Behind the Clouds

Madame Jenna

Awkward. If there was one word Elizabeth could use to describe her journey through the hidden pathways and tunnels of the royal palace, then she would definitely settle for awkward. Cast under the dim glow a few lanterns, the wheezing squeaks of the dog-Meliodas beside her, along with the pint-sized boy who passed as her guide definitely didn't make Elizabeth feel comfort as she walked toward her meeting with the mysterious Madame Jenna. If anything, she was placed on even more edge, unnerved by the secrecy and intricacy of getting to the meeting spot.

Even as they both emerged into a room of bright green, songbirds cawing through the trickling of running water, Elizabeth couldn't find herself relaxing. Even though there was much more light, a brighter, airier feeling around the room thanks to the high ceilings and glass walls, she couldn't help but feel somewhat trapped, caged. Almost like the exotic birds kept within the room, fluttering about a beautiful place with very defined limits.

Plants, all from distant lands, grew in this room. Some Elizabeth recognised as native to her kingdom, a land that had long been destroyed by its own war and the colonization of her people. Great trees with large emerald leaves and flowers that bloomed colourful, beautiful petals that Elizabeth hadn't seen in well over a decade weaved their own paths in the room. Between them ran small streams of water, trickling over the sides of clay pots or running along hidden irrigation systems.

Fluttering about, hidden within the heat and noise and colour of the fauna, were songbirds and parrots alike. Prized birds no doubt given to the royal family as gifts from other royal families or foreign diplomats.

As Elizabeth followed the small boy toward the edge of the room - the greenhouse - she remained silent and observant. Both hands folded before her, eyes scanning all surroundings, she kept her senses alert, ready. Such precautions were proven wise as she spotted a group of men, all dressed in black suits and carrying identical briefcases. They were all huddled before a single chair, the back of it hiding the person within it.

"Thank you, Madame Jenna," Bowing to the chair, taking their leave, the men were preparing to depart.

Urging for Elizabeth to linger on the sidelines, away from the conversation, the boy signaled for her to halt before approaching the chair himself. Tiny, he looked out of place among the group of adults, the formidable back of the chair. But then, as he bent to whisper into the chair's side, the group of businessmen began to dissipate, nodding and flocking toward the other end of the room - the path that Elizabeth had just emerged from.

Picking up a quill, the boy was now jotting something down into a small book that lay on a table next to the chair. Beside him, the chair rotated to face Elizabeth, revealing the figure of the woman sitting within its expansive, cushioned seat.

Youthful, still filled with the fat and plumpness of young adulthood, the woman sitting in the chair was much younger and kinder-looking than Elizabeth had anticipated. Golden blonde hair wrapped into a braid that corded itself down her shoulder, decorated with fresh flowers from the garden. Beneath the stay strand that fell into her face, a pair of celery green eyes stared at Elizabeth, studied her with a curious spark that she had seen many times before.

Bright red material hugged her curvy body, framed with golden flowers that curled around her shoulders and tickled at her collarbones. There was also a strange wooden staff beside her, the top of it curled within itself into a strange spiral pattern.

"You must be Meliodas' sister-in-law," Echoing, lasting, her voice was powerful as she spoke out into the silence. Stepping away from the small table, the boy had shut the book and promptly marched out of the room.

"Yes, I am," Taking the statement as a cue to begin, Elizabeth nervously smiled at the woman, "I believe you are who I'm meant to be talking to?"

"Yes, I am the one who summoned him here today. But instead, I have been gifted with your presence," Nodding at her words, a strange sort of smile sprouting on her lips, the woman hummed as she regarded Elizabeth. Strangely, an odd twinkle filled her eyes once more as she took in Elizabeth's appearance, the fine material of her dress sharply juxtaposed by her short hair. "You must be tired. Please, take a seat."