icedark_elf (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
icedark_elf) wrote2009-06-21 01:25 pm
icedark_elf) wrote2009-06-21 01:25 pm
Fic: Song of the Wolf King(2/6)
Title: Song of the Wolf King
Author: GW Katrina aka![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
icedark_elf
Fandom: FFVII
Claim: Egyptian AU
Prompt(s): 3-New Year, 8-Campfire, 38-Rain, 22-Flying, 42-Wind, 20-First Love, 37-Animal, 4-Solstice, 10-Country, 32-Hopeful for![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-community.gif)
50episodes
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 5,116
A/N: Incest is mentioned
//New Year//
Even as things changed, everything else stayed the same. Everyone in the Two Lands was buzzing around, setting things up.
The Floods were coming.
With them would come the soil that would keep the lands fertile and easy to grow in. That, along with the proper blessings, meant that food would be plentiful and that there would be no famine.
Which, of course, meant it was time for the festivals of the new year.
All around the city, people were moving, smiling and chatting happily with each other. Even the threat of the sickness could not keep away the joy of this time of year. The floods were coming, and with them came a time of calm, of peace. Water was everywhere, and while it was up, few things could be done. No farming, no work on the farms outside the minor repairs that most had done already.
Instead, it was the time of festivals and celebrations. Temples were visited, offerings made. Now was the time to remember the good things the gods had brought them, and to revel in the fact that they were alive to enjoy them.
Standing on the balcony of his rooms, Cloud smiled as he watched the stands being built. For a time, all of Nibelheim would be a festival. He was sure that Midgar would be the same, but that was the place of priests. He would leave them to their own celebrations. Here, he had the chance to remind people of all the good that could happen.
There were still rumors, of course, that his rule would end in death and destruction, and he was determined that it would not be so.
This was the first break he had had all day. Most of it had been spent with advisors and servants, making plans, distributing funds where needed, making sure that there would be plenty of food and drink for the crowds that would descend upon the city as the height of the festivals.
The priests had already sent out the announcements, of when the waters would rise, and when they would recede. People would start leaving about seven days before the waters would return to the river, to be home and ready to plant when they could.
Until then, though, there would be a great celebration.
Already, Cloud had talked to the man who represented all the brewers in the local towns, along with the ones from up and downriver. Most of the people would be gone from their homes, and so Cloud would have to make sure that they had plenty of stores in the city for them. He would not allow a riot to break out, as it had done occasionally in the past. There would be plenty of beer for people to drink, so they did not have to resort to the murky waters that would cover everything.
There were plenty of boat owners who would survive half a year on what they made in the next few weeks, and Cloud had already spoken to them as well. No overcharging, no taking advantage of those who had drank too much.
It had been like that all day, the last few days. Talking to a variety of people. Entertainers, food providers, everyone that he needed to make sure that everything would be perfect.
And it would be.
Watching as the waters were already starting to rise, Cloud smiled.
He had learned everything he could watching his father, and he would prove he was just as good a king as the older had been.
His kingdom would need it. They needed a king they could trust for the issues that would come.
Cold creeping up his spine, Cloud tightened his fingers on the railing of his balcony.
Danger was coming to his lands. It had been coming a long time. Soon, he would have to find a way to confront it.
And then he would need all the support he could get.
First, though, he had to focus on the new year. The first under a new king.
He would make it something people remembered with joy.
//Campfire//
Sitting on the hill, Aeris smiled as she looked down over the fields below. This wasn’t her first watch, but it was the first time she was here on her own. Her mother and Elmyra had each gone to different places. Here, though, they had left for Aeris.
Another sign of her growing power.
These were the main fields that fed the city. That fed the Royal Courts and all those who lived here. In the past, it had been her mother who watched these, who had walked the fields and let her blood splatter first on the flames before the fire was taken by torches to other bundles of wood.
This time, it was Aeris.
The knife had been sharp, so sharp she had barely felt it as it had gashed across her palm. Her voice hadn’t even stalled as she had chanted the ceremonial words, blessing the fields with the fertility of The Great Lady and Mother.
Tomorrow, the floods were due in force, and with them would come the dark soils that would cover the earth and provide food for the Two Lands.
She had done the ceremony, watched as her blood had splattered dark on the wood. Closing her fingers, she focused, and when her hand opened again, the cut was gone, healed over.
From there, she had not been needed, really. The fire had been lit, and then people had lit torches from it, taking them to light the other fires that scattered the area. They would provide protection and blessings to the fields, promise a good growth and plentiful harvest.
Now, she sat and watched. This was the part she always enjoyed the most. The earth reflected the sky, with a hundred little fires spreading out from where she stood echoing the stars above them. Under her, the world seemed to stir. It thirsted for the waters that would come, and was ready to provide for those who cared for it again.
This year was even better, and she shifted some to lean against Zack, who had an arm looped around her waist and held her. He was warm, and she loved to watch his eyes in the dark.
“They all lit,” he said with a hum, cheek resting on her hair. “You looked perfect out there. Everyone was watching.”
“Of course they were watching,” she said with a smile. “I was only doing a major blessing. “
He chuckled and kissed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “So, know who you are going to do the rest of the ritual with?”
The words were a purr in her ear, and Aeris laughed softly before twisting and pouncing on him. Tease her, would he. Well, she’d tease right back, and the pleased sound he made as she kissed him told her that he was just as happy with her answer as she had hoped.
Later, they could talk about what was going on. Right now was for blessings and being together.
//Rain//
Standing on the opening to the balcony, Reno could see the rains as they came. A grey mist just seemed to spring up as the sky opened up and water began to pour down.
They had returned to Midgar ahead of the flood, which was good, as Reno hated having to travel when the waters were up. Everything got mucky, which made things more dangerous. The crocodiles came with the river, and Rufus, training to take over the temple of the Distant One, was always a target for assassins.
Idiots. Like his Mesu Heru would let anyone lay a hand on him. Tseng was just as proud as the falcon brother he represented, as if he’d let anyone get away with something like that.
Still they were now home, safe and sound, and he knew that Rufus was talking with Veld. The older man’s own Mesu Heru was in the room with the pair, so they were safe enough in there, and it was his job, along with the others, to keep watch around the room itself.
In a way, the rains were a relief. Everything had been sitting still and hot, especially once the water had risen. The floods always came before the rain, so the water was just as welcomed for cooling things down as it was for filling up tubs and water reserves.
And with the cool came calm. People weren’t so agitated, so willing to fight.
Not that Reno minded a good fight. But he did have to be stealthy sometimes, and having to punch in someone’s nose was hardly good for that.
In other ways, he scowled at the rain. It meant he was going to get wet. They still had to go out and make sure that any possible threats to the priests, and Rufus in particular, was under control.
Especially now. As the sickness kept hitting people, everyone was getting more and more paranoid. And they had all been told stories about Gast and his death.
He wasn’t going to let anything like that happen to Rufus. And he knew none of the others would let anything happened to the man, either. They were his Mesu Heru, and with them, he was unstoppable.
He didn’t like the fact that Rufus was a target, but…it wasn’t a bad life.
So Reno stood there, ears open to the sound of people moving, and watched the rain come down.
//Flying//
For all that they were great predators, the hawks and falcons that Cid used in his travels made some of the most amusing chirps. Soft little sounds, not the scream of the hunt most of them were known for.
Cid knew every detail of his birds, though. Their strength and weaknesses, and which was best for the job.
Some days, he wished he could do as they did. To float effortlessly on spread wings and ride the wind.
It wasn’t to be, however. He was born human, and was in his King’s service.
Tying the message to the hawk’s leg, he gave the bird a treat, then threw his arm into the air.
“Home,” he called, watching as the bird circled, making another of the chirp sounds, then flew towards the great city of Nibelheim. It would take a day or two for the animal to reach, and then be sent back this way. Cid would have to collect her from the nearby city, but that was fine. She was his Highwind, and was the smartest of his animals.
The report, though, would not be good news. He’d been traveling, moving with the caravans, getting a feel of what the situation was in the Two Lands.
And that situation was bad.
The sickness was everywhere, spreading faster and faster as more people fell ill. Already it was killing faster. Where before it might take years from the first marks appearing to the painful oozing death, now it was taking only months. The longest he heard of of someone who had newly come down was a flood cycle.
That, however, wasn’t the worst of it.
It had spread to the animals.
Oxen and chocobo both had seen infections, and it was slowly spreading to the other animals. He feared when it spread to the farms, to the plants.
Cid sent his message on, and turned towards the nearest town. He’d have to be there when his Highwind returned, and then they’d start traveling more.
//Wind//
It was the wind.
Whenever he paused, lost, he would just have to wait until the wind blew up fresh. Every time, it carried her scent, and as he traveled, it grew stronger.
Flexing gold-laced fingers, he watched as the water flowed past as the boat he traveled on floated. The owner had stopped to pick up more travelers, and so they sat, waiting. As they did, he watched the water, and felt the wind on his face.
She was there, bitter, stagnant, sick. In his mind, the one he followed curled, snarling silently at the taint she spread everywhere.
What was going on that she was able to contaminate this land so well? Where were the gods of this country? They had two sets, surely one could do something.
Or perhaps she had used trickery to get where she was. It was one of her favorite tactics, and he knew that her avatar had married well.
Did the man even realize what he had bound himself to? Possibly, he had not heard pleasant things of the man.
Huddled in his cloak, he fought off the urge to sneak as a particularly strong whiff of the darkness.
Her stench was everywhere.
He would find the source, however, and She of Seven Names would be dealt with. Even other demons did not deal with her, and he would make sure that her stigma would die here.
No more people would die of the black marks. Not after this country.
Though he wasn’t sure who he could talk to. First, he would find her. Then he would find allies. This was their home, they knew it better than he.
With a buzz, a locust landed on his shoulder, and he raised a finger up to brush along it’s back. Hmm. Storms were coming. They would drive the boat faster.
His demon-lord wanted this done. Not unexpected, given the hatred between the two demons. But the Wind-King Demon and She of Seven Names had never gone fang to fang as they had recently. She of Seven Names had slain the unborn child of Wind-King Demon, and stolen his consort for her avatar.
Settling, he waited.
Things were coming to a head. Soon, everything would be done.
He just had to be patient.
//First Love//
Ever since she was small, Tifa had been fascinated with Cloud. He was the quiet one of the twin sons, and as the eldest daughter of the former King, she always knew that she was most likely going to end up married to whoever was the next king. The line of the king was passed through the female side, even if the eldest sons inherited the throne.
Though, for the most part, she had been kept with her mother, one of the lesser wives, and only saw her half siblings from a distance. Not that it bothered her. She had spent a lot of time learning all sorts of things. For instance, when one of the fighters from the temple of She Who is Powerful had decided she had talent. While not inclined to join the temple herself, Tifa had enjoyed the hand to hand fighting skills that Zangan had taught her. He really did believe in her ability to fight, which was nice, even if she was the daughter of the King.
If she wasn’t selected to be on of Cloud’s wives, she had a vague idea of talking to him about being a bodyguard.
Though given that Cloud was sitting in front of her now, Bugenhagen to the side. She liked the older man, who was in charge of several things, including the sacred lions of the palace. He was also one of the few advisors Cloud trusted enough to have in the private quarters of the family.
Settled on a large pillow, Tifa waited to see what Cloud had called her for, though she was pretty sure she knew what was going to happen.
“Tifa....” The boy fidgeted more, then sighed. “Will you consent to being my wife?”
Even though she had thought plenty about this, and she had had a crush on Cloud since they were both tiny, Tifa had to pause.
They were both very affectionate for each other. However, she knew what her duty would be.
Have an heir. And have one quickly.
If she said no, she could very well be asked to marry later on, only this time to someone outside the country, who she didn’t know. She was still the daughter of the former King, and as such, her hand would be useful in securing alliances from other countries. Or even within it, through the various temples and families there.
It was also a mark of how much Cloud trusted -her-. If he thought she was under the thumb of any of the people who tried to manipulate Court around Cloud, he would never had asked.
“Please?”
There was more than a little plead in that single word, and Tifa could feel her insides melt a little bit at the large blue eyes looking at her.
It was for her country, and for the first boy she had ever loved.
“Yes.”
//Animal//
Tail flipping lazily behind him, Nanaki stretched, then resettled himself. As he did, the ambassadors from the small, aggressive country to the south of the Two Lands fell silent.
Not because they realized that they had been ignoring Nanaki. No, it was all due to the fact they were reminded of the fact they had a very large cat stretched out nearby.
Nanaki was the most sacred of the sacred lions, his flame tipped tail a mark of his status as the chosen creature of the Ladies of Flame.
However, to most people, he was only a dumb beast, blood red and marked by flame. Only a very select few, such as the King, and Barrett, knew of the fact Nanaki could speak, and was far more intelligent than most of the humans in Court.
Once he stopped moving, pretending to sleep again, the ambassador began speaking again. Listening in easily, Nanaki laid there, eyes shut as he translated mentally what they said. The nation of Serpents was very determined to make the far wealthier nation of the Two lands theirs, and every few generations attempted to invade and conquer. Not that it worked, but it was something that they liked to be prepared for when it happened.
They were due another in attempt in the next few years, if the past was any indication. Absently, Nanaki wondered if this time would finally bring the might of the armies down upon the Serpents, and they would join the Two Lands as a new territory.
The former King, may he enjoy the Summerlands, had planned to expand the Two Lands in just such a way.
Nanaki made a note to see if Cloud had his father’s inclinations.
Though it sounded as if the Serpents had decided to put on hold any plans. As his listened, still curious how human mouths made those strange hissing sounds that made up the language of the Serpents, he heard them debate. The Two Lands was as weak as it would ever be, with a somewhat unstable King and the sickness that raged through the lands.
However, it seemed that the stigma was the main reason that they were hesitant to invade. Which made sense. Why invade a plague land? You’d only be exposing your own people to the sickness.
As the men rose and walked off, Nanaki just waited.
This little niche was one of the few where a person could have a private conversation. Eventually, someone else would come. And they would ignore Nanaki.
Which was just fine by him.
//Solstice//
Feeling the bird shifting under him, Zack reached down and petted down the bird’s neck, eyes focused on the thin line of light that was glowing along the hills. The sun was rising, and he just had to wait for the first edge of the circle to show. Then the ceremony would start.
Honestly, this was one of his favorite holidays. Zack loved riding the chocobos, and the racing of the sun that marked the beginning of the solstice was one.
This was the first year he was riding one of the blacks. Last year, it had been Angeal and Genesis who had rode the dark birds, while Zack had been on a pale blue. But this year....
Kunsel was on the other black, taking the place of Genesis as well. The other leader of She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector had also developed the sickness that was killing so many. Zack wondered if all the high priests were being targeted. Angeal’s stigma had spread, forming a wing like mark on his back, one that was echoed by Genesis’s illness. So the other leader had taken to training Kunsel, which was good. Zack liked the guy, and knew they could work well together for the more complex rituals.
All this ran through his mind, then the first sliver of the sun rose over the horizon, and Zack set the bird running. He clung close to the black’s back, whooping as the light caught the red highlights in the chocobo’s feathers, making them look like they were on fire. The blacks were chosen just for this.
On either side, he heard the pounding feet of the other birds, the laughter of the riders. Yuffie was joining this year, and he could hear her voice clear over the others.
The race was a good way to start the day, and he urged his bird on more. Racing the sun was one of the most entertaining things of the day, but the tone of the festivities would be set by how far they could race by the time the sun rose fully.
Turned out, it was a good distance. Not the best, but not the worst, and he and Kunsel were laughing as they clasped hands.
“We did good,” Zack said with a grin.
Kunsel nodded. “And next year we’ll do better.”
After that, everyone who participated went to the sacred pools and cleaned up. Washing up in the pale green water, Zack felt it tingle through his skin, and knew the glow in his eyes would be brighter after this. Kunsel’s eyes were just as bright, then they were out and joining the others.
Still tingly, Zack went to check on his father. Angeal moved carefully now, not wanting to irritate the stigma, and Zack tried hard to not fuss over the man. Still, he couldn’t help but worry. It was his -dad-.
“You okay?”
Angeal just shook his head, but smiled at Zack. “I’m fine, Zack. You and Kunsel did well.”
A shrug. “We’ll do better next year. Wait till you see it. We’re gonna beat all the records.”
Even as he said it, Zack didn’t believe it, and Angeal didn’t either. People were dying faster from the sickness, and as far as Angeal had gone, he wouldn’t even last to the next flood, let alone the next Sun Solstice. Still, he didn’t like the idea of his father not being there.
“I’m sure you will. Never were content with being average.”
Zack grinned at Angeal’s exasperated tone, then ran a hand through his hair. “Time to go start the ritual blessing.” He wrinkled his nose. She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was called that for a reason. She had a thing for scents, and this was the time of year they made the most powerful of the projective amulets, as well as setting up the spells that would see the Two Lands through for the next year. It was their part of setting up what made the Two Lands such a rich land in the middle of the desert. All the temples had rituals and such this time of year, just as they did during the Moon Solstice, and the two Equinoxes. All the wards and spells would work together and bring good luck with harvests, growing seasons, the birth of healthy beasts and babies.
She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was one who helped bind those spells together as one of the Ladies of Flame.
Angeal was chuckling at the expression of Zack’s face, and then gave him a push. “Go on. Time for you to deal with our Lady’s love of smell.”
Snorting, Zack turned, and headed for the main temple. He and Kunsel would be in the inner part of the temple, which Angeal and Genesis leading the ritual outside.
Here was where being the high priests came into true use.
He would channel the power for the spells, something that would burn out most of the lower level priests. It was a major part of if the amulet accepted him or not when Angeal had passed it down.
Given his heritage.....
Zack was just good at it, and he did put it to good use. Already he had helped out several other temples with their rituals, playing funnel for the spellwork being put together.
And here he would do it on a large scale, helping set up the frame work for the protective spells that would be laced all around the Two Lands.
For a finicky goddess, She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was a protecting goddess, and she did her part. And so did her priests.
Passing through the inner doors behind Kunsel, Zack took a deep breath.
Time to take another step into truly being the high priest.
//Country//
Angeal loved this area. It always called to him, and he remembered the first time he had traveled to Gongaga.
Now they were on the way back to Nibelheim, and he was ready for the stop for the night. It had been a long day, and he was ready to rest.
Zack stuck his head in, and smiled, and Angeal couldn’t help by smile back. His son looked just like his mother when she was fully human, and it made Angeal’s heart tighten. He wasn’t ready to leave the kid behind. There was so much going on, he just wanted to lock Zack away and keep him safe.
But he couldn’t. Something was happening, something the gods had been preparing for a long time, if the range of their children was any indication.
“Just wanted to make sure everything got set up here.”
So Zack hadn’t missed the fact that Angeal was sore and stiff. A year ago, it wouldn’t have been the case, but the stigma hurt. Like nothing Angeal had ever felt before. And it made traveling like this painful.
Still, he summoned up a smile for Zack. “I’m fine. The younger ones are full of enough energy to help me set up as well. How did you like your first taste of this sort of ritual?”
Zack shrugged. “It’s like a bigger version of what I’ve done before. Not too hard, but the concentration is draining.”
A chuckle from Angeal. “You always did have issues with your focusing.”
With a flush, Zack ducked his head. “I got better.”
“I blame you mother. Go rest, Zack. It’s going to be busy when we return to Nibelheim.”
Zack nodded, and after a pause, moved to give Angeal a hug. Angeal hugged back, and, for the first time in a long time, pulled Zack down to kiss the top of his head.
“You’re a good kid, and I know you’ll do just fine as the high priest. Got that?”
A slightly confused look in those bright eyes, then Zack just smiled at him. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too. Go, sleep.”
After another hug, Zack left the tent.
Outside, the noises of camp began to fade, and Angeal settled back.
“Blame him on me, hmm?”
Glancing sideways, Angeal nodded. “My Lady.”
It was always was a bit odd to see her smile while in her current form, a strange curl baring her fangs, ears perked forward. Sleek fur was pale, and the goddess moved to sit on the side of Angeal’s bed. “You knew it would be tonight, didn’t you?”
He tilted his head. “It had the feeling. Like the first time I met you.”
“Does he realize how he’s different from the others?”
Angeal nodded. “And I don’t think he’s shared that. In any case, what happens now?”
She reached out, tracing a finger along his cheek. “Now....you come with me. You are my favorite.”
“Our son will mourn.”
“That is the fate of all mortals, though. To gain, to lose, to mourn, and to live on. He will survive your loss, and he will go on to live his own life.”
“I know.” He reached up and scratched lightly around her ear, and the goddess purred, her green eyes shutting. “Still, as his father, I worry. Whatever is attacking the Two Lands is taking out the high ranking priests. I worry for him, that now he’ll be a target. He’s still easily distracted.”
She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector chuckled. “He inherited that from me, I will admit. But he has your strength. They will be fine.”
“Genesis will be angry at me.”
“Genesis is a brat. He’ll join us far too soon, and we’ll hear it all then. Well, you will. I’m sure I’ll start hearing him rant over it tomorrow.”
“He is a very passionate man.”
“He’s one of my chosen, but the man has far too much love of poetry.” She smirked. “Though I do not mind it now and then.”
“You just love the praise.”
She nodded. “I am a cat. Of course I love praise. But we should go now. He knows you love him, and he knows it was coming.”
“Doesn’t make it easier. But he has his friends. And that pretty little priestess of The Great Mother and Lady.” Angeal nodded. “All right. Where to from here?”
His goddess offered up her hand, and Angeal took it.
They found his body the next day, but Angeal wasn’t there any more.
//Hopeful//
The tone of the country had taken on a more hopeful cast. The Wolf-King was taking his first wife, and everyone hoped that there would soon been talk of an heir.
The King was young, but he still had no future. An heir with a proper forecasting would fix that.
Everyone had started preparing for the celebrations. The marriage of a king to his first wife was something to celebrate, and festivals, unorganized, were already starting to spring up. The temples were working hard for the blessings and the rituals they’d need to go through to bring all the luck that could be brought to the couple. If they worked hard, they’d have all of the work done.
Even now, Tifa was in with her ladies, the henna of the ceremony, while Cloud was with his friends from the temples and Court, all starting the celebration. Tomorrow, there would be the ceremony, done in the privacy of the family rooms of the royal family, then....
Then there would be a massive festival. A week of food and celebration, of contests and a general lifting of the mood.
The people of the Two Lands needed this, a reason to be hopeful.
And they would latch onto it.
Author: GW Katrina aka
icedark_elfFandom: FFVII
Claim: Egyptian AU
Prompt(s): 3-New Year, 8-Campfire, 38-Rain, 22-Flying, 42-Wind, 20-First Love, 37-Animal, 4-Solstice, 10-Country, 32-Hopeful for
50episodesRating: PG-13
Wordcount: 5,116
A/N: Incest is mentioned
Even as things changed, everything else stayed the same. Everyone in the Two Lands was buzzing around, setting things up.
The Floods were coming.
With them would come the soil that would keep the lands fertile and easy to grow in. That, along with the proper blessings, meant that food would be plentiful and that there would be no famine.
Which, of course, meant it was time for the festivals of the new year.
All around the city, people were moving, smiling and chatting happily with each other. Even the threat of the sickness could not keep away the joy of this time of year. The floods were coming, and with them came a time of calm, of peace. Water was everywhere, and while it was up, few things could be done. No farming, no work on the farms outside the minor repairs that most had done already.
Instead, it was the time of festivals and celebrations. Temples were visited, offerings made. Now was the time to remember the good things the gods had brought them, and to revel in the fact that they were alive to enjoy them.
Standing on the balcony of his rooms, Cloud smiled as he watched the stands being built. For a time, all of Nibelheim would be a festival. He was sure that Midgar would be the same, but that was the place of priests. He would leave them to their own celebrations. Here, he had the chance to remind people of all the good that could happen.
There were still rumors, of course, that his rule would end in death and destruction, and he was determined that it would not be so.
This was the first break he had had all day. Most of it had been spent with advisors and servants, making plans, distributing funds where needed, making sure that there would be plenty of food and drink for the crowds that would descend upon the city as the height of the festivals.
The priests had already sent out the announcements, of when the waters would rise, and when they would recede. People would start leaving about seven days before the waters would return to the river, to be home and ready to plant when they could.
Until then, though, there would be a great celebration.
Already, Cloud had talked to the man who represented all the brewers in the local towns, along with the ones from up and downriver. Most of the people would be gone from their homes, and so Cloud would have to make sure that they had plenty of stores in the city for them. He would not allow a riot to break out, as it had done occasionally in the past. There would be plenty of beer for people to drink, so they did not have to resort to the murky waters that would cover everything.
There were plenty of boat owners who would survive half a year on what they made in the next few weeks, and Cloud had already spoken to them as well. No overcharging, no taking advantage of those who had drank too much.
It had been like that all day, the last few days. Talking to a variety of people. Entertainers, food providers, everyone that he needed to make sure that everything would be perfect.
And it would be.
Watching as the waters were already starting to rise, Cloud smiled.
He had learned everything he could watching his father, and he would prove he was just as good a king as the older had been.
His kingdom would need it. They needed a king they could trust for the issues that would come.
Cold creeping up his spine, Cloud tightened his fingers on the railing of his balcony.
Danger was coming to his lands. It had been coming a long time. Soon, he would have to find a way to confront it.
And then he would need all the support he could get.
First, though, he had to focus on the new year. The first under a new king.
He would make it something people remembered with joy.
Sitting on the hill, Aeris smiled as she looked down over the fields below. This wasn’t her first watch, but it was the first time she was here on her own. Her mother and Elmyra had each gone to different places. Here, though, they had left for Aeris.
Another sign of her growing power.
These were the main fields that fed the city. That fed the Royal Courts and all those who lived here. In the past, it had been her mother who watched these, who had walked the fields and let her blood splatter first on the flames before the fire was taken by torches to other bundles of wood.
This time, it was Aeris.
The knife had been sharp, so sharp she had barely felt it as it had gashed across her palm. Her voice hadn’t even stalled as she had chanted the ceremonial words, blessing the fields with the fertility of The Great Lady and Mother.
Tomorrow, the floods were due in force, and with them would come the dark soils that would cover the earth and provide food for the Two Lands.
She had done the ceremony, watched as her blood had splattered dark on the wood. Closing her fingers, she focused, and when her hand opened again, the cut was gone, healed over.
From there, she had not been needed, really. The fire had been lit, and then people had lit torches from it, taking them to light the other fires that scattered the area. They would provide protection and blessings to the fields, promise a good growth and plentiful harvest.
Now, she sat and watched. This was the part she always enjoyed the most. The earth reflected the sky, with a hundred little fires spreading out from where she stood echoing the stars above them. Under her, the world seemed to stir. It thirsted for the waters that would come, and was ready to provide for those who cared for it again.
This year was even better, and she shifted some to lean against Zack, who had an arm looped around her waist and held her. He was warm, and she loved to watch his eyes in the dark.
“They all lit,” he said with a hum, cheek resting on her hair. “You looked perfect out there. Everyone was watching.”
“Of course they were watching,” she said with a smile. “I was only doing a major blessing. “
He chuckled and kissed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “So, know who you are going to do the rest of the ritual with?”
The words were a purr in her ear, and Aeris laughed softly before twisting and pouncing on him. Tease her, would he. Well, she’d tease right back, and the pleased sound he made as she kissed him told her that he was just as happy with her answer as she had hoped.
Later, they could talk about what was going on. Right now was for blessings and being together.
Standing on the opening to the balcony, Reno could see the rains as they came. A grey mist just seemed to spring up as the sky opened up and water began to pour down.
They had returned to Midgar ahead of the flood, which was good, as Reno hated having to travel when the waters were up. Everything got mucky, which made things more dangerous. The crocodiles came with the river, and Rufus, training to take over the temple of the Distant One, was always a target for assassins.
Idiots. Like his Mesu Heru would let anyone lay a hand on him. Tseng was just as proud as the falcon brother he represented, as if he’d let anyone get away with something like that.
Still they were now home, safe and sound, and he knew that Rufus was talking with Veld. The older man’s own Mesu Heru was in the room with the pair, so they were safe enough in there, and it was his job, along with the others, to keep watch around the room itself.
In a way, the rains were a relief. Everything had been sitting still and hot, especially once the water had risen. The floods always came before the rain, so the water was just as welcomed for cooling things down as it was for filling up tubs and water reserves.
And with the cool came calm. People weren’t so agitated, so willing to fight.
Not that Reno minded a good fight. But he did have to be stealthy sometimes, and having to punch in someone’s nose was hardly good for that.
In other ways, he scowled at the rain. It meant he was going to get wet. They still had to go out and make sure that any possible threats to the priests, and Rufus in particular, was under control.
Especially now. As the sickness kept hitting people, everyone was getting more and more paranoid. And they had all been told stories about Gast and his death.
He wasn’t going to let anything like that happen to Rufus. And he knew none of the others would let anything happened to the man, either. They were his Mesu Heru, and with them, he was unstoppable.
He didn’t like the fact that Rufus was a target, but…it wasn’t a bad life.
So Reno stood there, ears open to the sound of people moving, and watched the rain come down.
For all that they were great predators, the hawks and falcons that Cid used in his travels made some of the most amusing chirps. Soft little sounds, not the scream of the hunt most of them were known for.
Cid knew every detail of his birds, though. Their strength and weaknesses, and which was best for the job.
Some days, he wished he could do as they did. To float effortlessly on spread wings and ride the wind.
It wasn’t to be, however. He was born human, and was in his King’s service.
Tying the message to the hawk’s leg, he gave the bird a treat, then threw his arm into the air.
“Home,” he called, watching as the bird circled, making another of the chirp sounds, then flew towards the great city of Nibelheim. It would take a day or two for the animal to reach, and then be sent back this way. Cid would have to collect her from the nearby city, but that was fine. She was his Highwind, and was the smartest of his animals.
The report, though, would not be good news. He’d been traveling, moving with the caravans, getting a feel of what the situation was in the Two Lands.
And that situation was bad.
The sickness was everywhere, spreading faster and faster as more people fell ill. Already it was killing faster. Where before it might take years from the first marks appearing to the painful oozing death, now it was taking only months. The longest he heard of of someone who had newly come down was a flood cycle.
That, however, wasn’t the worst of it.
It had spread to the animals.
Oxen and chocobo both had seen infections, and it was slowly spreading to the other animals. He feared when it spread to the farms, to the plants.
Cid sent his message on, and turned towards the nearest town. He’d have to be there when his Highwind returned, and then they’d start traveling more.
It was the wind.
Whenever he paused, lost, he would just have to wait until the wind blew up fresh. Every time, it carried her scent, and as he traveled, it grew stronger.
Flexing gold-laced fingers, he watched as the water flowed past as the boat he traveled on floated. The owner had stopped to pick up more travelers, and so they sat, waiting. As they did, he watched the water, and felt the wind on his face.
She was there, bitter, stagnant, sick. In his mind, the one he followed curled, snarling silently at the taint she spread everywhere.
What was going on that she was able to contaminate this land so well? Where were the gods of this country? They had two sets, surely one could do something.
Or perhaps she had used trickery to get where she was. It was one of her favorite tactics, and he knew that her avatar had married well.
Did the man even realize what he had bound himself to? Possibly, he had not heard pleasant things of the man.
Huddled in his cloak, he fought off the urge to sneak as a particularly strong whiff of the darkness.
Her stench was everywhere.
He would find the source, however, and She of Seven Names would be dealt with. Even other demons did not deal with her, and he would make sure that her stigma would die here.
No more people would die of the black marks. Not after this country.
Though he wasn’t sure who he could talk to. First, he would find her. Then he would find allies. This was their home, they knew it better than he.
With a buzz, a locust landed on his shoulder, and he raised a finger up to brush along it’s back. Hmm. Storms were coming. They would drive the boat faster.
His demon-lord wanted this done. Not unexpected, given the hatred between the two demons. But the Wind-King Demon and She of Seven Names had never gone fang to fang as they had recently. She of Seven Names had slain the unborn child of Wind-King Demon, and stolen his consort for her avatar.
Settling, he waited.
Things were coming to a head. Soon, everything would be done.
He just had to be patient.
Ever since she was small, Tifa had been fascinated with Cloud. He was the quiet one of the twin sons, and as the eldest daughter of the former King, she always knew that she was most likely going to end up married to whoever was the next king. The line of the king was passed through the female side, even if the eldest sons inherited the throne.
Though, for the most part, she had been kept with her mother, one of the lesser wives, and only saw her half siblings from a distance. Not that it bothered her. She had spent a lot of time learning all sorts of things. For instance, when one of the fighters from the temple of She Who is Powerful had decided she had talent. While not inclined to join the temple herself, Tifa had enjoyed the hand to hand fighting skills that Zangan had taught her. He really did believe in her ability to fight, which was nice, even if she was the daughter of the King.
If she wasn’t selected to be on of Cloud’s wives, she had a vague idea of talking to him about being a bodyguard.
Though given that Cloud was sitting in front of her now, Bugenhagen to the side. She liked the older man, who was in charge of several things, including the sacred lions of the palace. He was also one of the few advisors Cloud trusted enough to have in the private quarters of the family.
Settled on a large pillow, Tifa waited to see what Cloud had called her for, though she was pretty sure she knew what was going to happen.
“Tifa....” The boy fidgeted more, then sighed. “Will you consent to being my wife?”
Even though she had thought plenty about this, and she had had a crush on Cloud since they were both tiny, Tifa had to pause.
They were both very affectionate for each other. However, she knew what her duty would be.
Have an heir. And have one quickly.
If she said no, she could very well be asked to marry later on, only this time to someone outside the country, who she didn’t know. She was still the daughter of the former King, and as such, her hand would be useful in securing alliances from other countries. Or even within it, through the various temples and families there.
It was also a mark of how much Cloud trusted -her-. If he thought she was under the thumb of any of the people who tried to manipulate Court around Cloud, he would never had asked.
“Please?”
There was more than a little plead in that single word, and Tifa could feel her insides melt a little bit at the large blue eyes looking at her.
It was for her country, and for the first boy she had ever loved.
“Yes.”
Tail flipping lazily behind him, Nanaki stretched, then resettled himself. As he did, the ambassadors from the small, aggressive country to the south of the Two Lands fell silent.
Not because they realized that they had been ignoring Nanaki. No, it was all due to the fact they were reminded of the fact they had a very large cat stretched out nearby.
Nanaki was the most sacred of the sacred lions, his flame tipped tail a mark of his status as the chosen creature of the Ladies of Flame.
However, to most people, he was only a dumb beast, blood red and marked by flame. Only a very select few, such as the King, and Barrett, knew of the fact Nanaki could speak, and was far more intelligent than most of the humans in Court.
Once he stopped moving, pretending to sleep again, the ambassador began speaking again. Listening in easily, Nanaki laid there, eyes shut as he translated mentally what they said. The nation of Serpents was very determined to make the far wealthier nation of the Two lands theirs, and every few generations attempted to invade and conquer. Not that it worked, but it was something that they liked to be prepared for when it happened.
They were due another in attempt in the next few years, if the past was any indication. Absently, Nanaki wondered if this time would finally bring the might of the armies down upon the Serpents, and they would join the Two Lands as a new territory.
The former King, may he enjoy the Summerlands, had planned to expand the Two Lands in just such a way.
Nanaki made a note to see if Cloud had his father’s inclinations.
Though it sounded as if the Serpents had decided to put on hold any plans. As his listened, still curious how human mouths made those strange hissing sounds that made up the language of the Serpents, he heard them debate. The Two Lands was as weak as it would ever be, with a somewhat unstable King and the sickness that raged through the lands.
However, it seemed that the stigma was the main reason that they were hesitant to invade. Which made sense. Why invade a plague land? You’d only be exposing your own people to the sickness.
As the men rose and walked off, Nanaki just waited.
This little niche was one of the few where a person could have a private conversation. Eventually, someone else would come. And they would ignore Nanaki.
Which was just fine by him.
Feeling the bird shifting under him, Zack reached down and petted down the bird’s neck, eyes focused on the thin line of light that was glowing along the hills. The sun was rising, and he just had to wait for the first edge of the circle to show. Then the ceremony would start.
Honestly, this was one of his favorite holidays. Zack loved riding the chocobos, and the racing of the sun that marked the beginning of the solstice was one.
This was the first year he was riding one of the blacks. Last year, it had been Angeal and Genesis who had rode the dark birds, while Zack had been on a pale blue. But this year....
Kunsel was on the other black, taking the place of Genesis as well. The other leader of She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector had also developed the sickness that was killing so many. Zack wondered if all the high priests were being targeted. Angeal’s stigma had spread, forming a wing like mark on his back, one that was echoed by Genesis’s illness. So the other leader had taken to training Kunsel, which was good. Zack liked the guy, and knew they could work well together for the more complex rituals.
All this ran through his mind, then the first sliver of the sun rose over the horizon, and Zack set the bird running. He clung close to the black’s back, whooping as the light caught the red highlights in the chocobo’s feathers, making them look like they were on fire. The blacks were chosen just for this.
On either side, he heard the pounding feet of the other birds, the laughter of the riders. Yuffie was joining this year, and he could hear her voice clear over the others.
The race was a good way to start the day, and he urged his bird on more. Racing the sun was one of the most entertaining things of the day, but the tone of the festivities would be set by how far they could race by the time the sun rose fully.
Turned out, it was a good distance. Not the best, but not the worst, and he and Kunsel were laughing as they clasped hands.
“We did good,” Zack said with a grin.
Kunsel nodded. “And next year we’ll do better.”
After that, everyone who participated went to the sacred pools and cleaned up. Washing up in the pale green water, Zack felt it tingle through his skin, and knew the glow in his eyes would be brighter after this. Kunsel’s eyes were just as bright, then they were out and joining the others.
Still tingly, Zack went to check on his father. Angeal moved carefully now, not wanting to irritate the stigma, and Zack tried hard to not fuss over the man. Still, he couldn’t help but worry. It was his -dad-.
“You okay?”
Angeal just shook his head, but smiled at Zack. “I’m fine, Zack. You and Kunsel did well.”
A shrug. “We’ll do better next year. Wait till you see it. We’re gonna beat all the records.”
Even as he said it, Zack didn’t believe it, and Angeal didn’t either. People were dying faster from the sickness, and as far as Angeal had gone, he wouldn’t even last to the next flood, let alone the next Sun Solstice. Still, he didn’t like the idea of his father not being there.
“I’m sure you will. Never were content with being average.”
Zack grinned at Angeal’s exasperated tone, then ran a hand through his hair. “Time to go start the ritual blessing.” He wrinkled his nose. She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was called that for a reason. She had a thing for scents, and this was the time of year they made the most powerful of the projective amulets, as well as setting up the spells that would see the Two Lands through for the next year. It was their part of setting up what made the Two Lands such a rich land in the middle of the desert. All the temples had rituals and such this time of year, just as they did during the Moon Solstice, and the two Equinoxes. All the wards and spells would work together and bring good luck with harvests, growing seasons, the birth of healthy beasts and babies.
She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was one who helped bind those spells together as one of the Ladies of Flame.
Angeal was chuckling at the expression of Zack’s face, and then gave him a push. “Go on. Time for you to deal with our Lady’s love of smell.”
Snorting, Zack turned, and headed for the main temple. He and Kunsel would be in the inner part of the temple, which Angeal and Genesis leading the ritual outside.
Here was where being the high priests came into true use.
He would channel the power for the spells, something that would burn out most of the lower level priests. It was a major part of if the amulet accepted him or not when Angeal had passed it down.
Given his heritage.....
Zack was just good at it, and he did put it to good use. Already he had helped out several other temples with their rituals, playing funnel for the spellwork being put together.
And here he would do it on a large scale, helping set up the frame work for the protective spells that would be laced all around the Two Lands.
For a finicky goddess, She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector was a protecting goddess, and she did her part. And so did her priests.
Passing through the inner doors behind Kunsel, Zack took a deep breath.
Time to take another step into truly being the high priest.
Angeal loved this area. It always called to him, and he remembered the first time he had traveled to Gongaga.
Now they were on the way back to Nibelheim, and he was ready for the stop for the night. It had been a long day, and he was ready to rest.
Zack stuck his head in, and smiled, and Angeal couldn’t help by smile back. His son looked just like his mother when she was fully human, and it made Angeal’s heart tighten. He wasn’t ready to leave the kid behind. There was so much going on, he just wanted to lock Zack away and keep him safe.
But he couldn’t. Something was happening, something the gods had been preparing for a long time, if the range of their children was any indication.
“Just wanted to make sure everything got set up here.”
So Zack hadn’t missed the fact that Angeal was sore and stiff. A year ago, it wouldn’t have been the case, but the stigma hurt. Like nothing Angeal had ever felt before. And it made traveling like this painful.
Still, he summoned up a smile for Zack. “I’m fine. The younger ones are full of enough energy to help me set up as well. How did you like your first taste of this sort of ritual?”
Zack shrugged. “It’s like a bigger version of what I’ve done before. Not too hard, but the concentration is draining.”
A chuckle from Angeal. “You always did have issues with your focusing.”
With a flush, Zack ducked his head. “I got better.”
“I blame you mother. Go rest, Zack. It’s going to be busy when we return to Nibelheim.”
Zack nodded, and after a pause, moved to give Angeal a hug. Angeal hugged back, and, for the first time in a long time, pulled Zack down to kiss the top of his head.
“You’re a good kid, and I know you’ll do just fine as the high priest. Got that?”
A slightly confused look in those bright eyes, then Zack just smiled at him. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too. Go, sleep.”
After another hug, Zack left the tent.
Outside, the noises of camp began to fade, and Angeal settled back.
“Blame him on me, hmm?”
Glancing sideways, Angeal nodded. “My Lady.”
It was always was a bit odd to see her smile while in her current form, a strange curl baring her fangs, ears perked forward. Sleek fur was pale, and the goddess moved to sit on the side of Angeal’s bed. “You knew it would be tonight, didn’t you?”
He tilted his head. “It had the feeling. Like the first time I met you.”
“Does he realize how he’s different from the others?”
Angeal nodded. “And I don’t think he’s shared that. In any case, what happens now?”
She reached out, tracing a finger along his cheek. “Now....you come with me. You are my favorite.”
“Our son will mourn.”
“That is the fate of all mortals, though. To gain, to lose, to mourn, and to live on. He will survive your loss, and he will go on to live his own life.”
“I know.” He reached up and scratched lightly around her ear, and the goddess purred, her green eyes shutting. “Still, as his father, I worry. Whatever is attacking the Two Lands is taking out the high ranking priests. I worry for him, that now he’ll be a target. He’s still easily distracted.”
She of Papyrus-Perfumed Protector chuckled. “He inherited that from me, I will admit. But he has your strength. They will be fine.”
“Genesis will be angry at me.”
“Genesis is a brat. He’ll join us far too soon, and we’ll hear it all then. Well, you will. I’m sure I’ll start hearing him rant over it tomorrow.”
“He is a very passionate man.”
“He’s one of my chosen, but the man has far too much love of poetry.” She smirked. “Though I do not mind it now and then.”
“You just love the praise.”
She nodded. “I am a cat. Of course I love praise. But we should go now. He knows you love him, and he knows it was coming.”
“Doesn’t make it easier. But he has his friends. And that pretty little priestess of The Great Mother and Lady.” Angeal nodded. “All right. Where to from here?”
His goddess offered up her hand, and Angeal took it.
They found his body the next day, but Angeal wasn’t there any more.
The tone of the country had taken on a more hopeful cast. The Wolf-King was taking his first wife, and everyone hoped that there would soon been talk of an heir.
The King was young, but he still had no future. An heir with a proper forecasting would fix that.
Everyone had started preparing for the celebrations. The marriage of a king to his first wife was something to celebrate, and festivals, unorganized, were already starting to spring up. The temples were working hard for the blessings and the rituals they’d need to go through to bring all the luck that could be brought to the couple. If they worked hard, they’d have all of the work done.
Even now, Tifa was in with her ladies, the henna of the ceremony, while Cloud was with his friends from the temples and Court, all starting the celebration. Tomorrow, there would be the ceremony, done in the privacy of the family rooms of the royal family, then....
Then there would be a massive festival. A week of food and celebration, of contests and a general lifting of the mood.
The people of the Two Lands needed this, a reason to be hopeful.
And they would latch onto it.
no subject
no subject
no subject
(Anonymous) 2009-07-02 08:12 am (UTC)(link)