The entire Adarian delegation tensed the closer the two delegations came. Nothing seemed out of place, only familiar faces. Zane's heart lurched seeing the delight from people he long considered friends, or at least he'd been friendly with almost everyone.
The moment the Melum and Maricar delegations saw the youth rippling with power, they immediately started to approach respectfully. Unfortunately, his disgust was clear for all to see.
Princess Lucera Brannan Grisvold of Melum saw the youth look past her, his gaze so affronted she paused. Before she could look to Zane for some kind of indication, they were surrounded.
Ashton stood on the edge of his nest, his gaze settling on a vermin he'd hoped never see again. "There are many sins I am willing to overlook. Murder, arson, theft... but I do not permit child rapists to bring their filth into my territory. Edgar Vi Garcia, for your sins... you burn." Ashton informed raising his right hand, a silver flame sat in the palm of his hand.
Edgar jolted, but before he could even attempt to deny the accusations a tiny bird of fire shot into his chest. He collapsed, then all he could do was scream.
Lucera leapt back as her hand maiden caught her arm to keep her from falling. Edgar was curled up like a shrimp as he screamed. He was thrashing as he tried to roll but couldn't extend his body enough. The smell of burning flesh, hair, cloth... Lucera covered her mouth.
When several of the people of the delegation tried to move away they were poked with spears and forced to remain no more than a few feet from the thrashing body. Soon, the charring, burning hands were clawing at his throat.
Lucera watched in horror as the fingers broke off, crumbling to ashes. There wasn't even skin left, just charred pieces slowly falling off yet continuing to burn.
She had seen executions, but nothing so... controlled. First the fingers and toes, then palms to wrists. Even though the charring had started in Edgar's chest, the pieces crumbling away were like frost bite. Soon his nose crumbled away. The screams, oh god, how could he even find time to draw in breath?
"Ghaaaaa!!! Aaaahhh! Say-ve! AAAHHHHHHH!"
Edgar was in so much pain he couldn't even coherently beg for help. Magma was racing through his veins, eroding more than just his body. The longer the agony continued the more distant thought became. Pain, burning, boiling, agony. That was his existence.
Even after the arms, legs, and head had all crumbled away the flames continued to burn.
Zane watched as Edgar's bodyless soul was burning away, Rommel had pushed his way between them but the sound, sight, and smell... nothing could protect him from those. Zane turned to see flames burning in Young Song's eyes, and his hair had bristled... almost looking like feathers.
"All who participated will meet the same fate, those who were complacently aware will have their tongues and eyes burned. You should have heeded my warning when last we met." Ashton informed placidly. The silver flames leapt to one other person in the delegation, a guard.
Neolani didn't flinch when even the metal breast plate and sword melted under the silver flames. They waited until the souls had been burned away before Neolani raised her spear returning to Ashton's side.
Ashton let his gaze fall over many of the pale nobles, "Any similar sins will be similarly removed from my sight." Ashton informed as the flames started to die out. While there were nobles who had raped... Lucian had already executed most of them. The few who remained had not dared since Ashton's arrival in the capital.
Zane gripped Rommel's arm, "Stand down. Send people to investigate anyone who burned, protect any victims." He ordered under his breath.
Rommel nodded stiffly, then forced his gaze away from the... ashes.
Ashton stepped back into his nest, "Compose yourselves, then proceed with caution." Ashton reminded waving his hand as he sat in his nest to calm his surging mana. More than a dozen flames had been sent out. He traced Edgar's mana signature across the continent to find the others...
Alexei glanced down at Ashton, they were connected so the blessed could feel his mana growing distant. While Ashton looked composed... his mana was still surging. Melia was slowly approaching his mana, but rather than her calm Ashton, Ashton forced the waves down so she didn't drown in the tsunamis.
Zane slowly started to approach Lucera, when the Inago paid him no mind he rushed over to help her stand straight. "Take them to the resting room, in half an hour return." He ordered taking charge of the two groups.
Lucera nodded, when she saw her cousin Rommel she almost lost her composure but the tight grip on her arm also helped steady her emotions. She changed her clothes, had refreshment enchantments cast, then was ready to pay her respects.
Zane let Rommel escort their cousin, first she was more familiar with him. Second Rommel's aunt was Lucera's mother. Since all three nations were close allies, family ties were closely intertwined. Until three hundred years ago Melum and Maricar had been a single nation, only a mountainous path separated them.
Twin princes had decided to split the nation amicably so both became kings. While they were only a third the size of Adar, they were nearly impossible to invade due to their snowy, baren terrain.
Zane escorted his close friend Princess Jantje Tarah Goen of Maricar. Their parents had hoped they would tie their nations closer together, but they were more like siblings. Both girls were 16, Zane had recommended them both by name when he'd spoken to their respective parents about the new development.
Lucera didn't let her steps falter, Rommel and Zane had been speaking a mile a minute. This had not been the welcome she'd been expecting... now a marquis had just burned to death.
Ashton had his arms folded over the edge of the nest as he rested his head, "Before we begin, take this." Ashton informed tossing three thumb sized quartz to Zane, Lucera, and Jantje respectively.
Zane didn't hesitate to activate the enchantment. He was... immersed in a memory. Edgar was writhing on the ground. Instead of the over 40 year old version they were familiar with, in the memory he looked only twenty or so. A leg kicked Edgar in the face as a distorted voice spoke.
"This is your only warning cur, if you ever dirty my eyes again I will kill you. Consequences be damned."
Zane was able to look around and more than a dozen children between the ages of six and thirteen were in cages. Most had hallow eyes that didn't even register what the two men were doing. Only two were glaring at the begging, pleading, naked figure of Edgar.
"Never again, please forgive me. I'll never do it again!" Edgar continued to sob, huddling into a ball.
"Take the children," The distorted voice ordered, then the memory ended as blurry figures moved toward the children.
Zane look up into Young Song's eyes, his gaze wasn't nearly as friendly as before. Zane gave a formal bow, "We will personally take responsibility." He didn't apologize... words would never be enough.
Ashton let his eyes fall on the others, "I will not bring the matter up again. Though my earlier good mood is soured." He warned as Melia was lifted outside the nest to rest. Two female warriors were now on either side of him.
Lucera nodded, "We have brought shame to ourselves, and disrespected your will. Reparations to the children and their family will be made. Our deepest apologies for our negligence, Young Song. Please accept our offerings as a token of our goodwill."
Zane watched as Lucera stepped forward opening a small box, the emerald was the same color as her eyes and dress. Her light freckles usually accentuated her pale skin, but even those were pale today. Her burnet hair was in an elaborate bun with a diamond butterfly net.
Ashton accepted the box, "An emerald imbued with your personal mana. I accept the offering in the spirit it is given. Hopefully this gift serves you well." Ashton reciprocated as he handed over an enchanted dragon scale.
Lucera accepted the scale with both hands, the enchantment allowed her to feel the emotions of the people around her. "Your graciousness cannot be expressed in words, may next we meet bring Melum honor." She curtseyed then stepped back.
Jantje stepped forward, her black curls bounced as she curtseyed. She lifted her black eyes to finally look upon the youth, "I, Jantje Tarah Goen of Maricar, bring well wishes. Please accept these diamonds. Each personally mined by my eldest brother, Crown Prince Colton Dij Goen; personally polished and set by myself." Jantje greeted formally.
Ashton accepted the box and half a dozen mana infused diamonds of varying sizes. "I accept the offerings in the spirit it is given. The first part is for your brother, may Colten be a wise ruler in the coming years. This is to be opened by him alone." Ashton informed handing over a sealed pouch.
Jantje accepted the pouch with both hands, "I will personally ensure he receive your gift." She promised, tucking the pouch in her space ring. If she died, only her parents or Colten would be able to open the ring.
"May this gift protect you even after you return." Ashton then handed over another pouch, inside was a manually rechargeable barrier that would protect her from any spells below the seventh tier. No doubt she would need it in the years to come... but survival beyond leaving the empire was not his concern.
Both sets of priests stepped forward together, they had managed to calm themselves considerably as the four hefted the large chest forward.
"Berfin sends her greetings and welcome for a fellow beast of Pride, we personally cultivated her snow lotus flowers. May they assist you in the days to come." The oldest priest explained as they placed the chest down and opened the lid.
Ashton saw a dozen ice flowers; the petals were a lily lotus hybrid. Only the outer petals had any hint of color while the centers looked made of ice. They also radiated pure mana, under the flowers were ice crystals.
Alexei nodded for two warriors to carry the chest back to the palace. Ashton sat up and crossed his legs as he held his hands in front of his chest. At first Alexei was mildly uncomfortable with the heat as a silver white flame was emitted, but mere moments later the temperature dropped to near freezing.
Ashton focused on removing any heat from his flame, soon frost was radiating out from his hands, slowly creeping out around his nest. "Ember."
Neolani thrust her spear into the ground as a burst of flames surrounded the nest to keep the frost from spreading, the chill was another matter. Less than a minute later the flames went out.
Ashton held a clear sphere about the size of head, inside was a fire that was as clear as ice. The fire was still rippling and moving like a normal flame. "I pay my respects to Berfin, Pride Snow Koi. May my gift protect her for the centuries to come."
Melia stepped forward with a small chest just large enough to contain the sphere and protect the humans from the chill. She accepted the flame then presented it to the older priests.
The oldest priest led the four as they bowed deeply, "We will personally deliver the Young Song's gift." He could see the Young Song's mana signature all over the child, she should be a high-ranking priest.
Melia bobbed a nod then returned; Azarius took up a post beside Ashton as she went off to rest.
The rest of the offerings were handpicked fruit or snacks. Ashton offered protection until they returned to their respective countries so long as they did not shame themselves.
Zane remained near the nest as the two delegations offered their congratulations to the empire. The gifts were considerably less impressive, mana stones and a sword. Zane didn't comment when once again, Lucian offered no reciprocal gift.
Jantje and Lucera hesitated before they returned to sit at the same table as Zane, two large baskets of food and fresh tea were available. Both watched as Rommel took only the slightest nibble out of a bite sized pastry then quickly made eye contact in warning.
Jantje selected the same pastry, hesitantly taking only a slight nibble. Her eyes went wide as she started to aggressively circulate her mana. Lucera's reaction was only a beat slower.
Jantje settled herself as she glanced at the youth who was being fed slices of fruit by a younger boy.
Ashton tilted his head, "Is it not to your liking princess?"
Jantje gave a brilliant smile, "The food is wonderful, I have never tasted anything so impressive before. I will have to savory it slowly." Jantje adjusted her mood to match the soon to be beast. She'd met Berfin twice, while her moods weren't as erratic as most beasts, she was quick to punish anyone who fouled her mood. The idea of bringing someone who had publicly incurred her rath like Edgar... none of them would have been excused for ignorance.
Ashton raised a brow, "I am not so petty, relax. For now, we meet in peace."
Jantje only continued to smile as she nodded, "Zane has waxed poetic of your magnanimous nature."
Ashton sighed then turned to the other, "Your friend is so suspicious, what say you little princess, am I so scary?" Ashton asked leaning his head in the crook of his arm.
Lucera smiled as she sipped her tea, "I do believe we should proceed with caution my Lord," Lucera had also met Berfin, she was a cold, prideful beast who didn't like anyone to disagree with her. But she was also protective.
Ashton raised a brow, "Hmm, cautious little ones. That's not always a bad trait. Mayhap someone might learn some." Ashton added eyeing Alexei.
Alexei ruffled Ashton's hair, "Not even in your dreams, especially not now." Alexei noticed Ashton's hair wasn't as soft as usually, it almost felt... bristly. Alexei leaned against the nest keeping physical contact with Ashton.
Neolani also half sat on the nest on the other side of Ashton, "Admit it Ash, you like my mate just the way he is."
Ashton grinned as Neolani took the plate of bite sized pastries and fed him one, "I mourn not frying him to a crisp before you grew so attached to him."
Neolani poked his bulging cheek, "Of course you do, he will now forever be the thorn in your side. Sighs, I guess the rest of us will just have to be worthy of your sacrifice." She teased feeding him another almond cream pastry.
Ashton gave an exaggerated sigh, "I guess he will eventually grow on me."
"Someone has to make sure your head doesn't get any bigger." Alexei shrugged taking a regular fruit to eat.
Zane watched the interaction... he didn't know any beasts who regularly kept contact with any humans. Even the few who were more humane were not so... friendly. It was almost like Young Song was only a beast for moments here and there.
Rommel leaned forward, "May I ask how you two met?" Glancing between Young Song and Alexei.
Ashton grinned then nudged Alexei, "You tell them, I'd like to hear it from your point of view."
Alexei grinned, "Well, was over 20 years ago already... I mistakenly believed some great conqueror had taken my future wife prisoner and she would be tortured. After three or so weeks, I finally found the bastard's camp, snuck past all his guards, and found his tent.
"I waited until I thought the jerk was asleep, then tried to stab him through his heart with a spear containing a fourth-tier enchantment... and that was our first meeting." Alexei finished.
Rommel's eye twitched, "You seem so close now..." he trailed off trying to get more information.
Alexei shrugged, "Nhe, you'd have to ask Ash. I just follow our Regina around."
Neolani rolled her eyes, "Perhaps if you had not roared a war cry as you leapt from the top of the tent you might have landed a blow. As useless as it would have been."
Rommel glanced over, "You were there?"
"Of course, I was Ash's prisoner." Neolani informed with a light smile.
Zane glanced at the three, "May I ask how you met Young Song?"
Neolani let a predatory grin out, "I was waiting in ambush when Ash's caravan was traveling through. I had managed to wipe out nearly twenty soldiers before he negated all the active mana. I also tried to run a spear through his heart, and almost made contact."
Rommel just stared... "So if we want to be friends we just need to try and kill him?"
Alexei covered his mouth, "Hmm, well. I personally wouldn't recommend it. There were... extenuating circumstances." He hedged looking away from Ashton.
Neolani had flashbacks, "Personally would not recommend." She agreed.
"How would you describe your first meetings with them?" Zane asked nonchalantly.
"About the same, though my Ember neglected to say she was able to cast fourth tier spells at 13, and her ambush skills are top notch. Luckily none of the men lost were mine. I decided I liked the fire in her eyes as she rushed me and brought her along.
"After a few misunderstandings were cleared up, I was able to convince her I was not some mindless monster terrorizing the area. Of course, on our way to send her home, Alexei decided to visit. The rumors had him running in as soon as he saw Ember in my tents. What was it you screamed... something about beasts should just die.
"Anyway, after... a civil conversation Alexei finally calmed down enough to allow me to escort them back to the tribe. Along the two weeks journey I gave my heart to Ember... alas ... now I am stuck with Alexei until my Ember dies..." Ashton finished with another sigh.
Alexei snagged a pastry and stuffed it in Ashton's mouth mid sigh. "They way you tell it makes me sound like such a pushover. I remember a bet about me having one chance a day to try and kill you. I was close a time or two."
Ashton raised a brow, "The heavily unfair bet where I couldn't use any mana, spells, or enchantments? Sure Alexei, whatever you tell yourself."
Neolani grinned, "I do agree it was heavily unfair... but I remember him being a hairs breath away from drawing blood, even if only once."
"Fine fine, Alexei, great warrior of the Inago. Respected by even one such as myself for his battle prowess and skills. May you inspire generations to come." Ashton agreed with a smile as he looked over the other warriors.
The nearly two dozen warriors all stamped their spears on the ground, "Alexei, Pride of the Inago!"
Darvic used a wing to pat Alexei's head as he nodded, then settle back down.
Ashton turned to Zane, "What say you prince? Care to enter a bet with me?"
"What kind of bet?" Zane didn't want to agree blindly... he did enjoy living.
Ashton shrugged, "Your safety was already guaranteed, though with caveats."
Zane assessed Young Song, he'd nonchalantly let Neolani kill almost twenty men without consequence, and no telling how many Alexei killed. Young Song was a contradictory being that had the power to kill from over a thousand miles away. Rommel had already reported four deaths, and more than a dozen blinded with tongues burned beyond repair. Those were only the ones found at the Marquis residence.
Rommel tensed as everyone continued to wait for Zane's answer, "Perhaps we could make a bet instead Young Song."
Ashton only raised a brow, "No need, it would have merely been for entertainment. I'm sure there will be plenty in the coming days. Don't you agree Jaxon?" Ashton called turning his head.
Jaxon tensed, causing him to draw in a sharp breath. He was still tender from yesterday; he'd also been trying to keep the peace while they made notes of clues Ashton and the others had dropped about their past relationships. "I'm not sure I know what you're referring to Lord Reece."
"Oh? Is your younger brother not on his way as we speak?" Ashton asked slightly amused.
Jaxon stilled eyeing Ashton... they had only thought to bring him this morning to try and ingratiate himself along with the others around Ashton's age. "Monroe was already in the capital; he was only caught up with a previous engagement." Jaxon stated.
Zane stilled when all of the emotion seemed to leave Young Song's face, and more intimidatingly, his eyes.
"Jaxon, it pricks my pride that you believe I am so... exploitable." Ashton stated.
Jaxon was jolted from the sudden shift, "I do not believe you are exploitable Lord Reece."
Ashton tilted his head left, "Ember, have I been too merciful?"
Neolani met Jaxon's gaze, "I believe so, they don't take you seriously." Ashton was acting more and more like Alphonse, emotionless, calculative, controlled. Though instead of a polite smile... this was decidedly less human.
In the blink of an eye Ashton was standing nearly chest to chest with Jaxon, "Don't lie to me Jaxon."
Jaxon was frozen in place, even though he was physically taller than Ashton, he felt as if he were standing in the shadow of some ferocious beast.
Devlin didn't even see the movement, there was no surge of mana, nothing... Even when Ashton spoke, it wasn't a threat. It didn't even sound like a command. "Lord Reece~" before he could finish Ashton's neck twisted inhumanly far to face him.
"It would be a pity if the empire lost its only fifth level battle mage." Ashton stated, then slowly turned his gaze back to Jaxon. "The next lie should be worth your soul." Ashton whispered patting Jaxon's cheek.
Jaxon collapsed holding his cheek. For just an instant... he felt as if he'd lost half his head. Jaxon stilled as Ashton squatted down, still looking at him with... such apathy. "Yes, my lord." Jaxon choked out.
Ashton gave a beaming smile, then leapt back.
Devlin stepped forward to help Jaxon as Ashton settled back in his nest as if nothing had happened. "What happened?" Devlin ask as he looked Jaxon over... there was no visible damage.
Ashton glanced over the children, "It warms my heart you've had better examples to learn from."
Zane only smiled, they had all been raised to respect beings of power, even the beasts. The Empire had ... well never had a real guardian. Even their founding dragon of greed had been used and slain by their faithful.
Lucera and Jantje both nodded respectfully. The tension was then immediately dispersed as Alexei poked Ashton's cheek.
"Still so lenient, what happened to the man who killed a hundred men without warning just because they teased you?" Alexei asked leaning on the nest again. When the objective silver eye peered at him, Alexei only shrugged.
"Hmm, perhaps... I have become too human since last we met." Ashton murmured as he shrugged out of his analytical mentality.
Alexei didn't show how relieved he felt when the empathy returned to Ashton's eyes. "Nhe, I guess I prefer you this way. But admittedly, not toward Smyrna."
"My heart has experienced much after so many years with the Pride..." Ashton admitted with a gentle smile.
Neolani's eyes reddened but she didn't speak.
Ashton reached forward and lifted a lock of Neolani's hair to his face, "What say you? Keeper of my heart, have I become too human?"
Neolani stiffened, then relaxed as she looked over her shoulder, Alphonse, Ashton, Young Song, soon to be Phoenix. Her heart lurched, "You are perfect as is. As you have always been, and however you grow."
Ashton kissed the glossy black lock of hair, "Do you prefer me now, or as I was when we met?"
Neolani turned forward, "Are you happier now?"
Ashton twirled the hair around his fingers, "I am. I have felt more happiness, contentment, and love in the last decade than all my years in my previous body." Ashton lowered his gaze, yes more contentment... but also more malice. Humans were so contradictory. A pity he could not cherry pick to keep the best parts, he would have to keep or expel proportionally.
"Then I prefer you now." Neolani stated stiffly.
"My Ember, I could not have felt any of this without your belief." Ashton cajoled tugging her back so he could wrap his arms around her waist. He had been honest, he did not regret, he would fulfil his promise.
"Then why didn't you return to the pride?" Neolani demanded harshly, but she held his hands over her stomach. "I waited for you." She added in a whisper.
Ashton breathed in her scent, she had not once come to him in all his years after gaining his heart either. Nor had she shown any particular fondness for it. She had treated his heart as a tool to draw in vast amounts of mana, and to call for aid. Even now... there was more sorrow than happiness at their reunion.
"I was broken. I thought death might be better... no... I thought life as a beast would be better." Ashton explained, he could rip the bandage off, explain her heart had yet to make room for him as more than a temporary guest. That despite her verbal declarations, her heart had not once sung for him.
Neolani took a deep breath, "I felt it." She confessed gripping his hands tighter. "I felt your heart dying." That day with Alphonse had been dying... his heart had literally started to crumble in her hands. She had been screaming inconsolably as she poured all her grief, sorrow, hope, love, and desperation into it. When it finally stopped... there had been nothing but a tiny pulsating shard.
Ashton let flames encompass his body as it grew bigger, then he pulled Neolani into the nest. "I know." He had felt more emotion in that moment than in almost three hundred years. Still, he had chosen her as his heart keeper, since she did not betray him, he would hold true to protect her.
"Then why? Why stay with them, you knew even during our first meeting they were planning to kill you!" Neolani cursed as she sat in Ashton's lap.
Ashton rested his chin on her head as he cuddled her. "I hoped they would see."
"They are just as blind as the Smyrnaeans'! Better to gouge the eyes out and donate them to those who would use them!" She snarled glaring out into the crowd.
"I also naively made a promise and was too proud to renege. Then I... gave up." Ashton acknowledged as he looked up into the sky. Even with his heart so close... he could not see the sun.
Neolani gritted her teeth, "You made that promise when you were eight years old. What bastard would make an eight-year-old keep a promise like that? We should just kill them off and be done with it." She added looking Lucian in the eye.
Ashton stood in the nest, then let his form take on a pale imitation of his soul image. He rested his head against Neolani's wrapping his wings around them. "I will break my oaths and kill them all. If you ask me to."
Neolani stared up at the large half-grown phoenix of silver fire. Its beak nudged her ever so gently, she turned around to face him with a deep breath she wrapped her arms around Ashton's head.
"Their priests, nobles, every descendant of the dragon, anyone you want." Ashton wasn't speaking with his body, but his voice was projected for all to hear.
Alexei stood straight ready to fight his way out. The rest of the Inago had taken similar stances.
"At what cost?" Neolani asked feeling Ashton's determination through her mark... pulsating with every beat of their heart.
Ashton opened one eye nearly the size of Neolani's head, "I would cast off the last of my humanity, this human shell. I would ascend." Then his heart would truly crumble away, he would have no reason to stay.
Neolani buried her face in the flames. "I didn't mean it. Not really." She felt like a petulant child throwing a tantrum.
"I do. You are the keeper of my heart, I trust you as my guide." Ashton announced.
Neolani forced a grin, "And waste my last twenty years? Show me your Pride and ascend with your humanity." She pressed her chest against Ashton's beak so he could feel the once shard that was now big enough to fill her palm.
Ashton let the flames sizzle out, Neolani fell back so he was laying on top of her. He smiled, "As my Ember wishes."
Neolani let her head fall back, "They will regret it though... right?"
Ashton wrapped his arms around her waist as his head rested on her chest, "Of course."
"Then no need to rush. I've waited this long; another year isn't much longer." Neolani acquiesced also wrapping her arms around Ashton.
Alexei visibly relaxed as he leaned against the nest, "Shall we retire to our quarters then? I think the Smyrnaean's have plotting to do, wouldn't want them to feel stifled while we take a nap."
Darvic stood up, clutched the nest in his front crawls, then flew off.
Alexei sighed, "I'll take that as a yes!" He called out after the disappearing figures. Alexei nodded to the prince and princesses as he led the rest of the warriors back. Alexei deliberately stopped beside Devlin with a smirk before he continued.