THE PAST ...
The first signs of life in this backward land came a ways out from the mist filled forest, across acres and acres of rolling greyed hills.
Singular trees sat at the top of some of these hills, their bark dark and chipped with its entire stock of leaves dropped.
The farther they got from the place they woke, however, the world seemed to slowly show signs of life. The greyed Hills slowly started to be seeded with small stalks of green. Trees in the distance showed slight signs of life.
Across the hills as they rolled, an incessant rattling assaulted Vykes ears, the white haired man giving a slight glare over his shoulder at the man he accompanied. Both of then were draped in dark cloaks, yet one of them insisted on making a ruckus wherever he walked ever since he agreed to travel with him. " Must you make so much noise ... perhaps you should drop some of your uhm ... loot "
A gasp of outrage escaped his companion, Arvernus placing his hand to his chest as if a blow had been physically struck by Vyke's cursed words. With the sack of weapons and what not he collected still strapped together with leather straps. " I would never... you have no idea the sanctity of these items I have ... they may even prove useful given time "
Groaning, Vyke rolled his eyes, ignoring the rather amused face the black haired man was sending him. " I'm sure .. whatever do what you must "
' Just keep your eyes open ... ' He didn't have to say it, because they were both of the same mind, with a slight glow just beyond the trees in the far distance... either meaning a fire ... or life.
He grasped the hilt of his spear tightly, glancing suspiciously at the treeline for any sign of threat.
Scanning the trees as they walked, the rattle of the items made his lips twitch. " are you sure you can't part with any of that, it's really in no way helping us .. it's drawing too much attention "
" That's... kind of the point " Arvernus chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head. " With this ... anyone coming assumes I'm some bumbling wanderer they can take advantage of... they're going to come looking for me, meanwhile at any hint of a threat you can go off and hide and get them from behind ... "
" So it's a trap ... " Vyke didn't particularly look convinced. And so, was caught unprepared as Arvernus grabbed the wrapped pack and threw it up Into the air. " What are you "
His eyes followed the pack, returning to where Arvernus had been, only to find the spot his black haired would be twin had previous been to be completely empty. Just ... missing as if he hadn't been standing there seconds ago.
" See ... " On sheer instinct, Vyke froze as the recognisable voice sounded right behind him, his neck turning in fright to see Arvernus had wound around him as if made of shadow, now simply holding his Katana as he stood right behind Vyke, at any moment he could have cut Vyke down should he wished.
" I see, it's... a rather effective trap " He wasn't craven enough to refuse to admit he was wrong, simply smiling slightly as he reached down and grabbed his friends backpack, handing it off to Arvernus whom took it with a click of the tongue and a jovial laugh.
" I knew you'd realise its effectiveness " Arvernus laughed, clapped Vyke's shoulder and readily strode away with a wide gait.
" So ... what is our goal when we arrive " The had both long since realised, following the trail of grace that guided them, that their first destination was the hue of light beyond the hills in the distance.
" Determine threat, if dangerous... we protect ourselves, if not ... " He simply shrugged, he wasn't some bandit that would kill whatever they were to find without reason. Only with good reason would he even consider killing whatever they were to find.
" Agreed " Vyke passed the sentiment, and so they continued across the hills and into the lush forest obscuring their first objective. Full of life was it that the echoing calls of birds echoed about, along with the calls of dear and their hunters, Vyke and Arvernus made their way carefully, boots flattening grasses and stepping over roots, splashing in small puddles until they finally reached what they sought.
It was a small village, of men and women bound tightly with intricate wrappings, shamen. Littered around the village were stone houses and mills, with several small golden samplings planted about and tended to smaller children of these shamen.
Enraptured by the surreal beauty of this place, the golden trail that had guided then seemed to wind around and surround the village, as if to say what they were to seek lay somewhere within the village confines.
Looking to Arvernus, Vyke sought an opinion, the shamen seemed to take notice of them yet didn't outwardly move to greet them, rather one such Shamen moved away deeper into the village, whilst Arvernus turned back to Vyke and shrugged, nodded his head in silent communion.
' Should we ... 'Vyke semeed to pass with his eyes.
' Yea ... come on' Seeing they weren't outwardly hostile, they strode towards the hovel of stone buildings, gently reaching to allow their hands to pass leisurely over the fields of golden stalks that rose from the fields surrounding the village.
At their approach, a village elders made their way throigh the groups of Shamen ignoring them, a woman with grey hair tied in knots falling from within the red embroidered hood that obscured her face.
At her approach, Arvernus and Vyke paused, allowing the Elder to make her way over where she beckoned them forward.
" Let me ... let me look upon your eyes ... children. It has been ... oh so long " She reached up, the sleeves of her white cloth sleeves sweeping back as she eagerly reached up to touch at their faces.
" Um ... alright " Unsure of what exactly she sought, Arvernus reached up to his hood and slowly removed it, followed immediately after by Vyke himself.
As if a gentle mother, the Shamen reached up and gently cupped their faces, grey almost clouded eyes looking upon their own, searching.
She seemed to find what she sought, as a small smile peeked below her hood, cracked lips parted as a stink escaped her maw, a smile coming to her fractured face.
" Today is a day of celebration " Her voice echoed across the village, as shamen of all ages slowly stopped their activities, drawing near as if drawn like moths to a flame. " Two children lost have returned... brought together before our gentle embrace by grace... welcome home... to your ancestral lands ... Tarnished ... descendants of our dear child Marika "
' Who ... ' Both Arvernus and Vyke were completely and utterly confused by the turn of events, as the shamen seemed to become enraptured by the news, some immediately breaking out into strange dances, others beginning to sing whilst some produced music. All sorts of strange celebrations rung out, and none stayed still.
" You seem confused children... you are guided by grace are you not " The Shamen elder whispered, her gentle hands grasping at their own as she began to gently guide them forward into the village proper.
" Is that what it's called ... " Vykes words seemed to calm the Elder as she guided them up a trail, flower petals being thrown upon them as children wreathed in white skipped about.
" Ah so you are ... newly awakened you must be then ... come children ... children new to their journeys must recieve guidance ... and their questions answered" She guided them to the hovel at the end of the stairs, standing before a somewhat larger tree of gold.
They entered ans found themselves promptly sat down on a white and gold carpet, a pleasant aroma wafting into their noses as a fourth person stood already in the hut.
" Child " The Shamen whispered as she called to a girl of cascading blonde golden hair, which came down to the small of her back. Draped in a dark coloured loose fitting gown, the gold haired girl, with a soft curling jaw and delicate features, looked upon them for a moment as if calculating them.
' Beautiful ' Vyke and Arvernus thought in unison, as if this woman's otherworldly beauty had grasped at their very being and rendered them smitten.
" Let me talk to these people children dear " The Elder announced, the two tarnished didn't even hear what she said, rather hearing pleasant chimes in their ears before the delicate beauty left through the door they had come, the two watching her leave with soft sighs escaping their lips.
A snapping sound snapped them out of their states, finding the Elder to have sat across from them, looking down upon them as if a kindly grand mother. She didn't start, rather simply stated at them, evaluating them.
It quite quickly became awkward, with her seemingly content to simply sit.
" So uh ... what is this grace "Arvernus broke the silence, compelling the woman to answer.
" Forgive this old woman, it has been Oh so long since one of ours has made their way back to their homelands... " A wistful almost sad look came over her, as she seemed to see someone else while looking upon them. " I should start from a better place, with who you are ... "
" That's a.. a good a start as any " Vyke shrugged, a shamen coming in and placing tea down before them to enjoy.
" You are tarnished... children and descendants of Marika and the first elden lord, alongside his armies, given grace by the great erd tree as they served the crown. Until a time they banished long ago from the lands between, stricken of grace and cast out into surrounding lands into the badlands under the charge of godfrey... until his demise. After which they would break into parties and groups, spreading out and seeding surrounding lands, mingling with inhabitants or conquering... " She explained, painting the briefest of pictures she could as she wished to move onto what grace was.
" But then ... how are we tarnished... I.. dont even remember a Godfrey " Arvernus asked, raising the tea to his lips and enjoying the taste.
" As of late, rumour has spread about grace returning to those spurned of grace, the tarnished, some atleast ... have began to rise from their deceased state, eyes guided forward by grace once again ... " She gestured to the two of them, smiling all the way as her crackled lips broke into a celebratory smile.
" Grace ... is guidance, bequeathed to those it touches for the express purpose to become lord ... the elden lord . Ruler of the lands between ... and consort to lady Marika ... it guides you on your path, calls you to your destiny... but " She looked between Arvernus and Vyke, lips thinning and head hanging slightly.
" But ... " All this had sounded well and good, but the subtle solemnity that overcame the aged woman gave the two pause.
" But ... my dear children ... there can only be ... one " Her voice made the two pause.." Only one of you two will be able to become elden lord... and the other ... shan't "
The atmosphere seemed to change,to become something charged, smothered by the shamens heavy decree.
" Pfff " Vyke froze, hearing Arvernus chotle slightly.
" You make it sound like one of us has to die... sorry it's just " Arvernus held his chest and stifled his laugh.
' I should have known ' The little time Vyke had known Arvernus, he was a silly man who did strange things and collected alot of everything that caught his eye. And yet he was oddly serious... if not just. Kind ... considerate and even of the mind.
" hmph ... a kidney child you are then... this kindly old woman does hope you hopes come true... too many will be lost to the greed that calls them back to the lands between" A golden light began to rippled between her fingers, twisting slightly as ash began to spew. " This old woman hopes that brothers of duty, of a kind remain strong together. Allow this old woman .. in her hopes for two children she believes in, to bequeath a boon unto you "
" Here ... my children " A knowledge of a certain kind ingrained itself into their minds, the faint gold hue in their eyes becoming more pronounced as ash began to coagulate around their belongings, said belongings fading away into ash that sunk into them.
" A boon to store your belongings, so your burdens may be lightened " She smiled kindly, as Vyke sagged in relief.
" Oh thank the gods, I thought i was going to have to deal with that racket the whole time " Vyke smiled to himself and reached out, as ash coagulated to form into his favoured spear, snapping into place as if it had always been there.
" Awww ... oh well " Arvernus at his side shrugged, compelling his Katana into his hands for a moment before dispelling it with a large smile on his face. " My thanks, uh .. what should we call you "
" Just mother will do child... " She replied kindly. " Your journey awaits, but you are ill fitted for your journey, we shall provide you armor and arms from our armory and scavenged supplies ... come children, follow me so I may provide unto you, a chance for survival "
Thus they followed her from her hovel, towards a smithy that had not been used in quite some time, where several large chests were ready for use, their contents as fresh as the day they were forged.
They shrugged off their cloaks, equipping armours and weapons that caught their fancy.
" Good choice friend " Vyke called, stepping forward with a pristine set of knight's armor, complete and beautiful as the day it had been crafted. Instead of his previously chipped spear, he hefted a new strange one. A great spear of silver colour, cloth wrapped around the long handle, the weapon he would use for rest of his life... his one day renoun warspear.
" Ah thank you " Arvernus himself had picked up a set eerily similar to an unaltered set of banished knight armor, the hood instead of red being a dark blue colour. Cradling his gauntlets, Arvernus adjusted his gauntlets as he reached down and picked up a twin paid of swords, one long sword and one short sword, a matching pair.
The shamen mother continued to smile upon them, seeing them prepared well for their journey forward. " Don't be in such haste to depart, rest within our village a night before you leave ... let a mother provide one more time before she must once more see her children depart "
Vyke amd Arvernus looked to eachother, silently communicating before Arvernus shrugged once more.
" I suppose we can wait alittle long before we head out mother... we accept your invite " Vyke's words seemed to ease the woman's sorrows, a joyous chortle escaping the aged woman's lips as she guided them back to her hovel and enjoyed one last night before they would begin their grace given quest, the quest to become elden lord.
She provided them food, giving them shelter and due rest in two beds she had provided for them. Tell them stories about her village, about the child once known as Marika. All before she would ultimately guide them to rest.
The following morning, they felt a great sprrow almost as much as the rest of the numen shamen. As they would stand over the numen Elder, whose chest lay still. Cradled by her gentle covers. Head rested against her pillow. She had gone peacefully, comfortably and with the small smile on her face ... had gone comfortably.
" You gave her a kindness she longed for since the longest of times. A kindness none of us could fulfil. A grand mother ... watching her children return home ... one last time... " They stood and watched at the back of the processions as the shamen performed their ritual rites for the matron mother. " Her blessing upon you both ... our hopes travel with you both... should you ever find yourselves erring in your quest, lulled by time and forged in fire. You may find rest and home here among us... "
" We will keep that in mind, thank you ... and perhaps one day, we shall " Arvernus spoke as Vyke seemed taken by the ritual rite, staring at the matron Shamen being layed to rest.
" Before you leave... a final gift " The new matron of the shamen gestured to one of their village approaching with a pair of young horses, one brown and one black, one for each of them. " And a final bit of advice... "
As they were saddled up upon their horses to continue their journey. " Hm ... "
" Steel your hearts... tarnished. For heartbreak surely follows your path. Place your faith in eachother, and your maidens, who are sure to find you ... their destined tarnished ... remain strong .. dear tarnished " With that they were guided from the village, the golden hue that had guided then forward now pointing past the village and into the wilderness beyond.
With the village in their hindsights and their journey ahead, they trot along a dirt path carved between the trees and rolling hills, following their grace faithfully. Yet vyke seemed to be preoccupied.
" Are you right " Arvernus asked, his breath audible in his ears as his banished knight helm ground against his breastplate. Roused by the sudden conversation, Vyke, his pristine knight's armor turned to his friend.
Behind his helm, Vyke paused, Saddened by the matrons untimely passing, he felt as if a part of him had been lost. ' I don't know why, but ... seeing such a kindly woman die so shortly after meeting her... hurts '
Yet he couldn't trouble his friend with such thoughts, instead he made a boyish joke.
" I hear we're getting maidens " Vyke joked, earning a laugh from his friend.
" Oh shut it you ceaseless heartthrob, surely a maiden will see you and run for the hills, you look like a grotesquely mutilated hound afterall " Arvernus laugh, kicked the stirrups as Vyke cursed and made chase, cursing after Arvernus all the way as the man laughed.
" YOU ASS WE LOOK THE SAME " He couldn't help it, He laughed as he chased Arvernus, he previous worries lost to the wind as they galloped across the beaten path.
" HAAAAHAHAHA "
... THE PRESENT ...
' It is ... quite present ' Compared to what he remembered of Leyndell, the sheer amount of bustling life visible simply from the ship viewing the harbour was ... almost mind numbing. Joy, sadness, loneliness and compassion all swelled like a miasma, washing fron the streets the houses and every single person present.
The moved like bugs of all colours, scuttling about with their daily lives as if to give purpose to their movements.
" I've never seen ... such ... life " That was all he could describe it as, the chaos of life. As men called from stalls truing to sell their wares. Children ran through the streets laughing or stealing. Men and women of all ages shouldered past eachother trying to get where they wanted.
And of course there was the docks, where several longboats and vessels were tied to and tended to be the workers, Crates being loaded and offloaded, wares from across the world that would be sorted and sent throughout the Northern continent and beyond.
" Were your lands not so prosperous " Mousesack asked at his side, having just spoken to Calanthe about a certain prospect she wanted to help ease Arvernus into.
" Oh nothing like that, just... my lands had just gone through a great upheaval, leaving everything and everyone in a... perilous state ... it has been soothed over " He gave a wavering smile to Mousesack, he would explain more to the man he somewhat trust in private later, but at the meantime, there were too many ears listening.
' Speaking of ' He cast a contemplative gaze to Tyr who was currently throwing apples over the deck with Ciri. The two children laughed jovially, watching the apples bob up and down in the water as the towering ship moved towards the docks.
' Let the children have their fun... ' As harsh as he was about Tyr's training. The boy was still a child, and thus deserved to live like a child when the time called for it. Instead, when he watched Calanthe approach from the other side about to drag them away, he waved to catch her attention.
Noticing his actions, her lips thinned as she spotted her dear grand daughter and the squire engage In such frivolous activity. ' hmmm '
With Arvernus flagging her down, she passed the joyous two, ascended the deck to where he stood looking over cintra with Mousesack, before she came up to his side to join him in watching the cities approach.
" Let the children be children " He was perhaps alittle out of place when he spoke, but he trusted in her affection for her grand daughter enough to try and allow her to experience the joy of childish inhibition.
She seemed to contemplate his words, staring to her grand daughter whose blue cloak shifted in the seas breeze, the wide joyous smile she had on her face saved only for a few people a rare sight to see. And seeing that smile, Calanthe's shoulders dropped slightly as she chewed her lips. " Verywell "
She cringed somewhat, yet her maternal love for her granddaughter proved superior ad she turned a blind eye and gazed toward the approaching dock.
" You city serves as the import and export capital for your region doesn't it " Arvernus asked, as far as he could see, along the streets immediately from the docks, several warehouses were loaded full of Crates that were being shifted about, things being added and taken from.
" It does yes, cintra. Though it may not seem it. Cintra has a powerful standing military, and stands as the border city between the northern kingdoms and the empire to the south ... fools as they are " Calanthe grunted as she gestured southward, Past the border of the Yagura River and the mountains beyond, to where the Nilfgaard empire reigned along with the southern lands.
" Hm ... a sound military position ... any force that occupies this region has a distinct advantage from what I can see " Arvernus observed the downwards slope that surrounded the boundaries of the city, making advancing on the cities boundaries a difficult task for any man or seige equipment.
" And it was stabd for a millennia more " Calanthe preened, head tilting upwards at the man's praise, smirking slightly.
" What of Caria... I take it it is as heavily fortified " Mousesack asked pointedly at their side, earning Calanthe's undivided attention. This was one of the things she deeply wished to know even though Mousesack seemed to be keeping several details to himself, which irked her to no small amount. Yet she couldn't push, she believed she would find out in time, as she was aware that Mousesacks loyalty was without question.
" Ah well ... there's two points of interest I suppose. There is in the carian lands of Liurnia of the lakes, a vast sprawling marsh that covers much of the country land and at its centre lays the Raya Lucaria academy, which in and of itself is heavily fortified and takes up the entirety of the mountain it is built upon, a school for sorcerers to study, occupied by the Carian family military forces and ran and ruled by the head of the Carian family... Renalla of the fullmoon ... a sorceress of great power ... my mother inlaw " Calanthe blinked at the description. She hadn't considered the possibility that Caria may have housed those that studied magics.
' Hm .... ' It wasn't that she disliked sorcerers and magic users, but she rather disliked when those from Aretuza and other institutes blatantly manipulated kingdoms, which was why she didn't allow for one of their witches to stay in her capital as a court mage, she didn't trust them not to try something. Her suspicions would prove correct with what came out of Arvernus's mouth next.
" Well ... that was before the sorcerers that studied at Raya lucaria thought they could rebell against the Carian royal family... and tried to take over the lands " Arvernus growled, he hated the fact they had forced Renalla into the grand library, where she essentially sat ... alone ... forgotten whilst they stalked the rest of the academy.
" What has become of those ... sorcerers at the academy now ... " Calanthe asked, if Caria was amidst a term of turmoil, then perhaps it would be better not to ally with them.
" They're dead ... every single one of them, I personally put every single one of them to the blade... Raya Lucaria is now firmly back under the control of the Carian family... under the charge of my dear wife and mother inlaw " There was a look in his eyes Calanthe wasn't so sure about. A glow to them that hinted to her he took no small amount of pleasure in what he may have done to them. And yet she could fault him for the exhilaration he must've felt killing those that endangered his family. ' I would have done and felt the same ... '
She cast a long glance to Ciri, and thought silent for a minute. ' Yes... I would very much do the same ... '
" Apart from Raya Lucaria which is now solely under the charge of the Carian family. There is also Caria manor, which is the home of the Carian royal family, housed within and ruling over the Liurnia of the lakes, as well as the mountains of the three sisters behind amd beyond the west coast " Arvernus explained, absent-mindedly speaking as he watched the crew of the ship throw ropes towards the docks below where men were pulling the ship closer with pulleys.
" There's a few other things but I will tell you the rest in time... for now, I believe we have arrived " He gestured to the walkways being pushed onto the ship, With men already beginning to unload cargo from the ship and ferry then towards the warehouses.
" Ah yes ... I look forward to hearing more about it at tonight's feast " She was about to step away to collect Ciri to prepare to disembark, but paused before she was to do so. " Do you have anything appropriate to wear to the feast. As appealing as the prospect of you wearing your current ensemble, in afraid it would not particularly sit well "
Turning his head from the sight of such bustling beauty, Arvernus turned a rather amused grunted back to the queen, chuckling slightly. " Of course your majesty, I have an assortment of ensembles fit for the occasion, worry not "
" That is good, will you accompany me directly to the castle or would you wish to do some sightseeing seeing beforehand " At that Arvernus grew contemplative.
" I would like to see what cintra has to offer, I mean no offense, but I believe a good indication of a country's status, is the status of its people " Arvernus answered as earnestly as he could. Sure the military of Cintra loved Calanthe like she was their own daughter or doting mother, but he had to be sure the regular citizens were of the same mind.
" None taken... I will have Mousesack accompany you then " She nodded at the druid whom readily agreed. " I will be awaiting your arrival at the castle "
With that she turned and strode casually across the deck, coming up to Ciri and Tyr whom had just emptied the entire ships supply of apples.
" Really ... " Her tone wasn't particularly accusatory, but the way she was staring at a pathway of floating apples behind them made them squirm under her gaze. " Come along Ciri ... we need to prepare to disembark ... and young Tyr, I believe your teacher is waiting for you to join him "
" Of course your majesty "
....
" Will you be joining us for the feast " Arvernus asked, having disembarked the ship some time ago, now wandering through the sea of people keen on avoiding his path. The civilians, children and all avoided him and his wake like a rock in a stream. As he stood a giant among them, standing before a stall as he studied several supposed talismans.
The man running the stall draped in cheap cloth, sweat profusely as Arvernus raised one such talisman to the eye , studied it intensely as Eyvind did the same. And behind them, Tyr was conversing with a group of children whom wanted to play.
" Ah a banquet such as that is no place for a man like me... I'll be down here with the mortals " Eyvind chuckled as he gestured to the nearby tavern where he intended to hide throughout the evening. " I'd be careful of the queen and her ilk if I was you, nothing gold ever came with associating with royalty "
" Isn't that the truth " Arvernus grunted, lies, powerplays and deception ruled most courts, he wasn't craven enough to think he couldn't be affected by them too.
" Still ... here " Arvernus reached into his armour and drew out several hundred of the local currency given to him by calanthe to peruse. " I'll have no use of this when I get to the capital "
Divying up over half of the funds to his compatriot, Eyvind was surprised at the amount of Ducat that landed in his hands.
Seeing the amount of Ducat that Arvernus yet had, the sales man at the stall seemed to regain his voice. " Ah ... ser ... that you hold right there is a real bone e fied luck charm, blessed by the mages of Aretuza to bring good fortune to any who own it ... I... I'll part with it for ... fifty ducat"
Slowly, Arvernus turned back to the man whom sweat profusely, his crooked nose twisted, wavering smile as cheap as he himself was.
" Do not lie to me. This little talisman along with all the others contains about as much magic as horse shit. I was interested because they looked rather pleasant on the eye... which is why I'm give you five ducat for it ... is that good enough " Arvernus growled, and realising his ploy had been seen through , and thus cowered immediately under the stern gaze of the towering man, accepting the coin and wishing for nothing more than Arvernus and Eyvind to leave.
" Here ... I suppose this is where our oaths diverge for the evening, I shall see you on the morrow " Arvernus saved little more than a hundred Ducat to hold onto as he gave the remainder to Eyvind to purchase food and drink with.
" On the morrow " Eyvind turned, giving his parting words to Tyr and the children nearby before sinking into the grasp of the nearby pub, ready to get plastered immediately.
" What a funny fellow " Arvernus gestured for Tyr to follow, whom split apart from his newfound friends before following. ' Where did he get off too ... ah there '
He spotted the man he sought halfway up the streets, Mousesack currently talking to a rather dismissive man. With a bald head and dark robes, he seemed a rather suspicious sort the way he held himself. ' I wander What's going on here '
At his approach, Mousesack split from the bald man whom slunk into the alleys, ready to reintegrate with Arvernus and Tyr.
" What was that about " Joining at Mousesacks side, they turned down a street towards several stores lining the streets.
" You don't think Cintra runs solely off of good will do you. That was one of our informants informing me of a rather important development which I'm sure the queen will inform you about later... in the meantime " Mousesack gestured to the nearby stores. " I will have to leave you here for the moment... I shouldn't be more than an hour, but should you find yourself tiring of your sight seeing, the guards have been informed of your permission to enter the castle. If not ... I will find you again shortly "
" Ah its no worries ... duty calls. I shall see you shortly friend " With that good bidding, Mousesack turned away and quickly began to make his way to the castle, vanishing into the curious crowds towards the looming structure at the centre of the city.
Seeing mousesack depart, Tyr slowly made his way closer to Arvernus's side. Looking up to his tutor with his wide impressionable eyes, which the towering man returned with a contemplative stare.
" What is it master, is everything well ... " Tyr asked, only to recieve an amused ruffle of his hair as Arvernus turned and began to walk to a rather discouraging looking portion of cintra.
" its nothing, let us go, I wish to see what the people of this city have to go through from day to day. As pleasant as it was for Mousaco to guide us, I'm sure there is much he hasn't shown us " And so they turned back the way they came, intending to survey just what Moisesack had glossed over. From the small to the ugly, Arvernus intended to experience it all.
.... HOURS LATER ...
Their return to the castle was a boring affair, simply strolling through the streets as they began to become more and more vacated, nearly empty infact by the time they made their way to the moat surrounding the castle.
" Halt ... beyond this point stands " A younger guard began only to be silenced by an older guard who slapped him on the side of the head.
" Shut it, that's clearly the expected guest of queen Calanthe, who else do you expect to be that tall around here " The younger rubbed his head gingerly, wincing as Arvernus stopped infront of the duo. " Forgive us Lord of Caria, allow us to open the doors for you "
" That would be greatly appreciated. And there is no offense taken. A man willing to do his job is a man to valued " He gently placed a hand on the younger guards shoulder plates, giving a soft smile as the doors behind groaned open. " You're doing a good job, keep it up. "
" t... Thanks " He shrunk back slightly, looking to the youngster at Arvernus's side before standing tall once more, ready to guard the queen from any that would seek to cross his moat.
" Thank you for that Lord, he's a dull sort ... but atleast he's honest " The Elder of the two stood beside the opened doors, looking pitingly at his friend before shaking his head.
" Something so rare is to be valued, i will not fault him for it. Continue with your good work. " Arvernus and Tyr stepped past the gate and into the confines of the entrance hall, hearing the doors shut closed behind them.
' The difference between out there ... and in here ... is staggering ' Now inside the halls of the castle, he found it almost detestable the sheer disparity in the quality of life. Soft lights illuminated the grand hall, with tapestries and banners falling bearing the arms of Cintra.
Compared to the dark mud filled streets outside, the pleasant aroma of the castle halls made his jaw twitch.
" Ah there you are " From an attached corridor, Mousesack stood ready for their arrival, twirling the hairs of his long beard. His yellow and black robes fluttered behind him as he studied them closely. " I was about to go looking for you ... how was your journey "
" It was ... pleasant enough " In all honesty Cintra wasn't as bad as it could have been. With seldom to no slavery within it's walls. There was however a rampant issue of illegal imports and smuggling taking place along the harbours warehouses, which he had heard being discussed from several streets away with his enhanced hearing. And apart from rampant drug use in lower districts, the overall quality of life was rather decent all things considered. ' Though ... I'll have to ask the queen if there's anything I can do to assist her '
" Ah that is good to hear ... come along, allow me to show you to where you will he staying " They turned and proceeded up a pair of stairs that lead towards the bedding chambers of the castle. Passing by a group of maids rushing about to prepare for the feast Calanthe was hosting.
" Do be warned, Some of the lords of the region will be attending, they are rather intent on winning Calanthe over, so I suspect as Calanthe's guest they may either be quite kind to you ... or problematic " Mousesack winced. Every time Calanthe left and came back she would host a feast for a well travelled journey, something she had done since the loss of her daughter. Inviting those that ruled the northern kingdom to her halls so she may drown her sorrows." And I suspect there may be another reason she wishes you to attend "
" That would be " They entered another corridor, spotting several foreigners that were loading Crates and chest into the rooms their lords would be staying in.
" Not these ones, the queen wouldn't have a friend stay so close to those she barely even likes ... no your rooms are closer to her own " Mousesack gave polite Greetings to the visitors before they continued on, making sure they were out of listening distance before continuing.
" The Queen has been rather insistent on forging an alliance between Cintra and Caria... I believe she has formed a rather favourable disposition to you and your home. I know it may be a difficult task but ... I would also like you to consider the prospect... " Mousesack winced as he saw his friends raised brow, waving his hands slightly.
" I know it may be difficult for you to do so all things considered. But Calanthe has been rather concerned as of late ... she doesn't tell anyone but I believe she is worried about the future. Humouring her with an alliance between yourself, Caria and Cintra ... I am sure will sooth her worries "
They approached another set of stairs that wound around the castles interior to another level of rather high profile rooms, a line of eight infact where the queens favoured guests would be allowed to reside.
" Ah ... I see. Well I will not lie to the queen. I am sure the Carian family would not be opposed to an alliance with Cintra. However as I do give my approval, I will make it known that the alliance cannot be cemented until the time where either princess Ranni or lady Rennala are in attendance personally " Arvernus replied, passing Mousesacks worries as they came up to a rather large door.
" I thank you ... Queen Calanthe has had much on her plate to deal with lately, to hear you are in agreement will sooth alot of her worries... I am sure ... and here we are ... your quarters during your stay " Mousesack opened the large doors to reveal the room within.
With an already lit fireplace in the right corner. Several dark tapestries lined the room. With couches formed around the fireplace for Arvernus to lounge upon. To the left was a large bed as big as the queens own, with carpets interwoven with fine deigns. Candles on golden sticks lay on several tables and stands, as a balcony overlooked the lands of cintra lining the far wall. There was even a bath in an attached chamber, no doubt filled by jugs of warm water from the servants.
" You have access to your own personal maids who are currently preparing for you. I do hope it is to your likings " Mousesack twitched, his hands nervously ringing as Arvernus studied the chambers and gave a low hum.
" They are quite satisfactory, I take it Tyr's is the next chamber over... is it much the same " He turned to the Druid whom nodded a question quick response.
" Of course, though not as grand, the queen has taken liberties to ensure your squires comfort " He smiled somewhat and showed a room only half as large as Arvernus's own, and despite Tyr's grumbling, they were both grateful.
" Very well then ... I thank you and the queen for your hospitality .. will you be guiding us to the banquet when we are ready " At Arvernus's bidding, Tur proceeded into his chambers to change into the clothing provided by his teacher, as Mousesack moved back to the entrance of Arvernus's own.
" Yes ... it will be I whom will take you " The druid stopped infront of the chamber doors, as the towering man continued in.
" Then I shall see you shortly friend, give us half an hour to prepare ... and then we will accompany you through to the queen " With that Arvernus strolled over to the mirrow under Mousesacks watch, the aged druid turning and striding back through the doors he had come.
" I will inform the queen... I will be back shortly " With that, the doors behind closed, leaving Arvernus alone in his new chambers to ponder and muse.
" Yes I'm sure ... now ... what to wear "
....
CHAPTER COMPLETE
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