Resonance

Chapter 2 - Delphi Chen

"Make way for the minister!"

I smile to myself, and smooth out some of the folds in my dress. The smell of the fresh ocean breeze blows through the carriage, making me feel strangely at ease. Peace, I thought, marveling at the gentleness of such a simple word.

If only such a simple word was simple to achieve, then the world would be so much better. The other politicians in the Mayun Senate were so bent on their selfish goals that they didn't notice the suffering of the people. It's my duty to make them understand. After all, I am the minister; it's my job as the leader of the majority party of the Senate to bring peace and prosperity to the people. But that's somehow easier said than done.

"Do you think you'll be ready for your first speech?" asked the knight besides me, frowning. His insecurity was so unexpected that I burst out laughing. My childhood friend and hero, Valoran Snowburn, the feared Wolf of the Northeast, was uncertain about a little speech?

I took his hand and grinned at the blush that spread across his face. "My dear, dear, Val. I'm a 'politician' now! It's just what I do!"

He tried unsuccessfully to suppress his embarrassment, and the stern gaze that followed seemed more like a facial seizure than a condescending look. I giggled; I've known him for, oh, way too many years, and he's always been the same. Of course, that was part of the reason I liked him. Val was always so innocent and naïve when we were together, but he always came through for me when I needed him. Of course, that's just what friends do, but I can't really say that I have many friends.

People tend to like those that are like them and, to be honest, I'm not. Gazing into his eyes, I saw what he was about to say before he did.

"Please don't call me Val in front of everyone else, Delphi, it makes me feel like a child," we said in sync. I laughed at the annoyed expression on his face but hey, what did he expect?

Val sighed in exasperation and rolled his eyes. "I need to start wearing sunglasses around you..."

I laughed again and held my hand up in the light. The silver ring fit perfectly around my finger, and it seemed to shine even brighter now that attention was on it. Shards of light reflected off of the emerald crystal.

Several days before I was born, my mother's friend gave her this ring, claiming that it was inhabited by a spirit and telling her that if I were to wear this ring, I would get some cool powers or whatnot. Of course, my mother thought that was all just a joke, but passed it to me anyways.

Surprise, surprise! Now I had a few weird abilities that nobody could explain. I didn't know about the thing about the spirit, but yeah - I can read people's minds if we make eye contact, and it's just a hunch but I've been told that I'm extremely persuasive. Like, really really persuasive. That's part of the reason I became a politician.

The carriage bounced around as we hit the cobblestone pathway leading up to the Senate's massive domed building.

"So. How do I look?" I asked, seeing Valoran staring at me. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a comb and began doing my hair. His face turned a deeper shade of red, and he turned away. "What? Are you going to ignore a lady?" I teased.

He crossed his legs nervously and, being careful not to make eye contact, replied. "Um, good, I guess." Val always acted this way when I started doing stuff with my hair. Maybe he likes me? I giggled at the thought.

"Ha, thanks. I guess." I replied, copying his nervous tone and giving him a little shove. "Seriously, what's 'good, I guess' supposed to mean? Are you some gambler who's like '10, I guess'? Sheesh." He pretended to fall over, and we laughed.

"Minister Delphi of Mayu! You've arrived at last!" called a voice. The carriage stopped, and Val looked at me for instructions. "Go ahead," I whispered, tucking away the comb and making one last check of my dress. He nodded in understanding and opened the door.

Rays of sunlight flooded the carriage as Val jumped out and slid over to the left, his hand on his sword. I got up, and left the cramped little thing with relief, rejoicing in the lush grassy garden that took up the entire block before the Senate building. Val stood at attention besides me, and he gave me a slight nod as I exited.

"The senators have already gathered in the chamber, Minister. Please follow me," beckoned the bald old man, giving me a deep bow. I had known him for many years as my parents frequented the Senate house, often taking me along with them. He treated me so much more different than before, though it was easy now to forget that. Taking a deep breath, I followed him inside; Val trailed behind us, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the massive chamber.