Kestrel's Journals: Tying Up the Loose Ends (28)

The meeting with the Council was swift as we, as a group, entered the central chamber. The Council seemed bewitched making my words law in their ears. Hope’s little spell still worked but I would rather they listen out of logic and not by this coercion. Cole seemed very pleased that they had finally accepted the reason in listening to my great political wisdom as Royal Advisor of Atlantis. Cole was practically crowing the whole way home about our great victory. Young Kestrel seemed a little more perplexed and silent as we returned home. When I asked him about it, he said it was nothing and everything was fine as he flashed me a cattish grin. I sighed and let it be knowing I would question this if I stumbled upon it.

The rest of Cor’s and Twin’s visit went very smoothly and I could remain sitting in the background listening and watching the events unfold in silence. I would give my advise if asked but I could mostly live my final years in peaceful relaxation. I stood on the dock with my Brothers bidding them farewell and good luck with a smile on my face. Cor and Twin told me in a whisper before boarding the Leviathan that they had felt something new inside me, something they had never seen in me before. They felt a peacefulness and quietness from me they had never seen within all my multiple lifetimes and millenniums prior to arriving here on Earth. I did not tell them this was my growing acceptance with my own final death and with whom I had selected to replace me in this fight. I did thank them while claiming it was the peace of Atlantis that had seeped into my spirit replacing something I lost long ago. A pained look showed in their eyes but they said nothing more.

Five years would past before they would return as planned to report how close they were to sign the peace agreements between Atlantis and Lemuria. They were very hopeful that by their next visit they could report Lemuria was ready to hand over their crystals to the world and sign treatise with Atlantis within the following month. I did warned them that Lockey would not hand over her Leviathan’s crystals being a free vessel not linked to Lemuria nor Atlantis. They laughed at my warning telling me they would never dare suggest disarming the Leviathan. I remained on the dock long enough to wave at them before their ship jumped away. I finally turned to make my way home but was impeded by a group of dolphin chirping to get my attention. I moved to sit upon a bench by their pool to converse with them.

“You do not seem like yourself.” the lead dolphin spoke for the pod. The mental whisper from the lead was strong, clear, and concise for only my mental ears. My reply was verbal but this is the way when speaking to Atlantian dolphins.

“I have discovered that my time left here is very short.” I replied softly to them.

“Can you still save Atlantis?” it asked with a loud chirp.

“No.” I admitted sadly. “I will arrange for another to take my place who will be able to save it from destruction.” I explained in a quiet voice. I glanced around to see no one listening to me. “Nothing will stop Atlantis from vanishing from the world for many millennium.” I concluded. I let them witness my final visions of Atlantis before it sank under the waves still intact. They did witness the final battle knowing who was going to replace me which gained many chirps and whistles from them.

“Sad it be, but you have done your duty.” it returned softly. “We are happy star child that we saved you even if you feel like you have abandoned us.” it told me gently. “Be at peace since you shall see her once more.” it added. These last mental words turned into a loud series of chirping whistles as they slowly swam away from this pool. I sat on the marble bench in the half shadows by the empty pool with their words echoing in my mind.

“They truly are wise.” a deep voice but fully female whispered from behind me. I did not need to turn to know Princess Muse stood at my back.

“You have come to speak or warn me of another problem heading my way?” I asked softly. My body was ready to have a rush of emotions driving me to action and shortening my remaining life.

“I saw the images you showed the dolphins.” she stated by my ear. “Genin becomes KreGenin for the good of the world to come.” she continued. She moved around the bench to kneel by my knee at the edge of the dolphin pool. “A scion of the stars empowered by the fall of another scion to defeat the other remaining scion.” she concluded in a whisper. I turned my head to look upon her glowing golden eyes looked up at me with a gentle smile.

“She will not know that it is not me she faces until the true death blow claims her.” I returned calmly. “I must still find a way to protect Atlantis after it slides under the veil of ocean waves.” I continued. The soft sigh was stopped by a lone finger across my lips. She smiled at me as a quick wink flashes at me.

“A gift from my kind to you as a solution.” she whispered at me smiling. The thin lines of her scales showed in her face as the golden scales glittered from the light of her eyes. A small ring box was pressed in my hand as her smile and eyes showed a hint of her mischievous nature. “Let Annianka decide if she should be saved or Atlantis be protected with this small gift.” she added quietly.

My eyes moved to the box in my hand. I slowly opened the lid to see an ornate ring that no technologies on earth would ever be able to create. Two stones set in a perfect swirl of opal, for Atlantis’ light, and hematite, for the dark strength of Lemuria, or so my mind decided. Muse’s giggle in my ears rang like deep bells ringing as she called me silly.

“The opal stands for the Ley’ä’Luna’s light upon everything that lives and the hematite stands for you being the shield and sword against the darkness.” she corrected me. “Give her the ring when all seems lost.” she explained with a giggle in her breath. “If she accepts it on her finger, she will be freed from Atlantis and the corrupted stone.” she continued. “If she refuses it, it will bind with the land of Atlantis to make it return into reality at the appointed time.” she concluded. I watched the stones as she spoke and noticed something moving within each stone making the two stones swirl in reality.

“The first two dragons of the second race.” I stated as I realized what I looked upon. “The Dragon of Light and the Dragon of Strife.” I whispered to her. I barely saw her nod to me.

“They are you hands and the hands of your replacement until the true darkness tries once more to claim this world.” she explained quickly. I sensed the sudden rush in her behavior. “They will only serve the Chosen One of the Ley’ä’Luna, sweet Genin.” she stated merrily. “Words of others will mean nothing to them.” she added. She touched my cheeks with soft kisses before she dissipated from this place. The ring box and ring sat in my hand as the only proof she had ever been here.

“Thank you.” I whispered both verbally and mentally to her. I closed the box and hid it within my clothing securely. I smiled knowing my only worry was now solved. Atlantis might rot if ‘Hope’ realized she could be saved, but the crystal would become that monsters tomb deep under the waves to never be found again. The words from the dolphins had me confused the most since they could not mean Elyria since nothing of her remained which I had searched for during a few centuries after her sacrifice. True death was the point where everything turned into nothingness to never return to the life in any form. I accept this as my fate to save the world from this knot that could destroy this world too quickly. A delay would give them all a chance to be better prepared with my sacrifice.

I will wait until no other choices remained before using the ring to place protection on either Annianka, in this world, or Atlantis, in its millenniums of slumber. My hidden mind let memories flow into my active consciousness of playing with those two mighty dragons. I was still cold to the new races coming into being remembering my mother, Universe, sacrificing herself to create all this spreading out from father’s, the Void’s, domain. Is this what Elira felt at that moment, like Universe, before her sacrifice? This peaceful assurance and certainty I felt ready to sacrifices myself to give my strength to young Kestrel becoming the new Chosen Avatar of the Ley’ä’Luna? Too many possibilities with so many variables that constantly increased as time marched forward for me to answer my own questions. I face the present challenges stretching my life with my dwindling powers to give young Kestrel the best starting point for his required actions. Genia would never know she did not face me by this action of my own hanging out for the longest possible.

I had not even realized that, as I thought all of this, I was already walking home. My foot faltered by my distracting thoughts as a strong furry black hand grappled my shoulder to keep me standing. I turned expect to see my feline's face but looked into burning red wolf eyes. I froze for but a moment before stepping back from this creature I did not recognize.

“He is not an enemy, Lord Kestrel.” Ichcui commented softly. She stepped from the shadows to stand beside this wolfish thing blended with demonic essence. “Sara suggested that you and Steel should meet.” Ichtaca Cuicatl whispered to me. “She calls him ‘wolf-boy’ and he has spoken to your mind before.” she explained. I had known of him without meeting him which had me confused but appeared calm. I nodded to him while also examining this infernally infected wolf child. Gouges from claws could not hide the enslavement mark he bore having me stiffen.

“You bear her mark and dare to stand before me?” I asked feigning anger. I heard a soft whistle from a kestrel in the air above us but did not look up.

“My slave mark has me feeling the same before any celestial beings.” he growled back. A smirk instead of a snarl showed on his face.

“You face one that she allowed cast from the heavens but barred from hell by her former lover.” I returned stiffly. “What is this about IchCui?” I snapped back at the Royal Governess. Steel moved to be between us protecting her.

“He offered his half-breed army that have escaped captivity to protect Sara.” she explained. “Many demons and devils have abandoned the hell over the mistreatment from Lucifer’s and the other fallen angels’ hands to join with Steel’s clan.” she informed me.”All of them would rather be Sara’s army than return to the servitude they were previously under.” she added softly.

“An army of demons, devils, and the mixed blood of half-beast and half-infernal serving the daughter of Seraphim?” I returned with a hard laugh. “The being cast out for giving the Archangels the weapons to save heaven from Lucifer’s rebel army?” I added as a reminder to them. I was chuckling at this absolute ludicrous turn of events.

“You may have been up there but you are not angelic.” Steel snorted back.

“True, but it is the same principle.” I replied softly. My hand lashed out to snag a feline on the back of his neck. He was pouncing towards Steel and I could not allow a fight starting during this odd moment. I placed young Kestrel at my side but he moved into a protective position between Steel and myself. Whispered words passed between them as they growled at each other like true cat and dog reaction.

“Redpath, Steel. Steel, Redpath” Ichcui introduced them to each other.

“And I thought cats and birds had problems when meeting.” I remarked as my eyes drifted from my feline to Ichcui’s wolf. I noticed by their size that they were very close in age as well as in attitude. “Yaotl Tonatiuh! What does your temples say about this arrangement?” I asked her using the title from her people formally.

“They have proven themselves as fighting for their own existence and chose to follow Sara because they believe in her cause and her vision of a future freed from darkness.” she answered directly.

“Do you swear to protect her?” I asked bluntly to the wolf-boy.

“I swear, like my group, my allegiance to her directly and not to you.” he returned in a deep growl. His eyes remained locked on young Kestrel as they stood in a challenging stance at each other. “You are not long for this world to earn my allegiance.” he added in a snort. Redpath’s tail was a slow undulating pendulum as his body was tightly held ready to strike.

“Then swear to the one you are growling at, Steel.” I stated calmly. Those infernal wolf eyes snapped up to me for but a moment to read if I was being serious. I let the images of the final battle where young Kestrel defeated my sister Genia to save Atlantis from destruction. “Swear to the one that will still exist after Atlantis falls.” I mentally told him. His body stiffened as he stood straight which Redpath mimicked perfectly. Then the wolf-boy bowed deeply to my feline replacement.

“I swear to you, Kestrel of the Redpath clan, in the name of all my clan and allies to protect Sara until we have all been slayed to the last.” he stated still bowed before the feline. A purring chuckle came from Redpath. A confused look appeared on Ichcui’s face which possibly reflected my own confusion at this chuckle from my feline name-sake.

“So we can stop pretending we are not friends now?” he asked in a purring voice. The growling chuckle from the infernal wolf replied as he stood. They locked arms in greeting and sealing the oaths exchanged. He turned his head to look at me. “The household is worried since you seemed very detached from us during the Celebratory Supper.” he informed me. A soft squawk of a kestrel sounded from a roof above us. “My little bird friend made it easy to find you, sir.” he added. I glance up to spot the small kestrel that I had noticed but ignored within my garden.

“I had many thoughts that needed clarification.” I replied softly to him. He nodded still purring softly.

“You saw your Brothers off, you visited the dolphin pool where you had a dragon guest, and now you parlay with a half demon and the Royal Governess that should be with her charge.” he listed my evening events in quick precise fashion. “Anyone else you need to meet before we return home, sir?” he asked in a purring chuckle.

“Protective cat he is.” Steel stated with a respect filled nod to Redpath. “He also sees more than all others perceive.” he added with a growling chuckle.

“Even my training did not reveal the link between you and Sara.” Ichcui admitted softly. “How many others have you set deals with to protect and serve your child?” she asked in a whisper.

“None but the oath your Steel already gave her and now to young Kestrel.” I replied truthfully. “My other arrangements and oaths are to protect the world and the remains of Atlantis while it is hidden from the world.” I explained honestly to her. “Her protection, as Steel has stated, is not mine to arrange beyond the Brothers and Sisters of light.” I concluded quietly.

“And her three aunties of Wisdom, Joy, and Depression with Balance waiting to strike if needed.” the other Kestrel remarked. I gazed down at him. “I have met Depression as she comes to visits the ghost of the old and abandoned Royal Halls.” he informed me quietly. “I have collected many odd friends both outside and within Atlantis, Lord Kestrel.” he added in a near whisper.

“You have always been a resourceful kitten who can find the truly heroic and make them follow the right path for them.” I told him softly. “You have earned this truth.” I stated. I bent my head to be near his ear. “You are my Squire and will soon be replacing me.” I whispered to him before pulling back. He only turned his head to look at me to give me a single simple nod of acceptance.

We bowed to each other before parting. Young Kestrel walked beside me proudly as I felt that I had finally done enough. It was a weight lifted from my shoulders as we walked along the empty marble streets. We retired to our rooms upon entering the residence. Sert’s question was answered with the fact I was fatigued from my long day, which he accepted. By the time the moon reached its zenith, I was before the pillar of light. I explained my plan of releasing my vows to them upon young Kestrel’s shoulders. They agreed easily citing that he could do what I could not when facing my half sister. Then I was back in my bed in Atlantis as sleep took me for real. My dreams were of my time with Elyria reliving them and even changing them to make them last longer in this dreamed reality.

Redpath's Journals: Family Gathering and Peace (28)

I barely noticed when they moved from between Kestrel and myself to suddenly be at the Queen’s dais. Her Guards were in position to block them but they remained standing in front of her dais. Any hopes of keeping this introduction of the Ambassadors to the Royal Court was gone as they spoke.

“Hello sister!” they both shrieked merrily. The Queen giggled then laughed outright to these two. The groan from Kestrel beside me and how all the color was draining in the King’s face had me groaning as well.

“Play any good tricks on Loki since I have been gone, my brothers? she asked giggling childishly. The nobles looked at each other and their Queen confused and shocked at this new personality her majesty showed. Munin paling face added widening eyes locked on the two brothers. It was not just shock, but fear I smelled from our pretend King.

“No, but we got Lockey to make a rude face at Kestrel!” Cor commented. Her giggling was accompanied with kicking feet like a child at these words. “He actually laughed!” he exclaimed loudly.

“You must have been working on his sense of humor since he’s arrived here, sister.” Twin remarked. A strangle gasp escaped the King drawing their attention on him.

“Did we not paint him blue at one point?” Cor teased while looking at the King.

“I believe we did.” Twin replied. His eyes were locked on the King as well. “I hope you did not take it too seriously, little Munin.” he added. A soft mischievous chuckle passed between the brothers as they took a sliding step towards him. King Munin flinched as he straightened on his throne. The brothers continued to tell stories of the tricks the trio of them had played upon the Asgardian. The mirth was contagious as the nobles started laughing with them about the many adventures this trio had before coming to this world while growing up.

The King was the only one immune to this merriness. I could see him tensing, smelled the fear of these two, and his nervous shivers whenever the brothers glanced at him. With a final humph from the King, he stood to rush from the hall. Shal was giggling under her cloak trying but failing to hide it. I felt her eyes meeting mine as she nodded to me before following the King away from this happy family reunion. I shrugged to Kestrel when he glanced at me simply letting my purring chuckle blend with all the other signs of joy in this Royal Court.

“Enough you two.” the Queen chided them. She had waited for the King to leave and the mirth to fill the room. “You are here on serious business and not a simple family reunion.” she reminded them. Her voice did not hold the seriousness she normally spoke with. It was joyful and playful while still getting respect from all. I looked away from them to gaze at Lord Kestrel. The smile on his face was like a sun and not what now was a shadow previously shown to us. Like the Queen, he was filled with true happiness from these two Ambassadors that both called brothers.

“Can we give our gifts to our niece now, or should we wait?” Cor suggested softly.

“Now would be fine so Princess Sara can return to play and learn with the other children of Atlantis.” she replied casually. I heard Kestrel choke at these words while the nobles stiffened with confusion as I had done. I did not need to look behind me to know Sert, Meli, and Cole had reacted to this in the same tensed manner. I ignored the gifts closely looking at each of the nobles trying to see if they noticed this falsehood as easily as we had. This could be for the benefit of our guest but it felt wrong since her voice held firm belief. I would have to ask Miss Hope about this false reality the Queen believed her secluded daughter lived under. I did notice the wooden blocks of foreign letters and the odd wooden handled sling and polished white stones gifted to Princess Sara. I did not find it odd but very practical gift for a child even if I felt they were below the Princess’ actual maturity. This was followed by another hour of bantering of tricks and deeds in Asgard before their plan was spoken to the crowd.

“With Lemuria seen as a warmonger in the outer world while Atlantis stand for peace-making.” Cor stated calmly to the room.

“If they wish to change this, they must accept disarming their advanced weapons by removing the power crystals.” Twin remarked casually. I saw the Queen ready to object being held silence with a hand each raised towards her. I could see the glare in her eyes as she remained silent.

“It is only their weapons that make the humans and non-humans fear them.” Cor reinforced this thought.

“But their defenses do not need to be removed leaving them safe even if the majority of their attack weapons are rendered powerless.” Twin assured them. The queen shook her head.

“And would they agree to allow themselves placed in such a weak position?” her majesty asked doubtfully.

“I believe that their honor of an equal combat would make it impossible for them to resist such a treaty.” Kestrel remarked. The brother nodded vigorously in agreement.

“It will just take time for them to see it that way.” Cor returned with a shrug.

“We will continue slowly insinuating this idea into the minds of their people.” Twin added with a bow to her majesty.

“We just have a problem with where the crystals could be sent to keep them safely off Lemuria without placing them in Atlantis.” Cor pipped in softly.

“They would never agree handing crystals that could be used for Atlantis to attack them while they are effectively defenseless.” Twin returned with a shrug.

“This treaty is to make the world feel safer, yes?” Kestrel asked. I noticed the instantaneous glare that disappeared as quickly as it appeared. “Would separating the crystals be against their ideologies?” he added smoothly.

“I cannot see it as being a problem since only Atlantis could potentially use the crystals against them.” Cor replied as a smirk formed on his face.

“A great honorable peace offer on their part to hand the crystals to the ones that fear them the most.” Twin concluded the thought Kestrel had started.

“Giving such power into the hands of the humans and non-humans might not be wise.” Annianka stated slowly.

“The non-humans are not the major ones that need to be appeased by such an action.” Kestrel returned. “The crystals would be of no use to them since they lack the technology to use them.” he explained softly. “Peace would be possible as long as the humans accept and believe that Lemuria has actually disarmed itself fully.” he warned them.

“Which would be our job to make them see the light.” Cor accepted smiling.

“It might take longer doing this than convincing the Lemurian to hand the crystals over.” Twin informed them.

“A stipulation in the treaty they sign forcing them to not send them to Atlantis.” Annianke commented. “When we sign the treaty with Lemuria, we would back it by reporting any attempts as part of the treaty.” she added smirking at them.

“Everyone gets something and peace becomes a reality in this world.” Kestrel surmised. “I believe it can be accomplished without exerting force from either Atlantis or Lemuria, other than gentle words of wisdom.” he added with a nod and smile.

“Does this mean we have to leave right away?” Cor whined.

“You must still present these ideas to the Council of Atlantis.” Kestrel stated with a sigh.

“And a formal visit to the island is in order for such dignitaries.” the Queen returned.

“I or Meli would be ready to give them a tour of Atlantis while you prepare the Council for their visit tomorrow.” Sert called out. I hide my purring snicker that they had remained silent throughout the discussion.

“I am certain we can show them many things without exposing them to any real secrets.” Meli added with a smile. They flinched but it was a weaker reactions without the original fear I smelled off them earlier.

“And a Royal Celebratory Banquet would be needed before your departure after meeting with the Council.” Annianka stated happily. “Chef Chichi would have all our heads if we forgot to give him a chance to show off.” she added with a smirk. Laughter filled the room even if some was forced by her comment. We walked with the brothers to the doors before leaving them leave with Sert, Meli, and their selected Guard division. Prince Bryan and Deas, accompanied the brothers suggesting a chance for them to see the training fields. We who remained headed towards the Council Chambers walking side by side.

“You have been uncommonly quiet, Cole.” Kestrel remarked during our walk. We were just passed the mid point before this started. “Any problems?” he added.

“You have shown much advanced political understanding while upon Atlantis.” he mentioned while nodding his head. “Unless the Council is having another ‘absent’ moment, they should accept the ideas fully without complaints.” he explained. He had been slowing since he started talking and we both kept our place beside him. “It is the time table that they might want a clearer details about.” he added softer.

“Patience is the greatest political gift and tool anyone can have in this case.” Kestrel returned. “They will be kept updated as events unfold to smooth over any snags Atlantis might be in position to help.” he added. Cole stopped walking. Kestrel paused next to him while I moved ahead to form a tight triangle for us to talk in quiet voice. I did take a chance to look around us but saw no one within hearing range.

“Will it work?” Cole blurted out. I looked at him understanding why he was asking but feigned confusion. “Does your gift help you know if this is in vain or not?” he clarified his thoughts. Kestrel shrugged at him.

“The future is a malleable thing and not set in stone with the exception of a few key moments that tie the known past with the possible future.” he informed him. “Atlantis must face one of these knots with or without peace attained.” he concluded quietly. Cole looked at him slightly shock at this revelation.

“Can we not unravel these knots to stop them from happening?” I asked pensively. “Or make them easier to face?” I countered as I tried understanding this concept. It felt important for me understanding all of this. I knew how much I wanted to be like Kestrel but this was not the reason I wanted to understand this aspect of him.

“They are moments of great decisions created long before even I existed.” he told us. This was more than I thought he would reveal in front of Cole, but I listened as closely as Cole did. “The outcome of the knots can be changed if the right beings are in the right place at the moment the knot arrives.” he briefly explained. “My gift might help me see the knots coming and give me hints of whom are needed to face it, but not how it might turn out because freewill exists in this world.” he added. I saw his shoulders slumping slightly at his final admission.

With nothing more than a quick look, we moved back into position next to Kestrel. I walked at his right while Cole strode on his left as we continued to the Council Chambers. My mind mostly worked on Kestrel’s words and all the oddities I had met since joining his household. A shift had taken place since he, from Meli’s recounting, released his power to save a child suffering from the plague. Meli added healing and reinforcing herbs to the tea she served to Kestrel without telling him. Sert had been holding back in his own way during sparring sessions against him. Our private discussions were mostly about what was possibly going to happen in ours and Atlantis’ future. Discussions with Cole have been beyond political ideals but focusing on the future. He had allowed me to learn more about the events taking place within the Council and did not ask for my silence about it.

My steps may have been light but my mind felt heavy with all these thoughts and possible futures we might reach. I had pushed myself to improve to the point of being seen as a true Royal Guard at barely a hundred years old. I had wandered Atlantis in the evening meeting others, making friends, making allies, all to be better in serving Kestrel. I sometimes thought I had gone beyond simply trying to be helpful by dealing with issues with only a whispered word. All these thought simmered in my head as we reached to the doors of the Council Chambers.

Kestrel's Journals: Chaos in the Court (27)

As we walked in, I should have grabbed Cor and hoped young Kestrel stopped Twin but... The Brothers shot forward directly to the front of Annianka’s dais with her Guards in position to block them. Annianka was already giggling ignoring the improprieties of their actions. Munin’s face had paled upon seeing them.

“Hello sister!” they chimed together. Annianka giggles turned into true laughter. She had received the memories of them from ‘Joy’ and could easily match her merry mischievous nature around these two adoptive brothers.

“Play any good tricks on Loki since I have been gone, my brothers?” she asked with childish glee. The nobles in the room looked stunned, confused, and shocked at this sudden shift in their Queen. Munin eyes went from her to the Brothers as his face turned white in shock and terror.

“No, but we got Lockey to make a rude face at Kestrel!” Cor told her. She giggled and kicked her feet as the images of this event filled her mind. “He actually laughed about it!” he continued. The shock was clear in his voice as he spoke.

“You must have been working on his sense of humor since he’s arrived here, sister.” Twin returned proudly. A strangle gasp from Munin drew their attention to him.

“Did we not paint him blue at one point?” Cor asked teasingly.

“I believe we did.” Twin answered. “I hope you did not take it too seriously, little Munin.” he concluded. They took a sliding step towards him as Munin flinched before straightening on his throne.

I stood rubbing my temple as the three of than banter about the long list of dirty tricks they had played upon the Asgardian while growing up there together. The mirth of the stories swayed the nobles to a normal relaxed and jovial mood. Munin only grew more tense and leery until he stood and slink away. I notice Lady Shala look pass me to nod at young Kestrel while her shoulder shook from giggles. I received a shrug from the feline when I glanced at him. I started laughing at how easy it was to dismiss Munin from important discussions. Young Kestrel purring chuckle floated around next to me as I reigned in my mirth.

“Enough you two.” Annianka reprimanded them once Munin had left. “You are here on serious business and not a simple family reunion.” she corrected them. She still giggled eyeing them mirthfully. This oddness was not the ‘Joy’ act but the Annianka I met upon my first arrival on Atlantis and it warmed my heart. It was rare to see her smile since the forced married to Munin.

“Can we give our gifts to our little niece now, or should we wait?” Cor asked.

“Now would be fine so Princess Sara can return to play and learn with the other children of Atlantis.” she replied easily. I choked and straighten as these words. She motioned Ichcui and Sara to move closer. Sara peeked shyly through her hair at them as she took a shaky step towards them holding out her hands. My mind was only noticing Sara on the edge of my vision while looking at the Queen. I could not understand why she believed Sara was freely going to school and playing with others. This was either an act for the nobles or she did not know the sheltered life her daughter was forced to endure. I would have to see who or what was behind this seclusion order placed upon my daughter.

Cor took a slow step forward before dropping onto a knee before Sara. He held out a box wrapped in silken brightly colored paper and a large red bow. She quickly pulled the ribbon off to open the box. The lid popped open revealing well crafted wooden blocks with the symbols that represented letters of different languages of the world. She smiled up at him saying her thanks. Luckily she did not call him ‘Uncle War’ while thanking him. She placed the box aside with a silly sly smile as she played the perfect child role for all present. She returned to stand before Twin that had already knelt on one knee. He held out a leather wrapped bundle and a small finely made soft leather pouch. She opened the bundle to reveal a skillfully made advanced sling and the pouch held polished round stones to be used as projectiles. Sara giggled thanking him but warning him she can’t use it inside. She handed the sling to Ichcui while placing the sling stones in the box with the blocks. My only confusion was why Brother War handed her a toy while Brother Death gave her a weapon.

After about another hour of silly banter from the Brothers to the assemble nobles and the Queen, they finally settled into explaining their plans for peace regarding Lemuria. While the world seemed to worship Atlantis as a centre of diplomacy and peace, the world thought of Lemuria as an advanced warmongering society. The fastest way for the world to change their view would be the removal of the crystals powering the weapons of Lemuria effectively rendering them equal to all others. Annianka nearly screamed her protest to this plan if her brothers had not held up their hands to forestall her objections. They quickly explained that the crystals used to power the defenses of Lemuria itself would still be present allowing them to protect themselves just not attack their enemies with superior technologies.

“And would they agree to allow themselves placed in such a weak position?” Annianka asked bewildered.

“I believe that their honor of an equal combat would make it impossible for them to resist such a treaty.” I remarked. Both Brothers nodded violently their agreement.

“It will just take time for them to see it that way.” Cor stated.

“We will continue slowly insinuating this idea into the minds of their people.” Twin commented with a bow.

“We just have a problem with where the crystals could be sent to keep them safely off Lemuria without handing them to Atlantis.” Cor remarked softly.

“They would never agree handing crystals that could be used for Atlantis to attack them while they are effectively defenseless.” Twin returned with a shrug.

“This treaty is to make the world feel safer, yes?” I asked gaining dark glares. “Would separating the crystal be against their ideology?” I moved the thought forward ignoring them.

“I cannot see it as being a problem since only Atlantis could potentially use the crystals against them.” Cor returned. The spark of my indirect suggestion turning into an ideal plan in their mind.

“A great honorable peace offer on their part to hand the crystals to the ones that fear them the most.” Twin finally giggling.

“Giving such power into the hands of the humans and non-humans might not be wise.” Annianka countered.

“The non-humans are not the major ones that need to be appeased by such an action.” I corrected her gently. “The crystals would be of no use to them since humans lack the technology to use them.” I explained slowly. “Peace would be possible as long as the humans accept and believe that Lemuria has actually disarmed itself fully.” I cautioned them.

“Which would be our job to make them see the light.” Cor agreed directly.

“It might take longer doing this than convincing the Lumurian to hand the crystals over.” Twin reminded us.

“A stipulation in the treaty they sign forcing them to not send them to Atlantis.” Annianka told us. “When we sign the treaty with Lemuria, we would back it, by reporting any attempts as part of our treaty.” she concluded with a smirk.

“Everyone gets something and peace becomes a reality in this world.” I said solemnly. “I believe it can be accomplished without exerting force from either Atlantis or Lemuria, other than words of wisdom.” I concluded with a smile and a nod.

“Does this mean we have to leave right away?” Cor grumbled.

“You must still present these ideas to the Council of Atlantis.” I reminded him.

“And a formal visit to the island is in order for such dignitary.” Annianka commented.

“I or Meli would be ready to give them a tour of Atlantis while you prepare the Council for their visit tomorrow.”Sert suggested finally speaking.

“I am certain we can show them many things without exposing them to any real secrets.” Meli chimed in smiling. The flinched from my Brothers was less now from seeing her fangs.

“And a Royal Celebratory Banquet would be needed before your departures after meeting with the Council.” Annianka reminded us merrily. “Chef Chichi would have all our heads if we forgot to give him a chance to show off.” she explained herself.

The laughter filled the Royal Court from her simple comment. The Brothers left the Royal Court with Sert, Meli, and Bryan with Deas in tow. This allowed them to visit the training facilities from different groups of Guards upon the island. I headed for the Council with Cole and young Kestrel to inform them of the visit and treaty ideas that would be presented to them.

“You have been uncommonly quiet Cole.” I asked while we walked. “Any problems?” I casually suggested.

“You have shown much advanced political understanding while upon Atlantis.” he replied with a nod of his head. “Unless the Council is having another ‘absent’ moment, they should accept the ideas fully without complaints.” he continued. His pace had slowed but not stop. “It is the time table that they might want a clearer details about.” he informed me.

“Patience is the greatest political gift and tool anyone can have in this case.” I replied casually. “They will be kept updated as events unfold to smooth over any snags Atlantis might be in position to help.” I added softly. His feet stopped as Redpath moved ahead for us to form a triangle.

“Will it work?” Cole asked bluntly. Young Kestrel looked confused by his direct question. “Does your gift help you know if this is in vain or not?” he corrected his question. I sighed and shrugged at him.

“The future is a malleable thing and not set in stone with the exception of a few key moments that tie the known past with the possible future.” I replied in a soft whisper. “Atlantis must face a one of these knots with or without peace attained.” I added. The confidence the feline had shown towards Cole had me allowing more information to be given to him.

“Can we not unravel these knots to stop them from happening?” Redpath purred out softly. “Or make them easier to face?” he added slowly. I knew this was him becoming prepared to accept my energy within him to be the new Brother Order.

“They are a moment of great decisions created long before even I existed.” I supplied calmly. “The outcome of the knots can be changed if the right beings are in the right place at the moment the knot arrives.” I explained easily. “My gift might help me see the knots coming and give me hints of whom are needed to face it, but not how it might turn out because freewill exists in this world.” I concluded.

They glanced at each other and fell back in place as we returned to our path toward the Council Hall. I could sense so many changes in all of retinue since I faced the shard of the Heartstone and what lay within it. They had all become to see beyond Atlantis and wanting to fix the world to avoid negative futures. To do this, they wanted to know more information about what was coming. I suspected they had discussed about my moment of weakness and how difficult it had been for me to finally recover. I knew Cole would not be facing the darkness but safely away from Atlantis at the dreaded day.

I also knew he was doing his best to have those here turned into powerhouses to fight in his place. He was the one that forced the Council Guards to start training with the Royal Guards and having mixed patrols to learn from each other. The Militia Reserve was a combination of Sert and Cole ideas while Meli and him had worked to get basic medical training for all the Guards of Atlantis. A pale replacement but their strength grew while mine dwindled. My own ending was feeling like it approached faster, as each time I used my powers, the infection killing my spirit and soul ate more of me away. Another twelve to twenty years and I would not be able to use the smallest gift without collapsing from exhaustion. I refrain putting full power forward but few would have noticed as I tried remaining on Atlantis lately. At the moment before true death takes me, I will release my gifts and knowledge into Redpath as the Ley’ä’Luna have shown me. Nothing of myself would be left after that moment when I can join in nothingness with she whom I love, my Lyra.

Redpath's Journals: The Lemurian Peace Ambassadors (27)

A shrill stretched out squawk awoke me before the sun had risen. I awoke half confused before looking up to see my kestrel friend calling me. I looked around the garden where nothing else moved. The bird of prey hop-flew to the wall and squawked at me once more.

“I understand, I am following.” I called to him. I stretched and leaped from my branch to the wall. “What is needed?” I asked the bird perched beside me. It cooed at me before taking flight headed for the harbor, spiraling back to release a call to me before returning on it’s original path. I pounced to the street below and started moving along the street noticing the messenger arriving at our door. I started rushing, then running, to reach the port before anyone else. How did I know they would be at the port? My feathered friend’s called me to there.

The kestrel flew in circles over an empty space in the harbor. The air started shimmering and spiraling before the front tip of the a ship appeared. The rest of the ship followed floating silently and slowly into the harbor. The kestrel returned to one of the trees by me standing where the land and shore met. It squawk one last time and pointed with its beak to the ship that had manifested in the harbor of Atlantis. I squared my shoulders and move to stand where the ship will be docking to wait as the dawn light washed over me. I heard the running feet before I saw Kestrel arriving.

I watched seeing him being followed by the four Captains and the four squad flowing like a ribbon behind their Captain. As Kestrel was within the range to see me clearly, I mouthed the words ‘too slow’ to him. He took the place beside me as my purring chuckle could reach his ears.

“You could have warned me that it was a race.” he returned with a chuckle. With a wave from him, the ship slipped easily into position. Atlantian dock hands tied the mooring ropes as the gangplank stretched out to touch the dock before us. I glance back to see my little kestrel took off winging toward his home, our garden. My eyes return to stare at this ship that I knew was the infamous Leviathan filled with secrets even Atlantis did not know about. I doubted that stolen Lemurian technology would be seen as acceptable in Atlantis but only if they found out about it.

A Lemurian woman in slightly fancier clothing then other mixed race sailors, making me think it was the captain, strode down the gangplank directly towards Kestrel. I held my spot as she stop before him and made a face to him. He laughed at her as my ears picked up a gentle scrapping sound luring my eyes back to the ship. I spotted the top of two heads up to a pair of eyes looking down at us.

“She actually did it!” the first head exclaimed.

“I cannot believe she would do that to the first person she met.” the second head replied. Kestrel had been standing closer to the edge of the plank from the Leviathan which spared me receiving this rude face.

“And you could never of guessed that it would be me, you fools!” Kestrel hollered up to them. I saw them focusing more closely on Kestrel as they slowly stood revealing the rest of their bodies. I saw the shock and smelled the hint of fear as they slowly crept down the gangplank to stand before Kestrel. “I should have warned you to never bet with these two, captain Lockey.” he added as he started laughing again.

“He’s laughing, brother?” one asked looking confused and shocked.

“When and where did he find a sense of humor?” the second replied just as surprised. Kestrel held up one hand and they silenced instantly.

“Double or nothing if you make that face to sweet Meli, once she reaches us.” he told the captain. The two nodded trying to encourage her to agree.

“No bet, but I will do it for fun in this case.” she countered with a smirk. She moved to one side with a passive face as Sert, Meli, and Cole finally reached us. Sert was greet with a simple handshake wordlessly, before she turned towards Meli. She waited until Meli was focused fully on her face when she made the rude face to her. Sert moved as Lockey started laughing and tipping over. He had her held on her feet while she continued laughing. Meli giggled under breath looking confused.

“She is as fun as we are and we never knew.” one reported.

“Without having lost a bet, she still has a good humor about acting silly.” the other returned. They both chuckled, giggled, and laughed as they pranced in a tight circle on the dock. They had not noticed Meli had approached them.

“What was that about?” she asked trying not to giggle. In her confusion, her mouth was open showing off her fangs. Both men jumped back from her as the smell of fear poured from them.

“Our fanged friend is not what you think.” Kestrel remarked chuckling at them. My purring chuckle drifted out with his as I stood by his side. They still looked fearfully at her as she smiles sweetly accentuating her sharpened canine teeth.

“I win the fear bet!” Lockey shrieked triumphantly. She moved towards the brothers with a grin and an outstretched hands. “Now pay up!” she ordered as they sighed. Each handed over a trio of random crystals to her. “Now, this is Meli, a trained healer of Atlantis in Kestrel’s service.” she introduced Meli to them.

“And I am an honorary Royal Guard in Lord Kestrel’s household.” I informed them. Their eyes went from me, to the lines of Guards behind us and to Sert and Cole that approached closer to Meli's sides. The two still flinched when their eyes fell on our healer. “Sertian, the Honour Guard known as Sert, Cole, the Council Attache, and myself, Kestrel of the Repath clan known as the House Cat.” I introduced the team before turning to stand with them. “We are Lord Kestrel’s personal retinue.” I added purring. I nod from Kestrel had me moving once more to stand beside him.

“Brother!” the first exclaimed wide-eyed.

“You have truly changed since last we met!” the second continued. They started examining Kestrel closer with wondrous amazement. I could not resist releasing a soft chuckling purr at the annoyed look on Kestrel’s face. He dismissed their actions with a wave and a cold look.

“You two should eventually consider growing up.” he told them. “You might learn that it is not such a bad nor a serious thing.” he added giving them a quick wink. My chuckle nearly turned into a laugh at this but I held it back mostly. They smiled back as both shook their heads violently to deny his advise.

“It would be of no use growing up.” one replied quickly.

“No fun in acting like an adult.” the other agreed just as fast.

“May I introduce Lord Corëe’ap’Ręæ and Lord Twin Feathers.” he informed all of us. Each bowed as their name was spoken. “Cor and Twin, for short.” he concluded casually.

“Well met!” we replied in unison. I could see the smile on both Sert’s and Cole’s face showed they were enjoying this more informal banter with dignitaries.

“Select a Guard group for your visit and we can then proceed to meet the King and Holy Queen with the rest of the nobles.” he informed them. The Captains moved aside to allow their troops reviewed for selection.

“Which ones did Sister Nightingale and Brother Chichi select?” Cor asked while glancing down the line of troops.

“Would be best to not select the same as them.” Twin explained tossing glances towards the Guards.

“Lady Nightingale selected the Ursus Guards, and, as Royal Chef, Chichi has no Guards of his own.” Kestrel answered. They looked surprise about Chichi lack of Guards. “Our sister is taking care of him.” he whispered to them. I did not chuckle remembering Sert suddenly losing his clothing from a single hit from Nightingale. They chortled back nodding as they moved to select their Guards.

“I will select the Wolves.” Cor called back before returning by us. Twin looked from the Feline and the Ferrets seeming unable to decide.

“Can I get a mixed group?” he asked pained. “I just feel it unjust to leave one group out.” he complained.

“If I said that the Felines are chosen Guards for the Egyptians.” Kestrel hazarded to him.

“Good!” Twin cheered. “It leaves the most cunning of all the Guards for me!” he exclaimed merrily. A nod towards Jäz gained a higher pitched chuckle back. He looked around before realized he had not selected verbally. “I select the Ferrets.” he announced smirking shyly.

“As you both wish it.” Kestrel replied with quick bow to each of them. “Young Lord Bryan has made arrangements that Princess Sara will be present for this greeting ceremony.” he revealed. The Royal Guards and their Captains growled under their breath while stiffening straighter. “I believe she will be much better behaved than when Captain Jäzærha returned.” he added with a shrug.

“That is good to hear since we have gifts for our little niece.” Cor returned merrily. I saw the Guards’ and Captains’ look downward while all other eyes came to rest on Cor. Meli started moving forward at them again. She had noticed their reaction to her chipped teeth. She used it against them as easily as carrying a spatula to put Sert in his place.

“Why do you call the Princess your niece?” she asked with a hard edged smile. They flinched away from her looking to Kestrel for salvation. Sert and Cole stayed back half in confusion and half in fear of Meli’s mood. I played my role looking confused at the brothers silently while at Kestrel side.

“They do not know?” Cor asked smirking. Mischievousness shined in his eyes.

“You have kept it a secret from your own people?” Twin remarked. The feigned shock of placing a hand over his mouth did not hide the mischievous gleam in his eyes. I saw that they took this slip of the tongue as a game with Kestrel. I could not be sure this was intentional but I had my doubt it was wholly an accident. Unknown words spilled out of Kestrel as the teams eyes turned on him.

“I am boarding my ship and ignoring what was just said.” Captain Locked retorted marching to her ship. I heard her screaming orders to her sailors and the water rippling as they moved away from the dock while my eyes were on Kestrel. I did not glare, like they others targeting him with, but looked hoping he was planning away out of this mess.

“Will you explain why they would refer to Princess Sara as their niece?” Meli inquired aggressively. “Or should we ask the Holy Queen Annianka why this would be said?” she concluded. She was never subtle in challenging anyone with something they seemed to fear. For Kestrel, it was keeping the Queen happy and in the dark of things that would disturb her.

“These two are like brothers to Annianka.” he answered calmly. “The three of them have played tricks on Loki himself while they grew up in Asgard together.” he explained easily. It even seem to wave this fact away as if it was nothing of importance. “They just know her as ‘Joy' and not as the Holy Queen Annianka.” he added. Confused glances passed between the Guards and their Captains but I felt this was wrong. My meeting with ‘Depression’ had me reviewing the names she gave her sisters that did include ‘Joy’ but it was ‘Hope’ that sat upon the throne of Atlantis. It could, indirectly, be seen as Kestrel being a sibling of the Queen since they called him brother as well.

“We are ready to meet the Royals and nobles of Atlantis.” he asked. A smile was tossed at his brothers. With a nod, we started moving forward. The four Guard Captains lead the way. With a loose ring of their mixed selected Guards around them, the peacemakers of Lemuria followed glancing at all the scenes around them. Kestrel and I with the rest of our companions walked at their back while the remaining unselected Guards followed out behind us. The procession moved at a good pace without rushing nor lingering.

I could see how stiffly the Guards moved smelling the aggression and fear in the Atlantians lining the street. Lemuria was seen as the enemy of Atlantis by many here, there, and in the outer world. I was in part truthful since we often had minor aggressive incidents between our ships but it was not an all out war between the two races. The tension was high but not beyond calming so far. Curiosity possibly had most of them standing with their children in the street sides watching us. I wondered if they realized that these Peace Ambassadors were not Lemurians like the man they view as the best and most honorable Atlantian was only a special human.

The walk had remained peaceful but, as we approached the open area surrounding the Royal Court, it could change shortly. A crowd waited chanting against the warmongers upon their island. They sat shoulder to shoulder turning our pathway into a sea to impede our forward movement. The two Peace Ambassadors step forward to meet them without a hint of fear coming from them. Their Guards had moved to bracket their back without getting aggressive to the people.

“We agree that warmongers have no place upon this island of peace and serenity.” Cor called out to them.

“Which is why we are here to bring some of this noble peaceful thinking to Lemuria to save them from the evils infesting the outer world.” Twin agreed. They took another step closer to them without breaching the thick rows of citizens. The aggression from this group was extremely high as we arrived but was slowly dissipating.

“We ask you,” he paused shaking his head. “No, we beg you to allow us to do this hard task?” Cor asked them.

“We beg you to allow us to pass so we may do our part like your noble Lord Kestrel in saving the world?” Twin pleaded with them. The use of Kestrel name had the aggression melting away. The looks were still glares but their aggression was disappearing from their scent. The Guards did not relax at this lessening aggression being on guard for any possibilities even a magical attack from on outside source.

“We ask for peace and promise to only show peace while upon this great island.” Cor promised them. With a quick nod to each other they turned towards the Guard Captain of their selected troops. They made a show by slowly and publicly disarming themselves before the crowd handing everything over to the Captain standing by them. The glares remained but the aggression was gone from the crowd. With another quick nod, the strode forward. They picked their way carefully between the bodies sitting on the wide marble pathway. They remained silent as they progressed slowly and cautiously through the crowd. Murmured comments passe around the crowd but none moved to impede the Peace Ambassador brothers. The Guards glared back at the crowd impatiently waiting impotent to prevent harm to those they were suppose to protect. Upon reaching the far side of the crowd, the brothers turned once more to face the crowd. They bowed deeply to them holding at the lowest point of their bow.

“We thank you!” they returned to the crowd in unison.

“You have shown to us the true nobility of Atlantis by allowing us to pass peacefully.” Twin concluded to them. They stood and started bowing to each section of the crowd that had allowed them peaceful passage. The applause started slowly like a whisper in the crowd but, as it grew, the members of the crowd rose to their feet. The crowd started slowly dispersing allowing us to start moving forward.

“They are why Lemuria has accepted the concept of peace.” Kestrel announced to the crowd. With Kestrel thanking one side of the crowd we passed through, I thanked the other. Our march was slow and showed gratitude to all that acted with honor. It was in the name of peace and Atlantis we thanked them for their honorable and pacifist actions. The mood had shifted to my animal senses knowing hope was now the feeling that emanated from them now. We took places on each side of the brothers turning to face the crowd.

“For Atlantis, I thank all of you for your noble behavior towards those that wish for peace everywhere upon the world.” Kestrel told them. Most had walked away but Kestrel’s voice carried to all of them. I couldn’t resist purring at this outcome where peace won against the hatred for Lemuria. We turned as one to march forward in sync to march into the Royal Court's central hall.

Kestrel's Journals: Cor and Twin Arrive (26)

It was nearly a year later before word arrived that the Leviathan sat waiting in the harbor of Atlantis with diplomats from Lemuria. I was running to the port to greet my two Brothers. At the halfway mark, the four Guard Captains, with a squad each at their heels, joined my rush. Meli, Sert, and Cole where far behind me now as I moved swiftly through the empty dawn streets. I was only mildly surprise to find young Kestrel already standing on the docks, waiting for us. He mouthed the words “too slow” to me as took my place beside him. I could not help chuckling as he purred.

“You could have warned me that it was a race.” I remarked to him. I waved to the Leviathan as the Captains and their troops took positions in neat rows behind me. The ship slid easily to softly touch the edge of the dock. The ropes tossed from the Leviathan crew were caught and quickly moored by the Atlantian dock hands. The gangplank magical extended to connect the ship to the dock. I noticed Redpath’s wide-eyed stare at this majestic vessel loaded with mostly stolen technology.

Captain Lockey stepped down the plank with an air between exasperated and insanity playing on her face. She stared at me for a moment before making a rude face at me. I could not hold back the laughter knowing this was one of Cor‘s and Twin’s little pranks or one of their bets. I patted her shoulder in condolences for having to perform this action. I looked up to see my Brothers peeking down at the scene half hidden by the ships rail.

“She actually did it!” Cor stated with a hint of surprise in his voice.

“I cannot believe she would do that to the first person she met.” Twin responded.

“And you could never of guessed that it would be me, you fools!” I shouted up to them. As they focused on my face, they slowly stood from behind their hiding spot. Their jaw dropped as I noticed them swallowing worriedly. They sheepishly moved slowly down the plank to stand mollified before me. “I should have warned you to never bet with these two, captain Lockey.” I added laughing.

“He’s laughing, Brother?” Cor asked perplexed.

“When and where did he find a sense of humor? Twin returned. I held up one hand to prevent any more comments from them.

“Double or nothing if you make that face to sweet Meli, once she reaches us.” I challenged Lockey. Both Brothers started nodding their head vigorously to encourage her.

“No bet, but I will do it for fun in this case.” the captain returned with a gleam of mischief in her eyes. She stood straight face as the rest of my team arrived. She greeted Sert silently before turning to face Meli. She released the rude face at my healer who looked shocked while holding back the giggle building in her throat. Sert was fast enough to prevent Lockey from collapsing to the wooden dock laughing uncontrollable by arresting her fall.

“She’s as fun as we are and we never knew.” Cor stated smirking.

“Without having lost a bet, she still has a good humor about acting silly.” Twin replied. They both started chuckling and gleefully dancing in place.

“What was that about?” Meli asked still keeping her giggle at bay before this mirthful reaction. Both Brother suddenly bounced back from Meli. Their face showed a mix of fear and confusion.

“Our fanged friend is not what you think.” I replied chuckling at them. They continued fearfully staring at Meli as she smiled sweetly at them accentuating her fanged eye-teeth.

“I win the fear bet!” Lockey screamed triumphantly. She moved towards the Brothers with a grin. “Now pay up!” she ordered as they sighed. Each of them handed over a trio of mixed crystals to her. “Now this is Meli, a trained healer of Atlantis in Kestrel’s service.” Lockey introduced her to them.

“And I am an honorary Royal Guard in Lord Kestrel’s household.” young Kestrel informed them. The Brothers looked at him then past him to the row of Royal Guards standing at attention behind their respective Captains. Their eyes still looked haunted when the glanced at Meli. Redpath quickly introduced the rest of my team to them while naming himself the ‘house cat’ as his actual position. He stood with Meli on one side, Sert on the other while Cole was beside the warrior. “We...” he stated smiling. “are Lord Kestrel’s personal retinue.” he announced purring. I found it a good sign on how he had step up to be the voice for my team.

“Brother!” Cor interjected staring once more at me.

“You have truly changed since last we met.” Twin concluded. They were examining me closer with a look of wonder on their faces. I waved their comments away with a withered look.

“You two should eventually consider growing up.” I replied. “You might learn that it not such a bad nor a serious thing.” I added winking at them. They smiled back as they violently shook their heads in negation.

“It would be no use growing up.” Cor returned.

“No fun in acting like an adult.” Twin supplied quickly.

“May I introduce Lord Corëe’ap’Ręæ and Lord Twin Feathers.” I introduced them to those present. Each bowed at their name. “Cor and Twin for short.” I added quickly.

“Well met!” the members present answered in unison.

“Select a Guard group for your visit and we will then proceed to meet the King and Holy Queen with the rest of the nobles.” I told them as the Captains stepped aside.

“Which ones did sister Nightingale and brother Chichi select?” Cor asked. He looked along the first members of each line of troops.

“Would be best to not select the same as them.” Twin explained matching his brother’s glancing pass over the troop lines.

“Lady Nightingale selected the Ursus Guards, and, as Royal Chef, Chichi has no Guards of his own.” I informed them easily. They looked surprised at Chichi not having guards to keep him out of trouble. “Our sister is taking care of him.” I whispered to them with a sneering smirk. They giggle-chuckled as they nodded before moving to look over the remaining three teams of Guards.

“I will select the Wolves.” Cor replied after a few moments. Twin looked torn between the Cats and the Ferrets.

“Can I get a mixed group?” he asked. “I just feel it unjust to leave one group out.” he explained with false shyness.

“If I said that the Felines are the chosen Guards for the Egyptians?” I returned. Since Sister Chaos was technically linked to the Egyptian deities, I had forced his choice.

“Good!” he happily interjected. “It leaves the most cunning of all the Guards for me!” he continued quickly. He nodded towards Jäz that chuckled back at his comment. The Ferret Guards remained at attention waiting for Twin to proclaim his decision. “I select the Ferrets.” he added smiling.

“As you both wish it.” I stated with a quick bow to them. “Young Lord Bryan has made arrangements that Princess Sara will be present for this greeting ceremony.” I informed all of them. All the Guards, including their Captains, stiffened visibly. “I believe she will be much better behaved than when Captain Jäzærha returned.” I explained with a shrug. “Hopefully.” I added under my breath.

“That is good to hear since we have brought gifts for our little niece.” Cor blurted out. Everyone froze as their eyes turned on him directly. The Captains glanced from my team to the Brothers.

“Why do you call the Princess your niece?” Meli asked stepping towards them. They flinched at her approach or at her hard edged smile showing her fangs. Sert and Cole looked at each other perplexed then back at Meli without moving forward. Young Kestrel had returned to my side but remained silent feigning confusion as he stared at the Brothers. They both turned to look at me.

“They do not know?” Cor asked with a smirk.

“You have kept it a secret from your own people?” Twin added. He had dramatically placed a hand on his mouth in feigned shock. I muttered most fowl curses under my breath in each of their true original languages gaining mental snickers from them.

“I am boarding my ship and ignoring what was just said.” Captain Lockey stated. She marched quickly up the gangplank to handed the half dozen crystals to one of her sailors with quick whispered words. She bellowed orders as the plank retracted and the ship drifted back to sit within the harbor to lock it down until they would be departing. The glaring eyes of Meli, Sert, and Cole now rested upon me as they waited for an answer.

“Will you explain why they would refer to Princess Sara as their niece?” Meli bluntly asked me. “Or should we ask the Holy Queen Annianka why this would be said?” she added. The hard edge in her eyes did not mask the feeling of betrayal that started growing in her mind.

“These two are like brothers to Annianka.” I replied with false calmness. “The three of them have played tricks on Loki himself while they grew up in Asgard together.” I continued my explanations. It was only a half lie but could salvage this mistake. Now the Brothers stared at me confused. “They just know her as ‘Joy’ and not as the Holy Queen Annianka.” I concluded. I had tied everything together without revealing any truth of the situation. Both Brothers’ faces light up at my words nearly ruining my ruse.

The Guard Captains looked at me now confused while glancing sideways at each other. I mentally warned Annianka that the peace Ambassadors from Lemuria will think she is ‘Joy’, her aspect living within Asgard. I added to my warning that they had brought gifts for their niece Sara without revealing what these gifts were. Her giggling assurance she would make arrangements for this to look very normal before thanking me for the warning sweetly.

“Are we ready to meet the Royals and nobles of Atlantis?” I asked smiling authentically at my special Brothers. This small slip of the tongue from Cor had open a path to improve the chances of boon for the diplomats of Lemuria. They nodded to me before marching behind the Guard Captains with their selected Guard group spread out around them. My team followed me after them while the two non-selected Guard grouping protected our rear. Many Atlantians were lining the sides of the streets to witness their greatest enemies that came from a technologically advanced society started by Odin during his youthful wondering the world to find wisdom.

The Guards walked stiffly around us since not all citizens of Atlantis were pleased of having Lemurian warmongers upon their peaceful island. Meli and myself could feel the tremors of hatred blended in held back magic by force of will alone. Some residing in Atlantis believed it would be easier to just erase Lemuria from existence than bartering a peace deal. Other saw this as a chance to change the citizens of Lemuria from the path destruction they perceive they are on. Lemuria will never be swayed from their chosen path of militaristic ideals of honor and nobility within conflicts.

The honor of two groups giving everything of themselves for one battle to decide their fate was one of the founding principles of Lemuria. They actually abhorred violence without purpose or crushing an enemy that was weaker than themselves. In most of their skirmishes between Lemuria and others of the outer world, they would hold back troops and technology to give their enemies and equal battle field. They never regretted or bemoaned a lost battle as long as they and their foes had fought with honor and nobility. They had even abandoned their own if they behaved dishonorably upon the battlefield.

The fact they were willing to speak with Atlantis and the world about peace was the doing of Cor and Twin. No one else had been able to even get close to a treaty with Lemuria. They found the diplomats and ambassadors as dishonorable and trying to take liberties they had not earned. The Brothers, War and Death, had gained the right after many years upon Lemuria to use their technologies which gave them the ability to bring the Leviathan and Lockey home. The ship could be repaired properly and refitted as the Brothers’ private vessel. No one questioned where the technology of the Leviathan came from since it was supposedly owned by Cor and Twin. Captain Lockey had no problem playing the role of an employee to those two if it gave her a chance to fully remodel the ship into a true Hunter Class ship.

As we neared the Royal Court halls, a large group of Atlantians stood barring the path. Seeing us, they sat shoulder to shoulder as a living blockade as they chanted: ‘Atlantis is no place for warmongers!’. The Brothers stepped forward fearlessly to the shock of their Guards and the Captains.

“We agree that warmongers have no place upon this island of peace and serenity.” Cor announced to them.

“Which is why we are here to bring some of this noble peaceful thinking to Lemuria to save them from the evils infesting the outer world.” Twin stated as loud as Cor had. Each brother spoke in an alternating manner from Cor to Twin.

“We ask you, no, we beg you to allow us to do this hard task.” Cor picked up their split speech.

“We beg you to allow us to past so we may do our part like your noble Lord Kestrel in saving the world.” Twin voice held true. Murmurs had started forming within the seated protesters, but they had not moved. I feared for what could happen at this moment looking into those eyes and feeling their blunt mind held against allowing them to enter the Royal Court.

“We ask for peace and promise to only show peace while upon this great island.” Cor concluded. Their words spent and only hope they could succeed crossing this sea of living bodies. Making a show of it, the Brothers removed all their weapons relinquishing them to the Captain of their chosen Guards. The crowd still glared at them but now in silence. With a bow to the crowd, the Brothers step forth to the dismay of their Guards. The step slowly and carefully between the citizen sitting to hold them back. Snaking their way through the crowd, they remain as silent as the Atlantians focusing to harm no one during their passage. No one moved to stop them or delay their movement but still Atlantian mostly glared at them. They finally paused stand upon the other side of the crowd turning back towards the living sea they had crossed.

“We thank you!” they spoke in unison.

“You have shown to us the true nobility of Atlantis by allowing us to pass peacefully.” Twin added. They both bowed towards the crowd by sections showing their respect for all of them. A small group near the middle started applauding them weakly. This applause grew and spread through to all of them that had stood against Lemuria. They continued bowing waiting for us to join them.

“They are why Lemuria has accepted the concept of peace.” I stated to the cheering crowd. “Lemuria will not be the cause of the great conflict to come.” I whispered to young Kestrel at my elbow. I did not to glance at him to see the nod he returned to me. My team started stepping forward and the crowd moved to stand and clear us a pathway to the doors to the Royal Court. I thanked them and shook their hands as I walked slowly towards the doors. I quickly noticing that Redpath repeated my words and actions of gratitude to the populous upon his side of our pathway. Regret was not what I saw, in the eyes of the crowd now, but only acceptance and a spark of hope. I turned to look back upon the crowd finding most if not all had drifted away now.

“For Atlantis, I thank all of you for your noble behavior towards those that wish for peace everywhere upon the world.” I called back loudly so those walking away knew I understood and was grateful to all of them. Only after this point did I release a sigh that was answered by a soft purring chuckle beside me. We walked in together, I standing beside Cor with young Kestrel upon Twin’s opposite side. I could not have imagined or foreseen what happened. Sister Chaos could not have created the anarchy within the Royal Court upon this day.