Home would have to wait. The healers worked quickly as I sat there with Sophia. She looked like she was crying, maybe? Her form was still a bit fuzzy at times. But I was happy to sit there with her. The first person to break the silence was Jan Kopek, currently the Lancer Gole researcher in charge of me.
"So how did you figure it out Lark?"
I smiled at him. "You can read my mind right Jan? Why not just peer inside."
Jan smiled, "Two reasons. First, its rude to just go rooting around in your skull when i can just ask you. And second, your surface thoughts are protected by Sophia, and I am sure if I attempted to invade forcefully, she would resist on your behalf. None of us want that headache."
I understood. "Little hints. I realized there was something being kept from me about the connection Sophia and I share. I then started to realize little things. First, Sophia was only given form when she learned to cast magic, which she used me as a focus for. The farther away from me it was cast, the more difficult control became without side effects. I surmised that Sophia was aiding in constantly assisting in ensuring my mental stability and capability to reason. Secondly, when she gained a voice, she was always there. She sits next to me now. But I learned the limits of the spell she uses. It is unable to hold physical objects. But when I touch sophia I can feel her there. That means the feeling is being recreated in my mind for my benefit. This means she has some control over my sensory information. That can't be constantly done from an external spell as it would be much more exhaustive than a simple [shadow clone]."
I smiled, "and finally, I realized the comments. I was called a 'volunteer'. Others referenced the connection as something that might be considered defiling. And then one of the fighters confirmed it when he referred to Sophia as a 'parasite'."
I smiled. "I know that she lives within me. And I understand that our connection is unorthodox, but I am happy for it. We are better together than we ever were apart."
The others that had gathered for the match had listened to my explanation. The one in the white mask asked a question, "Are you sure he had PPD? Persistent Personality Damage should not give one the ability to be that insightful, or even cognisant of what is going on."
The healers finished and Jan stood, extending a hand to me to help me up. I did not need it, but I took it anyways. Compared to his small frame, I was nearly twice his height and 4 times his size. I had the 'body of a mountain' trait. I was one of the few Skygge with it, as most focused on dexterity. Jan then spoke to me.
"Lark, I have some people I want you to meet." He motioned to the short person in the red cloak and white ferret mask. "This is fourth Mask, a representative from the city of Ston." He then pointed at the people as he spoke. "That is King Jeffrey Thul, of the Kingdom of Thul. Additionally there are a few of the protectorate teams present. They are present for any matches in the training dungeon, in case any of the matches lead to possible new recruits, or in the case of two teams against each other, bragging rights."
I smiled, "I think that is kind but I am not too interested in joining any of the teams present. I have to protect Sophia."
The team scouts smiled as they heard this, and Princess Sutemos commented. "That is good to hear Lark, because you were already invited and accepted to a team. My team. These scouts were here off the chance you lost."
I was confused, "Lady Sutemos, I am not sure what you mean. I am just a simple Liaison"
Sute smiled at me. "It's just Sute, or Commander Sute. Or Colonel Sute, if you want. No need to be formal. As for my team, whenever there is a pure connection between two different races, there is an evaluation on whether they could or would serve as a go between for these races. Instead of a larger squad or the 4-8 person teams, my team operates in pairs, and is limited by the number of unique racial groups. You act as go-between representatives, in the case of you and Sophia, you interact directly between myself or another Planetouched representatives and Hamil and the other Parasite Representatives Sienna and Lorie. You are also responsible for ensuring the protection of both races. Our team is the Peacemakers."
I smiled, "Are you sure we are a good fit for such an important team? I know Sophia is more than capable, but I am just a fighter, I am not skilled in diplomacy."
Sute smiled, "Peacemaker teams are collaborative. You may not be the best at diplomacy, but I am sure Sophia is good at helping you find resolutions with words. And when words fail, that is when a warrior is needed. You make a perfect pair. You also acted as a perfect member of my team with your resolution of this conflict between the races, as witnessed by everyone here. You are considered a hero by the Parasites, as well as an archon of the Skygge Old Ways. I could think of no better pair."
Sute smiled and then looked at the two patiently waiting to speak to me. the first was a small girl in a ferret mask. At least I think it was a girl. She spoke. "Lark and Sophia, although your relationship is quite unorthodox, I would ask that you find time in a few months to come visit our city. There are many families that are stricken with PPD, and I will be spreading the word that there is hope for these people."
Next to speak was King Jeffrey. "While shortstack here has to ensure unanimous approval from their city council, I only have to ask my wife over there and she agrees. We want you to come to our country next week to give a presentation to the families there. We already have a migratory promissory with Haven, and Haven citizens are authorized to live in our nation."
Jan spoke up. "Sir, Madam, please. Before we continue, we have to go to the informational brief on how this works, what steps were done, the rehabilitation process, the…"
Jan was interrupted. "Son, I have gotten this far on intuition and leadership alone. I don't think I need to sit through your science fair to make a decision."
King Jeffrey felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Lord Serin. "Yet I insist. In an effort of full disclosure, and to follow the promissory, you need to. Also, food and drinks will be served."
King Jeffrey seemed somehow less regal when next to Lord Serin, and their conversation was definitely not one expected of kings of their land.
"Alright I am going to go but I am going to complain to you the whole time."
Sophia giggled. I could feel she liked Jeffrey as a person. He was an open and honest king.
Finally Serin and Sute looked at me. Sute spoke. "We will head there right after we give our championes time to clean up but first, Lark and Sophia, you two have shown great courage today, and have one the combat. What is it that you ask as Erstatning? What reparations do you demand from Max, Wral, and Artis?"
I did not know how to answer. What reparations could be paid for their transgressions? I did not know what was appropriate. Thankfully, Sophia came to my rescue.
***
I could tell Lark did not know what steps to take. Thankfully I had no such quandary. I had been ready with our request.
I used Lark's vocals and changed them for my voice. He was relaxed as I used his vocals and magic to throw my voice, making it my own.
"Lord Serin, thank you for bearing witness to this event. While no laws have been broken, this battle was of cultural significance, and I am now at an impasse of what to do. Lark and I fought to restore the honor insulted by those of the Skygge but we wish not to make any further issues. Sute, in the Old Ways, what was an appropriate Erstatning?"
Sute smiled. She already knew the answer, "In days past, the reparations gained would be the servitude of the party at fault, in perpetuity." I spoke to Sute, "And if the party at fault died during the match or refused or survived but refused the Erstatning?"
Sute nodded, "They would be branded Fremmed, and their families would pay the debt with either their partner, their children, or their siblings as recompense."
"And if the family still refused the debt?"
"The entire line would be forever branded Fremmed."
"Can anyone ever remove this?"
"If it was placed justly, not even the kings of a nation could overrule. The laws of the Old Ways are as true for commoners as they are for Kings."
Lord Serin interjected, "I do not believe that you would be allowed to ask for these reparations Sophia. They violate the laws of Haven."
Sophia nodded as she spoke. "I am aware, Lord Serin, and I did not plan to ask for an exception to our country's Laws. However there is something similar to these reparations, and that are allowedwithin the rules of this nation. Therefore Lark and I demand that Max, Wral, and Artis volunteer for implantation of passengers."
Lord Serin cracked a smile, "This doesn't violate any laws, nor does the alternate punishment of alienation by one's own kind. I will allow it."
A voice then spoke. It was Artis. He had walked over while the others were speaking. He was alone, with Max and Wral nowhere near. "Lord Serin, Princess Sutemos, pardon my intrusion. My name is Sergeant Artis Minsk. I am here to submit myself willingly to the Erstatning and humbly apologize to Captains Lark and Sophia. The actions and words of myself and my compatriots were completely out of line. I will volunteer for a passenger and am available at your earliest convenience."
Sute nodded, "As is customary, as you have presented yourself formally, all is forgiven. Your family will not be shamed by your previous actions, nor will they be shamed by your loss. Come find me after your implantation and we will discuss your next assignment."
With that Lord Serin smiled, "I am glad this event came to a conclusion, but if we dally any longer I am afraid Jan will start to become upset. For all present, there is dinner and refreshment available. Now if you will head towards the exit, Taxis will take you to the audience chamber."
I had expected part of this outcome, but had not expected so much love and joy to come from today. Then Lord Serin spoke one more time.
"Lark and Sophia, please ride with myself and Sute. you are the guests of honor at this event."
I stifled a moan, which with Lark's vocals would have been audible. "Yes, your grace."
Home would have to wait a little longer. But I was with Lark, so the waiting would be easy.