Ethereal Madness

Chapter 31- Savage Bonds

"So again, you're claiming that you don't remember anything?" Tali sat atop her throne, glaring at us with untrusting eyes.

"I dounet rememba notein!" Shuna swore. "Honastly, ets makkin may angray."

"Whot she sade." Another one of the woman spoke us. Laryuna called her Charnoa, I believe. "Nothing. All blank."

The other members of our party mumbled in their native language. I couldn't understand it, but by tone alone I could tell they were a mixture of guilt-ridden, apologetic and upset.

Tali held her hand out. "Alright, I get it. You may leave now."

We all stared at each other for a moment, like something would happen if we moved abruptly. Thankfully one brave soul decided to open the heavy doors and the rest of us sheepishly followed behind.

"Except you two," Tali pointed at me and Laryuna. "You two stay here."

I gulped.

Laryuna looked at me, confused. "What's that face for? You act as if you committed a crime."

Pretty sure me existing here is a crime.

"I-it's nothing."'I squeaked out.

The giant doors slammed behind us. Tali's attention shifted to Laryuna.

"You wanted to see me, Queen Tali?" The loner asked.

Tali's expression shifted to slightly annoyed. "How many times do I have to tell you not to address me as Queen in situations such as these?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't plan to change that. I don't believe I should have special privileges just because of my upbringing. It's unfair to the others."

"I have no care for such equality. I believe anyone that goes through harsh training and comes out on top should be celebrated. Even moreso to those who've personally trained with me."

Laryuna's stoicism broke. "But I'm not—"

"Not important." Tali cut her off. "Let's get back on topic."

Laryuna was quick to put on a serious face. "Of course, Queen Tali."

"What do you remember about yesterday's expedition?"

"I unfortunately, do not remember anything at all."

"Nothing you say?" Tali pressed.

"I-I have a faint glimpse of a beast, a monster even, but other than that—" She shook her head—"nothing."

"Hm. I see. You may leave then."

"Yes, Queen Tali." Laryuna turned to leave.

"And by the way, Laryuna." Tali called.

She stopped abruptly. "Yes?"

"You are to rest for the upcoming days. Don't think you'll escape punishment if I hear you on another expedition."

For a moment, I could've swore I heard her flash a smile. "Yes, Queen Tali." She kept her head down, like she was trying to hide her face from me.

Only when the double doors slammed again did Tali switch her attention to me. I tried looking away but I could feel her overpowering gaze on me, and before long, I reluctantly looked back at her. But now, she had abandoned her throne, and was standing in front of me.

She raised my chin up. She looked deeply critical, but the more I looked at her, the less terrifying she became.

"You still have the spirit of a coward," she hissed.