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Eryga knitted his brows together in a soft, thoughtful frown. Strange news indeed; he idly wondered what Kal’narn might make of such news, how the rest of his fledgling council might react to such a sudden change of heart by their counterparts.
Most likely nothing good.
As he carefully hobbled down the steps, holding tightly to his cane, he caught sight of Ri’kara, waiting for him as she always did with her hands neatly folded against her abdomen while she rocked back and forth gently on her heels. He could not hear it, but Eryga knew that she was humming something; he had picked up on that little habit.
“One day you must allow me to hear that singing voice of yours.”
She twitched slightly, brought out of her reverie abruptly, and regarded him with a momentarily startled expression.
“Ah, Judicator, it is only you.”
Quickly, she stepped away from the wall and punctuated the greeting with a deep bow. “Your meeting went well, I take it? You seem to be in good spirits.”
“It went as they all do, young one. I am simply content.” Eryga looked her over, pondering as she brought out that screen of hers and began to scan through its contents. An idea was forming in his mind.
“Executor Kal’narn was asking after you earlier today. I informed him that you were busy and would speak to him as soon as you could.”
“What was it about?”
Her face twisted into an embarrassed little grimace. “You know he will not tell me those kinds of details, Judicator.”
He made a noise, disappointed. “Of course… I expect such suspicion from Tal’darim, but he will have to learn to trust someone else soon enough. I only hope he can learn before I am gone.”
“I know… I’ll miss you; you know. You’ve been very good to me.”
“You may still visit. In fact, I hope you will. I will not have gone far.”
She smiled warmly, nodding. “Of course I will.”
“Besides, you will need someone to make sure you are still practicing your formal speech; I will not have you slipping back into your little contractions while you are in the company of whoever you are next in the service of.”
“Yes, I know you will keep me on track.”
He looked her over again, thinking again about what he had heard and frowning once more. It was a long shot; Eryga had no guarantee that she would accept, and truth be told he wouldn’t be surprised if she refused outright, especially after everything that her people had been through.
But perhaps…
Well, it was high time he picked someone for her to be stationed with regardless, what with his retirement, why not kill two birds with one stone?
The Tal’darim seemed to notice his sudden hesitation, and her smile faded. “You look troubled, Judicator… Is something wrong?”
“Not at all. Ri’kara. On the topic of your next assignment… I have a favour to ask of you.”
Her head tilted. “A favour?”
“Yes. I happen to have the luxury of choosing where you will be assigned to, and who you will be assisting, and I have a possible candidate in mind, but you will have to trust my judgement.”
“… Alright.” Ri’kara held the screen close to herself, a small thoughtful frown on her face. “Well, I always do trust you, so, don’t- do not worry. Who were you thinking of?”
The Judicator turned the proposal over in his mind again, thinking about how he might say it. “It is something that you will have to keep to yourself; I have not been told about this position directly, and, technically speaking, I do not even have the authority to give you this assignment.”
That seemed to pique her interest, one brow raising slightly as she waited for him to continue.
“I have heard… The Tal’darim of Slayn wish for an alliance with the Daelaam. The Highlord has reportedly sent an Ascendant as an ambassador of sorts for his people in order to begin negotiations.”
“… What?” Ri’kara stared at him, silence hanging between them for several long moments, and then she let out a dry, humourless laugh. “They want-? Judicator, you can’t be serious.”
“I am completely serious, Ri’kara. This… Ascendant requires an aide; the Hierarch has ordered that he stay on Aiur, partially to ensure that he does not try any sort of tricks. While I am, again, nowhere near a rank that would matter in this situation, every Tal’darim aide that serves a Judicator or an Executor who is has refused immediately when given the opportunity, and as you know, there are not many Tal’darim aides to go around.”
“Honestly I’m not surprised by that reaction. The Tal’darim of Aiur could care less for them. Most want nothing to do with them and would never step foot back on Slayn if you paid them—" Suddenly, she stopped walking.
He turned slightly to look at her and saw the fear so clearly in her expression.
“Judicator.” For just a moment, her voice trembled. “They’re not here to take us back, are they?”
Eryga softened, giving her a warm, sympathetic look. “No. I do not know the finer details, Ri’kara, but I promise that is not why they are here. Something about bringing the Tal’darim more to the standard of a Khalai or Nerazim society, I have heard.”
That seemed to calm her, her shoulders once again relaxing, but only slightly. “… You are sure?”
“Yes. I highly doubt the Hierarch would have been willing to entertain such an alliance if that were the purpose of it.” Then, he sighed. “I am only going to put your name forward if you are willing to do this.”
She nodded briefly. “But… Why only Tal’darim? And if others are refusing, why even bother with an aide? It seems like they’re just wasting time.”
“It is thought that mutual ground will help the Ascendant to settle in more easily.” It made sense in Eryga’s mind at least. He wondered if perhaps it would also show the Ascendant what a Tal’darim from a healthier society might look like. “And maybe even make him more open to change…”
“… That’s fair. Do you know what rank the Ascendant is? First? Second?”
The Judicator could only shrug. “I did not catch that, unfortunately. As I have said, I do not know the finer details or their actual reasoning; I am only speculating. I do not even know his name.”
“Well… I suppose at least it isn’t the Highlord himself.”
“I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea of offering you the position if that were the case.”
They walked in silence for a time after that while she considered it. She was the picture of worry, brow furrowed, one hand cradling her chin while the other held tightly to her screen. He led her down another set of stairs and finally stopped in a mostly empty little foyer.
“Judicator… I am unsure I’d be suited for something so important.”
That was her main concern? The notion surprised him; he was expecting anything other than just doubt about her abilities.
“Well—Nonsense, young one. I have full faith; you have served me well.”
She nodded, though she still seemed hesitant. “If I have your assurance that you believe I can do it, then…”
“Ri’kara, you can learn as you learned with me. It will be no different, I am sure, albeit with a more… stubborn individual.”
The Tal’darim laughed softly. “Stubborn is an understatement. I doubt this Ascendant would even listen to me; I am—was a phase-smith. Trotting along after a Tal’darim of such high rank may cause… Issues.”
“He will have to listen to you, and I am sure any envoy would understand courtesy; you are not under the Highlord’s rule and do not have to bend to the will of anyone who is just because of a previous rank.”
“… I know.” She crossed her arms over her chest, sighing. “That does not stop old habits from creeping in. If he calls me a servant, I might not be so polite.” Then, she grimaced. “Ugh and some of them—If they’d been around Terrans for any length of time, they’d pick up this horrendous habit of making a noise as though they were clicking a tongue. Of course, it’s meant to be rude among Terrans, but they would use it on us sometimes and it drove me up the wall; I think I’d kill him if he did that.”
Eryga laughed a little, holding up his free hand in a sort of calming motion. “Now, now, there’s no need for any sort of violence, Ri’kara. You would have the power to point out such behaviour and put a stop to it, I am sure.”
Another small silence snaked between them. Her face fell from the small smile she had given him into an almost cold expression. He wasn’t used to her being so subdued.
“… Apart from anything else, I have heard that the situation has become… Desperate. Desperate enough that this Ascendant cannot afford to be picky; nor can the Highlord. But you did not hear that from me.”
Ri’kara nodded, sighing again softly. “I suppose he can’t, can he? If they’ve decided on an alliance, it must be urgent.”
“Shall I inform an Executor that you accept?” He couldn’t help but be hopeful, watching her serious face as she considered his question. Her eyes darted between two spots on the floor as she rocked back and forth gently on her heels.
“… I’ll need some time to think it over. A day, at least. I promise I won’t keep you waiting long.”
“Of course. Contact me as soon as you decide.”
With another nod, she smoothed a hand over her crest and tried to look more accommodating. “Am I needed for anything else today?”
It was clear she was troubled, of course she would be. Eryga gave her another sympathetic look, trying to at least reassure her; “No. I will go and have my little talk with Kal’narn. Think on what you wish to do.”
“Then I will see you tomorrow, Judicator.” Ri’kara punctuated that with a short bow and added; “Hopefully with an answer.” Then, she turned to leave him alone in the lofty entrance hall.
Ri’kara made her way up the steps carefully, uncertainty gnawing at her. She had wondered, as she had many times over the past day, if she was making the right decision.
There was, obviously, nobody that she could talk to about this. Eryga had asked her to keep it to herself, and of course she was going to do as she asked, but it worried her. She had spent the night tossing and turning, rolling everything over again and again in her mind.
Bringing the Tal’darim still on the Death Fleet to the standards of a Khalai or Nerazim society… It was a big ask, that she knew. Maybe even impossible. She couldn’t even begin to figure out what the Highlord could be thinking unless they’d already dissolved into anarchy.
Still, what made her want to try was the slim chance that she might be able to help influence such a change. She had spent countless hours bundled up behind sparse bushes in the dusty dark listening to Ilira talk about what she would do once she became Highlord, how much she wished she could drag the Tal’darim kicking and screaming from the pits that He had forced them into, how much better things could be if they weren’t hurtling towards their deaths at the hands of their god…
Ilira had given up all of it the moment they had a chance to escape. It was to keep them safe, of course, and now that they were here and safe and somewhat comfortable, she seemed better for the choice.
But maybe Ri’kara could now help achieve what she had wanted.
That’s what brought her up the steps in the early morning, waiting for Eryga as she always did by the entrance to one of the large administrative buildings in the capitol square.
“Ah, good morning, Ri’kara.” The calm, soft voice of her Judicator companion caught her attention as he moved slowly up to her, leaning against his stick.
As always, she bowed deeply. “Good morning, Judicator.”
His smile faded just slightly, eyes narrowing. “You have that look on your face, young one. What troubles you?”
She had practiced what she was going to say over and over, but there were still a few moments where she was trying her hardest to grasp at any words at all. “Judicator… I am… Well, I gave it a lot of thought. Maybe too much thought if I’m being honest, and… I think I will accept the offer.”
“You are sure?” He looked surprised, as though he was expecting an entirely different answer.
“Not at all, but… I want to help.”
Laying a hand on her shoulder, Eryga gave her a reassuring smile. “I know; I will send a messenger. I am sure the Hierarch would be eager to have this little issue smoothed over before they can begin with whatever it is they’re planning to do.”
The response was fast, almost too fast. That same messenger knocked on the door of the small chamber that she and Eryga had seated themselves in maybe an hour or so after they had first sent for her.
“The… Hierarch wishes to see me?” Ri’kara blinked, eyes widening as she glanced over at her companion, who had a similar expression on his face.
“Yes. Immediately.”
Carefully, the Judicator stood. “I was expecting an Executor at most; I will accompany her—”
The messenger held up a hand, tone respectful but firm. “Alone, please.”
He deflated slightly, but nodded, patting the little Tal’darim on the shoulder and sitting down again. “Alright. Come and find me in the gardens later, Ri’kara; even if you cannot tell me the details, I’ll have some incense burning for you.”
“Thank you, Eryga.”
She followed the Nerazim out of the little room and up and up the spire, higher than she had ever been in the building. Her hearts were hammering as she tried her best to rehearse any sort of greeting; how deep she should bow, how to address them. Old rituals from when she was on Slayn swirled in her head, how small she used to have to make herself. She thought she would have had time to get ready, but…
Finally, they stopped on an almost empty floor. It somehow had an even higher ceiling held up by pillars that crossed over themselves where they met above their heads. The only other Protoss in sight were two Templar guards, stood to attention and watching them as they approached.
Soft psionic sounds punctuated a conversation she was not allowed to be privy to between the guards and the messenger. It only made her more nervous, but she waited patiently. After what seemed like an age, the guards stepped back, tilted their heads towards the door to talk to whoever was inside, and let her pass into the large, sunlit chamber alone.
A long, rounded table, surrounded by hovering seats, made up the centrepiece of the room, sitting just underneath an impossibly intricate set of hovering chandeliers. The outer walls were entirely made of glass, shimmering with the almost invisible shield that prevented the panes from shattering in case of an accident.
The seats appeared empty, and for a moment she frowned, suddenly catching sight of two other Protoss at the far end, watching her, waiting, as though they were gauging her reaction.
Quickly, she bowed as deeply as she could without getting on her knees, her long cords trailing the polished metal floor. She recognised the Hierarch almost immediately in his sweeping white and gold armour; she had seen him often on screens when announcements were given, but the other one… She didn’t recognise what little of his face she could see under a tight wrapping of harsh black spikes and slotted panels.
The Ascendant, or ambassador, or whoever he was, scoffed as she straightened. “Artanis. A phase-smith? Really?”
It had been a long while since she had heard such an incredulous, mocking tone. For some reason, a flash of anger sparked in her chest as she stood straight again, meeting his eyes and scoffing right back at him without thinking. It was as though Ilira took her voice for a moment, pushing away all of her practiced niceties and formalities.
“I thought that you didn’t have the luxury of being picky, ambassador.”
Almost immediately, she regretted the impulsive remark. She regretted it far more as, after a moment of silence, he made his way over to her. He moved almost lazily, but the sharp gaze that was trained on her pinned her in place as though she were being charged at by some sort of predator.
The Hierarch stepped forward behind him. “Alarak—”
Alarak?
Her hearts dropped through the floor, realising that she had been lied to about this Tal’darim’s identity, realising exactly who she had just talked back to. The ‘Ascendant’ towered over her, not that it was hard, and bent down to put his face close to hers, making sure her gaze was firmly locked on his.
“If I were you, I would watch your tone. Unless you would enjoy being reminded of your place.” His voice was dangerously quiet, and she couldn’t quite tear her eyes away. She didn’t say a word, didn’t dare move, hoping he didn’t hear her thunderous heartbeat.
Finally, he straightened, sneering. “At least you did not run. Better to be stupid than a coward.” He regarded her for a moment more and turned back to the Hierarch. “You expect me to take orders from this?”
“I expect you to work together.” The Templar shrugged as though he were used to such outbursts. “She is right; you cannot afford to be selective if you want any hope of staying alive. You know my conditions if we are to go through with this.”
With their attention elsewhere, she relaxed just slightly, watching them even if she tuned out what they were saying.
The Highlord on Aiur… No wonder they let the rumour spread that it was an Ascendant acting as an envoy… Ri’kara inwardly winced while the two bickered, thinking about what an opportunity Kal’narn would think it was to have him right there on his doorstep.
Their little conversation stopped after a few moments, and the Hierarch placed a hand against his chest, guilt clear in his eyes when he looked at her.
“I must apologise. We have not been entirely truthful.”
Carefully, she fully composed herself, offering what little of a smile she could manage. “This was not what I expected at all, Hierarch, but… Forgive me for my outburst. It was unnecessary; I have not been spoken to like that in a long time, and I forgot myself.”
He lifted a hand. “There is no need; I understand the sentiment. I assure you that any issues—” That last word was punctuated with a slight, chastising glare towards the Tal’darim beside him. “Can be brought up with me. You are well within your right to defend yourself within reason. I understand that is not the most usual way for an aide to deal with their superior, but—”
“’But this is not the most usual situation’, yes, Artanis, I have already assured you multiple times that I will not cause trouble. That is not what I am here for.”
What was he here for, then?
Despite the interruption, the Hierarch ignored the comment. The little Tal’darim wondered idly in the back of her mind just how long they’d known each other; they acted like bickering siblings, almost like Ilira and Uljia when they couldn’t see eye to eye.
“Please, sit.” The Hierarch gestured to the chair to his right as he took a seat at the table’s head. “I am sorry, I have not even asked you your name.”
“I’m Ri’kara.” She did as she was told, frowning a little as she tried to force the floating platform down enough that she could climb onto it, embarrassment beginning to colour her crest purple as he leant over and helped her. “S-sorry.”
He gave her a soft, reassuring smile before gesturing to the other Tal’darim in the room. “Alarak—”
“I would prefer to stand, Artanis.”
His look had soured only slightly as he turned back to her. “I am sure you have many questions about why you were given this opportunity in the first place; I will try to answer as many as I can.”
She hesitated a little, folding her hands together and resting them on the glass in front of her so she didn’t fidget. “I… Well, I would like to know why the Highlord is here at all. I heard about a possible alliance, but—”
“A temporary alliance; as though I have a choice in the matter.” Alarak rolled his eyes so hard his head moved with them, disgust passing over his features.
“… The Highlord is in need of help.” The Hierarch spoke gently to offset his companion’s harsh tone. “I am sure you have noticed more and more Tal’darim have come to live here on Aiur.”
She nodded carefully, occasionally glancing at the tall, pacing figure. “I have.”
“There have been several rebellions across Tal’darim controlled worlds in the years after Amon was defeated. They are demanding better through force, and Alarak has come to us to help him fulfill those demands.”
Ri’kara couldn’t help but let out a little scoff, not quite believing what she was hearing. “Since when does the Highlord care about what is better for our people?”
“I don’t.” Alarak snapped, stopping his pacing to shoot a glare at her. “But if I do not give in to the petulant whining of children, I will be torn to pieces. I will not be usurped because they suddenly decided there was more to life than what we were made for.”
“Why have they changed their minds? I thought that the Tal’darim that had settled on Aiur were all there would ever be; you all seemed quite content with butchering each other without us.”
The Hierarch leant forward to catch her eye again before Alarak could retort. “It would seem Amon had more influence on your people than we first thought. After his death, there was a significant change that has not properly manifested until recently. I’m sure you know how… emotional the newer arrivals are, possibly how emotional you now are.”
“… I always have been, Hierarch.” She gestured to her tiny frame. “In case you haven’t noticed; I’m defective. It’s why I was a phase-smith at all. I have seen it, though. My friend keeps telling me how many she has to talk through more positive emotions; they never felt them without Terrazine before, and now—”
“It is a nuisance. They believe that just because they can feel pity and guilt and a need for companionship that suddenly it is abhorrent to keep up the traditions we have been taught for thousands of years.”
The phase-smith blinked a little at the odd emphasis he put on his words, as though he were more disgusted with himself than his people. She had expected a little more composure from a Slayn Tal’darim, Highlord or no, but it was as though he were struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Almost like…
She regarded him with some curiosity, watching his face. His brows were furrowed, his expression a light veneer of annoyance over eyes that were so tired; large bruises rimmed them, stark against the pale white of his skin. He reminded her starkly of those newer arrivals, and there was a sudden twist of sympathy in her chest; it wasn’t just them.
“Highlord, are you… alright?”
His head snapped towards her, eyes wide for just a moment before they narrowed into another harsh scowl. “Spare your concern, phase-smith. As though I would be plagued with such a ridiculous set of symptoms myself.”
Clearly she had struck a nerve, but the way he spat out her old rank didn’t bother her as much as she thought it would have; it was startlingly obvious that he was lying. All she could do was shrug.
“I doubt it’s just new emotions, anyway. We failed at the one thing that we had been raised for; when you think you’re going to ascend or die trying, what is there in life afterwards? How do you keep going knowing that you expected it all to stop? It’s not ridiculous to demand that a leader answer that question for them, or demand that he listen to the answers they have come up with themselves.”
The Hierarch nodded in agreement. “This is why I wanted to give him an aide that understood. I cannot hope to offer my help without consulting one who knows and is willing.”
“… I’m not surprised nobody else wanted to hear you out. I’m sure even the word ‘Ascendant’ put them off.”
He nodded, about to say something else until his companion once again cut in.
“And yet you are willing.” Alarak scoffed. “Tell me, ‘Ri’kara’, why is a phase-smith agreeing to aid those who would have killed her for even looking at them, let alone speaking to them in the insolent tone that you have used in my presence?”
The phase-smith shrugged again. Even if he was attempting to jab at her, discourage her, he was right. Even the Tal’darim outside of her small circle of friends treated her as lesser; the way that they looked at her as though they had stepped in dirt when they spoke to her, even after she had helped them, seared into her brain. “I think if they want better, they should have it no matter how they treat me. Even if I have to go through someone like you to help achieve that, I will. It’s not about me.”
“How disgustingly sentimental—”
“As I said.” Once again, the Hierarch caught her gaze. “Should Alarak give you any issue, you may tell me; I want this to be as smooth as possible considering the circumstances.” Then, he sighed; “That being said, part of your duties will be to help him settle on Aiur. I am keeping him here for a few months at least to be sure he is not lying about his motives, and in that time I will need you to keep watch and accompany him, so you will be required to at least pretend to get along.”
“As though I need a babysitter—”
“You are not Highlord here, Alarak. I have already compromised on your refusal to have an armed escort; you will agree to this.”
The Tal’darim scoffed but said nothing more, though the atmosphere in the room became significantly chillier as he made his displeasure known.
Still, she tried her best to ignore it as the Hierarch was ignoring it, listening as he continued. “And, Ri’kara, you will address him as fifth Ascendant or ambassador only; you will also be speaking for him when necessary.”
Her head tilted; that was unusual. “What? Why?”
“His voice is one of the most recognisable things about him; that and his armour, which he will not be wearing for the duration of his stay. I want to try and keep up the façade of a Highlord’s envoy for as long as possible; I do not know how your people will react to even an Ascendant’s presence, let alone his.”
She nodded. “I understand. I’ll do my best.”
The Hierarch nodded in turn. “I must stress again that we are trying to keep as much about this a secret as we can.” His face fell into a regretful frown. “There is enough rumour spreading as it is.”
“I won’t tell a soul. You have my word, Hierarch.”
As she glanced again at Alarak, she noticed the resigned expression he now wore, the slight sag of his shoulders. He must be more desperate than he’s letting on…
“When do I start?”
“Tomorrow at dawn. Alarak will meet you at the entrance.”
“Alright.”
As soon as she was out of the spire and into the open air of the afternoon, she felt her body sag. Her hands were trembling slightly, and she laughed to herself, shaking her head.
’I suppose at least it isn’t the Highlord himself’; if I could go back to yesterday and slap myself for jinxing the whole thing...
The thought broke the tension, at least, brought her back to something of a reality after such a surreal experience. Carefully, she went through everything she had been told, everything that she had seen. It was going to be difficult, demanding in a way that she never thought she would have to deal with.
Never did I think I’d ever meet anyone so high up like that, let alone be around them so much…
She headed across the courtyard with a sigh and a soft frown. The prospect of having to interact with a Protoss that she had only heard of through soft-spoken rumour and constant bad-mouthing was odd, and Ri’kara idly wondered what it would really be like once she got into it properly.
Inwardly, she scoffed at that thought. If that first meeting is anything to go by, I think it’ll be a miracle if I don’t quit within the first year.
“Ri’kara!” Ialdir called from the bottom of the steps, waving.
Her frown faded as soon as she saw him, and she quickly rushed down to meet him. He was a friend of hers she had met while in service of Eryga; a confident Nerazim who could talk for hours about anything that came to his mind. She liked him, he was nice, friendly, and for some reason very interested in knowing about her.
“Good afternoon, Ialdir.”
“Good afternoon. I heard that the good Judicator was retiring.”
Ri’kara nodded, looking a little troubled all over again. “He is. He says he’s had enough excitement for one lifetime and wants to focus on ‘aging gracefully’ as he puts it.”
“But where does that leave our little ‘Kara? They’ve got something else to keep you busy, right?” The Nerazim put his arm around her, and she tried to duck away quickly. She had told him that she wasn’t quite comfortable with that sort of contact, but it seemed like he kept forgetting.
I suppose it’s just how he is with others.
“Well, yes, they do; I’ve just been reassigned, but—”
“Ooh, who is it?”
“Oh, that’s… I can’t say—”
“Come on.” He elongated that last word like a whining child and gave her a charming smile. “I have to make sure you’re not doing anything shady; it is my job.”
She giggled, nudging him a bit as he got close to her again, trying to keep a little space. “I’m really not allowed to discuss this, Ialdir, it’s important.”
He rolled his eyes, backing her against the wall behind them and trapping her with one arm. “Always so secretive. I’ll get it out of you one way or another.”
His tone was light-hearted; he was only teasing, but Ri’kara felt frozen under the suddenly sharp look in his eyes, too aware of how close his hand was to her throat. She tried not to tremble as the last sentence warped into another, familiar voice.
“You can try.” She finally answered back, trying to match the playfulness as though nothing was wrong. “I’ll see you some other time, Ialdir; Eryga is expecting me.”
He kept her there for a few more moments, leaning his face close enough that his veil tickled where it brushed against her collar, and then he moved away. She didn’t quite relax, though; his expression was… strange.
“Alright, if you need to go and speak with the old man so badly. See you later, Ri’kara.”
She blinked at the sudden hostility in his tone as he sauntered off around a corner. What had gotten into him…?
It was only after he was out of sight that she felt the muscles in her body uncoil, felt that she was able to move from where he had basically pinned her. She could have sworn that she smelled Terrazine for a moment as she peeled herself from the stone and crept away to find her mentor.
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(an image I drew of this a while ago)