Worlds Apart

Cadence

Entering the torchlit tent filled with solemn members of units that just lost dozens of their men presents a different tone, however, one far less untouchable, one much more real. These men before me are desperate for relief from the badlands, hungry from our depleted rations, exhausted after having just fought and lost a battle.

So how the hell do I go about convincing them we can still win this war?

"Ambassadors," Einar begins, stepping into her diplomatic mode, "we have gathered here today after having suffered a devastating loss of over two hundred of our men. We are tired, weak, but nevertheless we are here, gentlemen, as is our Queen, and she comes here today ready to offer us answers to our pleas."

"Aurora, it has been quite some time since we last saw one another." The Ambassador of Aqua Cantavit offers, stepping forward to offer a wrist.

"Yet you look hardly different." I note, reciprocating the gesture. "I know we've had little any time to chat, Ambassadors, but-"

"That was hardly your fault, My Lady." The Ambassador of Nix Cantavit offers good-naturedly, the young man I appointed all those years ago.

"Where is your second?" Apache asks when he notes the empty space behind the bulky warrior.

The Ambassador allows his gaze to momentarily waver before revealing, "She was killed during the battle."

"She?"

"My younger sister."

This devastating news causes a weighted silence to emerge, this notion hitting scarily close to the man beside me who almost lost his own younger sister as he swallows thickly, unable to offer any sympathies towards the Ambassador. This density continues to loom over the already disparaging environment until a shuffling near the entrance to the tent draws our attention to Eerika who has just entered the meeting. Judging by her expression, she also heard what was revealed by the stocky yet soft spoken Ambassador, her expression more transparent than ever as she slowly steps up to the incredibly large figure. Carefully, she sets a hand over his shoulder, encouraging his downward casted gaze to lift slightly towards her own. Understandably, this revelation causes him to retreat slightly, his entire body tensed at the sight of Eerika's armored form, yet the shock of seeing her softened expression must awe him enough that he remains before her.

"If you need a second, it is clear I still have much to learn." Eerika relents, shocking all of us around her. "My knowledge of battle strategy may be flawed, but I know about loss. I'm well aware I can in no way fill the void left in result of my ill-informed actions, but in honor of your sister, I will fight by your side if you'll have me."

"You may be a little overqualified, Princess." The Ambassador mutters with a disdainful edge to his tone, attempting to step back from her grip.

She holds strong, refusing to budge. "All the more reason I should do it. I'll offer you my protection until you have the opportunity to properly assess candidates from your own clan."

"Take the offer, Ambassador." Eadric insists, his gruff tone inarguable. "Let her fight by your side. She owes you that much."

Although clearly struggling to come to terms with Eerika assuming such a role, the Ambassador relents to his King's commands, stepping aside to allow her room beside him. With humility clearly being something Eerika lacks, this demotion she gladly accepts seems like a step in the right direction.

"With all of that settled, I think it's time we get back to discussing the matters at hand." I interject, drawing Eadric's attention back to the maps scattered over the crates stacked before us.

"I agree." He grunts closer to my side, his voice above me. His chest plate grazes my shoulder when he leans forward to rest his hand over the map closest to him, his index finger poised over the top ridgeline of the plateau the prisoners utilized to get a better angle on our troops. "Here is where they set up the majority of their fortification."