There were more heads than I could count sprawled out so far that the most distant looked only as big as a fingernail. I stood at the front of it all, overlooking a mass of A’li-uud and humans. They were crowded together tightly enough that elbows were bumping and feet were mashing, but nobody seemed irritated. The aura of the gathering was angelic, light and positive and brimming with excitement. Chatter from a thousand mouths blended together to make a melodious din I found pleasant to the ear, and faces spun left and right to identify acquaintances or overhear neighboring conversations or peer toward the podium where I was standing to determine when the address would begin.

“I have never seen so many A’li-uud in one place,” Katil muttered in awe. “Even the number of Elder coronations we have had over the past couple of years has not brought out an audience of this size.”

“Perhaps I am still an idol of infamy,” I quipped. I did not truly believe it, but it was nice to be able to make a joke out of something I once would have taken very personally. It was probable a percentage of the crowd still had a less-than-favorable impression of me and had decided to attend only to pass additional criticism, but I no longer was perturbed with that unfortunate reality.

Katil, however, was affronted at the thought. “If anyone is here for a reason other than to celebrate with you, they should be removed.”

“No,” I disagreed. “The naysayers are as welcome here as anyone else. They will either come to see the truth of my intentions, or they will continue to live in their resentments and misconceptions. The hand with which I rule will not be changed.”

Footsteps sounded on the hollow stairs of the raised platform, and I turned to see Zuran puffing up to join me. “Pardon my tardiness,” he said, flashing me one of his distinctive grins. “Phoebe is remarkably uncomfortable today, and I did not want to leave her without making certain she was as comfortable as possible.”

“She has not come?” I asked as I took a brief scan of the nearest faces for her familiar mask.

“Her back has been aching her for days; she finds walking difficult,” he explained. “Do not fear, brother. I will recite every word you say for her later.”

I shot him a look of amusement and took in a breath. “I suppose we are ready to begin, then.”

Katil straightened at once while Zuran assumed a more relaxed stance. I approached the podium. Almost instantly, the hum of incessant talking ebbed to a low mumble, which receded into silence seconds later. I was tempted to pick out a familiar face to focus on before beginning my speech, but I wanted to confront my anxiety without using a defensive crutch. This was the first address I was making as an Elder, and it was the most sets of ears to which I had spoken at one time. I was, thus, proportionately nervous, but I also found the anxiety intoxicating, and I was eager to prove myself to everyone present.

Including me.

“Citizens of Dhal’at, colonists of Ka-lik’et, thank you for coming together today,” I commenced. My arms spread open of their own accord in a fashion akin to Vi’den, but I now understood the significance of the gesture. I was inviting all before me into my presence, welcoming them to join me in a sharing of thoughts. “We are here to celebrate the members of our beloved society who have so bravely and selflessly volunteered themselves in the pursuit and establishment of a new civilization for the esteemed race of Novai.”

A cheer rippled through the crowd accompanied by lifted hands and waggling heads. I smiled and inclined my head during their ovation and waited until the noise waned once more.

“The mission they will embark upon is one of great importance to A’li-uud history, and it is sure to be one spoken of for generations to come,” I continued. “What I consider most admirable about these warriors, however, is not their quest to secure a place in history. It is the generosity of their spirits, their desire for nothing more than the successful settlement of a species that has spent centuries searching for a place to call home. No amount of praise is enough for these noble soldiers, and today, I applaud them!”

This exclamation elicited a second round of cheers, and I felt a wave of contentment wash over me. Seeing the bright smiles and eager eyes looking up at me, I knew I had finally achieved the support I had always wished to garner. I was admired. I was respected. The return for my years of dedication to my kingdom had finally come.

And, yet, it did not matter.

I was pleased my citizens approved of my leadership. It was an honor to be considered a dignified ruler, especially as I was following in the footsteps of an Elder whose greatness I could never hope to match. The stress of constantly attempting to win over the affections of the public was gone, and I could rest easier at night.

Seeing the lovely face in the very front row with pink cheeks and dark eyes, however, was the only thing I needed anymore. I would strive to be the best Elder I could be until I was no longer able to fulfill my role, but that face was my purpose.

Octavia smiled up at me, and I smiled back down at her. She was all I needed.