***The Hall of the People***
The elders of Alkal and Nicklaus's group were all seated around the table, this time not for alliance or war but for Ophelia.
"So far, none of you have said anything useful in solving this imminent problem. My wife went into the river and came out unconscious but I came out fine. Even though we completed the ceremony and are now very fine physically, her mental state is bad. She doesn't know who we are or what this kingdom is. She doesn't even understand what marriage is. I feel like I just took advantage of a little kid." said a frustrated Nicklaus. Right now he looked just like any other husband.
"Didn't stop you from marrying her though" said Mona Serinna rolling her eyes. This little king thinks he can take my daughter away just like that right? But, what's wrong with the girl? She looked in Ophelia's direction. The girl was the opposite of herself right now; fidgety, curious,long stares, dumb!....not words that describe Ophelia Zue.
"I also want to know what happened in Aurora. After all, you went in with her." said Mona Galia with an evil smirk.
"I think that what Mona Galia said is right. We need to know what happened before she turned this way, If we don't how do we find a solution." chipped in another.
"Have you forgotten that no one remembers what happens in Aurora. The river doesn't let anyone walk away with it's dreams." voices someone
"And we also know that the king is not a native. It doesn't apply to him."
"How did you come to that conclusion when we have not had marriage relations with others before? Don't tell me that you were able to bring a dream back and you've been hiding it." responses someone to the former. The other couldn't take the accusation and both went after each other's throat throwing insults. As if they didn't exist, others at the table were all either having stand offs or discussing with a friend.
Artima looked at her elders who had turned into a bunch of haggling traders and she couldn't stop shaking her head. What made her even more perplexed was that, this matter though involving the werewolf king and a marriage alliance was to be taken seriously to avoid portraying the wrong image, it still was a small matter. Why were they suddenly agitated? Was the girl's aura that strong that with just two appearances, she had captured their hearts? Not all of them though, they were obviously divided.
"Hummp" a gentle grunt permeated into their ears and decorum returned into the hall. The ageless white haired Artima gracefully stood up and quietly walk out. Everyone was dumstruck, they couldn't understand why their leader would just leave without answering any of their questions, not even trying to clear their doubts or provide a solution.
*****
The evening of that same day...
On the streets of Alkal, the setting sun radiates it's golden orange glow accompanied by a big rainbow in it's full glory, forming a big arc that almost encircled the sun. The soft glow of the sun perfectly reflected by the paved streets gave the feeling of walking on water, as only water can naturally reflect the sky in such a wonder. Little children could be seen once in a while playing in front of their mushroom huts. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful.
A young man wearing a hooded down jacket was walking this streets side by side with an older woman who was walking steadily with a walking stick. If one observed properly, they would realise that the woman did not need to rely on the stick at all.
"I still can't understand the need for all the ritual processes, if it hadn't been for them, my Ophelia will be okay. And I would have stopped all of this and fought for her in the dream so that she wouldn't end up this way!"
"Oh, please! Could you at least pretend that you are not so supercilious, trying to be the knight in shining armour. One would think you knew each other from way back." said the woman rolling her eyes.
The man sighed but instead of responding, he continued with his views "Mona, you are her guardian and know her more than anyone else, I'll need your help in many ways. Can you come with us?"
"I wish I could come with her and completely fulfill my obligations as a guardian but my duties will not. I am the only trusted aid of the Artima that's still alive. If I leave, I can't be too sure of what will happen. I for one, don't put my hope on uncertainties."
"Your obligations to your country weighs more on you, but..."
"No but! Ophelia is Ophelia, my country is my country. I made a promise to her mother and I've fulfilled it, no need to complicate issues here, dear king."
There was silence. Nicklaus growled. He was pissed but what could he do? As a royal, no matter how excessive one could be, there was still the silent rule of not disgracing the royal blood by disrespecting an elder in a peaceful conversation. This rule didn't apply during war or negotiations. He couldn't cross the line.
"If there's nothing else, dear king, I'll take my leave" She bowed in a provoking yet polite manner and left.
Nicklaus sighed deeply feeling distraught and turned back in the direction in which they were walking from.
Just as the two party left the scene, two cloaked people emerged. One from behind a tree and another from the shadows.
"Do you find anything strange in their conversation?" asked the one from the shadows
"No way, they literally don't like each other from way back." said the other.
"Okay, let's report back."
"Wait. Even if they don't like each other, don't you find their conversation a little strange? Why would she talk like she knows about the chaos brewing I. the dark. We need to report this too."
"There's nothing serious about what she said. She was just trying to explain why she has to stay. What would she know?."
As soon as they finished, they disappeared or rather blended in with the evening strollers...