#luna nellara

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 13

June 25th, 196

Tiesa

The first thing Tiesa noticed was a stabbing pain in her left arm. The second thing she noticed was that Pen wasn’t there. "Where's Pen?"

"Oh, good. You're awake," Luna said. She was sitting next to her, underneath a thick grove of trees. They offered sufficient cover from the relentless rain.

"Luna. Where is Pencari?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure he's fine," she said in her best attempt at being consolatory. It wasn't working.

"Where. Is. Pencari."

“Shhh. Lie back down, you need the rest.” Tiesa didn’t listen. Luna sighed heavily. “Pen is fine. He got below deck, I made sure of that before I went after you. He'll be fine,” she added, not very convincingly. Only then did Tiesa recall the events of the previous night. She sank back into a makeshift bed of moss, grass, and leaves.

“What happened?” she asked, her eyes squeezed shut.

“After you fell,” Luna began, “I helped Pen untie the hatch and get below deck. He’s fine. If I hadn't left him, you would have drowned. I dragged you to the nearest landmass I could find. You banged up your arm pretty badly when you fell, but I bandaged it up.”

Tiesa turned her head to examine Luna’s work. Torn strips of deep brown fabric were tied to her forearm, soaked with blood in some places. It took a second for her to realize that the fabric was torn from the hem of Luna’s own dress.

She started to stand. Luna stopped her. “What?” she asked.

Luna rolled her eyes, but stayed patient. “You’re not well.”

“I’d be a whole lot better off with a roof over my head,” she countered.

“What?”

“I knew where we’re at; Celeta, my old island hideout. Follow me.” When Luna didn’t move, Tiesa said, “It isn’t far, don’t worry.” She led the other girl through a narrow path surrounded by thick brush on either side.

Eventually, they came to a large cabin in the woods. It was a multi-story home built into the side of a hill, but it had fallen into disrepair. Vines wove their way up and down the wood panelling, their flowers blooming bright blue and yellow. Tiesa was pretty sure that there was a family of robins nesting in the second story closet, but no one had the heart to make them move.

“Whoa,” Luna breathed as the door creaked open. Muted sunlight filtered in through the large stained glass windows, tinting the floor and walls various shades of violet. Rain splattered the windows and made the light dance. The space was dominated by a glittering chandelier and grand staircase, but was otherwise empty.

Tiesa led Luna up the stairs to a wide hallway. Watercolor paintings lined the walls, and dried flowers were tucked into the frames. A vase at the end of the hall was filled with violets and daisies. “Bellva was here,” Tiesa said to herself.

“Bellva?”

“My friend. She must have been here in the past few days.”

“Why? Is she here often?”

“Mostly just when I’m here, or when we hold Council meetings to help stop the directorate. We used to hang out here all the time when we were kids.” She nudged open a door near the stairs. “This can be your room.”

The room itself was occupied by a canopy bed, a mahogany dresser, and a bay window. Tiesa drew back the curtains revealing a stunning view of the shore, speckled with various marble statues and fountains. An elegant tower stood watch in the distance. “It’s beautiful,” Luna said. “Who’s room is this?”

“Yours, now. We might be here a while, at least until the storm clears up. It used to be my aunt’s, when she still lived at the palace. I’ll be just next door. Just let me know when the storm clears up, okay? We need to get back to Citale as soon as we can.”

“Okay,” Luna replied a little too steadily, like she was trying too hard.

Tiesa felt a wave of familiarity and safety as soon as she entered her old room. She used to spend whole weeks here, before the Directorate demanded most of her attention. She changed out of her wet clothes and fell asleep with the knowledge that she was finally home. Finally where she was supposed to be.

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 7 (1/2)

June 16th, 196

Tiesa

Luna found a place to stay for the next several days while they waited for transportation out of the province. “I know someone,” she reassured them. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Pen whispered. Tiesa glared at him.

Luna led them up a stone path to a small brick cottage. “Don’t worry, Pen. They aren’t even home.”

He stopped in his tracks. “What?”

“They’re in Septena, on vacation.” She turned in his direction. “Will you calm down? I practically grew up with them, I plant sit for them when I’m not working. They trust me, I trust them. Okay?”

“But you trust us?” Tiesa inquired.

“Why not. You trust me, don’t you?”

“We shouldn’t,” Pen muttered.

Tiesa snapped to attention. “What was that?” she said as sweetly as she could.

“Nothing…”

“That’s what I thought.”

Luna unlocked the heavy oak door, revealing a dusty parlor. There was a staircase at one end of the room. At the other, there was a chair, sofa, and a small coffee table. There were indeed several house plants scattered about. There was a colorful rug placed haphazardly in the corner. A large archway opened into a small kitchen. Morning sunlight streamed in, illuminating the entire space.

“Welcome,” Luna said with faux grandiose. She showed them to the guest rooms, and she made arrangements to sleep on the couch. After a while, Pen went out to collect pamphlets.

“It’s his way of figuring out how the rest of the world functions,” Tiesa explained. “He likes to know what’s going on when he can’t be there to see it happen firsthand.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

Tiesa was examining the framed drawings and mementos on the shelves. As she went, Luna identified the people in them.

“That’s Vienu and Reki,” she said when Tiesa pointed to a small portrait of two young men. “The house is theirs.”

“Married?” she asked.

Luna nodded and Tiesa smiled, turning back to the shelf. “And that’s Kita, Vienu’s brother, and his cousin, Cantella. I think she’s a famous performer in Septena or something. And those are Reki’s parents.” She went silent for a moment, the said, “Ok. So I have a serious question. It isn’t about your mission thing.”

“Alright,” Tiesa replied. “Shoot.”

“What’s the deal with you and Pencari?”

“If you’re asking if we’re dating-”

“Sort of.”

Tiesa took that as an answer. “We’re not,” she said slowly, “but we have known each other for a very long time.”

“Why the hesitation?”

“Because… I don’t know.” She was lying. The last thing she felt like doing was spilling her deepest secrets to an almost-stranger.

“Okay.” Thank goodness. “Another question: Why are you helping the rebels?”

Tiesa considered for a moment. “I know what the Directorate is doing is wrong. They're pushing taxes to help themselves, persecuting the impoverished, supporting common criminals, even, when it serves them. I need to stop them, but they won’t listen to me on my own. I need backup. Even better, if I can get the rebels to help me overthrow myself, I don’t have to deal with all the political issues of stepping down.”

“Selfish reasoning. I can respect that.”

Tiesa smiled wryly. “If there’s one thing I learned from listing to them argue all these years, it’s that there isn’t a selfless option. Everything is done for one’s own gain.”

“And what about Pencari?”

“I think he just wants to be able to stop worrying about things, you know? He wants it to be over already.” Luna nodded. “I have a question for you,” Tiesa said. “What did you mean when you said that you didn’t have much to leave?”

“My father left, and my mother died when I was very young. I don’t really remember her. I’ve spent half my life at sea, but I’ve never left Meridonia. My friends all come and go; I try not to get too attached. And now you’re offering me a ticket out of here?” She looked up, as is she were trying to figure out how much to tell her. “I want to see the Empirica.”

The Empirica was the ‘escape of legend’ for so many. It was a cargo ship that landed in Aluntura every two years. No one knew where it was for the rest of that time, but it definitely went somewhere. Every time it came back, wild tales circulated of vast plains completely devoid of water, creatures so large that one of their feet could crush five men, and buildings in shapes so abstract they bent and curved like trees themselves. The goods the ship brought back were just as magnificent. There were dyes as vibrant and variant as rainbows, fruits so sweet they they made your teeth hurt, and machines that could play hours of music without being controlled. Perdita knew more about the Empirica than anyone else at the palace. Her daughter was part of the crew, after all. There wasn’t much that she could confirm as fact, but surely some of the stories had to be true.

“I want to see whatever’s out there,” Luna continued. “I want adventure and excitement and something. I don’t want to live in a merry-go-round my entire life. And I know that you can get me there.”

[tiesa-reale]

Q: what would you die for?

Luna: ... nothing?

Pen: what a sad existence you lead

Luna: a sad existence is better than no existence

Tiesa: she does make a good point

Pen: why are you agreeing with her?

Tiesa: because I don't want to die unless I have a good reason.

Pen: and that reason is...

Tiesa: my cause. Rebellion and reform.

Luna: edgy to the end I see

Tiesa: quite so.

Luna: STOP AGREEING WITH ME YOU'RE SUCKING ALL THE FUN OUT OF IT

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 14

June 26th, 196

Tiesa

“Luna?” Tiesa called. It was nearly noon, and Tiesa had heard her creep downstairs earlier in the day. She had something important to tell her. She finally had the chance.

“Yes?” Luna answered, appearing at the bottom of the steps.

“There’s something I need to show you.”

“How do you feel?” Luna’s black jacket swished in the breeze from where it hung at her waist. Her brow furrowed.

“I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much now,” she said dismissively, reaching the last step. She was lying; it was rather excruciating at times, but she had other things on her mind. “Take out your locket.”

“I thought you said you had something to show me, not the other way around.” She pulled it over her head all the same. Tiesa did likewise, holding it out for Luna to see. “A sun and a moon.”

“So? It’s not an uncommon design.”

“What about this?” Tiesa twisted the sun, and the locket popped open revealing the picture of Callia.

Luna gasped. “I didn’t even know it opened,” she muttered, doing the same to her moon. Then she examined the pictures inside.

Luna’s locket held the image of Queen Lila Reale. She may as well have been an older version of Tiesa.

“Why…” Luna started. “Why do you have a picture of my mother?”

“My aunt, the Runaway Princess.”

Luna clicked her locket shut with an echoing snap. “Nope. My mother wasn’t royalty. She was a lowly cartographer who worked for a shipping company in Meridonia. Why would she give up all this for a life like that?” She was reeling, holding on the banister so hard that her knuckles turned white.

“Callia Reale left Aluntura when she was twenty. She boarded the Empirica seeking adventure and an escape. She returned two years later with you in her arms.

“She didn’t want you to grow up around corrupt royalty, and she couldn’t go back to wherever the Empirica was. She never said why. So she built a life in Meridonia, away from the mess and the expectations. She never did do well with those, from what I’ve heard…”

“So… What does that make me?” Luna’s head was in her hands. Tiesa didn’t think she believed it. She couldn’t blame her.

“A princess, second in line for the throne.”

“No.”

Tiesa took Luna’s hands to steady her. She didn’t know what to say. “We’ll row to Citale when the weather calms down,” she said as gently as she could. “I didn’t want to throw this on you all at once, but you had to know.” Luna nodded numbly, turning to go lie down.

I’ll do what I can. She won’t have to deal with any of this pressure if I can do anything about it, Tiesa resolved.

No more running.

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 12

June 24th, 196

Tiesa

The whole day was a complete shipwreck.

One could take that quite literally. They wouldn’t be entirely wrong.

The rain had stopped the day before, then started up again in the morning. It was getting more and more persistent, it seemed. By evening, Tiesa decided that she needed some fresh air, however wet it may have been. Luna and Pen followed. Tiesa, as it happened, loved the rain. She didn’t propose to retreat back to the stuffy depths until the winds grew violent.

The whole crew was running around at that point, trying to take control of the ship. The storm was bad. Very bad. A boy yelled over his shoulder that she should get below deck if she wanted to save her pretty face. She badly wanted to scrunch up her nose and stick out her tongue, but knew that it would be petty and childish. Besides, he did sort of have a point.

She ran to the hatch, nearly slipping and falling on her way. She yanked at it. It didn’t come open. She knew that it sometimes got stuck, but not like this. It wouldn’t budge. Then she realized that there was a rope tied through one of the slats in the wood.

Luna had reached her side, Pen right behind her. “It’s tied shut, we can’t get through,” she yelled over all the noise. Luna swore. Pen ran to Allya’s cabin, but it was locked as well. Everything was locked.

Tiesa forced herself to remain calm. Allya couldn’t have done this, she reasoned. She’s too busy ordering the crew around. Then: Elliana.

Luna seemed to have come to the same conclusion. Their auburn-haired ally had disappeared.

Tiesa thought she caught a glimpse of the palace in the distance, and ran to get a better look. Luna yelled after her. Pen drew his pocket knife and was trying to cut through the rope.

The ship rocked violently, knocking Tiesa off her feet. Her back slammed against the side. Luna screamed, but Tiesa couldn’t hear her.

Thunder cracked in the distance, accompanied by several bright flashes of lightning. Pen was nearly finished with the rope, but Tiesa couldn’t focus on anything but her own balance.

Another wave rocked the ship, and Tiesa was slung overboard. A scream ripped through the air, but she didn’t know where the sound came from.

She saw Luna leaning over the rail just before she hit the water.

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 9

June 20th, 196

Tiesa

As she studied the ripples made by raindrops in the sea, Tiesa realized just how far-fetched her whole plan was. Everything she did, in fact, was at least very improbable. She was actually expecting to find a rebel leader on this bizarre excapade; she had dragged Luna (a complete stranger) along on a basis of sudden intuition; she was falling for Pen even though she knew that the likelihood of him ever returning her feeling was very slim.

She was startled when the ship suddenly came to a halt on the shores of Lukarya, the eastern province. The bustle began again. It was routine now, and she was used to it. She joined the parade of pedestrians making their way to land, and found Pen and Luna in the crowd.

The steady rain was soaking through the jacket she had borrowed from Luna. Her own clothes apparently stood out too much. When they were all together, Pen whispered, “I see one.”

Tiesa knew exactly what he meant. She scanned the crowd, eventually spotting a tall woman walking through the market. Her hair was as bright as flames, tied into a loose ponytail. It hung in wispy curls down to the middle of her back. She wore a blood red blouse, and the hem and sleeves burst with ruffles.

“Are you sure?” Tiesa asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Do we have a name?”

“Elliana Berone, I believe.”

“Perfect.”

Luna scrambled to catch up. “Does anyone care to explain?” she asked bitterly.

“We think she’s a rebel leader. She can help us,” Tiesa said.

“Like I’m helping,” Luna said. “You have terrible judgment.”

Tiesa ignored her. “What’s the plan?” she asked.

“We talk to her,” Pen answered.

“My point stands,” Luna offered in rebuttal.

Three and a half minutes later, Pen had waltzed up beside Elliana and was making polite conversation with her. Tiesa and Luna strode behind them, admiring a cart full of pale pink flowers. Pen alluded to the rebel movement as subtley as he could. Which was to say, he all but told her that he was looking to aid them. She (with more care) replied that she may know something, if they were willing to help her with something.

Tiesa couldn’t hear pieces of the conversation over the noise of the marketplace, but she knew one thing for sure. Elliana knew she was there. This is where we mess the whole thing up, she thought, then quickly shoved the thought to the back of her mind. No negativity, not when they were this close.

They followed Elliana to the edge of the town, where a small wagon awaited. She untied the horse, a beautiful brown mare, and motioned for them to come along.

Elliana drove, and the trio sat just behind her. “So,” she said in a lilting Lukaryan accent, “Who are you?”

This woman doesn’t hold back in the slightest, Tiesa thought. “You’ve met my friend, Pencari,” she said cautiously, “and this is Luna.” Just go with it, she mouthed to Luna.

“And you are?”

After a moment of consideration, she replied simply with “Tiesa.”

Elliana went stock still. Tiesa could tell she was surprised by the sudden revelation. “Your majesty,” she said eventually, though her voice carried a keen hint of bitterness.

“No need,” Tiesa said, shaking her head. “Are we not equals?”

“But of course,” Elliana said slowly, sharply. It was clear she did not consider them as such. “What an honor.” As they pulled up to a large home surrounded by rose hedges, she gestured widely, saying, “You are more than welcome to stay the night.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Luna said before anyone else could answer. “There’s an inn only a mile away.”

“But don’t you think-” Pen started.

“Yes, I do think. Do you?”

Pen glared.

Elliana was visibly disappointed. “Meet me in the garden at dawn, then.”

Tiesa and Pen nodded. Luna rolled her eyes. Elliana seemed to take this as affirmation.

“Wonderful,” she sang. “Absolutely wonderful.”

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

The Return of the Runaway Princess

Ch 5 (1/2)

June 13th, 196

Tiesa

They boarded the ship in the morning. It was a cargo ship, traditionally, but the crew frequently agreed to let tourists catch a ride for a fee. Nothing royalty couldn’t pay, though.

It took Tiesa a while to adjust to the steady swaying of the ground underneath her. She was soon swept off her feet by the mass of people following them, wooden crates in hand. She surprised herself when she called out, “Is there anything I can help with?”

A small girl with brown skin and dark brown hair rolled her eyes dramatically. Tiesa thought she recognised her from somewhere, but she couldn’t remember where. She decided that it had to all be in her head.

“What? I can help,” she protested.

The girl stopped and gave her an odd look that seemed to say why on Earth are you even here? “Ok. Sure.” Her tone was sweet, but her expression ozed sarcasm. Tiesa noticed, for the first time, a thin golden chain hanging from her neck.

Tiesa walked back to the dock, picked up a large wooden crate, and carried back to the ship. She was vaguely aware of Pen’s gaze following her dubiously the entire time. The girl took the crate from her, not looking impressed in the slightest.

When the cargo was all carried in and the ship had set off, Pen dragged her to a small closet.

“What the heck was that?” he started.

Tiesa decided to play the high ground card. “I was being polite.”

“Whatever happened to keeping a low profile?”

She didn’t have a response for that. She changed the subject. “That girl, she looked familiar. You haven’t seen her before, have you?”

He looked at her as if she had declared that the sky had turned green. “No.”

“I thought maybe, from a vision or something…”

“No.” Then he actually considered it. “I don’t think so at least.”

“What do you mean, you don’t think so?”

“I mean I don’t know. Lower your voice, will you? As if the whole province doesn’t already know we’re here.”

“I will not! What do you mean you don’t know?”

He sighed, having already acknowledged a loss. “That vision could take place twenty years from now. It could-”

“What? You didn’t care to mention that before we went on this idiotic mission?”

“I did, actually, but it isn’t my fault if you don’t listen to a word I say!” he shouted.

Neither of them noticed when the door slid open.

“Lover’s quarrel, I see?” It was the same girl Tiesa had met earlier. Now she could see a small golden locket hanging from the chain. It was almost identical to Tiesa’s, but where Tiesa’s had a small sun, the girl’s held a moon.

Tiesa blushed red despite herself. Pen glared daggers into the girl’s dark eyes.

“No, I understand. Continue. I believe you were at the part where he says You don’t listen to anything I say! I hate you! I’m leaving you forever!”

Pen came back to his wits first. “That’s not… We’re not…”

“We’re not together,” Tiesa finished for him.

“Don’t worry! You’ll be back together in a few weeks,” she said with mock enthusiasm.

“We’re. Not. Together,” Pen repeated.

“Then what was that…” she trailed off mid-retort. Her eyes widened. “Oh…”

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

Filibuster to End All

Ch 18

June 28th, 196

Tiesa

Another day, another meeting, another reason to try to fix it all.

We’re not out of the woods. Not yet.

It ends today.

Tiesa’s attempts at mental pep talks were failing miserably. Her pink semi-formal gown was tight and uncomfortable, and was far too hot. Opening the windows only made it worse. She carefully picked up a silver circlet inlaid with three small diamonds; the symbol of the princess of Aluntura. She had a matching ring, telling the world that she was the first in line for the throne. Her mother had worn it as the queen, and it had been passed down for over five generations. The heirlooms were only taken out for public appearances, and Perdita seemed to believe that their current situation constituted such measures. Tiesa disagreed, but figured that Perdita knew what was best.

The throne room, she noted as she arrived, was significantly factionalized. As usual. Arlan Arcana and Teva Viren sat at one end of the room, farthest from the thrones. The self-proclaimed Princess’ Council sat on either side in a wide semi-circle. Tiesa had put together the Princess’ Council two years ago when she first decided to do something about all the mess. It had then consisted of Perdita, Bellva, and Pen. Since then, Vidia and Cetti, Pen’s parents, had joined. She took her designated place between Vidia and Perdita, Cetti on Vidia’s left. All three were tense and quiet. Pen still wasn’t present.

Everyone turned their heads when Elliana and Allya made their grand entrance. They came in a sweep of red, the color of change and revolution. Elliana wore a scarlet evening gown, and her hair was braided with tiny Begonias. Allya wore a deep red skirt and a brown jacket that clashed vibrantly with her colorfully dyed braids. Tiesa leaned to look behind them, but Pen was nowhere to be seen.

“We want positions on the Directorate,” Elliana announced almost before she sat down. “If granted, you get Pen back. If not, we take him with us.”

“Alright,” Arlan said, agreeing at once.

“Wait a second,” Perdita interrupted. “No. We have majority anyway, we get to make the decision.”

“Oh really? You would abandon Pencari so easily?” Arlan said mockingly.

“No,” Perdita argued. “That’s not what we’re proposing. We’re proposing that Miss Berone and Miss Ratava get out and leave Pen.”

Allya’s gaze burned into Perdita. “Or what?” she challenged with a smile on her lips.

“Or you aren’t going anywhere.”

Arlan interjected. “Perdita, really, think this through.”

“I have.” Perdita glared daggers at Arlan. They were old friends; they had known each other for ages. In recent years, however, they had fallen into a moderately polite dislike. Their political views were near-polar opposites.

“Really? Because I think that we should give them what they want. And I thought that you would agree.” Arlan could be a real snake sometimes.

“How so?” Tiesa noticed that when Perdita was irritated, she tended to over annunciate. It drove Arlan over the edge.

“You wanted a rebel leader to come and take over the Directorate, didn’t you?”

“Not one that was going to endanger the children’s lives!” Tiesa hated being called a child, but it was a little less cutting when it was Perdita talking. She called Teva, Vidia, and Cetti children on occasion, and they were all in their forties. It never really ended with Perdita.

“What did you think would happen?”

“A peaceful uprising!”

“Is there such a thing?”

“In any case, you got us instead,” Elliana cut in.

Vidia stood in order to be heard over all the noise. She was short and soft spoken, and often overlooked. “We all want Pen back right?” No one dared to argue. “You want to give them both positions, we don’t want to give them any. So could we compromise?” Again, no one refuted her logic. “You get one seat on the Directorate. Does anyone object?” A few of them nodded in agreement, but most didn’t say a thing.

Looking to Allya, Elliana said, “I’ll take it.”

“You’ll do more than I ever could,” the other woman replied. “One condition, though. I stay here.”

Everyone looked to everyone else, but no one objected. They didn’t have a reasonable argument, seeing as they often allowed Bellva and Pen, under permitting circumstances, to participate in Directorate meetings. “Deal.” Teva said.

There will always be another day, another meeting, another reason to try to fix it all.

We’re not out of the woods. Not even close.

It all starts today.

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

Filibuster to End All

Ch 17

August 28th, 196

Bellva

Luna took a seat facing the window. She adjourned the meeting simply with a “So here’s the deal.” The circle of Directorate members collectively inched forwards. This wasn’t likely to be good news. “Lissa, come out.”

Lissa Merra, Perdita’s granddaughter, stepped out from the shadows. The usually bubbly little girl was quiet today; no flounce in her step shook her floral dress. A crown of half-wilted purple Asters was woven through her brown hair. She took a seat in the chair on Luna’s right.

“Would you like to tell them, or should I?” Luna asked her gently.

“We must welcome the Empire’s isles.”

Cantella was the first to speak. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lissa, however, was in Lissaland. Lissaland was the imaginary place where the future became the past, and reality was muddied. In other words, Lissaland was the depths of her thoughts. Luna answered for her. “We don’t know. That’s why we’re here.”

“Where is this coming from?” Arel asked.

Luna closed her eyes and dropped her voice. “They were Allya Ratava’s last words.”

Bellva’s mind reeled, the memories coursing through her veins. Suddenly the room was dark, lit only by starlight. She was poised above the bay once again, back at her position at the top of the hill. The water glittered below her as it hit the shore and brushed the marble statues that populated the riverbank. She notched an arrow and pulled the string tight. Shaking, she let it fly, hitting her target. And there was blood. Far too much of it. How could so much come from one wound? And there was Lissa. She was running, screaming, Bellva hurrying after… Then the flashback was gone, like mist.

Pen reached out to steady her. “Are you alright?” he asked, just loud enough for her to hear. His all-knowing gray eyes bore into hers, seeking out the truth of her confliction.

She nodded. “Yeah. I’m alright. Everything’s alright.” He smiled, grasping her hand firmly. He really was beautiful when he smiled.

“Well,” Ara was saying, “We know that Allya was an advocate for the marginalized at our country’s rim.”

“Yeah, but aren’t they already welcome?” her brother asked. “They need serious government reform, sure, but so does everyone else.”

Cetti spoke up next. “What else do we know about Allya Ratava?”

“Well,” Pen replied, “she was a sailor. She ran the Naia fleet. We don’t much of her past, though.”

“Wasn’t she on the Empirica for a while?” It was Perdita. This was news to Bellva. It seemed as if the same was true for the rest of the Directorate. Perdita seemed to absorb the collective surprize. “My daughter Kimora is part of the crew, remember? I recall seeing Allya a couple of times when I went to see them when they landed.” She paused. “Also, I overheard Allya and Elliana talking about it.”

“How long ago? You should have said something,” Luna outburst.

“I am now, aren’t I?”

“You should have said something sooner,” Luna corrected herself.

“In any case,” Perdita continued, “the Empire could be in reference to the Empirica. Maybe the Empire is wherever it is that they go.”

“You make a very good point,” Arel said. “Regardless, the Empirica could prove very valuable indeed.”

“What are you saying, Arel?” Cetti asked.

“I’m saying that someone needs to go and find out what’s there. Any information is as good as gold at this point.”

“Here’s a proposition,” Luna said. “What if we split. Half of us deal with internal relations here, with Elliana and rebuilding. The other half goes on the Empirica to welcome whatever there is to welcome. That way, everything is covered. Theoretically.”

Arel clapped his hands together, exclaiming, “That’s brilliant!”

“Calm down,” Cetti said. Maybe it’s best if we don’t all leave for some new land. Maybe we should all stay and work this out first.”

“But the Empirica only comes around every two years,” Ara said. “It might be too late by then.”

“You do make a good point.”

“Now the question is who goes and who stays?” Ara said.

“A debate for another day. Meeting adjourned.” Luna stood, helping Lissa from her seat. They spoke in hushed tone for a few minutes, coming to a resolution no one else could accknowledge.

Bellva didn’t want to go. She didn’t want anyone to go. It was too much, after everything… Tiesa... Allya… And they still had Elliana to deal with…

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

Filibuster to End All

Ch 16

June 27th, 196

Tiesa

Tiesa had always thought that the palace was beautiful in the summer. It was even more beautiful when you were away from it for weeks at a time. It wasn’t as if Tiesa was cooped up in that granite prison for seventeen years; she got out often enough. She had been on countless tours of the country, many lasting for months on end. She had been around the world and back, but nothing compared to the gardens in Citale.

A wide maze was cut into the hillside by criss-crossing paths lined with rose bushes. Every once in a while, the path would open up to reveal a small enclosure filled with aubrieta and hydrangeas.

Tiesa knew the grounds by heart. She led Luna effortlessly through the twists and turns until she saw something. Someone, rather.

The figure was bent over a patch of gardenias, pruning the elegant bush into something that more clearly resembled a sphere. With a start, she realised that it was Arlan Arcana.

Arlan had been on the Directorate for a long time, long before either of her parents had been born. He was a family friend, and frequently spouted political nonsense. Tiesa didn’t like him very much. In fact, he was the corruption that she was trying to rid the palace of.

She had spotted him first. “Arlan!” she called, as she would call to an old friend.

He looked up. He frowned. Creases cut into his forehead. “Who,” he said slowly, “might you be? And why are you here? And how do you know my name?”

She had forgotten that she must look significantly different. Her hair was cut short, her dress and face were muddy and still soaked through from the boat ride to Citale, her arm was still bandaged, and she was accompanied by a stranger. No wonder he didn’t recognise her. “It’s me, Tiesa Alethea Reale. I’ve come back.”

He blinked, the sighed. “Either I’m hallucinating, or you are. Either way, Perdita will want to hear about it. Come with me. And your friend too,” he added as an afterthought.

Arlan disposited Tiesa and Luna in a grand entry hall while he went in search of Perdita. The door at the end of the hall shut with a soft click that bounced off the walls.

“Is he always like this?” Luna asked with one eyebrow raised.

“Mostly. If you provoke him, he’ll start spewing nonsense, but he means well.”

“I can see why you left.”

The door opened a crack, and Tiesa could hear a whispered, “No, Arlan, give us a second,” before it opened further. From the opening, a woman emerged. She was wearing a simple green velvet dress that disguised her stout frame. Her graying hair was pulled up into a loose bun, contrasting her olive skin. Dark pencil lined deep green eyes that crinkled at the edges when she smiled. Perdita Merra.

Tiesa ran to embrace her tutor; she could hardly help herself. “Gracious, child!” Perdita said. “I suppose Arlan wasn’t hallucinating?” Tiesa shook her head. “It really is you?”

“Yes, it really is.”

Perdita frowned sternly. “What’s something that only my Ti would know?”

“The cabin, under the 9th step of the main staircase.” It was the location of three clay keys, a last line of defence if things ever went awry. It was something that only Tiesa had known for many years after the death of her parents, until she realized that the burden must be shared. Now Perdita and Pen knew as well.

Perdita, clearly satisfied, wrapped Tiesa into a bear hug. “We were wondering when you’d get back! There’s so much to fill you in on, but first… Who might this be?”

“Oh, this is Luna Nellara.”

Perdita gave Luna a blank, questioning stare. Luna looked rather uncomfortable, as if this was the last place she wanted to be. You’re not helping me out here, Tiesa thought a little bitterly. You could at least act like you have a purpose in life!

“We met her in Meridonia, she’s half the reason we made it back alive.”

“I see,” Perdita said, and Tiesa was not at all convinced. “Well, then, you’re welcome here. On that note, would you care to join us at a meeting concerning the matters at hand?”

Tiesa showed Luna to a grand guest room, made sure she knew how to find her way back, then found her own room. She collapsed on the bed, glad to be back home at last, then decided that she should probably get ready. She took a quick shower and changed into an elegant navy blue dress with silver trim. She combed her hair, clipping it back with a collection of delicate silver pins. She carefully brushed her bangs to the side.

She found Luna en route to the entry hall. She was wearing all black, having apparently ignored the choices provided for her, and boots that clacked unforgivingly against the marble tile. Her dark brown hair was down and draped over one shoulder. She stood out against her silver and quartz surroundings like a crisp leaf over the top of a blanket of snow.

They walked together to the throne room, Tiesa leading the way. Almost all meetings were held there, as it was conveniently placed in the center of the chaos. Eventually, they came to a large circular hall with three enormous oak doors. Tiesa pushed the one to the left open with a faint creak. It revealed a bright room with marble pillars and blue and rose colored stained glass. In the front of the room were two elegant marble and glass thrones, glittering with gold leaf. Around them were simple glass chairs set up for meetings. Sunlight bounced around and through the room, the glass refracting every color of the rainbow. It was breathtaking.

Perdita was alone, watching the view of a massive stone courtyard. Lilies of every color smiled back. She turned when she heard Luna’s boots. “Ah, there you are.”

“No one else?” Tiesa asked. She was used to large meetings with the entire Directorate and Council present.

“No. I need to get you both caught up, as quickly and as unbiased as possible.”

Luna stepped forward, daring to ask a question. “Ok. So… What is going on?”

“Miss Berone and Miss Ratava, I trust you know them?”

“Yes,” Luna replied hesitantly.

“They claim to have brought you here, but that seems to match up well enough. They have taken Pencari captive. They used him as leverage to gain refuge inside the palace early yesterday. They are keeping him in the Northern Wing, guarded and protected by Miss Ratava.”

Tiesa was outraged. “A prisoner in his own home?”

“What’s worse, Arlan and Teva seem perfectly willing to negotiate. Not only that, but give them just about anything they want.”

“And what might that be?”

“Positions on the Directorate for both of them. Somewhere to work up from, presumably.”

Luna shook her head slowly. “I knew this was a bad idea!” she nearly shouted.

“Calm, child,” Perdita said. “Regardless, we have bigger matters on hand than whether or not you were right.”

“And you’re sure of all of this?” Tiesa asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Then we have a whole lot more to deal with than I thought.”

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

Filibuster to End All

Ch 15

August 25th, 196

Bellva

Bellva Viren knew that she probably shouldn’t be hiding in a corner. Luna was expecting her at a meeting in five minutes.

But did that stop her from hiding in a corner? No.

“Bellva, child, what are you doing there?” Bellva turned. It was Perdita Merra, her tutor. She was headed to the same meeting.

“Nothing, ma’am,” she said as convincingly as she could.

Perdita sighed. She was often exasperated by Bellva. “Come along then. We’ll be late.”

They reached the throne room just in time. It was no longer decorated by pink and blue hydrangeas as it had been just three days earlier, but the blue drapes remained.

Then she saw Arel.

He was seated nearest to the edge of the room, next to his sister, Ara. His dark eyes scanned the room, eventually meeting hers. He smiled. She smiled back. She tried no to, but it wasn’t like she could help it. She took a seat at the other end of the room, next to Pencari. “Hey,” she said.

“Hi.”

“Does anyone know what they’re doing here?” She gestured to her mother, Teva, and Arlan Arcana.

“Nope. Luna didn’t invite them, but they showed up and Luna doesn’t feel like arguing today.” Teva saw her daughter and threw her a weak smile. Bellva didn’t return it. Arlan turned towards her and scowled. His bald head glinted in the morning sunlight. She wanted to scowl back, but doubted that it would fix anything.

“Good morning,” Luna said. She was exhausted, Bellva could tell. “You already know that I invited you - well, most of you - to discuss the formation of a new Directorate. Though I think I speak for all of us when I ask what you’re doing here.” The question was aimed at Arlan.

“I’ve been on this Directorate for thirty-eight years,” he began with the air of someone about to start a ‘Back In My Day’ story. “I see no reason why I shouldn’t continue.”

Luna sighed heavily. “I do. You’re much of the reason I need a new Directorate in the first place.”

“It didn’t used to be like this,” he grumbled. “People used to choose advisors they disagreed with.”

“Like you were chosen. How was that again? That’s right! Your family was rich and you were friends with the royals.” Perdita smiled sweetly. She must have told Luna the story; she’d been at the palace even longer than Arlan. “And second of all, I do choose a diverse council. I often disagree with Perdita and Bellva, and quite frankly, I don’t like Arel very much.” Arel looked mildly offended. The rest of them were all used to it by now; Luna could be brutally honest sometimes. “However, I know that they’re more experienced than I am and probably know what’s best. Do you have anything else to say, or could you please leave?”

He grumbled once again at seeing his last vain endeavour come to a screeching halt. He stood and left.

“Teva, I assume you came to present similar grievances?”

“Not at all, my queen.” Her voice was bittersweet, and Luna winced. “I came only to say that I wish to have no further sway in the government of Aluntura.”

Bellva held back a gasp. Vidia Verit, her mother’s lifelong friend, said, “Surely you don’t intend on leaving us?”

“Of course not,” Teva replied, more to Luna than Vidia. “I intend to stay in Citale with my daughter, but I refuse any position on the Directorate.”

“Thank you, Teva. Your decision is noted. If that is all, you are dismissed,” Luna said, a little perplexed. Was she under the impression that she was going to get a position? Bellva thought. If she did, she was dead wrong.

“My queen,” she said again bowing. Luna’s gaze hardened into something nearly murderous. Bellva made a mental note to never call Luna ‘My Queen.’ Teva left peacefully, her pale gown brushing the floor.

“Well then,” Luna said, readjusting the black jacket at her shoulders. “Anyone else? Great. You’re all here because I want you on my new Directorate.”

“Luna,” Pen interrupted, “Bellva and I aren’t yet eighteen. We can’t.”

“I know, not officially, anyway. Would you accept an unofficial position until then?” They both nodded and let her continue. “What about the rest of you?”

“I accept,” Vidia said.

“As do I,” chimed her husband, Cetti.

“Of course, darling,” Perdita added.

Ara looked to her wife, Cantella, taking her hand. “We’re in.”

“As if I have a choice, then,” Arel said.

After the meeting, Bellva went back to her corner. Not the same corner, exactly. This time she favored one closer to her room. She needed to get away from everything and everyone else. She needed to deal with what she had done.

She heard footsteps. She willed herself to disappear into the pillar. She wasn’t an idiot; she knew that it wouldn’t work. That couldn’t stop her from trying.

It was Arel. Oh no.

“Hey,” he said. It was as if he didn’t think anything of it, of her sitting in a corner, all on her own. He helped her to her feet. “What are you doing here?”

“Just… thinking.” She wasn’t lying. She had been thinking.

“I see. What about?”

“Everything that’s happened since Tiesa got back. It seems like only yesterday… It’s all happened so fast…”

“Are you alright?” he asked gently.

“Of course I am,” she snapped back. She didn’t mean to snap, really.

“You don’t look it.” He took one of her gloved hands. “I’ll get you a glass of water and some biscuits.”

“Really, Arel. I’m fine.”

“After everything you’ve been through, I don’t know how anyone could be.”

[tiesa-reale]

Of the characters you have met so far (Tiesa, Pen, Luna, Allya, and Elliana) one of them is bi and one of them is gay. Any guesses?

[tiesa-reale]

Part 2/7! Now I've got Lyla Ratava (Allya's little sister) and the other one is Luna. This is finally starting to come together!

[tiesa-reale]

My friends who don't have tumblr want to participate in the character ask thing! Here's one:

Q: What are the meanings behind your names?

Tiesa: true

Pen: seeker of truth

Luna: hmm... interesting...

Tiesa *glares viciously at Luna*:

Luna: what?

Tiesa: shut up

Luna *smiling maliciously*: But I didn't say anything

Tiesa: I don't care. Shut up

Pen:

Pen:

Pen: ok then

[tiesa-reale]

Part 1 Playlist

My friend asked me to publish the mess of a writing playlist I have going, so here's part of it. (It's way too long. I'll publish the rest later :) )

Dog Days are Over - Florence + The Machine

The way it was before Tiesa and Pen left the palace in their search for rebel leaders.

Mountain Sound - Of Monsters and Men

Tiesa and Pen's friendship, one of the songs that made it into the playlist early on.

King and Lionheart - Of Monsters and Men

For Tiesa and Luna; Tiesa, and her courage to step up and do what's right; Luna, and her courage to go along with it.

Unbelievers - Vampire Weekend

Luna's view of the world and skepticism of humanity.

Dirty Paws - Of Monsters and Men

Another song that shaped the tone early on. This one is for the corruption on the government and the role of Elliana Berone.

Lay It All On Me - Vance Joy

This one helped me out while I was trying to develop Pen's character.

Hold Back the River - James Bay

One of my favorite so-called 'Pensa' songs. It helped me work through the evolution of their relationship.

I of the Storm - Of Monsters and Men

I've always loved this song. It came on by accident while I was writing a scene later on, and it worked itself in.

[tiesa-reale]

Children of Another Cause

Difficulty to End All

Ch 20

June 29th, 196

Tiesa

“Luna. Come on!” She pounded on the door once more, and Luna gave a loud groan. “I know it’s early, but we really have to go.” Tiesa heard a worrisome thudd. “Perdita made pie.”

Silence. Then: “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Eight minutes later, Luna emerged wearing a red hoodie. Her hair was a bit of a mess, but at least it was pulled back. “Where’s the food?”

“Celata, in the cabin.”

Luna narrowed her eyes. “Let’s go then.”

They rowed across the small stretch of water between Citale and Celata. Tiesa had never understood why Bellva wore heels everywhere; her bare feet got stuck in the mud far too much on their own.

Tiesa led Luna through the house, up one flight of stairs and down another, until they reached the meeting room. There were no thrones to be seen here, only wooden benches and bouquets of pink lisianthus. Bellva was in one corner, making more flower arrangements. She smiled widely when when she saw Tiesa.

“Ti!” she shouted. She ran up to Tiesa, embracing her suddenly. “You’ve changed so much, and you weren’t even gone a month! Why didn’t you bring me?” she pouted, holding Tiesa at arm’s length.

“Bellva, you know we needed someone here to keep the Directorate from imploding.”

Bellva seemed satisfied by this answer. “Where did you go this time?”

“Meridonia and Southern Lukarya-”

“Who is this?” she asked suddenly, staring pointedly at Luna.

“Bellva, meet Luna Nellara. She saved our lives more than once.”

“Well, then, I don’t know how to thank you enough, Luna Nellara, really.” Her big blue-green eyes flashed with blind admiration. Luna crossed her arms, reluctant to start a conversation that early in the morning.

Bellva and Tiesa fell back into a familiar rhythm of chatter. The room around them echoed with the sound of soft voices reverberating off the walls and high rafters. Perdita was saying something to Cetti, and he was nodding along. Vidia sat next to her husband, but she was off in another world. She was waving a delicate hand through the air, drawing pictures no one else could see. Pen had once told Tiesa that his mother was trying to make sense of the world, putting all the puzzle pieces together. Tiesa never quite understood.

Then the door creaked, hardly opening a foot. Pen must have assumed that he was being inconspicuous, but failed miserably. As soon as he realized this, he ran to Tiesa and Bellva. He embraced them both, telling them how much he missed them and tried to get to them earlier. He apologised to Bellva for leaving her behind far too many times. She kept telling him that she understood, but he didn’t care.

“I hate to break this up, children, but now that we’re all here…” Perdita said calmly.

“No, of course!” they said in near perfect unison.

“Then let us begin with a review of our victories.”

Luna huffed.

Perdita turned on her. “Do you refute the fact that having Pencari back is a victory?”

“No, it’s just that it seems rather small in compare to our losses.”

“Luna, I believe that, despite everything, having Elliana on our side could be an enormous asset. Besides, bringing back one of our own is an incomparable victory. We all would have sustained nearly any loss for it. Let us revel in the joy of being together again.” Luna leaned back against the wall. Everyone else clapped politely. “Now I’ll turn this over to Cetti for ideas on how to make the best of our losses. Actually, hold that thought while I get the pie,” Perdita added, dashing off. She came back minutes later with a platter of mouth-watering cherry pie. Slices were cut, china passed around, and the platter set on a table in the corner for anyone who wanted more. Luna more or less stuffed her portion in her face, and Bellva gave her a disapproving glare. No one else seemed to pay her any mind, though.

“Now that Elliana Berone has influence within the Directorate,” Cetti began, “we need to figure out how to counteract it with our own agenda, keep her from going rouge.”

“We could force Allya out,” Luna mumbled.

“The only problem with that is the fact that we already granted her permission to stay.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because we needed Pen back and Elliana on our side.” Cetti countered sharply.

“We could tour,” Vidia said. Touring was something the Directorate did often. They would choose an area of the country and spend a month or more seeing everything there was to see. Though there was not much that could be accomplished from any political agenda during that time, it may play to their advantage this time around.

Perdita smiled. “That might work… If no one can get anything done, we’ll have a chance to interfere, plant our own agenda… You’re on to something, Vidia.” Vidia smiled lightly, forever appearing to be somewhere else. “But where to?”

“What about Septena?” Bellva asked. “We haven’t been there in ages. Besides, Tiesa and Pen haven’t looked there yet. Maybe the other rebel leaders that Tiesa and Pen were looking for are in Septena.”

“Does anyone object?” No one did. “Perfect. We’ll tell Arlan and Teva, and of course they’ll agree. We’ll leave in a week’s time.”