Chapter 592: Peculiar Meetings (1/2)

Chapter 592 Peculiar Meetings

Ilea judged the distance to the walls too far for displacement. They would be seen between teleports. Nor did she want to test if the skill worked against whatever enchantment improvements Claire and her team had added in the meantime. She would need to be close to understand the fabrics, if her friend had indeed already added anti space magic measures.

“We’ll just enter the normal way. Just keep your heads and faces covered and don’t hiss,” Ilea said.

“We should act like some rogues? Unable to show our might?” Feyrair asked in disbelief.

Ilea looked at him, not sure if he was being sarcastic or not. Sometimes it was hard to tell with him.

“Precisely,” Neiphato said.

“We are allowed to talk thought,” Feyrair said.

Okay, he’s joking. “Sure. Just don’t share your tales of eating humans and we’re golden.”

“You don’t seem particularly concerned about all this. I thought humans harshly scrutinized outsiders. Especially in larger settlements like these,” Feyrair said.

Ilea walked towards the road. “It’s less so in larger ones actually. And I’ve gotten in worse than you two.”

Feyrair started a hiss before he turned it into a cough. “Worse than us? Now I’m intrigued,” he teased.

Yeah, I wonder what that necromancer is doing, Ilea thought, ignoring his pestering questions until they reached the entrance. She remained covered in ash, the two Elves standing a little behind and to her sides.

“Lady Lilith,” one of the guards said with a respectful bow. “Welcome back.”

“Thank you,” she said and summoned a few pieces of silver, handing them to the Shadowguard. She watched him nod to her companions as they trailed in behind her.

“Your reputation proceeds you, Lilith?” Fey said to her.

Ilea just raised an eyebrow at the comment, leading them further into the city and towards Claire’s office.

The guard at the door recognized her and let the three pass. “The Administrator is present,” he informed her, glancing at the two Elves with interest. “Powerful friends.”

“Indeed,” Feyrair said joyously. “Finally, someone to recognize my capabilities.”

“Keep your dick in your pants,” Ilea said and went upstairs, knocking on the office door.

The entrance opened with an enchantment flaring up.

“Oh, this place is impressively shielded,” Fey commented, stepping inside behind Ilea and immediately going for the small bar to the right of the entrance.

“Greetings, Claire,” Ilea said with a smile, looking at the woman.

Claire had her hair bound as always, her expression serious as she took in the two newcomers. She flicked her wrist and the door closed behind Neiphato. “Hello, Lilith,” she said in a business like tone.

Ilea smiled, glancing over at Cless who was absorbed in painting, sitting at her usual spot near the window. Already a few invisible barriers likely prevented the girl from seeing or hearing them.

“No need to be formal. They’re trustworthy. And friends. May I introduce to you, Neiphato,” she said and gestured to the armored elf behind her.

Neiphato bowed elegantly, his braided brown hair the only thing that poked out of his helmet. “It is an honor to meet an esteemed friend of Lilith.”

“Ilea is fine here,” Ilea said, seeing the curious look Claire gave the elf.

“Greetings, Neiphato. I’m Claire. What a peculiar name,” she said, her brows rising a little as she turned to the second elf.

“And Feyrair. I hope it’s okay if he tries some of the beverages you have present,” Ilea said.

“Greetings Claire,” Fey said, giving her a quick glance before he turned his attention back to the bottle of whiskey he was holding.

Claire sighed, putting away a few stacks of paper before she relaxed in her chair. “Now, Ilea. Why don’t you explain to me what two Elves are doing in my office.”

“She figured it out. Hey, I like her. Strong too, for a human,” Feyrair commented, filling himself a glass.

“They’re Cerithil Hunters. The group who defied the Oracles and hunts the Taleen. We’ve been fighting the machines together for the past month or so,” Ilea said. “As to why they’re here. I just thought I’d introduce them. And show them the city.”

“Is that a wise decision? Based on their history?” Claire asked.

Feyrair hissed but Neiphato put a hand on his shoulder. “I assure you, miss Claire. That there is no danger with our presence here. We are loyal to Ilea, and to her allies.”

“Also I can take care of them if need be,” Ilea said.

Claire sighed. “With the collateral damage of several monsters taking care of each other. No I’d rather not. Well, my knowledge of Elves is limited but it’s both comforting and scary to know that they can blend in within our cities. However, you know that I support your allies. And if you approve of their coming, so shall I. It’s not like the other council members won’t form a strong opposition.”

Ilea smiled. “I know. I don’t plan to introduce them either. Dagon and Elise would want to interrogate them for history knowledge for the next ten years. We will go north afterwards. Some new things have come up, for your consideration too.”

She quickly explained the circumstances of Niivalyr, the Taleen, Isalthar, and the various dungeons and facilities they had visited in the past six weeks.

“I’ll leave it up to you when and what to share with the others. Decisions will have to be made sooner or later, though there is no rush,” Ilea said.

“Monarchs and Oracles. Well I can’t say I’m surprised anymore. I’ll think about the whole situation, concerning your… friends in the north too,” Claire said.

“Friends in the north?” Fey asked, having tuned out while Ilea retold what had happened.

“You’ll meet them soon,” she said. “And thanks Claire. Any news I should know about? Baralia? The Lily? Ravenhall?”

Claire glanced at the two Elves. “Are you sure I can share things with them present?”

“You have no idea how little Elves actually care about humanity and our dealings. Well Ben might be interested but he’s not here at the moment,” Ilea said.

“Ben?” Claire asked, looking at the three in turn.

Neiphato smiled, his wooden helmet receding to reveal a slight smile, only a few of his pointy teeth showing. “He chose the name after becoming a Cerithil Hunter, miss. His interest in humans and their culture is highly unusual.”

“Yeah, his mind is challenged,” Feyrair supplied, sniffing on another bottle before putting it back.

“Less than ours,” Ilea mused.

The elf chose a dark bottle with a glass snake winded around the central body. “Fair enough.”

Claire looked at Ilea before she started laughing.

Fey poured himself another glass and looked over at the woman, his face revealed now too as his hair changed to a deep shade of red. “What’s so funny?”

“The absurdity,” Claire said, meeting his stare. “You are an interesting one.”

“I have no interest in weak beings,” Feyrair said with a smirk.

“Good for you that I do,” Ilea said.

“You two?” Claire asked, looking at her. “That does explain some things.”

“It’s casual, don’t worry,” Ilea said and winked at her.

“That child, is gifted beyond its age,” Neiphato suddenly said, his eyes focused on the canvas standing on the other side of the room.

“That how you knew they were Elves?” Ilea asked, looking at the girl as well.

Claire summoned herself a drink. “You’re not exactly subtle. But yes. I could’ve only guessed otherwise. There were a few choice pieces, though I took the liberty of hiding them within my storage item.”

What’s that supposed to mean, Ilea thought.

“May I speak with the child?” Neiphato asked.

“I don’t see why not,” Claire said. “Just step through the barriers.”

Neiphato bowed again. “Thank you.”

“As to your requests. Well. The war in Baralia is officially over and while timely intervention by many parties, including yourself, has prevented a large scale civil war, there are resistance groups remaining. Both hidden within cities and in the wilderness or ruins. Slavers mostly that refuse to give in to the Empire. However it seems Lys is prioritizing their own territory for now, though it won’t remain that way.

“Hadrian of Lys, brother to the reigning Empress, was captured,” Claire said.

“The brother? What does he have to do with anything?” Ilea asked.

“A lot, apparently. He was certainly a part of why the High King thought it both possible and reasonable to start a war with the Empire. Hadrian was executed in Virilya, just the past week. Little was uncovered about the true plans of the Order of Truth, but from the information that made it all the way here, it’s obvious that their influence on the King was more than just advisory,” Claire explained. “Oh, I’m sure Trian will inform you but your Sentinels are already making a name for themselves. Clearing remaining Cursed in Baralia while protecting and healing refugees. A brilliant move by you and Trian, though I know neither of you planned it as such.”

Ilea smiled. “That is indeed good news. No issues so far?”

“Trian knows about the specifics when it comes to the other orders but with the Order of Truth breaking apart, and the Corinth Order, there is little resistance so far. Though I’m sure it will become more as your organization grows in influence and power. But rest assured, we will call for you if needed,” Claire explained. “Representatives from Yinnahall have sent for you. An invitation to their celebration of independence, from the King that is. We’re still discussing the specifics with Lys but I’m optimistic to add another city to our alliance in the coming years. You must have left quite an impression, on both parties.”

I guess I did, Ilea thought, seeing Fey glance at her.

“What is it?” she asked the elf.

“Hmm. What indeed,” he mused. “Merely that you seem terribly involved with matters beneath you.”

“Some paperwork is necessary. I hope you’d be at least a little involved too if you had the influence I have,” she said.