Digging up Trouble: Ch 1. Plover and the Crocodile
"Fuck off you bastards! And don't you come back!"
Leere took the bow and fired off another arrow just for good measure. She knew Al-Daida could be dangerous, but she had hoped to avoid conflict by staying under the radar and being foreign. Heading back to the archaeological grounds, she checked on her team. At the age of 25, Leere's current passion was discovering ancient treasures across the world. Her latest search brought her to the dunes of Al-Daida, looking for the remains of princess of Hyrule that married a matriarch of Al-Daida thousands of years ago. She hoped to find the remains of the princess and return her to Hyrule. The site was discovered three days into their arrival, and her team opened up a massive underground tomb. Each layer would take days of work to uncover, which made work slow. What started the trouble was finding a trove of jewels that had been buried away. All it took was slip of the tongue from one of crew mates and word spread fast. A group of bandits tried to raid them when they were tired after a day of work.
Returning to camp, Leere was thankful no one was killed. A few injuries and the account only herself and the one Goron she brought with her could fight put a pit in her stomach. They couldn't afford to work by themselves now. After putting it to a vote with her crew, they decided to buy some protection from the local government.
The next morning, when things were calm, Leere journeyed an hour out towards the city by herself. Walking through the markets, she tried to not pry too much on the towns on goings. Adjusting her hat, she made her way up to the palace gates. "Excuse me? Is this the home of Matriarch Fayruz?"
"What business do you have here?" The guard asked Leere, not allowing her to pass into the palace just yet. Visitors were frowned upon by the matriarch unless an appointment was previously set. There were only a few exceptions, like that one defeated royal lady from a couple of years back. "The matriarch's time is very precious and she does not like to be disturbed. Do you have an appointment set with her?"
"I do not. But I seek her help. I am Doctor Dragmire, archaeologist of Hyrule. My team has recently come under attack by bandits, and I wish to strike a bargain with her for our safety." When the man only raised an eyebrow, Leere sighed. She didn't like throwing her royal title around, especially when outside of her own country, but she supposed she might get more help from a royal if she was recognized as one. "I'm also known as a Princess of Hryule."
"... I will send a messenger. Please wait." The guard had no patience for dealing with issues like this. There were plenty of princesses, princes, kings, and queens in the world, but only one matriarch. She would decide if she wanted to receive this supposed 'daughter' of Hyrule. She did not look like any Hylian he ever encountered. The servant returned with a whisper in the guard's ear. "Fine. You may pass."
"Thank you."
Leere was escorted inside the chambers of the palace. As she entered, she politely took her hat off. The Doctor had heard rumours of certain monarchs nailing hats into the heads of rude guests who refused to remove them. Looking at a pool, her red eyes grew three sizes at the sight of a massive crocodile relaxing in the sun. She then laid her gaze upon a tanned skinned woman with horns upon her head. Holding her hat, Leere politely gave a gentle bow of the head. "Matriarch Fayruz, I presume?"
"That I am, and you, my child, a supposed 'princess' of Hyrule?" Fayruz got right to the point. She had her servants attending to her every need. One was blocking the sun with a rather large elephant leaf, while another had a tray of fruit and cheese for her to enjoy. "You are... very different than any Hylian I've ever seen. Something tells me you are not exactly Hylian."
"It's true I'm no Hylian. My name is Leere Dragmire, adopted daughter of Ganondorf and Zelda."
"Ah, adopted. That makes much more sense now." Fayruz stood from her fainting couch and greeted Leere with a wave of open arms. "I am Matriarch Fayruz Ola. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, though I have to say, I am surprised." The Nara then crossed one arm over the other, while an expression of puzzlement adorned her face. "To find one of you here of all places."
"I came to your lands in search of the tomb of Queen Wannaba. She was an ancient princess of Hyrule who long ago married a Matriarch of Al-Daida, although back then I believe they might have been known as Pharaohs. I was hoping to return her body and secrets to Hyrule. Unfortunately, I hit a snag. May I sit down?"
"The majestic Pharoah Walijah, also known as Wannaba to foreigners." Fayruz chuckled with a soft smile. "I understand, some names are hard to say in various tongues." She clapped her hands and the servants provided Leere with a chair. "Though, you do know that the beliefs of our people say that lovers are to be together?"
Leere nodded. "I hope you don't think me a thief. Truth is, my kingdom, well, I merely acquire what she was buried with. They say the Queen was highly fascinated with death, studying the living dead as well as the realm of the dead. She left an artifact upon the surface with her King before dying, but she was buried with some personal pieces, as well as instructions on where one could find what she left behind. Unfortunately, she also was buried with a massive amount of treasure. And that's where my problems have arrived. The moment word of treasure spread outside my crew, bandits organized and attack my site. I was barely able to push back a small raid on my own. I've journeyed here today in hopes that I could strike a bargain with you that could grant me and my crew protection."
"There is a difference between a thief and a scholar hoping to study history, but Al-Daida likes to hold onto their dead." Fayruz listened to Leere's suggestion of a bargain. The matriarch really had no interest in this historical dig. The dead were in the afterlife, where the worries of life and the pressures of being a ruler were no more. Yet, the dead were to be respected. "What is your bargain?"
"There are sure to be many historical treasures that are native to Al-Daida alone. I originally was going to sell them to merchants and scholars across the country. However, I would like to offer these finds exclusively to you. You can also have 25% of the jewels I uncover. Does this satisfy you?"
"This does, however, I do have one condition of my own." Fayruz informed Leere. "Princess Walijah stays here. It is not proper to separate lovers in my culture who are bound by the soul."
"Agreed." Leere was thankful. It was nice to secure a bargain so quickly. Standing up, she went to shake the Matriarchs hand. "You know, you're shorter than I expected."
Fayruz actually laughed at Leere's observation while the servants looked upon the foreigner with large eyes. No one was ever so straightforward with the matriarch. At least she was amused, that was a good sign. "True, I am not as... what is the translation in Hylian?" Fayruz thought for a moment and then said, "I believe it is 'butch' as the other females here?"
"Nothing wrong with being butch or not being so. You're still taller than myself. I have to ask, is the blue around your eyes part of your skin or eyeliner? I assume the yellow must be part of your genetic makeup rather than tattoos." Leere had a truly fascinated look in her eyes. "I've never met a people that have varied so colorfully from individual to individual."
"That is kohl, dear, we Al-Daidans have a variety of skin tones." Fayruz mused at Leere's starry look. It seemed the princess was rather fascinated with the culture of her people. There were plenty of brothels the woman could visit if she wished, but the matriarch was not sure if it was appropriate. Hylian people had certain sensitivities to the talk of sex. At least, that was what the matriarch was told. "Tattoos are seen here as a piece of art. You ought to visit one of our tattoo artists for one if you'd like."
"Oh, one tattoo is enough for me, but thank you." Leere gave Fayruz a smile. "I'd like to extend the offer to check in on the dig anytime you wish."
"I appreciate the offer, but Naunet is not a big fan of the desert." Fayruz motioned to her huge crocodile who was crawling out of the pool. "She likes her patches of sunshine, but is a little too prissy to get sand under her claws. However, if you need any translations, please let me know."
“If it’s from your tongue, a translation would be marvellous.” Leere gave the Matriarch a wink as she made her way out. “I’m going to inform my crew of your generosity. Thank you once again Matriarch.”
"Don't worry, dear, my marvelous pets will ensure your camps will not be disturbed." Fayruz certainly noted the princess was a flirty one. Perhaps the 'proper' customs of Hyrule never stuck with her. Or maybe she was simply curious.
~
Fayruz meant exactly what she said when referring to pets. Marvelous sand rays, the size of craters, sailed through the desert. The talented riders made sure to encircle the camp to protect it, taking shifts here and there.
Leere and her team had made marvellous progress, digging down to the second level. She had spent two weeks at the site now, carefully cataloguing and studying her findings. Eventually, they came across the doorway to the third and final floor, where the ancient Queen’s remains should remain. Inside the door chamber, she found hieroglyphs giving warnings about the book of the dead, the staff of ghosts, and the crown of life. Littered on the wall were multiple priest masks, which Leere took.
After some inspection she deduced none of the masks held any curses. After some deliberation, she thought the colourful masks could make a good gift to the matriarch. Sending a request out, she wanted to know if the Matriach would host a small party for her dig team.
"Matriarch, I do not know why you entertain that desert digger and her team." Bennu scoffed as he read the letter that Leere sent, requesting a small audience and a party celebrating their discovery. "We should have chased her out. The dead are not to be disturbed."
"I know, my mate, I do not necessarily like the idea of her digging into the tombs of our ancestors, yet this one had a Hylian bride." Fayruz reminded her husband gently. "And shared blood ties have the right since she is a princess of Hyrule."
"Adopted princess, not true blood."
"While that may be, she is offering us money for her efforts and our protection."
Another Nara bowed gently to the Matriarch and Bennu. "How do we know for sure she is a princess? These tomb raiders are sly and dishonorable people. It doesn't matter how much money she throws us if she is seeking an even greater prize."
A fourth, a noble visiting, nodded. "Matriarch Fayruz, I have seen this Doctor Dragmire. Her red eyes and pale skin betray what she is. A Mortuus. I have owned a handful over the years."
"There are portraits in historical books of every royal born or adopted. Check the archives if you wish." Fayruz dismissed their worries. "Besides, if she does try to get away, the sand rays already have her in sight. They can simply eat her and we can take what she tries to steal. Do not fret, I always am one step ahead." She then arched an eyebrow. "Do you not believe in my capabilities? Perhaps you'd like to continue the discussion with Bennu? Or my beautiful Naunet instead?"
This first Nara bowed, quickly shaking his head. "No my Matriarch."
The lord shook his head, sighing. "Sand Rays would be such a waste~"
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Crossover Story with @ridersoftheapocalypse
Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/643133699902390272/digging-up-trouble-ch-2-picking-out-a-book
Forging of an Empress: Ch 1. A Glass Floor Partnership
Zannah, Emperor of the 'Kikai Empire' was losing hope.
The young woman was still in exile, seeking out the last of her people scattered across the continent. Her last trip led her to Labrynna, where she had to make deals and do favours for the lords that kept her people as refugees until a new home could be acquired. Both Hyrule and Danjur exiled them for the destruction Zannah and her people caused in the War of Fire. That was only three years ago. Now, turning twenty in three days, she was picking up the last of the pieces.
Al-Daida was rumored to be holding her strongest warriors. If she could convince them that her claim to the throne was justified, the rest of her people would rally to her. Truth was, she knew little of the country. Unfortunately, she could only travel with one escort. A single Theron guard. Given a basic map from the lords of Labrynna, she followed a long road through dry desert heats and finding roads to reach the capital city. "Din. Water please."
The black armoured warrior offered a thermos, which the princess found there was only a few drops left.
"Great." As the sun bared down on her, Zannah tried to not pant. The city must have been close.
Meanwhile, in Matriarch Fayruz's palace, she was enjoying the attentions of her newest additions. Well, somewhat new. She had acquired these lovely warriors during the War of Fire with the Kikai Empire. Needless to say, the Hasai were somewhat unruly at first. Once free, but now sold to her by the gladiator rings who had found them half-dead on the battlefield and nursed back to health for entertainment.
"Now, now, don't fuss, there's plenty of love for everyone." Fayruz told her bed mates when one hissed at the other. "I know you don't like to share, but there's more than enough of me for all my little pets." She kissed the cheek of one Hasai male, then the other, and even a beautiful female. "Bennu still needs me in one piece for our meeting later. I shouldn't remind you of how you have to act. Are you going to behave?"
A knock came at her door. A servant bowed his head, being respectful as possible to not insult the Matriarch. "My Matriarch. I bring news to you. There is a green skinned Hasai accompanied by a bodyguard in black and red armour asking around about the whereabouts of other Hasai."
Most of the Hasai that Fayruz owned were broken, but the blue skinned woman looked up, a sense of shock filling her. "Princess Zannah?"
"Ah, the princess? I thought she was dead from the war." Fayruz stood from the bed in her silken robes. "Help me dress, little pets. Tell the newcomer that if she wishes to know more information of her people to come to the palace. Have Bennu cancel the meeting and we'll receive the princess instead. This is quite a lovely distraction."
"Yes, my Matriarch."
Down in the town, Zannah was about to lose her cool when a man asked her bodyguard if she was for sale. She flashed the slaver a flash of fire. "Back off."
"Are you Princess Zannah?"
Zannah and her bodyguard turned to the palace servant. He had a mark on his shoulder that told others exactly who owned him. "Yes. I am Zannah. I hold both the title of Emperor and Empress in the absence of a husband."
"My humblest apologies... Emperor. My Matriarch wishes to have an audience about the Hasai you seek."
Zannah felt her hair stand on its end. This was what she was looking for. "Take me to this Matriarch."
"Of course. Of course." Arriving at the palace, the servant was quick to whisper to Fayruz as Zannah waited outside for the Matriach to prepare herself. "My Matriarch. She claims to be both Empreror and Empress of the Kikai Empire."
Fayruz was always one for finery. The best of the best and nothing less was acceptable. As the servants escorted in the princess and her bodyguard, the pair walked over a bridge. There was a tiny moat on the inside of the throne room, with crystal clear water from the nearby river flowing through it. The floors were made of marble and the columns holding up the open courtyard roof were composed of matching stone with elaborate engravings. The Hasai servants were by her fainting couch, one holding a tray of fruit and cheese while the other held wine. Her husband, Bennu, stood at her side, stoic and intimidating as ever. "It is a delight to see that you are alive. I heard rumors that you were with the spirits now." Fayruz looked at how ragged the princess was. "Why are you in my country, child? You have to know there are no friends for you here."
Although Zannah was in mere robes, she would not be the weaker link here. Her entire three-year journey was an uphill battle of keeping her mental fortitude strong. "Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated. Child? You look about the same age as I, Matriarch. I am here in your country because I am here to collect my people. The time has come for all the Hasai to become united once more. This is my right as Emperor. This is my duty as Empress." Her brows furled at the sight of the Hasai servants serving her. "The Hasai people are not slaves."
"A child thinks he or she has a right to demand whatever it is they wish." Fayruz's dark eyes lifted upward from her chalice of wine. "And that's exactly why you're here, isn't it? To demand back your people?" She stood from her chair and gently cupped the blue female's chin. "Though I've grown quite fond of my little pets. They are beautiful, fierce, and very loving in bed. I've no wish to part with them." She then returned her gaze to Zannah. "And you've nothing to offer."
"I know I cannot simply take them away." Zannah took a silent breath as she assessed the situation. And to cool her growing fury. "I offer an alliance with my Empire. A partnership. As of now, I have nothing except my word to offer."
Zannah's bodyguard felt their fist tighten. His Empress' anger was his own.
"Allying myself with a dead kingdom? What foolishness do you speak of? A word is nothing unless you have a foundation to build it upon, and child, you have nothing but ruins underneath your feet." Fayruz scoffed at Zannah's statement. "This is Al-Daida. Words mean nothing here. It is actions." Her silken dress trailed behind her as she circled around another Hasai, one of the males, and kissed his cheek tenderly. "Tell me, child, would you offer yourself to save them?"
"I would rather kill them so that they retain their honour." Her hands sparked with electricity, and her bodyguard took aim at one of the Hasai servants with dart-wrist launcher. "To offer myself would destroy what's left of the Empire. I will not sell myself and have the Empire lose the last of its strength. If you will not return me my people, I'd rather see them burn so that there will be no weak Hasai left."
Although they were two Hasai, and might as well be the only Hasai left on the earth as far as Fayruz was concerned, they weren't willing to throw their honour away so easily.
"Hm, seems that you've already learned a few hard lessons, being in a position of power." Fayruz did not even flinch when the guard raised his weapon and Zannah summoned her electricity. "Oh, and if I were you, I'd lower that little sparky show and toy of yours. Naunet doesn't appreciate any threats in my presence and she's right behind you."
The monstrous crocodile released a low growl from behind Zannah and her bodyguard. It was far larger than normal for the breed. Yet, what many people did not know was Naunet was half drake and half crocodile; hence her strong body armor and lengthy size. For now, she did not move, except for a small flick of her tail. The matriarch continued, "Is honor more important than life to your people?"
Zannah and her Theron wisely lowered their weapons and magic. Zannah wondered indeed. "Tell me what exactly it is you want from me? I'm sure we can come to some sort of enragement that benefits us both."
"You stated you'd offer an alliance, but you don't even know how to strike a proper bargain or make requests of another royal." Once again, Fayruz asked, "Would you offer yourself for people? Behind every glorious kingdom is a king or a queen who knows how to run their country smoothly and keep their citizens happy. If you are not even ready to do that, then you have no right to call yourself 'princess' of the Hasai." She slowly took the steps downward, one by one. "This is what I propose, little one. True, I am only a few years older than you, yet, I have my entire country under my thumb... and they love me for it. Yet, at the same time, they know I would do whatever necessary to protect them." The matriarch stopped mere inches away from Zannah's face. She was incredibly beautiful, extremely sly, and terrifyingly powerful with her movements, her seduction, and her poetic words. "You want to offer me an alliance with your dead kingdom. You want a chance to build it up from scratch, but do not have the means to do so." The matriarch then stated, "Offer yourself to me and I shall teach you what you need to know on how to be a proper ruler. One year. And I'll release all of your people under lock and key in my country."
"One Year?" Zannah held her expression with neutrality.
"I can extend it if you don't think you can learn that fast." Fayruz turned around, the silk still dragging behind her. "Or dismiss it if you're not willing. It's up to you and your pretty guard there."
"He has an expressionless helmet." It seemed Zannah was not well versed on humour. "One year is nothing to the life I've endured. Very well. I accept your terms. I will follow your terms. On the one condition that any slaves of Hasai decent in your kingdom are transferred to your care. I do not wish to have others bring lasting harm to them."
"Very well, I could use a few more beautiful faces around here." Fayruz then gestured to her eldest servant, Uzi. "This here is Uzi. He is my most trustworthy servant. He will show you to your quarters." Then she gave a fair warning, "Also, I'd advise against trying anything suspicious. Naunet will know. I will know. Do behave nicely, child."
Zannah resisted the urge to back to her. “Din. Return to refugee camps. Tell the surviving council members that their Empress is conducting a year long term and trading agreement. I will be disposed until such a time as I am done here.”
“Yes, my Empress.” With her only ally gone, Zannah gave Uzi a nod. “Show me to my quarters please.”
"This way, please." Uzi hobbled along, a slightly limp in his leg. He was an old Nara, but had served the royal family ever since his birth. Opening a room of grandeur, he smiled, "I hope it is to your liking. The bath is to the left. When you're hungry, a servant will escort you to the dining hall. If you like, I could assign you a Hasai servant or a Nara. Which would you prefer?"
“A Nara. I will not have a Hasai slave serve me, unless it is for information.”
"As you wish." Uzi made a note and then informed her. "There are new clothes in the wardrobe. A servant will come help you dress before dinner. Also," He then said with a slight grimace to his face. "Naunet is known to wander the palace sometimes in search of a decent spot of sunshine. Please do not approach her unless necessary for she is prone to... uh..." He held up the back of his robes, which was ripped. "Playing."
“I see.” Zannah looked saddened by a memory on her mind. Walking to the wardrobe, she opened it up.
It was not too much later that two beautiful female Naras knocked on Zannah's door. One was petite while the other was more butch, yet both were stunning with dark kohl around their eyes and elaborate jewelry on their horns. Nearly transparent clothes adorned their bodies. "Princess, we are here to help you dress."
"Empress. Address me as Empress. I haven't been a princess for years." Zannah started to strip out of her dirty rags. She loathed the sweat she had accumulated walking through the desert, so it was nice to take off her layers.
"Empress, let us help you bath and then we'll dress you for dinner."
"We have a fine selection of perfumes and body oils."
"Do you prefer fruity scents or flowery?"
Zannah couldn't remember the last time she had maids service her. This felt different. Those that worked at the palace did so out of their free will. It was a career they were proud of. The Empress wasn't sure if these people took pride in anything. "Fruit is fine."
Walking with them to the bath, her mind went back to Hyrule. How at the tip of a blade she was forced into an ultimatum? Die with honour, or be banished and scattered.
Once Zannah was clean and dressed in the finest silks available, one servant stayed behind to clean up the bathroom while the other escorted her to the Matriarch. Fayruz was sitting at the table with her husband, Bennu, feeding him a few grapes with Naunet's large head in her lap. The crocodile was making a rumbling noise of sorts, content as could be. "Do you feel better now, child?" Fayruz asked Zannah as she approached the table. "Do sit. We have a variety of foods for you."
"I would feel better if you stop calling me child. I asked my Nara your age Matriarch. You're only a year older than myself. You are no more a child than I. We are both women. There is respect in that."
"Ages matters not." Fayruz motioned for one servant to pour some wine for their guest. "Respect is earned, not given. You've much to learn."
Zannah took the wine, carefully smelling it for its age and rawness. Swallowing, she sighed. It had been too long since she had the luxury of red wine. "I earned respect to me with the battles I waged and the experience I gained from that. Anyone else would have let the Empire die, but I alone in my bloodline have kept it alive."
"Ah, so you think your victories on the battlefield have earned you respect?" Fayruz asked her with a knowing smile. "I have never once had to raise a weapon in defense of myself or my home. My methods are different than yours, but nonetheless effective. However, getting your people united under one ruler, that is your next task, my dear."
"That is what I've been doing. Repairing my broken Empire. I can't lead a kingdom without subjects to have a flow of infrastructure." Zannah grabbed an apple, giving it a smell before crunching it down.
"True, you do need subjects." Fayruz's eyes flickered up to Zannah. "But what assurance do you have that they will follow you?"
"I hold the blood of God in my veins. To defy my word is to defy the word of Exodrum themselves. To deny what I am trying to accomplish is to deny strength in the face of adversity. Any Hasai who simply wishes to give up on the Empire should end their lives." Zannah winced at the wine in particular hit her a little hard on the last gulp down. "There some who believe we should have all died. That I should never have officially surrendered. But that was to fight on another day. No warrior only fights one battle, and we all have to accept at least one defeat in our lifetimes."
"And there is your first mistake, dear," Fayruz shook her head lightly, the adornments on her horns and ears jingling slightly. "Never assume that your people will give you automatic leadership. There is no kingdom that has lived through history without a coop or someone trying to take the thrones for themselves. Do you now the best way to keep order?"
"Force?"
"Fear and love, my dear." Fayruz corrected Zannah. "They have to be afraid of you and love you at the same time. My people know better than to disobey me, but love that I offer them protection and stability. You must to the same to ensure the Hasai stay under your rule and do not bow to another."
"Love is an illusion made by fools."
"Oh? Are you sure about that, dear?" Fayruz asked her. "All rulers are required to give an heir. Will you say the same when you have children? A lover?"
"There is no love in reproduction. It is simply a necessary act to continue bloodlines. Love is a fable that people seek to feel more secure that they won't die alone. A family’s love is unreal. And friends can respect you and like you, but there is no love there."
"Very well, keep that ideology if you like, but one day, I'll have the opportunity to say 'I told you so'." Fayruz chuckled as she tapped Naunet's snout twice and the huge reptile opened her jaws. Plopping inside a piece of meat, the matriarch then tapped once and the crocodile swallowed her treat. "The first lesson you will need to learn is fear and... let's say for your sake, adoration, go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. You must not be afraid to make examples of those who try to betray you." Snapping her fingers, the guards brought forth a captured assassin, a Nara, just like Fayruz herself. "This here is an assassin who tried to target me a few days before your arrival. He's displeased that his brother was sent to work in the mines to pay off a debt."
"Why have you not strung him up by his entrails, and have his corpse paraded around your city? An assassin wanting to destabilize your government cannot be forgiven. They are a cowardly lot who don't engage in open combat."
"Simple, dear... I had to find his brother first."
Another guard brought in the sibling in handcuffs, startled and surprised to his brother here as well. "What did you do?!"
"What needed to be done!"
"Now we're both going to be killed."
"Do be silent, you're interrupting my conversation." Fayruz kissed Naunet's snout and stood from her chair, the giant crocodile following her. "Now, you see, this is where the 'non-existent' love of yours comes into play. He tried to kill me out of love for his brother, to save him from the mines." She cooed to Naunet. "My darling, tell your mama, which one would you like to eat?"
"No!" The assassin inched forth on his knees, bowing his head. "Let her eat me! I'm the one who tried to kill you! My brother had nothing to do with this!"
Zannah’s face frowned heavily. It was already being spread outside the borders of Ganondorf brutally killing her twin brother as the stuff of legends. Legend. That term mortified Zannah. She felt there was no doubt this was some kind of psychological test from Fayruz. "You must kill the assassin. A fair ruler would punish the offender and the offender alone."
"There's more than one way to make the offender suffer, even you must know that." Fayruz then approached the brother of the assassin. "You were taken to the mines to pay off a debt than you tried to run from. Now, your brother tried something very foolish because of your actions."
"It's my fault! I gambled, and I couldn't pay back the loss." The brother insisted, "Please, don't hurt my brother! He was only trying to help me."
"But he did try to kill me and I cannot let that go unpunished."
"Then punish me instead!"
"Shut up, I'm the one who tried to kill her, let the reptile eat me!"
"You're in this mess because of me!"
"You're my brother, I'd do anything for you!"
"See?" Fayruz turned to look at Zannah. "It's easy to use love and turn it into fear." She then ordered. "Death would be too easy. Naunet."
"Hrrrrnnnngggh?" The crocodile looked up at her mistress.
"Take the assassin's hands."
Zannah mussed as the crocodile came forward. As the man screamed over the wet crunches of bones, she didn't look away. "Why not kill him? He has no value to you now. Without his hands he is nothing."
"That's exactly my point, dear," Fayruz had the most twisted smile on her face. "Now, he's nothing."
Zannah paused, not having considered that. Her eyes then opened with an epiphany. In her silent complexation, she couldn't hide a fury.
"Take them away and clean up this mess." Fayruz ordered her servants and resumed her seat. Taking a napkin, she dabbed at the blood around Naunet's mouth when the crocodile approached her for praise. "My second lesson to you, Zannah... sometimes, there is fates worse than death." She then added, "And for third, you must not let emotions show through. If I can see what you're thinking, then others will too. They will use this against you. A good ruler allows emotion to take a backseat."
"Did Rinku of Hyrule intend this for me? A fate worse than death? Ganondorf was going to initially kill me. I could have died with dignity until she spoke up."
"That is a question that only Rinku has the answer to, dear." Fayruz finished cleaning Naunet's snout. "Good girl, you're a very good girl!"
"NRRRRRHHHH!"
"Now, sit and eat. You need to put some skin on those bones."
Zannah looked at a silver plate that shone her reflection clearly. Did she really show that much of her emotions? Taking a bite of chicken, she bit into it like a dragon.
"Eat as much as you like," Fayruz then elaborated. "Tomorrow, we will talk politics. How to get what you want, or if you cannot reach the ultimate desire, how to compromise. And most importantly," She took a sip of her wine. "When to know you are defeated."
"I know when I am defeated Matriarch. I know that all too well."
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