1220-06-01
Ana "Silvercrest" Aquavelle:
Pallas is not very far from Khiz. Since Khiz stands at the center of the world, the heart of trade, travel between the two is easy. It is one of the reasons Khiz forms alliances so easily. Even though the merchant guild is based in Rali, no one reaches any corner of the world without passing through Khiz.
It is a double edged sword. Pirates roam the outcasted islands. They prey on ships that drift too close. I heard that Barta is becoming a popular refuge for them.
Tal never brings that up.
We ride by shore and pass through the warm plains of Pallas. I look out the window of the carriage as flowers bloom in the sunlight. The warmth reminds me of Disla, though the architecture is very different. Massive walls stretch across entire cities as if guarding something precious. I have never seen anything like it in Disla or Barta. White stone towers rise above buildings that seem small in comparison.
A country of red and white.
We approach the capital. I see guards lined along the walls. Alert and ready. They wear red and white armor. Their flags ripple in the wind.
We travel deeper into the city, the cheering grows louder. Clapping, voices, music.
Is all of this … for me? I wonder quietly.
I read stories about him in history books, some written by the man himself. Seeing it in person is different. The faint scent of roses, fresh bread, and seasoned meat.
I am not used to this.
Small fires glow along the streets, lit by the citizens of the city. One flame in particular stands out as we ride along the central highway. A massive structure rises beside the capital, its dome made of red brick and white glass. It reminds me of old churches from home, the kind built with copper that has begun to oxidize. A long white staircase leads up to its entrance.
The roof is made of a rare metal.
Ance.
A material my father once told me about. It is found mostly in Nor and Ghar, which is why those regions are attacked so often. The building seems to be made from it, or at least built over a deposit. I never understood why countries cared so much about Ance. I always assumed it was used as a deterrent against dragons.
Another building steals my attention. A grand structure that looks like a capital hall. The end of the long road stands a colossal castle. It resembles the castle back home in shape. It dwarfs it completely. My eyes widen as I study it.
Disla's main city is still larger than Pallas, mostly because of how much land each island offers us. We have no need for walls when the surrounding waters act as one. And of course, Disla is three cities merged into one. I do not know why I cling to defending Disla. It should not matter to me as much as it does.
"Are you excited?" Adrian asks with a small smile.
"Of course," I say. "Thank you for letting me come."
"No worries," he replies lightly. "I only hope you are not too tired from the journey. I know I am not very entertaining."
"No, this is incredible," I say as I look around while we roll through the gate.
"Thank you," Adrian says with a proud smile.
"I never realized how much Pallas and the rest of the world would dwarf Disla."
The carriage comes to a stop. Adrian steps out first, giving me a moment to collect the small items I brought from home. The rest of my belongings remain in a second carriage that follows slowly behind. As it reaches the gate, Adrian offers his hand and helps me down.
"Is this her?" I hear a voice ask as I step down from the carriage.
A woman bows before Adrian. A tiny grin appears on his face.
Her eyes are as dark as the night, and her hair is jet black. She had a soft smile on her face.
"Yes, Shino," Adrian says.
"It is nice to meet you," I bow in return.
"Already a much better mannered guest than Lucius," Shino replies.
Adrian sighs softly. A faint smile pulls at his mouth. "Can you have Ana's things taken to her room?"
"Of course, Chancellor."
WHUUSH
A rush of air. Shino vanishes.
Maids appear from the castle. They walk back and forth between the carriage and the steps. They carry trunks and boxes. Some stop to smile at me or offer small bows, though most focus on their work.
"Ana," Adrian says. He pulled my attention back to him. "Do you want to go shopping with us?"
"I ..," a familiar voice cuts in.
"You're back," the woman says.
Her hair is black. Her eyes are a striking green. She looks familiar, but I cannot place her at first. She holds a child in her arms. A child with blonde hair that darkens at the tips and golden eyes.
Lucius.
The woman walks closer. She adjusted the child on her hip.
"You probably don't remember me," she says. "Imagine I had blonde hair."
The memory clicks.
"The woman who gave Father a hard time."
Adrian sighs. "Lilian. What did you do now?"
"I only did what you asked," she replies.
"I did not say to give Tal a hard time."
"That is what she always does," another voice calls.
Adrian brightens. "Liora."
She approaches while holding two children. One clings to her hand as they walk down the steps. The other rests in her arms. Her cheek pressed against Liora's shoulder.
"This is Ana," Adrian says.
"I am Ana," I say as I bow. "Ana Aquavelle."
"It is nice to meet you, Ana," Liora says warmly.
The child in her arms looks about three years old. She has blonde hair like her mother and golden eyes exactly like her father. Liora smiles proudly.
"This is Autumn."
The other child stands beside her, maybe slightly younger than Lucius. She has short brown hair and bright grey eyes. A small blue flower is tucked behind her ear. She hides behind Liora's leg for a moment. She peeks out again with quiet confidence. She doesn't look related to the others. Her hair matches Adrian, but her eyes do not. I wonder if she is adopted, like me.
"And this is Lucia," Liora continues, before giving Lilian a pointed look. "I cannot believe you did not introduce Lucius first."
"They have met plenty of times," Lilian replies.
A small smile slips across my face.
"Anyway," Adrian cuts in, "would you like to come with us, or would you prefer to rest?"
"Why are we shopping?" I ask.
"My birthday is coming soon," Lucia says. Liora's face lights up.
Liora leans down slightly.
"How old are you turning, honey?"
"Five," Lucia answers proudly.
Adrian pauses. "You don't have to if you are tired."
"I'll go," I say. "Can we explore the city as well?"
We walk into the city straight from the gates, and I am surprised no guards follow us. Do they trust their people that much? Lucia runs ahead while Lilian and Liora talk quietly behind us.
Lucia stops at a boutique window, eyes shining. "I want this for the ball." She drags me inside before I can protest and starts picking out dresses for both of us.
"We will have Shino teach you how to dance," Liora says as she hands me a gown.
"I really want to learn," I say, smiling as the moonlight fills the shop.