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Chapter 713 History
🕑 Added 2021-06-01 11:27:46 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hey all. New chapters up and more hopefully on Saturday :). Let me know what you think.
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Chapter 713 History
Ilea’s head would’ve probably hurt if it wasn’t for her constant healing, her high tolerance for mental exhaustion, her super human body, and high stats. In a way it felt wrong, to be so perfectly aware and calm after hearing so much articles of law. Granted, the wording wasn’t exactly as complex as what she’d seen back on Earth, but a lot of details and eventualities had to be covered. Most of it focused on Awakened beings, as defined by the Meadow in the first few articles.
“You outdid yourself,” Ilea mused, eating a piece of cake with her legs on the table. Twin had left at some point to talk with the Meadow, Violence sleeping on her shoulder. Some of the people had left to refresh themselves or sleep, teleported of course by the Meadow.
“I had a lot of examples to look through. Most of the considerations as to what to include was done by the others. I mainly focused on adapting it to all species,” it explained. “You’re the reason everyone is here. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”
Ilea puffed, eating a fork full of cake. “Says one of the main people responsible for the creation of the gates. We quite literally wouldn’t be here without you.” She didn’t miss the quick glare from Catelyn and addressed the fox. “You can take a break you know?”
“And devour a cake like some savage beast?” Catelyn asked. In a tone that suggested that yes, that was exactly what she wished to do.
“Can you help her out Meadow? Shield her from perception, bring a cake, and let her go ham,” she sent.
The fox vanished, including one of the cakes from the buffet.
“Thanks,” she said.
“Political considerations are an interesting concept. I’m learning a lot from this meeting,” the Meadow spoke.
“For your eventual world takeover,” Ilea mused, closing her eyes as she savored the sweet taste.
“Of course. Yes. That,” it spoke.
Ilea opened one eye as she looked towards the tree. “You seem distracted.”
“Twin is providing… stimulating concepts,” it explained.
“Hey, good for you,” Ilea said and pointed. “Just make sure to use protection.”
“Any resulting magical creation will be placed under great protection and examined until its safety is assured,” the Meadow reassured.
I’m not sure we’re talking about the same thing, Ilea thought, guessing by the tone that the being wasn’t being a sarcastic shit for once, but truly mistaking her joke for genuine concern.
“Just let me know when it convinces you to kill all humans,” she said.
“Ilea, you know my nature. No being can change what I am, just like nobody can change humans at their core. Which is of course why they must all be killed,” it said.
“Good,” Ilea mused when Catelyn reappeared. The fox looked the same as she had before, but somehow more happy. “You’ll be able to eat those all the time when the gates are done.”
“I’ll have to consider that a manipulation of my mind,” Catelyn answered. “Well done. You successfully infiltrated Hallowfort.”
“Easy. We’re the same you and I. You just prefer sweets,” Ilea said and patted Violence when it woke up.
“I haven’t seen Twin sleep,” Owl whispered as she leaned in a little closer.
The Baron vanished and appeared on top of her head, spinning its arms when it started sinking into the ethereal being. A continuous giggle went through their minds.
Owl reached into her head and gently pulled out the creature with her large purple hands.
“They’re as different as they come,” Ilea said when Violence floated away, trying to find something with a little more action. He would succeed in the dome the Meadow had set up for Doravin and Rock, the two warriors already being observed by Pierce and Verena.
“When are we moving on?” Ilea asked Claire.
She looked up and smiled. “Just another ten articles and we’re done. The rest shouldn’t take as long. We’ll continue in half an hour.”
“You probably need a break too,” Ilea said and stood up. “Trian, you too. Let me show you something.”
“Meadow, can we get a teleport up, should be night right?” she asked.
“Indeed. Here you go,” the Meadow answered and moved them all up to the northern landscape, seas of mist all around them, moonlight shining down from above. A near cloudless night.
Ilea stretched and sat down on a chair made of ash, a cold bottle of ale in hand as she sat back and relaxed, two additional chairs forming next to her as she watched her friends frozen in awe, a smug grin on her face.
She let them be, until they eventually joined her.
“No wonder you like it here,” Trian said, refusing the bottle she offered.
“You should see it by day,” Ilea mused. “You might even survive the lightning due to your magic.”
“I understand it’s arcane in nature. I’ll try, but not without supervision,” he answered.
Ilea pointed down. “Still the domain of the Meadow,” she mused when a dome like shield flickered to life around them for a split second. “Nice, great timing. Proud of you.”
“Thanks. I think they’re suitably impressed. And a little terrified,” the being replied.
“I might be interested in some barrier magic discussions with the Meadow. At a later time,” Claire said, sighing as she sat down.
“What’s your feeling so far?” Ilea asked.
“It’s going really well. There’s less resistance from the more problematic members of both parties than we expected,” she said.
Trian smiled. “Good preparation and even better opportunities help smooth things over. Even the worst enemies would find a way to agree under these circumstances, and we’re not enemies. Far from it.”
“Acceptance from the citizens of our cities will be the more difficult task, and that of other countries,” Claire said.
Trian nodded. “Yes. But a suitable show of wealth and power will be convincing enough. And before they know it, the world will have changed already.”
Kyrian appeared next to them. His armor gave off a different sheen, similar to that of the Warden blades Ilea had collected after the battle in the Pit. “Leaving me out?”
“You’ve seen this before,” Ilea mused.
“Not with all of you,” the man answered and formed a chair made of metal.
“Sorry,” Ilea said.
He waved her off. “It is quite a sight. If you would’ve told me a few years ago that this is where we’d be by now…”
They were quiet for a little while, watching the endless dance of mist in the starlit lands of the north.
“Quite a journey,” Trian said.
“Hmm,” Ilea mused. “Team thirty four,” she said and looked behind herself, a part of her expecting Eve to deactivate her invisibility. But the woman remained gone. Her gaze went up. You would’ve loved the view, she thought and raised her bottle.
Kyrian touched her shoulder with one arm.
“So this is where you fought a Dragon?” Trian asked.
________________________________
The conversation in regards to the universal laws finished without a single major argument. Catelyn had expected at least some issues but their previous communication and the additions from the Meadow made the whole process rather smooth. Not as smooth as that strawberry cheese cake she had been given earlier. It had been a mistake. She had to focus on the tasks at hand. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve worked enough in the past weeks.
She stretched, sitting on her chair. The movement was lost on the humans, her small and strange form protecting her from the usual issues that came with political meetings. In regards to the body at least. Catelyn ignored the look from Elana, the woman always schooling her in these matters even though she herself didn’t adhere to those principles. Hypocrite, she thought with a slight smirk.
The woman smirked back before she changed her expression back to her usual face. Arrogant royal would describe it the best, or perhaps side lined protagonist. Catelyn wasn’t sure which one she’d choose. The latter had come from the Meadow. To be fair, Elana had plenty of lovely names for the tree as well. Perhaps in a way to balance out the near reverence the being received from most of Hallowfort’s denizens.
A reverence well deserved, she thought. Catelyn had met a few high level beings in her time, the Meadow being the most powerful of them, or perhaps the Fae, though she knew the ones present on Ilea’s shoulders weren’t their true form. Their motives perhaps misunderstood or differing from most awakened beings, she knew they were just that in the end, awakened beings. The fact that they wielded world changing magical power was useful but to call them gods? Creators perhaps, makers, protectors, destroyers. To think I would arrive at questions like that.
She glanced at Ilea, the woman on her own way to become something akin to a goddess. Would she consider her a god? If she reached level one thousand? When she can build entire cities made of ash? Probably not.
“What is it?” Ilea asked without looking her way.
All seeing, Catelyn mused.
“Want more cake?” the woman said.
All knowing. The fox smiled. “I’m satisfied for now. But once these arrangements are set, I will want to visit the maker,” she sent. For they are the only true god. The creator.
“Discussions went well. Unsurprising with my incredible additions,” the Meadow sent.
“Of course. Your intellect is unmatched great one,” Catelyn deadpanned. “It is thanks to you. Thanks to your protection, that we could focus,” she added. The arrival of the Meadow had been an uncertain time. Trusting Ilea’s judgment had been the right decision of course but even those who knew of her heroics in the Descent had reservations about inviting a four mark into their midst. A few days was all it took for the Meadow to convince them, a few weeks for some to nearly worship the creature. And now they knew peace like never before, both monsters and the factions in the area simply unable to get past its perception and magic.
“I’m grateful to be of help,” the Meadow said.
“As are we,” Catelyn answered. Peace like never before and now an opportunity to go to the southern lands, to see and live in places unharmed by arcane storms, cities built in the safety of low mana density, untouched by the constant threat of miststalkers, on the surface and below the very suns. They welcomed the opportunities. It would be somber to see them go. Warriors, smiths, brothers, and sisters. Survivors. Beings she had known for years, some for centuries.
She sighed, reminding herself that with the gates, she could always visit. And their town would flourish with new faces, young and old, adventurers looking to explore the lands of the north. She was especially excited to see the Sentinels. If they were anything like Ilea, the entire region could be affected. So many ruins, treasures, forgotten crypts, waiting to be uncovered. Catelyn glanced at Elana. She knew the former queen of Rhyvor had plans, not just for Hallowfort but for all the lands she had once called her own. Perhaps she will manage to revitalize a part of it after all.
“In case of war, all parties will attempt to help those under attack,” Claire continued, going through the details of their agreements. “An unlikely event based on just the present people but we all know there are beings out there even we cannot handle.”
“What happens after an enemy is defended against? Say the Feynor. They would retreat, regroup, and try again. A preemptive strike against their strongholds and holy sites would likely prevent a lot of issues in such an event,” Elana said.
“For scenarios like that we’ll simply have to come together and discuss. Universal rules for such matters make little sense. These treaties are meant to be joined by more than the present settlements but the extent of our cooperation goes beyond a simple defensive pact. We will build towards prosperity with trust,” Claire answered.
Elana rolled her eyes and puffed. “Do you know how many soldiers die when you delay war preparations by even a single day?”
“No. And I won’t need to know. Because we don’t plan to go to war,” Claire said.
“If I may,” Wayland said, receiving a nod from Catelyn.
She had been informed about his inclusion, a potential spy whose loyalty was as of yet in question. And yet it wasn’t him she worried about. Sulivhaan and some in her own council she considered more likely to undermine their talks. Transgressions they could handle in the future, once everything was signed. She hoped it wouldn’t come to that but reality had a way to disappoint.
“I would agree with the notion of former Queen Invalar, if we were talking about conflicts between traditional human nations. Resources and numbers are relevant mostly because the higher level nobility would generally not risk a direct confrontation with an enemy city. Not before they weakened it with armies or siege weapons. You may have heard about Lilith’s confrontation with Lord Harken’s army. I would imagine the results would be similar with her increased power,” the man explained.
“I’m not a weapon, aimed and fired at whatever army is causing issues,” Ilea said.
“No. But you could aid in the destruction of infrastructure, the apprehension of important individuals, or simple intimidation. If the intelligence gathered manages to convince you,” the man added.
Treading dangerous ground. She doesn’t like responsibility, Catelyn thought, giving the woman a glance.
“Look, I’m happy to defend a city under attack, but I don’t plan to get involved in anymore wars,” Ilea said.
The man nodded. “I understand. Apologies, Lilith. The point is, this potential alliance will not work with conventional means. Conventional rules will not apply.”
Elana gave him a considering wave of her hand.
So very condescending in nature, but she just manages to make it come off as an honor. Catelyn never really questioned how the woman had become a Queen.
“I believe with the defenses in place and the high level beings part of our alliance, we can allow ourselves a few days of consideration before we decide on a potential offensive strike. And in case of a worst case scenario, the respective individuals would’ve already intervened anyway,” Catelyn said. She noted the light nod given to her by Claire. “We do not want war.”
“What would constitute a worst case scenario?” Elana asked.
“Elven Oracles, Monarchs, or something like Audur,” Ilea said.
A few whispers were exchanged.
“At least the Meadow could show off its expertise,” she added with a smile.
To think she’s challenged a Dragon, Catelyn thought, remembering the first time they had met.
“We prepare for what we can,” Claire said. “Our resources aren’t unlimited. We don’t know when the next crisis will come or what it will look like but it’s my conviction that we have a better chance at surviving it together.”
Well said. “Already we have fought and survived,” Catelyn said, gesturing to the many engraved scenes in the table. The Descent, the demon summoning in Ravenhall, what had happened in Erendar. The two latter she had only heard of but knowing the dangers, it was certainly preferable to face them with allies.
“We will pause the talks for five hours in which I ask you to go through the full treaties again,” Claire said. “After that we will hold the vote.”
Catelyn turned to her council and gave each of them a glance, a few likely not very much in the mood to read through the treaties again. If only they knew the work it took to get them all set up.
They had to sign off on the teleportation gate treaty, a trade agreement, the universal laws, and the treaty in regards to cooperation, defense, and war efforts. Elana had called it a wonder that all of it had come to be in just a few months, a benefit of the small number of people involved. She had voiced her concerns early on in regards to that but as time went on it became clear that the people Claire worked with were more than just experienced. The former Queen being one of them.
More reading. But cake is nigh.
_________________________________
Ilea gave everything a read as well. She remembered some of the university registration process being more dry than this. Maybe it felt different because she was involved with it all. Not just meaningless text written for an administrator far removed, for scenarios that would never come to be. She had fought in the Descent, had trained with the Shadows, she had seen the benefits of long range teleportation, and she knew what the Meadow could provide for a settlement, even in a harsher environment than the north.
For the first time in these talks did she truly realize what this all meant. It was the start of something massive. Something that could shatter the foundation of the status quo. And they were at the center of it all. She remembered arriving in Riverwatch, a city that would surely join into this agreement soon enough. She thought of Dale, the expedition to the west, to Dawntree. The Elven attacks, her arrival in Ravenhall. Her journey to the North. The Ascended corruption left behind by an ancient enemy of this realm.
If they planned to survive monsters like the Ascended or even worse, they had to cooperate. The Azarinth Order was gone, but they had the Sentinels. The Elves remained in their domains, but the Cerithil Hunters fought on, in long forgotten dungeons. The Taleen were gone, but with the help of the Meadow and a few gifted enchanters, they would take and improve their ancient technology. Available to all.
She finished reading through, waiting for the rest to do the same.
“There will be time to discuss any additional agreements afterwards,” Claire said. “As the speaker of these first talks between Hallowfort and Ravenhall, I ask you all to speak your vote on the first treaty, the teleportation network agreement. I Claire Russel, head administrator of Ravenhall vote in favor.”
Comments
Vortozan
I agree but really, I care not. Just love how much joy this story brings me
Alsia
Thanks for the chapter! This new part you've been writing has been really cool :)
Sean Flynn
I agree, and add that the story structure has laid a foundation where power creep isn't nearly as prevalent. By having 4 marks of great power and added classes at certain milestones, I feel it gave the story ample headroom to grow into. Having extra realms of unknown danger also gives proper enemies to go against. All together it means we could 1 day read chapters where ilea is at lvl 5000 racing between multiple kingdoms among her known controlled realms. All while not dealing with power creep really making her feel out of bounds of the stories power structure.. It's a good balance with potential for at least 2000 chapters
IJustWannaRead
I would actually consider him reliable in this situation. Most others, no, but this one? He had no reason to lie about something like that, and he has known them for years, like, many many years. If it was something related to where treasure was, nah I wouldn’t trust. But since it’s a random topic about his “friends” in the Lily I don’t think he’d lie.
Dave
One of the thing's I have loved most reading through this story ( on readthrough 7) is the fact that after all this os said and done lea has yet to explore a whole continent of this planet let alone the relms which by all accounts could be infinite wgich simply means the possibility's are not limited.
Jachin Nelson
I would say the gates are a scientific wonder
K Hilliard
Ah, so he did, back in chapter 502: "[...] If I might give you one piece of advice, don’t mention the species thing to the others. Even Helena might take issue with that. They actually think humans are in some way superior. Don’t ask me how the fuck they came to that conclusion.” So, yeah, they're a specist group...assuming Mr. Pirate, Hector the Destroyer, can be considered a reliable source on the topic. :P Hope it'll make for some fun conflict.
Hector was pretty clear that most of them were pro-human bigots. At least Helena and the general (time mage/enhancer who started with a V, Valamyr?) - he told Illea not to mention the elves at all with them. I guess that could be pragmatism because they aren't going to have control with other races, but from what I recall the implication was more toward the racism/specism end of the scale.
Thaldor
Can’t wait for the human cities to be like, “Wait.. what? No, how dare you, but also yes please, I mean no. Grrrrrrrr. Gate please.”
Who knows!
Dantalia
The entire world is going to change in the next 10 or so chapters I bet.
K Hilliard
It'd be specist, not racist. :P I didn't mean to imply they were either. As I recall their stated goal was to look out for humanity's interests, mainly not letting them get wiped out by facilitating a system by which powerful high level individuals could peaceably resolve their differences. Giving access to the high level non-humans of the north and elsewhere, some elves included, to the human plains seems like something they might oppose on principal, despite all the treaties and assurances of nonaggression/mutual defense. Helena hasn't been the most trusting sort. Yet, she's also been shown to be practical. I could see her leaning either way. Michael will probably just be happy to have access to Meadow again, so we can anticipate his vote on the matter. :) For the rest, depends how many Lys nationalists and others don't like altering the current political power balance.
Lazerus56
Teleportation gates dont count as a wonder? Also does the meadow themselves count!?
Forrest Minter
I don't get the impression that they're outright racists as much as they're self-interested pragmatists. Obviously we haven't met the entire lily, but I doubt most of them would be actually mad about it.
Justin
Thanks for the chapters. Been enjoying the new series as well.
K Hilliard
I was really looking forward to a random kingly outburst from Twin. Maybe all the crazy has him subdued for the moment? Or just the presence of Meadow & Owl? Looking forward to the reaction of the Golden Lily, aka "Humans for humanity," at the revelation of Ilea's multi-special dealings. Helena might be smart enough to see the overall benefits to humanity though. And we'll probably get to meet the Empress of Lys soon, once word of this spreads.
James Hamlyn
I’m surprised the empress hasn’t had something to say already with how things have gone, once the gates appear surely there will be a meeting?
Arthur
Thanks for the chapter ! Ilea ultimate plan for avoiding any future responsibilities is moving steadily forward.
Almost forgot about Cless, and inspiring ballads has to count as well
Matthias
maybe Ilea will be the first to get a great artist, bring a revolution to that field as well. though, to be fair, we have seen barely any artists and musicians, even though bards are talked about every now and then. Cless is the main one that comes to mind, and everything else was street-performers at most.
Well, if she keeps dancing something will happen for sure
Katherine
Still needs more wonders for culture victory. Not enough Art and Music slots. :p
For someone unconcerned with responsibility and ruling, Ilea is going for the science, culture, diplomacy, and domination victory with this little stunt, not to mention the theocracy she is building. I think world domination is inevitable at this point out of sheer momentum. I for one welcome the Empress of Mankind and other affiliated spices under her merciful rule, long live!
Chad Hagner
I'm very excited to see these cities step into the bigger stage of statehood and interactions with empires. Goddess Ilea will be most fun to watch as she deals with conflicts lol
Dominic Falcon
“And cake was neigh.” Someone has their priorities straight.
Corwin Amber
'so much articles' much -> many
Null
Are you nut or you forgot how audur played with them..... imagine what would happen to those idiots as soon as they say Lilith is some where or some time ... Audur is not a simple moster without mind, it would immediately know what the weak sack of bone want with it. The most likely outcome it's going to simple eat them and wait for more info.
Matthew D
I wonder who is going to vote against this... someone has to be against it
Andrew
Thank you!
now everything is clear, it remains only to wait for timeskips, I wonder what will happen next?
Blaublue
I feel like mentioning to others (especially in the presence of others such as a spymaster who might be a spy), that Audur the Dragon would be a problem if they came, isn't the best idea. If it becomes known that Audur wants revenge on Lilith, those wanting Ilea killed or wants to seize her power/wealth might try to (foolishly) seek Audur's help and share Ilea's location, and it'll proceed to destroy both them and Ilea.
Alexander Dupree
I'm so happy for them. Thank you for a great chapter
Thanks for the chapter! Great stuff!
Detrox
Well the thing is, it would be highly improbable if the moment they finish the network new enemy decides to invade and only chance to save it is by teleport. I really dislike this trope in novels where events suddenly happened the exact time mc is ready for them
Thanks for the chapters!
bob barker
I'm happy to see that this section wasn't rushed.
Cirex123
If any other human 3marks are still around (e.g. golden lily elders), this treaty is likely to cause them to come out of hiding.
Seijax
This. Plus Michael when he finds out that she did actually manage to sneak Meadow out and get its help in cracking the teleportation tech
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Rainer
Lilith's chosen?
MountainFox
One big question though. What are they going to call themselves as a faction? They're an alliance of city states.
Grond (James)
I can't wait to see how the Medic sentinels grow with access to the north. They're going to become the powerhouse organization, at least in regards to healers. And Ravenhall as a country will dominate given its teleportation network
Martin
Now with defensive treaty in place, let's introduce some interesting and challenging enemies
Qrystof
Very exciting. Can't wait to see the countries reactions to the teleportation network. Maybe just the golden lily members and the nation with the healing order she fought?
Rafael Plasonig
Thanks for the Chapters :)
