Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Kanyou's War - Putting Pieces on the Board

-Narration-

Chancellor Impa sent out her fastest rider to pick up Lady Reida while Shi Ketsu watched over Sarah, and escorted her with her family to an undisclosed location. These two actions would take several days to accomplish and return, but while doing so, Zelda was silent. She went about her day as usual, but there was a hidden energy others could see in her as she watched attentively for an arrival. No one could say what, as Impa and Ketsu's actions were so quiet and sudden as to be unnoticed. Chancellor Ryo Fui, Queen Mother Bi Ki, the faction heads, and even her own ministers were completely ignorant of anything having transpired. Despite her declaration to Impa and Ketsu that she would begin her war, she was making no moves and was silent.

Zelda did not tell anyone what was on her mind, not even her dear Impa.

Until Reida rode in.

-Zelda-

Zelda stepped down the steps towards the courtyard and found herself smiling a tiny bit on seeing Reida. The courtlady stepped down from her carriage at the hand of a servant. On seeing the heir approach, Reida bowed low.

"It is good to see you, your highness," Reida said. "I was told this was urgent, and I hope it is a meeting in good spirit. I was not told as to the purpose of my presence."

Zelda smiled, "Don't fear, Reida. All is well between us. I forgave you long ago for your words against me... and the stones."

Reida chuckled nervously. She was cautiously afraid of the heir, not just because of what the heir had done to Reida's fiance and Reida's brief imprisonment, but for their first meeting. Reida may have thrown obscene words and dirt clods at the heir when Zelda first arrived from Zhao before running away under Impa's threatening gaze.

"I am thankful for that, and I hope the heir knows I have matured greatly since then."

"Unnecessary, but good to know all the same. You have shown yourself better than first impressions would make, so I consider it a moment of madness." Zelda chuckled. "Come now, raise your head, Reida. There is much to do and I asked for you for a purpose."

"Certainly my lady-" Reida's eyes widened. She raised her head and immediately her eyes reached the fresh wound to mar Zelda's face from her chin to her left cheek across the lips. Being a few days old, it hadn't yet scarred and was mostly sown.

Zelda knew where her thoughts went, but didn't have the patience for it right now, "Reida."

The girl jumped and bowed quickly in silent apology. "I'm sorry!"

"If it eases your mind, I am well. The doctor has seen to it and besides some itching and annoyance, it is well. If anything, it has proven a balm to my mind. Now, if you will, let us get to it."

Without waiting for a response, Zelda turned around and headed back up the steps into the palace. Reida picked up her traveling skirt and hurried after her. "Get to what?"

"I will explain shortly when we are out of listening ears." Zelda replied. She pointed to a servant. "Go and get me Impa immediately, as well as the Palace Grove Fae lower elder. Tell them both to meet me in the garden." The servant bowed and hurried away. Then to Reida, she said, "Come, let us wait for them in the garden. Have you eaten?"

"Not for today, no." Reida responded, still hurrying to keep up with the heir's strides.

Zelda ordered another servant to bring three meals to the garden. Zelda and Reida went to the garden and sat and talked. Soon after, Impa arrived. Impa sat, expecting to eat with them, but she had read the situation wrong as Zelda said the meal was not for her.