Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era - Обсуждение

“And so you have all come, as the prophecy foretold. We welcome you to this gathering, which has befallen us all. We shall allow each of you to speak here before this council, as it shall reveal your truth about what you wish to request.” The Oracle gestured towards Anastasia. “Speak, child, have you brought truth or strife? Is your Sun a beacon of hope, or a destructive flash of despair?” The young woman approached them, a small bird perched on her shoulder like a branch of a tree, her modest yet elegant dress trailing behind her on the stones. She greeted the Oracle and turned to the others, her voice trembling.

“Dear envoys,” Anastasia seemed even smaller as she spoke, “I am but a humble messenger. The Lords of the Dawn have asked me to convey their concerns and to plead on their behalf. I hope my message will be heard,” she paused for a moment and turned to the Oracle. “But before I share it, perhaps the others may also be presented? If it is not a problem, of course! I would not want to tire you, Your Eminence,” she murmured, looking at the figure with warmth and a strange serenity. If the Inquisitor’s appearance was a cause for concern, the gentle aura of Anastasia evoked a sense of contentment and happiness.

Ilvari could not shake the feeling that magic was involved, but she said nothing. Innocence should not be a cover for wondrous charms, even if it seems so. The Oracle spoke again.

“You may be young, but your heart seems to hold grace. There will be no harm in accepting your request. Come closer.” Then the Oracle beckoned Una forward. She looked fragile, but every step carried a sense of confidence and experience, a stark contrast to the priestess who stood before her. Ilvari could tell that the old witch had seen many things and knew many truths, but could conceal them at will if necessary. This time was no different from the perspective of someone as skilled in diplomacy as Ilvari. However, something seemed strange – Una seemed to be in pain.

“The gesture of the young one is highly valued. Lady Lyra did well in choosing you. You show great promise.” Una’s overall presence caused unease among the other envoys, as if they were constantly resisting the urge to express their truest thoughts, so it was not surprising that her slightly patronizing words frightened the young woman, as if a needle had pierced her mind. Anastasia’s posture became more defensive, and her muscles tensed; everyone felt that the stakes had risen by a whole level. The Oracle looked at the witch and the priestess, saying nothing, but looking at them with disappointment. “Nightshade…” Ilvari intervened. “Dear envoys, please remain calm.”

“I am sure that Lady Una had good intentions. Allow me?” Ilvari touched both envoys and nodded to encourage them, her skin feeling as smooth as alabaster, her snakes reflecting the light on their iridescent scales, and her presence balanced them both – like a gentle, parental touch during a nightmare. Tiny, fresh traces of Nightshade’s magic could be felt in Anastasia, and a glimmer of holy dust shone on Una’s face – like small droplets of mercury, they were slowly poisoning each other. She focused on them and released. Immediately after that, the Oracle whispered something in a language long forgotten by others, and a flawless dome rose around the square.

“Since imbalance threatens the gathering, I have erected a barrier that will hold the peace. If anyone outside – or inside – tries to interrupt your deliberations, they will not succeed.” The Oracle’s power was immense. Erecting such a barrier required forces that only a few in Jadame possessed. “Can they be vessels of the Ancestors?” Ilvari’s thoughts were interrupted by the Oracle’s speech.