Nyxara
As my mind made future plans, Momma's hand appeared out of the corner of my eye, refilling my mug with Papa's draught. This brought me out of my musings. Picking up the mug with a grateful smile, I took a sip and then placed it back on the side table. It was at this point that I actually looked at the mug I had been drinking from.
The blue cauldron shaped mug had a winking witch on it with ominous text saying, "Warning: this cup is filled with poison. Drink at your own risk." I couldn't help but snort with laughter. Momma's pleased smile warmed my heart a bit, but I did not let that shift my current watch-and-analyze mindset.
"That mug is actually a gift from your Korran, I mean Papa. I have a matching one in red." Momma smiled fondly at Papa, who looked pleased that I liked the mug. It is good and stabilizing to know that even in a different world, they still have a similar sense of humor and will share it with me in little ways by gifting me with a sassy mug.
"Thank you, Papa, for this mug. It definitely fits my sense of humor." I pretended not to notice the glances between them after I said this. Just smile and observe. Just smile and observe.
"Right, so back to my questions. I'm sure I'll get deeper understanding about the topics I'm about to bring up, but I'd like a brief overview now so I'm not continuing to work blindly here. So, what is an enclave? Aspen mentioned we are an enclave. He also mentioned Minette and Koba's family is an enclave as well."
Pen poised, I braced myself for the next impending paradigm shift of this new life. Papa's deep voice confirmed my suspicions. "I'll take this question. First, let me explain that in our world there are two types of personal factions: clans and enclaves—two sides of the same coin. They are different answers to the same question: how do you build something that lasts?"
With a wave of his hand, a teapot and four cups appeared on the low table between us all. Papa poured tea into two cups for himself and Mama, the steam curling like breath from another world. He placed the teapot close to Keir for him to pour for himself and Aspen.
He sipped his tea, sighing contentedly before his gentle but focused gaze returned to me. "A Clan builds through bloodline. Everyone in a clan is of the same race. They have chosen the path of heritage and tradition. Their strength lies in their unity, their shared instincts, and their deep history. When led well, a Clan becomes a pillar for its people—steady, rooted, honorable. But when pride outweighs wisdom, that same unity can become blindness."
I kept my notes in shorthand. When I was alone, I would confirm everything I heard just to get other perspectives and insights.
"An Enclave, on the other hand," Papa continued, "builds through purpose. They're collectives of multiple races united by shared ideals or goals. It is said the concept of enclaves was inspired by ancient demon households. Demon households bring together those of different families and backgrounds to serve a needed aspect of their society and culture.
With that in mind, enclaves do something similar by forming found families and alliances to create an established enclave. When guided with integrity, they push Asari forward. But without balance, they can lose sight of the people they serve." He looked away from me then, eyes turned to Momma, Keir, Lux and Aspen in turn before landing back on me.
"Neither is better. Both serve Asari in their own way. But remember this—to rise, you must serve. A Clan or Enclave isn't acknowledged because it's rich or strong. It's acknowledged because the regions would suffer without them. They must offer something essential—defense, healing, infrastructure, culture, or trade—and they must prove it with more than words."
He raised one finger. "Three founders at Veil Three or higher. Three vassal families who can stand on their own. And the favor of five recognized houses—each established for at least seven years. Without those, you're just a wealthy family with ambition that now has a target on its back. Nothing more."
Papa's voice softened, but his words remained firm. "We chose to be an enclave because we believe in creating a legacy of diversity. But never mistake that for superiority. Tradition and innovation—both are fragile without humility. What matters most is how we hold what we build."
He leaned back slightly, studying my expression with quiet satisfaction. "Now, you understand the what and why," he said, setting his cup down. "Let's move to the where—how these structures fit into Solhara's current balance of power."
"Enclaves and clans always hold leadership positions in regional governments. The influential families that thrive within the region's hierarchy are the vassal families known as Crest Houses. If they are not a Crest House, then they are most likely striving to establish themselves as an enclave or clan. I'm not sure how that is handled in other regions, but here in Solhara, they will have a three-month interference-free grace period; the remaining three months of their qualification period will be us determining if they have what it takes to become a faction."
Papa sipped his tea, and this time when our gazes met, there was an unexpected ruthlessness in them. "I won't delve into the specifics, but just in case someone tries to convince you differently, the power balance in Solhara is already set. We, the Sun Court, the Ajei and Dillard enclaves, rule during the sunlight hours. While the Shadow Court, the Xi and Reign clans, rule during the moonlight hours. If anyone desires to ascend to become an enclave or clan, that's wonderful and good luck. However, it won't happen here in Solhara."
Momma placed her cup down before she spoke. Her smile was gentle, but her eyes reflected Papa's ruthlessness. "You will remember that it was just mentioned a moment ago that attempting to become a clan or enclave puts a target on a family's back should they not succeed in becoming one. We can't, by the Regional Accordance Laws, stop someone from attempting to become a clan or enclave in our region, but we can test their worthiness to rule alongside us. The Sun and Shadow Courts are in agreement that we are the only enclaves and clans that will be acknowledged here. Balance will be maintained, with no exceptions. Next question?"
I had to sit with this information for a moment. My notes say it quite plainly: the hierarchy of things at least here in Solhara. Benevolent dictators. I don't know enough to say if the way things are is right or wrong, but I do know I now have even more to research. Tapping my pen, my heart warms a bit more.
They didn't hide that they aren't just a bunch of wholesome rulers. They are being transparent that they do maintain a glass ceiling between them and anyone seeking to rise to their level. This one trait is one I hold very dear because it is a core belief my earth parents had instilled in me. Never hide the truth. You can sugarcoat it for the kids. You can dumb it down if needed, but you don't hide it. Perhaps they aren't so different as I had initially thought.
"Thank you for your transparency," I say with a bright smile, causing Papa and Momma to smile brightly and appear to relax a bit. I glance at my brothers, and I see their bodies and expressions have relaxed as well. I didn't realize they had become tense when I distanced myself emotionally. Are they naturally this empathetic to react to me warming up to them again, or is something else at play here?
Making a note to keep this under long-term observations, I move on to my next question. "Two follow-up questions. First, is there anything I can or need to do to support our enclave? I intend to continue working towards becoming a Sentinel, especially based on what Aspen has told me so far about the profession. But is there anything else I can do? Second, what is the social structure of Solhara? You mentioned some things in your explanation, but I suspect I'm missing details on how things actually work."
To hide my amusement at the surprised expressions of my family, I lifted the my mug for another sip. "Let me guess, previously I wasn't very interested in voluntarily contributing to our enclave before?"
"Not particularly," Lux replies, breaking the silence with his signature sharp smile. "You did your duty and didn't cause scandals. However, you were very focused on how you could help the Dillard enclave as the future matriarch of their enclave. It is very pleasing that you are now focused on building up the Ajei enclave of your own desire. Very pleasing indeed."
"In a nutshell, continuing the transparency, becoming a Sentinel and climbing the ranks in our government's judicial branch wouldn't harm our interests at all. It would in fact be very beneficial because we don't have any direct enclave members in that domain. We have representatives, but I've always felt that having someone of the family in the field would be ideal. This area of influence is where we are weakest."
This was your biggest convincing point when you asked us to support you in following Scion Dillard into this career." Lux's hologram folded his legs and leaned back into the cushions. He blended a bit with them, creating an odd appearance, but I remained silent since no one else commented on it.
"In response to your second question, the social power structure of Solhara is set up in a pyramid format. Our thriving population forms the base. Next, we have The District Assembly, which is comprised of the district representatives, appointed or elected to manage the various districts. Over them is the Harmonium, which is composed of the Judicar of Accord, the Shieldwarden, and the High Marshall of Order. When necessary, the Grand Sentinel will sit on the Harmonium when sentinel jurisdiction overlaps with one of the other three's area of influence. Above them are the aforementioned Sun and Shadow courts, of which our father is a member. At the pinnacle of this pyramid stands the Regent Mazi, who primarily leaves the governance of Solhara to the Sun and Shadow courts, which collaborates with the Assembly and Harmonium to keep everything from breaking down into complete chaos." Lux concludes.
His hand disappears for a moment before it returns with what looks like a blue apple—or maybe it's this world's version of a banana? It does look tasty, though. I'm going to have to try one. Hopefully, it isn't bitter. I make a brief note on another page of things I want to try, after which I took another drink of my brew, feeling suddenly hungry again.
"Thanks for that breakdown, big brother. The political and social landscape is becoming clearer to me. Now that I've gotten those curious questions out of the way, I'd like to ask some more personal questions." I glance around to make sure everyone is still comfortable with me basically interrogating them.
Keir nods and subtly tries to add something to his tea, but Papa smacks him on the hand, making him drop the item which Papa snatched out of the air before I could see it. I swear I hear something crack in Keir's hand, but he just shakes it off and pouts. Interesting. Keir doesn't appear to be experiencing any pain. I'm curious if Keir is just that durable or if the smack wasn't as hard as it sounded.
Papa is adorable, giving Keir a dead stare. Noticing my gaze, Papa pauses his death stare to give me a playful wink. With an ever-lightening heart, my gaze falls on Momma. She's looking fondly at everyone as she hands out snacks to those present. When she hands me a container of what looks like small doughnuts, any feelings of irritation vanish. Food is 100% a good way to mend hurt feelings.
"Those shouldn't contain anything you are allergic to," she remarked. "Aspen had mentioned that you would need to be checked for any allergies." I took a bite of the doughnut and almost let out a moan of delight at its deliciousness. "Mrs. June made these?" I asked, curious to know if the housekeeper from Aspen's stories was the creator of this amazing delicacy.
"You remember? Yes, these doughnuts were made by her. She has been making them for you ever since you were a little girl," Momma's excitement was evident, and I genuinely did not wish to dampen her spirits. So I compromised. "I don't have those memories, but the food does evoke a comforting warmth within me. Perhaps my body remembers even if my mind doesn't."
Momma's excitement did diminish, but was not extinguished. "I will certainly inform Mrs. June about this. She will undoubtedly feel a sense of pride in being right that her homemade snacks would feel familiar to you." Before we could continue to drift off track, Aspen spoke up.
"You mentioned you had some personal questions, moonbeam?"