{"id":3019,"date":"2020-12-08T18:28:17","date_gmt":"2020-12-08T23:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/?p=3019"},"modified":"2021-01-30T21:43:46","modified_gmt":"2021-01-31T02:43:46","slug":"3-realms-3-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/3-realms-3-13\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Realms 3-13"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After the Sacchrinda Kingdom was declared virus-free, the Endeavor<\/em> was told to take Malnar to the Galdredan Lava Kingdom to help prepare for the Under-Union Festival. Realmfleet was told that, because of medical reasons, Denstra would be in command of the Endeavor<\/em> during the preparations. Unfortunately, this couldn\u2019t have come at a worse time. Because of the ship staying on the ground so long, the engine core was playing up, causing Endea all sorts of pain. What made it worse was that a Galdredan spring is considered the height of summer for outsiders. This particular Drewakam, a month in the Under-realm calendar just before spring is declared at its height, was a scorcher. As such, temperatures were high, and tempers flared. What made the whole crew uncomfortable was that Arsha\u2019s main nemeses, Tuurk and Talair, the heads of the Realmfleet Financial Board, were lurking around. The Endeavor<\/em> WAS an old ship and they have long sought to sell it off for scrap. Thanks to new laws being brought about as a result of the Mechanica Rights Trial, they couldn\u2019t scrap a Mechanica ship without express permission from the ship itself. Besides, Endea was still declared \u201cin-service\u201d, so scrapping her was harder for them. That\u2019s not to say that they didn\u2019t try. The two human men approached Denstra, seeing this as an opportunity to get scrapping permission without Arsha around. It didn\u2019t help that Denstra was in a sour mood because of two Ensigns being late for a briefing. They approached Denstra with their usual smarmy smiles. \u201cOh, Ones,\u201d swore Denstra, \u201cthe last people I want in my line of sight!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, dear,\u201d mused Talair. \u201cCommander Welmeva doesn\u2019t look very happy to see us, does she, Mr. Tuurk?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIndeed not, Mr. Talair,\u201d agreed Tuurk. \u201cWe were just moseying around here and heard the Endeavor<\/em> was here in the Under-realm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn this exact kingdom, no less,\u201d chuckled Talair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know, Arsha\u2019s authorized for me to speak on her behalf while she\u2019s taking care of her affairs,\u201d snarled Denstra. \u201cThe Endeavor<\/em> is still not for you to scrap!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t heard this from the ship herself, have we, Mr. Talair?\u201d remarked Tuurk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, we haven\u2019t, Mr. Tuurk,\u201d answered Talair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, ask her, if you want confirmation!\u201d snapped Denstra. \u201cShe\u2019ll give you the same answer as me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well, Commander,\u201d replied Talair. \u201cCome, Mr. Tuurk, we must be off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Talair,\u201d agreed Tuurk. \u201cWe\u2019ll be off, but we\u2019ll return, and we\u2019ll have the Endeavor<\/em> one way or another.\u201d They left the room as the two Ensigns bustled in. They nearly collided with the two financiers and apologized to them. The financiers assured them it was all right as they left. The two Ensigns then gulped as they faced Denstra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c05:25 is when a briefing happens!\u201d snarled Denstra. \u201cWhat do you two mean by coming in an hour late?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry, Ma\u2019am!\u201d yelped one of the Ensigns, a young Blaze Elf man. \u201cWe were told to help Marshii!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know, those two gentlemen you bumped into made a few suggestions on improving this ship\u2019s efficiency!\u201d growled Denstra. \u201cThey mentioned getting rid of a few Ensigns! I told them that I wouldn\u2019t do it, but I may have been a little hasty in that regard! Next time you\u2019re late, I\u2019ll take their advice, understand?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Commander!\u201d replied the other Ensign, an Inu\/Centaur Blender woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow, Tenshal,\u201d Denstra directed the Blaze Elf, \u201cEndea\u2019s developing some pains because of her engine playing up. She\u2019s at Rootan Station collecting YOUR cargo. If she\u2019s all right, join the others awaiting cattle quarantine clearance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Commander!\u201d confirmed Tenshal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWenshai,\u201d Denstra continued with the Inu\/Centaur Blender, \u201cbring in Yutt\u2019s cattle train.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYutt the mutt!\u201d grumbled Wenshai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo wisecracks, Ensign!\u201d snapped Denstra. \u201cJust get on with it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am!\u201d replied the two Ensigns. As they left the room, they spoke with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, you don\u2019t think she\u2019ll throw us off the ship, will she?\u201d asked Wenshai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on, it was Marshii who made us late,\u201d replied Tenshal. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s hot here and she had to deal with Tuurk and Talair. Those busybodies can put anyone in a foul mood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

While Denstra was dealing with her business, Arsha and Falnii sat in their quarters, alone. Candles were lit and a magic circle was set in the middle of the room. \u201cAll right, Arsha,\u201d began Falnii, \u201cDream Weaving is a delicate process. Going too hard to figure out what troubles your dreams will shatter your mind. You must trust that when I wake us up, it\u2019s for your mental health. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Fluffy,\u201d answered Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery good. Now, step into the circle and sit down.\u201d Arsha did as directed. \u201cClose your eyes. Concentrate on the fragrance of the candles and my voice. Breathe deeply.\u201d Arsha shut her eyes and inhale through her nose, then exhaled through her mouth, the honeysuckle smell of the candles calming her mind a bit. \u201cI\u2019m going to sit behind you and touch the back of my head to the back of yours. If you feel something going around you, that is my cloud.\u201d Arsha continued breathing deeply as her eyes stayed shut. She felt the soft back of Falnii\u2019s head touch her own and did feel the clouds that made up Falnii\u2019s dress go around her. \u201cNow, just relax.\u201d Falnii then chanted a rhyme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dream your dream with me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell your woes to me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Show your troubles to me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dream your dream with me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falnii repeated the rhyme, her voice getting lower and softer until Arsha fell asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Arsha woke up again in a set of ruins. She stood up and looked around, confused. \u201c\u2026Fluffy?\u201d she called. \u201cHooves? Bonfire? Princess? Farm Boy? \u2026Hello?\u201d Panic started to set in. \u201cAnyone?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be helped,\u201d replied an ominous voice. Arsha then heard rumbling. She left the ruins and look out to the sea. A massive wave rolled in, high enough to block the sun. Fear gripped Arsha as she froze in place. A light flashed, but she found herself unable to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026I\u2019m alone\u2026\u201d she whimpered as the wave came down. It was about to sweep her away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAWAKEN!\u201d called a voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Arsha woke up in a cold sweat, her breath stuttered as she drew it in. Her breathing then steadied as she looked around to see her surroundings. Candles, rug, a few paintings of hope on the walls, kitchen, then her other senses kicked in. She could smell the honeysuckle of the candles to the point of tasting the fragrance as it entered her nose. She heard the hum of the ship as it idled on the ground. She felt something soft enveloping her and looked down to see her legs and hands surrounded by clouds. She then remembered where she was, her quarters on the Endeavor<\/em>. She then noticed that arms wrapped around her from behind. Arsha put her hands onto the arms as she sighed, relieved that her nightmare was over and knowing it was Falnii giving her an embrace to reassure her. \u201c\u2026It started the instant after the first confrontation with Oyed,\u201d she explained to Falnii. \u201cIt only got worse over time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen that kind of dream before,\u201d replied Falnii as she continued embracing Arsha. \u201cA dream of hopelessness and despair, despite hope being right behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you honestly think there\u2019s hope right now?\u201d asked Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on, Falnii. Oyed\u2019s back and Dr. Borg\u2019s getting more ruthless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe, but you must remember that no one knows who will win, not even Oyed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd if he wins?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf he wins, we all won\u2019t be around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s comforting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf we win, though, we\u2019ve proven that we\u2019re stronger than he believes. He\u2019ll hate that.\u201d Arsha gave a small smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026Yeah, he would.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do this again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy not now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOn top of Dream Weaving being a little draining on the Dream Weaver, repeated attempts only fracture the dreamer\u2019s psyche. I don\u2019t want that on my conscience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cArsha, I know you want your problems sorted right away, but this isn\u2019t something you can just take a shot and call it a cure. This requires multiple sessions over a necessary amount of time. Besides, Realmfleet understands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Tuurk and Talair will hold off on their advice until I\u2019m settled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on, you have a crew that can hold them off as long as necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026You\u2019re right, I do. Thank you for your help today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I do.\u201d Arsha and Falnii got up and blew the candles out. Then Arsha made them a nice lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

While Arsha went through her treatment, Malnar got an explanation about the livestock inspections from the Galdredan Kingdom\u2019s Crown Princess, Calandra Narven. \u201cYou\u2019re absolutely sure?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe ruptured blisters around their mouths and hooves proved it,\u201d replied Calandra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d groaned Malnar. She heard a knock on the door. \u201cCome in.\u201d Gorfanth entered the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBonfire,\u201d he greeted. He then saw who she was calling. \u201cYour Highness!\u201d He bowed to Calandra\u2019s picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood Afternoon,\u201d returned Calandra. \u201cYour pauldron\u2019s crest says you\u2019re a member of the Steelhorns.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGorfanth Steelhorn, at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, yes, one of Malnar\u2019s fianc\u00e9s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Your Highness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf things go how you and your lovers plan, I\u2019ll be bowing to you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat day is still a way away, Your Highness. Did I interrupt anything important?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActually, this news concerns all bovids,\u201d interjected Malnar. \u201cYou\u2019ve heard about the crew conducting livestock inspections?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I have. Why is that?\u201d asked Gorfanth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an outbreak of foot and mouth disease,\u201d explained Calandra. Gorfanth\u2019s eyes went wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFoot and mouth? Are you sure?\u201d he gulped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe just described the symptoms the non-Sentina livestock have,\u201d confirmed Malnar. \u201cDid you leave the ship yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, and I\u2019m not going out there until I\u2019ve gotten immunized,\u201d declared Gorfanth. \u201cExcuse me, ladies.\u201d Gorfanth left the room in quite the hurry to Sick Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmart guy,\u201d mused Calandra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I want to marry him,\u201d chuckled Malnar. \u201cI\u2019ll assist in any way that I can. I just hope your mother\u2019s not got\u2026 \u2018plans\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou and me both. Catch you later!\u201d The call ended and Malnar shook her head as she chose \u201cplans\u201d very carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQueen Andwayla, PLEASE don\u2019t do anything!\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After the Sacchrinda Kingdom was declared virus-free, the Endeavor was told to take Malnar to the Galdredan Lava Kingdom to help prepare for the Under-Union Festival. Realmfleet was told that, because of medical reasons, Denstra would be in command of the Endeavor during the preparations. Unfortunately, this couldn\u2019t have come at a worse time. Because […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1436,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,236],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-3019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-3-the-first-strike","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3019"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3174,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3019\/revisions\/3174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1436"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}