Chapter Text
Lurien entered the conference room, the familiar cool air hitting his shell as he pushed open the tall doors. Walking up to the boardroom table, he took his usual seat.
Unusually, he was told to bring nothing with him today, including his loyal butler who very commonly accompanied Lurien on his excursions to the White Palace.
What was even more unusual was that the King's servants, who would disdainfully interrupt their meetings to very clearly eavesdrop, weren't stationed on their usual posts by the throne. In all actuality, no-one but Lurien seemed to be present.
On matters not concerning the King, Lurien was usually early and to be on time was for him to consider himself late. The King often took care in placing servants in the boardrooms before meeting for security purposes.
He folded his hands on the table and cleared his throat, the sound uncomfortably echoing around the room.
He found himself with nothing to do and no-one to talk to while he waited for the other potential informants to arrive. He was so curious to what this sudden meeting was about that he was sure he would soon find himself mad if he kept thinking about it.
So he distracted himself with the brilliance that was the White Palace.
His eyes wandered around the pale walls of the room, taking in just how pure everything was. Even for such a simple space, the architecture made it look exquisite. High ceilings with brilliantly detailed stone, candles with pale flames lining the walls, and glossy ivy framing the two large windows either side of the table.
Everything about this place was perfect.
The door opened briskly, drawing Luriens attention to the newcomer. Monomon poked her head in and smiled when she saw Lurien.
"Have you been called to this mysterious meeting as well?" She asked, waving her tentacles through the air at Lurien as a hello. Lurien gave a friendly wave back "Yes I have, do you have any idea to why we have been summoned here?" She shook her head and gently pulled out her chair. Sitting down she added "I haven't been told too much, the letter I had received was very vague."
Lurien was good friends with Monomon, they had usual catch-ups over tea and talked about recent news in their lives. She had also helped him file documents on those rare nights he was immensely overworked and extremely fatigued, so much so to even function.
He did often forget to rest, leading to some very stressful days and vexatious nights, but in the end it was for the King…
so I do not mind.
Lurien and Monomon chatted away, trying to pass the time.
"So, has anything interesting happened as of late? Maybe something you saw while watching over the city?" Monomon inquired, she gently folded two of her tentacles beneath her chin and rested her head atop them. Lurien gave a slight nod, "More and more citizens seem to be getting infected," he adjusted himself in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. "I do hope the King has a plan on how to stop this pandemic, it's taking a substantial amount of our population.". Monomon nodded her head. "Not as many of my students have been coming to their classes, I can't really blame them though. We don't even know how it's spreading.”.
Monomon paused abruptly before slowing beginning to speak again. "I have actually been experimenting with it," she admitted. "I've been trying to find a way to contain it, so far I've been able to hold small amounts in jelly-like substances." Monomon hummed, thinking over her next words. "they have almost been gaining...consciousness in a way". Lurien was quite taken aback by that.
For something that has brought death to so many innocent bugs, how was it suddenly able to create life?
The door slammed open, startling both Lurien and Monomon. Lurien snapped his head around, but as soon as he saw who it was his mood immediately soured.
Herrah scuttled in the room, grumbling to herself, and unceremoniously took a seat. Monomon and Lurien both glanced at Herrah, Why was she here?
The fabled "Queen of Deepnest" wasn't someone people would normally request the presence of. Not only was she rude and famed for her short temper, but everyone knew that you better not bother her needlessly unless it's a life or death situation. Even the Pale King was aware of how she hated being disturbed.
So if she's here...
What's going on?
"What? Is something wrong with your face, or were you just born that way?" Herrah waved one of her claws in front of Luriens mask, wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't realize he was staring. "My apologies Herrah." He brashly sneered, not wanting to spend more of his breath on her. Herrah gave a light chuckle. "So do either of you know what's going on? Or are you just as clueless as you look?" "No, we don't know why we have been asked to come here," Monomon politely stated "But I do ask that you tone down the 'irritating' remarks. I know it's been a very stressful while for us all, but we shouldn't take it out on other people." Herrah smirked to herself.
Lurien would never be sure why she was like this.
"Greetings everyone."
A powerful voice filled the room, and Lurien immediately found himself lost to the tone.
So silky soft...so perfect.
The Pale King glided over to his seat. It was a noticeably larger chair stationed at the head of the table that had pale ivy wrapped around the edges, and a crest that mimicked his crown imprinted on the top. It was clearly his, no one but him has sat in it before and no one else ever will.
Lurien stopped and sighed.
I should definitely go outside more.
The King gracefully sat down and laid his hands neatly on the table before looking at his three guests. "I know you're all wondering why I have requested your audience, so I won't dawdle." He took a breath, as if the subject was a physical weight compressing his lungs. "We are all aware of the spreading infection, not one of us hasn't seen the effects." He said that while looking at Herrah, who was about to say something. Probably along the lines of 'Deepnest is strong! We growled at the infection and it ran away!'
…well maybe not those words specifically.
"I have devised a plan to halt the infection , or better yet, stop it completely." The king resumed, looking back from Herrah to make eye contact with all three of them. "However, for this plan to work I'll need a little extra...insurance..to make sure things go smoothly." He took another breath. If it's hard for the King to say, how bad is it? "I'm…going to need your lives as sacrifice to ensure Hallownest lasts eternal."
Pardon?
Lurien felt like he had just been slapped in the face.
He didn't need to look to know that Monomon and Herrah shared the same aghast expression. "You three will act as a seal to ensure the 'infection' doesn't escape containment. If you choose to take the position you will be dubbed the Dreamers, but I won't force your hand." The King looked around the room, not oblivious to everyone's dismay.
He was expecting this.
He slowly continued "I am aware of how much you would be giving up if you choose to become a Dreamer. So I have decided to grant you all one request, a wish perhaps, in return for your sacrifice." Everyone stayed silent, but despite their prolonged speechless dismay, the King stayed patient.
Lurien was fine with giving up everything for the King, but he found himself reflecting on his life. The more he thought the more he couldn't believe how little living he had done. How many potential friends he had forsaken, how many destinations he hadn't been to, how many romantic opportunities he let slip by. He had expected that he still had time to experience all of these things he had to forego to become The Watcher.
Maybe he wasn't fine with giving everything up.
Monomon was the first to speak. "I wish for my school to become public. I want you to fund the teachers salaries, the students supply's and the upkeep of the school itself. So that anyone may learn any knowledge they so desire." She folded her tentacles on the table and held her head high. She knew how dire the situation was and she understood it was her duty to serve her Kingdom. "Very well," the King nodded. "I'm sure that your teachings will aid the further development of Hallownest." Monomon nodded her head in thanks and looked away from the Pale King, hiding her face.
Herrah had broken out of her daze and was now furious, "JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE??" Herrah looked as if she was going to lunge at the King, but she knew better to attack the him. Neither less, her anger was justified.
"What exactly do you think will happen to Deepnest when I'm gone!?? Why would you ask me!?? Do you know just how insane you sound!!??" Even though Herrah had collected herself from her previous anger, her tone was still deafening. She snarled at the King, who didn't even flinch the violent look, before Monomon intervened.
"Herrah I know it's upsetting, but what other choice do you think we have? If he's said it must be us three then it must. This entire situation is ludicrous, and I know how hurt you feel, but in the end it's not about us." Herrah turned and glared at Monomon, but upon seeing just how genuinely somber her face was, Herrah began to realize just how dire things had become.
"Ok, fine." Herrah turned and looked at the King again, her snarl clear and stubborn. "but I want to take something from you." She thought for a bit, not once looking away from the Pale King. "I want your self-respect." She folded her two front arms cockily. He sighed "Just how am I supposed to do that? It's not something I can hand over." His tone didn't discern him as sarcastic, but not serious either, as if he was trying to match Herrahs mood. Herrah smirked "One night of dalliance, so you will forever know you fucked a mortal. And someone as lowly as a common beast."
Was that even allowed? He is our King for Wyrm's sake!
Nonetheless all the Pale King did was sigh, pressing his hand to the bridge of his face. "If you so wish."
WHAT?? HE WAS OK WITH IT??
THAT LITTLE ABHORRENT, NO GOOD, HARROWING MENICE!!
While Lurien was furiously cursing Herrah in his mind for being so outlandish, the Pale King turned and asked him "and what can I give you in turn for your cooperation?" Stopping Lurien chain of thought. Lurien hadn't actually thought of what he wanted in return.
Do I want anything in return?
No, he was sure he was willing to give everything up for the King
He was sure.
"I wouldn't ask for anything in return. I am content and will forever be content knowing that I have the privilege of dying to serve someone as radiant as you." Lurien gushed, bowing his head as he complimented the King. The pale king froze a little at the compliment, only for a second, not long enough for any of the 'dreamers' to see. "I'm sure you are." The Pale King stated, almost sarcastically. "If any of the three of you have no questions, I will call the meeting adjourned." He sat patiently for a few seconds, but no one had any questions.
That was all a lie, they all had a million, but no one said anything. Maybe they all just wanted to go home and enjoy their possible last days alive or, should he say, awake.
The king nodded his head, acknowledging the silence. "in that case, you should all expect a letter to confirm a time and date your sacrifice will be needed. I ask that you get your affairs in order, however don't expect a letter soon." He stood up from his chair and the newly proclaimed 'Dreamers' followed suit.
Monomon left the room first, saying a brief good-bye before surely crying. Lurien was impressed. She was the first to talk and didn't even let her voice waver. She definitely had realized the gravity of the situation first, and arguably had the most to lose. Lurien wasn't even sure he had grasped it yet, maybe that's why he wasn't in tears after receiving his death sentence.
Herrah was the second to leave, whispering something along the lines of "you know where I live" in the Pale Kings ear before giving a brief chuckle and a wink before leaving. Lurien pitied her the most. She certainly wasn't taking the news too well either.
After Herrah had scuttled out, the Pale King spoke once more. "Lurien, if you ever change your mind about your request I will happily fill it." Lurien turned to face the King and nodded "Thank You my lord."
But he didn't dare say any more, his eyes already beginning to well with tears.