Post by Solana on Dec 18, 2014 17:24:20 GMT -5
Chapter Twenty-Five- Laying the Foundation
To build a new era is more difficult than to destroy an old one.
Okubo Toshimichi, Rurouni Kenshin
From: Solana Kesai; Crystal Citadel, Merna, on the sixteenth day of Flora Moon
Dear Kiel,
I'm sorry that I haven't contacted you since my stay in Kilika. I ended up going back to Merna to try and save Oriana, but that was only the beginning of the story. I'll share the entirety of it with you soon, but right now, I need your help. Would you be willing to leave Lantias and come to Merna for a while?
After receiving Solana's letter, Kiel quickly tied up his affairs in Lantias and arrived in Merna as fast as he could.
On the promised day of his arrival, Solana was waiting in Sagia's port to welcome him. Her silver eyes were shining as she threw herself into his strong and fatherly arms. Sometimes their reunion after so many thousands of years felt like a dream, and she wanted to remind herself that he was truly in her life again.
"It is good to see you safe, my little dolphin," Kiel stated warmly, hugging her back.
Solana let out a little gasp and looked up at him. "You haven't called me that since your last letter to me before the Fall. Why...?"
"I did not wish to cause you any pain," Kiel replied softly. "I had wondered if it would bring back painful memories, or keep your mind in the past when it should be in the present. I wondered if it was too childish for a woman who is twenty thousand years old." Fatherly pride glowed in his eyes as he smiled at her, seeing a tranquility in her expression that he hadn't seen the equal of since their reunion during the Destiny war. The weight of her unfinished business here had been lightened, if not completely lifted yet. "But to see you now, embarking on such a project, I can see the same excitement and hope in your eyes as the tiny girl who fearlessly jumped into the sea to play with dolphins."
Solana felt tears come to her eyes as she hugged him more tightly. "I'll never be too old for that, not if I live to be thirty thousand. Guardian, bearer of the Asterite Aura, wherever my path takes me, you'll always be my father in every way that matters. I wasn't sure if you would be willing to leave Lantias..."
He laid a gentle finger on her nose, silencing her. "Child, I am needed here. As long as I am among people I love, I am always home. But then, you understand that even better than I do," Kiel assured her.
Solana nodded as she took his hand and brought him to her ship to fly them to the Crystal Citadel. How often had that been proven true during her travels.
The flight passed pleasantly as foster father and foster daughter caught each other up on the past few months. Kiel chuckled good naturedly at Aryn's antics and latest kitchen experiments while Solana asked about her friends among the rescued Atlanteans. Kiel and the other remaining Elders had things well in hand as they continued their search for a new homeland.
Kiel quieted as they approached the Crystal Citadel with unbridled amazement in his seafoam green eyes, having never seen its equal. He and Oriana had met in Sagia on his previous trips here. It was larger than he had imagined, but he didn't just see an enormous building far too large for eight Guardians. What he saw was... potential.
Solana easily pulled her ship into the landing dock on the structure from long practice and helped Kiel with his luggage. The lower levels of the immense structure, though not widely used by the eight Guardians, had nevertheless been kept in good repair. Dusty white sheets covered what ancient furniture remained in the echoing halls and airy chambers.
As they climbed twisting staircases and took lifts to get to the upper levels, there were more modern conveniences and more signs of chambers that were in constant use.
Finally, the Atlanteans climbed the last staircase to the common area. Kiel was wondering what was to become of the Citadel now, and whether it could be privy to their plans, when he spotted a familiar figure approaching them. He swallowed hard.
His old friend Oriana, who had carried out what he had thought would be his last wishes to a degree that he couldn't have imagined. The woman who had completed in Solana what he had started, and had saved her life many times since. Kiel coughed a little nervously, suddenly without the proper words to convey his level of gratitude to her.
Oriana didn't seem to need it, and she smiled joyously upon her realization of the identity of Solana's 'dear old friend'. Any shock she felt at how Kiel had changed since the last symposium of Atlantis was artfully hidden under her geniune warmth and happiness. "Kiel, how wonderful to see you again!" she said happily, coming to give him a welcoming hug.
Kiel returned it gratefully. "The pleasure is mine, Oriana. It seems only a few years since I've seen you last. There is so much to thank you for-"
"No, not at all. Your actions helped save Merna, never forget that," Oriana interrupted smoothly. Kiel merely bowed his head in thanks to her, grateful that she understood his heart.
"So, do you think the idea for a school will work?" Solana asked, eager to get to work and change the subject to the hope-filled future.
"I would like to speak with all of you at once, if I can," Kiel replied, amused by the tactic but also sharing her excitement. "I believe that with all of us working together, we may be able to forge out an agreeable path for Merna's future."
"You must be tired from your journey," Oriana protested, moving to take his cloak and travel pack. "Truly, this can wait-"
"It cannot," Kiel interrupted, "If I have learned nothing else since the Fall, it is that every moment of life must be treasured, for our fates are not as set as they seem." He allowed his old friend to take his cloak, but held onto his pack.
Oriana's eyes darted from Kiel to Solana and back again while her shaking her head a little. "Two of a kind. I'll show you one of our guest rooms, and I suppose we can get started."
From: Raoul, Crystal Citadel 3 Fauna Moon
To the love of my life,
My dear Malika, know that I think of you every day that we're apart. Your radiance in the morning, your music on the wind at night, and your heart with mine in between. Once our plans are finalized for our university, I will be free. Wait for me, my love, and we will go to the farthest reaches of our world, our souls flying as one...
Countless days flew by like snowflakes in a storm as the group of eight spent time brainstorming ideas and working out plans for their university and the beginnings of a city to be built around it. Kiel's experience as an Elder in Atlantean politics and as a teacher before that proved to be invaluable for suggesting his own ideas or building on those of others. He and Joshua made a stunning team as Joshua filled the Elder in on everything he knew concerning the various leaders of Merna and their politics and philosophies.
They interviewed teachers from Sagia, the members of Deynain's magic school, shamans from the nomads, sages from the Monsee Empire, Atlantean scholars, and anyone else who could offer their advice. Solana's book of research was pored over again and again, with the information from worlds from all across the Universe worked into what types of classes could be offered, as well as suggestions for instructors. Suggestions blossomed into plans and agendas to be carried out.
One of the largest changes would be the Crystal Citadel being brought down from the sky to rest on the earth. It would be the foundation of the new university, with doors open to the public and being literally on the same level as their people.
Contractors and engineers were contacted to start sketching blueprints for new residences and business buildings to sit alongside the Citadel, and it was a fine thing to picture the exquisite lines becoming reality on the lonely plains.
It was during the discussion about inviting residents from all over Merna to create and live in their new city that the most wonderful part came to light- here was the perfect place for the Atlantean people to settle and make a new home of their own. In return for that, the Atlanteans could provide their knowledge of living in harmony with the elements that had shaped their world to a people who would be starting that road. This university would be a bridge between all of their cultures and peoples.
"Lantias was a splendid colony, and we will be forever grateful for the generosity of New Reybrandt's king for providing it in our time of need," Kiel declared. "But it is the people of Merna whom we can aid and build a brand new home alongside with."
"So our dream of a Mernan/Atlantean partnership comes true twenty thousand years later," Oriana replied, her eyes dancing.
"We can't be rushing into these things," Aryn pointed out as everyone else laughed.
"It will not be that simple," Joshua pointed out cautiously, "Mixing new ideas and peoples can take time even with the best of intentions."
"Yet, it can be done," Raoul said softly, fingering one of the slightly pointed ears that revealed his own mixed heritage.
Solana nodded. It had taken a bit of time to convince some people to accept an Atlantean Water Guardian. Even so- "That's why we're building a new city here, Joshua. Everyone who comes will be new and add their own spirit to the school. You'll be a tremendous help to us in that regard."
Joshua gave her a rare smile. "Indeed. Very well, we will attempt to make this as smooth a transition as possible for all involved. To that end, I wish to begin studying the Atlantean language."
"We'll start tonight after supper," Solana promised.
From the desk of Lord Joshua, Guardian of Light of the world of Merna, on this seventh day of Sun Moon
To the honorable Lady Sayuri,
Salutations and good fortune to you and your home. As you are aware, Lady Solana and I have been working together to discover a manner to nullify the economic hold that Master Al Newaya currently holds over your fair city. To this end, I humbly request some information concerning trade and your merchants.
In between planning sessions for the new school and lessons in Atlantean, Joshua gave Solana a hand in figuring out a way to solve Miniki’s dilemma of the Newayas' hold on them. Though Al Newaya had lost almost half of his ships by taking them out in the Great Rebirth attempt, he hadn't lost the bulk of his fortune or his greed. The halting of tribute payments to the Guardians would only go so far.
Joshua discovered that Miniki’s biggest trading partner was the glacier-colony of Vyski. Its people had developed a liking for Miniki's wooden tools and tropical fruits to supplement their own lifestyle. Though Vyski's population consisted of people of the sea, they were more used to navigating around icebergs in the frigid northern waters than the treacherous coral reefs in the tropical south.
Solana solved that problem after a day spent with Ena's pod and Miniki’s resident dolphin pod. So many sets of echolocation working together had managed to map the reefs around the entire island in a single day. Copies were soon sent to all of Miniki’s trading partners.
It wasn’t long before foreign ships were braving the bay, offering far fairer prices for imports and exports than Newaya had dreamed. People flooded the bay to deal directly with the traders, and with the influx there was no justification for keeping the gates locked any longer.
Al Newaya quickly realized the very real danger of going from top dog to outcast, and began renegotiating his previous contracts with the people. Between the new markets and Sayuri’s strong leadership, Miniki had a solid chance to begin regaining the glory it had known in the past.
From: Aryn 12 Serpent Moon
Dearest Ezi,
I have a surprise for you! I know it's not your birthday yet, but it's a gooooooood one. Meet me in the kitchen after supper tonight. Don't be late, and no snooping!
Aryn and Eziban had been enjoying their own catching up after their long separation. However, for the last few weeks, Aryn had been mysterious and elusive. She would disappear for hours, or receive packages in the mail that she refused to open in front of anyone. Curious, Eziban had gone to Solana with questions, but she had rebuffed him with a sweet smile and apologies that she had promised to hold her tongue.
Evidently, Aryn was finally ready to unveil what she had been working on. Eziban had wolfed down his supper and sprinted to the kitchen to meet his firebird and finally find out what was going on.
Aryn had been waiting, a huge smile on her face. "I have a present for you, Ezi-baby, but it's a surprise," she stated mischievously. "Cover your eyes and I'll lead you, but no peeking!"
Eziban chuckled and obeyed. "This isn't going to be anything disgusting, is it?"
Aryn took his arm to begin guiding him. "When have I ever given you a gift that was?" she asked. When Eziban opened his mouth, she added, "Don't answer that. It's not MY fault that those oranges fermented."
"The rest of them made good wine," Eziban pointed out. Aryn licked her lips agreeably, remembering that wine and the small moon cookies that she had made to go with them.
Eziban followed Aryn faithfully, knowing that her gift would be something special and from the heart. She led him through her immense kitchens, then down the familiar flight of steps down to his cellar. It was cool down here, and faintly scented with the nuances of countless bottles of fine drinks and a slight hint of dust.
She then turned him to the right, into what had been a storeroom for extra wine racks. He heard a small spark pop to life, and the faint crackle of fire magic for light. "All right, Ezi, take a look!" she said excitedly.
Eziban moved his hands away from his eyes, then gasped at the sight. The formerly empty racks now sported a myriad of bottles of different shades, sizes, and labels. Some were in languages that he couldn't hope to decipher, but their contents... oh, yes, he would be able to read those just fine. A few stacked boxes near the racks held tea or coffee.
Aryn followed with her fire light as Eziban bent to inspect the bottles more closely. "Meribian ale, Nota special wine, Land of the Green Isles kumis- wow, a milk drink!- Bozack banana wine..."
More and more names and labels flashed before his eyes as he checked each shelf, then stooped to look through the boxes. "Daguerreo mocha coffee, Celestial tea, Matoya's herbal tea..." Eziban sneezed at the scent of the last one. "Whew, that would almost wake the dead! Where did you get all of this?!"
Aryn beamed. "Souvenirs from where Solana and I wandered, Ezi. I figured that if I couldn't bring you along with us, the next best thing I could do is go and bring you back a taste from each."
"I'd say you brought back more than that," Eziban commented happily. This new wealth promised many wonderful evenings in Aryn's company sampling the goods that she had brought back. She would make something delicious to match each drink, then tell tales of their origins.
Aryn had gone rummaging around and came back with two empty glasses. "Which do you wanna crack open first?"
"The kumis. I've never had it before," Eziban confessed.
"Tasty choice." Aryn removed the cork from the appropriate bottle, then touched each glass lightly to chill them. She poured them each a healthy amount of the creamy yellow beverage, and they raised their glasses to each other before tasting.
Each promptly spit it out.
"Ugh! What the-?"
Cough, cough. "Is it supposed to taste like that?"
Aryn glared at the bottle. "What happened? It was good enough when I tried it on the Isle of Wonder! If that name was supposed to be a joke-"
Eziban sniffed his glass carefully. He had heard of kumis and its customs, and an idea had come to mind. "Aryn, did this place serve it the way the nomads here do?"
Aryn nodded, still mystified. "Of course! We each had a chilled glass, and when we were done... oh."
"You poured the dregs back in?"
"Uh-huh."
"Did you add anything to yours?"
"Um... maybe a hint of spice..." Aryn was blushing hard now. "Dammit, I ruined it when it sat in there! I'm so sorry, Ezi! I wanted to bring you back something good, something you'd really like!"
Eziban smiled. He didn't care about the ruined drink. Aryn's heart had been in the right place, and it would have been a lot of work to put together all of this. "You already did," he assured her, stepping forward to take her into his arms. "And a few boxes and five racks-" he eyed the kumis, "-four full and one almost full rack of tasty drinks to boot." Tenderly, he stroked her cheek and came in for a kiss.
Aryn happily met him halfway, loving that her Ezi was such a smoothie and always knew just what to say. She pulled him closer with her left arm while the fingers of her right hand ran playfully over his back in just the way that she knew he liked. Here in Eziban's arms, she felt that she had finally, truly come home.
The kiss finally ended, and brown and hazel eyes met joyfully. In the same breath, they each whispered what was in their hearts.
"I love you."
From the journal of Kiel
22 Fire Moon, the Crystal Citadel, Merna
Our plans for the new university are coming along quite well. I have to say, after all of this time, my little dolphin still manages to surprise me. It's so wonderful to see her engaged for a happy future, as she was in her younger years. My friend Oriana has done me a great service that I can never repay. We have very good people working with us, both among the other Guardians and leaders. I truly believe that this project will be a haven not only for us Atlanteans, but for this world's very future.
The blueprints, letters, syllabi, and more were drawing a more concrete picture of their planned university every day. From a conglomeration of ideas and dreams was coming a vivid vision of what was to come, and seeming more real every day.
After finishing another long planning session, Solana stood up to get everyone's attention. "Actually, there is one more thing I would like to ask of you all," she said solemnly. Everyone looked up at her. "My preference for water is quite well-known-" She waited until the snickering and comments were over with. "-but if I expect to provide a solid education for our people, then I need more knowledge of the other elements as well. Not just from the books from Liam, but from experience in wielding them. Oriana has been wonderful in teaching me the ways of life, and there's still more to learn, but I'd like to learn more of everyone else's, too. Even memory magic."
Joshua's eyebrows rose in respect, but of course Aryn stood up first. "You might as well get started with the most useful. C'mon, Solana, off we go to our training area," she said happily, taking Solana's arm.
"Thanks, Aryn," Solana said warmly, relieved to be starting with her best friend. "This will be so much fun, like the old days when you first joined!"
Aryn's smile turned evil. "Oh, yes, it will be..... for me."
"What?"
Aryn cackled. "You didn't really think I'd let you get away with not siding with me on the chicken dance, did you?"
Solana stopped dead in her tracks, then looked up at her best friend in sheer terror. Aryn's payback schemes were legendary. "But... it was Eziban's memory that caused it!"
"Oh, yes, and he'll be getting his, too. But you volunteered, so I can't refuse you," Aryn replied gleefully. She took a stronger grip on Solana's arm and resumed their trek towards the training area. Her voice shifted to a singsong tone. "Oh, Ezi! Do you wanna help me on this?"
Eziban's evil grin was a replica of his firebird's. "Yes, I do!"
"Noooooooo!" Solana tried to dig her heels in against Aryn's greater strength, but it was no use. Eziban grabbed Solana's other arm and helped Aryn haul their protesting friend away.
"Oh, I can't miss this," Trista said gleefully, dashing off after them.
Raoul and Joshua opted to excuse themselves for the night instead of watching the fun. Oriana rose as well and was about to wish Kiel a good evening when he laid a gentle hand on her arm. "May we talk for a bit?"
Though Oriana was tired, she had an idea of what Kiel wanted to say. She hid a yawn and sank back down into her chair. "I am at your service."
Kiel smiled sadly. She always had been, and he had taken advantage of that in the past by sending Solana into her care. Though he had done it to save his little dolphin's life and would do so again, there had been some selfishness on his part for keeping his motives away from both women.
It had been Oriana who had had to comfort Solana after the loss of their homeland, help her to trust and embrace life once more, and get a whole new beginning in another world. He had never dreamed that the Life Guardian would have succeeded so well, and had been comforted upon seeing his student again the day that their world had died. "I owe a very great debt to you, Oriana. You have been an admirable mother figure to the daughter of my heart."
Oriana was quiet a moment, her fingers toying with her shawl and her mind somewhere else. Finally, she replied, "She reminded me of my own daughter."
Kiel gave an involuntary jerk, his eyes wide in astonishment. "Your.... daughter? Forgive me, but you never mentioned a family."
Oriana reached in her pocket for the gold locket that Bachlan had taken from her earlier, then opened it and displayed the small painting inside to the former Elder. It showed a younger Oriana with one arm around a handsome blond man holding her close, with her other hand resting on the top of a little girl's hair. Two boys stood proudly next to the girl. "My first family, when I lived in the cave colonies on the Vyski glacier far to the north. I was a healer and midwife. One day, I was called to assist with a very difficult birth in another colony about a day's ride away."
Oriana's hand was trembling as she raised her cup for another sip of tea, and her eyes grew watery. "Please, if this story is causing you pain, you need not continue," Kiel pleaded, his heart aching for his friend.
Oriana wiped her eyes and shook her head, setting her cup down determinedly. "No, it's good to speak of it at long last. The mother-to-be was very young and ill, and the baby was breached, but she finally delivered a fine baby boy. I stayed on a few days to help care for the pair and instruct her and her husband." Her eyes closed for a moment. "Then a letter came from my husband, asking if he and the children should come by. Though my instincts were telling me not to do it, I missed my children and love and told them yes."
Oriana's shoulders slumped as if she were very tired from bearing the weight of her memories. "I ignored my maternal instincts for the first and only time. They never arrived. A... a blizzard came up, and they didn't make it. My family... by Merna, I knew that I should have told them to stay, but no...." She began to weep in her hands. Kiel came over by her side and gently hugged her, saying nothing, merely letting Oriana cry.
Oriana rested her head on his shoulder, grateful for the act of compassion. He didn't seem to notice her tears dripping onto his robe. "You're so very kind, Ezekiel. It wasn't long after that day that Bachlan came to me, stating that I could serve as a mother healer to the entire world. The other Guardians became my second family, my children. I swore that I would not ignore my instincts again, and lose these ones."
"They are grown, though. By many millennia," Kiel pointed out gently.
Oriana laughed softly. "You know as well as I do that a parent's role never ends, however old that child may be."
"True," Kiel admitted. Finally, Oriana eased out of her friend's embrace and dabbed her eyes with a corner of her shawl. Kiel refilled their cups, thinking. "We Atlanteans do not only look at blood to define family. We consider our pod members to be both kin and those chosen to be so."
"Very wise," Oriana replied. Finally, a little smile crept on her face as she raised her cup. "To our children, and the future they have forged."
Kiel raised his own cup in turn and clinked hers gently. "To our children," he agreed.
From the diary of Oriana, Guardian of Life of Merna
The twelfth day of Earth Moon
We have prepared all we can. Solana, Joshua, and Kiel have been staying up late going through all of our written plans to make sure that no detail has been overlooked. The future lies now in the hands of the leaders of Merna.
Sometimes when I lie awake at night, I remember Bachlan and his drive. Before the Rise of the Classes, no one had been able to unite so much of Merna in a single cause. He united the Guardians, and opened the way for this path to come to be. I suppose the history books will never know the whole of that man, and I wonder what they will say of us in the years to come. We shall just have to do the best that we can, and in the end, that is all anyone can ever do...
Solana licked her lips and took a tighter grip on the papers outlining all of their plans for the new university. "I truly hope this works."
Aryn surveyed the crowd waiting in the large hall closely, looking for signs of trouble. Row after row of seats in their meeting hall were filled by representatives and leaders from every corner of Merna, displaying the rich melting pot that was their people. She couldn't see anyone reaching for a weapon, and the glances shot their way were curious and slightly impatient instead of hostile. Some were murmuring to each other, but there were no raised voices of anger that she could detect. She nodded, confident that this meeting would go better than the last one. (Or at least, the portion of it that she had been present for.) "We just might pull this off."
She gave Solana a nudge, and the Water Guardian led the other six Guardians and Kiel towards the table set up on a dais to face their visitors. The scene looked like nothing so much as a press conference, which Solana figured that it was on a certain level. The murmurings died down to an expectant hush as the Guardians and Elder took their seats.
Oriana poured a glass of spring water from a huge pitcher on the table and slid it over to Solana. Solana thanked her and glanced over at her friends sitting with her as a united front. This would not be a declaration against a single man with only Aryn backing her up, but something far larger and greater. She hoped to win over as many of the leaders as possible to their plan today, and perhaps more in the future.
"Welcome back, representatives of our people here in Merna. I'd also like to welcome and introduce some new faces to you. This is Ezekiel, former Elder of Atlantis and my own mentor. We have a few more guests among you from my people, who wish to join us and become children of our great world," Solana began, gesturing for Kiel and the other Atlanteans who had come for this meeting to rise.
Kiel stood up and humbly bowed to the audience as they applauded, while the other former Elders and officials that had survived the Fall did the same. A dull pain rose in Solana's heart as she thought about those who weren't here, especially Elder Nari, but she let it go. She had to serve those who were still with her.
"Thank you for your kind hospitality. I have been honored as a guest here in the past, and it is a greater one still to be welcomed to live alongside you and learn to love this wondrous world as you do," Kiel said, speaking from the heart. More applause greeted his words, and he smiled as he sat back down.
"I know that you've been wondering what path we Guardians would be taking now that our previous duties have been shown to only be detrimental. I tell you now, we will not be returning to mindless halting of natural disasters and interfering with Merna's natural rhythms of life," Solana stated strongly. "But at the same time, we will not be abandoning all of you, our people, to a fate in learning how to live alongside them without preparation. That path, too, has been shown to be an error."
She met several pairs of eyes head on, but most were reserving judgment until hearing more. Kuro pointedly avoided her gaze, while Sayuri had a mask of polite interest. Owl looked intrigued by the last portion. "What we will do instead is build a school using this very Citadel brought to the ground as our foundation," Solana continued, then held up the book that had accompanied her and Aryn on their journey. "Many of you are wondering why Aryn and I left Merna and our duties for so long. I have here forty years of research from other worlds on precisely this matter. We've learned how people all over the Universe have lived in harmony with the elements of their worlds. We will teach you what we have learned, and our students can bring it back to your homes so that all of our people will benefit."
"We will not only be offering classes in this," Oriana continued, her eyes shining. "There will be instruction in any trade or subject that can be dreamed of. Our own library will be available for study, and we will hire a variety of teachers to have something for everyone."
Murmurs of approval and interest rose in waves from the crowd. The duke of Mila stood, and Kiel gestured for him to speak his mind. "This sounds like a fine idea, but how do you plan to pay for it? It was my understanding that our tributes to you were over."
"As they are," Joshua agreed, pulling out his portion of the paperwork. "We will be utilizing our own treasury to pay for the building of the school, scholarships, and the first few years of operation. After that, it is our hope that the school will become entirely self-sufficient. In addition to the school, there will be a city around it to provide other means."
The duke sat down, apparently satisfied with this answer. But more and more questions followed.
The school would be started with Solana and Kiel serving as co-deans. Joshua would serve Chief Ambassador and be a member of the school board, which would be composed of those elected to the positions by those leaders who wished to become allies in addition to teachers. There was also talk of inviting those from other worlds in addition to the Atlanteans, and hopefully strengthening their ties to other worlds instead of staying isolated in the Universe. Aryn, Eziban, and Oriana would be taking on various roles in the school, while Raoul and Trista would help with setting up before pursuing other destinies.
"Those who wish to formally ally with us today are welcome to do so. Those who do not are welcome to change their minds down the road, or you can help supply us or send us students if you wish. Our role as Guardians is not to supercede your own authority any longer, but to work hand in hand with you," Solana finished. She pushed the paper containing the outline of their plans and space for signatures out, signaling that it was decision time.
The leaders talked amongst themselves for quite some time, considering the advantages or disadvantages of either option. Rakaj was the first to stand up. "Let Fief Caldera be the first to officially ally with you," he said, making a dash for the paper. Aryn winked at him in gratitude as Rakaj picked up the offered pen and signed his name in large letters with a flourish. Behind him came the former Atlantean Elders who had survived. Their faces all wore an expression of joyful hope as they took turns adding their names before passing the pen to the leader of Sagia who had wheeled himself up to the front very quickly in his chair.
Others followed, and by the end about a third of the leaders had signed the alliance proposal. Sayuri was one of the last, adding a signature in flowing letters. She looked up at Solana when she was done. "You kept your word, Lady Solana," she said quietly. "Miniki is starting to turn around without Newaya's hand about to crush us. But I would sign this anyway, because I would not let the past stand in the way of my people's future."
"Nor would I expect you to, Lady Sayuri. Thank you," Solana replied heartily. Sayuri nodded as she passed the pen on.
Liam's hand was trembling as he followed her, but trembling in joy. With this, his people were forging a strong tie with greater Merna, and were finally free of their own past. Their forest would no longer serve the elves of Deynain as a fortress, but only as a home.
Kuro and Atolla stood with the sovereigns of the Monsee Empire. Atolla had covered her nose with her fan as if to keep away a distasteful odor, while Kuro's eyes were narrowed. "'Lord' Bachlan has shown the depths that Guardians can sink to with such power, and how misguided they truly are. We are done taking orders from ANY of them," he stated shortly. With that bit of verbal bile dropped, he escorted his wife out of the Crystal Citadel behind his own lords.
Solana shook her head at the man's hypocrisy, and how quickly he distanced himself from the 'losing' team. There were some minds that would refuse to ever change, but maybe in Del and Clymene's time...
Aryn counted up the signatures with a whoop, not even noticing Kuro's comment. "Look at all of these!" she said joyfully, waving the paper around.
"Those are only the ones who are ready to join us at this present moment. It does not include the multitude who wish to see how things will unfold over time," Joshua added.
Kiel, too, was smiling. "So what happens next, little dolphin?" he asked teasingly.
Solana smiled back, then grabbed the alliance proposal and carefully rolled it up. A sea of memories flashed through her mind that had led up to this moment- from the last symposium of Atlantis that had brought her to Merna to the start of her and Aryn's journey to the night in Lunar that she had discovered the truth about their work and all the way up to facing Bachlan with Aryn.
But all of that had only been the prelude, leading up to this very moment. She met everyone's eyes in turn, seeing the light of determination glowing in each, and replied simply, "Now, we get to work."
To build a new era is more difficult than to destroy an old one.
Okubo Toshimichi, Rurouni Kenshin
From: Solana Kesai; Crystal Citadel, Merna, on the sixteenth day of Flora Moon
Dear Kiel,
I'm sorry that I haven't contacted you since my stay in Kilika. I ended up going back to Merna to try and save Oriana, but that was only the beginning of the story. I'll share the entirety of it with you soon, but right now, I need your help. Would you be willing to leave Lantias and come to Merna for a while?
After receiving Solana's letter, Kiel quickly tied up his affairs in Lantias and arrived in Merna as fast as he could.
On the promised day of his arrival, Solana was waiting in Sagia's port to welcome him. Her silver eyes were shining as she threw herself into his strong and fatherly arms. Sometimes their reunion after so many thousands of years felt like a dream, and she wanted to remind herself that he was truly in her life again.
"It is good to see you safe, my little dolphin," Kiel stated warmly, hugging her back.
Solana let out a little gasp and looked up at him. "You haven't called me that since your last letter to me before the Fall. Why...?"
"I did not wish to cause you any pain," Kiel replied softly. "I had wondered if it would bring back painful memories, or keep your mind in the past when it should be in the present. I wondered if it was too childish for a woman who is twenty thousand years old." Fatherly pride glowed in his eyes as he smiled at her, seeing a tranquility in her expression that he hadn't seen the equal of since their reunion during the Destiny war. The weight of her unfinished business here had been lightened, if not completely lifted yet. "But to see you now, embarking on such a project, I can see the same excitement and hope in your eyes as the tiny girl who fearlessly jumped into the sea to play with dolphins."
Solana felt tears come to her eyes as she hugged him more tightly. "I'll never be too old for that, not if I live to be thirty thousand. Guardian, bearer of the Asterite Aura, wherever my path takes me, you'll always be my father in every way that matters. I wasn't sure if you would be willing to leave Lantias..."
He laid a gentle finger on her nose, silencing her. "Child, I am needed here. As long as I am among people I love, I am always home. But then, you understand that even better than I do," Kiel assured her.
Solana nodded as she took his hand and brought him to her ship to fly them to the Crystal Citadel. How often had that been proven true during her travels.
The flight passed pleasantly as foster father and foster daughter caught each other up on the past few months. Kiel chuckled good naturedly at Aryn's antics and latest kitchen experiments while Solana asked about her friends among the rescued Atlanteans. Kiel and the other remaining Elders had things well in hand as they continued their search for a new homeland.
Kiel quieted as they approached the Crystal Citadel with unbridled amazement in his seafoam green eyes, having never seen its equal. He and Oriana had met in Sagia on his previous trips here. It was larger than he had imagined, but he didn't just see an enormous building far too large for eight Guardians. What he saw was... potential.
Solana easily pulled her ship into the landing dock on the structure from long practice and helped Kiel with his luggage. The lower levels of the immense structure, though not widely used by the eight Guardians, had nevertheless been kept in good repair. Dusty white sheets covered what ancient furniture remained in the echoing halls and airy chambers.
As they climbed twisting staircases and took lifts to get to the upper levels, there were more modern conveniences and more signs of chambers that were in constant use.
Finally, the Atlanteans climbed the last staircase to the common area. Kiel was wondering what was to become of the Citadel now, and whether it could be privy to their plans, when he spotted a familiar figure approaching them. He swallowed hard.
His old friend Oriana, who had carried out what he had thought would be his last wishes to a degree that he couldn't have imagined. The woman who had completed in Solana what he had started, and had saved her life many times since. Kiel coughed a little nervously, suddenly without the proper words to convey his level of gratitude to her.
Oriana didn't seem to need it, and she smiled joyously upon her realization of the identity of Solana's 'dear old friend'. Any shock she felt at how Kiel had changed since the last symposium of Atlantis was artfully hidden under her geniune warmth and happiness. "Kiel, how wonderful to see you again!" she said happily, coming to give him a welcoming hug.
Kiel returned it gratefully. "The pleasure is mine, Oriana. It seems only a few years since I've seen you last. There is so much to thank you for-"
"No, not at all. Your actions helped save Merna, never forget that," Oriana interrupted smoothly. Kiel merely bowed his head in thanks to her, grateful that she understood his heart.
"So, do you think the idea for a school will work?" Solana asked, eager to get to work and change the subject to the hope-filled future.
"I would like to speak with all of you at once, if I can," Kiel replied, amused by the tactic but also sharing her excitement. "I believe that with all of us working together, we may be able to forge out an agreeable path for Merna's future."
"You must be tired from your journey," Oriana protested, moving to take his cloak and travel pack. "Truly, this can wait-"
"It cannot," Kiel interrupted, "If I have learned nothing else since the Fall, it is that every moment of life must be treasured, for our fates are not as set as they seem." He allowed his old friend to take his cloak, but held onto his pack.
Oriana's eyes darted from Kiel to Solana and back again while her shaking her head a little. "Two of a kind. I'll show you one of our guest rooms, and I suppose we can get started."
From: Raoul, Crystal Citadel 3 Fauna Moon
To the love of my life,
My dear Malika, know that I think of you every day that we're apart. Your radiance in the morning, your music on the wind at night, and your heart with mine in between. Once our plans are finalized for our university, I will be free. Wait for me, my love, and we will go to the farthest reaches of our world, our souls flying as one...
Countless days flew by like snowflakes in a storm as the group of eight spent time brainstorming ideas and working out plans for their university and the beginnings of a city to be built around it. Kiel's experience as an Elder in Atlantean politics and as a teacher before that proved to be invaluable for suggesting his own ideas or building on those of others. He and Joshua made a stunning team as Joshua filled the Elder in on everything he knew concerning the various leaders of Merna and their politics and philosophies.
They interviewed teachers from Sagia, the members of Deynain's magic school, shamans from the nomads, sages from the Monsee Empire, Atlantean scholars, and anyone else who could offer their advice. Solana's book of research was pored over again and again, with the information from worlds from all across the Universe worked into what types of classes could be offered, as well as suggestions for instructors. Suggestions blossomed into plans and agendas to be carried out.
One of the largest changes would be the Crystal Citadel being brought down from the sky to rest on the earth. It would be the foundation of the new university, with doors open to the public and being literally on the same level as their people.
Contractors and engineers were contacted to start sketching blueprints for new residences and business buildings to sit alongside the Citadel, and it was a fine thing to picture the exquisite lines becoming reality on the lonely plains.
It was during the discussion about inviting residents from all over Merna to create and live in their new city that the most wonderful part came to light- here was the perfect place for the Atlantean people to settle and make a new home of their own. In return for that, the Atlanteans could provide their knowledge of living in harmony with the elements that had shaped their world to a people who would be starting that road. This university would be a bridge between all of their cultures and peoples.
"Lantias was a splendid colony, and we will be forever grateful for the generosity of New Reybrandt's king for providing it in our time of need," Kiel declared. "But it is the people of Merna whom we can aid and build a brand new home alongside with."
"So our dream of a Mernan/Atlantean partnership comes true twenty thousand years later," Oriana replied, her eyes dancing.
"We can't be rushing into these things," Aryn pointed out as everyone else laughed.
"It will not be that simple," Joshua pointed out cautiously, "Mixing new ideas and peoples can take time even with the best of intentions."
"Yet, it can be done," Raoul said softly, fingering one of the slightly pointed ears that revealed his own mixed heritage.
Solana nodded. It had taken a bit of time to convince some people to accept an Atlantean Water Guardian. Even so- "That's why we're building a new city here, Joshua. Everyone who comes will be new and add their own spirit to the school. You'll be a tremendous help to us in that regard."
Joshua gave her a rare smile. "Indeed. Very well, we will attempt to make this as smooth a transition as possible for all involved. To that end, I wish to begin studying the Atlantean language."
"We'll start tonight after supper," Solana promised.
From the desk of Lord Joshua, Guardian of Light of the world of Merna, on this seventh day of Sun Moon
To the honorable Lady Sayuri,
Salutations and good fortune to you and your home. As you are aware, Lady Solana and I have been working together to discover a manner to nullify the economic hold that Master Al Newaya currently holds over your fair city. To this end, I humbly request some information concerning trade and your merchants.
In between planning sessions for the new school and lessons in Atlantean, Joshua gave Solana a hand in figuring out a way to solve Miniki’s dilemma of the Newayas' hold on them. Though Al Newaya had lost almost half of his ships by taking them out in the Great Rebirth attempt, he hadn't lost the bulk of his fortune or his greed. The halting of tribute payments to the Guardians would only go so far.
Joshua discovered that Miniki’s biggest trading partner was the glacier-colony of Vyski. Its people had developed a liking for Miniki's wooden tools and tropical fruits to supplement their own lifestyle. Though Vyski's population consisted of people of the sea, they were more used to navigating around icebergs in the frigid northern waters than the treacherous coral reefs in the tropical south.
Solana solved that problem after a day spent with Ena's pod and Miniki’s resident dolphin pod. So many sets of echolocation working together had managed to map the reefs around the entire island in a single day. Copies were soon sent to all of Miniki’s trading partners.
It wasn’t long before foreign ships were braving the bay, offering far fairer prices for imports and exports than Newaya had dreamed. People flooded the bay to deal directly with the traders, and with the influx there was no justification for keeping the gates locked any longer.
Al Newaya quickly realized the very real danger of going from top dog to outcast, and began renegotiating his previous contracts with the people. Between the new markets and Sayuri’s strong leadership, Miniki had a solid chance to begin regaining the glory it had known in the past.
From: Aryn 12 Serpent Moon
Dearest Ezi,
I have a surprise for you! I know it's not your birthday yet, but it's a gooooooood one. Meet me in the kitchen after supper tonight. Don't be late, and no snooping!
Aryn and Eziban had been enjoying their own catching up after their long separation. However, for the last few weeks, Aryn had been mysterious and elusive. She would disappear for hours, or receive packages in the mail that she refused to open in front of anyone. Curious, Eziban had gone to Solana with questions, but she had rebuffed him with a sweet smile and apologies that she had promised to hold her tongue.
Evidently, Aryn was finally ready to unveil what she had been working on. Eziban had wolfed down his supper and sprinted to the kitchen to meet his firebird and finally find out what was going on.
Aryn had been waiting, a huge smile on her face. "I have a present for you, Ezi-baby, but it's a surprise," she stated mischievously. "Cover your eyes and I'll lead you, but no peeking!"
Eziban chuckled and obeyed. "This isn't going to be anything disgusting, is it?"
Aryn took his arm to begin guiding him. "When have I ever given you a gift that was?" she asked. When Eziban opened his mouth, she added, "Don't answer that. It's not MY fault that those oranges fermented."
"The rest of them made good wine," Eziban pointed out. Aryn licked her lips agreeably, remembering that wine and the small moon cookies that she had made to go with them.
Eziban followed Aryn faithfully, knowing that her gift would be something special and from the heart. She led him through her immense kitchens, then down the familiar flight of steps down to his cellar. It was cool down here, and faintly scented with the nuances of countless bottles of fine drinks and a slight hint of dust.
She then turned him to the right, into what had been a storeroom for extra wine racks. He heard a small spark pop to life, and the faint crackle of fire magic for light. "All right, Ezi, take a look!" she said excitedly.
Eziban moved his hands away from his eyes, then gasped at the sight. The formerly empty racks now sported a myriad of bottles of different shades, sizes, and labels. Some were in languages that he couldn't hope to decipher, but their contents... oh, yes, he would be able to read those just fine. A few stacked boxes near the racks held tea or coffee.
Aryn followed with her fire light as Eziban bent to inspect the bottles more closely. "Meribian ale, Nota special wine, Land of the Green Isles kumis- wow, a milk drink!- Bozack banana wine..."
More and more names and labels flashed before his eyes as he checked each shelf, then stooped to look through the boxes. "Daguerreo mocha coffee, Celestial tea, Matoya's herbal tea..." Eziban sneezed at the scent of the last one. "Whew, that would almost wake the dead! Where did you get all of this?!"
Aryn beamed. "Souvenirs from where Solana and I wandered, Ezi. I figured that if I couldn't bring you along with us, the next best thing I could do is go and bring you back a taste from each."
"I'd say you brought back more than that," Eziban commented happily. This new wealth promised many wonderful evenings in Aryn's company sampling the goods that she had brought back. She would make something delicious to match each drink, then tell tales of their origins.
Aryn had gone rummaging around and came back with two empty glasses. "Which do you wanna crack open first?"
"The kumis. I've never had it before," Eziban confessed.
"Tasty choice." Aryn removed the cork from the appropriate bottle, then touched each glass lightly to chill them. She poured them each a healthy amount of the creamy yellow beverage, and they raised their glasses to each other before tasting.
Each promptly spit it out.
"Ugh! What the-?"
Cough, cough. "Is it supposed to taste like that?"
Aryn glared at the bottle. "What happened? It was good enough when I tried it on the Isle of Wonder! If that name was supposed to be a joke-"
Eziban sniffed his glass carefully. He had heard of kumis and its customs, and an idea had come to mind. "Aryn, did this place serve it the way the nomads here do?"
Aryn nodded, still mystified. "Of course! We each had a chilled glass, and when we were done... oh."
"You poured the dregs back in?"
"Uh-huh."
"Did you add anything to yours?"
"Um... maybe a hint of spice..." Aryn was blushing hard now. "Dammit, I ruined it when it sat in there! I'm so sorry, Ezi! I wanted to bring you back something good, something you'd really like!"
Eziban smiled. He didn't care about the ruined drink. Aryn's heart had been in the right place, and it would have been a lot of work to put together all of this. "You already did," he assured her, stepping forward to take her into his arms. "And a few boxes and five racks-" he eyed the kumis, "-four full and one almost full rack of tasty drinks to boot." Tenderly, he stroked her cheek and came in for a kiss.
Aryn happily met him halfway, loving that her Ezi was such a smoothie and always knew just what to say. She pulled him closer with her left arm while the fingers of her right hand ran playfully over his back in just the way that she knew he liked. Here in Eziban's arms, she felt that she had finally, truly come home.
The kiss finally ended, and brown and hazel eyes met joyfully. In the same breath, they each whispered what was in their hearts.
"I love you."
From the journal of Kiel
22 Fire Moon, the Crystal Citadel, Merna
Our plans for the new university are coming along quite well. I have to say, after all of this time, my little dolphin still manages to surprise me. It's so wonderful to see her engaged for a happy future, as she was in her younger years. My friend Oriana has done me a great service that I can never repay. We have very good people working with us, both among the other Guardians and leaders. I truly believe that this project will be a haven not only for us Atlanteans, but for this world's very future.
The blueprints, letters, syllabi, and more were drawing a more concrete picture of their planned university every day. From a conglomeration of ideas and dreams was coming a vivid vision of what was to come, and seeming more real every day.
After finishing another long planning session, Solana stood up to get everyone's attention. "Actually, there is one more thing I would like to ask of you all," she said solemnly. Everyone looked up at her. "My preference for water is quite well-known-" She waited until the snickering and comments were over with. "-but if I expect to provide a solid education for our people, then I need more knowledge of the other elements as well. Not just from the books from Liam, but from experience in wielding them. Oriana has been wonderful in teaching me the ways of life, and there's still more to learn, but I'd like to learn more of everyone else's, too. Even memory magic."
Joshua's eyebrows rose in respect, but of course Aryn stood up first. "You might as well get started with the most useful. C'mon, Solana, off we go to our training area," she said happily, taking Solana's arm.
"Thanks, Aryn," Solana said warmly, relieved to be starting with her best friend. "This will be so much fun, like the old days when you first joined!"
Aryn's smile turned evil. "Oh, yes, it will be..... for me."
"What?"
Aryn cackled. "You didn't really think I'd let you get away with not siding with me on the chicken dance, did you?"
Solana stopped dead in her tracks, then looked up at her best friend in sheer terror. Aryn's payback schemes were legendary. "But... it was Eziban's memory that caused it!"
"Oh, yes, and he'll be getting his, too. But you volunteered, so I can't refuse you," Aryn replied gleefully. She took a stronger grip on Solana's arm and resumed their trek towards the training area. Her voice shifted to a singsong tone. "Oh, Ezi! Do you wanna help me on this?"
Eziban's evil grin was a replica of his firebird's. "Yes, I do!"
"Noooooooo!" Solana tried to dig her heels in against Aryn's greater strength, but it was no use. Eziban grabbed Solana's other arm and helped Aryn haul their protesting friend away.
"Oh, I can't miss this," Trista said gleefully, dashing off after them.
Raoul and Joshua opted to excuse themselves for the night instead of watching the fun. Oriana rose as well and was about to wish Kiel a good evening when he laid a gentle hand on her arm. "May we talk for a bit?"
Though Oriana was tired, she had an idea of what Kiel wanted to say. She hid a yawn and sank back down into her chair. "I am at your service."
Kiel smiled sadly. She always had been, and he had taken advantage of that in the past by sending Solana into her care. Though he had done it to save his little dolphin's life and would do so again, there had been some selfishness on his part for keeping his motives away from both women.
It had been Oriana who had had to comfort Solana after the loss of their homeland, help her to trust and embrace life once more, and get a whole new beginning in another world. He had never dreamed that the Life Guardian would have succeeded so well, and had been comforted upon seeing his student again the day that their world had died. "I owe a very great debt to you, Oriana. You have been an admirable mother figure to the daughter of my heart."
Oriana was quiet a moment, her fingers toying with her shawl and her mind somewhere else. Finally, she replied, "She reminded me of my own daughter."
Kiel gave an involuntary jerk, his eyes wide in astonishment. "Your.... daughter? Forgive me, but you never mentioned a family."
Oriana reached in her pocket for the gold locket that Bachlan had taken from her earlier, then opened it and displayed the small painting inside to the former Elder. It showed a younger Oriana with one arm around a handsome blond man holding her close, with her other hand resting on the top of a little girl's hair. Two boys stood proudly next to the girl. "My first family, when I lived in the cave colonies on the Vyski glacier far to the north. I was a healer and midwife. One day, I was called to assist with a very difficult birth in another colony about a day's ride away."
Oriana's hand was trembling as she raised her cup for another sip of tea, and her eyes grew watery. "Please, if this story is causing you pain, you need not continue," Kiel pleaded, his heart aching for his friend.
Oriana wiped her eyes and shook her head, setting her cup down determinedly. "No, it's good to speak of it at long last. The mother-to-be was very young and ill, and the baby was breached, but she finally delivered a fine baby boy. I stayed on a few days to help care for the pair and instruct her and her husband." Her eyes closed for a moment. "Then a letter came from my husband, asking if he and the children should come by. Though my instincts were telling me not to do it, I missed my children and love and told them yes."
Oriana's shoulders slumped as if she were very tired from bearing the weight of her memories. "I ignored my maternal instincts for the first and only time. They never arrived. A... a blizzard came up, and they didn't make it. My family... by Merna, I knew that I should have told them to stay, but no...." She began to weep in her hands. Kiel came over by her side and gently hugged her, saying nothing, merely letting Oriana cry.
Oriana rested her head on his shoulder, grateful for the act of compassion. He didn't seem to notice her tears dripping onto his robe. "You're so very kind, Ezekiel. It wasn't long after that day that Bachlan came to me, stating that I could serve as a mother healer to the entire world. The other Guardians became my second family, my children. I swore that I would not ignore my instincts again, and lose these ones."
"They are grown, though. By many millennia," Kiel pointed out gently.
Oriana laughed softly. "You know as well as I do that a parent's role never ends, however old that child may be."
"True," Kiel admitted. Finally, Oriana eased out of her friend's embrace and dabbed her eyes with a corner of her shawl. Kiel refilled their cups, thinking. "We Atlanteans do not only look at blood to define family. We consider our pod members to be both kin and those chosen to be so."
"Very wise," Oriana replied. Finally, a little smile crept on her face as she raised her cup. "To our children, and the future they have forged."
Kiel raised his own cup in turn and clinked hers gently. "To our children," he agreed.
From the diary of Oriana, Guardian of Life of Merna
The twelfth day of Earth Moon
We have prepared all we can. Solana, Joshua, and Kiel have been staying up late going through all of our written plans to make sure that no detail has been overlooked. The future lies now in the hands of the leaders of Merna.
Sometimes when I lie awake at night, I remember Bachlan and his drive. Before the Rise of the Classes, no one had been able to unite so much of Merna in a single cause. He united the Guardians, and opened the way for this path to come to be. I suppose the history books will never know the whole of that man, and I wonder what they will say of us in the years to come. We shall just have to do the best that we can, and in the end, that is all anyone can ever do...
Solana licked her lips and took a tighter grip on the papers outlining all of their plans for the new university. "I truly hope this works."
Aryn surveyed the crowd waiting in the large hall closely, looking for signs of trouble. Row after row of seats in their meeting hall were filled by representatives and leaders from every corner of Merna, displaying the rich melting pot that was their people. She couldn't see anyone reaching for a weapon, and the glances shot their way were curious and slightly impatient instead of hostile. Some were murmuring to each other, but there were no raised voices of anger that she could detect. She nodded, confident that this meeting would go better than the last one. (Or at least, the portion of it that she had been present for.) "We just might pull this off."
She gave Solana a nudge, and the Water Guardian led the other six Guardians and Kiel towards the table set up on a dais to face their visitors. The scene looked like nothing so much as a press conference, which Solana figured that it was on a certain level. The murmurings died down to an expectant hush as the Guardians and Elder took their seats.
Oriana poured a glass of spring water from a huge pitcher on the table and slid it over to Solana. Solana thanked her and glanced over at her friends sitting with her as a united front. This would not be a declaration against a single man with only Aryn backing her up, but something far larger and greater. She hoped to win over as many of the leaders as possible to their plan today, and perhaps more in the future.
"Welcome back, representatives of our people here in Merna. I'd also like to welcome and introduce some new faces to you. This is Ezekiel, former Elder of Atlantis and my own mentor. We have a few more guests among you from my people, who wish to join us and become children of our great world," Solana began, gesturing for Kiel and the other Atlanteans who had come for this meeting to rise.
Kiel stood up and humbly bowed to the audience as they applauded, while the other former Elders and officials that had survived the Fall did the same. A dull pain rose in Solana's heart as she thought about those who weren't here, especially Elder Nari, but she let it go. She had to serve those who were still with her.
"Thank you for your kind hospitality. I have been honored as a guest here in the past, and it is a greater one still to be welcomed to live alongside you and learn to love this wondrous world as you do," Kiel said, speaking from the heart. More applause greeted his words, and he smiled as he sat back down.
"I know that you've been wondering what path we Guardians would be taking now that our previous duties have been shown to only be detrimental. I tell you now, we will not be returning to mindless halting of natural disasters and interfering with Merna's natural rhythms of life," Solana stated strongly. "But at the same time, we will not be abandoning all of you, our people, to a fate in learning how to live alongside them without preparation. That path, too, has been shown to be an error."
She met several pairs of eyes head on, but most were reserving judgment until hearing more. Kuro pointedly avoided her gaze, while Sayuri had a mask of polite interest. Owl looked intrigued by the last portion. "What we will do instead is build a school using this very Citadel brought to the ground as our foundation," Solana continued, then held up the book that had accompanied her and Aryn on their journey. "Many of you are wondering why Aryn and I left Merna and our duties for so long. I have here forty years of research from other worlds on precisely this matter. We've learned how people all over the Universe have lived in harmony with the elements of their worlds. We will teach you what we have learned, and our students can bring it back to your homes so that all of our people will benefit."
"We will not only be offering classes in this," Oriana continued, her eyes shining. "There will be instruction in any trade or subject that can be dreamed of. Our own library will be available for study, and we will hire a variety of teachers to have something for everyone."
Murmurs of approval and interest rose in waves from the crowd. The duke of Mila stood, and Kiel gestured for him to speak his mind. "This sounds like a fine idea, but how do you plan to pay for it? It was my understanding that our tributes to you were over."
"As they are," Joshua agreed, pulling out his portion of the paperwork. "We will be utilizing our own treasury to pay for the building of the school, scholarships, and the first few years of operation. After that, it is our hope that the school will become entirely self-sufficient. In addition to the school, there will be a city around it to provide other means."
The duke sat down, apparently satisfied with this answer. But more and more questions followed.
The school would be started with Solana and Kiel serving as co-deans. Joshua would serve Chief Ambassador and be a member of the school board, which would be composed of those elected to the positions by those leaders who wished to become allies in addition to teachers. There was also talk of inviting those from other worlds in addition to the Atlanteans, and hopefully strengthening their ties to other worlds instead of staying isolated in the Universe. Aryn, Eziban, and Oriana would be taking on various roles in the school, while Raoul and Trista would help with setting up before pursuing other destinies.
"Those who wish to formally ally with us today are welcome to do so. Those who do not are welcome to change their minds down the road, or you can help supply us or send us students if you wish. Our role as Guardians is not to supercede your own authority any longer, but to work hand in hand with you," Solana finished. She pushed the paper containing the outline of their plans and space for signatures out, signaling that it was decision time.
The leaders talked amongst themselves for quite some time, considering the advantages or disadvantages of either option. Rakaj was the first to stand up. "Let Fief Caldera be the first to officially ally with you," he said, making a dash for the paper. Aryn winked at him in gratitude as Rakaj picked up the offered pen and signed his name in large letters with a flourish. Behind him came the former Atlantean Elders who had survived. Their faces all wore an expression of joyful hope as they took turns adding their names before passing the pen to the leader of Sagia who had wheeled himself up to the front very quickly in his chair.
Others followed, and by the end about a third of the leaders had signed the alliance proposal. Sayuri was one of the last, adding a signature in flowing letters. She looked up at Solana when she was done. "You kept your word, Lady Solana," she said quietly. "Miniki is starting to turn around without Newaya's hand about to crush us. But I would sign this anyway, because I would not let the past stand in the way of my people's future."
"Nor would I expect you to, Lady Sayuri. Thank you," Solana replied heartily. Sayuri nodded as she passed the pen on.
Liam's hand was trembling as he followed her, but trembling in joy. With this, his people were forging a strong tie with greater Merna, and were finally free of their own past. Their forest would no longer serve the elves of Deynain as a fortress, but only as a home.
Kuro and Atolla stood with the sovereigns of the Monsee Empire. Atolla had covered her nose with her fan as if to keep away a distasteful odor, while Kuro's eyes were narrowed. "'Lord' Bachlan has shown the depths that Guardians can sink to with such power, and how misguided they truly are. We are done taking orders from ANY of them," he stated shortly. With that bit of verbal bile dropped, he escorted his wife out of the Crystal Citadel behind his own lords.
Solana shook her head at the man's hypocrisy, and how quickly he distanced himself from the 'losing' team. There were some minds that would refuse to ever change, but maybe in Del and Clymene's time...
Aryn counted up the signatures with a whoop, not even noticing Kuro's comment. "Look at all of these!" she said joyfully, waving the paper around.
"Those are only the ones who are ready to join us at this present moment. It does not include the multitude who wish to see how things will unfold over time," Joshua added.
Kiel, too, was smiling. "So what happens next, little dolphin?" he asked teasingly.
Solana smiled back, then grabbed the alliance proposal and carefully rolled it up. A sea of memories flashed through her mind that had led up to this moment- from the last symposium of Atlantis that had brought her to Merna to the start of her and Aryn's journey to the night in Lunar that she had discovered the truth about their work and all the way up to facing Bachlan with Aryn.
But all of that had only been the prelude, leading up to this very moment. She met everyone's eyes in turn, seeing the light of determination glowing in each, and replied simply, "Now, we get to work."