Rebuilding (Act II)

"I don't know how we'll ever manage it" The Queen said, arms crossed as she looked over the ruined kingdom she now claimed to rule "We could spend the next two hundred years trying to rebuild, and it would still feel like we were living in a crypt".

"There are options, Your Majesty" You mention as your eyes squint to keep the morning sun out of your eyes as you look with her "There is symbolism in claiming our ancestral home, but there is no shame in starting anew. I'm sure, in time, we could find a suitable location, raise the banner again in a new settlement. Encourage the refugees and diaspora to make the journey".

"No" She said swiftly, releasing a large sigh afterwords "This is our home, and it is rightfully ours. Moving somewhere else would only validate the actions of the Intransican Empire, that they were correct in destroying our capital and claiming our lands as theirs." There was a slight pause as she pulled her hair back, seemingly growing taller and more rigid as she did "I've spent my whole life living in fear Michael. So have all of our people. I would rather die a Queen than live a coward".

"Of course, Your Majesty" you say as you bow slightly "You are Queen by birthright, which none can take away from you, and you are certainly not a coward. I fill follow whatever course you may take".

"We would help how we could" You hear behind you, and both you and the Queen turn to see Chiorgax approaching you slowly. "But my people are warriors, not defenders, and certainly not builders. If you ever want to stand against the Empire, you'll need help from someone who is both".

The Queen's face contorted unwelcomingly, her voice aiding in the disapproval "Sure Chiorgax. While we're at it, I could use help finding a tailor who's also a dragon."

The pack leader was immune to the sarcasm, and in fact didn't even respond to it. Instead, she pointed upwards and behind you both, towards the top of the mountains "Dwarves, your worship. Legend says the immense diamond that once adorned this castle came from the dwarven holds, as a gift and a sign of alliance".

"A pact that broke when the crystal did" You replied with disdain "The dwarves of the Hold of Hammerdeep are not friendly to outsiders".

Chiorgax smiled as she extended her arms down and made an exagerated bow "Neither are orcs, and yet consider your present company".

"Point taken" You reply **** "I suspect challenging our understanding and preconceptions of the world will be as difficult of a challenge as actually rebuilding it. Admittedly, my understanding of the Hammerdeep Dwarves is through the Imperial lens. They could be as difficult as we've been lead to believe, but it's also possibly they just don't care for Intransicans. The journey to find out will be worth the effort, surely".

"We can't help you, unfortunately" The orc added "the mountains are too difficult for our wargs to travel, and prey is too sparse for them to feed on. We'll keep the Queen safe, as long as we can. Our pack follows the seasons and the herds, so you can't allow yourself to dawdle".

"Than perhaps I should go with" The Queen responded, "I would hate to be a burden here, waiting around for others".

"Your Majesty, I would rather you stay here. The path could be treacherous, and we don't know how diplomatic these dwarves are" The Queen begins to fidget with her hands. Seeing this Chiorgax spoke up again, giving the Queen a push.

"If I may, Your Majesty, you're the queen. What you say goes, you don't need Mastbreaker's permission for anything. Of course, you would be no burden on us, while we stay here. My men seem to love the company."

"I would welcome the hospitality, and thank you for the advice" she clasps one hand in the other "Michael, as my sole Knight and Defender, you will escort me to the Dwarven Holds, where we will negotiate for our kingdom,".

"Yes your Majesty, I will prepare at once" Bowing as you depart, you hold your frustration close until you're out of sight. Removing the provisions and gear from your horse, you have just begun to sort through things before Chiorgax arrives.

"I hope you just have a burr up your ass, and you're not angry with me because I told your Queen to act like one,".

"She's supposed to be kept safe." You respond without even looking at her "That can't happen if she's following me everywhere,".

"She's supposed to lead" She responded swiftly, the words sting with their truth "She can't do that from an empty throne room" She steps closer, putting a hand on your shoulder "Take it from an expert Michael, the two of you will never be safe. Not until the Empire is **** to surrender. If it were me, I would outfit the Queen for war at earliest convenience, and get her trained. She can protect herself, and be a leader in battle"

"That's no place for a Queen" your response, while certain, is quiet and seemingly defeated.

"Well, Orc's don't have Queens, so what do I know?" Chirogax responded with a shrug "I'll just say this much. I don't think you'll have much choice"

She turned away with a wave, speaking loudly "Just food for thought Michael. I can't tell you what to do. I'm not a Queen" the war pack leader chuckled at her own joke as she walked away, leaving you to prepare for your journey.