Like Light and Dark (by Miriam & Erich) – 21

“Yes!”, the high priest assured her. “I will tell you everything you need to know, my dear. I fear this is just not the right place to make yourself familiar with higher, divine forces. You better accompany me to the temple of the Sunmother, where your energy can flow more freely.”

“Ugh!”, Lyanne rolled her eyes. She didn’t seem to be too pleased about his suggestion. Was she not so faithful to the Sungoddess or did she just despise the old man’s wording, Crystalline wondered. “Isn’t it more appropriate to deliver your word in front of the court like the rest of us? I mean, how complex can Örlög truly be? Doesn’t it also concern us, as the Queen’s closest advisors?”

“I agree”, Eccart grumbled. “We did our reports in front of the whole court, why should you be an exception, old man?”

The high priest cleared his throat and scratched his long white beard. “You better show some respect, young folks! Mainly, the reason is that the Divine vision demands for privacy and should not be discussed in a public setting! Örlög is a very intimate, personal process and the Queen has already gone through a lot since she has awoken from her dream state. This meeting has already drained her energetic resources enough. Now it is time for the Queen to replenish and relax, don’t you think, my dear Crystalline?”

The young woman couldn’t suppress a little sigh of relief. “Yes!”, she laughed. “I’m so done with draining political discussions for the day! Let’s continue our meeting in two days… have a wonderful evening with your loved ones, everyone!” Crystalline rose from her thone and shyly waved the court members goodbye.

“Aahh…”, Richie smiled and started gathering his pile of papers. “I will spend the remaining day with my beloved books and calculations…”

“What a fuckin nerd you are!”, Eccart mumbled incredulously and shook his bald head, before getting up and salutating Crystalline. “My Queen!”

“Master of Shields!”, she salutated back, laughing. “What about you, Lyanne? What is your plan for the evening?”

The Mistress of Voices smiled gratefully. “Oh, you know, the best thing you can treat yourself with after a hectic workday is a long, hot bath with some candles on the side and a good book in your hand. But rest assured that tomorrow morning, I will begin to plan the great event. What could be the most alluring title for it? “Looking for the Queen’s champion?” No… that sounds a bit too simple. I will think about it! Have a good evening, Crystalline!” She waved and moved away elegantly, the sound of her highheels following her.

“Good evening, my Queen!”, Dimir joined in. “It was truly a blessing to get to know you. Looking forward to working with you.” A slight bow of his head and he vanished into the void, only leaving behind a black cloud of smoke. Creepy! Crystalline shuddered.