Alara Ophelle is currently standing in the ballroom near Ilina and Elira, trying to enjoy the reception. Overall, her state is best described as one of anxious optimism. She is completely fixated on making it through the next few days without incident, at which point she can relax and start her life over as a noble.
Alara held quite different inclinations for most of the time after she lost her wager with Ilina, along with her royal status and claim to the throne. This royal announcement was to be where she could lay the groundwork for her revenge.
She intended to make sure that Mizuki was scorned by every elf she could, and form connections to aid her in excising his presence from their kingdom after she became a noble.
Initially, she saw him as nothing more than a weakling grasping above his station, one with a modicum of wit that hid behind powerful allies and schemes. While she considered him a disgrace, and his influence over the Elder Dragon dangerous, she didn't consider the man himself any real threat.
Despite Elira's concern that Lady Nedonera would retaliate if Mizuki were to be harmed mysteriously, Alara disagreed. After all, Lady Nedonera condoned his deathmatch with Alara – a practical execution in her mind.
It was all this in mind that Alara had plotted against Mizuki, feeling sure that he'd be easily dealt with if separated from the Elder Dragon, and that she could avoid retaliation.
All those ambitions were shattered a couple of days ago, when she saw Mizuki for what he truly was. She'd been foolish, in retrospect, by brazenly declaring to him the depths of her resolve to see him ruined.
He'd initially responded to her declaration with his typical nonchalant attitude, and a chipper tone that seemed unnervingly friendly to Alara.
However, the situation changed rapidly, and faster than Alara could react, Mizuki had suddenly dealt a blow that sent waves of pain through her body, and she crumpled to the floor. Lying there, looking up at Mizuki, she'd made an unsettling observation.
The Mizuki standing over her had his typical cool demeanor and polite smile, but his eyes were different. For the first time, she'd seen real anger in them, and it terrified her. However, her overall assessment of his threat level hadn't changed. While his anger and physical abilities had surprised her, she still felt that his lack of magic made him no direct threat.
This confidence was shaken when she'd felt any remaining strength sapped from her body, and Mizuki declared that he'd permanently stolen her ability to use magic. Alara found the assertion ludicrous – the ability to block or even significantly alter someone's fundamental magic abilities was a task deemed impossible by the best elven scholars.
However, for an excruciating time she had tried in vain to use any kind of magic. As Mizuki calmly watched her try to murder him, she was forced to accept the truth.
Despair had washed over Alara at the thought of what her life would be like without magic. She also realized that she'd severely underestimated Mizuki – he was a monster to be antagonized at one's peril.
As her despair reached totality, and she waited for death at his hands, she was surprised to feel strength flood into her body and the pain of her injuries recede. As she'd looked to her would-be executioner, she saw him smiling without the initial anger in his eyes.
At Mizuki's behest, Alara confirmed his renewal of her ability to use magic, and the healing of her injuries, and she was dumbfounded.He'd brought her to a valley of pain and helplessness in an instant, then erased all traces of the encounter just as quickly.
This whiplash in her circumstances struck absolute terror in Alara. To her, Mizuki was no longer a monster, he was a chaotic god that rewrote the laws of magic on a whim, and she trembled at the thought of ever earning his ire again. Power like that is second only to Elder Dragons, she thought.
She realized soon after that he could have stopped her mistreatment of him at any point. His punishment of her went uncontested by the royal family, so she also knew that his prior tolerance wasn't necessary.
Likely, it was out of deference to his master, Ilina, or his elven companion. However, she'd obviously exhausted that borrowed tolerance, and she'd feared what new course her life might take as a result.
When he offered Alara the chance to forego her meddling in their affairs, and to simply live her life comfortably as a noble, she was eager for the opportunity – she'd already dispelled any fantasies about revenge. Mizuki's unnecessary offer, despite all her hostility towards him, was the final trigger in altering Alara's perception of him.
Reflecting on their history now, as the reception festivities swirl around her, Alara is sure of his true nature. While his tolerant personality and hidden strength make him appear like someone easy to exploit, there are few beings more dangerous to provoke.
She considers him fundamentally agreeable, so she plans to keep her limited exchanges with him earnest and respectful. If she does that, and plays her role in cementing Ilina's succession, she's sure that she'll prosper.
Noticing that Elira and Ilina are inundated with numerous common elves wishing to meet them, Alara slips away quietly.
Thankfully, her classist views on commoners make most of them unenthusiastic about meeting her, so she is largely left alone as she roams the ballroom. She grabs a glass of wine and sips it appreciatively. She's resolved to just enjoy these little pleasures quietly for the next few days.
Just as Alara is beginning to relax, she sees a person with long silver hair weaving through the crowd, and they appear to be heading towards her. As they arrive in front of Alara, she notices that it's Tessa Uril. Historically, the two have gotten along well, due to their similar world views, so Alara smiles at her warmly.
"Hello, Tessa, it's been quite some time! Are you enjoying the festivities? Personally, I was just beginning to appreciate this wine." (Alara)
Tessa smiles politely at Alara, but it seems forced. Alara senses concern from Tessa, and it makes her feel uneasy.
"Good evening, Alara. As you know, I've never been particularly fond of spending hours entertaining the commoners' curiosity. Hopefully you subject me to less of these when you're Queen. I think the reception is quite lovely otherwise." (Tessa)
Alara just nods politely. The nobles aren't supposed to learn of her circumstances until tomorrow, and she has no intention of derailing such important plans now that she's on semi-neutral terms with Mizuki. After a brief silence, Tessa's discomfort becomes more apparent.
"Alara, I'm sure you're aware that the nobles had a meeting with Queen Elira this morning, and we discussed how this issue with the demons was resolved by the Elder Dragon's party. They also attended this meeting, and we decided on their reward, which you heard about in the public statement before this." (Tessa)
Tessa pauses and looks at Alara expectantly, as if waiting for confirmation. Alara remembers the event well – this evening was the first she'd heard about the situation in its entirety, or the fact that Mizuki and his group would be allowed to roam the country freely.
While his access to the country makes her nervous, this is tempered by his decision to solve their issue with Veyron and the demons, and to advocate against human travelers in the country. His actions suggest to her a general desire to protect the Elven Kingdom.
While Alara is somewhat selfish, and considers herself the better of commoner elves, she still has a strong love for the elven people. She just feels that the appropriate expression of that love is for the commoners to revere and obey those like her with status and power, and for her to make sure the kingdom is protected and prosperous.
This was, in part, why she so vehemently opposed Mizuki. However, it's also why Mizuki's recent actions make her more comfortable with his presence in the kingdom.
"Alara?" (Tessa)
Alara is jolted from her reflection.
"I was lost in thought, sorry. Yes, I'm aware of the meeting and the decisions that stemmed from it. What of it?" (Alara)
"I'm deeply troubled by that human, Mizuki, and his ongoing presence in the kingdom. Some of the other nobles suggested offering elven land to Lady Nedonera and her party, him included! Can you believe such a ludicrous thing!? What's more, they want to hold another meeting after the royal announcement to seriously discuss doing it!" (Tessa)
Alara can't hide the surprise from her face. She never expected most of the nobles to be so willing to welcome Mizuki into the kingdom. A few days ago, the idea would have made her skin crawl, but it's different now that she thinks he's almost as dangerous as an Elder Dragon.
The dragons may be catastrophically powerful, but they don't form attachments with other races, so they are only a problem if you directly antagonize them. By contrast, Mizuki seems to enjoy the company of others, and can be quite deferential to those he befriends.
If he is rejected by the elves, he is bound to form attachments with other races and countries. They'd likely earn his deference, and that of Lady Nedonera by proxy. If such a country was ever at odds with the Elven Kingdom…Alara shudders at the thought.
The more she considers it, the more she agrees with the other nobles. The best thing for the Elven Kingdom would be to provide Mizuki with as many attachments to their people as possible – their safety would be all but assured, even if he befriended other countries.
Realizing that the nobles, and probably royal family, have already started trying to befriend Mizuki, Alara feels herself start to relax. That is, until…
"Lady Nedonera's deference to him is troubling, and I'm uncomfortable with a human influencing such power – I think it's best if he is removed from our kingdom as quickly as possible. I'm sure you agree, Alara, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions? Naturally, the Elder Dragon's retribution must be avoided." (Tessa)
Her words negate any buzz Alara has from the wine, and she's sobered immediately. If there's one thing Alara knows better than anyone else, it's that trying to make a move like that against Mizuki is pointless at best and suicidal at worst.
If Tessa were only harming herself, Alara would just ignore it, but if she damages Mizuki's relationship with the Elven Kingdom…that could be everyone's problem.
"Tessa, I'm only going to say this once…do not provoke Mizuki. He's reasonable, he's deferential to those that treat him well, and he's only helped the elves. I'm not fond of humans either, but you can just categorize him as an anomaly. If you want my suggestion…apologize to him for any prior disrespect, then offer him your help." (Alara)
Alara narrows her eyes at Tessa as she speaks, and Tessa's face contorts in surprise.
"Alara, what has gotten into you!? Surely you're not suggesting that I try and ingratiate myself to a human!?" (Tessa)
"That's exactly what I'm suggesting. While you're at it, make sure that idiot Jorah avoids any antagonism. As for what's gotten into me…I'm just seeing my goals more clearly these days." (Alara)
Alara waits a few moments, watching Tessa's reaction, but she doesn't say anything – Tessa is stunned silent. Seeing this, Alara simply nods respectfully to her, then leaves Tessa alone to contemplate their discussion.
Alara makes her way through the crowd in the ballroom, scanning the faces around her as she does. She knows what she needs to do, but the thought of it sends shivers down her spine. Still, she grits her teeth and continues with her search.
"I need to talk with Mizuki." (Alara)