Singer Sailor Merchant Mage

“If the sky could dream, it would dream of dragons.”

Ilona Andrews

Now that the politics had been dealt with, I could focus on my most recent acquisition, the egg. I grinned with excitement as I slowly opened the box. The obsidian egg sat shimmering in the light of my mana mote lanterns. As I watched with my mana sense, the egg seemed to draw the mana slowly into its depths. The egg seemed immune to my sensory skills, and I could not see through it no matter what skill I attempted it with.

This new world had been a constant source of awe and wonder at what it was possible to do with the system, the attributes and the skills. The Kingdoms and Races had each sparked another fresh burst of enthusiasm to devour more of what made this world so special. But this was something else.

Who doesn’t dream of dragons? Every fantasy fiction book I had read had a fascination with the species, from Tolkien to Hobbs, McCaffrey, Paolini, Novik, Martin etc. Every author added a different dimension to the imagining of dragons. Now I would have a chance to see one for real, and I could not wait for it to hatch.

According to Lady Acacia, the domesticated version of dragons was a shadow of the creatures of myths and legends. Still capable of breathing fire, they grew in stature to that of a large dog but no larger and were incapable of speech or reasoning though much brighter than any other animal.

Keeping her warnings to heart, I was not disappointed in the least. I would still have a dragon! Cuddled around the shell, I finally fell asleep.

. . .

That night as I lay dreaming, it felt like I had been transported back to when I was in the womb. The pressure surrounded me everywhere. Darkness even when my eyes were open. But there were two stark differences to my solitude. The edges of my world were solid. If I pushed or flexed my arms and legs, I could feel my back pressing against a hard curved surface that bowed my body in on itself. Second, there was no heartbeat to keep me company other than my own. I was utterly alone. Caged by the wall encapsulating me, I wanted to break free but somehow knew it was not yet time. But the time would come, the time would come. I returned to slumber, my body still growing as I consumed the nutrients trapped within my shell while my heartstone absorbed the world's mana from without.

I was shocked awake by the alien thoughts of my dream. I sat up, quickly dispelling the darkness with my magic. I stared at the egg still wrapped in my arms. Had my dream been my own fanciful thoughts about what it might be to be an egg waiting to hatch, or had they been more accurate than any waking effort I had made at using my psi before?

I swiftly directed my thoughts inward and outward, searching for the mind I believed I had felt only moments before, but if the mind had been awake only moments before now, it lay sleeping now. No conscious thoughts rose to the surface for me to peruse.

Thinking about the thoughts I dreamt I’d heard, I added a little mana to the shell, observing as it was wicked away within. It reminded me of how the shard of the Lodestone drew in mana from its surroundings. Although there was no outward physical growth, unlike the shard of the Lodestone, any growth would happen internally hidden within the shell.

It took a while for me to calm down after the excitement, but eventually, I fell asleep again after wearing myself out running through my list of Spellcraft and Spellsong. It was like counting sheep but with runes.

. . .

The next day our regular routine was interrupted again by a written request from Lord Larimar for another meeting. We did not meet more than once a week, but he seemed unwilling to wait that long. Hence the written request for one earlier.

Dear Lord and Lady Silversea,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing on behalf of Lord Larimar, the esteemed High Lord of the Western Lands. My name is Sir Roland Ravenswood, and I serve as Lord Larimar's envoy and trusted representative in matters of diplomacy and negotiation.

Lord Larimar has been closely following the recent developments in the House of Lords and has taken a particular interest in your esteemed family's rising influence and potential. Word of your family's commitment to neutrality and your astute handling of the delicate political landscape has reached our ears, and we are intrigued by the possibilities it presents.

As you know, the Western Lands have long been aligned with the Coastal Lords, but recent events and shifting dynamics have given rise to a need for reevaluation. Lord Larimar recognises the importance of maintaining a balanced and united front within the House of Lords. He believes that your family's support, with its reputation for diplomacy and prudence, could significantly enhance the Western Lord's faction. Such an alliance would be mutually beneficial and create a formidable force capable of influencing policies and safeguarding our collective interests.

I cordially request a private meeting to discuss Lord Larimar's request in more detail and the potential for collaboration between our houses. This meeting would provide an opportunity to address any concerns, explore shared objectives, and outline the advantages of joining forces under a common banner.

Please inform us of your availability, and I will make all necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable and confidential environment for our discussion. Rest assured, discretion and confidentiality will be paramount throughout the process.

We eagerly anticipate the possibility of meeting with you and the opportunity to explore the possibilities that lie ahead. Your family's presence and support would be highly valued and could have a lasting impact on the future of your noble House.

May the winds of diplomacy carry this letter to you swiftly, and may our paths converge harmoniously.

Yours sincerely,

Sir Roland Ravenswood

Envoy to High Lord Larimar

The letter professed a profound desire for another meeting to sway our minds. We had not even finished reading the first letter before another arrived, this time from Lord Carnelian’s envoy. An equally fanciful gold-lettered envelope which detailed much the same. A request to meet again to discuss any concerns we might have supporting his side of the House of Lords.

Dear Lord and Lady Silversea,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing on behalf of Lord Carnelian, extending his warm regards and sincere appreciation for your future esteemed presence within the House of Lords. Lord Carnelian has been following your recent actions and decisions with great interest and is impressed by the wisdom and prudence you have displayed thus far.

Let me express Lord Carnelian's deep admiration for the Silversea family's illustrious history and your esteemed position among the noble houses. He recognises the importance of your neutrality in these turbulent times and acknowledges the challenges you face in maintaining a delicate balance amidst the competing powers of the high lords.

Lord Carnelian firmly believes that your noble house has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our great kingdom. He values your insights, intellect, and commitment to our realm's well-being. With this conviction, I, Sir Reynard Blackthorn, as Lord Carnelian's envoy, extend an invitation to you, requesting a personal audience at your earliest convenience.

Speaking on behalf of Lord Carnelian, I would be honoured to engage in a candid and meaningful discussion with you, exploring areas of mutual interest and potential cooperation. Lord Carnelian is eager to listen to your perspectives, address any concerns you may have, and discuss the possibilities of forging a solid alliance that would benefit the Silversea family and, indeed the entire House of Lords.

Please understand that Lord Carnelian's intentions are sincere and genuine. He seeks not to impose his will upon you but rather to foster a relationship based on trust, respect, and shared goals. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining your neutrality and assures you that any discussions will be held in the strictest confidence.

Should you deem it appropriate, I kindly request you to consider a meeting at your earliest convenience. I am open to any location or format that you find suitable, be it a private audience, a formal gathering, or even an informal exchange of ideas over a leisurely meal.

I eagerly await your response, and I remain at your disposal for any queries or clarifications you may have. I look forward to the possibility of meeting you and embarking on a journey of cooperation and mutual benefit.

With utmost respect,

Sir Reynard Blackthorn

Envoy of High Lord Carnelian

It was striking how similar the two letters looked. But they were both asking for the same thing, another chance to change our minds and gain our support when we finally arrived in the capital. We decided to ignore them for now though we were equally sure they would turn up to our petitioning in a week. Through tradition and the laws of the land regarding etiquette, we could not bar them from that though the desire to do so was strong in this one.

What we could do, though, as part of our attempt to avoid responding to them, was to run away from our problems and when on an island, run away meant sail away. After my disastrous last outing onboard a ship with my father, we decided to avail ourselves of our Libeccian merchant and possible former pirate Captain Kashif’s boat. This way, any other ship that might have followed him searching for the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow would find more than they expected with us along. It wouldn’t just be myself on board; Arawn and Namir would accompany the trip. I pitied the fool who attempted to board this boat.

Lady Acacia would be staying behind with my sister Lady Silversea; something about not sending all your eggs to sea in the same basket. She could not avoid responding but could delay any meetings until I returned. It was a flimsy excuse but an acceptable one within a patriarchal society where rightly or wrongly, I, the oldest male heir to the Silversea name, had the ultimate authority to bind our house with my decisions. Our, or rather officially her, response was equally flowery.

Dear Sir Reynard Blackthorn,

I appreciate your kind words and the extended invitation on Lord Carnelian's behalf. Your admiration for our family's history and position is genuinely humbling, and we value the potential for collaboration.

However, I regret to inform you that a meeting at this time is not feasible. My brother, Lord Silversea, is currently on a sailing expedition, attending to matters of utmost importance. His absence necessitates my presence here, managing our affairs and responsibilities in his stead.

While we understand the significance of your proposal, we must prioritise our family's welfare and obligations to the realm. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by our unavailability.

Rest assured that we value the spirit of cooperation and recognise the importance of fostering relationships within the House of Lords. Should circumstances permit in the future, we would be open to revisiting the possibility of a meeting.

Once again, I thank you for your understanding, and I extend my best wishes to Lord Carnelian. May our paths cross at a more opportune time.

Yours faithfully,

Lady Aleera Silversea

That was not the only letter we got to write. We had to do it a second time for the envoy of Lord Larimar. Lady Acacia seemed to delight in correcting our efforts on each letter drumming in new lessons of penmanship and calligraphy with each effort she claimed was unacceptable.

Unfortunately, she insisted I stay for the letter-writing part of our deception, citing that it was a good learning opportunity and valuable experience. She was not wrong, and I gained at least a level or two in my skills from the experience of it.

Dear Sir Roland Ravenswood,

I am grateful for your correspondence on behalf of Lord Larimar and your expressed interest in establishing a dialogue between our families. Knowing our reputation and position have captured your attention is heartening.

However, I regret to inform you that the possibility of a meeting at this time is not feasible. Lord Silversea, my esteemed brother and the head of our family, is currently absent on a sailing expedition. His participation and presence are vital in any discussions or negotiations involving the Silversea household.

I understand the importance of fostering alliances and exploring potential collaborations within the House of Lords. While we appreciate Lord Larimar's intentions, it is imperative that we engage in such matters when all key members of our family are available to contribute their perspectives and make informed decisions.

Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by our unavailability. Rest assured that we value the spirit of camaraderie and the potential for fruitful alliances within the realm. Should circumstances permit in the future, we would be delighted to explore avenues of collaboration with Lord Larimar and his esteemed faction.

Once again, I express my gratitude for your understanding and extend my best regards to Lord Larimar. May our paths cross in more opportune circumstances, where fruitful discussions and agreements can be forged.

With utmost respect,

Lady Aleera Silversea

Still, with my excuse written in ink, it was time to disappear, and we made like the wind vanishing out to sea. With just under a week out at sea, I hoped to find more wrecks to salvage or even bring up. After all, I was on a sailing expedition, and nothing could be of more importance than a treasure-hunting expedition!

. . .

As Lord Silversea sailed over the open Azimuth Ocean, the two envoys were again meeting in the Compass Edge Tavern and complaining over a glass of wine.

“They are infuriating.” Lord Larimar’s envoy Sir Ravenswood complained to his compatriot. "I can't believe they dare to refuse a meeting. We've travelled all this way, and she brushes us off!"

“I see you attempted to get a private meeting,” Lord Carnelian’s envoy Sir Blackthorn smirked.

“As if you didn’t try yourself. Don’t play coy with me!” Sir Ravenswood replied, unamused and unimpressed.

"Indeed, it's infuriating.” He soothed, admitting as much he had tried the same. “We came here with a clear purpose, and now she's delaying us and denying us an audience. It would be far simpler if they choose a side. Then we could return to our lives and the centre of civilisation."

"It's clear she's using her brother's absence as an excuse. But I won't be fooled." Sir Ravenswood drank heavily before pouring himself another glass. They were without servants in their private room, necessary for such conversations.

“I’ve checked, and he did indeed set sail with on Libeccian ship, although I agree it is only the weakest of excuses.” Sir Blackthorn added.

“It is obvious that they have set their minds on a position of neutrality as if that would last a second in the capital.” Sir Ravenswood shook his head in despair at the naivety of the young Lord and Lady.

“Reality does not change because it is ignored. They will learn sooner or later. But for us right now, if we wish to leave this island, we must come to some form of accord over this.” Sir Blackthorn offered an olive branch.

“What are you saying?” Sir Ravenswood queried.

“Let them have their neutrality for now.” Sir Blackthorn shrugged, raising his hands to calm the man before he replied.

“Lord Larimar will hardly be pleased with such an answer, and I highly doubt Lord Carnelian would be either.” He moderated his response, thinking through the consequences.

“It would all be a matter of perspective as long as we both return extolling our ability to prevent the Silverseas from choosing to support their opposing lords directly. Settling for neutrality will be seen as a win.” He explained the practical political answer to failing to shift a position.

“It would be a hard sell.” Sir Ravenswood pointed out. “Harder for me than for you, seeing as Lord Larimar already counts them as part of our political camp through the island nature of their noble house.”

“Well, there is no reason the Silverseas should not pay for the privilege of their neutrality.” He shrugged again, smiling.

. . .

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