On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor Side Seventy-Four – Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan

Side Seventy-Four – Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan

“Father, it has been quite-quite a while.” I said as I sat upon the rather nice throne the kobolds had thrown together for . Honestly, I am such a fool. To think I looked down on the kobolds as nothing more than dirt-grubbing pests, when they can create such artistry. But then, I looked down on almost everyone in the past. A… defence chanism, I believe Akio called it. Yes, very apt. I was defending my weak and pitiful heart. But no longer. After all, my heart is no longer mine alone…

“Calm down, Shaeranna. You are spoiling this tender mont.” The foxkin said, and my sister paused, actually heeding her, which was a surprise. “Besides, you will have ample ti to talk to her when the task here is done, no?”

“But Talaisha…” my sister whined, surprising , as I had not seen her like that before. “… little Ula has been thrust out into the wilderness, her life in constant danger, constant peril, and…”

“Does she look in peril to you? Honestly, I wish you would think with your brain, not your spear, for once.” The foxkin, Talaisha let out a long sigh, her luxurious tail flailing. “We ca here to celebrate her victory over an Unseelie Duke.” Her eyes glittered red, indigo and gold flecks within, and I felt her vision upon . “Yes, you worry too much, Shaeranna. She’s strong. Triple elental as well. One of them radiates such power I am in awe.”

“My little Ula, triple elent? Surely not, simply no!” My sister shook her head. “How would that even be possible?”

Before I could answer, another familiar face interjected. “Well, don’t you look different? To think I believed you were rely a guest of prince Shaeraggo, a potential bride. Do forgive .”

At those words from the freshly arrived Way-Captain Caeladaera, my brother, who was trying to make himself inconspicuous, flinched. Shaeranna looked over at him, her eyes nacing, and he quickly ducked his head in apology. Not that the Way-Captain’s misunderstanding is an any way his fault. Still, my brother seems more nervous than usual around sister.

“Well, we were indeed lying low, so you can not-not be faulted, Way-Captain.” I said politely. “After all, I was not-not supposed to have returned to the Seelie Court, though now that matters little.” I puffed out my chest, proud of all we had accomplished.

“Indeed.” The Way-Captain nodded, and I noticed a small resemblance to the elven Prince, which made wonder if she was a relative. “With such a triumph here, your banishnt must surely be rescinded.” Her ears drooped as she looked around the once-lush forests, now rely dead, corrupted earth. “Another tragic tale, but one that must surely have a hopeful conclusion.”

I agreed. “Indeed. The treekin and plantkin under Primal Forest will be restoring the land. Most-most of the Myconid contagion is gone, and we will aid in cleansing the remaining filth. Akio and I, we shall spare no effort carrying the Spring of Clear Reflections to heights beyond the glory it knew before.”

“Akio, that was the one I mistook for your servant and bodyguard, correct?” Way-Captain Caeladaera mused, tinged pink with mortification. “It seems I did him a grave disservice, if he was instruntal in this.”

“Well, Akio did tell you that himself, did he not-not?” I chuckled, enjoying her surprise. “He would take no-no offense. For such an important male and my husband-to-be, he is quite-quite modest and humble.”

“Your husband? I see.” The Way-Captain nodded, understanding why we had seed so close, but her words were drowned out by a howling eruption of ire from my sister.

“Ula, what is this, is this?” She cried, reaching out and trying to grab . I batted her hands away, but she was still faster and stronger than , so soon I was within her grasp. “Husband? Which vile bastard has sunk his despicable claws in my Ula? I’ll ram my spear up his…”

The sound of a slap rang out, and my hand stung. Shaeranna froze, montarily shocked, before she released , hand going to her cheek, which was starting to swell. “Ula?” she said, confused. “Why did you…”

“Why did I strike you? I will not-not tolerate disrespect towards Akio, not-not from anyone, even you, Anna. You know nothing of him. Brother Shaeraggo can attest to the lengths Akio would-would go to for , and the victory at the Spring, it was his-his plan.”

Shaeraggo froze as Shaeranna turned slowly, robotically, fixing him with her steely gaze. He sighed, defeated. “I wanted to be left out-out of this. But yes, I do not-not care for the mortal, but I can attest he does love our sister, and he fought to the bitter end.” He shuddered, rembering the sight of Akio leaping at him, ablaze with Foehn, heedless of his own safety. “I do not-not approve of him bringing Shaeula to such a dangerous place as this, but… well, she stands here victorious, does she not-not?”

“Yes, he seed genuinely fond of your sister, from what I could gather.” The Way-Captain chid in. “He was also fiercely protective of that maid of yours, the Unseelie one. I had my doubts then, but results matter. And knowing your true heritage, I have no doubts you are loyal to the Court.”

“Of course. After all, I shall soon be a Duchess.” I puffed out my chest once more, pride again swelling within . My sister was still frozen, so I took pity on her. “Look, Anna. I understand you dote on and are worried for , but-but there is nothing better than finding a soulmate, the full moon to your new moon. I have never-never been happier, and the happiness only increases day by day. Please…” I took her limp hand, and life sparked back into her jade eyes. “… I only ask that you give my Akio a fair-fair chance. He is kind and rather soft, but when he must fight to protect or those we cherish, he will beco a warrior even you-you can respect.”

“Oh, Ula…” she whispered, clearly conflicted. “My little sister…”

I smiled impishly then, amused at the idea that had occurred to . Sorry Akio, but it is for my family. I know you will not mind! “Well, if you simply must test him, then perhaps a Trial of Three?” my grin was enticing, and I patted my sisters’ hand warmly. “We can make an event of it, show off his power and mine. It might prove useful politically. You can-can even ask brother to join in. I am sure he hungers for revenge, am I right-right?”

“Please do not drag into this-this.” He protested, but if sister Shaeranna wanted his co-operation, he would end up forced into it regardless. He was weak to his sister.

“A Trial, I see, I see.” She muttered, mulling over the idea. “I would most like to test, to challenge, this Akio, my spear against his weapon of choice.” She mused, and I rejoiced that she had fallen into my trap. Still, there is another pressing matter to address…

“Speaking of marriage, what-what is this I hear about you and that scum Duke Vulpatrius? Surely you do not-not like that vile fire-fox? After all, he has been working against , against us for a long ti.”

“That shit-stained, dung-breath fuck?” My sister cursed vilely, before pausing, looking at Talaisha guiltily. “Uh, I am sorry, so sorry. I did not an to insult your shit of a father in front of you…”

Talaisha waved it away with a sigh. “Forget about it, Shaeranna. I know you have grievances. Father can be… difficult. I know that. He does have a kinder side, but it is well hidden.”

“Yeah well, uh, the Duke…” my sister corrected herself. “No, of course I do not care for him, like him. Marriage? Worthless. All I want to do is fight. I dream of leading the Way-Wardens one day. Talaisha, you too, right?”

The red-furred foxkin nodded. “If you agree with my father about naught else, then the need to have strong Way-Wardens and hunt down our enemies is unquestionable.”

“Little Ula, do not worry about .” She ruffled my fur, and I smiled at the warmth of it. “Sure, I do not wish to marry the wretched… uh, the Duke, but I can live with it. He can have my body, but never my heart. That lies in battle, in combat!”

“No, he shall have neither.” I declared. “I now know-know how precious love is, and I shall not allow you, my dear sister Anna, to throw yours away so recklessly. I wish you to experience the sa joys I did-did with Akio. After all, you are my sister and I love you, despite your flaws.” I grinned to rob that of so of the sting. Though I would love you to work on your overbearing nature! “Duke Vulpatrius owes us, owes , and I will surely collect that-that debt. The marriage shall be cancelled! Find love, dear sister Anna, and then you will understand better, and Akio too.”

“It sounds to like you know what you are talking about.” Way-Captain Caeladaera smirked, and I flushed beneath my fur, glad I was not in my mortal form. “You have more experience than these two, anyway.”

“My sister, she has beco an adult, a mature female.” Shaeranna was shocked, losing strength and slumping to her knees.

“I do not-not mind telling you all about it.” I pressed my advantage. “But I will not-not let a sister of mine squander herself on that bastard.”

“I’m glad for you. If your sister can sway this matter, I would welco it.” Talaisha said, eyes kind, as she looked down on her friend. “I will miss the opportunity to be sister-wives, but this is for the best. My father… he does not suit you. He would not have mistreated you, despite the rivalry he shares with your father, for he loves all his wives, but even so…”

Sister-wives? Ah yes, the Duke has no issue marrying his daughters and counts several of his sisters as wives too. I confess, I do not see too much issue with that, though Akio and Aiko, Eri too, they all insist it is an abomination and disgusting. If there is love, why care? Although, the thought of marrying any of my brothers does not appeal, I admit. But… Shaeranna seems sad. This will not do. “Anna, Talaisha. If neither of you wish for this, leave it to !” I pounded my chest confidently, erald sickle at my wrist shining with the light of the moon. “I shall negotiate and set you both-both free from this fate. Though in exchange, I will need your support, and that of as many of the Way-Wardens as you can muster…”

As I outlined my plan, Shaeranna and Shaeraggo were impressed and shocked, while Talaisha rely stood there looking thoughtful, chewing on the tip of her bushy tail as she weighed up, her glorious red eyes judging my intent. The Way-Captain slapped on the back, overjoyed at my audacity, and she promised to speak to the other Captains on my behalf. Yes, this will work. I need to resolve all the issues here, so I can return to Akio as soon as possible. The lands of the Fae, the Seelie Court, it is indeed a ho to , but my true ho now is where Akio is, and all my fellow wives…