37. Feather and Umber at Opal Night

Feather took a seat on the mat across from Umber. They were in one of the consort hall's common areas, a wide balcony partially shaded by hanging vines, looking out over Opal Night's central well. It was directly across from the waterfall, and there was a good view of the south side garden terraces below; the space was filled with a cool breeze scented of aerated water and damp turned earth. 

Umber was in his groundling form, his heavy build and lighter skin always a reminder that he came from another court's bloodline.  He indicated the tea set sitting ready. "Would you like tea?"

Feather smiled. "Oh, so you sent for me just to have tea, did you?"

Umber inclined his head. "I appreciate your company at any time."

Feather took the offered cup and lifted her brows. She couldn't spar with Umber; it was better to just wait until he decided to tell her why he had sent for her. Not that she didn't already have a good idea about that.

Fortunately, Umber didn't waste time. "But I did have a particular subject in mind today."

Feather nodded, and tasted her tea. "Someone saw me in the well talking to Moon, then."

Umber eyed her a moment. "Then it really is him, as Emerald Twilight claimed."

Feather sighed and set her cup down. She was glad this was the conversation Umber had called her here for. Right now there were rumors and debate; Umber's word as first consort could stop most of that turmoil. She said, "There's no doubt. I don't claim to see bloodlines like a queen, but I held that consort as a fledgling. He's Moon."

Umber sat back, his brow creased thoughtfully. After a moment, he said, "Onyx wonders why Malachite hasn't formally accepted him yet."

Feather tilted her head. Onyx's and Malachite's relationship was still fraught, even after all these turns. They could pull together in a crisis but without one, Onyx was always looking for places to poke and twist to provoke a reaction and Malachite, being Malachite, was indifferent to Onyx' existence. It would be that way until Onyx took a step too far, and Malachite was suddenly no longer indifferent.  It was a frustrating balance much of the time, especially since it was obvious that when the two queens worked in concert they were an unstoppable storm.  "Is that why Onyx invited him to the gathering?"

Umber poured himself another cup of tea. It wasn't a question he would answer, even for an Arbora. He wouldn't speak against Onyx even though privately he might talk her out of any temperamental outbursts. He had been a perfect choice for Onyx, for the court in general. Feather sighed and took another path. "Do you also wonder why Malachite hasn't accepted him yet?"

Umber allowed himself a small smile of acknowledgement that he had been speaking for his queen. "No, it's Malachite. I never question the reigning queen's behavior."

"But you were hoping I would." As an Arbora, it was Feather's prerogative.

Umber made a slight gesture of annoyance and admitted, "If he is Celadon's clutchmate, he should have been greeted properly and the entire court made aware. I'm told some of these young idiots have already insulted him." He glanced grimly toward the entrance to the main bowers, where the other consorts had retreated. "Onyx is angry because she wasn't consulted, I'm angry because I wasn't consulted. The first I heard of it was when I was called to the guest quarters to find out the Emerald Twilight sister queen had mistreated him." He lowered his voice. "What do you think we would be doing right now if that message had gone to Malachite instead of Onyx?"

"Going to war with Emerald Twilight." Feather felt her shoulders ripple in dismay. Onyx might feel compelled to provoke Malachite, but she was too good a queen to let that conflict draw in another court. "I found out after you did."

"I know." Umber gestured that away, making it clear they were commiserating and not assigning blame.  "Why hasn't Malachite accepted him yet?"

"He looks like Dusk," Feather said. She was sure that was the reason. It had taken her aback, too, and for an instant brought the memory of that terrible day back.  "That coloring isn't uncommon in Opal Night's bloodline, but he looks exactly like Dusk."

Umber regarded her seriously. "It still affects her that much?"

Feather wasn't surprised by the question. Umber had come from an allied court to the south east, he had never left the Reaches. "Lithe and Auburn said it caught her by surprise." Feather felt that was a vast understatement. "But I think... It still affects her that much."

"That's unfortunate for Moon." Umber set his cup aside. "This should be resolved as quickly as possible."

Feather frowned, sensing a plan. "Is that what the gathering is for, to force Malachite to act? Or is that why you're letting it happen?"

Umber gave her a small smile. "Would you like some more tea, Feather?"