Althea

Manatees and Promotions

Cassius: vain
Origin: Latin

One thing I could say about the new version of my mom was that she really knew how to inspire organization.
Old-her struggled to keep all the sheep in order most days. They just never took her seriously. This version of her merely appeared for a few minutes, and afterwards Lady Arethusa had no problems organizing a now much larger army and moving out within twenty minutes. Nature's’ very presence had infected everyone with a religious fervor and pure joy; they were willing to take orders with smiles on their face like nothing bothered them. This company did not move like an army in straight lines with a general barking orders. This army moved like a parade. Most dryads were reunited with loved ones and held lively conversations about anything and everything. Many of their number plus druids, witches, and moths swarmed the High Priestess. Philena had her own entourage, and Solomon was surrounded by giggling, flirty dryads.

During our trek, I somehow found myself walking in between Cassius and Deirdre. Deirdre was hugging herself tightly, like her arms were the only thing stopping her from exploding into a billion delicate glass shards.
“You don’t have to worry, Deirdre.” I murmured. “You have not been forgotten. Philena didn’t forget you, and your sisters haven’t either.” She looked at me with red rimmed eyes.
“How do you know?” She whispered while looking ahead, staring at the Empress surrounded by her loving, loyal subjects. “She was always like this you know,” Deirdre said, nodding to Philena. “People always loved her. She was always beautiful. She was already making her own legacy as the People's Queen. Achan knew he didn’t measure up and it broke him. I knew I could never come close to her either; we were friends, I grew up in her shadow. I wanted to mean something, to be worthy. Achan made me feel special, and when he proposed his idea for the world I jumped in with no hesitation. I would be remembered indefinitely, perhaps even live forever. He made many sweet promises, he made me feel powerful. He found my weakness, my insecurity.”
Another tear trailed down her face. I absently scratched Cassius’ flank, thinking. Finally, I spoke.
“Take Cassius here as a metaphor for you, okay?” Deirdre visibly balked. “Just humour me. Would you agree  when I say he’s a beautiful horse?” Deirdre nodded slowly, carefully.
“He is, definitely, perhaps the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”
“Yes, he is. But that’s not his worth. There are other beautiful horses out there perhaps, someday, even one more beautiful. His worth and his legacy come from whom he loves and who loves him. His beauty is merely an add on. The same could be said for you. You don’t need to be powerful or beautiful to mean something. You mean something to Philena, to your sisters. That’s your worth. You are everything to them, and that is far better than being hated for all time just so people remember you. Now, you’ve helped defeat Achan and will be remembered for that, which is just a nice add on. Kind of like Cassius’ stunning good looks. What I am saying is you shouldn’t look for your worth in things, you have it in the people you love and who love you.” Deirdre looked doubtful.
“Philena’s worth comes from her title as Empress.” I shook my head.
“Her fame comes from the title, not her worth. Her subjects, you, love her, that’s what gives her worth.” Deirdre unfurled her arms and breathed deeply. Then, she surprised me by wrapping me in a tentative hug. When I hugged her back she relaxed and buried her face in my shoulder.
“Thank you, Althea.” I didn’t respond, I only squeezed tighter and wished I could put her broken pieces back together.

    When we arrived back at the Moss Palace, I was greeted enthusiastically by my former lady’s maid, Elsie. Solomon was likewise greeted by his very own squire, but managed to give me a quick hug before being escorted away. I was lead back to my same lavender room before Elsie and the rest of my glam squad dolled me up in a simple gold dress which they covered with a long green robe, embroidered with creeper vines and decorated with gold beads. My hair was braided this time, and a vine similar to the ones depicted on my cape was weaved through it. I looked regal, hardened, and far more mature than the wide eyed girl who’d first stepped hesitantly into a totally unfamiliar world.
     I was given a quick snack of cheese before being whisked away again, this time to the Empress’s throne room. The space was crowded, filled with nobles, soldiers, dryads and witches. The whole of Empress Philena's court, even Cassius was there. I looked up at the likeness of Nature, and the portrait seemingly winked at me. When I blinked, it was like it had never moved. I moved my eyes to Philena instead. She sat on her amethyst throne with her usual dignified air, however she did not look as robust as last time I saw her on that same chair. Her eyes did not portray this, they were as warm as ever.
     She smiled when our eyes met and beckoned me forward. I knelt at the base of the stairs to her throne. Solomon appeared to my right, Cassius just beside him. Both had bowed in their own ways, Solomon dipped at the waist and Cassius inclined his head. Brynhilde and Deirdre moved to my left and also bowed in respect to the Empress.
“Stand friends, you bow to no one.” She stood and raised her arms to the crowd.
“People of Nature, we are gathered to honour those who have fought bravely and at the risk of their own lives to save us and all of nature from the evil moth sorcerer, my brother, Achan.” A rush of whispers rose from the crowd. The Empress cleared her throat and they hushed, hanging on her every word. “I would honour those who have provided us this ultimate act of servitude. Do any protest?” None other than Lord Bolbitis stood up and pointed an accusatory finger at Deirdre.
“She brought this apocalypse upon us! I would see her punished!” Shouts of agreement followed his declaration. The Empress stiffened.
“What matters now is what she did to help us win this fight. Without Deirdre's magic we may not have been able to defeat Achan. You owe her my life and yours. You have not always been a model citizen yourself, Lord Bolbitis. As a reward I have decided to reinstate Deirdre into her coven and appoint her coven head over all of the covens in my domain.”
A group of old women pushed through the crowd and ran for Deirdre, tackling her. They collapsed into a pile of limbs in what looked like a messy group hug. Philena stepped down to Cassius and stroked his nose.
“Dear, brave, beautiful Cassius. You served your master and your goddess's daughter to the point of exhaustion. For that, you have earned the honour of leading the Natura Die Nuptiarum Terrae Parade. In the Royal stable, our King box stall will always be reserved for you and your descendants. Brynhilde, for Evanida’s sacrifice the Queen box will be left empty in her memory.” Tears welled up in Brynhilde’s eyes and she bowed shortly, wiping at her eyes. The High Priestess stepped forward and took Brynhilde's hand.
“For you, Brynhilde, filia mea, as a reward for your selfless bravery and personal sacrifice I have assigned you a young coven in need of leadership. Brynhilde, meet your new sisters.” 
5 preteen girls shuffled forward awkwardly and in synch held out their right hands to Brynhilde, who took as many as she could, smiling through happy tears. The Empress moved to Solomon next. He stepped up, and Philena took his cheeks in her hands before she kissed him on the forehead.
“My brave one. You went beyond your call of duty and not only saved Nature's daughter, but the world as we know it. You are being promoted to Archduke, the highest position I can bestow upon someone of common blood. You are also offered my daughter Isolde's hand in marriage.” The crowd gasped. Solomon simply bowed.
“Thank you, my Empress.”
In that moment a hole opened in my chest and a deep ache settled in. I felt... Disappointed? Hurt? I didn't have time to dwell before the Empress turned to me.
“Althea, sister. As Nature's daughter you deserve much even before your heroic actions. I wish to appoint you to Imperial Aide. You are invited to live here in the Moss Palace for so long as you choose to. Do not let me hold you back, filia autem Deam. I will sponsor your adventures.”
“What do you mean, as long as I choose to?” I asked meekly. The Empress smiled.
“The whole of nature is your playground. You are free to see the world beyond. You can go anywhere.”
My heart stopped. I had never even considered what lay beyond my little farm, I hadn't had time to do much thinking on my quest. I could go anywhere, leave everything behind.
“Thank you, Empress Philena. I've always wanted to see a manatee, and I hear the sea is lovely this time of year.” She laughed.
“It is indeed. They have manatees aplenty I'm sure. I'll send a message to my cousin, he is the King of the Coastal Kingdom. He will receive you royally.” I bowed to her and returned to my spot between Solomon and Brynhilde. I could feel Solomon's eyes on me but I refused to look at him.
“Friends, family, tonight is the Festival of Starlight! It is always a time of celebration but now we have more cause than ever for jubilation! Join me in further honoring our valiant heroes!” The Empress proclaimed. There was a cheer as the doors opened and I lost myself in the crowd, escaping Solomon and fighting tears.