Shethryia stood on the south balcony watching as shadows spread across the land. Occasionally, her gracefully upswept ears pivoted reflexively, catching each sound while she took in the evening changes from the courtyard below to the inner wall of the citadel to the meadows beyond the outer wall that marked the initial rise of the Highlands. Her gaze shifted to observe the western sky as the sun sank slowly into the darkening sea, painting the sky in shades of red, orange, and purple. She closed her eyes a moment and enjoyed the feel of the cool breeze tinged with the tang of salt mixed with the scent of wildflowers blooming in the leas. After several minutes, she looked down at the small sleeping bundle in her arms and smiled warmly. Since the birth of her daughter, the Empress of Y'Avan spent every opportunity she had to stand watch over the coming of night, hoping that her daughter would one day find it just as beautiful.
Just above the courtyard gardens, several burvei wheeled through the air singing cheerfully as they feasted on the insects that emerged in the evening. She admired the beautiful black and turquoise birds with their bright green crowns both for their agility in flight and for the sweet trill of their song. Shethryia looked down as the bundle in her arms wriggled slightly. Her daughter looked up at her then turned her head to look toward the songbirds, her large pale amber eyes tracking the burvei in their aerial ballet. For a child of six months, Dobaryia had exceptionally keen senses, even for Ta'Yiashi, and already showed the beginnings of a deeper sense of her environment. Most Ta'Yiashi children developed their senses more rapidly than those of other peoples but only a few seemed to develop what had come to be known as eluyia, the Awareness. Shethryia smiled more broadly as she turned her gaze to watch the swift songbirds, gently rocking Dobaryia in her arms.
"Good evening, my love," the Empress said without turning around as a tall, powerfully built figure silently entered her bedchamber. "I take it the Guilds Council is through harassing you for the time being?"
"For the time being," the other chuckled. "I don't think the Guild Councilors will ever be through harassing me. I am just grateful for any time I can steal away to be with you and Dobaryia."
"Ravyiel, my darling, I am just grateful you are here at all," she replied, turning to face him.
Ravyiel paused to look at his wife. She was dressed in long, flowing robes of crimson covered with an outer robe of rich purple trimmed in gold, her waist-length raven black hair held back by the ornate gold and silver circlet around her head. He liked the way the red accented her flawless, smooth dusky skin and the way the gold made her large, beautiful eyes seem alight with amber fire. Her luscious, full red lips smiled at him playfully and Ravyiel knew she was aware of his thoughts. Smiling mischievously, he crossed the room and stepped out onto the balcony to join her.
"It is good to see you are still infatuated with me," she teased. "I think I would be rather put out if you were not."
"Never, Beloved," he replied smiling. "I have never known of any more beautiful to have ever existed."
"Nor is there any other woman who would tolerate your absences as well as I do," Shethryia said with mock seriousness. "Days of meetings and what have you, away from your wife and child until they scarcely know your face anymore. You ought to be grateful that I even think of you."
"I am guilty as charged," Ravyiel said spreading his hands in supplication. "I am at your mercy, my Empress."
"You are indeed," she replied, feigning indignation. "I will decide your punishment for these crimes against Y'Avan on the morrow. For tonight, I will be content to keep you here with us where I may watch over you more closely."
"As you command, my love," he replied, bowing deeply.
Though Shethryia was the Empress of the Ta'Yiashi people, Ravyiel was Lord Protector of the capitol city of Damar-Y'Avan, the great citadel of the Empire and, as such, responsible for the daily affairs of the city. Much of his business concerned the security and maintenance of Damar-Y'Avan, as well as presiding over the Guilds council. He was also Commander of the Elite Forces and General of the Empire's armies. The rest of his duties often included routine drills and sparring with the Elite Guard, called the Ka'anephi, and reviewing the schedules of various events taking place in Y'Avan. Shethryia presided over the High Council of Y'Avan and maintained administrative authority over every aspect of life in the Empire, from her own household to the most distant outpost. Since the birth of their daughter, she delegated much of her powers to Ravyiel and certain select members of the High Council, allowing her the necessary time to care for Dobaryia though she was usually well aware of anything important occuring in the Realm.
Shethryia tilted her head up to kiss her husband, standing on her toes to reach his face. Ravyiel smiled warmly, his dark amber eyes gazing lovingly into hers. After a moment, he looked down as Shethryia placed Dobaryia in his hands. The infant looked intently up at him while grabbing the front of his gold-trimmed deep blue robes, tugging lightly as if trying to make him bend over and kiss her as well. Suddenly, she burst into a fit of squeals and giggles.
"She finds you as amusing as I do, Ravyiel," Shethryia laughed.
"Indeed she does," he laughed back. "She is also just as beautiful as you are."
"I hope, then, that she appreciates your flattery as much as I do," she replied teasingly.
"So do I, Beloved," he said softly, cradling Dobaryia in his thickly muscled arms. "So do I."
Together, Shethryia and Ravyiel turned to look out over the high inner wall at the deepening gloom of the Highland meadows. After a few moments, their gaze shifted as one toward the West where the sun slowly sank into the shadowy expanse of the sea. Neither spoke as they watched the last rays of purple and crimson light fade into the distant horizon.
When the afterglow of the sunset dissolved into night, Empress and Lord Protector turned from the balcony and entered their chambers. Still holding his daughter, Ravyiel looked down and smiled at the now sleeping infant and wordlessly crossed the room to the crib set up beside the large bed. Gently, he placed Dobaryia into her crib, covering her with a light blanket of woven fleece then extinguished the bedside lamp. When he was done, he turned around to find Shethryia watching him with a smile of deep affection. Without speaking, the two disrobed each other and climbed into their own bed, leaving the gauzy curtains parted on the side facing the crib. Shethryia closed her eyes momentarily and the other lamps in the large room went out, leaving the chamber dark, quiet, and restful. Snuggling into each other's arms, wife and husband were soon adrift in sleep.
The next morning, Shethryia awoke just as the light of false dawn was graying the gloomy shadow of night. Rising so as not to disturb Ravyiel, she stepped over to the crib and found Dobaryia stirring. Gently, she uncovered her daughter and picked her up, then carried her into the small chamber used for bathing infants where she placed her on a railed table while she filled a small basin with water from a large decorative vat. Placing one hand in the small bath, she hummed lightly as she caused the water to warm enough to bathe Dobaryia. When it was ready, she picked up her daughter and placed her slowly into the basin. It was usual for most people to bathe using scented oils that both cleaned and toned the skin, leaving it healthy and smooth. For infants, clean water was all that was ever used as most babies had the habit of gumming their fingers and toes whenever possible. When she was done bathing her daughter, Shethryia opened a drawer just below the top of the small table and withdrew a soft towel and two wraps, one for Dobaryia's lower half, the other to cover the rest of her. Once the task of preparing her daughter for the day was completed, she picked up the infant Princess, returned to her chamber and sat down in a chair near the bed to suckle the now hungry child.
Shethryia watched as the first rays of light tinged the sky a pinkish hue, gradually becoming a golden rosy glow. She listened to the steadily growing symphony of day birds fill the morning air and breathed in deeply, savoring the smell of spring and the faint mixture of aromas from the bakers and cooks of the great city. The placement of the Empress' personal suite was intentionally above the rest of the citadel's accommodations, facing the South with balconies on the southern and eastern facings. Usually, the doors to both balconies were left open during late spring and summer, the light gauzy curtains opened in the early morning to allow the chambers to be filled with the first light of day. Since Dobaryia's birth, the curtains had been left over the portals and the east balcony doors were frequently closed. As soon as the Princess was old enough to sleep in her own bedchamber, the routine would return to normal.
When Dobaryia was finished, Shethryia summoned her attendants to both draw a bath for her and Ravyiel and to keep an eye on their daughter as they bathed. A moment later, an older woman named Ranna arrived and took charge of the infant Princess. Stretching as she stood, Shethryia had to smile at the way her former governess cooed softly at Dobaryia, remembering the days when she was the recipient of similar attentions. Quietly, she walked over to Ravyiel whom she found half sitting on the bed watching, the merry twinkle in his eyes the only expression on his face. When she sat on the edge of the bed, he looked at her and smiled lovingly.
"Good morning, my love," he said in his deep, rich voice.
"Good morning," she replied, leaning over and kissing him softly. "You slept well despite my having been up twice during the night. I'm surprised you didn't notice."
"I have become accustomed to it, I think," Ravyiel smiled. "I was very tired from the last few days of working with the new members of the Guilds Council."
Shethryia nodded, her eyes looking deep into his. She knew he had slept little for nearly a month and had frequently been the one to care for their daughter at the odd hours of the night. Fortunately for both of them, their daughter had begun sleeping more soundly at night, waking only once or twice in that time, allowing Shethryia and Ravyiel more hours of uninterrupted slumber. For the Lord Protector, it was small but welcomed comfort as he had been dealing with changes in the Guilds Council as well as initializing the training of new officers of the Ka'anephi. In addition to these undertakings, he had met with many of the members of the High Council recently to discuss plans on how to respond to the Kalderi requesting a change in the trade route and what to do of news of a Peshkan caravan having been overrun by bandits of their own nation two days out from Ghervon in Peshkai. All said, he had slept less than twelve hours total in the last nine days.
When the baths were ready, Ravyiel stood and walked with his wife to begin his day. Three attendants immediately set about the task of bathing them, insuring that any stiff muscles were loosened and that every inch of skin was cleansed. After rinsing, Shethryia informed their attendants they would be lingering awhile in the cooling bath and that she would summon them when needed. It was one of the rare occasions the two rulers had to spend alone together and they both wished to take advantage of it. As they slipped into the cooler water of the bath, the attendants closed the doors between the rooms, leaving the pair to themselves until called for. Neither spoke as they came together, sharing all thought and emotion through the wordless union of two joined souls.
After they had rinsed and the attendants had finished rubbing them down with toning oils, they dressed and returned to their bedchamber to break fast. A small table beside the opening to the East balcony was set with a bowl of fresh fruit, a decanter of fresh spring water with two matching glasses, and two bowls of warm halesh, a mixture of cooked grains eaten with honey and milk. As they sat down, Shethryia noticed Ranna smiling at them, a faraway look in her eyes.
"What is it, emah?" she asked, using a term of endearment for one's grandmother.
"Nothing of value, Ka'Y'Avan," she said wistfully. "Just that I was remembering when you two were newly married and had little more time to yourselves than you do now."
All three chuckled, causing Dobaryia to look around at those in the room, an expression of interest sparkling in her eyes. This caused all to laugh which prompted the infant Princess to a small fit of glee. When they recovered, Ravyiel smiled and said "It might have been kinder to let us believe those times were more intimate than that."
"True, Kaesh'Y'Avan," the old woman grinned. "But then you would be accused of being a romantic." At this they all laughed again. It was well known how deeply and affectionately Ravyiel thought of his wife and how he gifted her with the many little things one deeply in love gives to the object of his passion. To most, Ravyiel was the living embodiment of heroic romance in spite of his reputation of being a warrior without equal. The mighty Ravyiel was as gentle as he was powerful and it earned him respect and admiration from many, especially from his wife.
After they had eaten, Ravyiel bid them all good day and left to once more face the business of managing a city and an empire. When he had gone, Shethryia resumed care of her daughter so that Ranna might attend to her own personal needs and considered what she would do during Dobaryia's morning nap. As she pondered the many possible diversions, she looked down at her daughter and felt a strange sensation, as if the infant's presence had tried to assert itself. Curious, Shethryia asserted her own presence to bond more deeply with her daughter, allowing more complete insight into the child's perception of the world.
It was a strange world of vivid colors and distinctive sensations, each thing experienced was new and wondrous no matter how many times it was sensed. A warm affection of the one who held her was always there. She knew this one. She knew it was her mother, the one who always suckled her and put her into the warm stuff she recently learned was water. A fleeting blurry image passed somewhere in her thoughts and she sought to resolve the memory but couldn't. There was an impression of the same tender love she felt from her mother but it was different. She didn't know why, but it too was always with her and she trusted it. Sounds emerged and faded from all around her, some were loud while others were soft and she wondered what made those sounds and why they were different. She knew that she made sounds and some sounds made her mother come to her and others made her make sounds in return. Generally, she simply was aware of need and it was soon taken care of. She wanted to move now. There was a drive inside to make herself move.
Shethryia smiled broadly as Dobaryia placed one hand on her arm and the other on her chest and attempted to sit herself up. She quickly formed the images of sitting and pressed them gently into her daughter's consciousness. The infant paused in her actions a moment, looking up with wordless questions into her mother's eyes then turned her head to look around the room before resuming her attempts. After almost fifteen minutes, Dobaryia partially sat up in Shethryia's arms and lifted her head so she could look around more.
It was a new first and the Empress knew that as such communication became more frequent and clear between them, her daughter would rapidly develop both mentally and physically. Since it was now evident that Dobaryia was fully self-aware, Shethryia was sure the Princess would soon be walking and speaking aloud. She would have to begin speaking more openly with her daughter instead of using the conduit of eluyia to communicate, though the use of the Gift would aid in the development of speech. Greatly pleased with the progress, Shethryia conveyed the experience to Ravyiel who responded with a joyful sensation akin to a skip followed by a warm loving hug.

* * *

Ravyiel awoke suddenly in the predawn darkness.
Beside him, Shethryia lay on her back, staring at the high vaulted ceiling of their bedchamber. When he sat up, she looked over at him expressionlessly, examining his face as if in full daylight. He looked back at her a moment, then parted the gauzy curtains of their bed and got up. She watched him cross over to where his robes had been hung up, smiling slightly at the way the muscles rippled beneath his darkly tanned cinnamon hued skin and the way his dark auburn hair hung in thick curls around his head and down the sides of his face. He truly looked like his nickname, the Battle Tiger, though the scars on his arms and torso didn't look much like tiger stripes to her. When he had dressed, Ravyiel walked back to their large curtained bed and bent over, giving Shethryia a warm, soft kiss.
"I'll return soon, I hope," he whispered in his deep, silky voice. "You are my heart."
"As you are mine," she replied. "I imagine I will arise and see to Dobaryia."
Ravyiel nodded then stood up. A moment later, he was gone as if nothing more than a shadow. She remained in bed for some time, her awareness following Ravyiel as he wound his way through the labyrinth of corridors between their living quarters and the official chambers of the citadel. When he reached the antechamber to his command quarters, she mentally called to her servants to ready her bath and smiled as she realized Amia had already seen to the preparations in anticipation of an early day.
Unlike Ravyiel, Shethryia never left their quarters without fully preparing herself. In times of immediate importance, he would get dressed and go to his offices where he would have fresh water and cleansing oils brought to him. She, on the other hand, always bathed and dressed in her quarters before being seen by anyone other than her husband, daughter, and personal attendants. To Shethryia, it was a matter of integrity for an Empress to appear as an Empress when being seen beyond her own chambers.
She crossed the large room and walked through the high arched doorway between the bedchamber and the bath. There, a hot bath waited for her, scented with a mix of herbs and seasonal flowers. As she stepped down into the bath, Amia joined her, bringing along a large bowl of fragrant oils with which to wash Shethryia's hair. The Empress sat on the ledge surrounding the inside of the bath and leaned back as her attendant began her duties. As she was bathed, Shethryia stretched out her awareness to Dobaryia's bedchamber. The girl was still sleeping, apparently dreaming of meadows filled with blooming wildflowers and burvei singing as they flew in circles around her head. She smiled at the innocence of her daughter's ideals, hoping they would remain with her in the years to come but knowing they would be replaced by the weight of authority.
Gently, she asserted her presence and eased Dobaryia from sleep while awakening the child's governess and directing her to bring Dobaryia to the bath. For the more gifted of her people, asserting awareness into presence while attending to other things at the same time was not unusual, to be aware of more than one person's activities was more difficult, but not unheard of. Shethryia however, was able to assert presence in more than one place, sometimes hundreds of miles apart, while also keenly aware of her daughter's and husband's thoughts at the same time she presided over some meeting of the High Council. She was beyond extraordinarily gifted, though neither she nor anyone else knew how she had come to possess that degree of ability. As far as she knew, the only other with near that level of skill was her Advisor, Neshyia, and even she seemed amazed at the Empress' power. When Ranna had her charge in tow, Shethryia relaxed and sunk to her shoulders in the bath as Amia rinsed her hair.
"Would you like to wait until Dobaryia has been cleansed before cooling, Ka'Y'Avan?" Amia asked as she handed the rinsing bowl to a servant.
"Yes," Shethryia replied. "I am content to relax until then and enjoy the bath, thank you."
Amia nodded and began preparing a bowl for Dobaryia's hair beside the bath. She was much younger than Shethryia, only seven hundred years old, but she had exceptional insight and wisdom, which made her an excellent maidservant. She had been chosen from among more than one hundred candidates, selected by Shethryia for her clean and tidy appearance as well as her orderly mind and keen instincts. Amia had never disappointed her, always vigilant to her tasks and genuinely cheerful to be of service. Few others attended their duties as joyfully or as attentively as she did. A few minutes later, Dobaryia entered the bath, followed closely by Ranna.
"Good morning, Mama," Dobaryia smiled as she stepped down into the water.
"Good morning, my darling," Shethryia replied as her daughter sat on the ledge beside her. "Good morning to you, too, Ranna."
"Good morning, Ka'Y'Avan," the governess replied warmly. "I have Dobaryia's clothes here. Is there anything I can do for her while she is bathing?"
"No, thank you," the Empress said, smiling. "I will call for you when she is ready to break fast."
"Very well, Ka'Y'Avan," Ranna answered, curtsying gracefully. A moment later, she was gone, Dobaryia's clothes hung neatly on a hook beside the bath.
Ranna had been Shethryia's governess and her mother's attendant before that. The Empress smiled at the many pleasant memories she had of the old woman. For one nearly five thousand years old, she was as spry and alert as Amia, though a great deal more formal. It was a matter of dignity and honest pride for Ranna to always conduct herself officially, her hazel eyes always full of love and grace and her gentle features almost always lit by a kind smile. Her hair was slightly lighter than Shethryia's and her skin darker, the only signs that marked the passage of years in the governess. Shethryia knew that in no more than half a dozen years, when Dobaryia reached the age of twelve, Ranna would resign from her duties and journey to Ka'alad Avayiadi, the Sacred Place, far to the East. From there, she would leave the world and enter the Light Forever.
When Dobaryia's hair had been washed, Shethryia rose, indicating that she was ready to be cleansed with the scented bath and oils. She smiled and motioned for Dobaryia to stand and be cleansed as well. The Empress enjoyed her morning bath, especially when she was able to share it with her daughter. It was time they could spend together talking about things Dobaryia was to do or to learn, other times just to share their thoughts with each other. The attendants seemed to enjoy the time as well, being apart from the men of the citadel and openly discussing things of interest to them. Shethryia often joined them in conversation as a time when, though they addressed her formally, all were simply women.
"I was wondering something about what you said yesterday concerning the tapestries in the Great Hall, Ka'Y'Avan" Amia said as she rubbed fragrant oils vigorously into Shethryia's skin.
"Yes? You mean the history behind them?" the Empress replied.
"Yes. You said they related the history of our people as they are today, the most recent depicting the arrival of the Outlanders," the attendant said. "I was looking at them yesterday evening, after you had dismissed me from my duties and I noticed something odd."
"Odd? What was odd?" another attendant named Raevi asked as she fussed over Dobaryia's fingers. "Eika Dobaryia! Your nails are filthy!"
"Well, I noticed several Kalderi depicted in the Coming of the Outlanders," Amia supplied. "I have met all but one and since then, all those who came to us have gone to the Light Forever. Whatever happened to her?"
"Ah, you mean Vandaia," the Empress replied. "Did you get a good look at her depiction at the bottom of the tapestry?"
"Not a close look," she admitted.
"Well, when you have the time to do so, look closely at her features. I cannot say more as I have made a promise to her to say nothing on her behalf." When Shethryia said nothing more, Amia thanked her for her wisdom and instruction then went onto other topics.
"I understand Dobaryia has been quick to learn sums," the younger woman noted.
"Yes, I have been learning them very quickly," Dobaryia replied. "Ranna says I learn things easily and have done well in making practical use of them." The last was said with a slight change in her inflection, as if there were something in her governess' words that she didn't understand.
"You please your father and me greatly," Shethryia began. "Ranna is quite surprised that a child of six learns things with greater alacrity than many three times her age." Shethryia smiled at her daughter as the attendants nodded agreement. "It has caused me to wonder if perhaps we shouldn't begin instructing our children at a much earlier age in the more rudimentary skills of the mind, taking advantage of eagerness to learn instead of waiting until it is a necessity."
A few of the attendants seemed to consider this concept. It wasn't a new idea, though to those who are very long lived, filling childhood with education seemed martial. Until Dobaryia, none had ever actually taken the concept past offhanded speculation on outcomes and response. Dobaryia was the first of her people to be so taught at an age less than eighteen; to many, Dobaryia was still a barely weaned infant.
"I can see definite merit in that practice," Amia stated as she rubbed scented oils into her mistress' skin. "It could be done slowly, a thing or two at a time over many years, building upon previous lessons until some level of knowledge and wisdom had been obtained. Those who will one day rule and govern may well benefit from such, though I hardly believe any of them currently lacking in ability for the old ways."
"True enough, Amia," Shethryia responded, her voice even and calm. A couple of the attendants looked at each other, eyebrows arched, as she continued. "I believe they would be better at ruling and governing had such a practice been implemented long ago. Even I would have profited from such, but I don't think it should be something only those born to lead should receive. It can only stand to benefit everyone, from the scullery maids and stable hands to Protector and Empress. Knowledge of things aids in understanding the activity of duty, or so Neshyia has always impressed upon me."
Amia, Dobaryia, and another of the attendants smiled at the comment regarding the Vizier. None would ever accuse Neshyia, the eldest of their people, of lacking wisdom or knowledge. It was often said that if anyone wished to know of something, Neshyia would likely be able to teach them everything there was to know on the subject. A fact Shethryia knew to be true and knew the ageless woman instructed her apprentices and assistants in such a way as to give them complete understanding of a thing over enough time for it to remain useful knowledge for all time.
The attendants finished cleansing Empress and Princess then went with them into the cooling bath after they had taken a first rinse. There, they scrubbed off the excess cleansing oils then, following a short soak in the cool water, applied toning oils that smoothed and firmed the skin. When they finished, Amia brought Shethryia and Dobaryia their clothes, helping to dress them as they needed then gave orders to have the baths drained and cleaned. As the last of the servants left, Shethryia summoned Ranna to take Dobaryia to her day's lessons then told Amia that she was ready for the High Council to convene and that she need only go about her usual duties for the day.
Shethryia returned to her bedchamber and retrieved her intricately woven gold and silver circlet and her gold and sapphire signet from an ornately carved ebony box. As she left, she stretched out her awareness to the Great Hall of the High Council, assessing those assembled and noting who had yet to arrive, seeking their locations as she entered the antechamber to her living quarters. Satisfied that all would be present this day, she asserted her presence to the escort outside the door of her small receiving room. A moment later, the doors opened and the Empress of the Ta'Yiashi exited her private quarters, soon after striding through the archway that marked the separation of the private from the public.
Damar-Y'Avan was itself, a singularity. The entire city was carved from what had once been a mountain, now a massive fortified citadel of highly polished stone and detailed sculpture. Each structure, whether walkway, colonnade, or hall, meeting room or home, was carved from the colossal mound of basalt. Over the centuries, statues and carvings, majestic archways and glorious spans were formed through, on, in and around the great citadel as the titanic outer walls that enclosed the barbican were gradually hewn from the bedrock of the foothills surrounding Damar-Y'Avan. After nearly ten thousand years, the great fortress city of the Ta'Yiashi was formed, it's creation a representation of the unity of the people.
Shethryia considered this as she walked and stretched out her awareness to Ravyiel, seeking an answer to his sudden departure earlier. He was in his command quarters meeting with a delegate from the Vale of Tumal, the northernmost habitation in the Empire. Little more than a fortress and modestly sized supporting city, it boasted the largest of the outlying garrisons. A full six thousand soldiers lived in either the duty barracks of Damar-Tumal or in the village garrison, referred to as the city guard, when on active duty. Those in reserve often lived as other citizens in the city, maintaining their skills and training in the Soldiers' Commons beside the River of the Vale. For him to have traveled to Damar-Y'Avan without formal escort suggested something of importance and his presence radiated a sense of concern over something.
Ravyiel, noting his wife's mental touch, informed her that Vanyien's presence in Damar-Y'Avan was not solitary and was indeed something of an important matter. As Shethryia acknowledged the information, she expanded her awareness to encompass the entire command chamber and hesitated in her step. Behind Lord Vanyien, Earl of Tumal, was a person she had not seen in eight hundred years. The figure in intricately fashioned light armor stood quietly holding a beautifully designed helm with exotic feathers making wing-like protrusions on either side and long black plumes forming a tail down the back from a decorated metal nub near the top. Her face was nothing short of complete beauty, deeply tanned olive-toned skin with finely chiseled features and high cheekbones, her large dark amber eyes impassively looking on as Vanyien spoke with Ravyiel.
It was Vandaia. Once a Princess and Warmistress of the Kalderi, she had left her people nearly a thousand years before to lead a band of renegades and outcasts from the northern nations to Damar-Y'Avan. Shethryia remembered the ragged company of Outlanders and Vandaia's personal company of the legendary Feisannai Kalderi, warriors without peer in battle. Even the Omdarian warriors had been known to withdraw and seek more peaceful resolve when the Feisannai Kalderi were involved.
As Shethryia lingered her awareness, Vandaia's eyes glazed over momentarily before she smiled. I will speak with you later, Heart of Y'Avan, said a voice in Shethryia's mind. The Empress smiled at the acknowledgment and returned that she was eager to see her again, as well as introduce her daughter. Vandaia seemed delighted at the prospect. The odd thing was that something remained elusive about the Kalderi's thoughts, as if there were something she was intentionally veiling. It wasn't completely unheard of for other peoples to have eluyia, but rarely as acute as that. Shethryia knew why this Princess, far older than the longest lived of the Kalderi had ever been, had such powerful awareness. She was the daughter of the Kalderi High Queen and a Ta'Yiashi Prince. With a last mental hug to her friend and husband, she turned her thoughts to the meeting of the High Council of Y'Avan.
The entry corridor before the Great Hall widened dramatically to more than double the width and height. The ceiling was vaulted with graceful arches and intricate patterns carved from the rock of the mountain. Great columns rose form floor to ceiling with relief carvings of ivy winding around them. Large gilt sconces lined the walls, formed to resemble rose buds on the ends of vines just parting the walls. Even the floor was carved to appear as if one were walking upon the surface of a pond with ornamental fish and lilies in various places. The Empress of Y'Avan never tired of the intricate detail with which all had been formed; it made the business of ruling an empire more tolerable to pass through such artistic beauty. Upon entering the formal Great Corridor, her personal escort took position on either side of the passageway from which she had come where they would wait until she once again made the journey back to her personal living space.
Shethryia walked toward the massive double doors leading to the Great Hall, the meeting place of the High Council of Y'Avan. As she approached, two columns of guards dressed in the silver and gold of the Ka'anephi snapped to attention, their drawn swords held across their chests in their left hands. As she passed each pair, they touched heart, lips, and forehead with their right hands, indicating loyalty, truthfulness, and purity. A moment later, as she reached the entry, the colossal gilded iron doors swung open with a slight nudge from her mind. Waiting for her beside the doors was Neshyia, former Herald and presently the Empress' Vizier, dressed in robes of deep crimson trimmed in silver with an outer robe of dark blue, also trimmed in silver. In her left hand was her staff of office and on her head was a circlet woven of five strands of silver. Opposite Neshyia was Tethyien, the Herald, dressed in deep blue robes trimmed in silver. As the Empress entered, he struck his silver staff on a crystal square inset in the floor, creating a loud chiming sound.
"All rise and respectfully honor Shethryianithayia, Beloved of the One," he intoned, his clear voice ringing throughout the gigantic chamber. As one, all present rose and saluted Shethryia in the same manner that the guards had as she proceeded toward the dais at the far end of the room. At the top of the dais, there were two crystal thrones, one with purple velvet cushions, the other with deep blue cushions both trimmed in gold. The one throne was empty, as that was the seat Ravyiel took when attending the High Council; since he was presently engrossed in other business, the seat remained empty. When she reached the dais, she mounted the seven steps to the top and turned to stand with her back toward her throne. Immediately, she closed the doors by force of will and the Herald struck the small square three times, indicating it was time to convene. After Shethryia was seated, Neshyia approached the dais, followed by Tethyien, each taking a position on either side of their Empress on the third step. When all were in place, the members of the High Council sat and Shethryia opened the meeting.
"Y'Avan is well served by her Councilors," she began formally, her rich, full voice filling the chamber without shouting. "I would hear your reports," she concluded. Tethyien raised his staff and announced Anelyia, Lady of Damar-Fa'anesh. A younger Ta'Yiashi woman dressed in resplendent robes of emerald green trimmed in white and silver rose from her seat and faced the throne.
"We are grateful to be heard," she said in a strong voice. Shethryia could hear the subtle inflections indicating the Lady was excited about something and nodded, eager to hear her news. "Damar-Fa'anesh has had the honor of discovering her Lady to be with first child," she said, her face alight with joy. "It has been determined to be a female child." Unlike other peoples, the Ta'Yiashi celebrated new life with genuine delight. Where some nations might consider it inappropriate business for a High Council, it was protocol to announce pregnancy and birth, especially since this was to be the twelfth child in the last six years. Though a very long lived people, there were few new births, a respective boom occurring approximately every five hundred years. With twelve pregnancies in the last six years, Shethryia's being the first, it was showing to be a time of great abundance.
"I am greatly pleased with this news," Shethryia said, subtle tones in her voice expressing informal happiness for the youngest member of the council.
After that, the business of the High Council took on a more familiar tempo. There were new ordinances developed in the many towns, provinces, and cities which had to be ratified by the Empress before being issued as rule. There were discussions on the Kalderi trade request and suggestions regarding the possible routes they might utilize as acceptable alternatives. As such business and discussion continued, Shethryia remained inexpressive, sitting like a statue of crimson, purple, gold and silver on a white crystal throne. During much of the meeting, the Empress scanned over the Councilors' thoughts regarding each topic, considering each one carefully and testing it in her mind against what she knew and what others closer to the situations had shared in the past. She was also well aware of Dobaryia's excitement at being able to do sums in her mind while practicing letters and reading. Ravyiel was finishing his private meeting and would be making rounds with the officers of the Ka'anephi, accompanied by Vandaia as her Feisannai were presently housed with the Elite Guard. When Elishyien, Governor of Damar-Rivan, concluded his argument in favor of the sea route to Iandra, the Kalderi Homeland, Shethryia nodded to Tethyien who raised his staff, commanding all to be silent.
"I have given much consideration to the request of the Kalderi and have heard your thoughts on the matter," Shethryia said. "The wisest course of action, given the conditions and alternatives, is to pursue the route suggested by Elishyien as it is least obstructed and swifter on most accounts. I understand the concerns of the caravaners, as that has been our way for many generations and I will encourage such activity in addition to transport by sea. Perhaps the Caravans Guild will discover a means to integrate with the few vessels we have to establish a new guild encompassing both trades." The last was spoken as a command, the Empress' voice calm and even with strong undertones indicating she would hear no more discussion on this subject. The undertones were more out of tradition as it was expected of the Empress to set precedent and issue decree without anyone's leave. No one in the Great Hall would ever dream of speaking against her will.
When no more business was announced, Shethryia nodded to Tethyien who struck his staff on the step, indicating this day's meeting of the High Council was at an end. The Empress then stood, followed by the Councilors, and stepped down from the dais, followed immediately by her Advisor and Herald. As she passed, the assembled Councilors repeated the salute, ending it with a slight bow, the formal means to part company with the Empress or Lord Protector. When Shethryia, Neshyia, and Tethyien crossed the threshold of the Great Hall, those in the Great Hall began to step down from their places.
I would speak with you, Ka'Y'Avan, Neshyia mentally asserted to Shethryia. I will request your attention in a few days time. The last was given with the mental equivalent of a friendly smile. Though Shethryia was Empress, Neshyia had been her teacher and confidante, more a friend in most respects than simply the Vizier. Shethryia returned that she would speak with her privately at that time. At the end of the Great Corridor, the high arched ceiling became noticeably lower, the passage narrowing from over twenty feet across to only ten. Here, Neshyia and Tethyien bid their Empress a blessed day and informally expressed their desire to see Dobaryia sometime when it was convenient. As they were both to be her instructors with regard to formal education, the request was not unusual, but Shethryia couldn't help notice their eagerness to spend time with her. Tethyien was in many ways an uncle to the child and Neshyia was a sort of grandmother.
"I hardly think I could keep either of you from her," the Empress said with a smile. "I'm also quite sure she would welcome some time spent with both of you." She bonded with Dobaryia long enough to make plans then continued. "She is very excited about the idea," she said. "I will let you take her in four days' time. By then she will be finished with this part of her learning and will need a break from study." She smiled as each of the other two nodded and bowed their heads slightly. "I will see you both on the morrow."
After a brief farewell, the Empress turned and strode down the corridor toward her suite, her escort falling in behind from either side of the entryway. As she walked, she let Ravyiel know she was done with business for the day and was gifted with the mental equivalent of a grin. Apparently, he was well aware of the fact and would be bringing Vandaia with him in another hour. Chuckling to herself, she asserted her presence to Ranna and Dobaryia, informing them they would have a guest for the evening meal and smiled as she continued her casual walk back to her family's dwelling quarters.