Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Celebrations

The esteemed family sat on their designated areas in the dinner table. The queen at the right side of the king’s chair. While the heiress and birthday celebrant sits at the left. On he side is the youngest member of the house. Queen Arha was pleasantly satisfied how the dresses fitted the sisters. The color complimented their skin tone. Every part of the outfit is in tucked perfectly in place.

“I heard you both took your time to get ready for tonight.” The mother stated and voiced out an observation. “From the look of your skin, the two of you took your time bathing?”

“Yes mother we did.” Luvelia retorted politely. “The white rose extract is truly exceptional.” The matriarch nodded in agreement.

“Luvie’s argan oil also did wonders to our hair. It managed to soften and make it look shinier.”The second daughter chipped in.

“I am glad you girls had a great time.” The sovereign female also eyed the bouquet center piece. “Did you pick the flowers Nathalia?” The petite nodded with orbs anticipating if a compliment shall expressed. “A present for Luvelia?”

“ Yes mother. Barely had time to get anything so I picked this in the spring garden.” The short beauty explained. “How much do you love it Luvelia?”

“It is wonderful. Natie prepared three. One in my room, the other in the library and of course the final one is here.” The first born expressed in gratitude.

The queen raised a brow and noticed something peculiar. “From what I recall we have six colors of tulips planted. Why is the color orange missing?” The youngest blushed at the blunt observation.

“Don’t like orange, so I left them out.” The queen smirked at the explanation. Somethings do not change.   

Soon, the door in the dining hall swung open. An array of servants came in many wonderful dishes in tow. “Dinner is served.” The governess Mathilda Maal announced. Unlike the man before her, the female has ordinary brown hair and stern eyes of the same color. She is rather strict and very particular of everything that it feels suffocating most of the time.

Royal dinners would translate to having the best dishes served in one night. Each monarch have their own preferences to which the royal chef takes into consideration. Crowned princess Luvelia likes her tenderloin steak well done with marbled potatoes instead of mashed. The second daughter has a penchant for medium rare and less buttery gravy. As for the queen, a special red wine sauce accompanies the main dish at all times. For desserts. the matriarch is not fond of sweets. While the princess Nathalia loves anything with sugary flavor. The elder heiress prefers pastries mixed with berries and nuts.

More small talk commenced through out supper. Once the final course is served and each had their fill, the queen raised a hand calling the governess forward. “Mathilda, ask the servants to bring in the King’s gift for Luvelia.”

The eyes of both sisters widened. A present from father? It’s the first time he gave one. Usually it is the queen who picks the gifts. But receiving something the ruler has chosen is truly special. “Luvie what could have father gotten you. It’s definitely not a horse. Since it will brought here in the dining room.”

“Father did not ask me if I wanted something. I also have no idea.” the celebrant confessed.

“I have not peeked on it too girls. Your father wanted to give it personally. But since he has to be on an expedition, Kieth entrusted it to me.” Even the queen was clueless of what the present was.

Mathilda stepped forward with two male servants. Each carrying a medium sized box. Engraved on the compartments are the names “Luvelia”and “Nathalia” Did the king bought them matching clothes? Or jewelry sets? Perfumes and make up? Why the two of them?

Each heiress carefully removed the lid and peaked inside. Both shared the same reaction, the duo gasped and blushed deep red. In haste they sealed the the box again. “Why are you two so embarrassed?” The matriarch questioned, aren’t they supposed to be happy with what they received.

“Mother! Is this father’s idea of a joke? A scandalous jest?!””the younger exclaimed. “He is our parent, but being male he should only gift this type of things to his wife.” The petite further explained while the celebrant is still in shock.

“Leave the boxes on the table and everybody out.” The sovereign female ordered. All the servants urgently excited the room. In grace the matriarch stood up from her chair and walked towards the daughters area. Reaching Luvelia’s spot, her long fingered hands removed the cover to browse what is inside. The lady of the house took deep breathe and stared at the contents. Holding out to the content with both hands she pulled it out of the box.

“Mother! I know we are all women here. But it is still embarrassing.” The younger exclaimed while the garment was pulled out. Inside the compartment was a dozen ivory colored union suits. It is a type of underwear worn in cold months. It is a combination of a long sleeved shirt and pants. Inspecting the pieces, the sizes seem fit to the two heiresses. Does it mean the king took his own daughters under garments for these to be made? What was he thinking?

“They are intimate wear, but why would your father gift something so absurd as this?” the queen placed the item inside the box.

“The shade looks familiar.  Princess Luvelia commented. After scrutinizing the hue, the first born recognized the color tone. “It is the same chromatic with the dagger Irvald gave me.”

“Luvie you mean its made of werewolf bones?” Nathalia inquired and the elder nodded. That fabric is mixed with a mythical ingredient. What could it possibly do? Reaching for her own box the petite held out one piece. “Maybe we should wear it and check what it can do.”The suggestion seems to be the most logical thing to do.

“Fine, You two can try it on in my Nathalia’s chamber. Its the nearest from here.”The queen ordered. It is such a strange gesture, the ruler never gave this type of item before. Why would he infuse werewolf bones or more commonly called as Canis.

Securing the boxes closed, the queen rang the bell and Mathilda came in. Take these compartments to my room. ”And tell Aira and Gretchen to come along.” The governess bowed in agreement.

As soon as the boxes were picked up, the two handmaids and the governess with the royals headed to the queen’s chambers. “Your highness my queen, would you like someone to assist you too?” Mathilda inquired to which the royal answered it will not be necessary.

Once inside the room, each daughter and servant pair headed to the changing areas. After five minutes, they stepped out blushing. The two princesses stood side by side. The height difference significantly displayed. Luvelia is two heads taller than Nathalia. “My dears, do you feel anything strange?” The lady of the house questioned. Both daughters swayed their heads in negation.

Truly King Kieth had a lot of explaining to do once he comes back.

                                                                                             -o-

It has been a long night and the day had too many errands to run. Despite the king Kieth’s healing factor his body still ached. It must be the muscle strain in carrying fallen comrades and piling up Canis. His mind wondered how the ladies reacted to the gift. The monarch was not able to place a note of explanation why he prepared such a present.

What if his beloved wife interpreted it as a perverse gift? She would sure slap him once they are in the confined walls of her chamber. Should he send a messenger hawk to explain himself? But with the dire situation right now, it is not a priority. Sighing in defeat, the ruler have no other choice but face the consequences later.

Reinforcements came in one after another. Then by day break Irvald Koane returned. The news the second knight carried was not all good. Many of the warriors died in battle. One post was complete annihilated. How can he face the families of these fallen men? All of them were entrusted to him, how could he let this happen? Did he not train them enough? Was the surveying of the area lacking? Or is the enemy getting leverage?

In truth the number of Betas and Alphas which appeared the night before is quite a number. It like they are breeding speedily. Maybe they should start studying how these creatures procreate. But in doing so they have to find a nesting area. Will the risk be worth the effort?

The sun was to set and the crowned ordered all the men in position. The Canis wall they set up at back hopefully can buy them some space. Limiting the attack areas will be less of a burden to the tired Ivory Calvary members. “Irvald you have yet to recover. Stay put beside me and do not engage unless the enemy charges. Understood”

“My liege, I am here to support you. I cannot be idle.” The young knight answered with conviction.

“Yesterday I need you to be knight. But today after seeing all the damaged yesterday, I need you to be the healer.” The king clarified his decision. “I want to make sure all the remaining men makes it back home.”

Submitting to the rulers will the heir of Koane stood ground and did his part. Compared to the previous night, lesser enemies emerged. Surprisingly only Betas and Omegas arrived. No Alphas arrived in site. Prayerfully they did not attack the other infantries. The heart break of losing one whole team is discouraging enough.

Despite the few count of adversaries , it was still not a causality less fight. Some soldiers got scratched and bitten. Irvald injected anti rabies serums to reduce the fatality. Some got their ribs broken or joints dislocated. But at least nobody died that night, the arrival of the sunrise felt more relieving.

Deciding to take it easy in the day, the king order all men to catch up on sleep. However Irvald volunteer to ride again across the infantries to check how all is doing. Sir Wilhem stood up and suggested he go instead so the second knight can rest. The ruler opted for the heir of Koane to rest and allowed the senior knight do the task.

“Get some sleep Irvald. I need you to go a mission after this remember?” The crowned ordered. The youth had no choice bu to follow. Since in truth his whole body is tired also. So he succumbed into sleep after eating a loaf of bread and drinking water.

Fortunately Sir Wilhem reported that less enemies attacked last night. However, the full moon is will rise again for the final and third time within the period. The infantries still need to keep their guards up.

After waking up, Irvald decided to make more anti rabies serums and the king’s recovery potion. The knight and healer is relieved the ruler’s body did not reject his created potion. The heir of Koane has the queen to thank for. Or maybe the female sovereign just did what she can to assure her beloved’s survival? Either way the youth is honored to be of service.

The night arrived and the prowling creatures appeared. Unlike the second night, more Alphas came. Team one had to battle three gray maned beasts. It must have been the rest in the morning that the members fatigue lessened. They were able to fight more valiantly. Two Alphas were defeated by the king and one was taken down by the effort of three knights. 

As dawn arrived, the remains of the nemesis were burned under the suns rays. The harvest of Canis is extremely high in this expedition. It would be difficult to carry all the bones back to Vanieza. Tonight will not be a full moon, meaning it will be safe for civilians to help carry it once the gates open. However as precaution the king, decided to camp out another night. It is best to block off any remnants of the enemies before retreating.

As the sky darkened in the fourth night, the moon was no longer full. But all stood on guard for potential threats. Favorably besides the occasional growls and howls, there was no huge threat that emerge. Half of the teams took turns in sleeping and taking watch. A luxury in the battle field seldom enjoyed.

The fifth day came and as all the teams reported of no werewolf sightings, the royal decided to head back home. Except for a certain knight healer who need to take a solo journey. “Irvald, here are the coordinates of your destination in Uzedon.” The king handed out a scroll. “Once you arrive on the location burn this map. Hand this note to the head of the facility and person to accompany you back will be summoned.” The youth nodded determination evident on his face.

“ Your majesty, I shall start my journey as early a now to lessen the risks.” The second knight explained.  The king gave instructions. Once he meets the person to be escorted, Irvald should rest. They are only to travel during the day time for safety purposes. Approximately the journey back to Vanieza will take two days from Uzedon. As precaution, the knight is advised to sleep on tree tops. Or find a Volhan tree and refuge under its branches.

The flora blooms all year round. But the flowers in spring are the most potent. Being under it is like an instant shield. Through the years for each warriors protection, roaming knights would plant the seedlings in random locations hoping it will grow.

The Volhan trees reliable as it is when put to life is very fickle. For the first five years the tree could die if not tended properly. This is the reason why the kingdom could not be fully surrounded by the flora. When they are in high concentrations, the blossom tree dies. That is why in an area the flowering plant has to be at least ten feet apart. This leaves an opening for the enemies to pass through.   

The king assembled infantry one altogether to give ode to the lost comrades. “Today we celebrate the bravery of the fallen. If it weren’t for their sacrifice, we would not have made it this far.” The ruler glanced carefully at the faces of the survivors. “I am proud and honored to have battled with all of you. Together with our hearts and minds, let us continue to dedicate all for Vanieza.”

The warriors roared at the head’s declaration. “Cor Lever!” the monarch exclaimed and the Ivory Knights infantry one followed suit. “Cor Lever!”

“Today we celebrate the bravery of the fallen. If it weren’t for their sacrifice, we would not have made it far.” The ruler glanced carefully at the faces of the survivors. “I am proud and honored to have battled with all of you. Together with our hearts and minds, Continue to dedicate all for Vanieza!”

The warriors roared at the head’s declaration. “Cor Lever!” the monarch exclaimed and the Ivory Knights infantry one followed suit. “Cor Lever!”

As the speech is done, Irvald gave a final salute to the royal and went towards Uzedon. From the current location if he rides fast by nightfall of the next day the rendezvous can be reached. How convenient would it be if riding eagles is possible. If the resource is available, the trip will only be half a day.

Tirelessly the young knight and his assigned steed galloped away. The warrior did not mind the heat of the sun, dirt on the road and minor scratches while charging in branches and tall shrubs. He only took one short break for him and the horse to drink. The heir of Koane, decided to take a meal after taking refuge atop a tree. Since riding swiftly could upset the stomach and delays cannot be tolerated.

                                                                                              -o-

Busy long fingered hands meticulously removed the fur covering the arm with a Canis knife. The blood remnants were completely drained. The torso pieces will be burned so the bone can be harvested. The flamed gifted was very satisfied with the hunt.

Alpha fur is soft and comfortable with high durability. It will be good knee and elbow guards for the king. The bones once molten can be molded to the talons that is lacking in the improvised humanized claws. The inventor strongly believes it will be a great addition for Vanieza’s defense.

Depositing the carcass to the fire, the scholar headed outside to wash the fur and let it dry. The warm morning breeze was energizing. His colleagues were very pleased with the progress from last night. They said that maybe if he was properly trained, the golden orb gentleman could have been a knight. Of course that is not bound to happen. His family will never allow it. Plus no warrior clans would give the opportunity.

The white Volhan flowers aroma surrounding the atmosphere has always provided calm. The scent is one of the reasons the residents of the facility overcomes the homesickness. It has been ten grueling years. How is everyone doing? True that part of the scholar accepted the abandonment. However a small inkling still resides that maybe someone in Vanieza is yearning for him. Someone who will celebrate if the chance to go home will come.

Thoughts wondered back to the time he was still the royal tutor. The image of a fair skinned blue eyed brunette child flashed in memory. There was always wonderment in those crystal orbs whenever learning a thing or two. The young monarch was very intelligent for her age. The potential made him push the crowned princess more than the average. The heiress never disappointed him.

The first daughter was such a beautiful child. The maiden must be stunning lady now. If his recall is correct, the princess will be eighteen this year. The appropriate time to start seeing suitors. Will the king choose men from other kingdoms? Or will the higher nobility in Vanieza be given a chance?

In the past, Vaniezan women are not crowned. Their marriage partners if outsiders are required to live in Vanieza. Except for the house of the first knights, within the top ten lineages at least one intermarriage was done. But none of the descendants there may ascend to the throne. Unless the ruling king has no successors. It will always be the eldest male from the most senior bloodline member.

Now that there are only female heirs, the succession line would be very interesting. And what about the power? Truly the one who has the Vaniezan blood will rule. Meaning in the distant future Vanieza will be ruled by queens and their king consorts.

The expectations to be successful, crowned princess Luvelia will be under a lot of pressure. From the information he has gathered the future queen cannot fight. But as expected in her youth the monarch is very intelligent. Hopefully the time she ascends the thrown, the lady will not be naïve and be witfully shrewd. The heiress has always been known to be too empathetic.

Gazing back at the furnace, it seems the incineration of the werewolf flesh is done. Securely wearing Omega skin gloves on both hands, the scholar grabbed the Canis from the flames. The dermis of werewolves when the fur is burnt, is leather like and very heat resistant. It is something the flamed haired man discovered while harvesting the nemesis.

Recovering the skin is tedious during battles. Once the sun rises the werewolf flesh burns so gathering is quite impossible. Expeditions only take home tons of Canis every expedition. Thanks to curiosity the genius was able to get creative with maximizing the usage of a yield.

For years, the prodigy and his peers listed out ideas on how to help the future female leaders of the kingdom. As of date the institute has accomplished a number of things. First for health, from Volhan blooms, they managed to make potent healing salves. It decreased the mortality rate of warriors after fighting. Second formulating the right mass of rare blooms petals to extract essence from. The created serums counters the blood poisoning from the arch nemesis bites. Third the team was able to fabricate a breathable cloth from Omega skin. The procedure was soaking the fabric in Volhan blooms for three years form leathery it becomes like cotton. Despite the change in property, the textile remains heat resistant. The toughness is surprisingly similar to one forth inch of steel. It will be a very good combination with the existing armors in use. Fourth will be his personal invention the humanized claws. Lastly the group was to graft the Volhan plant to vines. In doing so, the flora can be sowed by the kingdoms walls. A fitting repellent to the enemies outside.

There had been a lot of developments. However are all these enough to support the kingdom? Plus considering the conditions of his comrades. Everyone seems to be in the brink. Reinforcements are highly needed. Except for him and Lord Vespair, all have a direct family to go to. It must also be noted the facility head is not getting any younger. Someone must take his place soon. But checking the current members, it seems the orange haired genius would be the most likely forced volunteer. Does it mean he would have to set aside establishing a home of his own?

Appearance wise he is confident. In terms of family background, if his elder brother for appearances sake made a show everything is fine. Then the flamed prodigy is still marketable. However would his better half accept the possibility of being part while he works on the project? Would the future spouse be interested perhaps of living in the grove with him? That is too much of a wishful thought. Its too good to be real.

He finished draining the Volhan petals boiled by his colleague the night before. Its time to heat it up and melt the Canis. Then he would have to place in a mold, spread it half an inch probably. Together with the others in the afternoon they will start forming the claws. Then the charging of aura will commence. Once ready the pieces can be presented to the king for further evaluation.

The genius contemplated that maybe an armor for Griffin should be made. His feathered aid should at least have head, neck and breast armor. The huge flying beast is still kept under wraps. A huge amount of Canis is also needed to create the size needed.

Should he reveal Griffin soon? A selfish part of him does not want to do so. What if after being discovered the familiar bird be taken away from him? Griffin in every aspect is made for battle. But he is not yet ready to let the feathered friend go at the moment. Sentimentality wise the beast managed to provide a sense of companionship.

Its not like the facility members are treating him poorly. In truth all institute staff treat each other with respect. The team work has been great and complaints are scarce. However, unlike him most of them are not interested in exploring what is beyond the grove. If he submitted to the limitations, then they would not have made advancements in weapons, Canis blacksmith work method and fabric innovations. In addition, Kaema Maal yearned for adventure.

The flamed prodigy would still often dream of travelling to other nations, How would their learning system be like? Are there other important medicinal plants out there? Could the outside world really not cultivate Volhan trees? How would their food taste? Can he learn a new language? What does a birthday celebration look like? Are there rituals to be done on this day? How do festivals work? Why is it high anticipated? Are balls really that grand that is highly anticipated?

From what he recalled, Lord Vespair was fortunate before to travel to a neighboring nation. The elder said that the outside kingdoms have more color hues to paint their territories with. They seem to be a bit louder than the average Vaniezan. Maybe since they are accustomed to celebrating, other nationalities are more joyful? But does not directly mean his nation is unhappy. Expressions vary a lot but what matters is what is within the heart and the reflection of ones eyes.

Celebrations in his opinion can be loud, moderated or in silence. But surely beneath it will be triumphs worth knowing. All backed up by pure intentions with hard work can yield the best results worth being proud of. Yes he needs to invest in a number things to add in his roster in order to achieve his goal.

 If the king is satisfied with his performance, as hoped the grant to travel will be awarded. Kaema has worked hard, it is but right to expect a reward. In order to receive one must believe it to materialize. Soon enough he would have a good reason to celebrate. He can feel it in his bones the time is coming to fruition. His heart beats erratically for that day. “Vanieza, Cor Lever!” the the scholar exclaimed as he continued on with his task.

                                                                                   -o-

Continuing the journey Irvald Koane was dead set on his destination. As the sun is to set, his nostrils began to whiff the familiar scent of Volhan flowers. The aroma is strong, as if there is an area surrounded by it. Following the fragrance, his eyes widen at view before him. In front is a grove of Volhan trees in full bloom planted uncommonly close together.

No doubt this is the Volhan grove project. It has been running for ten years but judging the height of the flora, the species have been there far longer. Is it safe to assume the area was discovered? The scholars sent were to study and reciprocate it? That is the most logical reason for the king to sending off the brightest men to the middle of nowhere.

The attar was pleasantly drowning as he entered the covered area. All weariness disappeared with the intoxicating aroma, should he take the chance and eat a meal? He is in a safe space now. Werewolves never charge in Volhan rich areas. Going further in the vicinity, a large wooden cottage can be found.

Irvald dismounted and pulled the steed while walking past the timber fence. Noticing the front porch has a balcony, the knight secured the stallion’s reins there. He patted the horse an assurance that it won’t abandoned and proceeded to knock at the door.

An old man answered the door. He seems more senior than his uncle Max. Straightening his back, he quickly stated his purpose. “Good evening, I am Sir Irvald Koane of the Ivory knights infantry one. His highness the king, sent me to escort one of your colleagues.” The youth then took out the scroll sealed with the monarch’s stamp. “Here is proof of my mission.”

“Hmm.. Koane you say? You seem too young to be in high risk infantry one. Looks like that’s the weight of the name you bear right son?” The senior male answered with a meek smile. The elder scholar opened the scroll presented. His eyebrows furrowed while reading the contents.

It seemed that the receiver read the parchment more than once. Besides escorting was there other orders? Once the double checking of the contents was done, the host fully opened the door. “His majesty, said I have to take care of you tonight Sir Irvald.” The young knight nodded and went in the structure. 

“Make yourself at home, I will feed your horse too.” The elder offered.

“Thank you, are you the one I am to escort home?” The heir of Koane inquired while observing the inner cabin. The wooden walls are immaculate no dust in sight. All the furniture are in place though it looked quite worn down already. Even the inside the Volhan scent is so prominent. Maybe all of the residents here have a goodnights sleep. The aroma is so therapeutic.

“My apologies, I am Versair Nyde. The head of this institute. And no I am not the one you will be escorting back.” The bearded elder explained. “However the person you are looking for is not here yet. He likes to scout the area during this time.”

“As long as it is in within the grove it is safe to go around.” The second knight commented.

The elder chuckled and swayed his head. “It would have been fine that way. But that subordinate of mine is an adventurous one. He would explore outside the grove.”