The People We Are

Chapter III; Soleil

Soleil stood shaking. Luna's arm around her comforted her, but not much. She watched as the battle started. Once second, Arlie would be in the lead then the next Anastasia. They went back and forth, their skill matched to each other. Soleil watched with bated breath, as did everyone else in the crowd. She couldn't bear it, watching her friends fight like this. This feeling was only intensified when the killing came, as she watched one of her closest friends kill the other.

That seemed like so long ago for many.
But for Soleil? It felt like it all flashed by.
She couldn't remember that very short time she was dead.
But now everything was becoming just a bit clearer.

The group had finally reached the forge, and after carrying in a few more stones to sit on for the Miri's. They sat crammed together around the table, Soleil next to Arlie and Luna. She sat up straight, determined to make her mind known. It was clear that even in the royal youth, the Miri's knew the hierarchy. Though Ideus and Ryaxleb would grow up to be Kings, Luna would still rule over them. Xayah sat there, looking down, knowing she would leave the castle and her whole life when she was no longer a Princess. Arlie kept glancing at her like Beau had to Anastasia, and Soleil knew something would be up. Arlie was determined like that, if she wanted something, or someone, she'd go the distance for them no matter the circumstances.
Now that they were all situated, Luna began speaking. "We've come up with a plan. If we can go south, towards Rielweth, but stay on this side of the river and cross it at just the right place, we could get to the shrine of elders. That's got to be powerful enough to save Mirirejar, right?" She turned to Ryaxleb, who's kingdom the shrine resided in. "Why should we help you?" Beau said aggressively. Anastasia elbowed him, cutting his last word short from surprise. "Because without seven the shrine doesn't work." Ryaxleb answered Beau aggressively. "And it would save Mirirejar." he answered Luna much more calmly. "For once, I agree with Beau. His concern is valid." Arlie answered. "Those things won't stop there. They'll sweep over Zellarid too, whatever they are." Ideus said bitterly towards the two. "Actually, I have some ideas as to who they are." Anastasia started, pulling her book from her pack. She read to them what she and Beau had found earlier, and they discussed the creatures at great length before returning to Luna's idea.
"Though there are six royal families," Ryaxleb started, "It takes seven to work. The only ones of us here that have siblings are me and Maxvia, as well as Ideus and Xayah. I'd like to think Xayah would be the seventh, seeing as Masxvia is only five." he finished. "Please, we all know they'll come to Zellarid once Mirirejar is completely theirs." Arlie jumped up when Xayah spoke, immediately agreeing that the Zellaridians would go with them. Though she had not spoken at this meeting, she was certainly not reluctant to go with them, especially Luna. There was something enchanting about her that Soleil could not dismiss, and certainly wanted to go wherever she went. They decided to bring their plan forth to their parents as they were still all together at Archier manor, and so they set out on the beginning of their long journey.
They arrived at the manor at sunset, pouring in through the small door. The nine saw as the Kings and Queens all sat around on the large couch, still talking. Noticing his daughter, King Luan beckoned Luna forward to explain why they had interrupted them. She, as well as Ryaxleb explained their plan. King Luan and Queen Estelle thought the plan wise, and they as well as the other teens convinced the others that it was a good plan. They decided to send the teens off on their journey the next day, after packing them well and ensuring they had a good night's rest.
Soleil and her family finally left the Archier manor, with the Lee's right at their tail. They made their way to Seegol manor, and the two young girls finally laid down after their long day. "What exactly does this shrine do?" Soleil asked, hoping to spark conversation between the two. "If I'm being honest, that's one thing Ryaxleb knows better than me. All I know is that it'll save Iphica and it takes all seven of us to work." she said coldly. "It must have been frightening, running from your home li-" Luna cut her off. "No offense, Princess Soleil, but I have had a very long and painful day and we have another one tomorrow, and thus I would like to get some sleep. Goodnight." Though the room was dark, Soleil saw as Luna rolled over to face away. "Goodnight."
In absence of conversation, Soleil thought over the events of the day. Imperial City and Faormen in one day! How can this be? If what Anastasia's book says is true, we are playing with forces far beyond us. We're just a group of teenagers, none of us even sixteen! How do our parents expect us seven to fight them when all of Mirirejar couldn't? Yes we'll get something from the shrine, but what? Princess Luna is so wise, and she doesn't even know? She said Ryaxleb would likely know, but I've barely spoken to him or Calxyan. Even then, Anastasia and Beau were the ones who found him. We'll have to leave Beau and Calxyan behind, how will they take that? They've been a part of this from nearly the start and now we just abandon them? Beau will be heartbroken to see Anastasia leave, and Calxyan seems to really love Ryaxleb. And little Masxvia, he has to watch his brother walk away and what'll happen if we don't succeed? And Ideus and Xayah, they'll never get to meet their new siblings. All the Zellaridian rulers are old, they couldn't raise a new heir at this point even if they adopted! It's too much of a risk. But if we don't try, Iphica will be theirs. And besides, what if we do succeed? What then? Will we have finally healed the wounds between Zellarid and Mirirejar? The war ended long ago yes but the personal battle between rulers still rages on.
More thoughts raced through Soleil's head, but she eventually drifted off to sleep. In her dreams she saw a perfect world, one where all of Iphica was united. Zellarid and Mirirejar were no more, neither were Faormen and Rielweth. Instead, the six families ruled as a council over Iphica with Soleil, Arlie, Anastasia, Luna, Ryaxleb and Ideus at the helm. Life was good and happy, as it was meant to be. Soleil awoke with this vision, and for that she convinced herself that this was the best way to achieve that dream.