Chapter 31 #4
"It seems a sizable risk, to gather members of Creche Thiel and take them across space to a foreign territory in the hopes that we might invest in technology that is not yet completed or resources that we may not be able to efficiently return to Xitera," said Inmadra, watching Araxis.
"Although I am certain you have considered that. "
"I have," said Araxis, "and I have also thought at some length about Elethenn and his atonement.
I propose that he is sent to Sol in order to liaise with Perseus and to determine if the visit will be worthwhile and if the relationship could be worth the investment.
He is not a diplomat, but his training will help him assess the potential risk a visit might pose to Creche Thiel.
If this organization is being duplicitous, Elethenn will find out.
It will be lonely and challenging work, and there is no promised extraction if things go wrong.
Do we consider this adequate for his atonement? "
They did, and Inmadra agreed to meet with him before the pilots left to give him some instruction in cross-cultural exchanges, as well as some materials he might share.
"I have certain texts that have been approved by an anthathe in my former creche," she said, "but if you wish to assure they meet our own threshold, Araxis –"
"It is not necessary," said Araxis. "I trust in your judgment." He then sent her the initial agreement and Inmadra promised to review it before the night was through.
Vivith, for their part, still looked uneasy. "It is fine to make plans for the distant future, but I am most concerned with more immediate matters. What is your plan for our arrival in Xitera?"
"We will travel directly to the Hall of Records," said Araxis.
"And there, we will make our petition – first, to be reinstated; next, to challenge the writ of propitiation; then, to sanction Creche Naival for their actions against our creche-mates.
I would then send you to Thelessia, Vivith, to take our ancestral seat and to begin to receive petitioners.
We will need to grow our creche rapidly, and I would trust the vetting to no one else.
And if you are on Thelessia and the Concord continues to move against me, with or without the consent of the Assembly, Creche Thiel remains secure. "
The other arkathi murmured in agreement, and something tightened in my stomach when I thought about all that would come next. Politics, meetings, and then travel all the way to Sol.
Oh, and apparently a wedding.
Evreni cleared her throat. "This is all very good, Araxis.
Our Thalidi was wise in splitting the creche.
In fraught times, it is the best course of action.
" She paused, and her eyes grew glassier as she looked at him.
"I would ask that we take time before I return our Yalrinn to Thelessia to inter our Avelthe's remains in the –" The word was unfamiliar, although I'd heard in in a drama before and thought it might mean something like catacombs.
I knew, from what Araxis had told me about the city Adralne and the Great Hall, that the governmental buildings sat atop massive cultural archives, where the stories of each creche were kept.
The remains of those who had died were interred with each creche's history, so that, even in death, they could remain tethered to their house.
"Of course," Araxis murmured. "We will travel to our archives.
The lights of our alcove will again be lit, and our ledger updated.
" He paused, jaw tightening just a little.
"We must also inter our Inniral. I am certain that our Avelthe would be very pleased to be remembered in their company.
They will have eternity to discuss third act gambits. "
For some reason, that made Evreni and Vivith trill, and Araxis smiled, soft and tentative – maybe like sunrise, or at least like sunrise had seemed in Verdant Ward.
He inclined his head toward me as if leaning in to share a confidence, although he pitched his voice so that Inmadra could hear too.
"They were both avid players of siezalel, a very complex abayan game that is –"
"Very dull," said Vivith. "It is insufferable. And our Avelthe and Inniral were studious, meticulous players. Their games would take many days, and if you dared to interrupt them –"
"They were both eager to explain their strategy," continued Araxis, smile brightening. "Which might take an hour, and then the other would recount the game thus far and –"