#averia vii

[razieltwelve]

The Hedgehog's Dilemma (Final Effect)

Lord Hedgeborough eyed the pack of snacks. Technically, it wasn't his pack of snacks. It belonged to Jahne.

But was it really that simple?

Averia VII was the empress. Technically, everything in the empire belonged to her in some way or another. That meant the pack of snacks actually belonged to her.

And Averia would definitely have given him the pack of snacks.

Which meant the Lord Hedgeborough could have the snacks.

It was simple logic.

He took the pack of snacks.

X X X

Jahne looked at the pack of snacks. Technically, it wasn't her pack of snacks. It belonged to Lord Hedgeborough.

But was it really that simple?

Averia VII was the empress. Technically, everything in the empire belonged to her in some way or another. That meant the pack of snacks actually belonged to her.

Averia and Jahne were married, so she would definitely have given her the pack of snacks.

Which meant Jahne could have the pack of snacks.

It was simple logic.

She took the pack of snacks.

X X X

Lord Hedgeborough and Jahne were walking from opposite ends of the corridor. They were both headed to the garden where Averia and Claire were enjoying lunch. They both noticed the pack of snacks the other had.

The conclusion was obvious.

The other person was clearly a treacherous cur who had stolen their snacks!

It was simple logic.

X X X

Averia VII tilted her head to one side as her hedgehog and her wife rolled into the garden while squabbling over two packs of snacks.

There was nothing logical about it.

[razieltwelve]

Oops (Final Effect)

“...”

“...”

Her Royal Majesty Elsa I stared at Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII. A gulf of centuries separated them, yet their similarities could not be denied. However, neither of them were focused on that at this particular moment. Instead...

Averia took a deep breath and turned her head. She was still standing between Elsa’s legs. “So... my Aunt Vanille’s descendants are even more troublesome than she is. Can you all leave the room? My wife and I have something to finish. Or rather, my wife has yet to finish.”

The Dia-Farron fled the room, and Averia VII was not far behind them.

Maybe those rumours about the unquenchable thirst of her ancestor were true...

[razieltwelve]

Transportation (Final Effect)

Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII bit back a snicker as a group of young hamsters waited patiently for a Dia-Farron to walk past before leaping onto her back and climbing up to sit on her head and shoulders. The hamsters squeaked amongst themselves, and the Dia-Farron simply smiled and reached up to give them a pat on their backs.

A few moment later, a hamster lumbered past in his gigantic war form. A gaggle of Dia-Farron children leapt onto him and climbed up onto his back. The hamster gave a low, rumble of amusement and continued on his way, the children laughing and shouting encouragement.

Beside Averia, Luxa nodded sagely. “It is the circle of life.”

“Oh?”

“When hamsters are small, we carry them. When they are big, they carry us.”

She paused as another hamster walked past in her war form. She was dragging a young Dia-Farron man behind her by his ankle. Despite the situation, he was snoring.

“And sometimes that happens.”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

There is a running joke that on the way to school, Dia-Farron children carry their hamsters... but on the way back, their hamsters carry them.

That said, Averia VII can’t really say anything. She has attended meetings with Lord Hedgeborough’s kids in her hair or in her pockets.

[razieltwelve]

Extra Ears (Final Rose)

Satin bit back a giggle. “You’re wearing rabbit ears.”

Fraise nodded solemnly, her expression utterly at odds with the rabbit ears she was wearing on her head. “Considering whose birthday we are celebrating, it seemed appropriate.”

Their second daughter was having a birthday party. Unlike their first daughter, who was a fox Faunus, their second daughter took after Satin.

“Rabbit ear solidarity, huh?” Satin grinned. “Although the top of your head is looking a bit crowded.”

Fraise reached up. “I suppose there isn’t much space there anymore.” And with her fox ears and the rabbit ears, that was certainly true. “Still... I was told it looks adorable.”

“Adorable?” Satin tilted her head to one side. “It actually is pretty adorable, but who told you that?”

“My mom told me.”

Satin couldn’t stop her giggle this time. It was all too easy to imagine Oerba Dia Vanille giving Fraise a most vulpine grin while encouraging her to wear a set of rabbit ears. “Ah. That explains it.”

“Also, these aren’t normal rabbit ears.” Fraise pointed. “Look.”

The rabbit ears began to move, seamlessly signing out several words in rabbit ear sign language.

“That’s impressive.” Satin rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “How does that work?”

“It uses an Aura-detecting interface. Certain movements of Aura correspond to certain movements of the rabbit ears.” Fraise paused. “It took some time to master.”

“You practiced?” Satin raised one eyebrow. She couldn’t help but picture Fraise with a very serious expression on her face as she practiced in front of a mirror. “When? I haven’t noticed.”

“In private,” Fraise admitted. “In between appointments at the hospital.” She paused again. “I was fortunate not to be seen.”

“I’m sure our daughter will love it when you use rabbit ear sign language.” Satin chuckled. “I wonder if you can still use fox ear sign language at the same time.”

“I can.” Fraise began to move both sets of ears. “See?”

“Okay... that is really impressive,” Satin said. “You’ve got to handle the Aura manipulation for the rabbit ears and move your fox ears at the same time. But... can you hold a normal conversation too?”

“I can do all three,” Fraise said. “And use Remnant Standard Sign Language at the same time too.”

Satin blinked as Fraise demonstrated, holding four separate conversation simultaneously. “Uh... that’s crazy... in a good way. I’m amazed you can do that.”

“It took some practice,” Fraise admitted. “More practice than just using the rabbit ears. However, the hardest part was actually finding someone to practice with. The multi-tasking required is beyond most people.”

Satin could imagine. Holding four, full-speed, fluent conversations in what were effectively four different languages at the same time could not be easy. Just listening and watching made it clear how hard it was. “Who did you practice with?”

“Averia,” Fraise replied. She shrugged. “She mastered the task almost instantly, so she was able to help me.”

Satin blinked. “As in your cousin Averia?”

“Yes.”

Satin looked around, half afraid that the imposing pink-haired woman would somehow appear out of nowhere. “Do you have... footage?”

“I recorded some for training purposes.” Fraise’s lips twitched. “And because I knew certain people would ask.”

“Oh?”

“I thought you might find it amusing... and Diana would never stop complaining if I didn’t pass it along.”

X     X     X

Many, many, many years later...

Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII watched the footage. “What is she doing?”

Claire nodded sagely. “She’s demonstrating her awesome multi-tasking powers. Think about how hard it must be to carry out four separate conversation in four different languages at full speed and fluently, all without relying on Saviour’s power.”

The empress nodded slowly. “I can see how that’s very impressive... but she’s wearing cat ears and rabbit ears at the same time.”

“How else would she be able to use rabbit ear and fox ear sign language?”

[razieltwelve]

Idiocy is Generational (Final Rose)

“Agh!” Fang cried, clutching at the axe in her gut. “Help!”

“I’m dying!” Diana added, a sword sticking out of her back.

“I’ve been impaled,” Victoria said, waving cheerfully despite the spear in her chest.

Lightning looked at the three generations of idiots and sighed. “Just don’t get blood on the carpet.”

X     X     X

In the distant future...

Jahne screamed theatrically and fell to the ground in a heap, a pike in her back.

“Oh, get up,” Averia VII huffed. “You’ll get blood on the carpet!”

X     X     X

It is tradition for bearers of Rangarok to pretend to be mortally wounded on the 1st of April each year.

[razieltwelve]

The Plush Toy (Final Effect)

Lord Hedgeborough ambled back into Averia VII’s bedroom. The crown princess was already asleep since it was well past her bedtime. The hedgehog who had been assigned to watch her while he attended a special meeting with the Imperial Guard snuffled a greeting and then left to let Lord Hedgeborough resume his duties.

He hopped up onto Averia’s bed and then frowned.

She was hugging a plush toy of a hedgehog in her sleep.

Gently, he eased the plush toy out of her arms and wiggled in to takes it place. Averia muttered quietly in her sleep and then settled as his familiar presence soothed her.

Imperial hedgehogs were perfectly capable of staying alert while resting thanks to the ability to switch certain parts of their brains on and off. There was no need for a plush toy. He was more than sufficient.

[razieltwelve]

Noble Titles in the Arendelle Empire (Final Effect)

The vast majority of noble titles in the Empire are not truly hereditary. Instead, they can be said to have be limited hereditary titles.

What does this mean?

In general, noble titles are awarded to a person for the accomplishment of great deeds. These titles will typically persist for two generations past the original holder before they are withdrawn... unless the family in question can accomplish another deed of similar greatness. In that case, the title is maintained. If the family in question can produce multiple such deeds or deeds of even greater worth, the title can be upgraded.

Note that not all deeds must be of a military nature. Leading a planet or star system to great prosperity would be considered a worthy deed. Likewise, developing sufficiently merit-worthy technology would also count.

There are several levels of nobility that can be awarded:

Baron

High Baron

Count

High Count

Earl

High Earl

Viscount

High Viscount

Marquis

High Marquis

The ranks themselves are a bit of a hodgepodge adopted from the various systems of nobility present on Remnant and later accepted by the Empire as it grew to encompass other factions.

Note that the rank of Supreme Ultimate Mega Marquis is not formally recognised despite attempts by the Dia-Farron to have it instituted by the Empire. Vanille I was able to get it in, but it was promptly repealed by her successor. Nevertheless, the Dia-Farron continue to use it on their stationery.

In general, ranks are associated with rewards and privileges, and families will try their very best to maintain their rank. Observers have noted that this encourages members of these families to give their utmost, typically on the battlefield and in various areas of endeavour.

Members of the nobility are entitled to use a coat of arms for their family. They are also expected to respond promptly whenever the ruler at the times issues commands in exchange for the rewards and privileges they have.

Note that a sufficiently meritorious family can, by popular acclaim, ascend to the rank of Heroic House, and that this rank has never been revoked. The head of a Heroic House is addressed in a similar manner to a duke, with the largest Heroic Houses being addressed in a manner similar to a grand duke.

It is possible for anyone to be awarded a noble title for sufficient merit. There are multiple uplifted animals, chocobos, and even regular cats and dogs who have, through outstanding, service earned a noble title.

It is a central tenet of the Empire, that the quality of one's service is all that matters, not one's race or species.

Note that you rarely see prominent characters refer to each other by their titles since all of them have a bunch of them. If Averia VII insisted on it, people would be there all day.

[razieltwelve]

Can Averia VII Actually Banish People? (Final Effect)

Does Her Imperial Majesty Empress Averia VII actually have the power to banish people.

Absolutely.

Theoretically speaking, in many ways, her word is law. However, due to the way the Empire actually operates, there are inbuilt safeguards that prevent her from abusing her power or going off the rails.

Vanille I actually had the highest number of attempted banishments, but most of these were rescinded by her hamster or her hedgehog. That said, there were times when she and her hamster were only kept in check by her hedgehog who is considered a legendary stabilising influence.

Amongst all Imperial Hedgehogs, he is considered one of the greatest of heroes.

[razieltwelve]

Hedgehog Hideouts (Final Effect)

As comical as it may appear, Imperial hedgehogs are masters of disguise. They can often be found hiding in and around the Imperial Palace. Here are some of their more amusing disguises:

As a fish. Each pond in the Imperial gardens has at least one hedgehog disguised as a fish in it. If the children in the Imperial Family are feeding the fish and none of the fish feel like eating, the hedgehog will usually reveal itself and grab a quick snack.

As a raccoon. Raccoons are found throughout the Imperial gardens. As the loyal minions of Diana’s branch of the family, they are all highly intelligent and will happily keep an eye on things and ambush any intruders. Nevertheless, there are usually a few hedgehogs disguised as raccoons, just in case greater firepower is required.

As a potted plant. Wondering why there are potted plants in seemingly awkward places? It’s because they’re actually hedgehogs. Anyone who thinks they can use those potted plants for cover will find themselves right next to an angry hedgehog the size of a tank.

As baby mobiles. Worried about the security of a baby in the Imperial Family? Never fear, a hedgehog can be assigned to play the part of mobile, offering amusement and security.

As a plush toy. The coveted role of plush toy goes to the hedgehogs who watch over young members of the Imperial Family at night. These stalwart hedgehogs are there to provide cuddles and security. More often than not the hedgehog who is assigned this duty will become that individual personal hedgehog. For example, Lord Hedgeborough played this role for Averia VII.

One of the main reasons that no attack has ever been successfully launched on the Imperial Palace is due to the preponderance of hedgehogs. There is basically no way for anyone trying to attack to know how many hedgehogs are present and where they are until the hedgehogs reveal themselves.

[razieltwelve]

Do Yun Tattoos Light up? (Final Rose)

The Yun tattoos that members of the Yun Clan earn after passing their trials are made up of Aura-reactive materials. Although they are usually insert, at a sufficiently high level of Aura saturation, they will begin to light up. Pretty much all Yun warriors can meet this threshold.

When things get really interesting is at the very highest levels. The colour emitted by the tattoos changes depending on how much Aura is flowing through the part of the body the tattoos are on. What is particularly interesting is that the very last colour to appear is an unearthly orange similar in appearance to the destructive energy used by Ragnarok.

What happens after that?

The tattoos cease to emit light in the visible spectrum and shift into other spectrums. This has a very eerie effect on the battlefield. To the human or Faunus eye, the tattoos will change colour as more and more Aura is called upon while also growing brighter and brighter... before abruptly ceasing to produce light when enough Aura is around.

How much Aura would you need?

Well, if Weiss had tattoos, she wouldn’t be able to reach orange. To reach orange would require extremely large reserves. Yang would definitely be able to reach it and then reach the level beyond where the tattoos emit no light. To reach orange, you’d need reserves at least a large as Serah. Getting the tattoos to stop emitting light requires slightly less Aura than Averia has without transforming, so it’s a lot of Aura.

Note that in the case of Averia VII, the tattoos can function as ‘how pissed off is the emperor’ meter since people with Elsa’s Semblance tend to bleed more and more Aura out as they get angrier.

[razieltwelve]

Rumour or Real? (Final Effect)

There are all sorts of rumours floating around in the distant future, but which of them are real?

Dia Farron are all super smart - REAL. The Dia-Farron do indeed possess heightened intelligence. Setting aside potential problems with intelligence tests, it is generally impossible to measure the intelligence of a Dia-Farron with a standard intelligence tests since they will max out of the test. Instead, they are given something far more difficult. Statistically speaking, a Dia-Farron is likely to be the smartest person in any room or gathering they attend unless there are other Dia-Farron around.

Uplifted animals are as smart as people - REAL. The average level of uplifted animal has the same level of intelligence as the average human/Faunus. However, variability in intelligence is much lower in ‘domestic’ uplifted animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits. That is to say, you get less idiots amongst uplifted animals but fewer geniuses as well. Note: This does not apply to hamsters, hedgehogs, and other uplifted animals created with battle in mind. 

Each world has to contribute a ship to the Empire’s fleet - RUMOUR. Technically speaking, there is no law mandating that each world provide a ship to the Fleet. However, the various laws regarding self-defence and so on mean that any world of sufficient size will be fielding at least one ship on behalf of the Fleet with wealthier worlds or those in more critical areas fielding more ships. The Lumina System (the home system of the Dia-Farron) has its own full-sized fleet.

The Knights of Remnant are all descendants of Ozpin and Glynda - RUMOUR. Although many of the knights who watch over Remnant and its home system (which is an independent territory whose security is guaranteed by all major factions) are indeed descendants of Ozpin and Glynda with their leader always being a descendant, the knights are actually open to anyone who wants to join. The only stipulation is that they must be a Child of Remnant, that is, someone who has at least one parent that is descended from Remnant if you go back far enough. In practical terms, this is basically everybody who is human or Faunus from the Remnant Galaxy. This rule is in place because the knights regularly commune with Remnant herself, and she can really only do that with Cetra or those who can trace their lineage back to her.

The Crown of Ice can change its size - REAL. Not everybody has the same sized head. The Crown of Ice that the rulers of the Empire wear on formal occasions can not only change it size but also its shape. The original size and shape are for Elsa’s head since she was the one who made. Averia VII wears the crown in the exact same size and shape as Elsa. Luxa has pointed out that it’s hilarious that her head is basically the exact same size and shape as Elsa’s. Indeed, Averia VII does bear a stronger than normal resemblance to her ancient ancestor. Erik IV had a slightly larger head (being a much larger person) and his version of the crown had an altogether more menacing appearance since he was sick of dealing with people being stupid.

[razieltwelve]

Census Data (Final Effect)

Ifalna glanced over the report. “It would seem that our efforts are bearing fruit.”

Her assistant nodded. “It would seem so, my lady.”

“Still...” Ifalna’s brows furrowed. “There is still more that we could be doing.”

“Change takes time,” her assistant replied. “Our people are not quick to change either.”

“True. But we will have to change. We are not so numerous that we can afford to... simply let things go as they have been.”

X     X     X

Luxa grinned. “Things are looking up for the Cetra.”

“Oh?” Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII patted Lord Hedgeborough. She had been deep in thought regarding the latest technological developments Luxa had just presented to her. Her loyal hedgehog was currently perched on her lap since she liked to cuddle him while she thought. “What do you mean?”

“Birth rates are up 15% this year.”

“15%?” Averia blinked. “That’s a huge increase for a single year, especially for the Cetra. What’s going on?”

“Well... a few years ago, some of them approached us about developing a propaganda program to inspire more Cetra to have children since their population is very low.”

“And they don’t tend to have many children either...”

“Precisely. Last year, we finally launched the program, and it appears to be bearing fruit. The Cetra will never have the same birth rates we do, which is probably for the best since they live so long, but we’re hoping we can double their population over the next century or so. That’ll be a big jump for them, but it’s vital for their civilisation to get their numbers up. There just aren’t enough Cetra. Heck, that’s why we’ve kept them away from any truly dangerous engagements despite their fleet being pretty decent from a technological standpoint. The loss of even a single ship would be devastating, given how low their population is.”

“Hmm... good work then. Even if they double their population every century, it will be millennia before they come close to running out of planets. We gave them their old territory back, but it’s not even close to being full.”

“I’d estimate their territory is at about 5% capacity or less. They’ve got plenty of room to grow.”

“Continue what you’re doing then,” Averia said. “But try not to do anything too crazy.”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

The Cetra are extremely long lived but also very slow to reproduce. That’s why they lost the war against the Grimm. They just couldn’t replace their losses fast enough in what eventually became a war of attrition. Younger Cetra, especially those born after their ark-ships were found by the Empire, tend to have more children due to the influence of the Remnant factions, as well as the Cetra’s own push to bolster their own numbers.

The hope is that the Cetra’s population will not only reach its old high point but eventually surpass it although that will take centuries.

[razieltwelve]

Bloom (Final Effect)

Weiss IX smiled as her wife and sister-in-law embraced. Their children likewise exchanged greetings, and she was pleased to see none of the stiffness she had once feared might exist. The cousins did not view each other as scions of potentially competing factions but as siblings in all but name.

“Do you know what this about?” Weiss asked Averia.

The empress shook her head. Anna had swiftly moved to hugging Jahne and Claire. “I do not. But when Aelia Dia-Farron sends an invitation, you do not turn it down.”

“Indeed.” Weiss chuckled as Lord Spikebatten chuffed greetings at each other. The two would never be friends, but they had always held each in high esteem. “Who would turn down a chance to see the most beautiful Semblance in action?”

Averia’s lips twitched. “I have seen it before, and yet it never fails to amaze me. I remember when I was a girl and my father told me about it. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was arrogance for someone’s Semblance to be called the most beautiful. And then I saw it for the first time, and I understood. Not without reason is her Semblance called the Glorious Display of Ten Thousand Flowers, and not without reason is it considered the most beautiful, the most splendid, and the most glorious of all Semblances by not only the Dia-Farron but by all the Children of Remnant.”

Weiss was about to reply, but a sudden hush fell over those who had assembled in innermost gardens of Lumina Prime. Golden rose petals drifted on the breeze, catching the early morning light and weaving tapestries of reflected radiance through the air.

It had begun.

Pink gardenias joined the golden roses, and the scent of a garden in full bloom filled the air as more and more flowers appeared, first in the air, and then in the space around them. They were tenuous things at first, almost ghostly, but with each passing moment, they grew more solid, Aura constructs as immutable as the legendary weapons of Lumina Dia-Farron herself.

Camellias, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, poppies, tulips, and countless other flowers bloomed from rivers of Aura. Some were yellow, some were blue, and others were red or green. Every flower Weiss could imagine was represented, alongside every colour, all of them in perfect harmony and symphony, a garden more beautiful than any other in the galaxy, a garden whose memory lingered in the hearts and souls of all who saw it, at once a comfort and an unreachable horizon of beauty that they would strive for all their lives.

Weiss smiled faintly. It was not without reason that Aelia rarely used her Semblance to this extent. To see it was to see beauty in its truest form, and it was an experience that forever changed those who looked upon it. Weiss herself had composed some of her most treasured song after seeing it, songs of love and loss and sorrow and joy and so many other things, all of them filled with a sort of nostalgia for a place she had only seen once before and had not thought to ever see again.

Aelia stepped out into the open. She was an old woman now, well past a century in age. Her venerable hedgehog was there with her, alongside two young children who were either close siblings or twins. The old woman wore a broad smile on her face, and her voice resonated through the air as she greeted them.

“Welcome, friends and family.” She gestured vaguely at the glorious display around them, one that continued to change from moment to moment, leaving the viewers wondering if anything could surpass the beauty of what they had just seen only to find out that, yes, something could. “I hope you are enjoying the view.”

Amused chuckles greeted her words. There were people who would have killed to see this, and the recordings alone would likely come close to crashing the InfoNet.

“You all know my Semblance,” Aelia said. “And you know that the flowers are not just for show. Each is more than a figment of beauty. Each is an ideal. Each is a concept. Each is a purpose given form.”

Weiss nodded to herself. The flowers that Aelia summoned were Aura constructs, and each possessed a power of some sort. Some could detonate in explosion of fire and force. Others could heal. And still others could form shields that even Weiss would have had a harm time breaking through.

The Glorious Display of Ten Thousand Flowers was a Semblance whose origins could be traced to a descendant of Lumina Farron via Fraise Dia-Farron who had married a descendent of Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee. Each flower was, in some ways, akin to a Glyph although the mechanics varied greatly from the Schnee Family Semblance.

Aelia held up a hand, and flowers formed in swift succession, vanishing one by one on a breeze of her own making. “My flowers are similar to Glyphs, in a way, but they are not the same. Glyphs are a language that commands the world. My flowers are born of thoughts and emotions, memories and self-truths. The flowers that heal are born of my desire to help others and of my memories of doing just that. The flowers that shield others from harm are born of my desire to protect, and the very first one was crafted from my memories of my parents watching over me. And, yes, there are flowers of wrath that can scour the battlefield, but I have been blessed, for I have had far less reason to call those out than I have to call out the flowers that promote growth and joy or the flowers that could lend strength and determination.”

There was a long pause, and the flowers around them shifted, forming collages of colour that depicted Aelia’s most treasured memories. It was easy to forget just how devastating those flowers of wrath could be, Weiss thought. But she had seen the battlefields where sand had been burned into glass, where the rivers had been boiled away, and where entire towns had been blasted flat. The Glorious Display of Ten Thousand Flowers was as deadly as it was beautiful.

“And yet... I have grieved,” Aelia said. “I have grieved because my Semblance was not stable. It was a gift I wished to pass onto my children but never could.” She bowed her head. “That is not a criticism of my children but a criticism of myself. For what mother would not want to give her children a Semblance like mine? And yet, I am glad that my children all developed mighty Semblances of their own. They have all achieved so very much, and I am so very proud of them. Yet still... I have grieved.”

Aelia paused again. “Not for my children or even myself but for those who have loved my Semblance and may never see it again.” She smiled thinly. “I am old now, and I am well into the dwindling of my years. I lost my husband not long ago, and I know it will not be long before I join him.” She paused. “Beauty... beauty is an interesting thing. It can be found in grand gestures or small, private moments, upon the horror of the battlefield or amidst the joy of the hearth.” She smiled. “In a great garden or in a single flower. My Semblance has been called the most beautiful of all Semblances, and it has brought much joy to so many people. I would not have it pass from the world when I do.”

A pall of sadness fell over the gathering then. If Semblances were the expressions of the soul, then Aelia’s soul was wondrous indeed. The galaxy would indeed be poorer and dimmer when she passed. Weiss hoped she had not called them here just to speak of the shadow that was approaching.

“But the fates have proven kind.” Aelia put her hands on the shoulders of children who had accompanied her. “These are Aurora and Vespera, my great-great-grandchildren.” Her smile was radiant. “Why don’t you two show them what you can do?”

The two children nodded and raised their hands. Together, above each of their hands, flowers bloomed.

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

Semblances carry great cultural and even spiritual significance to the Children of Remnant. They are expressions of the soul, and their mere presence can shape the emotions of a nation. The Glorious Display of Ten Thousands Flowers is one such Semblance, one whose presence uplifts and enlivens those who know of it. The thought of it passing with Aelia has long troubled people since it did not appear in her descendants until Aurora and Vespera.

Its reappearance could be considered a good omen. But more than that, in a very concrete way, its reappearance is a good, good thing. Not simply on the battlefield but during times of peace, it is a big deal. Incidentally, the reason Weiss IX was invited was because one of the twins’ parents is from the Alliance and is a distant cousin of hers. The intent, therefore, is for the twins to split their time between the Empire and the Alliance.

[razieltwelve]

Beyond the Western Sea (Final Effect x ASOIAF)

“Ice zombies?” Her Imperial Majesty Averia VII blinked. “They have ice zombies?”

Luxa grinned. "I know, I know. It sounds stupid, but it’s the truth. They have real ice zombies.”

“And we haven’t bombarded the ice zombies into oblivion because...?” The empress was not fond of zombies. Pretty much nobody was. Zombies that weren’t under their direct control? Yikes. The standard approach was to introduce them to the glories of Imperial plasma and be done with it.

“We’d like an opportunity to study the planet in more detail,” Luxa said. “There is a whole lot of weird crap going on that we’d like to understand. First of all, there are humans on the planet, but genetic scans have picked up a host of oddities in their genetic matrices. We’ve also found evidence of lots of other life forms including giants, creepy tree people, and dragons.”

“They have dragons?”

“Well... not anymore. But they did. There are also probably some still in the wild, but we haven’t actually sent down anyone to grab them yet. The civilisations of the world are all basically at a medieval level. Nobody has even invented a gun yet. In fact, it’s kind of bizarre.”

“Oh?”

“The peoples of this world have a history that dates back thousands of years. Heck, some of the regions of the world have been ruled by basically the same bunch for longer than the Empire has existed.”

“And they still haven’t invented guns?”

“Nope. Part of that has to do with their seasons, which make no logical sense. We’re talking about winters that go for years,” Luxa replied. “So there’s clearly some weird stuff going on. We’d like to observe the planet, maybe send some agents down and establish an outpost or two just to find out what’s going on. Our initial suspicions was a Living World, but they don’t have one. What they call magic is definitely real, but it’s not Aura usage in the way we’re familiar with.”

“Can Aura be used to interact with it?” Averia asked.

“Sure. Based on some tests we’ve already run, Aura can shield against it just fine. Combat-wise, though, their magic isn’t nearly as useful as Aura. Most of it requires rituals and the like, and it’s been dwindling for years, apparently.”

“Hmm...” Averia nodded. “All right. Build a few outposts. Make contact with the locals but conceal our true level of advancement. I’m assuming there are unexplored parts of their world.”

“Yep. We’ll be building some outposts around there and saying we’re from there. It won’t even be a lie.”

“I’ll leave it in your hands then.” Averia’s frowned. “But if the whole ice zombie thing gets out of hand, take more direct action. I want at least one cloaked destroyed on hand to glass any infected parts of the planet if necessary.”

X     X     X

Rickard Stark was an ambitious man. He had seen the wealth and plenty of the South. He wanted to bring some of that to his people. He wanted full tables even in the dead of winter, and he wanted houses full of smiling children and joyful men and women. Too many times he had seen his people suffer. He would not stand by and do nothing to ease their plight.

If raising up the North would also improve the prospects of his children and descendants, then so much the better.

So when word had been brought to him of merchants claiming to be from beyond the Sunset Sea, he had been equal parts curious and sceptical. Many charlatans had claimed to hail from those mythical lands. All had been frauds who had eventually paid for their lies. Yet these people had asked to speak to him directly, approaching his vassals in the proper manner and bringing with them gifts to prove their sincerity.

One such gift rested on his desk. It was a ‘pen’. His lips curled. A curious name for such a useful object. It was like a quill, only made of metal and filled with ink, so that he only rarely needed to fill it. Given the many duties he had, it had proven to be an incredibly useful device... and one whose like he had never seen or heard of before.

Thus he had given permission for emissaries of these people to be brought before him. A knock on the door of his solar was followed by word from a servant than the emissaries had arrived and were waiting for him in the main courtyard. They had been offered bread and salt as was custom and had already sworn their oaths to cause no harm to those under his protection during their stay.

With strong, sure steps, Rickard made his way to the courtyard. He took careful note of the wagons that had been brought in. They were covered, but he was already interested in them. They were of a different make to those he was used to, but there was a sturdiness about them that drew the eye. He’d have to ask about them. Better wagons would make life in the north far easier.

The leader of the delegation drew his eye immediately.

Rickard had seen many big men before. There were houses in the north that even claimed some giant’s blood. But the man before him now was different from those he had seen.

He had ice of blue ice that seemed almost to shine, and his blonde hair was somewhere between ash and gold. He stood seven feet tall with broad shoulders and a body that rippled with muscle. A massive sword hung upon his back, and the ease with which he stood spoke of a man utterly confident in his fighting ability.

“Greetings, Lord Stark,” the man said, inclining his head. “I am Orion of the House of Villiers. I hail from beyond the Sunset Sea.”

“So I have been told,” Rickard replied. “I am Lord Rickard of House Stark. I rule the North in the name of King Aerys II. Be welcome within these walls.” He glanced once again at the wagons. “It seems we have much to discuss.”

X     X     X

The tale, such as it was, made sense to Rickard. There was, apparently, an empire on the other side of the Sunset Sea. They had tried for centuries to cross the sea, only to fail time and again. Finally, though, they had found a safe route through the seemingly endless waves and reached Westeros.

However, they had not simply blundered around. After learning of the people who lived there, they had spent years bidding their time, learning the language and studying the Seven Kingdoms and even Essos. It was a cunning strategy, one that Rickard could admire. Only a fool would have rushed to reveal themselves without learning more.

“So why the North?” Rickard asked at a last. He and Orion were in his solar whilst his companions talked with others that Rickard could trust.

“We are much like your people,” Orion said at last. “We prize our families and our honour. We treasure our history and our ways. We are a hard people in many ways, Lord Stark, for ours was a hard history, full of battle and struggle. But we are not butchers or cruel men. Our agents have spent time in the south. It is... a viper’s nest.”

Rickard laughed. “Aye. It’s good to see even someone from across the Sunset Sea thinks the same.”

“We would prefer to make our alliances with people who will not simply stab us in the back at the first opportunity.” Orion smiled. “Keeping our presence secret would be difficult in the South, and there are rumours... ill rumours... about what goes on there.”

Rickard could guess what he spoke of. The king was... not well. Even a foreigner would only need to lay eyes upon the king once to know that. “Aye. There are.”

“But the north is different.” Orion paused. “I have been told many times that North knows only one king... and his name is Stark. Here, in the north, we may come and go without notice, provided you decree secrecy.”

“That is true,” Rickard replied. “But why should I do such a thing?”

“We have much to offer you... and much to gain from you as well.” Orion nodded at the pen. “We have knowledge that can aid you in farming and in war. We know how to find new mines and draw the wealth up from them. We know how to build better ships and use them to ply the bounties of the deep.”

“And what would you ask for these things?” Rickard asked.

“A share of the wealth they provide... and a base of operations in the north, a place from which we can continue to explore the lands here and to the east.”

“Hmm...” Rickard lingered on his reply. There was a sudden weight to the moment, as though the destiny of his House would turn on this decision. He peered into Orion’s eyes to better get his measure. The other man met his gaze unflinchingly. Finally, he nodded. “I believe that something can be arranged.”

X     X     X

Author’s Notes

Ah, Averia VII’s reign is full of all sorts of weirdness. Rickard is a canny operator, and this time he might actually survive. As for why they’d send a Villiers as leader, it makes sense when you consider the culture in Westeros. A seven-foot-tall man who looks like he stepped out of a comic book is exactly the sort of man who’d do well in Westeros, especially the North.

For all their cunning, the Dia-Farron would not be looked upon as favourably there. True, they would be respected as advisors, but having one in charge would make establishing relations difficult. A Villiers will have the sort of temperament and conduct that will work well in both the North and in the South.

[razieltwelve]

Wake Up Call (Final Effect)

Illumina Dia-Farron eyed the crown princess currently sleeping with her head on her desk. Her Imperial Highness Averia VII had evidently spent more time than was wise reviewing certain historical records. Well, she knew an excellent way to wake her up. Motioning for Lord Hedgeborough to go along with her plan, Illumina raised her voice.

“Your Imperial Highness!” she barked. “The Dia-Farron have rebelled, and their hamsters are claiming dominion over half the galaxy!”

Averia was up in an instant, almost falling over as she shot to her feet. “What? Contact my father at once! Summon the fleet! Get...” She trailed off as she realised where she was. “Oh.” She cleared her throat. “I seem to have been daydreaming.”

“Daydreaming?” Illumina smirked. “You were fast asleep. You are the crown princess, but you still need to rest. Take the rest of the day off and actually get some sleep. We will continue tomorrow, and I expect you to be at your very best.”

[razieltwelve]

The Soul of the Sword (Final Effect)

Her Imperial Highness Averia VII watched carefully as Luxa Dia-Farron lifted the gun-blade from the pedestal upon which it rested.

“The Yun have long believed that weapons can have souls.” Luxa chuckled. “It actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it. We know that Aura is a power stemming from the soul itself, and most warriors will consistently use Aura to reinforce not only themselves but also their weapons.”

Luxa flicked her wrist, and the gun-blade shifted from its rifle form to its sword form. The transformation was effortless, a testament to the weapon’s quality and the care that had been put into maintaining it over the centuries. “We also know that Aura has long-term effects on just about everything. For example, long-term Aura usage changes a person’s physiology on a fundamental level. Who’s to say it doesn’t do something to a weapon too?”

Averia nodded. “What do you believe?”

"I believe the Yun are right, more or less.” Luxa grinned. “Inanimate objects can have souls... or develop them over time. We’ve seen it in multiple forms of artificial intelligence. Now, I’m not saying a weapon without a dedicated artificial intelligence component can become alive in the same way that a synthetic is alive, but maybe a weapon can become something more.” She held the gun-blade out to Averia. “Here.”

Reverently, Averia reached out for the weapon. It had belonged to her great ancestor, Consort Averia. She had used the weapon during her time at Beacon Academy but had eventually switched to another weapon after graduating. Even so, she had kept the weapon, and it had been passed down by her descendants ever since.

The moment she touched the weapon, she almost dropped it.

“Careful now,” Luxa said, smirking. “You’re holding something valuable enough to buy several planets, at the very least.”

Averia swallowed thickly and tightened her hold on the weapon. She hadn’t dropped it out of clumsiness. Instead, when she’d touched it, she’d felt something. Was it a spark? A chill? She wasn’t sure. But she’d definitely felt something. She had looked at the weapon and some part of it, somehow, had looked back at her.

She forced herself to remain calm as she steadied her hands. The weapon should have been light and easy to use. But there was a weight to it that was more than physical, a sort of gravity that had nothing to do with the materials used in its construction. For a moment, it was like staring into a mirror and seeing her reflection stretching off into the distance, an image repeated countless times until it vanished off into infinity.

She swayed, nearly losing her balance, and the moment passed. Slowly, that strange, otherworldly feeling around the gun-blade receded until it seemed like little more than a piece of finely crafted weaponry.

“What was that?” Averia whispered.

Luxa chuckled and gently took the weapon back before setting it in its normal place on the pedestal. “That weapon was wielded by your ancestor during some of the most important years of her life. It would go on to be wielded by her daughter through some of the most important years of her life too. In fact, it saw regular use for almost two hundred years before it was finally retired. Of course, it didn’t stay retired. It has seen consistent use as a training weapon over the centuries. Your own father actually used it during his training.”

“Oh.”

“That gun-blade has seen centuries of use. It has been wielded by dozens upon dozens of your ancestors. If it is possible for a weapon to have a soul, then I guarantee you that it has one. What you felt? It likes you. I know because I’ve seen people from outside your family try to use it. Most of them can’t bear to hold it for more than a few seconds. It just feels... wrong.”

“But you picked it up?”

“We’re family,” Luxa replied. “I’m going to guess that a lot of my own ancestors have handled it over the years to do maintenance and the like. I know I’ve been taking care of it since your father’s day.” She shrugged. “I think it likes you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw you looking into the distance. You saw it, right, an image of you, or people who looked like you, stretching off into the distance?”

“I did, yes.”

“I don’t know for sure, but I have a feeling it’s reminding you of the link that you share. Of the bond that exists between your family and it.” Luxa laughed. “Or maybe I’m reading too much into it. Anyway, you’ll be using that gun-blade for your training, starting from tomorrow.”