Orisata, Head of the Luna Council, Treaty of Hastaluna

14th September 1009

It was cold today, colder than usual. My old bones really were asking me to be inside right now, by a nice roaring fire, but alas here I am. Duty compelled me to be here and I had a feeling that the cold is the least of my troubles today.

At least I was not alone. A crowd had gathered to watch the coming spectacle, or at least, what the rumours told them was going to happen. Alastia, our powerful neighbour has made diplomatic efforts towards us. Hastaluna becoming a Protectorate of Alastia in an official capacity is what the very official document I received said.

I see the procession now as it makes it's way slowly up the mountain towards us. It is hard to make out at this distance but I could see soldiers on horses, shining armour and finery. Weapons. Lots of weapons.

I swallowed heavily. We had no weapons in the nation of Hastaluna. Peace was all we knew until the eastern raiders started to get bolder and find ways to our homes high in these mountains. We thought we were safe. That the moons would provide for us. In a way they did. Jara's mission seemed to be a success. Alastia intervened on our behalf and our homes are safe from the East once more, but now I fear the North. I could not make sense out of any of it. I read the signs of the moons myself. The Avatar of the Crystal moon was no more. He was dead. Jara was dead, but clearly he had accomplished something to bring about this turn of events. Unless this is all just a ruse by the Alastian military to conquer us quickly, as if they needed such deception.

And to top it all off, this was not even the worst of my worries. Ever since Jara had died in Alastia, I have been loosing control of my powers. Stopping time used to be such a rare occurrence, then all of a sudden I found time stopping by itself. It shocked me when it happened, I assumed I had done it by mistake but it started to happen more frequently. I had even sort guidance on this matter from my fellow council members, once such meeting had even been interrupted by a frozen moment in time and I had to wait a full hour before it started once again. No matter how hard I tried I just could not get time to start at my will. The implications of this are both frightening and unprecedented.

My thoughts snapped back to reality and focused on the procession. It had pulled up to where we stood now at the edge of our village. Almost showtime. Although, I couldn't help notice...

"So few..." I muttered. The Royal Guards looked formidable enough but the message was quite clear that the High Queen herself would need to be present to discuss the terms and sign the treaty. There was barely a score of them. Taking up positions around the main ornate gold leafed carriage. One of them got off her horse and moved to open the carriage door while stepping back out the way with a salute.

"Ah." I said out loud. I saw just why they were so confident with their safety. "They bought the 'God being.'"

Sure enough her silhouette was unmistakable. Large brimmed hat, staff, long black raven hair. I had never seen her in person before but most people knew the Greatest Mage in all the kingdoms, Serizenza. With Jara now gone, I was one of the only few who actually knew her real identity.

She was good at acting, I would give her that. Her body language was very deferential to the stunning silver haired woman who came out the carriage next. The Royal High Queen of Alastia was unmistakable. Clothed head to toe in white silks, she had effortless grace as she descended from the carriage. A curt nod to her subjects for a journey well executed, she said a few words to her Sorceress that I could not hear from this distance.

Much to my surprise a third figure emerged from the carriage. For less then a second I thought that the Royal Heir had joined her mother on this excursion but when she hopped down in one jump from the elevated vehicle it was clearly too high in athleticism and without refinement. That and she did not share the Queens hair color. No, she was something else. A servant perhaps? The way the Queen turn and started walking my way without even acknowledging the third passenger made me think so.

As they got closer, the wind died. A warm glow kissed my skin. Serizenza had cast some sort of spell with her staff. A dull light emitted from its wooden head radiating comfort lest her Queen feel the sour kiss of the elements up here in the mountains. I bowed graciously as she approached. Should I have done that? I don't know. I honestly never met a Royal before in all my two hundred years. Looking up, I saw the three women were standing before me now.

"Her Royal Highness , Kesirea" Serizenza introduced her Queen. "I am Serizenza the Great." Yes, I gathered that, but best not be rude.

"My name is Orisata, Head of the Luna Council. We greet you as a friend this day." I gave another bow. Was I over doing it? How much sucking up do Royals typically expect? I pushed the thought away. Enough to keep my country safe. That's how much.

I glanced up to gauge their reaction. Serizenza was unreadable. Eyes half lidded as if this was the most casual meeting in the world, like she was buying bread at the market. The Queen seemed more cold to me. Thin lipped and her eyes darted down to my long beard more than once, I think I saw a barely perceptible twitch in her top lip. Disgust perhaps? A nation of women would have no reference for a beard. The thought that she might demand all Hastalunan men to be clean shaven as part of the treaty demands crossed my mind. I discarded the thought as ridiculous, I hoped. Finally I passed a glance at their help which was standing bold and brazen at the Queens side.

My quick glance turned into a double take. She was grinning. Ear to ear. White teeth glinting in the sun as she swung her body about casually. She was staring back at me, direct eye contact, still grinning almost like she was about to break out laughing. It put me more on edge then the Goddess standing two spaces to the right. This was no behaviour of a servant, this was way too bold. Another glance taking in her person.

Ah yes, daggers. Two of them. I see now, she is armed. So she must be some kind of elite body guard? Even so, her behaviour is most odd for where she is. I opened my mouth to speak, ask who this strange person was.

"If I may see the documents to be signed?" The Queen cut me off before I could speak. My mouth flapped open for a few seconds before I wrangled my mind back into a fashion more suited for official diplomatic protocol.

"Yes, yes... " I stammered. "Right this way..." I motioned them to follow, trying to get my old body to move up the path as fast as I could.

It was not long before we made it inside the main Grand Temple of the Moons. A large ornate hall that doubled as the social center for our community. At the center of the room on a table already set out was all the documents from our side of the negotiations as well as quills and ink set out for signing. The Queen nodded in appreciation at our efforts before she gestured behind her.

A different servant, definitely a servant this time, hurried up behind her carrying a stack of documents, placing them on the table next to our own. Over the next day or two this was going to be the crux of our meeting here. Negotiating the terms of the treaty as both myself and the Queen decide what would be best for both our peoples, although I had the nagging worry that I still had no idea what happened with Jara in the Capital a few months ago.

"Excuse me." Serizenza intervened suddenly. "It is getting late in the day and I am tired, perhaps it would be best to start negotiations tomorrow?"

The mage did look genuinely tired as she rubbed her temple like she had a headache. I was quite surprised as I was under the impression that Gods did not get tired. The Queen was also surprised as she turned to look at her most trusted adviser with a confused look.

"I've never known you to get tired before. " The monarch said slowly.

"Perhaps it is the altitude? I am unused to the thin air." Serizenza managed a weak smile as she leaned on her staff for support.

The Queen nodded in understanding.

"It is late." She agreed as she turned to me. "We should retire for tomorrow. I trust that you have no exceptions for us to make camp at the edge of town?"

I nodded graciously, I wasn't expecting the High Queen of Alastia to sleep on the streets. My thoughts briefly thought about if we might need an embassy for such things in the future.

"Until tomorrow then, when we shall make a lasting peace between our nations." Those words felt so stiff coming out of my mouth. This diplomacy stuff is so impersonal.

Both the Queen and Serizenza turned to leave, their servants also filing along behind them. I was almost left alone in the great hall to gather my thoughts as I watch the last one exit through the main doors, however one remained. It was that grinning bodyguard who I never got introduced to. She watched them leave and shut the door behind them, leaving just the two of us in the large hall in an awkward silence.

What game was she playing now? What is going on here? My mind raced to possibilities, scanning over the brief but important introductions. Part of me still was not convinced that Alastia wanted peace in such a way when we all but attacked them and usurped their armies for our own ends. I thought to Serizenza and the weak excuse to leave, so that I would be alone with this clearly armed woman. I know the Goddess cannot get tired, it's not physically possible, so it must have been a ruse. My eyes flicked up to the woman still eyeing me with that sinister smirk. She had one hand on her weapon as she started to slowly pace towards me.

Assassin. That makes the most sense, even if only a little. **** me and then Alastia can dominate the discussion and carve up Hastaluna in the treaty however they want? It would explain why no one even introduced her.

I was not afraid, even as I saw she picked up her pace, casually breaking into a light skip as she closed the distance across the hall, ever that maniacal grin. I believed in non-**** but, I could also stop time. I sighed in disappointment at it all. Part of me hoped that Alastia really did want peace but as per-usual, **** is always the answer with these people. Now I have to play this dance of stopping time, moving around and restarting time until she gets the point that she has no hope of touching me.

She was closing the distance at a rapid pace now, breaking almost into a run straight at me, this was clearly an attack. I effortlessly froze the moment in time to halt the would be assassin in their tracks.

Nothing. She was still moving, quicker more than ever. Panic washed over me like an icy sheet of water.

"No!" I hissed. "Not now!" My magic is fluctuating again, failing. At the worst possible time.

I tried again, as hard as I could to no effect. She continued running, only to leap at me when she was in striking distance.

I closed my eyes and made peace with the Moons. I had a good run I suppose. I just wish I could have done more for my people, they need me more than ever.

She impacted with me with surprising little **** considering the speed she was running at. Her arms wrapping around my neck in a tight grip as I stagger backwards. She didn't let go as her grip tightened around my neck. My eyes were scrunched shut, I was weighting for the sharp sting of those daggers at any moment.

"Oh Ori..." She breathed in my ear. "I missed your voice so much..."

I opened one eye and looked around in confusion. I was still alive but was still bracing myself for the worst.

"W-What?" Is all I could **** out under her tightening grip. Maybe she wasn't going to stab me because strangulation works just as well?

She pulled away letting air reach my lungs once again. Looking me in the eyes, she had the same grin never having left her face but now I could see that behind it was more genuine happiness rather than smug amusement. She was staring at me like I was an old friend.

I studied her features carefully. She was young and strikingly beautiful, I would not forget a face like that, yet... I had nothing. I had no idea who this was.

"I wish I could preserve that stupid look on your stupid face forever!" She laughed.

"....What?" Is all I could repeat as my brain started to understand what was happening.

---

It was dark by the time we both made it to my cottage on the edge of town. It was a cosy place that I could call my own. I pushed the heavy wood door open and I was greeted to quite the mess, I never was good at keeping the place tidy and half read books scattered the surface of my desk. A chill was in the air now so I wasted no time and invited this new acquaintance in.

She said her name was Ashk, she could explain everything in more detail then the brief overview she filled me in on. It was a lot to get to grips with, she knew about the ritual of the Avatar and even claimed that she undertook it, with myself no less. That didn't seem possible on the face of it but she also mentioned that the Moon of Time was invoked to reset things back to where they were at the time of the eclipse. It was a very tall story yet it did still make sense in its own way. The pieces where all fitting. She started to make herself at home, quickly walking over to some cupboards behind my desk, rifling through them. Usually I would have said something about such rude behaviour but I had to admit, the whole situation still had me somewhat stunned. I shuffled over to the fireplace to get the fire going, I had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

"You got any of that Silver Brandy left?" Ashk asked hopefully from behind me as I finally stoked the flames to grip the logs in front of me.

"Silver brandy?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "That is a very acquired taste. You probably wouldn't like it." I added, trying to dissuade her rummaging.

"I like the taste, reminds me of mint a little." Ashk replied grabbing a bottle of the drink in question by the neck and hauling it out.

"You've had it before?" I was surprised. Its quite rare outside Hastaluna.

"Oh no." Ashk said in a matter of fact way. "I've never had a drop, but you know how these merger things happen... I know what you know, so I know what its like and I like it."

I watched as she effortlessly unscrewed the cap with one hand, her thumb popping off the lid as she brought the bottle to her lips and took a strong swig. She coughed and gave an appreciative nod to the bottle. "Yeeeah, it hits the spot alright."

Trying to remain polite, I walked over to her to offer her a glass to drink from at least as she goes through my personal collection of brandy. She ignored my offer and took another swig.

"So, any questions..." She leaned back on the desk, its wood creaked as her weight shifted.

"Lets start from the beginning again..." I told her, taking the bottle out of her hand and poured myself a glass, I felt like I might need it to.

---

It was late into the night by the time I had all the facts straight. Jara did indeed **** his power and tried to take over Alastia permanently, the Goddess, when released, caused another cataclysm, myself and Ashk joined in the ritual of the Avatar to make her the Avatar of Time. Things were then reset to the moment Jara originally used the eclipse to take control, Ashk defeated him, took the controller jewel for herself and then spent the last few months engineering both the rescue of Hastaluna from the East and smoothing over relations to get the Queen to agree to make Hastaluna a protectorate.

If all of this was true I owe Ashk everything, if it was true of course. I should not believe such a tall tale really, it was so out there and insane that honestly, it had to be true. Who could come up with it all. The events all fit perfectly, some how the outsider knows of our most sacred rituals, she knew of Jara, she knows everything I know apparently, just as one would when the subconscious of the merged would fade away. The only take away from this all is that I believe her, everything she has told me so far is the only explanation for the events I've witnessed.

Ashk had been taking gulps of the brandy all night. She certainly liked her liqueur, and I could see in the swaying of her head as she sat on my desk looking at me they she would have trouble walking if she tried at this point.

"That does explain why Time is acting as it is..." I thought out loud, finally bringing some conclusion out of the new information. "It's unprecedented that there would be both and Avatar of Time AND a Patriarch of Time. They should not exist at the same time as one requires the merging of the other."

"Yep." Its all Ashk added. I got the impression she wasn't taking this very seriously any more with the amount of booze in her.

"We are sharing the frozen moment then, all this time I thought my powers were deserting me but it was just you, in Alastia."

"Yep" Ashk swayed back and forth a few more times.

I was mainly talking to myself I figured, but I felt a weight lift from me. It was as if all the problems we had were just solved in an instant. I had to remind myself that I still had official business in the morning with the Queen and I probably should be a little more stressed than not at all. There was one thing I needed to know however.

"Jara..." I asked Ashk solemnly. "How did he die? Was it quick at least?" He had his issues but I knew him since he was a boy and I felt a tang of regret that I had sent him off to die.

"If you are feelin' guilty, don't!" Ashk scowled at the memory of him. "He had what was coming to him. I don't know if it was quick but it was Serizenza herself that ended him. Rutted him right into...*brff" Ashk burped, cutting off her sentence for the best.

I let my imagination finish her sentence. The last Moon that had been finally summoned to pacify the Alastian court had been the Moon of Fertility, Lust and Love. Essentially an orgy broke out and the Goddess herself chose Jara as a mate. It would appear that a mortal could not survive copulation with a god, at least not one out of control like she was.

"There is one thing though..." Ashk pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to clear her head. " Why did she, ya know, the Goddess, destroy everything the first time she got free?"

"I honestly do not have a clue." I admitted. "Perhaps, controlling her with her own jewels has had some effect on her?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Ashk suddenly picked up on my sentence. "She has been actin' odd, now that I think bout it. Said she was feeling tired all of a sudden. I didn't think she could get tired."

Suddenly the weight of my problems returned, I should have known this was all to easy. I had seen it myself earlier when I mistook Ashk for an assassin because I thought Serizenza was just making an excuse to leave. Even the Queen was surprised by it and she doesn't even know Serizenza's true nature.

I was lost in thought about the subject, my eyes unfocused as they wondered. Ashk was swaying close to me, still very drunk as she took another swig. Her loose top hung open away from her body, my eyes staring into the space between her breasts, I was still deep in thought about Serizenza's behaviour that I did not even notice where I was looking. Unfortunately Ashk did.

"Hey!" She slurred looking down at herself and then back to me. "What you lookin' at?"

I blushed profusely as I realised my mistake.

"Oh!" I cried. "Sorry, I was just lost in thought, I didn't mean to."

I felt heat rise to my face and I was sure to be turning a shade of red in pure embarrassment.

"Hahaha!" Ashk shrieked loudly. "Look at you! All embarrassed!" She was clearly enjoying my shame as she rose up on to her knees on my desk, looking downing over me. She grabbed her top and lifted it up showing her taught stomach, laughing all the while doing it.

I looked away as my skin burned. I was some one hundred and eighty years her senior and she was drunk. This was so unseemly. She didn't care, in fact she revelled in it. The more embarrassed I got, the more she teased her skin, whooping and hollering as she writhed on the desk.

I think I knew her game. As a woman born of Alastia, she had no actual attraction to me, not to mention my age. This was just a joke to her, she was playing with me in her drunken state, finally thrilled to get one up on the person that was untouchable in her head. I get it. It was still **** for me however, and she knew.

"Ahah!" She leaned in on me and breathed in my ear. "Bet you never thought you'd see something like this old man! Hahaha!"

She was loud and it made my ears ring as she shouted so close, her full weight collapsing on me as she snuggled up to my beard. The bottle slipped from her hand and rolled to the floor.

I waited a few seconds to see what would happen next. See what other things she was going to tease me with.

She slipped off me like liquid, rolling back onto the table with a heavy thump. Then she started snoring.

I looked at her **** form on my desk, her mouth obnoxiously hanging open as she snored. Her top lip curling into a snarl every time she breathed in. I brushed her fringe off her forehead as she slept, still quite shocked by her behaviour. She was so relaxed around me, like we were friends yet I only met this person hours ago. Alastians are notoriously distrusting of men and she not only jokingly teased me but also put herself in such a **** position, her trust in me was total.

She was right of course, I would never do anything like what other more wild natured men would do. This was yet more proof to me that she was what she said she was, she knew me just as well as I knew myself. Truly she was the Avatar of the Moon of Time. My thumb rubbed the skin of her forehead as she lay there, my thoughts considering this all from her point of view.

She really was brave, she hid it under a brash front but it must be hard for her, dislocated from her own time like she was. She will find it hard to return to things as they were, perhaps that was why she was so pleased to see me? Am I the only one who she can really confide in anymore? I glanced down at her face one last time, she looked almost peaceful now, a stark contrast to her bold personality from before. I never really considered having a daughter before and I suppose in a way with my merging with her in the other timeline, she has a lot of me in her, so to speak. If she needed guidance, I will be here for her. She might know everything I know but she certainly seems to be without the wisdom to use it.

I looked at her current state as prime example. The books and papers on my desk acted as her mattress as she dozed, the hard wood surface clearly not giving her any complaint currently but that cannot be comfortable. There was a sofa in the corner of the room that would have been much more ideal to pass out on, yet she chose right there to sleep off the brandy. Looking between her and the distance she needed to be moved I frowned. She looked very light, even for a woman she was quite petite but my bones were old. It was going to be difficult, I was not even sure I could. Maybe there was another way. I was left just standing there scratching my beard, looking at her trying to figure out how I was going to do this.

*THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*

I shot a confused glance to the door. It was late, way past midnight and much too late to have the regular callers. It might be an emergency, perhaps one of the other Council members has urgent news?

I gave a big sigh, knowing I now had to explain why I have an **** beautiful woman on my desk in the middle of the night. I just had to hope they would be as easy to convince as I was, that this girl really is the new Avatar of Time and yet, here I am, still here. I shook my head as I shuffled over to the door, my mind thinking about the ways I could put this information into a believable package. I unlatched the door and swung it open to greet the late night visitor.

It was much darker outside then the dull yellow light of my cottage, I couldn't make the detail, but the silhouette was unmissable. It was the Goddess, Serizenza, here at my door in the dead of night. Her large hat making her seem like a giant shape blocking out the night sky as I looked up at her with bulging eyes. I was too stunned to say anything.

"Excuse me... " She said in a very calm, polite manner. "... I was told this was your residence, Lord Orisata. I saw light from your windows and was hoping you were still awake. May I come in?"

"No." Is all my brain could spit out in its shock at the situation before I realised. "... I mean no, I am no Lord, Lady Serizenza. Just call me Orisata if you would and yes, please come in. Come in."

Maybe I saved myself there as I gestured for her to enter, holding the door wider for her to walk past me. Her exquisite high heels making distinctive sounds with every step on my hard wood floor. I noticed she even smelt of jasmine as she glided past me, ever the picture and image of Alastian high society. She stopped in the center of the room and surveyed my small quaint cottage for a moment. My heart skipped a beat as her eyes slid over Ashk like she wasn't even there. Very interesting that Ashk has made herself so imperceivable to even the Goddess, a luxury I wish I had right now.

The imposing foreign sorceress’s eyes finished wondering the room and settled on my own as a tense pause between us broke out, only the sound of the fire crackling making its presence know.

"I have heard so much about this kingdom of the mountains..." Her words jolted through me as she began to speak. ".. I have never been here myself before."

I gave a gracious bow, diplomacy still at the front and center of my mind.

"Yes, M'lady." Was all I could say.

"They say as a nation, Hastaluna was around before even Alastia was created? Is this true?" Her face was stern and her tone was not one of idle conversation.

"Yes, M'lady." Again, it felt like a cat had caught my tongue. The room felt much smaller with her in it and it was not just her large head wear taking up the space. It was something else, her presence was distinct, unmissable, very imposing.

"Hmmm..." Her eyes narrowed as she glared at me, thoughts passing behind them as she considered my minimal responses. "When we were shown around earlier, I noticed that Hastaluna has an extensive library, a written record of it's knowledge, its history. "

"Yes..." I swallowed hard, determined to hold up my side of the conversation more. "If you would like to read the history of my nation, its open to all. We share all knowledge. " I was genuine with my sentiment but something about her line of questioning was setting off alarm bells internally.

"I shall do that..." She stated matter of factly as if she didn't need our permission, she was still cold and impersonal despite my attempt to be accommodating. "Do you have histories of Alastia? Of how it came to be?"

The room seemed to be darker despite the fire roaring at my back.

"We do, of course." I snapped, but as soon as the words left my lips my mind comprehended her line of questioning. I was so caught up in thinking of diplomacy and treating her as an important diplomat I had been ignoring what my gut was telling me. She was the Goddess of Creation. Not two hours ago, Ashk was telling me the tale of how she had destroyed Alastia in her timeline. She was incredibly dangerous and Jara's actions had seemingly caused her to destroy not only her own country but the others around it, including Hastaluna. I felt my muscle tense at the new implication, would she do it again? Had I just doomed my nation once again if she finds out that we know her secret?

"And just what exactly do you have written down about the Goddess and her creation?" She was keenly focusing on me now. The air was thick, she was employing some kind of magic, it was undeniable. I had not seen her cast a spell but the room was almost throbbing with her energy.

"Oh, that?" I swallowed again, for some reason it was all my throat wanted to do right now. "We don't have much on the details, it happened a long way off. We do not have any written record of the Goddess herself or what she looks like." I gave a nervous laugh. "I am sorry, if that is what you were hoping for, we mainly focus on our own history, you know how it is." I lied.

I could act well enough but the aura she was putting out was throwing my mind for a loop, it was like nothing I had felt before. I thought to the text of the account of the Goddess that we do have, the one I just denied existed. This feeling I have, it perfectly describes what it is like in a Gods presence. Any notion that it was just another regular spell was quickly dismissed. She was not casting anything, she was removing a spell from herself, her glamour that gives others the impression that she is mortal. She was simply removing it from herself. Her eyes were studying mine closely, looking for the tell tell reaction that I knew what she was, what was happening right now. I was struggling to keep my own facade up. I thought I saw a slight smile crease her ruby lips as she took a step towards me, her final question going in for the kill.

"So you would not know a Goddess when you see her?" She dramatically stated, puffing out her chest and fully unleashing, letting her whole Godly aura fill the room.

Her presence washed over me and I suffered intense vertigo as I perceived infinity, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by what it was. Staggering backwards, I clutching my staff as I fell back into one of the arm chairs by the fire. This was her plan to route out the truth. I remember how those ignorant of the Goddesses aura were much less susceptible. As if it was so beyond their comprehension that it would be nothing more than a slight dizzy spell, but as I know exactly what she was... There was no way I could stand up to such power. Not when she surprised me so heavily like that.

I looked to her as my heart beat in my chest, there was almost a slight sign of victory in her face. Had she seen through my lie and she was merely just confirming it? I scratched my beard in thought as I turned my eyes to the fire, studying the still motionless orange fingers that would usually dance about the wood. I was in no doubt, had I not stopped time at that moment I would have been found out. I looked back to Serizenza, still standing in the center of the room, radiating her godly aura but yet helplessly frozen in time like everything else. Almost everything else.

As I took a moment to gather my breath and thoughts, the quietness of the room was broken up by Ashk's snoring. It made me laugh at the situation, the Goddess was here, in my cottage in the middle of the night and yet I still had some drunk girl, lying spread eagle on my desk.

I am never sure just how long it is when I stop time but it had been at least a few minutes, my heart's rhythm finally returning back to normal. I stood up and returned back to my position when I had stopped time. Serizenza was still looking at me with a superior expression, expecting me to crack just as I had. There were more cards to play then even the so called Goddess of creation knows and even now I could feel myself acclimatising to her aura. She was still hard to look directly at and I felt a little dizzy but it was nothing I couldn't bluff my way through. Her ploy would not work on me again.

Time flowed and Serizenza tilted her head to the side, appraising my countenance. I held my nerve this time.

"No, I probably wouldn't." I chuckled. "It was way before my time, as I said, we do not keep records of such things, it was a thousand years ago you understand."

Serizenza seemed a little confused for a second, her eyebrows raising as she noted my calm demeanour.

"Perhaps..." She said cryptically. "Perhaps I was mistaken. I would still like to study your books on the subject when we have time tomorrow."

"Of course, M'lady" I bowed, half out of respect, half out of the need to hide my face as my eyes bulged in new panic.

I had convinced her I didn't know anything but would the knowledge contained in the library be enough to condemn us? I did not know. I straightened again to look at the beautiful woman before me. She had a warm smile now and her Godly visage was once again behind her iron clad mortal glamour. The thought that this woman was almost toying with me, with my nations safety caused a light stab of irritation deep down. Her tests and questions, she was not my Goddess yet here I was grovelling to her power. I decided I needed a little bit of cathartic payback, do a little testing myself and perhaps answer some questions.

"It is late, I should get back-" Serizenza started as she turned, walking towards my door.

"Actually, Serizenza...." I cut her off, my informal use of her name getting her attention. "... I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on something..."

"Oh?" She inquired. "Was there something about the treaty?"

"No no." I told her while I beckoned the Sorceress to follow me over to my desk. "I was just wondering what you thought of this?" I motioned with my hands to my mess of a desk, complete with sleeping drunk woman on it.

Serizenza took a step past me to take a closer look.

"I see... Notes and pages, the desk is mahogany, crude if functional." She described the desk perfectly, everything except the woman passed out on top of it.

"What about this?" I lifted my staff up and jabbed Ashk in the ribs. She groaned and slapped away my staff in annoyance as she stirred.

"It is still just a desk, Orisata of Hastaluna." The use of my full title giving way her annoyance at the bizarre line of questioning from her point of view.

"Huh, okay." I shrugged, satisfied with both Ashk's use of the Controller Jewel over the Goddess and the smugness of the idea that she was not so all powerful as she thinks she is.

"Urrggg," Ashk groaned opening her eyes and seeing the form of Serizenza hovering above her. She did not flinch or scream or jump at the sight. She simply raised her arms up and gave her a command. "Kiss, Kiss me!"

My mouth hung open for a moment as I forgot that the social faux pas that Ashk just made was literally falling on deaf ears. Serizenza did not react to the lewd request, at least not in a conscious way. She did indeed brush her long luscious raven locks out of her face and held her hat as she bent over. Ashk wasted no time in grabbing the Sorceress by the neck and pulling her in, pushing her lips against the larger woman's. I couldn't see her tongue enter but I certainly heard it, the wet slopping sounds of Ashk having her way with her mind slaved puppet.

"Mmrhmp hmmf." Serizenza said something, I know not what. She had no idea that her mouth was currently being occupied by another.

Ashk had moved things up a notch as her hand had moved south and was rubbing her own crotch through her tight pants, her pelvis bucking slightly against the dark wood as the kissing continued.

"That's enough of that!" I chided Ashk as I whacked her leg with my staff.

"Ah!" She cried. Releasing her captive and sitting up straight, rubbing where I hit her.

"Waa.. What?" Serizenza asked as she straightened, getting her bearings.

"Ah, its just noth-" I stated to explain but I was cut short. Serizenza had clutched her forehead and looked dizzy, swaying on her feet. She staggered a few paces before I caught her, letting her soft body rest on mine as she got her balance.

My eyes were wide and I looked at Ashk in worry and question. The Goddess was faint? That did not make sense.

"Thank you." Serizenza nodded politely as she took her weight off me and regained her stance against her own staff. "It must be later than I thought. I should retire for the night, perhaps you best as well. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." She explained.

"Yes, of course." I agreed slightly stunned by this turn of events. I walked over to the door and opened it for her so she could make her way back to her camp on the edge of town. "Goodnight, M'lady, till tomorrow." I bowed gracefully again.

She moved past me with a polite nod and out into the inky blackness of the night. I shut the door behind her and spun to Ashk.

"What was that?!" I spat out. "Gods don't get dizzy! What is going on?"

Ashk looked at me sheepishly, thankfully a little sobered up by now she started to explain.

"She has been acting weird lately. Like she is sick or something. It's not me I swear, I wouldn't make someone ill on purpose! I mean, not unless they crossed me of course, to be honest I would probably just kill- " Ashk looked at my disapproving stare. "-kill... their want to stay around me... ha-ha" She bashfully scratched her arm.

I wasn't really interested in Ashk's less then stellar moral code right at this moment, I needed to know what was happening with the Goddess.

"How long has she been like this? Acting oddly?" I asked trying to get the facts straight.

"A month or two now, she used to be sick all the time but now she just looks tired." Ashk looked at me with pleading eyes. "It's the jewel isn't it? It's effecting her in some way. Because of the Time aspect tampering with her will power, or something."

Ashk looked worried that her actions had these side effects and her theory of the Time aspect interfering with the Goddess being the source of her illness was my first thought as well. I had to remind myself that she does technically know everything I know at this moment, although I am not as hasty to jump to conclusions as she is.

"Jara controlled her with the jewels as well did he not?" I asked. "In his timeline I mean."

"Yeah..." Ashk confirmed.

"Was Serizenza sick then as well? Showing any sign that the Jewels effected her negatively?"

Ashk shook her head without giving it much thought.

"She didn't show any signs of anything Ori, he had her mind wiped the whole time he was in charge. The moment she got her mind back, she went full on world ****." Ashk shrugged. "Not much time to show any signs of feeling quaint." Ashk drilled her index finger into her temple to sell the point. "You reckon that's what I should do? Make her blank? Like Jara did?"

"Lets not be too hasty." I held up my hands to try and encourage more thought on this issue. I moved back into the room from the door as I scratched my beard. "If you are making her sick with that jewel then we shouldn't be using it any more on her, not unless it's an emergency. She might not be human, but she is sapient and is deserving of compassion."

Ashk looked at me with soft eyes, slowly nodding. For all her tough bravado she put up, she did still have a heart in there somewhere.

"So what do we do?" She asked.

"Right now? We have our work cut out for us." I walked over to Ashk to speak to her face to face. "For starters, we have to make sure that Serizenza does not discover that her secret is contained in the pages of the great library. If she knows that we know, it might be the end of everything..." I looked at Ashk and shrugged. "... Again"

"Okay, that won't be a problem." Ashk commented. "I'll tail her, make sure she doesn't get her hands on anything too old."

"Good, and don't use any of the Jewels powers on her during the freezing of time. Not until we know what's going on. See if you can't find anything else that might give us some clues in those old pages."

"So I gotta read as well?" Ashk sounded defeated at the prospect. My knowledge is not entwined with my love of reading it would seem.

"Well, I doubt we are going to just stumble onto the solutions to these mysteries..." I argued.

"Mysteries?" Ashk raised an eyebrow. "What else is there?"

"It makes no sense to me as to why Serizenza would destroy her own creation like she did. Even if Jara was making her ill with the Jewels use."

"Maybe she was just mad at being used as she was?" Ashk offered.

"Maybe...." I pondered. "... but even in the small time I just met her, she does not seem the type to take out such a thing on innocents as she did. There might be something else happening here."

"So, you're going to look that up as well?" Asked Ashk.

"Me?" I raised an eyebrow. "No, that's another job for you I am afraid. I have my own duties tomorrow. I suspect I will have the hardest job, being at the Queens side as I try to convince her of my nation's worth so she does not decide to just conquer us men folk out of pure ..." I searched for the right word "... efficiency."

"Oh, that won't be a problem" Ashk waved away my concerns. "You two get on like a house on fire. At least in my timeline." She shot me a knowing grin, ever happy to be aware of something I was yet to find out. I had to remind myself that in Ashk's timeline, I had already met the Queen and we defeated Jara together, then that version of me joined with Ashk. I was doubtful that these circumstances would be the same. I gave Ashk a look betraying my scepticism.

"Don't be such a baby!" She rolled her eyes. "Just tell her that joke about the Prince and the Mayor. She loved it!"

---

The next morning came with much trepidation. I am ever glad that being a master of time meant late nights such as the one before did not mean anything as I could start the day when I was ready. It also meant that Ashk was insistent that we not start time again until her hangover wore off enough for her to think properly. Full control over time was not the best power to bestow on someone and expect them to learn the lesson of consequences in such things.

I had briefed the rest of the council members about the events of the day and they all agreed, much to no ones surprise that I was to be alone in the negotiations. Some had genuine duties that called them, others I think were more worried about their less then stellar social skills dooming our nation into servitude.

So it was to be me, once again, to face the High Queen of Alastia without the support of my peers. I did still have Ashk of course, not that she could help me all that much as the Queen was still unable to perceive her. Still it was nice not to be by myself when the entire Alastian retinue approached for the first of the days events.

It was not just as simple as signing a piece of paper, the Queen was very cautious when it came to the nation she was charged with ruling. She wanted to know more about Hastaluna, its peoples, its customs and most importantly, its magic. So we had organised tours to show the monarch around and hopefully keep Serizenza out of the library.

My hopes were dashed when I noticed Serizenza was not with the Royal guard when the Queen first approached.

"Your Highness." I bowed low as the Queen gave me a curt nod.

"Orisata of Hastaluna." Her voice was powerful, almost musical in it's tone. "I trust that today will be one of great importance for both our nations."

"Indeed." I replied. "Let us build on a foundation of peace so that our peoples can flourish." It was flowery nonsense but it sounded right for the occasion, first things first however, I had to find out where Serizenza was . "Is your Mage not to be joining us today?"

"Serizenza is not feeling well this morning." The Queen looked almost confused by this fact. "She had requested that she join us later, if that is acceptable."

I shot Ashk a glance as she stood next to me. With a subtle tilt of my head I urged her to go and get on with what we discussed last night. She rolled her eyes as if simply reading a few books was beneath her, she left all the same though, heading in the direction of the library.

"Of course." I said with another polite nod. I motioned for her to follow as I headed to the main hall to show her the collection of artifacts we have that have various properties connected to the Moons. I noticed that without the presence of Serizenza her Royal guard were much more on edge and alert. Standing close to her always and never letting myself or any one of my fellow Hastalunans get too close.

The Queen was very attentive and keen to find out about my nation, listening with wrapped interest about the various curious and magic elements that make up our collection. From her perspective, some of these could have been a threat to her nation, glowing enchanted rocks and pieces of gold metal. The emanations of the captured reflected light of various moons. The bright red glow of the Moon of Rage infusing a dark red metal pendant, safely behind its special gilded container. The yellow hue of the Moon of defence, locked away safely in its box. Recent events with Jara had given the Alastians a new perspective on its potential power and it these things were no longer just superstitious nonsense to them but a very real issue.

At least, that was the general gist I got from the Queens questions about these things. I was as honest as I could be about it all, probably more than I should be but the Queen had an unarming nature about her. Maybe it was her dazzling light blue eyes or her decades of social manoeuvring but she came across as earnest and genuine. So much so that I returned the favour, in light of what we were here to do I decided that honesty and trust was to be a foundation of our nation's relationship. I just hope she is not playing me for an old fool.

I met back up with Ashk before the great feast to see if she could find anything. She had not, unsurprisingly. Partly to do with her not really knowing what it is she is supposed to be looking for and that Serizenza has turned up at last, not ill or weak but looking refreshed and ready to dive deep into our records just as we were looking into her. Apparently Ashk had to get 'Creative' to keep her busy, whatever that means.

The feast it's self was a great success. The weather was finally starting to warm up in the middle of the day and even some of the Queens Guard were starting to look a little more relaxed as clearly no one in the entire town could be a threat to the Queen. The Monarch herself I think had taken a warm liking to me. She was not as cold as she was when we first met and my efforts to spin the old Orisata charm was paying off. Almost too well, I told her the joke about the Prince and the Mayor that Ashk recommended and she spat out her drink through her nose. Her Guards springing to life as though she got attacked making me think that it might have been a mistake. The situation was quickly calmed down thankfully as the Queen reassured them that she is quite alright through her tears. Most people do not really get the joke but it hit right with her, I suppose it must just be one of those 'you have to be a ruler' to get it things, I always found it funny.

The feelings were not all one way either. I found her to be the most insightful and charming person I had ever met. She was warm and intelligent, with a good ability to focus and her duty to lead her country as she did actually filled me with strong admiration. I came to deeply regret that I ever sanctioned Jara to carry out the attack that he did. Even when I brought it up, the Queen was quite insistent that no great damage had been done and that she understood our motives. I was unsure at this point just how much of her opinion on this matter was her own or Ashk's programming with her controller jewel in order to make this treaty happen. Either way, I felt like things at least on my end were going well.

The feast continued without much of note, at least until Serizenza finally arrived to take her place next to her Queen. I watched out of the corner of my eye out of curiosity to see if a Goddess eats like a normal person. She clearly did not. She helped herself to various things around the table, the strawberries were her first choice but she dunked them in the rich gravy of the roast meat we had prepared. She also munched on one of the carrots, dipped in a concoction of other bizarre food stuffs that had no business working together. I thought it rude to stare so I just looked to the Queen in polite conversation.

The Queen herself was rather shocked by Serizenza's behaviour, her mouth hanging open at the weird palette she had seemingly suddenly developed. Serizenza saw her Highness looking at her in confusion.

"Forgive me, your Highness." The mage said. "I was just curious to try the new flavours presented here."

"So I see..." The Queen said, her confusion breaking out into a smile. "It is nice to see you have your appetite for once. It is rare to see you eat like this."

Both women nodded politely to each other and turned to enjoy the food presented, understanding that they wouldn't judge each other's gluttony just this once.

Once the Feast was over, we came to it, actually sitting down and hammering out the details of what the future will hold.

I was more relaxed now, the Queen had eased my fears and that she did genuinely want what is best for both our peoples. The first thing on the documents was it's header. The 'Treaty of Hastaluna'. Gold emblazoned the page with so much fancy decoration it looked quite out of place on the table we had that it rested on. It was one of out best tables at that. This was definitely a more Alastian style to our more simple minimalist typical fair.

The meat of the document covered when Alastia's armies would travel to defend us when we called for it. It was more than generous and everything we could have hope for. Every threat could potentially be dealt with the exception of a civil war breaking out, where they reserved the right to no interference in Hastaluna affairs. Seeing at we do not have and army to fight our selves currently this seemed like a non issue.

They also preserved the right to free movement of their armies and Agents across our lands, mainly for the purpose of watching our boarder and giving themselves and earlier warning of danger. Again, this was not a problem and I gladly signed it.

On magical Artifacts and the like, things got a little complicated, it was worded as if it was us doing them the favour but in reality it was something that everyone in Hastaluna desired. Any Artifacts of the Moons of Power that are found in Alastia will be studied and moved to our nation for safe keeping where we can use our knowledge to keep it contained and not a threat to Alastia. The document extended to any artifacts that other nations might use against them in a war scenario. This was presented as a demand made of us but my heart skipped a beat in excitement at the thought of it, signing that stipulation instantly. I even offered up my own service as council on all matters related to the Moons to call upon. The Queen nodded in appreciation saying she would keep it in mind but alas it was not codified in writing.

At last, alas, we came to the first real sticking point of the negotiations. Alastia demanded that the women of Hastaluna be allowed free passage to Alastia at all times, the men are forbidden from stopping them or from free travel North themselves. The crossing of their border was already something we respected but this would mean that we would have to make internal laws policing the men of our country specifically and not the women. Drastically cutting the freedom of half of our population based purely on their sex.

I refused out right at first, much to the surprise of the Queen. Her warm friendly exterior suddenly disappearing to reveal a much colder harder adversarial tone. She did not back down on the matter either and for the first time the talks looked like they might be in trouble. I suggested we take a break for now and excused myself to talk this over in private with the rest of the council.

---

I gathered them in the main hall to discuss what we were to do about this new turn of events. The important figures huddled in a circle as they talked amongst themselves. This last demand was as contentious as I feared.

"Do we really have a choice?" Renae spoke up first, she was one of the older members of the council, calm and collected but rather blunt.

"We always have a choice." Tokra spoke next. "We could reject the treaty wholesale. whatever fate befalls us, at least we will have our conscience clear." Ever the young Idealist, I could almost predict this would be his position.

"Not much of a choice." Renae shot back. "They will destroy us if we do not capitulate. Do you understand? The end of Hastaluna as we know it, we have to agree to their demands."

She looked at me for understanding, I gave her a nod but I was still in two minds about it all.

"My time with the Queen has been quite pleasant. I find it unlikely that she would order the wholesale destruction of Hastaluna. Should we reject the terms, I doubt we will see bloodshed..." I stroked my beard but left the sentence open as I considered it. I was not totally sure myself.

"Is this because you are men? Worrying about loosing your own freedom to doom us all?" Renae accused.

"Are you so quick to barter your countrymen’s freedom because it doesn't effect you, woman?!" Tokra snapped back, his last word sounded like an insult.

"Enough!" I croaked out, cutting off Renae's rebuttal. "This is how it starts. We have had no great conflict between the sexes in Hastaluna and this is all it takes to have you at each others throats?" Renae and Tokra both looked embarrassed and bowed their heads at my words. "As much as it pains me, we do not have a choice. For the sake of the security of everyone, perhaps it is best to honour Alastia's demands on this. It is not as if we have our men travel the road north much if at all? Hmm." I beseeched Tokra.

"You know that it will not end with this." Tokra warned me. "Once you start to give way, they will want more and more as time passes. We men will become full second class citizens once they are done."

"I do not believe the Queen would do such a thing..." I was trying to convince myself. Had the Queen charmed me into a false sense of security?

"And what of her descendants? Will they be so kind?" Tokra shot back.

I had not considered that. A Monarchy is all well and good as long as the Monarch is decent, submitting ourselves to the mercy of a bad one does not bare thinking of.

"We will have to take that chance." Renae argued. "We have no cards to play here. We have nothing left to bargain with, no power. Weather we agree to their terms or not, we are still at their mercy, no matter what. We have to agree."

"...Cards." I muttered to myself.

"What was that?" Renae asked. My eyes snapped up to her, I took a moment to consider my next words.

"I have made my decision." I announced. "We shall agree to Alastia's demands and I will sign the treaty."

The vote was split, I was the deciding factor in this after all. Tokra looked worried and I gave him a knowing smile which made him confused.

"Do not fret. We still have one more card we can play..."

---

"You want me to what?!" Ashk screeched.

I motioned her to keep her voice down as we talked in a secluded spot outside the town.

"Now, I admit I am asking a lot of you but you said yourself that you had plans to do something about the state of Alastia's poor, how the rich treat the underclass?" I explained. "I am merely asking that you also keep an eye out for Hastaluna as well. If anything drastic happens in the future which might threaten the freedom of our people, you just give the ruling class a little nudge in the right direction with your jewel. That's all."

"Forever?" Ashk whined.

"You are the Avatar of Time now." I sighed. "You do not age, immortal such as I. Do you have something better to do?"

"I guess not." Ashk kicked a rock away like a scolded child who was avoiding her chores. "I was just hoping that, you know... I could stay here instead. With you."

I see how it was, she felt lonely now, isolated and wished to stay here in Hastaluna where she was accepted, and not just an invisible ghost skulking in the shadows of the palace.

"You are welcome to visit any time. There will always be a door open for you here in Hastaluna... " I told her as she looked back at me gratefully. "What I am asking is that you ensure that the door exists in the first place. Please Ashk. You are our only way to guarantee our future. "

"Sure are a lot of people relying on me all of a sudden." She complained.

"From what you told me, you have always been looking out for others." I alluded to her history with her previous gang members.

"Yeah... Don't remind me." She chuckled, she was still trying to come to terms with the distance she has between herself and her previous friends. A distance maintained because of one reason, the result of altering the flow of time sure had it's quirky down sides. She didn't want to talk about that however and I respected her wishes.

"Okay, I am not sure I really have a choice, but whatever." She said casually, as if the fate of entire countries didn't rest on her actions. "We probably won't get a chance anyway. I haven’t found anything that would tell us about the Goddesses condition. Nothing that we don't know about controller jewels, nothing about Time Interference sickness. It's all dead ends." She flapped her arms in desperation.

It was our immediate problem for sure. If Ashk had to continue using the controller jewel during stopped time on Serizenza, it could worsen her condition and who knows what problems that could cause.

"You checked everywhere?" I asked.

"Everything." She replied. "I did manage to keep the accounts of Alastia's creation out of Serizenza's hands but that's all I got."

"At least we have that problem sorted." I nodded. "I must return to finalise the Treaty. Perhaps the Moons will shine our way forward, provide our salvation."

Ashk scoffed at my religiosity. For the Avatar of the Moon of Time, she sure was blasphemous.

---

My hand scratched at the parchment and I dotted it with a flourish. A slight round of applause rippled around those watching. Hastalunans were not a loud people and the Alastian soldiers were all professionally holding their weapons. This historic moment was celebrated in a very understated way. Hastaluna was officially a protectorate of Alastia.

The Queen smiled broadly as she confirmed the signature and indicated that an aid take their copy of the document for safe keeping, to be transported back to Alastia. Our copy will be retained here, for our own reference, I gave her an uneasy smile back. I did have Ashk as my ace in the hole but it still weighed heavily on me that I might have signed away the freedom that many men enjoy in our nation. The Queen seem to detect my sadness and I saw a glint of understanding in her eyes.

"Orisata, you will accompany me if you will..." The Queen rose to her feet stepping away from the grand table.

I was confused for a second, but followed her none the less, away from the crowd of people talking and murmuring amongst themselves at the history that was just made. The Queens Guard was flanking her as they always do, their armour clanking as they marched in lock step.

We made it to a large deserted space that opened up to a view looking down on Alastia in the distance. None of the towns folk were here, it was just me and the Queen and her Guard.

"Leave us." The Queen ordered her Guard. They saluted and turned away to take positions on the edge of the space, out of earshot at least. "All of you..." She repeated to thin air.

A second past and a woman appeared, she was wearing some sort of cloth garb with plate armour on her shoulders and shins. I could not see her face as she wore a mask but her eyes were serious and focused. I had first thought Ashk was an assassin when I first saw her but this new woman was much closer to fitting that role. Her short strait dagger like sword certainly looked dangerous.

"That is an order." The Queen said more sternly.

This strange new woman did not look at her Queen. Her eyes narrowed on mine, almost squinting at me. A non verbal warning if ever there was one. She did not walk away, but jumped from her crouched position, some thirty feet into the air where she once again disappeared. A flashy exit that was more a demonstration of power for myself, if I were to be dumb enough to try anything with her monarch such power would be turned on me. Message received, although I had absolutely no intention of doing anything of the sort.

"Now that we are alone..." The Queen started. "...As one ruler to another Orisata, I know what concerns run through your mind." The Queen was again warm with a broad smile, more genuine than anytime she had been before.

"M'lady..." I acknowledged her words. I think she knew the burdens I hold, my duty to my people. Even the men.

"You think that we will oppress your men given time, as we seek more power over your kingdom. I assure you that is not my concern." The Queen confirmed my worries perfectly.

I was humbled by her accurate assessment, she smiled again and continued.

"As your country is now under our protection, that does include all the women in it, I merely wish to secure their future." She explained.

"I can assure you, we treat all our people well. There is no need to enact laws of movement on them to guarantee their safety. They will be safe here, in Hastaluna. " I implored.

The Queen looked away for a moment, her smile faltering as if I wasn't quite grasping what she was saying.

"In Alastia, we worship the Goddess, she provides for us all." She was looking out at her kingdom in the distance, wistful in her cadence. "When we die, we join her in Heaven. It is what every Alastian strives for, paradise. I merely wish to make sure that as many women as possible can have a chance to ascend. It would be... lacking of me to turn away from so many when I have the chance to help them in this way."

Ah, there it is. Religious delusion drives her. She is so smart and sharp it is almost a shame to see her caught up in such folly. I knew who this Goddess was and she was no entity in Heaven watching over the souls of the lost. She was a Mage, in her court, playing some kind of farce, controlling the kingdom through proxy. All people will return to nothing eventually, it is the way of things. She looked back at me, still smiling, hoping I could understand. I could only manage pity at this point. She saw my look and frowned. Taking a deep breath she reached inside her wide sleeve, pulling out a tiny booklet that was kept in some sort of hidden pouch.

"This is my personal copy of the Book of the Goddess. " She looked down at the small book with affection. "I read it when I need guidance, when I feel the weight of leadership is too much." She handed me the book gently, placing it in my hands. "Take it as a gift, perhaps one day you will see things as I do."

I looked at the small thing, it was still warm to the touch having been so close to the Queens person. It was barely a few pages long but it was apparently all she needed to understand her Goddess enough.

"I have much to do and arrange before I depart. I should return to my camp. Please think about it, Orisata of Hastaluna. " The Queen spoke as she past me, leaving myself in the quiet contemplation as I continued to look at the book she gave me.

What is done is done. Perhaps I don't need to understand her perspective, just that she believes what she believes and that would be enough. I looked up at the Moon of Time in the sky, it's guidance is what I look to, not some book. Of course I do not prescribe sentience to it or purpose, it is just a rock, but non the less, the universe has a way of showing you the way when you need it. I decided to open the book and peered inside.

The first passage was a verse, like a poem. Explaining the origin myth of the Goddess and how all those women on Alastian land join the Goddess in Heaven. My first thoughts on this are always the uncomfortable truth. I felt bad that I am so knowledgable about this subject. If I didn't know who Serizenza really was, or anything about the Gods I might even entertain the idea but that was not the case.

I read on, as it promotes humility and to cast away assumption. I couldn't help but feel like it was talking to me directly. 'Assumption.' I reflected on it for a moment. What did I actually know, what was I assuming. I know that this religion is built on a lie, it can not be true. The Goddess cannot be what this says, cannot do what it says.

"Assumption." I muttered.

I was assuming I know what the Goddess can and can't do. I was assuming she couldn't possibly... I should keep and open mind. I reassessed everything the Queen said with this new outlook. Then my mind wondered to everything else. Everything that didn't make sense or was unexplained. Suddenly a very clear picture emerged.

"By the Moons!" My mouth hung open in shock.

The book slipped from my grasp and I quickly snapped out of my mind fog to grab it, juggling it in the air a few times before snatching it to my chest, least I drop the precious gift.

It was making sense now, everything. It even made me reconsidered Serizenza's sickness and behaviour in a new light. A new theory forming that I couldn't believe I didn't think of before. I smiled letting the weight of it all leave my shoulders. For the first time in a while I think I had it all figured out. It was a strange feeling, all the records and knowledge that we posses and it was just this little book that opened my eyes to the truth.

---

I stood next to Ashk as we watched the Queens procession leave, starting its long way back to the Alastian capital in the center of their country.

"Are you not going to catch a lift with them? It's a long walk." I asked her casually.

She grinned and time stopped. The carriage and all the soldiers alongside it freezing in place, the crowd of people assembled to watch them go also became motionless.

"They won't get far." She quipped. "It's a shame we never figured out Serizenza. Honestly, this could..." Ashk trailed off looking at me sideways. I gave her a sly grin and raised and eyebrow. "What do you know? I know that look!" She accused.

"I have a few theories which I am almost certain of now." I told her. "It took me a while but I think I know... a few things."

"Okay." Ashk rolled her eyes. "Spill it. You can't hold out on me. What if Serizenza blows up the world again? How am I suppose to stop that?"

My mood darkened at the thought.

"Ah, yes that..." My smile was gone and I turned to Ashk with dead seriousness in my eyes. "Serizenza blew up the world in a rage after she was released from her mind thrall that Jara put her under."

"Uh huh." Ashk confirmed.

"Gods do not sleep or rest, for Jara to **** her into such a state... I worry that it had the most dire of consequences that I am only just beginning to understand." I gripped Ashk by her arms and sternly ordered her. "Ashk, do not under any circumstances render her **** or mindless like Jara did. She must remain permanent and lucid at all times. Do you understand?"

"Okay! Okay!" She shook out of my grip. "I wasn't planning on it. Why? What's the big deal anyway?"

I considered telling her the truth, but I thought it prudent not to. She said she wasn't religious anyway and perhaps it was better she not know some things that I do.

"She will not be very happy. Put it that way." A truth, if lacking on detail.

"Is that why she is tired all the time? No sleep got her cranky?" Ashk asked.

"Hmm?" I raised an eyebrow again at the change of subject. "Oh! No, that... that's something else." My smile returned at the thought. I was more confident about this that anything else.

"What?" Ashk was confused. She was trying to get to my level of understanding and my obtuseness was doing her no favours. She looked at me like I needed to explain myself and this time do a better job of it. I smiled as I began.

"When Jara took over the capital, he was channelling the Crystal moon and through it, the Aspect of the Moon of Lust." I started, Ashk's eyebrows raised in confusion as she followed my train of thought. "Jara met his end at Serizenza's hands, as she was overwhelmed by lust for him. They copulated and he perished. A mortal not being able to survive the pairing and I suppose in nature, such a union is far beyond being viable." I felt one last twinge of regret at the loss of Jara, the upstart pupil, so brilliant and yet misguided.

"Uh huh." Ashk cared not for Jara, that was apparent. Even after our joining, her hatred for the man was as bright as ever. "...So?" She asked flippantly.

"The union is beyond viable... normally. " I explained. "The Moon of Lust has other aspects to it, Love, Fertility... As a God, Serizenza is just as much effected by this as any other mortal. The Moons magic far exceeding anything the Gods are capable of, even at their most base nature. "

"I don't get it." Ashk shook her head.

I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at Ashk's stubborn way of looking at things.

"She's fine. The Controller Jewel is not effecting her in any adverse way." I reassured.

"Then why is she acting up? What's wrong with her?" She asked in frustration.

"Nothing is wrong with her Ashk..." I gave her a broad knowing smile. The revelation was hard for me to get my head around but when it all came down to it. It makes perfect sense.

".... She's pregnant."