The flight back was not in the top tier of Veera's flights. The weight of what had happened dampened the mood in the group. Kathrine was flying but her mind was elsewhere. Cade to his credit carried Jun with little disparagement. He seemed to go into autopilot with the task, scooping the strange boy he had just met into his arms as if he weighed nothing. If Jun felt demasculinized he didn't let on. Even Damon who was normally chatty had ceased rambling and settled into a diminished fidget.
The crew had decided that going to Veera's house was the best course of action. Meeting her father at his work would raise too many alarms. With Jun's cooperation, they didn't want to risk him being seen as a threat before he got the chance to explain himself. Cade was hesitant about the decision but considering Jun had healed Kathrine he was more amicable to agree.
Veera's home was bigger than her friend's due to her father's position. His work made it easy for her mom to have the hanging garden In front of the house. Vines gripped the branches of the Great Tree and cascaded down the front of her house. Pods grew from the branches that once opened would provide water to the home. Unneeded pods would either be pruned or in her family's case converted to pots. Veera's house was made out of an enlarged pod itself. After growing it with a gift the hollowed-out pod would form a room. They would then carve and set whatever they needed to live inside. Veera's room was another such pod that had been joined after her parent's marriage
Ozzie was working in the garden now. hovering here and there dead heading the pod flowers he didn't want to grow. The boy was twelve and seemed to know exactly where he fits and what he liked to do. His red hair curled off of his ears kept short for the labor. The same green eyes Veera inherited from her mother peered back at her. Not many people could handle the gaze of Ozzie when he was focused. It was so drastically different from his cheerful demeanor that people often mistook her brother for being angry. Veera knew better though.
"Hey, Ozzie! Working hard I see. Good job little bud." Veera greeted.
"You're home early," Ozzie said cutting a bud with a snip of his shears.
"Yeah, something came up at the outpost." Veera looked around. "Where's mom?"
"She's inside. Dad came home early too. I don't think he'll like your guest being over after last night." Ozzie was a kid but he could read a room. He heard Veera's fight last night and knew she hadn't had an opportunity to talk with her father yet.
"it'll have to wait, unfortunately. Something's come up." Veera said. "I'll tell you about it later Ozzie right now I need to talk with dad."
Veera led her friends into her house. The vines from outside crept inside as well. Little pods held gems that lit the inner parts of her home. Her family was fortunate enough to have several of them lining the walls and ceiling. The gems were bought from today's traders and were not cheap. Houses that couldn't afford them used natural sunlight to light their house during the day and fluorescent plants at night. Veera's family had some florescent plants but her mother liked the look of the gems. Cade set Jun down at the entrance of the house. Jun surveyed the area with his eyes taking his surroundings. He took notice of the furniture and vines, but his eyes lingered on the illuminated gems.
Standing in the middle of the front room was Veera's mom. They had inherited their green eyes from her. Those same eyes locked on Veera as she walked in. Her mother was graceful, Ebony hair was tucked back into a chignon bun with wisps framing her heart-shaped face. Her mouth was pierced in contained emotion. Veera's mom was the epitome of self-control.
"Hello dear, your father's been waiting for you." Her eyes scan Veera's party, resting on Jun with his wingless back. "However, I suppose that will have to wait. It seems something has come up."
"Sorry for intruding ma'am. We had a problem come up at the outpost. We'd like to speak to your husband." Cade injected.
"That's all right young man. I understand things arise in life. Your consideration is well received though." The compliment fell on Cade pulling a soft smile to his face.
"Thanks, mom. Where's Dad? Is he in the backroom?" Veera asked.
"Yes, stay in here though Veera. I'll tell your father to talk with you in here."
"OK, thank you." Veera gestured for her friends to take a seat,
They all entered the living room and tucked in their wings. Kathrine took a seat while Cade stood behind her. Cade's eyes remained on Jun as he settled on the bench with Damon. Damon visited Veera's house frequently and made himself right at home. Kicking up his feet and nestling into the seat beside Jun. Veera leaned on the arm of the bench. She hadn't quite gotten the adrenaline out of her system from the earlier excursion and sitting would only make her restless.
Jun sat up as Veera's father entered the room. Veera was aware of her father's commanding presence. It had caused several of her friendships to end and many would-be boyfriends to turn away. His hair was the same red curls as his children. Her father's eyes though were a different story. Dark hazel eyes would light aflame with red as he channeled his gift. It was a terrifying sight that he used to his advantage many times. Her father was tall and well-built. Not a mass of muscle but a fortress is hidden. Looking at him it was evident strength coursed through him. His eyes scanned the room and fell on Jun.
"I see you brought someone new here. Care to explain?" His voice was deep and rich resounding in Veera's bones. The normal warmth Veera was accustomed to hearing was gone with the stranger's process in the room.
"Yes, I can explain when we were on the job today a-" Damon got no further in his explanation when Jun started to speak.
"The tainted have appeared. I was sent to warn you and negotiate an alliance." Jun's words shook the whole room.
"Since when can you talk dude?" Damon just about fell out of his seat."
It was then that Veera's father dropped all pretenses. His gift filled the room as ebbs of crushing power fell. Veera didn't see her father's gift often but every time she felt it, a thread of fear weaved its way around her heart. Red-tinged darkness dimmed the lights of their home. It wrapped around her father strengthening his bones and yielding him its power. The haze of power that had fallen around him seemed to pressure Jun. Despite the dominating presence of her father Jun did not cower. His back stood straight as he raised to his feet. Cade shifted in front of Kathrine, positioning himself to intercept Jun should a problem arise.
"I've adjusted to the language now and made accommodations. I know who you are Commander Ezra. They gave me your description." Jun's voice rang out. Now that Veera heard it for herself she rather liked it. It was rich and warm with undertones of strength. Certainly a tenor but not lacking its own depth.
"I see that boy. I know of your people. I'm also aware that our tribe cut off all ties with yours, generations ago. We still uphold that decision." Commander Ezra did not release his gift, earing on the side of caution.
"Regardless the issue affects all of us. No one can defeat them alone." Jun replied.
"Does anyone care to share with the class what's going on?" Peering around Cade, Kathrine spoke for the first time since entering Veera's house. "I think I have the right to know after almost dying today."
"Died? What happened? Veera, is everything alright?" Her father questioned.
"I'm fine Dad," Veera replied. Having assured her father the room was quiet as she began recounting what had happened.
According to Cade and Kathrine, the pair had encountered the tainted one shortly after Veera and Damon subdued Jun. The duo was ambushed when a flame burned through the lower canopy and granted the tainted one access to their community. Cade had managed to take the tainted one alone for an extended time while Kathrine held the barrier. The fire was held back by the barrier that Kathrine provided. However, as the fight dragged on, Cade's strength diminished too. Unlike Cade, the tainted one didn't tire or wear down. If Veera and Damon hadn't shown up when they did the odds of the pair coming out alive were slim to none.
"Tainted ones are not something to be trifled with. It's impressive you held on as long as you did. Good work son." Commander Ezra directed at Cade. The recipient of said praise smiled softly at the compliment.
"I did what any would do sir."
"Regardless I'm glad none were hurt. Kathrine, count yourself lucky. Not many can heal a tainted one's poison. Their wickedness seeps out of their very breath, an injury such as the one you described would have been fatal had you waited to reach a medic." The statement from the commander drained the color out of Kathrine's cheeks.
"Such poison is why I'm here. If we are done chatting I'd like to begin negotiations now." Jun wasn't inclined to the reenactment of today's events it seemed. "I came here to warn of the impending threat and negotiate an alliance with your people. The tainted have grown out of hand. Their actions are no longer disjointed. The threat is not as it once was."
"I don't remember giving you permission to speak grounder." Commander Ezra retorted. "If I was ready for your input I would have asked. The safety of this town and my daughter is more important than your political agenda."
"It's not a political agenda commander. It's a dire and urgent matter. If we do not make hast the tainted will gain too much ground to subdue them." Jun countered.
Commander Ezra's face went still as a stone. Perfect control was the only thing keeping Jun's head attached to his body with his rude remarks. The same aura from earlier flowed over the impenetrable wall of the commander's will displaying his displeasure. Unlike his face the commander's aura was always a small giveaway of his feelings to any who knew where to look, The average onlooker would assume it was intentionally done to intimidate Jun, and in some ways it was. Veera though knew her father. This power play was tinted with a quiver of rage. She was just glad for once not to be on the receiving end.
"I will not repeat myself, mind your tongue. I have fought the tainted many times. Even when they were knocking on our doors grounders used them to gain an advantage. Even after we eradicated them from our homes you choose to let them remain for your personal gain. Do not deem me foolish because of your naive youth. I have lived many decades and fought in too many wars to not understand the ways of this world. I will hear you out but do not pretend you have nothing to gain from this alliance." Commander Ezra barked out.
To his credit, Jun's flinch was hardly noticeable. If Veera wasn't watching she would have missed it.
"I understand. Forgive me for my youth. Admittedly there might be some who sent me for political gain. In full disclosure, I came out of personal concern. I ask that you not treat me with the same regard as those you've met in the past. Naive youth or not I spent four days climbing the Alugatuah to warn you of this tainted one today. Not many would have done so."
"Fair enough. I can see you're genuine. Thank you for protecting my daughter and her friends. As for negotiations, that will have to wait. Unfortunately at the moment, the traders are in town. With their presence, all talk of battle will have to be postponed. There is a peace pact between us and it demands consideration." Commander Ezra had calmed. For the first time in many years, Veera witnessed her father admit fault. He had often apologized to her after a bad fight but never in the moment like she was seeing now. Especially to someone so young.
"Do you mean I have to wait to begin negotiating? That will take too long. As we speak the tainted are gathering at the base of Alugatuah. If the tree is damaged many would bear the loss." Jun didn't plea. He remained calm. However, hearing that from the commander put a sliver of frustration in his tone.
"Alugatuah, hmm." Commander Ezra muttered. "It's been a long time since I heard that name. It is our people's olUnfortunatelyUnfortunatly it was lost to us in times of plenty. I take it you are a follower of the Life Giver then?"
Jun paused before answering, "Why, yes. It is our people's way. Do yours not harbor such faith?"
"Plenty and blessed people have a way of forgetting where they come from. The way still remains but few truly follow it beyond initial gifting. Shallow waters are easier to navigate than the depths. It can be easier to remain dry than give full trust to an entity you neither hear nor see." Commander Ezra looked mournful. Veera had not seen her father look so sad since she was young. She had a vague idea of the way but she had never heard the word Alugatuah. She assumed it must be what Jun called the great tree.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I could not imagine living out of the way." Jun bowed his head slightly at her father.
"Yes." Veera's father thought for a moment. A stillness came over her father that she had seen several times growing up. His brows furled as his eyelids lowered in contemplation. After a moment the commander broke his silence.
"I propose a change in course. Jun, while we host the traders, please take my daughter to the ground. Take her as my proxy in negotiations. I can not leave this area unprotected and the trek up would be too much on the old man. Surely by now, he's at death's door. Bring my daughter down and have her gauge the situation. I trust her judgment and know she will make the right decision in my stead. As for the tainted. I expect you to guard her and take care of her well-being. Any harm done to my proxy will result in an immediate cease of negotiations. Will this suffice?"
Veera startled at the suggestion. She'd rather eat nails than do what her father suggested. Her friends also rose with several complaints. to which, her father quickly shut down. 170Please respect copyright.PENANAeRbyAxwaWZ
"Do I get a say in this dad?"170Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ2WN3wqRF
Her father eyed her. "No, you don't."
"With all due respect sir, she hardly seems experienced. She will be a liability I do not wish to take on. Isn't there someone else you could send?" Jun said to Veera's gasp of offense.
"Yes, there is. I'm sending Veera. She is not a part of the guard officially and therefore is free enough to be our ambassador. I need the guards to protect the city. Veera is more than capable of protecting herself and this is an excellent way to judge your capabilities. Besides, I have personal reasons for sending my daughter." Commander Ezra replied.
"Understood. I agree to your terms. When can we depart?" Jun responded.
"Wait! I'm going too!" Damon shouted interrupting the two.170Please respect copyright.PENANA49c25kgPSe
"I'd rather you didn't" Jun replied.
"I didn't ask you," Damon said. 'Besides that thing, we fought today was too much for any one person to take one alone. Jun may be strong but I don't trust a stranger with Vee's safety."170Please respect copyright.PENANAsLUD7ijykJ
"That's a valid point boy. I'll let you go. would the rest of you like the same privilege?" Commander Ezra ignored Jun's starch objection.
"Yes sir," Kathrine stated softly. "I know I can help after today. Besides Vee's a good friend to me. I don't want her to get hurt." Cade simply nodded in agreement to Kathrine's words.
"You're good friends. I'm glad my daughter, has you. It makes her foolish decisions weigh less on this old man's shoulders. I'll have you all leave in the morning together. For no return home and prepare what you need for the trip. You've all been sufficiently trained to know what is required. I will debrief you all in the morning after further discussion." The comander issued his order to the group.
"Right, sir," Cade replied. 170Please respect copyright.PENANAl4v6EWWvam
Dismissed by the commander her friends all left for home. Jun remained sitting until the commander motioned for him to follow his wife, Talbit, out of the room. With the group gone Veera's father turned her way.
"We still have much to discuss young lady." He said.
Great. Another lecture. Just what I needed. Veera thought.170Please respect copyright.PENANA5kzUIaOcy8
"At least your alive to hear it." The wind whispered sending shivers down her back. The reality of the day finally sank in as Veera prepared herself for a rather long discussion.
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