The Doubt Within Light

*The Citadel is a gigantic work of art, meant to house many annexes reserved for government and diplomatic use, whilst also being the hearth of the **Semptiternals**, the royal guard of **Eldarus**. They are more commonly known as the **Elder Guard**, and they themselves are not as famous as the intended target of their guardianship: the **High King Lorestaer Evanstar**. Boasting of surrounding landscapes, parks, forests and trails of water, the grand complex is also a magnanimous reflection of the surrounding capital and overhead sky. The exterior of all of its buildings are inlaid, in some way or another, with a brightly polished glass, in which the light of their star, **Elva**, refracts into both the surrounding countryside and cityscape, and into the many halls, rooms and facilities housed within. The city around it is also equally magnificent, though it is dwarfed by the height of the governmental abode. At one of its sides, a large, pyramid like tower is raise high into the sky, surpassing the skyline itself. It too is composed of the endless scores of glass windows and walls that are so often employed in **Eldurasi** architecture and design. It is a building that, even at great distance, is visible not only with clarity, but also distinction.*

*It, along with many astounding buildings found in **Eldarus**, was built before the **Stary Reach** - an era's name given due to the first space flights undertaken by the **Eldurasi**, in the year -50,000 - but never allowed to wither into the decrepit decadence of time, indolence or ignorance. Its workers, **Ailuin** told **Zelevas**, have remained the same, and have upheld their continuous and noble function of maintaining its glass stainless, its structures without flaw and its inhabitants appeased and looked after. In the vast halls, they regularly replace the many plants, sculptures, paintings, musicians, entertainers and cookery. In times of artistic fairs in the city, the halls may be filled with purple velvets, red rugs, green curtains, blue mosaics and gold metalwork, whilst in times where an important emissary or envoy arrives, then the aesthetic changes once more, appeasing the incoming arrivals with displays of their culture, nation and people. The only other feature that distinguished the Citadel from the rest of the city was the positioning of an Athalmar vessel in a direct axis above it, in distant orbit. The ship was an **Invader** class carrier, who's payload could deploy an army upon the city with quick mobility, should it be needed.*

***Zelevas** and **Ailuin** arrive at the great edifice's entrance. It was beautiful and welcoming. The road that had led to there was marble white and wide enough to fit several parade columns, marching side by side. Its margins were doted with a vast array of trees, bushes, grass, pathways and other types of life, with even domesticated animals adding to the vista of merging colours, who's combined hue emanated a gradient of natural green into a royal and penetrating purple. Such was its synthony with the city around it. As they'd left their transport, its hull reflected the scenery as they went. It had previously mirrored vibrant colours of natural beauty. Now, however, it displayed tones of red upon black backgrounds, with blurry colourful figures removing them. Geometrical figures with insults, curses and despair written in **Galactic Customary**. **Zelevas** looked opposite of the transport and saw that the entrance of the Citadel was actively being cleaned of graffities, signs and vandalism from a previous mob. Its craftsmanship was furious and hasty, not common to any eloquent beings who'd inhabit the building. A protest had occurred here, not too long ago.*

***Ailuin** busied himself for several moments. **Zelevas** noted that he was insisting on providing the driver with a tip for his service, though this one persisted in his refusal to accept extra payment from one of his station and status. When **Ailuin** finally gave in, he too noticed the grievous state of the entrance, muttering something under his breath and bewildering with wide eyes at the disrespectful spectacle. **Zelevas** noted that even the servants looked with sadness at the affair, as they worked. **Zelevas** took some steps forward, analysing the four Elder Guards stationed there, who now eyed him with suspicion. One even narrowed his brow at him, with anger in his eyes, before turning away his gaze to aimlessly look forward, once more resuming his post. **Zelevas** then began to closely evaluate the vandalism done. He noted that some shapes were poorly designed banners of the **Athalmar Empire**, with a large cross drawn atop it. The cross' colour in particular was interesting. It was not a red, black or other negating colour. It was a fluorescent indigo, with droplets allowed to slowly trickle down the improvised marble canvas. It was identical to **Athalmar** blood. **Zelevas** leaned forwards to check if it was indeed blood. The **Elder Guard** that had frowned at him previously, now intervenes:*

"Hold it there! You are not allowed to tamper with the evidence, Athalmar!" - *he said, raising a hand at **Zelevas**, as the other held his weapon in a ceremonial, vertical stance.*

"Your servants are already destroying the evidence. This is but an inspection." - ***Zelevas** straightens himself and shifts a wrathful gaze at the Elder Guard -* "Now return to your post." *- he said coldly. The Guard did not comply, instead grasping his weapon with both hands now. His expression aggressive. **Zelevas** unveiled his own hands from behind his back, both fists clenched to each of his sides. Despite having a holstered weapon at his side, he did not grasp it, or even felt the need to use it. The Guard stepped forward, but was swiftly interrupted by one of his comrades, who whispered to him in Eldurasan. With this, the two guards exchanged position, with the new, cool-headed one bowing to **Zelevas**:*

"My apologies, Ambassador **Thirium**. We shall now return to our duties. Enjoy your visit, welcomed envoy." - *he gestures to the marking **Zelevas** was inspecting. **Zelevas** returns the bow, but only with his head and with haste. His curiosity must be sated. The Guard turns and returns to his ceremonial stance. **Zelevas**, now takes a knee, and closely inspects the paint used to draw the cross. The liquid used is thick, with a greasy texture. By shadowing it with his large hand, he can see that it is indeed fluorescent. The appearance was correct, thus he takes some of it with his finger and carries it to behind his chin, where an Athalmar's mouth is. He tastes it, right before spitting it out. It is not Athalmar blood.*

"Shall we go inside?" - *asked Ailuin, who had moved next to **Zelevas**, though he was not made aware of such movement. He gestured to the steps that led into the main edifice. **Zelevas** noticed embarrassment in his expression, but also frustration. It would seem that after two years of occupation, the people of **Eldarus** were beginning to show a more active voice against their own government. Or, he supposed, what they perceived as their government. **Zelevas** nodded all the same, following a defeated **Ailuin** up the marble steps. The Guards or labourers who were present did not stop them. **Zelevas** even perused his surroundings in curiosity of the building and its outskirts' design. The marble staircase was short in length, leaving only a street's length until they reached the edifice's entrance. Engulfing the passage, however, were statues of greatly different designs. At first, and bottom of the steps, was a **Belerin**. Specifically, one of what could only be of the **House of Arcadian**, a widely renowned dynasty from the **Philavolence of Beleril**, who's diplomatic achievements had awarded them the respect of the **Eldurasi**. So much so that they now hold the honour of hosting the **Galactic Council**, and safeguarding its members. An irony, **Zelevas** thought, for only the Athalmar had such power and privilege now. Not since the **Scourge**. His thoughts were quickly interrupted by **Ailuin**, however:*

"I must immediately apologize for the distractions shown at present. The *vandalism*..." - *he placed hateful emphasis on the word, but hastily regained his composure -* "... Pardon. The disrespect shown earlier was not amidst my plan. As for the statues, they were here for a long time and inlaid into the foundation itself. I'm afraid there was not notice to remove them, and thus impede them from causing distractions." *- said **Ailuin**, confident as he now was in appeasing **Zelevas**, holding a hand to his side and another, reserved, behind his back, which **Zelevas** did not bother to analyse beyond his peripheral vision. For his sight was unmoved from the statue.*

"I presume this is a statue of the House's founder, Ambrose Arcadian?" *- asked Zelevas. **Ailuin**, surprised, corrected him.*

"No, I'm afraid not." *- he took a step forward and leaned over the plaque, at the bottom, written in Eldurasan -* "It would appear that this is the one that helped to increase the ties of the **Galactic Council** to that of old **Solicistania**: **Arch Lord Lucian Arcadian**. Known to his people as The Wise." *- he leaned back and looked sharply at **Zelevas**, attempting to understand his interest -* "I presume that one from your station has studied his deeds before?" *- Zelevas ignored his question, breaking his inspection of the statue and continuing up the steps, this time in front of **Ailuin**, saying:*

"An important diplomatic figure and a cool headed individual. An example to us all, in such times." - ***Zelevas** could see **Ailuin's** expression. He was unsettled by this humility and praise.*

"Perhaps his current ruling heir could've thought in the same way you have. Indeed, he seems to be lacking many of the acclaimed abilities of **House Arcadian**." - *said **Ailuin**, with a tone of disappointment.*

"Unfortunately, the path of eternal greatness is reserved to only a few." - coldly *remarked **Zelevas**, halting and looking back over **Ailuin's** shoulder. He first looked at **Zelevas**, seemingly paying him no attention. He turned and gazed behind him, once again seeing the vandal insult perpetrated against his lord's great manor. **Ailuin** closed his eyes in anger, wrinkling his upper lip and narrowing his brow. He swiftly resumed his cordial visage and turned towards the palace once more. To his surprise, **Zelevas** had not moved. And to his shock both of his eyes were looking straight at him. **Zelevas** was tall and large, but he was now also a step above **Ailuin**. The star of this world was to his right, creating a macabre visage of **Zelevas'** head. Half was imbued with light, brightening the textures of his skin and the artificial reflection of his dark apparel. The other half was absent of light. The curvature of his eye socket was meld in darkness, with only his large red eye visible with detail and vibrance. He recoiled slightly and motioned to speak, but was cut off:*

"Come, Ambassador. We have work to do." *- said **Zelevas**, finally turning around and walking up the steps. He could hear **Ailuin** take a quiet, deep breath before proceeding to follow him. Once again, **Zelevas** was pleased with himself and the attitude he inspired. The rest of the statues were not as mesmerizing. A **Thelvannu**, with fair robes, an elaborate, spiky winged hat, and a leviathan shaped sceptre on his hand. Boring. A **Velutan**, as common as they come, with a modest garment worn and an unloaded pistol in his hand. A **Human**, fiery hearts but dull minds. He held a closed fist around a shattered insignia of the Khan's Star. A **Haldros** - **Basmar Vektinaru**, in fact -, despicable. The only thing worse than a **Haldros** was a **Xanar**, of which there was none to be found here. There, however, was a statue of a **Shintari**, Olar Askashar. A rare species, with intelligence and might in equal measure, to be sure. Shame that theirs is a dying race. By the door, there was a statue that **Zelevas** immediately recognized. It was a much more recent addition than all the others. **Athalmar Athalor**, the last Kith'mairum of **Ataros**. **Zelevas** felt a surge of vigour. His pride had been reafirmed and his zeal strengthened. He was uncertain if it was because he just so happened to pass by an inanimate object depicting the most famous individual in his species, or if it was because his features, his gesture and his radiance: reminded him of **Malacos**.*

*The two moved into the building, past the large glass doors, engraved with crystalline roots, trunks, branches and leaves, with a turquoise shader. The doors were opened by two guards stationed on the inside, and the silhouette of the engravings were replaced by the glamorous glow and radiance of one of **Eldarus**' most precious artefacts: the Elanor Trees. Their form was matched by the sight that **Zelevas** saw at the doors, though he could see that the garden where they were seeded was much, much further away, seen between the pillars of the hall that they now were in. The Garden of the Northern Horizon was gigantic in scale. From the outside, it is whole secluded by the reflections of the endless windows and glass that scale the complex. From the inside, however, even from the ground floor, **Zelevas** could see that a whole **Athalmar** **carrier** could be fit within the walls of this great edifice. His vision was not obstructed by either leaves or the crystalline trunks, such was their growth up into the many floors above and above. He could see diamond shaped lakes, on their side of the park, southwards. Few bushes or shrubs were present in the garden, and the air was filled not with god rays, but rather with fine and thin slivers of blue, turquoise light - crafted from the descent of **Elva**'s light and its subsequent refraction and magnification upon hitting any of the trees' appendages, which were of azure colour and its leaves of cobalt shade.*

***Zelevas** slowed his movement and his eyes began to franticly analyse the sight of the trees and their garden. Moving now in parallel to the garden's centre, **Zelevas** continued to look, even above **Ailuin's** own head. **Ailuin** saw this, looking worried at first. However, the aim of his own gaze matched **Zelevas'**. The light from within the garden itself shined on both of their faces, yet neither of their eyes saw need to close and spare themselves of the radiance.*

"Eternal greatness may truly only be reserved to but a few. However, here, in these gardens: There will always remain a great part of it here." - *said **Ailuin**, as they had finally arrived at the entrance of the elevator. **Zelevas**' eyes fluttered in resignation of such a statement. His sight, he thought, had been overtaken by the beauty of this place, as much as he'd hate to admit it to himself. He narrowed his brow whilst looking downwards, then back at **Ailuin**, who's attention still lingered in the heart of the garden. **Zelevas** pressed the button to call down the elevator, then said:*

"In beauty, maybe. But if that's all this place provides, then it is not greatness. Beauty may inspire, yes, ..." - ***Zelevas** paused as **Ailuin** turned around to meet his look -* "... but it is a meagre addition to any power structure. Besides its precious amber, its... radiant tenure, what does this oversized tree provide to a nation?" - *continued **Zelevas**.*

"Apologies, but I do not understand the question. I suppose I do, but I'm not entirely sure how to rebuke or answer it. I've seen pictures of your capital world, does it not inspire something within you when you bask upon its beauty?" - *the door to the elevator opened, and both walked in and turned to face the garden.*

"Of course. **Ataros** is perhaps our greatest work of art. Long ago, it was a cold world, with barely any green on it and only tundra for our hearths. But we shaped it to be green and folded it to our needs. Made it a tool, like any other." *- said **Zelevas**, gesturing his hand with a soothing sway.*

"That... that is all you see in this magnificent piece? Its presumable lack of utility?" *- **Ailuin** gasped at the mention -* "The trees have blossomed here for countless millennia. They have made use of the soil around them to stand as a shining, unifying beacon to all of the Eldurasi and many others. There are no other's like it in the rest of Galaxy." *- **Ailuin** regains a neutral tone. **Zelevas**' brow frowned once more, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion -* "Every Eldurasi is encouraged to come and visit it at least once in their lifetime. Many view great symbolism within its great oaks and silvering leaves. It inspires people to spread such beauty to everything they touch. Linked directly to our Ruler and Herald, Lor-..."

"Ailuin." *- interrupted **Zelevas**, with a defining, authoritarian intent. **Ailuin's** mouth ceased and his body froze. **Zelevas** turned to him. His hands still remained behind his back, but both his eyes pierced him like red daggers as he looked directly at **Ailuin's** own -* "What did you mean by 'presumable'?" *- Before Ailuin could unveil any reflex or answer, the door to the elevator opened. **Zelevas** looked away from **Ailuin** and realised that they had reached their intended floor. They were very high above the ground floor from where they had entered the elevator, having completely ignored the weight of the ascent's pull and the distanced that they had travelled in such short time. **Zelevas** heard **Ailuin** leave the elevator, and he turned his head towards the **Eldurasi**. **Zelevas'** anger was quickly quenched, however, in that exit, after a small hall, **Zelevas** could see the **High Council's** chambers. Seeing his escort race ahead, **Zelevas** pursued with a calm and deliberate pace. There was chatter from inside the chamber itself. A voice **Zelevas** knew from prior acquaintance.*

"My lords and lady, pardon my intrusion." *- Zelevas heard Ailuin say into the room, and the chatter ceased -* "Allow me to welcome Zelevas Thirium. Ambassador and Commodore to Athalor Malacos Ulveth, of the Athalmar Empire." *- **Zelevas** walked in before **Ailuin** had finished his introduction. The silence was poluted by quiet and quick whispers throughout most of the chamber, with **Zelevas**' own footsteps dominating much of the sound that coursed through it. **Ailuin** elevated himself from his bow and took a step to the side. The High Council's chamber was designed almost exactly like the High Kingdom's flag.*

**Author's notes**:

Effectively, a sci fi chateu with great glass pyramids as rooftops. In its center, is a garden of Elanor Trees. this prior chapter is meant to highlight that Eldarus, despite a beautiful and calm place on the surface, beneath it, it is turbulent and dangerous, because of the Athalmar's interference.

*Prior to this chapter, **Zelevas** and **Ailuin** made their way to the **Crystal Citadel**. It is in this one that they arrive at its entrance.*

[Athalmar RND intercepts The Communication scene. They get a recepient and trajectory, but not an identification. Recepient is the Elder King's personal chambers. The Communication originiates from the strategic north-west of Eldarus. High Command believes it's Grand Admiral Galather, so Malacos sends Zelevas to investigate. Only Lorestaer knows who the Sender is. Not even his own Council is aware.]

[Primary character: **Zelevas Thirium**; Secondary-Primary Characters: **High King Lorestaer Evanstar**, **Ailuin Holarel** and **High Chancellor** **Lugadós Thalmar**; Tertiary Characters: **Marhsal of the Semptiternals** **Julen Aglaron**, **General** **Psi Corps** **Hádhon Nulos**, **Lord of the Home Fleet** **Túron Altizaer**, **Guardian of the Bulwark** **Indos Maenor**, **Statesman of the Horizon's Crescent** **Erturiel Talvir**, **Minister of the Liberators** **Altaria Cartaval**, **Archon** (minister of education) **Uirebon Andoras**, **Grand Minister of Finance** **Melchon Caledom**, **Lord Preserver** **Tedreth Laewon**]

Created by: Friendly Doctor

Written by: Friendly Doctor