Building Bridges

After his meeting with Lucian, Shenxin planned to take some time off, allowing himself to have time for himself. Perhaps he would take a dip in the natural hot springs, it always helped ease his sore muscles whenever he did. The more he thought about the hot springs, the more excited he got to be home. The hot bubbling water would envelop his body like a giant hug. This one giant hug would loosen his muscles better than any massage. Perhaps he could have some tea and lunch while he soaked in the water. 

By the time he stepped foot into the castle, his thoughts were filled with nothing but of his time he planned spending in the hot springs.

"Shenxin," he heard a delicate voice full of authority.

He turned towards a mare whose body was covered in swirling star markings. "Genesis, what a lovely surprise," he said, stopping to see what she wanted.

Genesis had been by his side for as long as he could remember. She was his other voice, or as he liked to say, the voice that pushed him to do things he otherwise wouldn't. He trusted and respected the mare with his whole heart. She knew and understood what the kingdom needed far more than he ever could. Perhaps because his status caused him to become far more out of touch with the people than he would have liked. It was how helpful she was that he felt lucky to call her his advisor.

"I presume your meeting with Lucian went well. Did he have any information of use?" She asked, looking him up and down. Most would feel uncomfortable with her sharp stare, but he had grown used to it. She did this to make sure there wasn't anything he was hiding, which he could admit he did often when it was a hard burden to bear. Her searching stopped and her gaze softened, not finding anything to cause any worry.

Shenxin shook his head slowly. "Alas, Lucian could only provide me information on the look of Cobra and solidify that my beliefs on the truce with Viper was most likely not a farce." He stared at his hooves, his face scrunched in concentration. This entire situation was frustrating and confusing. He didn't understand why things had to be the way they were. Why has it gone this way thus far?

Genesis sighed, rocking left and right on her front legs -- a usual habit of hers whenever she was thinking. "I was worried about that, " she admitted. "I wish we got more information on this entire situation -- I would feel more at ease." The mate's tail slowly flicked back and forth as she spoke. Not enough to catch anyone's eye, but those familiar with her would take notice. "I would like you to make more solid allies, Shenxin. I know we have Lucian, and I guess we could count Viper too. Nevertheless, you should use your connections and recruit others to be your ally too. Strong connections are important."

Shenxin felt himself deflate. That hot springs soak was not happening any time soon. He could tell that this was going to be a long conversation which would only lead to more work. Normally he wouldn't mind work, especially for the sake of the kingdom, but since Haywire's impromptu visit, he hasn't had much time to himself to just be. Was this what was meant to be a ruler?

"I understand," he replied with a nod. He looked out a window to his right. "But for this problem, couldn't we ask Castor to come back for the sake of the kingdom? Surely they could simply handle the problem?" Shenxin asked, thinking about his old mentor and king of Zaquar. Castor was a large part of his life, taught him everything about being a prince to utilizing his magic, until he had become of age and Castor had left with a simple goodbye.

Genesis snorted, shaking her head back and forth. "Castor? In theory they could, but the likelihood of getting in contact with them and them understanding the importance of the request is almost null. They live their life to a completely different beat of everyone else after having lived so long. There's the reason you're the one ruling and not him, Shenxin." As she finished her mini lecture she stared at him hard. He could feel the weight of her words and state, knowing full well she was right. Castor was as flighty as they come.

"Still, who else would I contact? I don't believe I have strong enough relations with any one that would be willing to become part of this situation," he admitted sadly, lifting his back legs back and forth anxiously.

"I believe you do. Don't you have a Lesser Deity that you have been in contact with a few times?" Genesis coaxed trying to get him to connect the dots.

"HAYWIRE?!?" He replied incredulously, backpedaling with a look of complete shock and horror.

Immediately, Genesis burst into laughter, tears of joy filling her eyes. After wiping the tears away on her legs, she answered, "No. I wouldn't dare even suggest an alliance with that creature. He's as trustworthy as a fae, perhaps even less so since I can trust a fae to keep their word, -- Haywire. Not so much. " Shenxin chuckled at that little comment about Haywire, thankful he and his advisor were both on the same page. Genesis continued, "No, I was thinking of a well known Lesser Deity who lives in the Icy region -- Miss Radiance."

Shenxin considered the words for a moment. "I would love to ally with her for her heart is compassionate and she cares for her kingdom well, but I do not know how to convince someone who lives so far away to ally with me and become involved in my problems. I fear approaching an alliance, especially with hopes of aid in a future battle, would be ill received," he replied, not meeting her eyes.

"Giving up already and you hadn't even tried? How,unlike you Prince!" Genesis exclaimed a wicked grin on her face as she took a step towards him. "If you are so certain of failure, then please, don't even attempt it, but something tells me that isn't the case. You're just letting this situation cloud your thinking."

Shenxin eyed her suspiciously. "You know something don't you?" he questioned his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece together what she knew and how she knew it.

Genesis' smile grew into a smirk. "Perhaps I do. I think you should visit her and find out."

"Genesis, why must you play these mind games with me? Just speak to me straight," he sighed, rubbing his forehead on his knee in frustration and thought.

"However shall you learn? Surely you don't want to be spoon fed like a little foal?" She teased.

Shenxin rolled his eyes and snorted, deciding to ignore her jabs. He swore that the mare wanted him to lose his cool. In the back of his mind, he knew she was simply trying to push him to be better and not balk at the sight of failure which he so often did. He shifted away from Genesis preparing to leave rather than deal with this long conversation anymore. Shewould speak to him properly later, perhaps. Of course she would, he is the prince! Shenxin felt himself inwardly cringe at that childish thought. Realizing that he was letting all of his negative feelings and thoughts fuel his replies and decisions rather than the logic of a ruler, he faced back towards Genesis, letting out a long sigh. “Okay, say I decided to visit Radiance, how shall I even get a visit going? What shall I bring? What shall I discuss? Should I go under the guise of something other than an alliance? What about --- “ he felt the words fall out of his mouth, his anxieties he was partially holding back spilling out.

Genesis took a step towards him and gently nudged his shoulder. “Hush Prince. You worry far too much. Take a moment and think of who Radiance is,” she encouraged a gentle smile on her lips.

“Radiance. She’s a goofy Lesser Deity, so goofy and clumsy that sometimes I find it difficult that she holds so much power. Oh I hope that wasn’t rude,” he muttered to himself in fear that he insulted anyone close to or a follower of Radiance.

“Yes, she’s a very laid back Deity. Do you really think she would be insulted at a random visit?” she asked with her eyes raised in question.

“I -- I mean, based on what I know of her, no, but perhaps she feels differently about her land.”

“For goodness sake, Shenxin! Stop putting yourself in your little box of safety and go outside for once!” she replied exasperated.

“But I do go outside!”

“You know that’s not what I meant! Don’t play with me child! You know what I mean, listen to your advisor!” she huffed, knocking her front leg against his.. Her tail whipped his hock in a way to discourage any further comments meant to be snarky or avoid the problem at hand.

Shenxin was taken back by the sharp tone the mare had with him, but then realized that he was being as she was saying. “I apologize for the way I’ve been acting. It is unfair to you for me to act so. Please guide me on this matter. I humbly accept your advice.” He bowed his head in apology and respect for the mare beside him.

She gave a little huff, promptly turning away from him. “How shall I believe you with how you’ve been behaving? Do you give your word you will listen and follow my advice without any further snarky comments?”

“Yes. I give my word. If I am a liar, you may cut out my false tongue,” he replied without missing a beat.

“Good.” Genesis nodded only slightly turning to face him. “Pack your bags, you are scheduled to meet with them this evening.”

Shenxin jumped up in surprise, wide eyed horror filling his face. His normally deep purple face began to pale and turn a ghastly pastel. He had walked right into her trap! How dare she! There wasn’t anything he would dare say or do lest she may follow through and cut out his tongue. “M-my however did you get a meeting so quick? Are you sure of the timing?” he managed to say sounding like a whimper.

Genesis gave him a long tired once over before turning away. “I had been wanting you to reach out to Radiance for some time now and have been in communication with them for a while. This Aberath situation helped me speed up the process and provide an excuse for you to meet with them.” She took a few more steps away, her tail swinging back and forth. “This means that they should be expecting you and any tardiness would be frowned upon as it would look badly on the kingdom. I have left a teleportation pendant upon your nightstand for Firefly. It only has two uses before it will shatter; that should be enough to get him there and back. He has already been informed of this outing and has prepared his things. Please don’t dawdle, Shenxin.” With that information, she began to walk away leaving Shenxin to process all of this new information.

Shenxin sprung after her as a thought suddenly filled his mind. “W-wait! What about Cobra’s arrival? That should be soon should it not? Will it truly be okay for me to leave when we are expecting him?” he questioned feeling quite nervous at leaving at this time. Or perhaps it didn’t matter what time it was, but he didn’t want to entertain that idea. 

The mare chuckled a little. It was obvious he had every reason to worry about leaving when he needed to prepare for the arrival of the Snake Prince, but it was obvious that in his fear of having to meet with Lesser Deity Radiance, he had all but forgotten about the staff that would be handling the preparations. “Relax child, “she cooed, sticking her tongue out at him. “This is the perfect time to leave before you must keep an eye on the Prince. You should be back with plenty of time. We will have everything covered. Now please, go take care of yourself before I go send Firefly to harass you.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he replied dejectedly. As he watched her go, he could feel his entire body wanting to collapse.

It seemed everything and everyone was out to get him. How was he supposed to find any semblance of rest? Will it be years before he would be able to feel relaxed and at peace? He could feel his entire body tense up and ache with exhaustion at that tiny thought. He did not wish to have to endure years of stress and anxiety. He did not enjoy the way that it drained his body and pulled at his soul. 

Shenxin let out a long tired sigh, turning his head to look out the window next to him. It was a beautiful sight. He could feel the scene that was playing out pulling at his heart. He could admit, as tired and dejected that he felt, he truly loved this place. He would endure anything to keep it as beautiful as it is right now. He nodded slowly towards the view. Then, turned towards his room to begin to pack to meet the Lesser Deity Radiance.