Broken Providence

(23) The Council

It was like a bitter poison swirled throughout the air. The six generals sat on the floor while Lady Monarch sat on a chair. Aleodei sitting in the outskirts of the room. It was dead quiet. The generals always waited for the lady to begin the council meeting, but it had seemed she was in a bad mood because she would not start.

"Paladin," she said sternly. Aleodei did nothing but hummed. While not seeming satisfied, she didn't want to continue for a proper response. "What are your thoughts?"  Aleodei looked at from the floor playing with her fingers. This wasn't what they had expected of her.

"I solely am here to provide physical boosts of strength," Aleodei said cautiously. "Though I believe that the Infernals will soon begin their holidays. 'The lilac livings' they call it. They will be understaffed in their security," she responded looking back down to the floor. Lady monarch narrowed her eyes and nodded.

"Yes we've always planned to take them during the holidays, but why this one?" She asked the Paladin. One of the generals arose from the floor swiftly. If ever there were someone to match the mystic aura of Aleodei it was the generals, whom Aleodei had not even seen shook nor in pressure, she hadn't even seen them in battle.

"Your eminence, I believe the Paladin has chosen this holiday because of the heavy security around their deity, which is the main focus of their religion and holiday," they announced. They sat after this and resumed their seat on the floor. Lady monarch stroked her chin as in a deep interest.

---

"Aleodei!" Claire yelled as she tried to catch up with them. She turned and stopped waiting for her. She stopped and took a breath. "I heard you were present when the council met, that's an incredible honor," she said admiringly.  Aleodei began again with Claire by her side.

"Yes I was," was all she could get out. Claire let out an soft exclamation.

"It's been my dream to be in there, side by side with my mother. But only generals are allowed," she said with slight disappointment. Aleodei let herself fall to curiosity.

"Why don't you just become a general then? You're already a high ranking solider lieutenant Colonel Claire," She asked turning to look at Claire who only frowned.

"There are only six allowed generals for each region and element. They've mastered a core earth element and have proven that they're the best of the best, I could never get myself to that standard," she said almost sadly. You could tell she had given it so much thought, but ever solution she came up with was shut down by the wall of impossibly. Aleodei nodded, with humans they had to be born with rare special conditions in order to be able to even think about learning a core element.

"I see," she responded fearing to have created a negative effect on Claire. She shrugged.

"As long as I can help the resistance I am perfectly content, maybe one day," she said with a determined smile. Aleodei continued forward.

"Where is your partner? The bitter one, the one always accompanying you, Disciple Belm," Aleodei asked without a glance. Claire stopped with a blank face. Aleodei stopped and faced her wholly. She blushed and brushed a whisp of velvet hair behind her hair. Something stirred in Aleodei watching her reaction.

"She's off training.... And We're not together all the time," she said softly. Underneath the mask Aleodei furrowed her brows.

"That is incorrect, ever since I've arrived you two have been side to side," Aleodei responded. Claire smiled.

"Can i tell you a secret Aleodei?" She said, a twinkle in her eyes. Her gut pitted, Aleodei nodded. "She and I are together, it's been a good couple months now," she said with a smile. Aleodei turned the other way.

"I suppose love can grow even through war," she said quickly. "Congrats," she pushed out. Claire beamed,

"I've been waiting to tell someone for forever!" She exclaimed. Claire and Belm had not even tried hiding their favor, always close always touching... Aleodei couldn't help it anymore, she turned to her in an instant.

"But I've heard rumors you had another love," she asked bluntly. Claire's face fell and looked down. She nodded slowly.

"Arielle," she said softly. So she did remember Arielle. "Arielle will never be replaced in my heart," she said looking up smiling with tears in her eyes, "but I knew she wouldn't want me to sad and lonely forever. Belm is my childhood friend and she was so sweet when I was grieving Arielle's death, i got to see a secret side of her that is so soft and beautiful that I hadn't had seen in years... and I guess I just developed feelings," she said with a face of remembrance in those days. When Arielle's memory was strong and grief was called upon. "I was guilty for a while because of it, but Belm helped me overcome that and finally move forward," she said with a smile. "She helps me fight. Do you have anyone who helps you fight?" Claire asked. Aleodei thought about it. A bitter feeling evolved in her.

"Once," she said softly, "a long time ago," she said as she turned to face another way. "Now I fight for justice," she said strongly, but softly finished. "and for vengeance," Looking forward. Claire solely thought quietly.