ELRETH

The stunned silence that greeted her raised the hair on her neck.

Could they really not see it? Did they really believe she should have no suspicion of them at all?

Her hackles wanted to rise, but she worked hard to keep her voice gentle but firm.

"I do not speak as someone who believes you mean to do harm to the kingdom," she said, first to Aaryn, then letting her eyes scan all of them. "But I can tell you that were I to propose that to the elders, it is the first question that would be raised. Why put those who have positioned themselves for revolution in a position to weaken others?

It was her mother that spoke up. "I believe, Elreth, and perhaps you should speak with Reth about this directly… but I believe your need for agents will be less focused on the current inhabitants of the Tree City, and more outside of its territory."

Elreth tipped her head. Her mother held her gaze intently, as if she expected Elreth to understand something important from that statement.

And Elreth did: That there were unnamed threats to the Anima she remained unaware of.

She made a mental note to ask her father when they were next alone, but continued to keep her attention on the gathered Anima.

"What else can the disformed, should you become a formal tribe, offer to the Anima as a whole?"

"Anything you wish," Aaryn said, his jaw tight. "Right now you have a generous chunk of your population either idle or not working to their full potential. Our people are strong and capable. Willing to do whatever is needed to help ourselves thrive. I would ask you, our Queen, what could we do to better our position within the tribes? What could we do to contribute? Put us to work—you may be amazed at the untapped resources you have your disposal."

"I'm sure you're right." Elreth smiled a little at that. He was right, of course he was. It was one area she'd always argued to her father—why were the disformed set aside so often? Shaking off the unease around the issue of secrecy and spying, it was only wise to consider that they had a young, fit, and intelligent population who apparently wanted to work, and were being barred from many of their tribal duties.

The crown could use them, of that there was no doubt.

But…

"I am open to reviewing how you might be of use to the Throne," she said. "And I agree, I think there are many ways and roles that you might undertake. But it will need real time and consideration. Were I to take you—a full fifth of our population—and suddenly place you close to the throne, give you your own tribe, and access to the positions close to the throne—positions that include secrecy and knowledge—can you not see how the other tribes might become suddenly nervous?"

"They should have thought of that when they kept them out of the normal roles," Gar growled.

Elreth shot him a look, but many of the disformed were nodding.

Aaryn sat up straighter. "We are not here to feed resentment, or relive the past," he said calmly. "We are here to find a way to a better future."

Elreth nodded at him. "I wish that for you also. I will give you all this assurance: I will think deeply on these things. I will look for real solutions, not merely pay lip service to them. But this will take some time. I suggest we meet again in a few weeks to discuss further—"

"Weeks?!"

She wasn't sure which of them had whispered it so urgently, but she felt the tensions rise in the room. And she was done playing babysitter.

As Aaryn opened his mouth, his head snapping to the side to catch the eye of whomever had spoken, Elreth growled, long and low, and let herself feel her dominance, feel her intention—and the warning to them, so they could all scent it.

"Before you determine that you are being let down, let me tell you all what I have heard today: I have heard that your lives have been misused, and your persons undervalued since your birth. I have heard that when you are together you feel that you are at your best and strongest. And I have heard that your hearts to assist and support each other are real—just as they should be.

"I've heard you describe a people who wish to grow into adulthood, rather than having their growth stunted, and who demonstrate the ability to be discreet—and loyal. But I also doubt that, having never actually fulfilled the roles of a Tribe before—not in their entirety—I doubt that you understand fully that which you ask for. So now, hear me."

She took a deep breath. She could feel Aaryn's eyes on her, and wasn't sure whether he stared with admiration or warning, but she would show him her heart here. She flashed the sign for, 'I'm in,' so he would know that she kept her words cautious for the people, but not to him.

"You are a people, already, whether I formally recognize your tribe or not. You have sustained each other, supported each other, and continued to work for the good of all, even without recognition from the throne. Do not stop doing that.

"While you have waited a very long time for this day, the crown—and perhaps more importantly, those behind the crown—have only known for days that this might even be proposed. Accept that even where you find a willing heart in me, there is also responsibility to all Anima, not just the disformed.

"I commit to you that I will look for a way to make this possible. I do not resist the idea outright. What I do resist is bringing the entire Tree City into chaos for not taking the time and wisdom to consider our steps.

"I myself have learned in recent days how easy is to react and destroy relationships, or communication. And as your Queen, I refuse to allow you to walk blindly into what will be an extremely difficult transitional time.

"So, while you may not like the idea of waiting weeks, trust me, the seeds that will be planted during that time will make the embrace of the disformed more likely. They will promise the plants of peace between you and the other tribes. And they will allow me to take advice and ideas from Anima older and wiser than me—that I assure you, have your best interests in mind.

"When you hear me say weeks, do not hear me say I will not be actively working towards your integration as a tribe. Hear me say that we must, absolutely must, walk wisely. Do you understand?"

There was a hesitation where many of the disformed looked at each other, but slowly, a murmur of agreement and acknowledgment rose in the room.

Aaryn nodded at her and Elreth smiled.

"Hear me: I already see you as a Tribe. But it may take much longer to ensure that the rest of the Anima do. I give you my vow, though, that I will not stop working towards that goal."

They liked that a lot more.

*****

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