By the Stars

with the march and renewed vigor, the refugee dwarves of Hammerdeep moved at a sustained quickened pace, but they would not be able to reach Agito by the nightfall. Camp was made in a chaotic fashion, with individuals or small families staking tents simply where they felt appropriate, rather than rows and columns of a military outfit. Despite the martial propensity for dwarves, most of this lot are not actually soldiers, and even for those that were, this was likely an abstract concept that they hadn't used before. It was a minor matter, one that even General Braun was quick to overlook. Folks were content, a few even jovial, and that was important. A few of them felt compelled to go on a hunt, and were fortunate enough to have nabbed a healthy stag. This had elevated the mood and brought many of the disparate groups together to prepare and cook.

"We are blessed to have such company as this" Vercion comments gently as she watches the events with you, sitting next to each other next to a tree. "Everyone here is part of the same family, and that bond is easily seen." She smiles faintly "You do good work Michael"

"You're too kind, Your Majesty" You reply "I got lucky, I went one way when I could have gone another. Had I made a different turn, had I just seen an abandoned temple and not thought any more of it, none of this would have happened, for better or worse"

The Queen reaches out and holds your hand in hers "There's more to it than that. It wasn't just dumb luck. You have strong instincts and an inquisitive mind, and a truly noble sense of justice. You carry the God's favor too, I imagine."

You feel strangely nervous, holding her hand, looking into her eyes. You hide it as best you can behind a smile "Your Majesty makes it sound like fate"

"Is it really so hard to believe? You were told of a prophecy after all."

"Prophecy is Gabrielle's specialty, not mine. To be honest, I never put much thought into the Gods, and even less in prayer or prophecy."

"Why is that, do you think? I mean, you know they are there. T'sara is filled with holy warriors and the like blessed by the favor of their Gods. Gabrielle being one of them."

"I don't know." You give a slight sigh "I think part of is it that I don't like asking for help. I'll help ease the burdens of others happily enough, but I'll be damned if I'll put a burden on another."

Vercion smiles and takes a slight chuckle "That's nonsensical Michael, but understandable, and still endearing. What's the other part?"

"I think the main part is that I question whether the Gods really deserve our worship. You look at the world around us. The amount of **** and chaos that has occurred in T'sara across the Three Ages. Is this really the world they sought to create, and if so, should they really be applauded for it?"

Vercion nods along gently with your explanation. "I see how that makes sense. One would hope and expect that beings with their power would make better sense of the world. And yet, the likes of men, dwarves, and the rest have made long history of ignoring the wills of Gods. At the very least, it would appear someone is trying to make the world a brighter place. They brought you to me after all"

There's a longing in her eyes and tone that you did not expect, and it seems Vercion didn't either, breaking her gaze suddenly, her cheeks turning flush. As the conversation breaks, a small clustering of Dwarvish men arrive, having seemingly waited for there to be a break in your conversation.

"Good Evening, my Queen. My brothers and I wished to make proper greetings, and say how great that it is that the an Agitian Queen still lives. We give our words that we'll make this right."

"Thank you very much, all of you, but I'm not a Queen of Dwarves. When this is all over, you'll be welcomed back by your kin, and return to your true King."

"Respectfully, Lordship, you are the Queen of Agito, and whoever it inhabits. We would make your land our new home, if you'll have us, making you our Queen."

"I would be honored to have such enterprising subjects. I am indebted to you all for being so willing to help me and my people rebuild"

"No, my Queen" another speaks up "there is no debt in atonement. Please, partake in supper with us." Cooked venision was offered, along with ale and bread, for both the Queen and you.

"We'd be delighted" you rise with her, taking the food and drink as she walks ahead of you, into a loose circle. Dwarves of all stripes were feasting, chatting, but all rose to bow to the Queen on her arrival. As you sit, the group returns to their actions, with one breaking out a violin and playing a soft tune. The instrument was in need of a good luthier by the looks of it, and was likely passed down through a few generations, but it's player knew his way around the strings and the bow. It was a soft melody, something to fill the void of the background rather than attract undue or attention and become the star of the show.

"Would the Queen care for a dance?" You ask suddenly, and louder than anticipated. Your request was overheard by a few of your neighbors, giving gentle cheers.

"Oh, Michael, I couldn't" She said meekly "I've never danced before, and certainly not in front of an audience"

"No better time to start than. You've been brave thus far My Queen, why stop now?" There's gentle applause and hoots of encouragement, but it's not before some other couples rise to dance as well that Vercion chooses to stand.

"You can be insufferable sometimes" She says quietly as she takes your hands. You lead her along in a simple side to side dance. As things begin, one of the women rises in song in their native tongue, a language neither you nor Vercion know.

"See, this isn't so bad." You say with a faint smile. Her body is stiff and awkward, too focused on making a mistake to focus on what the actual melody or rhythm of the song is doing.

"better get practice now than in some grand ballroom where all eyes really would be on me"

"At this rate, that may happen sooner than you think"

"Gods I hope not" Vercion groaned "I'm thankful for all the success we've had, how much my life has changed and so quickly, but I'm not ready for things to change much more. Stuff is moving so fast, and I'm struggling just to keep up."

"But you are keeping up" You put your hand on her shoulder gently "This is working, you _are _a Queen."

"I know" She says quietly "But how long before everything starts breaking down?" Sensing your response, she speaks quickly "Don't answer that, I'm just wondering to myself"

"As you wish, Your Majesty"

There's a gentle quiet between the two of you, neither looking directly at the other in the slow music. Vercion is the one to break the silence

"Can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course Your Majesty. You have but to ask"

"Between the two of us, can you just be Michael and I can just be Vercion?"

"Absolutely" You say as your eyes connect again. You see the telltale signs of her moving for a kiss, and as you start to move in kind, she flinches for a second, before simply putting her head on your shoulder. Your arms wrap around her upper body in strength and warmth.

"As you wish" you let out quietly, as you feel her finally relax