“What stands before you is very much real, “she says now standing beside her smiling.

“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful!”

“Two weeks after the attack on Cordelia I was awaken by my guards of the watch informing me a crowd had gathered outside the gates. Assuming it was Jennicus and her army, I commanded all to be executed immediately it wasn’t until I gazed down from the tower I commanded my army to still themselves. There staring back at me where the faces of tattered and torn women and children seeking a place of refuge and safety I could not turn them away. The west portion of my land aligns directly with the sea if you ask me it was fated to be so.”

“I am at a loss for words, “she says continuing to gaze at what was before her, “Cordelia is alive and well!”

“Yes, some of the remaining survivors survived the journey here where they have made a home by the sea under my protection. If Jennicus assumes she has destroyed Cordelia completely she is mistaken and that is not all see just over the horizon.”

“Yes I do, “as her eyes fixated on the images again her mouth opened in shock, “I thought it to be a myth!”

“No my friend they too exist.”

“Pygmies!”

“Yes, from what I now know they were close friends of the queen.”

“My daughters thirst for power has not overshadowed the ray of light shining through the cracks!”

“No it has not, my name Queen Lanuola of Destos I will continue to stand for justice and see your daughter fall to ruin even at the risk of my dying breath!”

“Although she is my daughter our world is in grave danger, “she says looking at her, “I stand with you.”

Returning to Natticulus…..

Natticulus was a wondrous sight, from the towering majestic trees, to the healthy grass that grew wildly from their roots, to the neighboring mountains surrounding the city, it was breathtakingly beautiful. Once everyone calmed themselves Queen Maia introduced her guest to the guards that previously surrounded them. Things remained a little tense however over a prepared meal and wine the tension was replaced with laughter and great conversation. The guards were smitten with Bette enjoying hearing war stories from the past. The longer she spoke the more the guards became infatuated with her as it was clear she was no ordinary soldier, she was one they quickly respected and aspired to be like. They viewed Gaia just the same as she was just as wise and told stories filled with blood, gore, and sisterhood. It pleased the queen to see all getting along and while she was thankful for the peace within her city for the first time she noticed Daiya was not present. Assuming, since their trip had been temporally postponed she opted to spend time with Auscha instead. Gaia eyeing Kelly like a hawk noticed her staring the entire time once again displaying that infamous smirk she had shown so many times before. If it hadn’t been for the impending private meeting she and Bette were scheduled to have with the queen she would have taken the fork in her hands and gouged out both of her eyes. Bette also feeling her gaze upon her choose to ignore it unwilling to acknowledge her. Getting the sign from the queens guard both Gaia and Bette excuse themselves leaving to speak with the queen in private.