was upset, not about the subject material itself but the memories of her past that were now resurfacing. There were things that she had never settled in her life and what she was remembering was one of them.

She then said phrases softly, but to no one in particular. “Time has no ally but death…it snatches everything from your grasp…leaving nothing but destruction in its path…you can run from them both but eventually they will take you…then everything is lost...forever...”

"That's a rather morbid way of looking at it. Thing is, Time's only your enemy if you don't prepare for the fact that one day you will be gone. Live like you're going to live forever, and you'll set yourself up for a grand fall when your time is up. If you use time to set up for change, who and what you were can still shake the foundations of Empires for ages after you've passed on. This very courtyard was commissioned by our first Valsharess...and she brought the same sort of change to a Drow society by choice and force of will that the Alterans managed only with genetic manipulation. And dispite everything that has happened, her line is still guiding our people and changing our nation and making it a power. Time is not our enemy, Advisor. And it never had to be yours."

Our nation remains powerful...and yours has crumbled to the point where you and your descendant are all that are left.

Continuing to stare at the flowers, almost seemingly lost in thought, the advisor’s lips moved as if she was saying something but no sound emanated. In her own mind, Aris’ words only made her feel worse because she suffered from the lack of time…she was never able to plan ahead, to design a prosperous future for her people.

She then leaned onto her wooden staff. “Time…it was a luxury that I did not have and yet at the time did not know that it was so sparse. If I possessed the knowledge then that I currently have today, the future of my people would have been different. I could have protected many lives, saved two civilizations from destruction…But I cannot change what has happened…So I am forced to live with all the mistakes that I have made and the deaths of millions of people during my lifetime.”

Aris was about to reply when her mother's voice rang sharply in her head.

Daughter, you know not enough to pass judgement, and even if you did, you are still but a child. Apologize. I don't need you starting any incidents, we've enough to handle already.

Aris winced inwardly. She'd forgotten that her mother would be keeping an eye on her while speaking with the Chairwoman.

"I apologize for my words, Advisor. A child such as myself has no right to sit in judgement on something that happened to another nation so long ago."

Her eye contact quickly broke from the flowers and turned towards the young Drow, almost with a small smile. “I do not feel that you need to apologize for your words, Qu’essan. They are ones of a person well beyond your years. I even wish that I had possessed the same wisdom at your age.”

As she still continued to talk with Aris, she glanced over towards Alakantar who had just left the restrooms and was now slowly meandering towards the two. “But you never have experienced the things that I have firsthand and I hope that you never do. Even now, they still torment me and will for the rest of my days.”

And perhaps that is right.

"I doubt that a threat like that will come to us from the stars, Advisor. Kaymiril's problems differ."

“A threat can come from anywhere at any time, even from your own world…from people who you thought as nothing of importance to be concerned about.” She sighed lightly. “One must always be prepared for every situation no matter how unlikely and always keep a watchful eye upon anything out of the ordinary or even of the ordinary. I have learned of this a difficult way and certainly do not want your great nation to fall into the same scenario.”

"We are still Drow, Advisor. We take our precautions."

“As you should,” Irearra stated plainly, watching the approaching figure.

Upon reaching the two other Drow, Alakantar smiled as he saw that they were getting along and engaging in civil conversation. But he still had to inquire about everyone’s well-being so he turned to his mother’s advisor and asked, “I trust everything has gone well in my absence.”

“Reasonably,” she replied, nodding a little. “We were merely reviewing a few details of the history of the Alteran Empire and its involvement with our people.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, I see. That can be quite interesting in some areas, in my own opinion."

"Which areas, in particular?"

Thinking about what his answer would be, Alakantar rubbed his chin for a moment before he replied, “Well, I find the technology of the Alteran Empire to be quite fascinating all by itself because of its advanced level, some of it far greater than we currently possess. And because of that I think that it would certainly be of benefit to the Corporation when we finally excavate the ancient capital city underneath ours and study what is there. Who knows what we will find.”

“And another thing that I find interesting is that the events of ten thousand years ago have such an impact upon Northrop-Grumman society today, even some of the most important ones. It truly is amazing how everything ties together in this universe of ours.”

"What impact did it have, aside from all but wiping out the native Drow?"

Alakantar was on the verge of opening his mouth to reply, but Ire’arra quickly cut him off, wanting to explain the situation in her own unique way. “You are sadly mistaken, Qu’essan. I am certain that my people survived through out these millennia; otherwise, Alakantar would not be present here.”

“For you to understand the situation that I and my people faced, you must see it for yourself. It cannot be grasped by mere words.” She extended her smooth dark hand out from her robe. “If you are willing to see what I have seen, take my hand. I will not force you. It is your decision.”

Aris's eyes narrowed a fraction.

Beware strange spells from unknown or hostile matrons.

The warning flashed swiftly in her mind, and she was enough her father's child to seriously consider the warning.

But she was enough of her mother's child to be curious enough to want to discover the truth -- or at least one side of it.

"Very well. It is my duty to warn you that we are being watched, and any hostile actions you take will be treated as though you were Kaymirilian -- and such penalties are very harsh indeed."

Ire’arra’s eyes gazed down upon the Qu’essan, examining her expressions closely as she pondered. She trusts me not, yet curiosity has overtaken her. An interesting child she is, but she still has much to learn. Breaking her train of thought, the advisor turned her head towards Alakantar and extended her left hand to him with an approving nod.

“You can join us if you so desire. I do know though that you would find this interesting when one takes into consideration your fanaticus in previous occurrences.”

Cautiously, Alakantar glanced at her once then again before grasping her hand firmly. The two then looked to Aris as Ire’arra replied, “I am well aware of the situation around us, Qu’essan, and none of it is a concern to me.”

With a swift move of her right hand, she released her wooden staff and took Aris’ hand, leaving the staff beginning to tilt to one side, most likely to fall. She shut her eyes almost immediately and began to mumble an incomprehensible language to herself. And without any fancy moves or impressive displays of light, the staff froze in place along with everything else in the courtyard. Then, the surroundings around them began to darken, the furthest things disappearing first into absolute darkness. It seemed that everything was being consumed, but in reality to those outside of these three, nothing was happening. It was as an illusion to the three, and soon, they were surrounded entirely…

Gone was the safe and familiar.

The courtyard in which they'd just been dining had vanished, replaced by a swirling, rushing darkness, and finally by a deeper darkness.

An absolute darkness. A darkness which dylight cannot penetrate.

For a moment, fear permeated the young Qu'essan's thoughts, but then she pushed past it, analysing.

They hadn't gone anywhere. This was all a grand illusion, and to reject it was to make it go away.

With that knowledge, she was again calm, and ready to observe.

Ready to see the truth -- from one perspective.

The fragrant aroma of flowers being carried by the gently blowing air was the first thing that the three could sense in this strange new place, followed by the high-pitched calls of seagulls in flight over them. But their eyes still remained shrouded in darkness until Ire’arra reopened her own, banishing the illusion from everyone’s’ minds. The scene that they could now view was a vast plain covered in the green grass of spring and a few patches of goldenrod here and there adding a variation of color to the fields.

Ire’arra released both Alakantar’s and Aris’ hands and motioned to the scene around them, explaining what the place was. “We are standing among the Plains of Etediora on Terra,” she said flatly.

She then gazed down upon a magnificently crafted granite road that extended ahead of them into the horizon and tapped her leather sandal against it. “And this is the main trade route between the Alteran Empire and Shal'Thassan-Nal, constructed solely by them for our trade with their Empire.”

Voices, different from what the three were used to hearing and in two different languages, interrupted Ire’arra’s narration of the surroundings, and she turned her head slightly to what was behind her. There, the stone road had branched off into two directions with a large hill nestled between the two. Upon it were approximately fifty large plasma gun placements, shining in the morning sun with their typical silver and blue Alteran design. Each one was manned by at least one person nestled behind the metal shielding at the controls, ready to fire at a moment’s notice. While the three “spectators” could not see who was in them, they could hear a few of the words that were being exchanged back and forth. But first, Ire’arra dived into Alakantar’s mind, providing the needed translations for Aris of the Latin sentences that the Alterans spoke while using her own knowledge to translate from Drow to Common for Alakantar.

The first sentence that they were able to hear was from an Alteran man, speaking in a very anxious tone into his communications device. “General Aleanrahel, when do you think they are going to arrive?”

“Anytime now, keep alert and try to hold them off as long as you can,” replied the distinctly feminine Drow voice.

“I will.”

His weapon pivoted slightly as he nervously gazed out across the stone road. Nothing was moving and all was quiet…too quiet.

Aris's young mind was able to do a lot of automatic translations from Latin to Drow, and any Drow spoken was simply differently accented.

While Kaymiril had never had a scene exactly like this, even a young Qu'essan knew the scent of brewing conflict.

War.

A slight vibration of the ground could be felt underneath the feet of the three as they stood gazing at the weapons placements and hearing the conversations of those inside. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary to those who lived the bustling capital city of Northrop-Grumman, but what caught their attention with greater speed was a soft rumbling noise from behind them that grew in intensity. It first struck Alakantar as being rather odd so he turned his head to find large brown dust clouds rolling across the Plains of Etediora, a strange sight considering the grassy nature of the location. Sinkholes began to dot the landscape and followed a path that ended within only a few feet of the three.

But the rumbling grew into a loud roar as out of the sinkholes, thousands of dark beings poured out into the plains. Their heavy yet sleek power armor hid nearly all their features on their eight foot high bodies save for their bright-red glowing eyes that contrasted their darkness. Each carried a longsword, swirling with energy, in their hands, swinging it from side to side in relative ease. But they appeared to be mindless drones as they charged forward towards the hill, not caring that their comrades were being blown apart by the plasma weapons. They did not feel sorrow and merely stomped over the remains.

Those on the hill desperately tried to fend off the attack and successfully killed over a hundred of these beings but the numbers were just too great for these people. Those that tried to escape the incoming slaughter were trampled down by the enemy, and those that stayed suffered an even worse fate. Their limbs were ripped from their bodies, heads were smashed to pieces, and torsos were torn to shreds as the enemy gutted the defenses. Screams of agony pierced the air as did the growls of these beings.

In a little over a minute, nothing was left but the scene of a massacre.

Aris watched impassively. She didn't know if it was good or bad that she could watch this scene of ancient carnage with so much impassivity, but she did. After all...there was nothing she could do here.

As quickly as it had arrived, the loud rumbling had faded off beyond the hill. Now all that remained were the demolished turrets, the bodies of those that had manned them, and absolute silence. Ire’arra broke her concentration on what had just happened and gazed over to the two young Drow at either side of her. On the left stood Alakantar, in amazement at the speed at which the scene unfolded before him. And on the other was Aris, emotionless, much like the advisor for she understood that nothing could be done at this point. She raised an eyebrow slightly at that and turned from the two so that she could continue to guide them on this journey through the past. With a deep sigh, she held her hands out in front of her and closed her eyes again, changing the surroundings into darkness once more.

The shroud was removed from their eyes only moments later, and they found themselves standing before a great city of dark stone. On the outer edges closest to the three, they could see a sea of houses, those of the commoners, ranging from small to medium in size and quite simplistic in construction as they contained only the basic necessities. When examining further inwards, the houses of those who had more wealth could be seen. Elegantly constructed arches and spires began to appear more frequently as those families proudly displayed their riches for all to see. Nearing the center of the city, seven mansions of relatively large size stood in a perfect circle, more intricately constructed than those further out. Balconies, spires, and carefully carved stone adorned every exterior wall, giving those inside a spectacular view of the city. At the focal point of the city was the enormous royal palace whose grounds covered nearly a square mile with its extravagant Gothic architecture rising into the sky, aided by the technology of the Alterans. Around its towers swirled numerous bolts of archaic energy, discharging into the atmosphere above. This and more displayed the power and wealth of the First House…Aleanrahel.

Aris raised her eyebrows at the proximity of the noble Houses. Even in Kaymiril, each House had its own area to watch over and protect...enough space that assassination attempts were few and far between.

"Wasn't it incredibly risky, keeping the Eight that close to each other?"

Aris’ words broke Ire’arra’s concentration on what she was preparing to reveal, causing her to turn her attention from the city to the question at hand. Without a moment of thinking, she turned to the young Drow and answered what she thought to be a rather easy question.

“Remember what I have stated previously about the Renovatio, young one. During that occurrence, the old memories of my people were removed, their vicious past taken from them. From that point onward, the struggles between the Great Houses for power ceased, and they began to live in harmony, thus enabling them to live in such close proximity to each other.”

The young Qu'essan's eyebrows drew together.

If she'd guaged the timeline correctly, that architecture was older than this "Renvatio."

She said nothing, though she doubted the veracity of the elder Drow's words.

Noting the young Drow’s facial expressions, Ire’arra considered inquiring further as to what it was that was running through her mind but instead shrugged it off as she focused on the next sequence of events. So with only a wave of her hand, the advisor motioned to the right of the three to a large grassy field in front of the capital city where a massive Drow army, nearly two million strong, stood and waited for the approaching enemy. They were divided up into perfect ranks, according to their House with the first eight comprising the central core and the other smaller ones surrounding them. Each one could be recognized solely by something unique that they wore. The easiest to identify was those extravagantly dressed members of Aleanrahel, which were at the front and center of the army between the other seven main ones. They were split up into approximately three groups: the powerful mages who wore the dark thin robes, the swordsmen who wore the strong, yet flexible leather-like material, and a new third group who were encased in a variation of the Alteran power armor and were armed with plasma rifles.

But, at the front, leading her own House and the entire army, was one who would be quite familiar to the three observers, the Valsharess of Shal'Thassan-Nal herself, Ire’arra Aleanrahel. Appearing to be vibrant, full of life and emotion, a great contrast to her older self, she was a commanding figure on the battlefield with her glowing metal staff tightly clutched in one hand and a naquadah-reinforced longsword in the other. Blowing around her, a cape covered most of her armor, except for a small portion in front and the evidence of a metal ceremonial skirt that jutted out below, but one could tell that it was fairly light and flexible so as to allow her easier movement.

As she gazed out into the distance and studied it carefully, he face turned to one of anger, seemingly discovering something new. She then rose the sword up in the air as a sign for all under her to fix their eyes upon her for the signal. But as soon as she did this, the invading army swarmed over the hill, charging directly for those that stood ready.

Closer and closer they came but the Drow army did not move, all waiting for the signal from the Valsharess.

Meanwhile, the advisor quickly snatched the hands of the two younger Drow and ran them down onto the battlefield at a point directly between the two armies. There she released them once again and waited for the battle to commence.

Overhead, eleven tan cylindrical spacecraft bolted through the clouds towards the invaders. Interestingly, they were the exact same design as the one that the Grummanian delegation had flown in and even included the usual weapon bays that just now had suddenly extended out of the sides of the hull. From each one burst ten fleshy yellowish green drones that aimed directly for the soldiers. They swirled around in the air for a few moments before striking the ground in magnificent explosions, vaporizing almost fifty of them at a time.

Still waiting, the Valsharess studied the scene before her carefully. The explosions weakened but still did not halt the advancing enemy as was expected, so she dropped her sword and charged forward along with the rest of her great army into battle. From her left, the mages swiftly conjured spells of fire, ice, and electricity and set them onto the enemy forces, while to her right, the armed foot soldiers fired blasts of plasma passed her.

Soon the powerful forces slammed into one another. Shots rang out, metal stuck against metal, and tempers flared. Luckily the mages and foot soldiers were able to hold their own against the enemy but the swordsmen were not able to do so. The thick armoring of these beings prevented non-ballistic weaponry from penetrating, a large problem for the Drow army considering that a little over half used these kinds of weapons. So it began to force them into a new strategy. The mages and soldiers would try to knock holes in the armoring while the swordsmen would dive in for the strike.

But as the forces battled it out around her, the Valsharess fought fiercely until she had come upon the leader of this invading army. A nine foot tall being stood before her, clad in spiked black armor that covered everything on his body except for his scarred black face. His red glowing eyes stared down upon her and examined her from head to toe as his face changed to one of disgust. But the Drow stared right back up at him in anger for the face from long ago had just reappeared before her.

“Hremstir,” she muttered, tightening her grasp of the sword and staff in her hands.

“It seems that your memories are better than I had expected,” he sneered. “But it is unfortunate that you will meet the fate of your lover and the traitor of the Alteran people.”

Tears began to run from her eyes as she screamed, “Damn you!” and thrust her sword at his face where it was unprotected.

Hremstir had expected this maneuver from her and successfully dodged the blow, slamming his longsword down onto hers forcefully, nearly knocking it out of her hand. Angrily, she spun around and struck him with a burst of energy from her staff. It had its desired effect and knocked him back a few steps but did not incapacitate him. He retaliated with a shockwave that burst forward from his hand, pushing the Valsharess down onto the ground where she dropped her blade from her hand. Grinning at the ease at which he knocked her down, Hremstir approached her with the intention of driving his sword through her chest.

“Whatever you can do…I can do just as well,” she snapped, just a split second before sending out her very own, but more powerful shockwave that knocked the armored being to the ground.

The Valsharess leapt back up onto her feet and hurried towards him, yanking an ornately crafted small metal box out from under her cape. Nearing him, she tossed it down upon the ground beside him where it opened up. Then with her eyes closed, a chant, incomprehensible to those around her and even to the young Drow observing, began to emanate from her lips causing the box glow brightly and out from it flowed a strange yellow light in the form of vines. As the crept along the ground, they focused upon Hremstir and wrapped around his metal legs, causing him to jump up and try to get away from them. But concentrating on the work at hand, the Drow continued to chant, attracting the attention of the armored being that dove forward, intending to strangle her to stop this attack upon him. She felt his movements towards her and brought up her staff to block. Suddenly, he grasped it and began to push against her to break her concentration but she did not yield.

The two struggled for some time as the pull upon Hremstir began to strengthen, but in a last desperate attempt to stop her, he channeled all his powers into the staff and her, jolting her. Eyes flew open as she tried to respond with her own power, sending it back through that same staff, which began to glow brightly. But neither one wanted to yield to the other, even under the immense pain and pressure that they were experiencing. And they continued to push their bodies beyond their limits until the power in conflict overcame them. The Valsharess felt it. Hremstir felt it. And each tried to escape in their own way, but they were too late. A blinding display of power consumed them both, and with an ear piercing boom, the pressure relieved itself. Shockwaves of energy radiated out from the scene consuming everyone in sight, demolishing everything that stood. The weapons caches and power systems beneath the capital city were detonated vaporizing the city, land, and everything around it for over a hundred miles. The land was consumed in fire that constantly burned. Nothing that lived above the surface escaped alive.

The battle was over.

"I know that spell," the young Qu'essan murmured thoughtfully. "Well, more of it...or at least one like it."

She put a few more moments of thought into it.

"The discharge caused from overuse of tupora fashka...and the backlash would have consumed your corporeal elements...leaving the ethereal behind."

Staring blankly at the brutal destruction that had unfolded before her, Ire’arra neglected to reply to Aris’ guess as to how this all had happened because the memories that she once thought she was able to handle, resurfaced even more powerful than before and were too much to bear. Her hands clenched into a fist and her body began to tremble.

Then the scene surrounding the three flickered and drastically changed from the wide open fields to a dark and musty tunnel. On the upper end were the blue skies and the bright midday sun that shone through the spires of a stone city and on the other was total darkness. Running frantically down through this tunnel were a wide variety of Drow, male and female, adults and children. What they were fleeing from readily became apparent as the upper end of the tunnel was consumed in a ball of fire that began to rush downwards. They continued to run as the ball of fire neared, but one eventually turned around and fired a bolt of plasma from his rifle, thus causing the tunnel to partially cave in behind them and turn everything to darkness.

Alakantar turned from the scene in shock at what he saw. The death of most of his people and the remainder fleeing underground raised many questions from within so he began to inquire further, “Are they still…” But before he had a chance to finish, Ire’arra glared back at him trembling and not in control of the events that were being displayed around them, and he vanished before her eyes.

Now, only she and Aris remained.

Once again, the scene before the two changed, this time to an ancient room constructed solely out of white marble. Elegant arches surrounded the centerpieces of the room, a white throne with light blue designed molded into it and an altar in front of it with its lid broken into numerous pieces, and the arches were laid out in a circular form in order to hold up the massive dome overhead. But this did not compare to the scene that was occurring before the two. A tall, brown-haired human wearing green and black camouflage fatigues with a black utility vest and a futuristic silver longsword in his hand, pulsing with energy, fought against a familiar sight, the black armored being that had once battled against Ire’arra those many millennia ago.

“I will strike you down as I should have done that day, and you will perish for the evils that you have inflicted upon this world,” the human yelled at Hremstir as he thrust the sword through the being’s armor and into his chest. The sword then began to emanate bolts of energy that surrounded him and in an instant, Hremstir vaporized and the scene disappeared.

Hunched over, Ire’arra stared at the floor, seemingly lost in whatever thoughts she had. The events that were unfolding before the two were being created by her subconscious that was spinning out of control because of the harsh memories that were resurfacing. She desperately tied to stop it all but nothing was working.

The next scenes flashed by in rapid succession, detailing Ire’arra’s ruthlessness as she worked her House up through the ranks to become the first. It became evident by what Aris could see was that anything that opposed the Matron was trampled down, slaughtered before her. Numerous houses had been massacred by just a mere command that passed through her lips. She even went to the point where her own children had been killed, mere infants sacrificed to her Goddess.

It continued rapidly showing scenes, until Ire’arra clutched her head and commanded, “ENOUGH!”

Everything dissipated around the two, and a throne of dark stone appeared next to her as she collapsed into it, eyes shut and breathing heavily. Two parallel rows of candles led down from the raised platform across the slate floor to Aris. Everything else was in darkness.

"Exceptionally ruthless...at that point in time, you'd have been a good addition to the House we claim ancestry from...but you'd have had more serious competition."

Aris had watched the bloodshed impassively, knowing even at her young age how normal Drow society functioned.

To be honest, the defeat of one's mother was the first challenge in ascending to the Kaymirilian throne.

To defeat in combat, but to not kill.

Ire’arra’s eyes slowly opened and gazed down upon the young Qu’essan standing before her. Her face appeared tired, stressed, and saddened from reliving her experiences. Too much had resurfaced all at once. Too much for her to handle

“Praises, I should not be given,” she replied, sighing. “For my hands committed such atrocities that no person should ever have done. I am ashamed for what I have done, and I now must suffer because of it.”

"I wasn't saying I approved. Merely that at the time, it must have seemed like a very good idea. Even the thing to do. Get rid of your mother, some pesky sisters, any competition...it was the Drow way."

“Yes, yes it was. I recall thoroughly enjoying what I had accomplished…every part of it. The power and favor that I had attained was…magnificus.” Her eyes turned towards one of the flames dancing around the wick of a candle. “But even these many millennia beyond those days, I have instances where I feel compelled to act upon those old feelings and slay those who dare offend me…that is why I carry no bladed weapon…”

Aris decided to NOT add that it was common practise for a d' Maril Qu'essan to be lethal with a staff by the time she was age thirty.

"We get that instinct too...we just decide consciously to not act on them...and those that give in normally wind up executed."

“I understand why your people must do such things. For it is in the best interests of your nation that those people are kept from harming others.” She gazed back upon the Qu’essan, emotionless. “However, I fear that I may be unable to control myself at some point as had just happened earlier. I know my actions would be devastating. That is why I keep others that are able to subdue me, close at hand.”

"Probably the best course of action."

Shutting her eyes, the advisor rested her hands onto the cold stone arms so that she could push herself up from the throne and banish this dark place from both of their minds. But she suddenly stopped and opened them once more, staring at Aris. This was an opportunity to ask one final nagging question, away from prying eyes and listening ears.

“Your expressions show that you have distrust of what I say.” She settled back into the throne, taking up a regal form. “Can you please share your thoughts and opinions of me?”

To give her the answer that almost rolled out of her mouth would be completely rude, which was not in line with her mother's wishes.

But the truth...h'mm.

"You showed me a system which is illogical at best, without giving me solid evidence as to why I should trust your intentions or memory of events. Your story seemed to change and shift while you spoke it, and that, if nothing else, implies a lie. How can a story so fragile be trusted, even when seen through the eyes of a witness that has no real reason to be honest?"

One leg gently crossed over the other and the old Drow struck her knuckles upon the stone arms as she answered, not at all surprised by what the Qu’essan’s reply.

“There would be no purpose in a lie, young one, for my intentions were to display to you a true account of the history of my people. I never intended to mislead you and have not in any such way.” She rested her hand flat upon the stone and sighed. “Of course, you still have no reason to believe what I say for they are mere words uttered by one whom you do not trust."

"Though, if you truly want the evidence you seek and are willing to search then I ought to suggest to you where you can find it. The archives concerning the Renovatio are buried deep within the archives under the caput urbs of the Corporation, while the archives concerning the battle you have just witnessed and also the Renovatio would be in the land of my people, but are inaccessible at this time.”

Stories can so easily be falsified.

"I will keep it under consideration."

“Very well,” came the brief reply, followed by a slight nod.

After rising from her throne, Ire’arra lightly stepped down from the raised platform next to where Aris was standing and closed her eyes, concentrating on what she was about to do. With a mere wave of the hand, the room disappeared into total darkness. But then the darkness itself dissipated to reveal the beautiful courtyard they had once been standing in earlier. The three were still holding hands, which Ire’arra released so that she could snatch her staff that was now falling.

Apparently, no time had passed.

“…living underground?” Alakantar finished asking out loud before his eyes widened at the changed environment that surrounded him. Shocked, he fell to his knees with a bewildered expression on his face as he gazed up to Ire’arra. “What the hell happened? One second ago, I was there looking at a tunnel and now I’m not.”

She raised an eyebrow at him and replied, “Apparently, my capabilities in the matter function the best with only one person, not two. I must have lost control over your mind for that span of time.”

Alakantar.

She hadn't considered him...and she doubted he'd be prepared to know any of this.

So she lied...just a little bit.

"It didn't appear to be anything of great consequence, anyway. Standard events...almost routine."

Alakantar appeared a little disappointed as he rose from the ground and brushed his pants off. He was rather hoping to see what else Ire’arra had showed but it looked like he missed the rest. “Oh…well…I guess that’s alright then,” he replied, turning his back to sit down at the table once again. “It’s just that I want to know more about my people and what happened to them.”

Ire’arra glanced over to Aris, and her lips moved without a sound, saying the words “Thank you” when Alakantar’s back was turned. She then sat back down in her chair and laid the staff down onto the ground beside her. “All in good time, Alakantar, for these things must not be rushed into.”

"If you are to stay here, you will come to know us...and we are probably as close to 'your people' as you would ever wish to know."

“Yes,” Alakantar replied with a hint of sadness in his voice. “That would probably be the best thing that I can do now.” He then gazed over at Ire’arra, who possessed all the information that he wanted to know, and sighed.

She took her hand and gently rested it on his shoulder, calmly replying. “Do not despair, child, for these things must come to pass. You will acquire much knowledge, useful knowledge, during your stay there. This I assure you.” Then her tone changed to a tone different than before, rather cryptic as a matter of fact. “For I am reminded that the skill of masonry must be acquired beforehand by the proprietor of a fortress if he is to reconstruct the greatness and sturdiness of that stone dwelling after the forces of time have struck down upon it.”

Aris's eyes narrowed, then widened.

"Masonry isn't something we tend to teach at the University...not even among students."

Out from the halls of the Valshanth and into the grass courtyard slowly walked the Chairwoman towards the three seated around the table. In her facial expressions, she seemed determined to do something, and that was magnified by her green eyes that did not scan the unfamiliar surroundings but instead remained focused upon the advisor. She then stopped behind her son and rested her hands on his shoulders, gazing down upon the old Drow.

“Playing with time again, I see.” It was slightly apparent that Siri had yet to trust her completely especially considering her impressive capabilities. “What are your reasons for it now, Ire’arra?”

Ire’arra calmly replied, “I was merely displaying the destructive past of my homeland to Alakantar and Aris, Nei. I assure you that no one was harmed nor wronged in this experience.”

Folding her arms, unsure of whether or not to believe this response, Siri turned her head to the Qu’essan and asked, “Is this true?”

The young Qu'essan almost smirked.

"Chairwoman, whether or not it is true is not the point, for had she wanted, she could have reached into our minds and placed controls on us that we would tell you what would please you best and you could go on your way at peace. The point is that she did not, and returned us both unharmed."

The Valsharess stepped up from behind Siri, and slightly to her left.

"She speaks true, Chairwoman. Had my daughter been in danger, I would have sensed it...and your advisor would be in a prison cell pending trial, rather than sitting here in peace."

The Valsharess and Qu'essan both seemed so calm...and yet there was the undercurrent of something when they spoke...a hint at danger...this was not a family to be lightly crossed.

Setting her hands upon her son’s shoulders once more, Siri leaned over his head and spoke directly to Aris. “You underestimate me for I would have clearly known if she had tampered with my son’s mind, because such things are quite noticeable to those who have experience with controlling the mind like I do. Ire’arra knows this as she can do the same.” To this, the advisor nodded slightly, expecting the usual distrust and not truly caring about it anymore.

“Before I even asked her the first question,” Siri continued, being direct. “I made sure that nothing was wrong with the mind of my son, and when that was assured, I knew that the chances of your mind being tampered with were slim so I asked you instead.” She then glanced over to the Valsharess then back to the three seated in front of her. “Now, nothing bad has happened so this line of questioning is pointless, and we can continue on with other things.”

"Aris, I trust the d' Kestal family has been advised that they will take in Alakantar and send Jaril to Northrop-Grumman?"

"Xas, ussta Valsharess. Alakantar and Jaril have already spoken, and the An'shalla has spoken with the Qu'ess already. He will advise his father, and the preparations will be made."

The Valsharess nodded. "Good."

The general mood between the three Grummanians lightened with the change of topic, and even Siri’s expressions did indeed seem to brighten also as she spoke to her son. “Well, it appears that everything is squared away here for the student exchange. Now, all you need to do is have your father inform the University of Wilmington of the arrangements that have been made.”

“It’ll be pretty easy to do that.” Alakantar nodded. “Generally, the administration understands these things and is fairly flexible.”

“Excellent. Once you two have taken care of that, then you will wait until you are to arrive here in approximately four weeks from this date.”

“Sounds good,” he added rising from his seat along with Ire’arra.

"In the meantime, I am sending a tutor with you to begin teaching you our language, so that when you arrive to stay with the d' Kestals before the beginning of the term, you will be working on speaking the language, not learning the very basics."

Aris rose, made the slight bow with hands spread, as was customary, and left.

Her mother watched her go, smiling slightly.

"Now, if you will come, I will accompany you back to the outer gates, and then you will be taken back to your craft."

Alakantar smiled towards the Valsharess. “That would probably be a good idea. Thank you.” Then noticing Aris just about to leave, he bowed his head to her and replied, “And it was nice meeting you. And thank you for getting everything straightened out with Jaril.”

Standing beside him, the old Drow bowed further than Alakantar had, showing that she had even greater respect in the Qu’essan than she had before. “Farewell, Qu’essan. I hope our paths cross in the future once more.”

Lastly, Siri politely nodded to the young Drow and soon, along with the other two of her delegation, followed the Valsharess to the outer gates.

The Qu'essan acknowledged the guestures of the other two wordlessly, vanishing.

Meanwhile, the Valsharess led them through her grand palace - the Valshanth, eventually guesturing to two doors that opened on the outer gardens.

She descended the steps with them and walked with them through the gardens to the gate, where they were met by a wiry Drow male who made a bow to the group.

"You will find me capable in my task," he assured them.

After bowing, Siri examined him carefully along with her advisor, before replying to him flatly. “Very well. I believe you will do well in teaching my son." She gestured to the gate. "And now, as I am sure that the Valsharess has explained the situation to you, we will discuss more about such things on the long flight back to Northrop-Grumman.”

"As you will it, Chairwoman."

He then stepped back and let the Valsharess have center attention once more.

"Until you should once again step on our soil, go and be in good health."

The Chairwoman was quite pleased that this meeting had gone this well. New friends had been made, and two nations that had once only seen each other in passing were closer then ever before and were now about to partake in a student exchange, one thing that the Corporation had never done before.

In light of all this, the Chairwoman smiled and gave a respectful bow of the head to the Valsharess. “I wish you the same, and if you ever find yourself our way, please do stop by Northrop-Grumman. We would be honored to have you visit with us.”

The other two politely bowed their heads with the Chairwoman and departed with her through the gates, to their shuttle and home.

And so closed the meeting, as a new chapter in Kaymirilian-Northrop-Grummian diplomacy opened.