With their departure from the room, a sort of awkward peace and calm fell upon those present. Ramposa let out a heavy sigh, a rare moment where he'd displayed a moment of perceived weakness. Though, this time he didn't care about that…
"Your Majesty, I apologize for bringing her along-" Gazef attempted to speak up, and get back to his reason for coming, however…
"You… Guards, arrest him." Barbro ordered, rubbing his neck as if to help clear it of bile.
"You will do no such thing!" Zanac quickly followed up, then looked at his brother. "You still have no idea just how severe what you did was, do you?"
"Shut your mouth, when I'm king I'll make sure to return this insult brother. How dare you attempt to cancel my orders."
"Barbro, shut your mouth." Ramposa barked with a powerful grit, and a disappointed glare. "Your life was spared in part by the efforts of your brother. And… Gazef, this isn't your fault, however, I'm afraid I'll need to address your matter quickly, or after this is resolved."
"I do bring you important information you should hear. The sooner the better."
"Very well, Zanac, you shall be my representative, summon all of the nobles to attend an audience."
"As you wish, Majesty." He bowed and gave a nod to his guards and left the meeting hall.
"What of me, father?" Brabro asked in a rather insidious tone.
"Prepare yourself for the audience properly."
"Yes… father." He got up from his slump, and left the room, his guards following after him.
"There, now it's you and this village man, the chief perhaps?"
"Yes, your majesty. I came here at the behest of your Chief Warrior Gazef, and Lady Nature."
"Good, then, Gazef, you've brought these figures here to see I am counseled on the matter with the raiders. Explain what has happened, leave nothing out." Ramposa explained.
The remaining maids and guards left the room, and closed the door, ensuring its security. Once done, Gazef took a deep breath in, and out… the explanation that came from his lips, sent shivers down Ramposa's spine. Some shivers were of fear, others of worry and grief… however, from among them the strongest was anger, causing him to stand, nearly returning his youthful strength.
"Carne Village Chief, these words are all true, correct?" King Ramposa asked, his expression was both grave, and furious.
"Yes, Sire. Everything spoken is the truth."
"I see, Lady Nature is indeed the one true goddess. Even if the others were strong enough to be viewed in such a light, they are nothing by comparison." He tapped the table. "Chief, you should understand that nothing in this room should leave it."
"As you wish, your majesty. I won't speak a word."
"Gazef, after these incidents, I want your honest opinion, as a warrior for the people…"
"Majesty…"
"Worry not, what you say will only be known by yourself, this village chief, and I. Speak."
"Respectfully, your Majesty… I feel there is only one proper response to the murder of our people. They're words haven't declared it, but they need not when their actions speak volumes louder than any words could." Gazef answered, knowing it meant to say them… "In other words, war. War with the Theocracy."
"Indeed, I should have known you'd come to the same conclusion as I… So you should know the issue."
"I do, and if… no…"
"Go on, say it. As things stand now, you are my advisor as well as my protector."
"Then… We can not win a war against the Theocracy. And though it is beyond my station to think this way, I propose we take this opportunity to bury our grievances with Baharuth, form an alliance and strike the Theocracy."
Ramposa smiled grimly. "This won't be easy. There are many years of bad blood between us." He sighed. "However, I feel 10 years younger now that I've seen my goddess in the flesh once more. Gazef, choose from your men to be our message bearer. Now then… Let us prepare for the audience. I do hope it goes well."
…
Elsewhere in the palace, a part where nature still yet had a hold, the flower garden. Princess Renner, guarded by Climb, and walking with Night Silver, they talked. Until, she stopped, and looked down towards a flower, crouching down to gently stroke its pedals.
"This one is suffering a little, its siblings have been starving it a little too much." Night Silver smiled. "You be nicer to your family now, okay dears?"
Climb had been watching Princess Renner, her face blushed at the sight of this goddess' warmth. He couldn't help but blush, and smile in return… his heart raced with a feeling he couldn't understand… no, he knew it, but he couldn't allow it to be noticed by the others though, he was able to keep it under control, he was too late.
"Child, your name is, Climb, yes?"
"Yes, All-Mother."
"What do you see here?"
"The Palace's flower garden."
"I see, so the beauty of the ladies before you surpasses that of the flowers." She teased, standing up with a wink. "Do not fret about this, you are young, many men have been enchanted by my presence. However, few have managed to feel a love for another woman in my presence. To show such a feeling, even if only briefly, is quite interesting."
"All-Mother…?"
"Renner, why don't you tell me all about this guard of yours."
"Oh, really, Mother! I love telling stories about him!"
"That's good, because I love hearing stories about blossoming love."
Climb went beat red. "My lady! That's…"
"That's what? Natural?" She smirked. "I know."
The next hour was spent with a blushed princess spilling all of the juicy details of how she felt towards Climb. Night Silver giggling over some of the funniest parts, and sharing her breast with Renner. With Climb growing more red by the moment.
Eventually, a messenger arrived to collect the princess for the royal audience. A mission that was reluctantly accepted, and for good reason… The look both ladies gave the man for interrupting their gossip was not one, those without masochistic tendencies would envy receiving. Even so, Renner was the princess, and had duties to uphold. Night Silver whispered something in Renner's ear that ended the problematic display.