Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 49: The Burdened Chieftain - Part 2

The glow of igniting flames, as the sky darkens, emanated from below in the town. Adelina's feathers practically radiate.

"Besides, today is not the time to speak of grim things and danger; today is to celebrate." Adelina finishes her drink and turns to Aurea. "If possible, are you able to create a large basket of ice with a handle? Large enough to hold the three of you?"

Aurea is a little perplexed by the request, but she supposes she can manage. Looking at the pool of water, she nods to Tessa. "Tessa, if you please."

Tessa understands. Aurea holds her hand over the bubbling pool and emits her ice to cool the water enough for Tessa to dip her fingers and draw a circle on the stone at the edge. As the water rises and collects, Tessa carries much of it to where Adelina gestures at the balcony.

Holding her staff in hand, Aurea infuses it and holds one end in the water, using it to reshape and freeze the water into the shape of a basket, as Adelina had described.

While things such as this are commonplace to Mordecai and Tessa, Adelina is delighted.

"It's just like what my love can do with lava, extraordinary." 

After her moment, her composure becomes more regal, allowing the three of them a moment to climb into the basket as Adelina steps onto the railing of the balcony. With the open space, her wings spread wide, along with her arms. In an instant, her entire body is engulfed in flames, her form beginning to swell and take shape into a giant, flaming phoenix. Waves of heat gusted as her wings caught the air, lifting her from the balcony, her talons of fire gripping the handle of the basket.

Lifting the three of them and the basket into the air with her, the trio cling to the edges to keep steady as the basket swings during the flight. It is hard to see below, as the ice distorts the view, revealing only the glows of lit fires in the town, and they can hear the cheers of the people. They grow nervous as they notice the handle of the basket thinning under Adelina's hot grip. 

Once their descent comes to a halt, they see that they have landed at the base of a giant totem made of wood and kindling, shaped like a phoenix. Adelina releases the basket and lifts herself to perch at the top of the totem.

Peeking out over the edge, Urushians are low to the ground in a bow, much like the Ébo had done before, positioned on the edges and within the interior of the circular mosaic in the town plaza. Many are dressed in clothes of vibrant colors and patterns, or garments made from tree fronds decorated with flowers.

Adelina ignites the totem beneath her, and her larger form dissipates into her standard form. She remains standing on the burning icon, her arms raised to signify that she wishes to speak.

"Children of the Elements, this night marks 100 years, an entire century, that we have been a steadfast barrier to keep the civility between the lands. To all in the past, and those descendants who carry their bravery to this day to keep that civility, I thank you all with every part of my soul."

The crowd cheers and applauds, still on their knees but gazing up at her, unfazed by her Colonial appearance.

"Despite the ever-lingering threat, all of your courage has kept our walls standing, so we have this era of peace and prosperity. Though we have made our peace, the rest of the land is still divided, but I have devised and will plant the seeds for steps toward achieving absolute peace for all. These three who hail from the Everlasting Expanse shall act as advocates in my stead and are to be treated with the utmost respect as we celebrate this monumental night."

From the heat of the totem, the basket mostly melts away, letting the others see the three of them.

Upon seeing Aurea, there is a sense of shock. Now, of course, they are aware of the existence of the Ébo, though they don't venture far from their volcano and the Wall. Not only is Aurea among them and so close, but it's also how she differs in appearance from them.