Planet Nouvelle, Capital City Hollie
Royal Palace, Throne Room, The Meeting
Queen Sabine sat at ease upon her throne, patiently watching each of the parties present speak their individual pieces. She watched each group closely, not necessarily studying them, but rather, trying to understand whom they were as individuals, as singular beings. Sabine looked at their features, their anatomy, and their mannerisms. The Valkians were very methodical, purposeful in the way they spoke, perhaps more detail oriented than the other two groups before her. She listened to what the Lord Tinkerer said intently as he addressed her. To say the least, he was highly intelligent and spoke with a purpose.
She took in all he said, appreciating the time he took to explain his words and the meaning behind them. He was true, in a sense, she supposed. There was an inherent risk in technology being introduced to the people of Nouvelle. Such new and unthought-of inventions could benefit Nouvelle, advancing the now apparent inferior technological level of the Nouvellian people by decades if not centuries, but, on the other hand, it could make the Nouvellians dependent upon another culture for research and development. Technology home grown and developed by the Nouvellians was a great sense of pride, though how could her people hope to compete, let alone survive against a galaxy full of far greater powers. She weighed this heavily in her mind as she continued to listen.
She took no offense when Lord Tinker stated the obvious, her people were far underdeveloped compared to those in attendance. She took this as a technological level, rather than a cultural level. She had decided that she would have to make accommodations to have a permanent building built for the Valkians to operate out of, an embassy of sorts. Their honesty was commendable, and would surely be needed for the times to come. Her guards seemed at ease, which was good, at least to her, as they did not see any threat amongst their guests. She quickly looked back to Lord Tinkerer of the Valkians.
He had finished speaking, having taken his seat once more. She looked at him warmly, part of her saddened by their inability to see the world with their no longer existent eyes. Sabine had taken note that these races seemed to have not fully interacted with one another before this time, barring the Terran and Eternal Union members. This in itself may be seen as something insignificant, but, to Sabine, it spoke volumes of the great galaxy around her home world. The fact that the Valkians had attempted to contact her other guests, and they had thus far chose to ignore that contact was to her seen as a blatant misgiving in protocol. Either way, that was their choice, and she would have to see how they responded before coming to any conclusions.
The Valkians seemed true and genuine. Queen Sabine smiled at the compliment given to her upon how her people had accommodated the Valkians with all due haste that they could muster. She nodded her head to Lord Tinkerer when he had thanked her, quickly responding in kind with “You are welcome Lord Tinkerer, it was our honor to host you here today.” She was happy that they had proposed establishing an agreement or perhaps a treaty first, which would mean it would be easier for her to create friendly relations between the two peoples. It was now time to hear the other speak their cases, and to learn whom they were.
The next group to speak were the members of the Eternal Union. From a fleeting glance, none of the members of the E.U. had any weapons, which Queen Sabine took to her heart kindly. Hopefully, all of the groups were unarmed, but it was nice to see that at an outwards glance her request for no weapons was honored. She leaned forward in her throne as she listened to the diplomat speak to her, introducing himself as Archmage Cavenus. He spoke quickly and politely, favoring brevity in his first conversation with the Queen of Nouvelle. She could not help but look upon them with a sense of unease, or rather, that something was amiss. Sabine could not quite pinpoint it, but either way, she put those thoughts towards the back of her mind.
She wondered who this Immortal Aaliyah was, perhaps one of their gods, or their only god, or their leader. She would ensure that she asked about this later on, when it would be appropriate. Her violet eyes starred at Archmage Cavenus, taking in what he said about his people, the culture of the Eternal Union in a sense. War was always at odds with peace, but, in her people’s case, war was needed to ensure true peace and prosperity for her people those millennia ago. Peace and prosperity, these words were held dear to the people of Nouvelle. Sabine continued listening, finding the next part most interesting.
The war, or conflict between those of the Eternal Union and the Terran had been concluded, which was intriguing since it looked as those from the Terran looked startled by this revelation. She was curious to whom the Archmage was referring to as the tyrants. This would have to be further looked into, when time permitted. Either way, they spoke little of who they were beyond that they are a peaceful and friendly nation, wishing prosperity for those that valued peace. Curious indeed were these beings with wings, Sabine thought, as she smiled at Archmage Cavenus, bowing her head to him, and thanking him for speaking so kindly to her.
When the Eternal Union representative sat down, finishing speaking his piece, the Terrans leader stood up to speak her piece. She was most similar to the Nouvellian people, aside from their few outward physical differences. The woman curtsied before Queen Sabine, while it was a bit tense, it still flowed with a sense of practiced elegance. Her plain white dress added to the overall effect of the Terran woman’s greeting. Queen Sabine was very taken by the greeting, finding such a custom was not only common place upon her world, but on another, at least at one time. She would have to speak with this Terran woman alone when time permitted.
Queen Sabine looked at the woman glance over at the E.U. delegation, seeing her unease, the way her eyes and face betrayed her true emotions running deep within. This was noteworthy, and Sabine looked over to the Eternal Union diplomat, looking at him for a few moment, before redirecting her attention at the Terran woman. She offered a small greeting to her counterparts from the other races, before turning her attention upon Sabine herself. She spoke almost the same dialect as the Nouvellians, though, it lacked some of the flair and uniqueness of the Nouvellians. Sabine wondered if she was able to speak High Nouvellian as well, though, that was for a later discussion.
Praskoviva Lovisa was her name, and she held the rank of Captain with her people. They called themselves the United Terran Federation, which Sabine took as perhaps they were more than one select group of people, or perhaps even more than one planet. Curious, all these new cultures and peoples Sabine thought, as she continued to listen to Praskoviva speak. The woman spoke of her name, and its meaning, which was intriguing in that while perhaps Captain Lovisa’s people may not have put emphasis on the meaning of a name, the Nouvellians did. Famous Warrior, coupled with preparation, a curious combination that no doubt showed itself well, as from Sabine’s eyes, Miss Lovisa knew how to speak with royalty. These Terrans were an interesting group for sure.
Lovisa went on to explain how her people perceived time, the length of a second, which, and hopefully on Captain Lovisa’s accord, Sabine noticed a reddening of her cheeks during this explanation. Their days were twenty four hours long, which Sabine could only assume as the time it took for the sun to rise again for them, or perhaps, for them to fully rotate upon their axis. She leaned forward, her attention raptly upon Lovisa. The people of the Terran, or Earth, could live up to two hundred years old, with their medical technology. Yet, barring anything other than fire and perhaps basic tools, they could only expect to live until their twentieth year, which was woefully sad. Sabine was curious as to why this was, but her attention was quickly brought back to the matter at hand.
The people of Earth, the Terrans, had settled thus far four celestial bodies within their home system, places called Earth, Venus, Europa, and Titan, two of which were moons like Nouvelle was. Each world Praskoviva described was different from the others, each with its own unique way of life and native life forms. The good captain took her time to describe the worlds of which her people came from in order to draw a picture of their culture perhaps. What was noteworthy was the fact that the Terrans had peacefully colonized these worlds, without harming the native life, which Sabine respected greatly. She wondered to herself if one of these probes had ever came to Nouvelle, perhaps crashing into the uncharted regions of the world.
Captain Lovisa went into detail of the events leading to her people’s exploration of space, of how her home world’s inner turmoil led to a new dawn for the Terran people. Companies, a word that Sabine did not particularly relish, were also a thing upon the Terran worlds. These companies perhaps played a role in the global instability that lead to the war upon the Terran world. Sabine sat back, saddened at how an entire region of a world ended up becoming devastated, causing no doubt countless deaths of innocent lives. The nation that instigated this war was dissolved, no more, and replaced with a term simply as District. No doubt to prevent such violence and chaos from happening again.
What was sadder still, was the fact that the differences of a person’s physical appearance caused great unrest in these peoples, dividing their world. Such a trivial thing had never happened upon Nouvelle, as the people all had seen themselves as one ever since the upheaval and defeat of the Militarist factions so many millennia ago. The Terrans must have overcome so much to be where they are today, and these trials and tribulations no doubt made them better for it, Sabine hoped to herself. To oppress another people simply because they look different was so barbaric.
Sabine nodded her head as she listened, intently interested in the Terrans, and Valkians. They had spoken volumes about themselves thus far, showing that they were open enough to show whom they were to other races, other peoples. It was how would you say, a sign of trust and respect even among strangers. Captain Lovisa explained how the war had changed the world she lived on, for what seemed from her depiction for the better. She also added, which Sabine herself could relate to, was how the Terran people were fiercely independent, priding themselves on their freedom, and their desire to stay independent of an outside oppressor.
Sabine watched as the Terran woman spoke to the Eternal Union diplomat, Archmage Cavenus. Captain Lovisa spoke in a saddened tone of sorts, as she lamented on the fact that so many people had to die because of the inability for another culture to see how much the Terrans valued freedom and independence. Sabine looked upon Captain Lovisa with a shared sense of sorrow, knowing that life was such a precious thing. The Terran woman returned to her normal tone, looking back at Queen Sabine.
Sabine smiled at Lovisa when she spoke of how her people enjoyed speaking about themselves, that the Terran’s were an open people, comfortable with answering what would seem any question. The Terrans were an interesting people, with their own unique way of doing things, of living their lives. Captain Lovisa spoke of how they were trained in interacting with new races and cultures. Queen Sabine nodded as she listened, finally letting the Terran finish speaking. Captain Lovisa added in closing, as she turned to address the Eternal Union once more of how she hoped they spoke the truth of the conflict’s resolution, that lying was not honorable, and how the Terran’s were very forgiving people.
Queen Sabine turned to look at the Valkians, noticing that Lord Tinkerer had seemingly become slightly unsettled, or perhaps alarmed by Captain Lovisa’s introduction. It was a small movement, slight, but out of place for what outwardly appeared as a normally controlled being. Lord Tinkerer spoke aloud, at what seemed directed towards both the Terran and Eternal Union representatives. He was curious into the nature of the conflict that had ensued between the Terran and E.U. He spoke tersely towards the two of them, unsettled and disdainful towards those that would dare start a conflict without due reason, especially for the dastardly deed of subjugating another person.
Lord Tinkerer went into further detail about his people, in order to better explain his feelings on the matter. He delved deeply into the history and breakdown of his people, how they had been broken up into three succinct sub-species within the great Valkian people. To a time when they had their eye sight, and their names more closely represented their walks of life. A time when a great war had nearly wiped his people out, forcing them to flee underground, adapting and evolving to their new habitat. He spoke of a Great War, and the counter-offensive that saw his people return to the surface, reclaiming their world, and that of the aggressor. Lord Tinkerer explained how all this history tied into the present, that the Valkians would be a staunch supporter of peace, stability, and life, and for those who would dare tread upon a darker path, the consequences would be most dire.
Lord Tinkerer stared at the Terrans and the Eternal Union diplomats, speaking to them cooling, not out of trying to intimidate them, but rather, stating a matter of fact, that any act of violence, of conflict against a friend, ally, or even perhaps a neutral peaceful people, would be paramount to attacking the Valkian people themselves. War is costly, and lives are precious were what his words spoke to Sabine, as she listened to him speak aloud. Dare to attack us, or those we protect, and you will face our wrath, till you are no more. A war to end all wars in a sense. Sabine sat back in her throne, knowing that the coming times would require her to be most cautious.
The Valkians spoke volumes of their character. They were not here to interfere, nor meddle. They were watchers, mentors of sorts, a big brother or sister. Someone to care for the younger races and help them grow into their own greatness in due time. Lord Tinkerer would no doubt do all he could to protect anyone he saw as an innocent, that war was a final and utterly last resort. In a sense, they were like a police force, or perhaps, a peace keeping like species. Either way, Queen Sabine noted all of what the Valkians said, especially what was to come next.
He started off by saying he was the only one of his group who could understand all that was being said. That in mind, he and his kind had no wish for closer contact with the Eternal Union beings. Lord Tinkerer’s words were like hammer blows to the mind of Sabine, as she listened to what he said. The Eternal Union had done something that could not readily be explained. In the words of the Valkians, the E.U. had somehow manipulated the minds and feelings of those present upon their landing. Sabine brought her hand up to her mouth, aghast and unsettled at such a revelation. She turned to look upon Archmage Cavenus as Lord Tinkerer addressed him directly.
Queen Sabine said nothing, still reeling from what had just been confirmed to her. The Eternal Union had powers beyond that of sword and gun, beyond weaponry and technology. They possessed a power that could not have ever been imagined before. Such tales were mere fantasy, ghost stories and legends. Sabine looked at Archmage Cavenus gravely as Lord Tinkerer spoke his solemn and somber words, thinking of the implications of all that these powers could mean, when the Archmage responded in turn.
Archmage Cavenus almost seemed indignant that he was being accused of doing something wrong, that his powers were harmful or wrongfully used. He explained these powers briefly, perhaps leaving out the greater details for a reason. From what Sabine could glean from his spoken words were that, these telepathic abilities were not harmful, and that it required consent. That there are such abilities to worry about, ones that overpower anyone and anything to bend them to the caster’s will, and that this caster had to be very powerful. Yet, how could that explain how it had affected her people almost so completely, that trained soldiers and guards just stopped what they were doing, and stood there… Queen Sabine shook her head, listening to Cavenus’s final words before formulating her words in order to ask her numerous questions.
Queen Sabine sat in her throne, her mind alight with furious trains of thought. She pondered the situation that she now found herself in. These were three drastically different groups, sharing only in their ability to explore the stars, and to utterly decimate the people of Nouvelle if they were inclined to do so. She looked at each of the leaders present, looking at their faces, their features, trying to make sense of all that was swirling about her. She turned to look at the Eternal Union representative first, Archmage Cavenus and his retinue. Looking at him with a bit of apprehension, she spoke out calmly as she could muster.
“Archmage Cavenus, first, I thank you for your words about your people. Perhaps in time, you will be so kind as to elaborate more upon your Eternal Union. Though, I must address more pressing matters first, if you will allow it. I find it personally reprehensible that anyone could have such a… a gift as yours to… to influence the minds of others. You are gifted with a power that is beyond my ability to describe or comprehend. As such, I humbly request that until we know more about this… ability… this gift of yours that you refrain from using it while you are here upon Nouvelle. It is ultimately your choice in this matter, but, the free will of the Nouvellian people is paramount to me, and, with all due respect Archmage Cavenus, I will have to react accordingly to any transgressions against my people. I want to be able to peacefully and happily interact with your great people, but, please, all I ask is that this power of yours be restrained for now.” Sabine smiled, showing that she meant no harm, nor wish for any conflict with the Eternal Union.
“The other subject I wish to address with you, good Archmage, is the conflict with the Terran. I will honor your request for this matter not to be brought up after my inquiry, but, allow me to ensure that nothing is amiss. You have related to all of us that this conflict has been resolved, and that the ‘Tyrants’ whom committed these acts of war are to be punished justly. Not to sound… how do you say it, skeptical, but, the good Captain Lovisa had no word of the conflict’s resolution. The Terran were caught off guard by this revelation. I feel by their reaction that either they have yet to be told, or that your great people are the ones who have stood down with no formal… ceasefire or recognition, or, and I do not mean to offend you, but, that there is the possibility that you are concealing the truth of the matter. Please, would you be so kind as to at least enlighten me onto this matter. I, as guardian of my people, do not wish for a conflict to ensue in the skies above our peaceful world where the Nouvellians could become collateral casualties. Please, tell me more Archmage Cavenus.” Sabine found herself sitting on the edge of her chair, her words perhaps having come out more concerned and harsh than she truly wanted. She knew that she had to get to the bottom of this matter, because its repercussions and echoes could seriously affect her people if the outcome were… negative.
Queen Sabine bowed her head to Archmage Cavenus, letting him have the floor in order to properly respond in his own time. She watched him closely, not letting her gaze wander to the other to groups. She wanted to make sure all he said was the truth, and that he was not trying to hide anything from her. It was in these moments that it would take the Archmage to explain himself and his people that Queen Sabine would be most vulnerable to any sort of telepathic abilities the Eternal Union members possessed. If they wished to do something unethical, the time was now. Queen Sabine would let the Archmage finish, before addressing the other two groups.
It would have to be noted that, perhaps if such a telepathic power were to be used, it could be very possible that the other two groups may notice it either being “cast” upon whomever it would be directed at, or, they may notice its after effects, if such a power was used. If no attempt was made, if the Eternal Union respect the Queen’s wishes to not use their power, their gift while upon Nouvelle until further notice, then all would continue as usual. Queen Sabine smiled, nodding to Archmage Cavenus after he explained himself, taking what he said to formulate her next questions and responses.
She would turn to look at the Terrans, the people of Earth and their other planets. Sabine looked at Captain Lovisa, smiling at her before addressing her. “Captain Lovisa, of Earth, you and your fellow Terrans sound highly fascinating. We share a great deal in common, from physical traits to cultural beliefs. Your people were among the first to greet us in a sense, your theatrics and uncommon entrance have been talked about much within the palace. You are a unique individual, not only having knowledge of your own people, but, our courtly mannerisms as well. You seem to know so much, and your name in itself is a matter of pride and honor. I can only hope that we will be able to further interact with one another. Allow me to extend the full welcome of my people in a gift of a permanent domicile for your people upon Nouvelle… an embassy for diplomatic relations to be conducted out of. I would also be honored if you would fancy me with a more personal meeting at a later time, if your time permits such a meeting. I have much I wish to ask you, and much I want to learn from you.” Sabine found herself standing now, walking down from the dais that her throne sat upon to stand at the same level as her guests.
“Captain Lovisa, and Archmage Cavenus, if both your people need a neutral ground in order to further mediate a peace accord, I would be honored to host it here. The same goes for anyone that your people may be in conflict with. I wish to help instill a feeling a sanctuary here upon Nouvelle, one that no matter the feud or hatred, how long or short, can come together upon a safe ground where both sides need not fear each other.” Sabine moved to face the Valkians once more, looking at Lord Tinkerer, bowing slightly before him before speaking to him.
“Lord Tinkerer, I grant unto your people the right to fly within our skies, to patrol and provide assistance should it ever be needed. I am honored that you would take it upon yourselves to not only protect your own people, but the people of other worlds as well. I find this sense of duty and character noteworthy, and highly commendable, and thus, you have my people’s thanks, and my own personal thanks as well. I would be honored even further if you would accept a permanent domicile for your people as well upon Nouvelle, an embassy for you and other Valkians to stay at while upon Nouvelle.” Sabine smiled at Lord Tinkerer, allowing him to speak in turn, before moving to sit back upon her throne once more. She looked at the Eternal Union representative once more, speaking to him after she had taken her seat.
“Archmage Cavenus, I too extend an offering of an embassy for your people to stay in while upon Nouvelle. It would be an honor to have you upon our planet as well while you needed to conduct diplomatic interactions with me. I believe that we all can learn much from one another, and that time itself will help our relations with one another grow. I will also take into consideration of perhaps different feelings for one another, and as such, I will take steps to see that each embassy is separated from one another to ensure neutrality, and the feeling of security.” Sabine looked at all her guests, and smiled at them all.
“Now please, ask any questions you may have. Allow me to help better your understanding of my people. If you require any food or drink, please ask, and we shall do our best to bring it to you. Let us make your stay here as comfortable and pleasing as possible. I thank you all for coming here, and for taking the time to speak to me about yourselves, for humoring a Queen of a… less privileged people as yourselves.” She smiled, and left the floor to her honored guests.
Planet Nouvelle, Capital City Hollie
Trade District, Café Dae’leeone
He sat in the patio, sipping his coffee and munching on some pastries. He looked at his watch, checking the time to ensure that he was on schedule. Beside him sat a travel bag, a stiff leather one. He touched it with his right foot, making sure it was still there. Satisfied that all was in order, he went back to his work in front of him. He read through his morning paper, idly passing the time for when he would need to make his way to the canals, and out of the city. Soon, he thought, as he drank some more of his drink. Soon indeed.
Planet Nouvelle, Frontier Regions
City of the Gods, Central Ruins
A power signature grew greatly from the center of the regions ruins. Deep within a long forgotten structure, gears and mechanical components whirred to life, resonating as they went about their assigned task that had been programmed long ago. The skies above the ruins slowly began to cloud, ever so slightly. Whatever was happening, it seemed to have something to do with the weather. For those in the skies above, orbiting the planet, it could be quite possible to notice this change, the massive surge in power that came from within that mountainous region that had been utterly abandoned for centuries, if not millennia.