(Chapter 114 Disagreements)
"You… you know me?"
Nahida blinked, slightly taken aback.
Mavuika nodded.
"I do. Your presence is no small blessing. I won't pry into how you came to be aligned with Tempest Proudmoore, but I must say, I look forward to learning from the God of Wisdom firsthand."
A gentle smile crossed Nahida's face.
"Then, I'm honored to be here, please, just call me Buer or what Tempest calls me, Young Pasha."
She replied softly, clearly moved.
Tempest watched the exchange, noting the genuine respect between the two, though he remained quiet.
"There is no one here but us, Tempest Proudmoore. I assure you."
Mavuika said, her gaze sharp.
Tempest raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion.
"Huh? Whatever do you mean?"
With a slight smirk, Mavuika nodded towards the far wall.
"Your hidden companion can stop lurking in the shadows now."
Tempest sighed, giving a brief nod as he signaled to Tirpitz. Understanding the cue, Tirpitz deactivated her Ghost suit, her figure shimmering briefly before the cloak faded to reveal her true form.
"A Melusine?"
Mavuika mused, raising her brow in genuine surprise.
"Quite a rare and unexpected sight."
Tirpitz nodded respectfully, her expression serious yet composed.
"I am here to serve as His Grace's shadow. It's an honor to be in your presence, Pyro Archon."
Mavuika's eyes lingered on her, intrigued.
"Well, your presence certainly makes this encounter all the more fascinating."
She turned back to Tempest with a knowing smile.
"You seem to keep quite the company, Tempest."
Tempest gave a subtle nod toward the door, signaling for Tirpitz to take her leave. She acknowledged with a slight bow before stepping out quietly.
"Now that we're truly alone."
Tempest began, turning his full attention back to Mavuika.
"Let's talk."
With a calm yet purposeful demeanor, he and Nahida settled into the vacant seats across from the Pyro Archon. Mavuika observed them thoughtfully, a flicker of intrigue crossing her eyes.
"Very well, Tempest Proudmoore."
Mavuika replied, her tone softening as she leaned forward slightly.
"I look forward to hearing what it is that brought you all this way to Natlan."
A quiet tension filled the room as they prepared to engage in a conversation that would decide the path forward.
"Before we begin, I must thank you once again for aiding my people."
Mavuika said, her gaze steady yet thoughtful.
"Though, I'll admit, your methods were… striking, to say the least."
Tempest inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression unwavering.
"The situation demanded it."
He replied.
"The Abyss forces were overwhelming, and while your people's tenacity is admirable, sometimes resilience alone is not enough. What is the point of fighting on when victory is already lost? There's strength in choosing to retreat when it means living to fight another day."
Mavuika considered his words, a flicker of understanding mingling with respect in her gaze.
"Perhaps there is wisdom in that perspective. Too often, my people feel bound by the flames of duty, refusing to yield even when it might serve them better to wait."
"To survive another day is sometimes the greatest act of courage."
Tempest added.
Mavuika nodded thoughtfully.
"Indeed. So, let us talk."
"I have heard from Citlani that you utilize individuals bearing Ancient Names in your fight against what you refer to as the Night Warden Wars."
Tempest said, his voice steady as he sought to understand the mechanics of this peculiar practice.
"I understand that once these Ancient Name bearers fall in battle, they can be revived."
Mavuika nodded, her expression serious.
"Yes, that is indeed true. When a person who bears an Ancient Name dies, they can be resurrected through the Ode of Ressurection. However, there is a crucial caveat: if a party of warriors, all of whom bear Ancient Names, falls together, they cannot all be revived. At least one member of the group must survive and return victorious for the others to be brought back to life. The victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash."
Tempest absorbed her words, contemplating the heavy implications of such a system.
"That sounds like a double-edged sword."
He remarked.
"Relying on the lives of a few to secure the revival of many is a heavy burden to bear."
Mavuika's gaze hardened.
"It is a burden we accept, as it is the only way to ensure our survival against the Abyss. The Ancient Names are a link to our ancestors, and their sacrifice is a testament to our resilience. We fight not only for ourselves but for those who came before us."
"How exactly doe-"
Nahida began, but Tempest interjected before she could finish her thought.
"Victory cannot be achieved without sacrifice, Mavuika. I know this all too well, for I have sent brave soldiers to their deaths to reach my current position."
Tempest stated, his voice heavy with the weight of his experiences.
Mavuika met his gaze, her expression contemplative.
"You speak with the voice of someone who has faced the harsh realities of leadership. Sacrifice is indeed a bitter pill to swallow, yet it is often the only path to securing a brighter future. In Natlan, we honor those who fall in battle, recognizing that their sacrifice fuels the flames of our resilience."
"But tell me, Tempest, how do you cope with the burden of those losses? Each fallen soldier leaves behind a story, a family, and a legacy. It is one thing to lead, but another to bear the weight of their lives in your hands."
Tempest paused, carefully considering Mavuika's question before responding.
"There is no coping with lives that are already lost. My soldiers understand that when they cross the battlefield, their lives are at stake. They are bound by duty to serve. For me, it isn't about the honor or wealth that comes from our actions, rather, loyalty is the greatest glory. To serve one's nation, to serve the Archon, and to willingly lay down their lives for that cause is something I hold in the highest regard. Those who have died on the battlefield will be mourned, of course, but in time, they will be replaced. In the end, we fight for the future, our actions today carve the path for those who come after us."
Mavuika listened intently, her expression softening.
"Your conviction is admirable, Tempest. It takes a strong heart to honor the sacrifices made by those who fall in battle while simultaneously preparing for the future. But tell me, how do you ensure that their spirits are not merely forgotten in the relentless march of time? In Natlan, we keep the memories of our warriors alive through stories and traditions. How do you plan to do the same for your fallen comrades?"
Tempest regarded Mavuika with a steady gaze, his voice resolute.
"I appreciate your perspective, Mavuika, but I must disagree. While honoring the memories of the fallen is important, I believe it can lead to stagnation. Dwelling on the past can hinder progress. In my view, the best way to honor those who have sacrificed their lives is through action and victory, not through remembrance. Their deaths should serve as a catalyst for growth and strength in the present, rather than becoming burdens we carry. We must look ahead, not behind. To dwell too long on what we've lost can weaken resolve and distract us from the battles that lie ahead."
Mavuika nodded thoughtfully, sensing the weight of Tempest's convictions.
"I understand your viewpoint, Tempest. In Natlan, we have learned that memory fuels our determination and strengthens our resolve. Our traditions are not merely a burden; they are a source of inspiration. The tales of our warriors remind us of our shared struggle and the values for which we fight. While I respect your approach of focusing on the future, I believe there is power in remembering our past. It can unite us, motivating us to forge ahead together, carrying the legacy of our fallen comrades with us as a guiding light."
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room, thick with the weight of their contrasting ideals as Tempest and Mavuika considered each other's perspectives. The tension lingered in the air, palpable and heavy.
Nahida, sensing the need to steer the conversation back to their original purpose, cleared her throat softly, breaking the silence.
"Ahem, if I may interject... Let's continue discussing the proposal at hand, shall we?"
Her voice was gentle yet firm, a reminder of the importance of their meeting.
"Very well, I came here to propose a beneficial alliance between our two nations."
Tempest stated with a firm resolve.
Mavuika's brow furrowed slightly as she regarded him.
"What do you suggest?"
Tempest leaned forward, his tone direct yet diplomatic.
"No offense, but how long do you think you can hold back the Abyss? Your methods of combating them are effective, yes, but the Abyss constantly adapts. That unexpected attack on the village proves otherwise, and your Ancient Name bearers were nowhere to be seen during the crisis..."
As he spoke, Tempest retrieved a piece of parchment and a quill, the ink glistening in the light.
"One of my talented inventors proposed that we tackle the Abyssal threat from the skies. As you know, Fontaine possesses some of the most advanced technologies of our time. I can build you an armada of flying machines capable of responding to the Abyss in a matter of moments."
Mavuika took the paper, scanning its contents carefully. Her expression shifted from curiosity to concern as she read the terms laid out before her.
"Unrestricted mining access? A vast expanse of land for Fontaine to construct an airfield?"
Her voice grew sharper, laced with offense.
"You should know that my people rely on what the land provides. You come here with an offer, yet you expect to take so much in return? This land is sacred to us, and the balance we maintain with it is not something to be bartered lightly."
She met Tempest's gaze with unwavering intensity, her voice steady but filled with indignation.
"While I appreciate your willingness to assist, I will not stand idly by while the heart of Natlan is put at risk for the sake of your ambitions. If you wish to forge an alliance, it must be one of mutual respect, not one that demands our sacrifices while offering us only technology in return."
"Oh no, I'm not just offering you technology."
Tempest replied, his voice firm and unwavering.
"I will construct a garrison here to bolster your forces, and unlike the Ancient Name bearers, my soldiers are not afraid of the prospect of not returning. They understand the risks involved in defending what truly matters."
Mavuika's eyes narrowed slightly, her demeanor shifting as she processed his words.
"So, you expect us to accept your soldiers here as if they are some kind of saviors? While I appreciate your intent to support, it feels as if you're suggesting that my people are incapable of standing on their own. We have fought bravely against the Abyss and have our own methods to defend our homeland."
She paused for a moment, crossing her arms.
"Your confidence is admirable, but it's also a little presumptuous. My warriors may not have the same advantages as yours, but they are forged in the fires of struggle and sacrifice. They do not shy away from the battlefield. They fight for their families, their home, and their way of life. I will not let my people be overshadowed by your might or made to feel inferior."
Mavuika leaned forward slightly, her expression earnest.
"If you truly wish to support Natlan, then let it be as equals, not as conquerors. We must find a way to combine our strengths without undermining what we have fought so hard to protect."
Nahida, sensing the rising tension in the room, quickly interjected. "
What Tempest meant to say is that we only require some resources to construct the airfield and garrison. I assure you, he is not here to exploit the resources of your land; he genuinely wishes to help, right, Tempest?"
She turned her gaze toward Tempest, her eyes urging him to clarify his intentions.
"I'm willing to scale back the unrestricted mining access to only certain areas of Natlan. This way, we can work together without infringing on your territory or undermining your autonomy."
Mavuika crossed her arms, her expression remaining steadfast yet indignant.
"You speak of cutting back access as if it's a generous offer, but it feels more like a concession made out of obligation rather than respect. This land has been nurtured by my people for generations, and you come here, thinking you can waltz in and dictate terms simply because you have technology on your side."
She shook her head, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.
"My people may not possess the same advancements, but we are not so desperate as to allow you to dictate the terms of our existence. We have stood firm against the Abyss, and we will continue to do so without being beholden to your whims. Your proposal, however well-intentioned, is not one I can accept."
Mavuika straightened her posture, her voice unwavering.
"If you truly wish to aid us, then let it come from a place of equality, not superiority. Until then, I cannot endorse any alliance based on such terms."
With that, Mavuika rose from her seat, her demeanor resolute as she prepared to leave.
"You are welcome to stay as long as you'd like, as a token of gratitude for your assistance,"
She stated, her tone polite but firm. With one last look at Tempest and Nahida, she turned and exited the room, leaving a palpable tension in her wake.
Nahida sighed, her frustration evident.
"I told you to let me do the talking…"
She said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"I'll find a way to get those resources one way or another..."