Who are you to change this world, silly girl? (Tarissa)

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina smiled, "It's beautiful." She ran her fingers slowly over the material, getting a good feel for the weapon. She listened as her mother described it and its abilities. She lifted an eyebrow at the mention of what it could do in modern combat. "Now that is interesting, so it's more than just a bow for hunting. It could be useful otherwise. I like that. There aren't many weapons that are like this, with such a fundamental basis that are still useful."

When Siobhan hugged her, Galina clung to her mother for a moment. "I won't ever mum, believe me." She nodded understandingly. "Go on, get some rest. I'll find something to entertain me, don't worry." With a content sigh, Galina pushed herself away from the table and gathered up the bow with its arrows to take back to her room. "And thank you, mum, I do love it."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"Never doubt that I love you. You mean everything to me, angel," Siobhan patted Galina on the shoulder. Then she picked up her cane and limped out of the living room. Like it or not, as much as she wanted to deny it two decades of fighting had taken their toll on her. Perhaps this was the right moment for a three day time skip?

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded, "I won't and I never have, mum." She watched as Siobhan left the room and soon enough scooted off to her room, putting the bow away in an honored placed beside her other bow. Her dress she quickly replaced with her usual clothing. After that, she curled up on her bed to read a book on physics, as entertainment. Though with the long day she was had it didn't take long for her to nod off herself.

And now for the time-honored tradition of time skips. We'd return to our lovely ladies three days later with Galina gathering a few things in her room to take with her on the trip. She had no idea really what to expect. It was bound to be exciting and full of surprises. She just wasn't sure about this trip in particular.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


And so three days passed. During the time skip, Galina probably had time to try out her new bow, dodge her mother's attempts to transform her into a pretty princess and perhaps read up a bit about what had happened in the land of the Xioquo since she and her buddy Elayne had fought them during the final battle.


The light side drow Liavondra was Firemane's puppet queen, but the Underealm was still under military occupation and key positions had been given to Firemane and Eldorai advisers. The occupation authority faced many manifold problems that needed to be solved. There were many differences, but getting involved should be good preparation for her return to Sigma, especially if she ended up sitting on the throne of her ancestors.


And so in this hour, Siobhan would show up in Galina's room. "Busy packing? Remember to take some weapons with you. Insurgent activity is experiencing a low, but it pays to be prepared. Smiles and submissive looks can hide daggers," she said cynically. Rather than her beskar'gam, the Countess wore a suit of light armour. There was still potential for danger, after all. "You should wear some armour. Nothing too fancy, but basic protection. I've planned our route. We'll fly to Fort Kerrigan, then take a ship to the Underealm."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Of course, it was only natural that Galina had tested out her new bow and utterly resisted her mother's every attempt to turn her into a fashionista. And yes, a few books had been spread out in her room about the Xioquo, and read.

Galina turned to see her mother open the door. "Yes, mum." She said softly and turned back to the bed where she'd laid out her bag and a few of the things she'd planned to place in it to take with them both. "Yeah, I kinda figured for that." She sighed, not liking that idea but it was what it was. "I have a few daggers of my own for just the occasion. You know me, I'm not the biggest fans of things more modern." Though she'd chosen a couple of pistols and they were already packed away into her bag.

"Ugh," She groaned, "I don't like the way armor feels. It feels rather restrictive to me. Not that I'm saying no, just that I don't like it." Galina walked to her closet, pulling out her set of light armor. She took a moment to slip it on and adjust it to be semi-comfortable on her body. Walking back to the bed she tossed the last few things she had laid out, into the top of her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "I think I have everything now."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Siobhan chuckled a bit. "You should put on my beskar armour. Now that's restrictive. But it can tank a lightsabre hit and laugh off a blast of Force Lightning," she declared. She gave her daugher time to put on her suit and get comfortable, then took her hand.


"Come on, sweetie. Adventure awaits us. We should arrive in the Underealm by nightfall. Not that it makes a big difference since it's always dark down there. We'll be received with full military honours by the commander of the occupation force and a delegation of the Xioquo's new leaders."


Siobhan seemed to be very cheerful. Her gloomy mood from yesterday seemed to have been banished. So they headed out of the villa and to the landing pad. The shuttle had already been fuelled and loaded with luggage, so they boarded. Soon it was off into the sky, en route to the not at all egotistically named Fort Kerrigan. There a ship waited for them in the harbour. Presumably travel time could be compressed in the interest of moving the plot forward a bit.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina shook her head, "I'll pass, thank you. That is just way too far for my liking. Sure, useful, but I can't even imagine functioning in something like that even if it has those lovely benefits." At least she recognized the good things with it and didn't outright refuse armor like another redhead we know.

Galina smiled sweetly and followed behind Siobhan. "Yeah, it is." She did lift a brow, though, "Full honors? That seems a bit fussy to me." It certainly wasn't an idea she was that comfortable with but would likely be part of her life from this point forward. Once on board the ship, Galina sighed and made herself comfortable. Of course, time could be condensed because the speed of plot says so. Soon enough our lovely ladies would arrive at the fort in one piece.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


One day the short stack of fire Coryth Elaris would not be able to escape armour. It was either that or sexy suits and dresses. She could not say no to both...at least not forever!


"Fussy? Perhaps, but that's what you'll have to get used, no matter if you're queen or running a big corporation," Siobhan responded. Her tone was blunt, but not unkind. "Your minions will always want to show you what a good job they're doing and how well everything is. It's up to you to check and make sure they're not trying to pull the wool over your eyes," she shared a bit of maternal advice. "Besides, there's something awfully sexy about rows of muscular girls and boys standing at attention just for you." It would not be Siobhan without innuendo.


Anyhow, eventually they reached Fort Kerrigan. There, a Triton class surface corvette awaited them. The ship had some nice guns, but was also fast and fierce. Using the Viceory luxury yacht would have been a bit over the top, so the corvette would do. Once they'd boarded, the ship would set sail and be steered across the great blue river. Eventually, it would get close to its destination, passing the Xioquo's old fortress that Galina and Elayne had fought in alongside Kaida.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina let out a heavy breath, "I suppose I do." She ran a hand through her hair, looking a bit lost as her mind wandered to all the things she would have to get used to should she succeed in taking back her throne and saving her people and planet from the hell they lived in. Being a Queen was an idea that was a little hard to entirely wrap her head around. Her reasons for chasing the crown had nothing to do with being a Queen which had made it incredibly difficult to understand what it would fully mean when she finally reached that end goal.

The only reason she wanted the crown was because it would put those fighting the Rahls behind her, ready to fight with her. It gave her power and meaning beyond just being some redheaded girl with grand ideas. That had been plans and thoughts from the moment she got the letter from Hans that her mother had written shortly after Galina's birth, only hours before she would die, leaving Galina alone to a terribly uncertain fate.

"You do know mum, that I don't truly want the crown of Sigma. At least not for the reasons most people would think or choose. I just want to help my people there, and the power of my bloodline and claiming it will help me gain support. Which is why I have a hard time dealing with all the fussy things that are involved, things that can seem so frivolous yet steeped in tradition. I understand there are reasons things are like this; it's still all very strange because I went from being a nobody, to someone who is crucial to the people of Sigma, and even Courtly figures around here. It all happened overnight, and my quiet, peaceful life morphed into something completely different." She sighed heavily, "I'm still trying to catch up with everything and still trying to learn to practically be a different person than I'd ever thought I was or would be."

She did giggle a little about her mother's comments about muscular men and women. Now at the Fort they soon shuffled off to the corvette for the final part of their journey. "It's just all happened really fast. And it couldn't be more strange going from someone who was entirely unimportant in the scope of the galaxy, to a ruler if I chose to fight to take back my crown. I became someone people would know and want to meet. It's been a lot to take in, in an extremely short period of time. I certainly didn't expect any of this."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"Uneasy is the head that wears the crown. They say that duty is heavier than a mountain. We cannot always chose the circumstances under which we serve. What we can do is give our all and do our utmost." Time would fly, then the corvette passed what remained of the Xioquo fortress that guarded the channel. Once, the high walls had withstood Qadiri artillery. They'd been a testament to the might of the Xioquo, but then Firemane and the Eldorai had reduced them to rubble.


"There, that's where you and Elayne fought. She created a golem during the battle, unless I'm mistaken," Siobhan pointed to the ruins. High explosive shells, missiles and gas had been dropped on the citadel, causing devastation. Still, in spite of such an apocalyptic bombardment, it had been a bloody battle against Xioquo janissaries and war beasts.


By now, the corpses had been cleared away. An eerie silence hung over the place. Eldorai soldiers were on patrol. Assignment to the Underealm was a fast track for promotion, even though the superstitious believed the place was cursed. "Come on, let's board a boat. It'll take us inside the Underealm." Ahead of them, lay the exterior of what had once been the lair of the Xioquo. Many had died to liberate them from their magocratic tyrants and vanquish Mystra.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina sighed, knowing her mother was right. "I guess you are right." If only she knew what she was going to be getting into. Who knew what Sigma had turned into since she was last there? And the memories of a child could easily be distorted by time, especially given what she'd gone through.

Her attention turned to the fortress. "That I remember. It's a little hard to forget."

She gave a nod and followed beside her mother to the waiting boat. Truthfully she wasn't looking forward to seeing the Underealm, or its inhabitants. She still couldn't shake the memories of what she'd seen at the outpost. And she certainly wasn't trusting of them either. Though that was probably a good thing under the circumstances.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


As the old saying goes, trust is good, control is better. Mother and daughter stepped into the waiting speedboat, and within moments it traversed across the waters, taking them into the dark and gloomy Underealm. Here, the Dark Side was strong, for the Alliance might have toppled the Xioquo's sadistic tyrants, but even they could not move mountains and undo the horrors that had taken place here. Anyone who entered this realm would feel a cold chill and darkness permeated the air. Nonetheless, Siobhan carried herself with confidence as the boat sped across the water.


"Aeda and I went ashore here. It was bloody," she pointed at the beach as their craft approached. "The Xioquo used child soldiers. One of them detonated a bomb when I tried to get to her to stand down. Silly of me. Luckily, I wore my beskar armour. Poor, brainwashed girl." After that, Siobhan had ordered the summary execution of many Xioquo officers and priestesses.


"There's our welcoming committee," she spoke when the shapes assembled at the beach solidified in her field of vision. Angelii and Firemane troopers formed an honour guard, along with a small Xioquo delegation. They were illuminated by torches, making it easier to find the shore. Alliance patrol boats and a small corvette lay in the harbour.


In addition, the honour guard also had a Xioquo contingent. Those were native auxiliaries, who served under the supervision of foreign officers. They were armed with more primitive rifles, spears and swords, and wore light armour with steel helmets. "Attention!" one Eldorai sergeant barked, as the boat reached the shore and Siobhan arose, her boots finally hitting the ground.


"Lady Mistress Kerrigan, it is a pleasure to meet you. We are honoured by your presence," an Eldorai officer dressed in a High Captain's uniform with silver epaulettes declared, snapping to attention and delivering a salute. She spoke Basic with a bit of an accent.


"Thank you, High Captain Aeris," Siobhan returned the salute in the Eldorai way: Right hand above her heart. "This is my daughter, Baronness Galina-Kerrigan-Alcori." Yes, that was the full title. Galina better get used to hearing it.


"Likewise a pleasure. Everything has been prepared for your arrival. The...Princess Liavondra and Lady Velava are expecting you." Lia was the light side Xioquo who'd helped the Alliance conquer her people. Or liberate them, depending on your point of view.


"Good. I'm eager to see them. These are our auxiliaries?" Siobhan queried, indicating the assembled ranks of Xioquo soldiers. One of them, a scarred but attractive woman with dark grey skin and ivory hair who carried a halberd, looked shyly at Galina with an expression of awe. However the moment was brief, and she averted her eyes, seeming a bit embarrassed, and assumed a more stoic expression. Galina might also hear some drows murmuring "Karizshzar".


"Yes, the Xioquo Native Auxiliary Service Corps." Named in true patronising Victorian style. "It has taken a while, but they're assuming more and more security duties, under Eldorai supervision, of course. I can brief you more along the way."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina listened to her mother as she felt the heavy weight of the darkside tugging at her soul as they traveled further to the Underrealm. She frowned hearing the description of what happened during the battle. She shuddered to hear about the children. "Being a child soldier, there's not a lot of options. The ones that exist are awful no matter which way it goes. You chose to fight, and sure possibly die, but you'll be alive at least a while longer. Refuse, and death is assured. I can understand the girl's position, as horrible as it was."

Before she could elaborate any further, her attention was drawn to the shoreline. She took a deep breath, straightened herself out while paying mind to her posture. She didn't want to slouch or look anything but the proper daughter of Siobhan Kerrigan. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness in her stomach as they drew closer.

Quietly she followed beside her mother, letting her take the lead as they stepped off the boat and onto the shores. Hearing her title, seemed to strike her as a most strange thing. It hardly felt real to her. And hearing it now, caused her to glanced at her mother, almost a little shocked.

The Eldorai captain got her attention once more, as she turned back to her. "It's lovely to meet you as well." She said politely. For her, Galina chose mostly to observe and let her mother lead. Here she had no experience and was unsure of the culture and customs, much less the delicate diplomatic situation.

Out of the auxiliaries, Galina's gaze met with the same woman, looking rather curious. But soon the woman looked away, and the redhead brushed the nonevent off, not giving it another thought for the time being. But the word, she turned to Siobhan and whispered, "Karizshar? I'm not familiar with the term." She did wonder what it meant.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"It's Xioquo for 'The Destroyer'. Their leaders gave me the title after I crushed one of their armies and killed a kraken. I guess they wanted to rally their people against the evil alien daemon," Siobhan said nonchalantly. "It's a term of respect now. Slaves were chanting it when we freed them."


"Order," High Captain Aeris growled, whereupon most of the murmuring and chanting ceased. "I believe you impressed them a bit too much. There's a Xioquo cult that worships the Karishzar. They're very...zealous."


"Zealous? They haven't caused trouble have they?"


"Not a lot so far. Though we had to bar them from entering the site of Mystra's last stand. It is a cursed chamber tainted by evil. And we've had to restrain them from taking vengeance upon conservatives. They take Ardarvia's rites a bit too literally."


"I see. Well, seems I have to get used to having worshippers now. It does mean they have a better idol," Siobhan opined. Perhaps she was liking the idea of having worshippers more than she should. "I did not think I'd end up becoming an icon when I cast the false queen down. I suppose I shall have to meet their leaders to make sure they do no harm. Tell me more of this cult on the way."


"Oh, I shall, but, as I'm sure you understand, my Lady, there are many pressing matters concerning the Reconstruction that require attention," the High Captain snapped her fingers and the Xioquo soldier who'd made eye contact with Galina stepped forward. "This is Xai'Zalda, a former slave. She can be your local guide."


The young Xioquo, who still bore the scars of years of slavery, looked nervous and a bit awed despite trying to appear composed like a professional. "This one greets you, Exalted Mistresses. This one shall serve you in any way," she spoke with a strong Xioquo accent. She stumbled over her words a bit, but was determined to get it right.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina lifted a brow as she glanced at her mother. "I see." She said flatly as if this was an entirely reasonable thing for her mum to be saying about her battles with the locals. Yes, totally normal in the Kerrigan-Alcori household.

"Cult? Really?" The redhead was a touch surprised at that. A cult was the last thing she expected. "Just, wow." She shook her head quickly and forced the thought aside. She turned her attention back to the Captain, listening carefully. While her mum might be entertained by the idea of a cult, Galina was ready to move on from that and get back to the locals. They did have a job to do after all.

When that same soldier stepped forward, Galina couldn't help but look the former slave over. Naturally, it hadn't occurred to her what fell under the category of 'serve you in any way'. Siobhan might have gone there, but Galina still was a touch too innocent for that. "A pleasure to meet you, Xai'Zalda." Galina was about as nervous as the Xioquo in front of them. For her part, the redhead managed to hide her nerves from sight. Though that didn't mean her mum hadn't noticed, or anyone else with the force for that matter.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Xai'Zalda was a bit surprised by the Blessed Daughter's reaction. To her, it seemed like the girl was nervous. That flaming red hair gave her a very exotic appearance, but this up close and personal she looked...very normal, like any mortal. Yet she was the scion of the titan who had cast down the Devourer.


"This one thanks you, Blessed Daughter of the Destroyer," she spoke in her most formal tone. She still struggled with Basic since she was new to this strange tongue, though she was trying to make a good impression, and as a result was excessively formal.


For her part, Siobhan discreetly reached out to take her daughter's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. "Your devotion does you credit. My daughter, Ashira bless her, is unused to this place and your people. You shall be her guide, servant and guard. Obey any order she gives you as if it came directly from me. Do you understand?" Her voice was soft, but very firm.


"This one is honoured to serve the Blessed Daughter, and shall lay down her life to protect her should the spirits demand it. This one's blade shall be yours," Xai'Zalda bowed her head, though not before sneaking another curious glance at Galina, whose cheeks had probably acquired a lovely shade of red.


"We train our natives well, so you should have no complaints," High Captain Aeris said in a rather patronising tone. "Now, come with me, a speeder is waiting. It shall take us to Tlalixque and the residence of Princess Lia."


The Underealm was a vast network of tunnels, caves and catacombs, which even Firemane had not fully mapped yet. There was a constant stream of speeders and trucks, bearing supplies, technical components and troops. A speeder, along with escort craft, waited for them close to the harbour. Ideally, they'd arrive in the Xioquo capital without incident. At least that was the plan.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina looked back to her mother needing some assurance as she heard what this soldier would do for her. The idea of a servant, a guard actually bothered her a good deal. It bothered her a good deal more than she wanted to admit to because she simply was used to relying on herself. She'd been doing that for so long, that it had been hard to adapt to the villa and the servants there. She rarely used them for a reason.

She wanted to protest this new development, but the redhead knew better. In this place, in this realm, she knew too little to venture safely on her own without some form of a guide. As much as she might not like to admit to it, the protection was required. She didn't know where all the dangers could and would lie here. Galina squeezed her mother's hand in return finally finding some way to calm her nerves.

Galina bit her own lip, as the conversation continued. Her eyes had fallen to the elf once more. "I appreciate it, thank you." Her cheeks had gained a light rosy shade as she tried her best to mask her feelings. "Of that, I am sure, Captain." She was trusting the people here in front of her to keep her safe. Though she did have the force and her own talents to keep her a little more protected than the average being.

"Come on, mother. We should get moving." Galina urged, not wanting to stay on the shoreline for much longer. It was uncomfortable enough that she just wanted to move on and escape the awkward feelings that she had at that moment. "How has the mood been among the people since the transition?" Naturally, she was curious about how it had worked since the final battle went down, and the new queen was installed. In some ways, she felt it would be familiar with comparing it to her own world.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Zai'Xalda followed the nervous firemane. However, she did not reply to her query immediately. Rather, she looked towards Kerrigan and the High Captain first, as if considering her words carefully. It was doubtful that the spectre of a cruel mistress could be banished so easily. She still bore the scars of her past owner's abuse.


"The mood is anxiety mixed with hope, Your Worship," she said diplomatically. 'Your Worship' was one of the many titles Young Galina would have to get used during her stay here. Along with 'Blessed Daughter', 'Lady Mistress' and a myriad of others. "Many of the people are grateful, but are concerned about the future, and many of the oppressors are still at large. They pray to the Devourer and yearn for her return. Some hide behind smiles and conceal their poisoned daggers."


There was a note of venomous hatred in her tone when she spoke of the old matriarchs who'd oppressed the populace. Upon reaching the speeder, she opened the door for Galina, then climbed in after her, though there was a moment of hesitation. This strange, super fast vehicle was a bit disconcerting. Siobhan sat down in front and the driver kicked the vehicle into gear, accompanied by an escort.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina managed to present a polite smile, trying not to look too saddened, or too happy either. She was looking for a balance that would not offend or give way to where her thoughts lay. This was something she needed practice with.

She nodded, "Yes, I wouldn't imagine so." She could only imagine what her people on her homeworld would think when the time came to retake her world. Galina didn't believe it was bound to go all according to plan, and certainly, not everyone would be happy about the regime change. "We all carry concerns of what the future might bring, and the challenges it presents in such uncertain times."

Her smile sweetened a small bit, "Your Worship, isn't a necessary title for me. I don't have a need for titles like that. Mistress is just fine, thank you." The redhead hadn't gained a fondness for titles or what adoration that might have come with such, not yet at least. It was something she was going to have to grow into over time, but she wasn't about to let it start with something she felt she hadn't yet earned.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


The young Xioquo soldier scrutinised the human a bit, as if trying to figure out what made her tick. "Of course...Your Worsh...Mistress," she caught herself just in time. "This one is very grateful for what the Firemane Matriarchy did. This one was once a slave to a cruel mistress." Which was probably the reason why she had such an odd way of speaking. "A slave's life had no value to the dread mistresses."


Siobhan, considering herself a front seat passenger, kept her eyes on the road ahead, though she occasionally snuck in encouraging glances while her daughter conversed with the drow. It seemed Galina had not inherited her mother's fondness for elaborate titles. This was probably a good thing because Siobhan already had enough ego to fill a room. "You were at the battle as well, yes, Mistress?" Zai'Xalda asked.


However, shadows danced in the darkest corners of the tunnel. Not all Xioquo were peaceful. There were those who still yearned for a return to the old days. Or simply resented the idea that foreigners ruled over them now, even if they had love for the dark goddess Mystra. As the small convoy passed an intersection, they were struck by an ambush.


The first speeder ran over a primitive mine. Boom. The explosion could not destroy the vehicle, but damage it and injure the driver and gunner. "Evasive manoeuvres! Get us off the road." Siobhan yelled, pulling upon the tangled web of power that was the Force to summon a protective bubble around them. Xioquo partisans appeared from the shadows and opened fire, using primitive slugthrowers and explosives. Quickly, Zai'Xalda pulled Galina down and returned fire with her pistol.