Continent of Ixalt (Lady Tinath)
The wind from the North East of Eridu, swayed my hair. The sun was on its way to bed as the chirps of bird filled the town. My gaze was set on the human before me. His wheat blonde and his eyes were captivating.
My moments staying by his side has always filled me with happiness. He understands me and has aided me from the time we met.But most importantly he had won my heart.
Zephyr....he became my happy place.
"Xenia! You're pregnant?" Zephyr asked expectantly as he held my hands. Looking into his scarlet eyes I gave him nod. Tears fell from my eyes.
"Y-yes dear. You're going to be a fa-ther" I replied as he took me in for a hug. The feeling I had as at now was bliss. I let go of all the worries I had: all the problems ahead, as I enjoyed this moment.
"Thank you Xenia. I'll take care of our child." He tightened the hug and kept sobbing.
"Of course d-dear. But it's actually twins" I let go of the hug and gave him a toothy grin. His hands held me hips in his embrace.
"That's perfect. I haven't had the best experience with my little siblings but I'll try" He led me back into his house and prepared dinner.
"So what're you going to do?" Zephyr asked before cleaning his lips with a nakpin. I knew he was going to question this but I already figured out a plan.
"It'll likely take half a decade to conceive our babies. I'll postpone meetings between the eight Etrucans clan heads. It'll be okay. We are long-lived and there's currently no problem among the Etruscans and even the lesser realm." I had hoped that alone would help ease his worry. But that wasn't the case. Zephyr hands were trembling. I took hold of his hands, trying my best to soothe him.
"Are you sure? I want you to mother my children but it wouldn't make a point if you all are endangered because of me. You can let go-" I dropped my cutlery down. What was he saying?
"No. I'll give birth to our children. Did you think I want to lose them." Tears formed at the corner of my eyes. "I'll send them to Eridu once I conceive. And I'll protect them with my power. Anyone who harms them will face my wrath."
He should know I'm not just going to kill my unborn children. If that were the case, why did I even have them to begin with?
"Sorry. Sometimes the most logical thing to do isn't always good" Zephyr walked towards me and encased me in his embrace.
"I know. I should be able to handle everything. Even my father once had a human child. Though no Etruscans alive knows about it. I just need you to lay low. If you can just do that then everything will be okay."
We soon went to bed after rounding up our plans.
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"Hoot!"
"Xenia!...Xenia..." I slowly opened my eyes to see Zephyr beside me. Why did he ruin my beauty sleep."Yes?"
He smiled as I gave him an awkward greeting. "It's time to go. Tera is calling outside"
"Hoot!"
"Oh. Help me dress. I need to get back to Etrucia." Zephyr helped me dress up. I could have simply formed a dress but it was Zephyr who got me this particular dress.
He escorted me outside as I met Tera. I watched as she transformed to her human form giving a bow.
"Forgive me, lady Tinath. But you are needed for a meeting. We still have time to catch up." Tera announced elegantly.
"Rise." I replied turning to Zephyr to give him a goodnight kiss.
"Stay safe. Please." The worry in his tone was evident.
"I will."
Tera and I walked a good distance away from the Zephyr home town. "I thought I told you to act normal when we're alone." I hissed at her for being a rude friend earlier.
"I can't lady Xenia. Mr Zephyr was there and your positio-" I cut her off. Always the same excuses. Why is she like this?Aahh!
"Just shut it. I know my late father was always dignified and all. But we've been friends since childhood. Once I became leader of the eight pillars, you all started acting like this. Enlil, Hestia, Atreus and now you. I want my friends back.!" I said a little too loud. And I noticed the effect as Tera was already on her knees, the forest silent as a grave yard. I released a little of my Kings force.
Taking back control of my intent, I helped lift Tera back to my side. "I'm sorry".
"It's okay Xenia. We Etruscans have a noblisse oblige of sort. It at times interfers with us. That's why you found comfort in Mr Zephyr. But we always cherish you, Xenia." She said giving me a sweet smile.
Tera was a member of the mytho race. We had been best friends since childhood. But even with everything she has always been by my side.
"It's okay. Let's go" I said making a portal to the Tinath castle in Etrucia. We stepped forward to prepare for the meeting between the eight pillars.
Tera(5 years)
I walked out of my Lady's room as she went into labor. The maids aiding her. It's been 5 years since the day Lady Tinath realised she was pregnant. We were able to keep this out of the other clans, but a few clan heads we demanding answers. Things have escalated ever since.
The enmity between the lesser race humanoids and humans had intensified. This problem didn't help with my Lady's current situation.
It normally takes ten years of labor before we Estrucans can conceive. The fact that the father is a lesser, should make it less.
Walking towards the great Hall of the Tinath castle, I focused my senses on the event occurring within.
"Balderdash. Her Majesty has been absent for five years. Her duties hasn't been done throughout this period.
The lessers realm seem to go to war and we cannot have handle matters independently. We needed the Her Majesty presence." Lord Aphopis complained.
The dragon race has always had the least number among the estrucans. With Her majesty being the sole heir. The other dragons lack the power of the Tinaths, but the were still strong enough to rival the other clans.
Aphopis was engaged to my Queen since they were young. The late Lord Juvos admired Aphopis. He saw Aphopis as the perfect estrucan, but that was the problem. My lady never wanted such a partner. She needed someone different.
Well, that's how my lady would put it.
"Aphopis, remember that it is her Majesty you regard. Do not act derogatory even in her absence. By doing so, you're insulting us all" Hestia the clan head of the Phoenixes reprimanded.
"Of course, Hestia. But Aphopis remains correct in that her Majesty should intervene. We are not to affect the lesser realm to such extent. Your humans and elves have been displaing racial discrimination to the dwarves and humanoids." Cel, the current mother of titans said. Her voice resonating off the walls of the hall.
Her statement rose another argument between the heads. Calypso, mother of nymphs remain silent throughout their debate.
I continued my march towards the hall. The guards around positioned at the back door of the throne bowed and greeted.
"General Tera"
"At ease." The doors behind the throne were opened for me to pass. I walked in as the debates between the clan heads ceased.
I opened my eyes, taking in the glares I received from the leaders of the Etruscans. A few were close friends along with my brother, Atreus. They were seated on their thrones which was before that of that of my Queen's.
The all looked at me expecting some news regarding the Queen. All except Aphopis. He could tell I held no new message.
"I greet the great leaders of Etruria." I gave a deep bow, avoiding eye contact with the clan heads.
"General Tera. Did her Majesty send any information on her health." My brother asked. Everyone expected an answer or two.
"Her majesty is in better health. She did leave a message."
"Go on" said Nethuns the head of the Undines.
"Her majesty, Queen Xenia says 'The leaders of each clan should ensure the wellbeing of the members. The meeting regarding the conflicts in the lessers dominion will be discussed in a weeks time. As for now, your dominions on the lesser realm should maintain. Ensure the lesser beings do not get into war.'
This is the message from her Majesty." I bowed once again before turning to leave the great Hall.
"Wait. Surely you didn't plan on leaving so soon. You've failed to explain to cause of her Majesty's failed health" Aphopis called me back. Exasperation which aggravated due to the stubbornness of the Lord of Orcas, Aphopis. My vexation had reached a yielding point. But I couldn't do anything. Going up against them would be a death march. Even with Atreus, Hestia and Enlil here: it was unwise to go against him. Not to mention lady Cel, Calypso and Lord Nethun where here.
Even the eyes of those who could help yearned for an answer.
Aphophis had forestalled the announcement to thwart our plans. He placed a derailment in our progress.
"General Tera. You know our reason of being here. If you would be so kind as to get her Majesty presence here." Nethuns asked. It wasn't a request. So many thoughts went through my mind. But I knew every other thing would lead to another problem. It wasn't possible to silence them, especially with Aphopis around.
"Her Majesty...is in labor"