Decisions, Decisions

With the bizarre hunt complete, Noble headed to her room to change clothes and review all the events in her mind. There was a lot to process about what she had seen and heard, but two things took precedence over all the rest. 

The two Memories she had received. 

Diving into her soul sea, Noble found two new orbs shining above the luminescent water. 

She called forth the first and read the runes. 

Name: [Bread Crumbs]

Rank: Awakened

Type: Tool

Description: [After his quest, the Raven Lord did not find his way home. Perhaps he should have left a few more bread crumbs instead of bothering the gods with his troubles.]

Summoning the Memory, Noble studied the unassuming grey stone in her hand. It looked a little like the Geode that she had slain to earn it, but more oblong. 

'Like a loaf of bread.' 

Noble took a few steps and looked behind her. Translucent pebbles glowed dimly. 

'Not pebbles. Crumbs.'

Dismissing the Memory, the light disappeared. 

When the [Bread Crumbs] manifested once more, so did the trail she had made before. But any movement while the Memory was dismissed was invisible. Based on the trail's unnatural color, Noble guessed that only the owner of the Memory could see it. 

'Interesting!' 

And useful. Without her communicator at home, Noble was an expert at getting lost.

The other Memory, called the [Strange Scepter] was a voice amplifier and was of no immediate use for her. Still, it was nice to be rewarded for her effort on the battlefield. 

After studying all the ins and outs of her new acquisitions, Noble was pulled from her musings by a knock at the door.

"My Lady," Lenore curtsied as she entered. "I am here to get you dressed."

Looking down at her simple frock, Noble frowned. "Dressed for what?"

Lenore laughed at her mistress's obvious joke. "What else? The party!"

'Party?!'

———

Just like after every other hunt, a feast that night was held to celebrate the glorious victory. Not only had the Nightmare creatures been cut down in untold numbers, but the Queen had also managed to chase away the Tyrant with a single strike. 

She wore a trimmed-down version of one of his black feathers in her hair to commemorate that fact.

The banquet hall was packed with nobility and important officials all showering praise on their most magnificent sovereign.

For her part, Emira took the generous words with a taciturn nod. She sat at the head of the table, eating much slower than the evening before. She hadn't sent away a single dish.

Perhaps that in itself was a sign of her elation.

'I've yet to see her smile. I wonder if she even can anymore.'

From halfway down the table, Noble studied the Queen's face for a moment. Emira was obviously punishing her by putting her so far from the seats of highest honor. Everyone at the party knew about the Queen's displeasure. 

None would want to be in Noble's floating sandals. 

Any normal person would have been upset by the sovereign's public snub. But Noble was relieved. While she was interested in observing the Queen, she did not want to speak to her just now. 

'I hope this is the only punishment she has in store, but I doubt it.' Noble did not like to think about all of the torture that Emira could inflict. For now, she would stay as far away from the Queen as possible and enjoy the meal. 

Yet Noble's eyes were always drawn to the enigmatic hostess of the feast.

At the head of the table, Emira sat on a grandiose throne. Her auburn hair was caught up in a twist while a small crown adorned her head. In her emerald dress, she was stunningly beautiful.

'So was the evil queen that tried to kill Snow White.' Noble recalled the old story.

A small pang pierced her heart as she remembered the last time she had told the twins that fairy tale. If she got home, she would have a whole new story to tell.

'When…when I get home…' Noble reframed her thinking. As long as she was breathing, she would not consider failure.

Food streamed into the banquet hall in a never-ending line. Because the food was served on communal platters, Noble did not have to worry about it being poisoned.

Which was good because fighting had made her work up quite an appetite. She filled her plate and dug in hungrily.

The fresh meat tasted delicious, but Noble could not help but feel a little guilty knowing how many had died to acquire it. 

Around her, no one else seemed to share her sentiment. They ate, drank, and were merry. The soldiers peppered among the guests shared stories of their personal victories.

Wine flowed and voices became more boisterous. Based on the fact that both mundane and Awakened were drinking, Noble guessed it wasn't Emira's personal vintage.

Even without the poison, the potency of that alcohol would have killed an average man.

Most of the guests drank in moderation, but some continued to take advantage of the Queen's generosity.

Their tongues became loose.

That was how Noble learned that the swarms came down from the mountains once every two or three months. The Tyrant was not usually with the Nightmare hordes. His presence explained why the Queen had gone out to lead the charge against them.

All in all Noble had witnessed a rare event.

"I never thought I would see the day that Counsel and Her Majesty would fight side by side again," an older gentleman, Lord Gavin, chortled as he set down his glass. "And then Lady Brenna joined our forces, ha! I had no idea you had such battle prowess, My Lady."

"I am glad I met your expectations," Noble dipped her head.

"I wonder what other talents you have that we do not know about?" A woman asked pleasantly. "We asked Counsel but he would not betray your secrets."

Noble glanced farther up the table. Her protector was sitting next to the Queen, but they were not conversing. Another example of Emira exercising her power.

She could separate the pair from their scheming, at least for this meal.

Setting down his fork, Counsel locked eyes with Noble, smiled, and sent a questioning glance.

Did she need something?

Well, Noble needed many things, but nothing he could provide just now. A gentle shake of her head gave him this message.

"Counsel did not reveal anything because there is nothing to reveal. As for today, I did what I thought needed to be done." Noble said in a practiced manner.

"Yet your aunt does not appreciate your initiative. It is a shame. She would like to keep you locked away from the public eye," Lord Gavin whispered.

"I am sure Her Majesty has her reasons." Noble tried to end the discussion, but the gossip took it as his cue to continue.

"Ah, but what reasons might those be, My Lady? You are the favored of the people and a symbol of our bright future. Her Majesty should have you proudly by her side."

"I am flattered." Noble smiled and indicated the platter in front of her. "Would you like more meat?"

But the older man did not take the hint for the change of conversation. He took her hand in his. "We in the Old Guard are aware of the Queen's jealousy. We will support you in whatever you decide." 

'Decide?'