Chapter 713: History (1/2)

Chapter 713 History

Ilea’s head would’ve probably hurt if it wasn’t for her constant healing, her high tolerance for mental exhaustion, her super human body, and high stats. In a way it felt wrong, to be so perfectly aware and calm after hearing so much articles of law. Granted, the wording wasn’t exactly as complex as what she’d seen back on Earth, but a lot of details and eventualities had to be covered. Most of it focused on Awakened beings, as defined by the Meadow in the first few articles.

“You outdid yourself,” Ilea mused, eating a piece of cake with her legs on the table. Twin had left at some point to talk with the Meadow, Violence sleeping on her shoulder. Some of the people had left to refresh themselves or sleep, teleported of course by the Meadow.

“I had a lot of examples to look through. Most of the considerations as to what to include was done by the others. I mainly focused on adapting it to all species,” it explained. “You’re the reason everyone is here. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”

Ilea puffed, eating a fork full of cake. “Says one of the main people responsible for the creation of the gates. We quite literally wouldn’t be here without you.” She didn’t miss the quick glare from Catelyn and addressed the fox. “You can take a break you know?”

“And devour a cake like some savage beast?” Catelyn asked. In a tone that suggested that yes, that was exactly what she wished to do.

“Can you help her out Meadow? Shield her from perception, bring a cake, and let her go ham,” she sent.

The fox vanished, including one of the cakes from the buffet.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Political considerations are an interesting concept. I’m learning a lot from this meeting,” the Meadow spoke.

“For your eventual world takeover,” Ilea mused, closing her eyes as she savored the sweet taste.

“Of course. Yes. That,” it spoke.

Ilea opened one eye as she looked towards the tree. “You seem distracted.”

“Twin is providing… stimulating concepts,” it explained.

“Hey, good for you,” Ilea said and pointed. “Just make sure to use protection.”

“Any resulting magical creation will be placed under great protection and examined until its safety is assured,” the Meadow reassured.

I’m not sure we’re talking about the same thing, Ilea thought, guessing by the tone that the being wasn’t being a sarcastic shit for once, but truly mistaking her joke for genuine concern.

“Just let me know when it convinces you to kill all humans,” she said.

“Ilea, you know my nature. No being can change what I am, just like nobody can change humans at their core. Which is of course why they must all be killed,” it said.

“Good,” Ilea mused when Catelyn reappeared. The fox looked the same as she had before, but somehow more happy. “You’ll be able to eat those all the time when the gates are done.”

“I’ll have to consider that a manipulation of my mind,” Catelyn answered. “Well done. You successfully infiltrated Hallowfort.”

“Easy. We’re the same you and I. You just prefer sweets,” Ilea said and patted Violence when it woke up.

“I haven’t seen Twin sleep,” Owl whispered as she leaned in a little closer.

The Baron vanished and appeared on top of her head, spinning its arms when it started sinking into the ethereal being. A continuous giggle went through their minds.

Owl reached into her head and gently pulled out the creature with her large purple hands.

“They’re as different as they come,” Ilea said when Violence floated away, trying to find something with a little more action. He would succeed in the dome the Meadow had set up for Doravin and Rock, the two warriors already being observed by Pierce and Verena.

“When are we moving on?” Ilea asked Claire.

She looked up and smiled. “Just another ten articles and we’re done. The rest shouldn’t take as long. We’ll continue in half an hour.”

“You probably need a break too,” Ilea said and stood up. “Trian, you too. Let me show you something.”

“Meadow, can we get a teleport up, should be night right?” she asked.

“Indeed. Here you go,” the Meadow answered and moved them all up to the northern landscape, seas of mist all around them, moonlight shining down from above. A near cloudless night.

Ilea stretched and sat down on a chair made of ash, a cold bottle of ale in hand as she sat back and relaxed, two additional chairs forming next to her as she watched her friends frozen in awe, a smug grin on her face.

She let them be, until they eventually joined her.

“No wonder you like it here,” Trian said, refusing the bottle she offered.

“You should see it by day,” Ilea mused. “You might even survive the lightning due to your magic.”

“I understand it’s arcane in nature. I’ll try, but not without supervision,” he answered.

Ilea pointed down. “Still the domain of the Meadow,” she mused when a dome like shield flickered to life around them for a split second. “Nice, great timing. Proud of you.”

“Thanks. I think they’re suitably impressed. And a little terrified,” the being replied.

“I might be interested in some barrier magic discussions with the Meadow. At a later time,” Claire said, sighing as she sat down.

“What’s your feeling so far?” Ilea asked.

“It’s going really well. There’s less resistance from the more problematic members of both parties than we expected,” she said.

Trian smiled. “Good preparation and even better opportunities help smooth things over. Even the worst enemies would find a way to agree under these circumstances, and we’re not enemies. Far from it.”

“Acceptance from the citizens of our cities will be the more difficult task, and that of other countries,” Claire said.

Trian nodded. “Yes. But a suitable show of wealth and power will be convincing enough. And before they know it, the world will have changed already.”

Kyrian appeared next to them. His armor gave off a different sheen, similar to that of the Warden blades Ilea had collected after the battle in the Pit. “Leaving me out?”

“You’ve seen this before,” Ilea mused.

“Not with all of you,” the man answered and formed a chair made of metal.

“Sorry,” Ilea said.

He waved her off. “It is quite a sight. If you would’ve told me a few years ago that this is where we’d be by now…”

They were quiet for a little while, watching the endless dance of mist in the starlit lands of the north.

“Quite a journey,” Trian said.