Trial of Isolation part 2

Now that Lady Vey has decided the table of advisors weren't good enough, can she convince the council of her own plans?

When Vey stepped into the council chambers, Cherize and Dantly stood guard outside the doors. As her confidants, they were bound to go where she went, and further yet, as her closest friends they were bound by their love for each other. Cherize was Vey’s life partner by tradition. The Valley thought very highly of the bond between civil servants and the warriors who protected them, allowing a powerful relationship outside of the normal bonds of two people to flourish between them. On the other side of things, once Lady Vey came of age and could work in the halls of the city as a member of the original five clans, she was assigned Dantly as her personal assistant. It was no coincidence that he was chosen. They grew up across the street from each other. They lived among the fortunate few who lived in large, comfortably furnished adobes that were designed for close family bonds and soft floors that simulated the comfort of prairie grass. Most who lived in The Valley spent their lives living in compact apartment complexes, but the original 5 clans - and some lucky few with ancient ties, such as Dantly’s family - found themselves in different abodes. The trio were tied together from the beginning, so it was only proper that the two took over watching over the doors to the council chamber while the typical guards took a temporary leave.

 Vey walked through the door, and immediately into the vast open space of the chamber. The chamber was one of the few wooden structures still standing in the valley, built of an ancient tree that once called the same place on which the chamber was built home. The chamber was a single onion-like dome with a glass ceiling that looked up into the sky. At noon, the room shined with glorious natural sunlight but it was otherwise dimly lit with warm electric sconces that lined the walls. The wood was a deep oak color that absorbed the light, leaving shadows casting across the space. Halfway up the chamber walls, the council sat at an elevated, seemingly floating crescent shaped table that stretched across half the circumference of the room. Lady Vey looked up and greeted the council members with a polite smile.  There were six members in all, one to represent each prominent house adding up to five, and off to the far end was the elder clan mother - the matriarch of the society. Vey stepped into the center of the room and bowed her head,

“Elders, I have come with a recommendation in regards to our recent distress call from the front of the Bownsend and Shill.”

“Go on, young Lady Lao.” A deep voice boomed through the hall - she always had a hard time figuring out who was speaking unless The Great Mother or her own father spoke. Vey cleared her throat. Her face was sage, but her eyes dazzled with passion,

“First, I must say that group of half wits that you thought were the greatest minds to solve this? Well they-”

“Young Lao.” A voice interrupted,

“Yes, elder?” Her lips curled into an innocent smile.

“We are not here to discuss this. If you have complaints about other members of the clans and the official advice they offered to you during your round table discussion, then you may file the motion as needed at a later date. 

“I understand.” Vey bowed her head, grimacing at how she had overstepped.

“Now, what solution have you come to?” The man - who she now recognized as a member of the Tien clan - who had cut her off was knitting his brow. A woman’s raspy voice droned as if she were reading from a script,

“Young Lady Vey of house Lao, you lack the finesse and tact you believe yourself to have. Speak clearly and with purpose.” She knew the elders only would invoke her clan name like that if they were casually threatening her standing in her clan. Lady Vey sighed, gaining a more subservient demeanor.

“Well… after much deliberation with the panel, I decided with my own team that the best direction would be one of peaceful diplomacy. If we can push for peace as an anonymous source, and not as the Valley of Reclamation, then we could barter peace without further expectation of giving worldwide assistance. I would like to emphasize expectation and not obligation.” She smiled. Her father, his voice stern and hardened, spoke up,

“Your own team? Are you to say the advisory panel did not assist you in coming to this decision?”

“I apologize, elder, but to answer this question I would need to file a motion, and I would much rather do that at a later date.” She tried not to smile, but she saw several council members shift in their seats, clearly impatient with her. Her father grunted and leaned back in his seat.

“Curious.” A member of the Manu clan grumbled, “You believe the solution to our moral dilemma is to pretend we are not as we are and mediate peace talks?”

“Pretend not to be who we are… send a diplomat… and then try to barter peace?” Another member pondered. the council seemed confused, “This seems… unnecessary.”

“With all due respect elders, I must say that this is the only way to ensure no military or aggressive involvement from us. Any direct action on any behalf - even our own - would constitute war. Any direction in our name would further represent an expectation from other warring states to demand our involvement in their conflicts. Or worse, paint a target on us. My team and I agree we are not the police of the world - there are no constables among us. We have no divine right to maintain peace, and we have no reason to do anything beyond nothing… but to do nothing would bring us shame, and I think we are all aware of this.” The council nodded. The councilor from the Tien clan spoke up again,

“You make strong points, but not without flawed reasoning. Brokering peace does not equal success, and helping them does not constitute policing.”

“Allow me to disagree - but only partially.” Veyeni bowed her head lower as the words seeped from her mouth, and she tightened her lips shut.

“Then disagree, my child.” Veyeni’s father spoke up, reentering the discussion.

“As the protector of clan Tien, Cherize, pointed out to me, beyond this one single front there are many many more. The city-states outside this valley are at each other’s throats quite often and we cannot be the ones to stop it all. Just because we cannot hear their pleas, doesn’t mean others haven’t been made.” Several councilors nodded in agreement.

“And what is your point?” Her father’s voice was sharp. She knew this voice. He was pushing her. Testing her. Veyeni swallowed the terror in the back of her throat. She hated when he used his authoritative voice. She began again,

“My point is that to help them would be to selectively police the world. Just because one signal gets through the fog of war does not mean that many others haven’t been lost along the way. No matter what we do - unless we simply ignore the call - we will be putting forth some sort of poltical control. So, my question is what sort of constable will we be on this night, elders? I say that brokering peace between the two as an anonymous source - and not the Valley - is our best option. To be representatives of peace - and not a nation - would strengthen our chances and maybe even give further opportunity for peace in the future.”

“In the future? I thought the point was to not be involved further.” Her father was now leading this discussion. Pushing her buttons further.

“You make an excellent point, elder. I think if all goes well, perhaps a sort of - uh - diplomatic branch of the council would be in order… make Astra a better, more peaceful place through caring for our neighbors. Inhuman problems require humanitarian solutions. Perhaps we need not be a police force in the traditional sense. Maybe we can be public servants, not just to our people, but to the world.” The council looked at each other. Several of them started to speak over top of each other, but the great mother broke the silence first,

“You are right in your concerns, child. To say nothing of your own political aspirations,” The great mother saw right through her humanitarian speech and Vey winced at the recognition, “no matter what choice we make we are an influencing power. I find this troubling. War is not our way, but we have the propensity to fight, though lack the inclination. We are not war mongering people, but also we aren’t mediators. What you propose is against our order, and our nature. But… it could be the only option that does not bring us some form of shame. We must have compassion - it is a tenant of the one of water. To ignore one of the five’s teachings is to ignore balance.” The council - though some seemed reprehensive - nodded along in silence. “And who do you propose for such a mission, young Lady?” The great mother already knew the answer to the question before she asked. Vey smiled and looked up, locking eyes with her,

“Great Elder Clan Mother, I nominate myself, Lady Veyeni of the clan Lao, and my two companions - Cherize of the clan Tien and Dantvara, my assistant - to accompany me on this journey to the front. We intend to mediate the war and transition their people into peace. My council, my elders… I await your decision.” She bowed her head and began to back out of the chamber.

“Thank you for your time, young Lady Veyeni.” The elder mother spoke softly, “It seems we have much to discuss.”

Vey walked out of the door and greeted her friends. Cherize looked at her with bated breath. Dantly looked at his slit, trying to pull up new data,

“Well?” Cherize asked. Vey sighed,

“Father didn’t like it.” Cherize grunted,

“Of course he didn’t. That’s already one vote against us…” Vey put a hand on Cherize’s armored shoulder,

“I believe that the right choice will come from their deliberation. We must trust in the process of our people.” Cherize nodded,

“Then we await deliberation.”

“Yeah. Deliberation.” Dantly grumbled without looking up. Cherize elbowed Dantly,

“Pay attention, Dantly” He glared at Cherize,

“How much longer do you think the deliberation will take?” He mumbled, looking back to his device.

“Not long.” Vey took a seat at a marbled bench in the rose garden across from the chamber. “Not long.” Her companions sat down next to her in silence. The guards had returned to their position at the chamber doors, giving Dantly and Cherize the opportunity to rest on the uncomfortable seat with Vey.

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Hours passed. The sky turned a crystalline clear blue and black. The sky was filled with the swirling of the galaxy and the blinking of the stars - the fates dancing in between. Veyeni had since fallen asleep, her head resting against Cherize. Cherize stroked her hair in silence, her gaze fixed on the door where the guards had returned some time ago. Dantly had fallen asleep too, head back, eyes fluttering. The slit still projected text, and data in front of him. Saliva dribbled down his chin and his arms were slack on his legs. Cherize’s eyes didn’t leave the door, they were sharp with awareness. Her calm had slowly drifted to irritation hours ago, but she didn’t mind feeling the heat well up in her chest. She continued playing with Veyeni’s hair, and tried to stay calm enough not to wake her. 

The door flung open and Veyeni’s father stood staring at the group. Dantly flung his head forward with a yelp. Vey jumped to attention, eyes darting about. Cherize remained unmoved, except her right hand coming to rest on the hilt of her sword, but she quickly pulled away when she noticed her reaction.

“Deliberation is complete. Come.” The elder Lao commanded. He paused, then added, “All of you.” Cherize nodded to the guards as she passed and they responded in kind. 

“How long have we waited for this - this result?” Veyeni's voice was groggy as she walked into the chamber. Cherize replied, her voice monotone,

“Too long.” 

“Do not question the council.” Veyeni’s father said. “You know our means, you know our rules.” Cherize nodded,

“Forgive me, elder.” Lady Vey’s father was a hardened man, set in his ways. He didn’t not like when the council was questioned, and he especially didn’t like when members of the original five clans acted impatiently or with haste. She knew him most of her life. Because of that she knew better. They entered the chamber and Vey led them to the center where she had stood before. The table where the council sat was on the floor - a very strange thing to see.

“Young Lady of the Valley… and her esteemed companions.” The Great mother began. By the time she replied, her father had returned to his seat and the table hovered back to it’s place high above the trio. Veyeni bowed her head to the elder clan mother’s words,

“Yes, great mother?” Vey replied. Cherize and Dantly bowed to the words as well. The clan mother nodded and continued on,

“After much debate and deliberation - as you know this is no easy task or question to be answered - we have decided…” She took a deep breath, “... we will grant your request.” Veyeni practically collapsed to the floor as her mind dizzied with excitement. She sighed, a heaping relief overcoming her,

“Thank you Great Mother, thank you thank you thank you!” Vey cheered. Dantly smiled and brought an arm around Cherize and Vey, embracing them in a hug of relief. 

“But…” The elder mother began. The three settled down and listen, “do not forget the weight of this position you find yourself in. You will be representatives of a peace brokering firm from the south who intercepted the call, and would like to assist in de-escalation. That is the best cover we can offer you. You will not represent this land. You will represent good will and grace. You will work as a Lady of our valley. You will be respectful, you will be tactful, you will be cunning, and you will not give or concede any ground. This does not mean to be stubborn, as we both know where you lie in stubbornness.” Vey smiled. 

The great mother’s old features cracked into a grin, “You will have your companions with you and they must act in their roles as well. A warrior of the Valley must be quiet, patient, unseen, and only strike when it is absolutely necessary, Cherize. I suspect you will make the Tien clan proud in your first exploration outside of the city - an important task for all protectors at some point in their life.” She turned her attention to Dantly,

“An information technician of Dantvara’s skills must be ready to supply any and all needed information. You will receive any clearance necessary for this mission, and you will report in through your slit every evening. I do not need to remind you that as a citizen without clan association, you will be held to high standards and if they are not met you will be punished severely.” Cherize and Dantly nodded. Cherize then looked at Dantly whose cheek was sucked in and she saw his jaw working. She couldn’t tell if he was upset that the Great Mother said ‘slit’ or because of the threat to his station. She held in a laugh and jabbed an elbow into him with a playful grin. 

“Although this council was split 3-2 on this decision, we found that those opposed had no other solution.” She looked down the council line to Vey’s father, “and so… without any further deliberation, debate, argument, or issue… we hereby give you full permission to leave The Valley and begin de-escalation between the Bownsend and Shill people. May the Five watch over you, children of the Valley of Reclamation.” 

The trio bowed in silence. Vey smiled as she rose, looking at the people who grew to be like family - her chosen people, “Well! We must prepare, surely! To the council, I thank you all for the consideration and opportunity. I refuse to let down our people. This is the beginning of a new world, I’m sure of it!” Veyeni practically skipped out of the room, Dantly and Cherize walked briskly behind her.

“Thank you again, elders.” Cherize bowed once more as she backed out of the room. The door shut behind them and the council let out a collective sigh.

“Clan Mother, you are making a mistake, I assure you.” Vey’s father begged.

“Taj,” She looked down the table, “Veyeni is capable. She is sharp. She is filled with a cunning power unlike any other Lady or Lordship of the valley. She will surely take your seat with more grace and strength than you yourself could muster.” He ignored the slight,

“But she’s so young, surely a more experienced clan member could -”

“I do not care about your personal problems, child.” Her eyes narrowed, “Yes, she is young. Yes, she is your daughter. But she is an adult. I’ve already heard the reports of how she commanded the advisory table. Do you really think she cannot handle this, or are you afraid you can’t handle her leaving?” Taj went silent.

“Great mother, I do not question the good lady’s competence.” The councilor from the Bonap clan spoke up.”

“Sande, your concerns were heard.” The mother replied.

“But not shared.” Sande countered. “If she does fail and our location is uncovered, what becomes of the tome? We swore a solemn vow, both the five and Oran-Koh rely on us. Expect us to-”

“I am aware of what’s at risk. We did not permit them to go just because of Lady Lao’s prowess, but also the warrior of the Tien that she is bonded to. She will keep both us and Veyeni safe. Do you question the best of our protectors, Sande?” 

“I don’t. I question if this is worth the risk. If they fail, not just us will be at risk.”

“These concerns were heard already.” The great mother waved the statement away and pressed a button on the table that brought them back down to the ground. Taj stood from his seat and walked from the chamber in a silent huff. 

Outside, Veyeni was jumping up and down cheering. Cherize smiled as she watched her. Dantly looked to the guards at the door,

“We’re leaving the valley.” He bragged. The guards shrugged,

“Don’t die.” One of them managed to growl out. Dantly laughed,

“We have the greatest warrior in the Valley to see us through!” He clasped a hand on Cherize’s shoulder and beamed. She looked to him and shared a proud smile,

“I won’t let you down.” She grabbed him and they hugged laughing. Veyeni leapt about,

“A chance! If we prove ourselves - if we do the right thing - imagine what this will mean for the world - for us!” The door swung open, her father stood there, glaring at their celebration. Veyeni immediately stopped and went silent.

“Isn’t it too early to celebrate? I see no lives saved out here. I don’t see a better world. Have stars stopped dying? Has immortality been found?” Vey grimaced and lowered her head. “Oh? So nothing is better? No one is saved? But here you are throwing a party outside the council chambers.” Cherize smiled a defiant grin,

“The verbal battle that we fought to get here was enough to celebrate. Small victories are the ones we must hold onto. Any warrior knows this.” The guards at the door nodded in agreement, One gave a quiet “mhm.” Taj looked at them, and they stopped immediately, one looked to the floor, and the other stared at the stars. 

“Well.” Taj responded in a huff, “You better pack. Time is of the essence… the longer you take, the more lives are lost, children.” The words sobered Vey and she nodded,

“Yes, I will go home and prepare immediately.” She let a hand glide across Cherize’s back and her forehead connected with a gentle tap to Dantly and they all shared one more celebratory smile. “We leave at dawn. Dantly, make sure everything is prepared.” 

“Got it. I’ll make sure we have the best ship and all the supplies we need.”

“Make sure to get some good food too.” Cherize added, “Who knows what kind of garbage food they have on the outside.” Veyeni laughed and walked away. She pranced down the street, looking up in wonder at the pulsating rainbow colored fates, glimmering amongst the stars in the evening air. 

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Veyeni burst through the door of her home, her mother stirring from her room and joining her as she ran about gathering anything she thought was of importance. She hadn’t said a word but moved with little grace as she jumped around knocking over vases and tables as she stumbled around gathering her things. Her mother rubbed her eyes and yelled over the havoc,

“Daughter, my dearest Veyeni! What are you doing?” Vey stopped in her tracks and turned to face her mother,

“Mother!” She grabbed her by the arms, “Mother, you would not believe what the council has done!”

“Have you been ostracized, my darling?” Vey began laughing,

“You! You are so funny!” Vey laughed harder than she thought she ever could,

“Please, child. Breath. Breath.” She took Vey’s hand in her own and looked her over with concern. Veyeni took a deep breath and smiled,

“I’m on a diplomatic mission. Out of The Valley.” Her mom took a step back,

“You what?” Her voice dropped and her face contorted into fear. “You’re leaving the Valley?” Vey nodded,

“To do our people proud, mother.” She beamed with pride, “Those fools I was sent to delegate this morning,” She spat, “They were clueless warmongers. I decided that Dantly, Cherize, and I would work as anonymous diplomats to settle peace talks between the Bownsend and the Shill.” Her mother stared at her,

“You… you’re a diplomat now?”

“Yes! And the council has consented! We leave from the port and take to the skies at sunrise.” 

“Against my judgment, Seija.” Her father walked into the room looking around at the wreck Vey caused in her excitement. Her mother turned to look at her father,

“Oh… I just don’t know what to think, what to say…” Her shoulders rose and fell, and her eyes began to tear up, but she smiled, “I’m proud of you, Veyeni. You will be the greatest of the Ladies of the Valley… I just - well… I just hate to see my baby girl go…” She turned back to her daughter and hugged her. Tears cascaded down Vey’s tunic. She held her mother in return and smiled, squeezing her eyes shut. Behind them, her father muttered disapprovals she chose to ignore.

Her mother swung around, “This is going to bring honor to this family, you fool.” Seija snapped. Taj backed up,

“Honor at what cost? At the risk of losing our daughter?”

“Veyeni will be fine - better than fine.” Seija turned and ran her hand along Vey’s hair, “You’re going to be the greatest diplomat to ever grace the world, my brilliant daughter.” Vey smiled. And squeezed her mother, 

“I need to pack. I have a journey ahead of me.” She beamed with pride as she began to more thoughtfully gather her things. Her father walked to his and Seija’s room and slammed the door behind him.

Seija sat at the island between the living room and the kitchen and began to laugh and smile, thinking about her daughter, the diplomat. Her daughter, the hero of the front. Her daughter, the legend of the Lao clan.

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Okay, so wow it’s been a crazy week for me on substack! I hit 30 subscribers had my first story to pass 100 views published, and I’ve made a ton of great connections along the way! I hope you enjoyed this section of the Trials of Isolation and I’ll catch you next week for part 3! Thanks for reading!