Supreme Courtroom, Concordia Hall, Elysvarre
The thirteenth morning after the Anathema concluded
In the grand hall adorned with exquisite marble pillars and intricate carvings of the Tree of Life, the diplomatic bells tolled. Each chime seemed to awaken not only memories but also deep-seated emotions tied to the divisions and turmoil that had engulfed the three realms—Gaia, Atlantis, and Elysvarre—each now compelled to partake in this sensitive dialogue.
For the first time since the conclusion of the Heaven Wars, Gaia and Atlantis sent official envoys to Elysvarre.
Not as allies, but as cautious observers of the new will that has emerged in this kingdom. The expressions of each envoy reflected a complex mixture of hope and tension: a hope for a brighter future intertwined with the palpable fear of betrayal that might lurk along the way, a reflection of the bitter history they had endured and the fragile trust that had yet to be established.
On the high seats, Fitran and Sheena sat side by side. They bore no political symbols, only simple ceremonial attire adorned with the emblem of freedom: a purple rose encircled by a small star in the center. Their surroundings resembled a tranquil battlefield, where every phrase and movement could become a deadly weapon if not chosen with care.
Before them:
Queen Iris of Gaia stood gracefully in a dark blue gown, her cloak adorned with the symbols of earth magic. There was something chilling in the firmness of her lips, reflecting her commitment to fighting for her people's rights while navigating this new world.
Archon Magistrate Hector Alfrenzo, representing Atlantis, wore a white robe with ocean blue embroidery. His cold and calculating demeanor was evident, as if he had already prepared for various possible directions this conversation could take.
Beside Hector was Senator Kaeso Vallaricus, the leader of Atlantis' conservative faction, his sharp eyes hiding strategies behind every glance. He sounded skeptical, as if he were hearing the voices of supporters urging him to assert Atlantis's strength rather than engage in negotiations that might be perceived as weak.
Iris spoke first.
"Fitran. Sheena."
"The Gaia and Atlantis Alliance acknowledges your efforts in creating a new will. We respect your personal choices and the changes you have achieved."
Iris's voice was gentle, yet each word was chosen with precision. The respect she exuded could not mask the uncertainty behind it, as she contemplated how society would react to the decisions made by their rulers.
"However... there are concerns."
As she spoke those words, the weight in the room intensified, almost palpable. Tension was etched on the faces of each envoy, as if they were waiting with bated breath for the flames of conflict to reignite. The queen continued, "History teaches us that every change carries inherent risks. We wish to understand more deeply about your vision, the very essence of it, and how it can be accepted by our people to ensure stability and safeguard the well-being of every individual in the kingdom."
Senator Kaeso continued, his tone cold yet diplomatic. "You have demonstrated that ancient wills can be changed. This opens up possibilities beyond Elysvarre." Behind his measured smile, a clear shadow of concern lurked. He understood that every word that left his mouth could become a dangerous weapon in this power game.
He fixed his gaze directly on Fitran, challenging him with a piercing look that seemed to cut through the tension. "If every kingdom and every people begin to question the inherited will, the entire world order will be irrevocably shaken. The old Pactum, the magical contracts that underpin diplomacy, and even the delicate magical balance between factions... could collapse." Kaeso's voice rose slightly, emphasizing the fragility of the situation and the tremendous importance of maintaining stability in these uncertain times.
Fitran stood, feeling the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders. "What are you afraid of... change? Or freedom?" His voice was calm, but there was a longing in that tone, as if he were struggling with his own decision.
"We fear chaos. You have witnessed a world without rules, Fitran. You know all too well what happens when unbounded free will leads to destruction—real-life examples can be drawn from the collapse of past kingdoms, which ultimately resulted in protracted wars and widespread suffering." He emphasized those words deliberately, reminding everyone in the room how precariously close they were to the brink of ruinous emptiness.
Fitran nodded, feeling sympathy yet remaining resolute. "I know. But I also understand... that imposed will leads to deeper destruction." He grasped Sheena's hand in front of him, as if seeking strength within that touch.
"We are not burning the old laws; we are writing new ones upon them. With consent, not coercion." There was conviction in his voice, yet doubt gnawed within him; what if this led to tragedy?
"The old system viewed will as a chain, an unyielding bind. We see it as roots that grow, nurturing the very foundations of society. If left to grow naturally, it strengthens the tree of life; if cut or coerced, that tree dies, much like a fragile ecosystem aligned with Gaia's nurturing philosophy." He looked directly into Iris's eyes, hoping for understanding, yet he remained blissfully unaware of the harrowing decision the Queen would inevitably have to make.
"Queen Iris. I know you understand this better than anyone." His voice trembled slightly, emphasizing the depth of emotion flowing between them, intertwining their fates in an inseparable bond.
Iris lowered her gaze slowly, absorbing every word. "I understand... all too well." Her voice came out heavy, a battle raging within her between duty and following her heart.
Kaeso leaned forward, his intensity rising. "Every choice we make today will shape the future not just for us, but for generations to come. We are here not only as legislators but as guardians of hope."
"That's why we come not only with warnings, but with an offer."
Fitran and Sheena exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting the growing tension between the two forces. Every second felt heavy, as if time had stopped to determine the fate of Elysvarre's future.
Kaeso continued, "We are willing to acknowledge the new will of Elysvarre. We even offer political and economic support." A glance around revealed that most of the nobles appeared uncertain, caught in a dilemma between loyalty and hopes for a better future.
The nobles on one side of the room began to whisper among themselves. Their eyes were filled with visions of stability, peace, and a grand alliance. Yet, beneath that façade of hope lay an oppressive anxiety, the fear that a wrong decision could shatter everything they had built.
"But there is a condition."
The atmosphere grew chilly. The tension between them thickened, creating an unspoken vibration. It was as if the chasm separating two opposing worlds was widening right before them.
Kaeso spoke in a heavy voice:
"Fitran Fate and Sheena Valtheris Elyndra must be willing to rewrite their new will into a Pactum recognized by the Gaia-Atlantis Assembly." Hearing this, the nobles held their breath, each trying to grasp the weight of those words.
Hector bowed his head, clearly wrestling with his unspoken dissent regarding the condition. In his heart, he struggled between unwavering loyalty to the king and an ominous fear of the potential repercussions that could arise from disregarding the condition—a dynamic dialectic between fidelity and the courageous embrace of change.
Kaeso continued with a thin smile. The smile etched on his face was not a sign of kindness but a warning of the lurking danger.
"If you refuse, your new will be deemed illegal. And the Alliance... will consider measures to stabilize the situation."
A threat cloaked in diplomacy, indeed. Kaeso's statement implied that this negotiation was far more than mere debate; it was a high-stakes power play risking positions, reputations, and lives. The initial tension that had filled the room with hope had now transfigured into a heavy shroud of fear, impacting every decision made thereafter.
Fitran clenched his fist, his fingers trembling as he fought to contain his emotions. In his heart, he vowed not to let Elysvarre be controlled by such threats. As his gaze shifted to Sheena, he sensed the same burden weighing down both of their thoughts.
Sheena took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I... have chosen a will that is not up for negotiation." She struggled to strengthen her position, even as a storm of doubt shook her spirit.
Fitran replied firmly, "We are not writing a new will to be ratified by the old powers. We are writing it so that our people know their lives are not defined at the negotiation table." Each word Fitran uttered struck like a sword, piercing the silence of the room with unwavering determination.
The room fell silent. Their hearts raced, attuned to one another, as if time itself had paused, holding its breath in anticipation of the responses from two leaders filled with resolve.
Iris stood. The emotional bond between her and Fitran felt profound, uniting two intertwined histories. Her gaze at Fitran was not as a queen, but as a woman who had once walked by his side through the Heaven Wars, reminiscing about the times they had united against a greater enemy. In her heart, she hoped that wisdom would triumph over pride, so that this battle would not end in destruction.
"I beg you, Fitran. Reconsider. The world cannot move as quickly as you and Sheena desire. If you force this... you will face a will older than Veyrundis."
Iris's eyes softened. The tension between them crackled like electricity in the air, seeping into every spoken word. She could feel her heart racing, like the whistle before an unavoidable match, signaling that every second held the potential for unexpected outcomes.
"I don't want to lose you again," she admitted, her voice a mix of vulnerability and determination, underscoring the emotional stakes at play.
But Fitran shook his head slowly. His firm voice echoed in the room, adding weight to the atmosphere. He was caught in a debate between love and responsibility, where each decision was a battle against the laws of nature.
"I've chosen to lose the world... if that's the price for not losing my will."
Hector finally stood up, his voice booming, reinforcing the gravity of the entire dialogue. He felt the need to assert his position in this situation, where the choices made were not just about oneself but about the fate of their entire people, imagining the long-term consequences of the decisions to be made.
"I cannot infringe upon free will. Even if I wanted to."
He looked at Kaeso. "I will seek a middle ground. But if the Alliance decides on a hard path... I will not stand with those who trample upon their choices."
Kaeso's gaze was sharp, flickering with intensity. Yet, beneath the surface façade of power, there was a palpable sense of inevitability that filled the room. Each of them could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on them, like thunder threatening to break in the midst of a brewing disaster.
Kaeso stood up.