-Four days later, Full-Forward-
Niro sat with her legs closed to each other, her back was straight and shoulders uneven. There was a slight worry in her stance, she could feel something was off with her city.
Loyal elites from Volatile and Ubitwa, Niro's Legion, conversed. Sharing tales from the bay to the raging forges of Furmire.
Until the twinned doors swung open, the usual Yarno air flowed through. A smell of freshly baked goods danced inside from the neighboring shops.
The lighting made it difficult to view who it was, but the sight of a smaller figure peeking from behind them instantly gave away one major clue: this was no native force.
Within the second, all faces turned and jaws unlocked. Zegi crossed their arms while slowly standing up. All Thawed kept their eyes focused on the foreign figure. However, the sole Yomie sat comfortably.
Her Yonie slept within her grasp, resting his little head on her breast. The slight hiss of his breathing kept her calm, she knew moments like this would arise.
"Look's like we got a new face here. Who are you?" an elite called out.
In response, the figure walked in, keeping his arms in their sights. The smaller figure stumbled close behind, trying to shy away from the possibility of conflict.
Ether came into frame and instantly unnerved many. Plenty of elites stomped before him, ready to shred the leader to bits in a heartbeat's notice.
"Oh, it's you..." a masked figure mumbled. He stepped out of the crowd, getting closer to the leader. "I remember what your buddy did to me back in Krugi."
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Ether kept his gaze low.
The elite closed his fists. "Does Danitour ring a bell? You miserable piece of filth. First you claim MY city then you disturb MY new home? You came here to die, little Zesher."
Arexx slammed his fist down onto the wooden table, many mistook it as him breaking it. "Step away from that 'little Zesher' right now, Danitour."
Unwelcomed memories of his past resurfaced in his brain, Ether wanted to finish the job but he couldn't. There were others there, many that could possibly endanger his daughter.
Danitour lifted a crooked finger up to Ether. "Do not be mistaken, Kas failed to kill you but I won't."
Niro's shoulders tensed up, she couldn't witness what was happening. Her eyes were shut tight, trying to find a place where she could relax.
Until another motherly voice spoke out. Neva, her name, she was the Yomie. Her kind actions and caring personality placed her in an interesting position.
If anyone, regardless of who or what they were, injured her or her family in any way, shape, or form, they would be hunted down and killed mercilessly. She and her family were of kind hearts.
"Volatile and Ubitwa, you will all sit back down and discuss your differences with the young Zesher," Neva ordered.
As requested, all elites returned to their seats. However, the tension only grew from there. If Ether wanted to, he could have ended Niro, her husband, and Neva all on the spot.
But he didn't, he was raised with respect. So he bowed, showing his submission and defeat to the Legions themselves.
Niro's body was shaking erratically, she couldn't control it. Yet she tried to stand up, which felt agonizing.
"Ether Coros, you have engraved yourself and your Legion as subjects of mass destruction and fallen order. Many humor your deeds and mock your inability to secure any meaningful victory against territory. Both defended and defenseless," Niro announced.
In response, Hylo stepped forward. She scanned the crowd, feeling uneasy at the sight of so many grizzly-looking men and women keeping their murderous eyes stuck on them.
Despite this, she continued until Niro and Neva looked down at her. "My Neddy wishes to talk."
Neva waves at Hylo. "Dear child of a Zesher, what is your name?"
"M - my name is Hylo. Both of my Neddy say many Variants pronounce it wrong. It has accents of Thawed and Thresher in it," she clarified.
"Ah, I see. Hi-low, please, come to me. I will treat you as one of my own and nurture you while your 'Neddy' and Mistress Niro discuss their peace in relative privacy," Neva invited her over.
Hylo glanced over at her dad, waiting to see if he would allow her. And to her surprise, Ether nodded. Her glazed-blue eyes sparked to life, she was unsure of what to feel.
While her feeble footsteps echoed throughout the enclosed space, elites stared down at her. Most of which whispered to her. Complimenting her braided hair and combat skirt.
It was Niro's turn to gaze upon the offspring of a destructive force, so she did so like a normal person would. She stretched her hand out to hold her's.
"Greetings, Hylo, I am Niro. I'm thrilled to be in the presence of such a princess," Niro complimented. "Tell me, little one, do you plan on fighting for heir?"
Ether heard her words. He slowly stood up from his downed position and eased his shoulders, keeping his eyes fixed on Niro herself.
"She is already a queen and heir to the Coros heirloom. When I pass, she will take my place," Ether replied.
Niro laughed. "Of course! You seem like such a warrior and a true mistress by heart. Maybe you may fill in for me when I grow old and weary," Niro rubbed her cheek with an open palm. "I suppose I wasted enough of your precious time, please, sit with mama Neva."
When Hylo got out of their path, the air grew thicker. It was like breathing in poison, nobody could bear it. Niro got out of her seat, whispering to Arexx to stand here and watch over the child.
"If you are here to talk to me, it isn't fair to hold you waiting. We will go outside and talk then," Niro announced to Ether.