Vescrutia: Legacy

The gleaming corridors of the Denkai Palace were abuzz with excitement and anticipation as Na'lumire and his entourage prepared for the grand departure. His silver hair was meticulously groomed, and his amber eyes gleamed with determination. He had been away from the political scene for five long years, but today marked his triumphant return. The Peace Summit was the most significant event in the kingdom's calendar, a chance for the ruling families to lay aside their differences and ensure the continued prosperity of Vescrutia.

Daitsuya, the radiant thorn in his side, fluttered around him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She had tales of the grand ballrooms and diplomatic intrigue that awaited them, and she couldn't wait to step into the spotlight. Her sister, Seitsuka, watched over her with a knowing smile, the Valkyrie's icy demeanor a contrast to the warmth of her gaze. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, Seitsuka remained ever vigilant, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her weapon, ready to leap into action at the first sign of trouble.

Their royal aid, Rossern, bustled about, ensuring every detail was in place. Her meticulous nature was a balm to the chaotic energy that seemed to swirl around the young couple. Meanwhile, Astrune, the Royal Weapons Specialist, checked and rechecked the arsenal they would be bringing with them. Each weapon was a testament to the Astral Kingdom's ingenuity and power, a silent declaration of their readiness to protect their sovereignty.

Hytsuya, the newest inductee into the royal fold, observed the flurry of activity with wide eyes. Despite her young age, she bore the weight of her title with poise. Her curiosity was palpable, and she listened intently to the whispers of the palace staff, eager to learn the nuances of high society.

The airship, a marvel of technology and magic, loomed outside, its gleaming hull a beacon of hope in the tumultuous skies. It was to be their chariot to the summit, a floating beacon of peace and unity. As they boarded, Queen Ar'Gen's voice echoed through the halls of the aircraft docks, a gentle reminder of the gravity of their mission.

"Remember, my dears," she said, "You carry the future of the Kingdom on your shoulders. Let your hearts be filled with the warmth of compassion, and your minds sharp as the Blessings of the Marashin are directed to you. Show the world that the Denkai are not a Kingdom of the past but a beacon of the future."

With those words, the doors of the airship closed behind them, and the journey to Valdoran began. The whispers of the wind outside grew faint as the ship's AI, Nimbus, announced their departure. The royals took their seats, and the airship lurched into the air, leaving the familiar sights of home behind.

Once they were cleared to move around, Na’lumire and his entourage began to explore the vast ship. The AI's efficiency was evident as it catered to their every need, preparing their quarters and serving them refreshments. The children’s eyes widened as they saw the advanced technology that could make food appear out of thin air and complete tasks without a single word. The airship was indeed a wonder of the Astral Kingdom's innovation.

Hytsuya, however, was too excited to eat. She had been waiting for this moment for weeks, her curiosity about the ship and its capabilities overwhelming her appetite. But as the hours passed, her stomach began to grumble, and she tugged on Na’lumire’s sleeve. "I'm hungry," she whispered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Daitsuya noticed and suggested they visit the dining wing. "It's supposed to be incredible," she said with a smile. "They say the chefs on board can whip up feasts fit for the gods themselves!"

The group made their way through the luxurious corridors, the opulence of the airship was overwhelming compared to the simplicity of the Denkai Palace. As they approached the grand double doors leading to the dining wing, Hytsuya's stomach rumbled loudly, eliciting a round of laughter from her siblings.

But the moment they stepped into the grand hall, the mood shifted. They were seen by the Gorrian family royals, A group of snobbish royal children from other kingdoms, who had once bullied Daitsuya at the last summit, sneered at the sight of her. They whispered behind their hands, their eyes glinting with malice as they recalled the tragic fate of her parents.

Daitsuya's cheeks flushed, but she held her head high, refusing to let their cruel words affect her. "Let's find a table," she murmured to Na’lumire, who nodded solemnly. His eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of trouble, ready to intervene if needed.

The dining hall was a marvel of gleaming silver and crystal, with chandeliers that shimmered with an ethereal light. The air was filled with the aroma of exotic spices and roasting meats, making even the most stoic of them feel a twinge of hunger. Yet the whispers of the bullies grew louder, their taunts echoing in the vast space.

The bullies stepped forward, their faces twisted into ugly sneers. "Look who it is," the ringleader sneered, "The daughter of a traitor and a witch!"

Daitsuya's grip tightened on Na’lumire’s arm, but before she could respond, the room fell silent. A fierce wind swirled around her, and the bullies took a step back, their eyes widening with fear.

"You will not speak to the future queen of Denkai with such disrespect," Na’lumire said, his voice a calm but firm warning. His silver locs fluttered around his face, amber eyes blazing with the power of the Marashin. The room stilled, all eyes on the siblings.

The Captain's booming voice filled the air. "Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Astral Kingdom's floating bastion of peace and unity!" The doors to the dining hall slammed open, and an Elegant woman in a pristine blue-and-gold uniform strode in, her gaze sweeping over the assembly of young royals.

The Captain, a woman named Alaric, was known for her no-nonsense demeanor and unshakeable loyalty to the Astral Kingdom. SHe had been handpicked by Queen Ar’Gen herself to oversee the ship's security. Her sudden appearance was both a relief and a tension-breaker, as the bullies scurried away, not wanting to draw her attention.

She cleared her throat, her eyes lingering on Na’lumire and Daitsuya. "I trust you are all settling in well," she boomed. "This ship is equipped with the finest cuisine from across the planet. But remember, your comfort is secondary to your purpose here. The eyes of Vescrutia are upon you, and it is your duty to ensure that this alliance remains unbroken."

The room buzzed with whispers as the Captain's words sank in. The young royals took their seats, their gazes flicking to the siblings, who remained standing, the tension between them felt by all.

Na’lumire knew that this trip would not be all feasts and celebration; it would be a trial by fire for him and his sisters.

As the Captain's speech concluded, the siblings finally found a table. Hytsuya, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment, took a seat, eager to put the encounter with the bullies behind her. The siblings talked in hushed tones, sharing stories of their respective trainings and preparations for the summit.

Rossern, ever the diplomat, reminded them of the importance of their mission. "We must be united, especially in the face of adversity," she said solemnly. "The fate of the kingdom rests upon your shoulders, Your Highnesses."

Seitsuka, ever the protector, nodded in agreement. Her eyes, a piercing blue, searched the room, ensuring their safety. The airship's advanced AI, Nimbus, noted their tension and offered to serve them personally, a rare gesture reserved for the most distinguished guests.

Once the Captain had finished speaking, Rossern gracefully approached their table. Her eyes scanned the group, assessing their readiness. With a courteous smile, she offered to escort them to their designated accommodations. The Denkai royals followed, their footsteps echoing through the opulent corridors of the Nimbus. The air was thick with anticipation, as the airship's grandeur was matched only by the gravity of their mission.

Their room was indeed a sight to behold. It was a sprawling suite that could have easily been mistaken for a small palace. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting the history of the Denkai Kingdom, and the floor was made of gleaming marble that reflected the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers above. In the center of the room lay a king-sized bed, surrounded by plush furnishings that whispered of comfort and luxury. But what truly caught their eye was the glass-walled pool, shimmering with the light of the setting sun outside.

"Your Highnesses," Rossern said with a formal bow, "I trust you will find this suite suitable for your needs." Her gaze lingered on the pool, hinting at the relaxation it could offer after a long day of diplomacy. They nodded, overwhelmed by the grandeur. Na’lumire couldn't help but think of the difference between their lives in the Astral Kingdom and the opulence of the Denkai's quarters.

Daitsuya's eyes lit up at the sight of the pool. "Perhaps we can all take a moment to relax before the summit tomorrow," she suggested, her voice hopeful. Seitsuka's eyes narrowed, her mind already racing with the strategic implications of such a luxury. Hytsuya, still feeling the sting of the earlier encounter, nodded meekly.

"Indeed," Na’lumire said, his tone firm. "We must be at our best. We will take the time to prepare, but we must not lose focus." He turned to his siblings, his expression serious. "We are here to represent our house and ensure peace. Let us not forget the weight of our duties."

The siblings agreed, and with a final nod from Rossern, they retreated into the suite. The door slid closed behind them, and the gentle hum of the airship filled the silence. The pool's water rippled gently, a silent reminder of the calm before the storm that lay ahead.

"Catty. Can't stand it."

Perched in a window seat close to the wing of the aircraft, Noel lounged listening to the fuss and clamor coming from their contemporaries. They looked over, able to catch the a few girls with attitudes as they made their rounds announcing their presence.

"You'd hope that those you charge to lead a nation one day would be able to conduct themselves in public." They commented to themselves. Noel laughed, knowing that someone in the crowd but saving a confrontation for a more suitable time and place. Noblesse Oblige set this particular group of individuals steps above the common folk, all their wards. Being the 778th Emperor preparing to take the throne of the Kosin River Valley, they expected their peers to at least act like they were in the company of one member of nobility they respected, if not themselves.

Noel rose from their seat near the window and took a seat at a table, hoping the food produced by the robots would be better than those prepared by a trained artisan, but had little faith. The history of the Kosin River Valley steeped itself in the art of cultivation and preparation of delicious foods, each dish honed for thousands of years from the soil it grew in to the skills used to prepare it. A robot's ability to reproduce the craft of a skilled artist had yet to be seen, but it didn't mean the food would be inedible. They waited patiently at a table by themselves, polishing their silverware and plate waiting to be served, observing the mingling of their high society peers. Hopefully nobody would join them, and they could enjoy a meal in peace.

Na’lumire watched as his bride and her sisters shed their formalwear and slipped into the pool with a collective giggle. The water's surface danced with their laughter as they splashed each other playfully. He knew they needed this moment of levity, but his own mind was preoccupied with the weight of the summit ahead. With a sigh, he turned away from the scene and donned a more casual outfit suitable for exploration.

The airship, the Nimbus, was a floating wonderland of technology and opulence, a stark contrast to the modest lifestyle he was accustomed to in the Denkai Kingdom. As he wandered the corridors, his eyes widened at the sight of lush gardens and gleaming laboratories, a testament to the Astral Kingdom’s advancements. The ship was indeed a dream colony in the sky, a bastion of peace and unity that represented all that was good in Vescrutia.

Rounding a corner, he found himself ack in the dining hall with Noel, the 778th Emperor of the Kosin River Valley. Na’l was Dressed in a sleek ensemble that exuded nobility, Nal’s presence was undeniable. His piercing gaze swept over the room, and the latter felt a sudden urge to straighten their posture. He watched them take their seat. He waited for a moment and then wondered over a couple tables down. He rather enjoyed the view of the glorious clouds as they passed through them. A white blanket that was like a sea of wonder. Na’lumire looked out at the Sky Wallibees as they swam in the waves of air and water like the sealife swimming in the oceans below. Vescrutia was a place of great beauty and each being was an important part of it artistry. Na’l took it all in. His gaze now fixed on the wonders of the astral kingdom.

“You know they say When Sky Cetaceans die from having a full life it will snow for 20 winters. But if one is hunted and slaughtered, the Kaoshin will have it storm on a king’s nation.” The captain said as she Walked to Na’lumires table. She came to bow before the young royal yet Na’l just nodded to her for acceptance of her acknowledgement.

“Da always said that the skies of the astral kingdom were like the oceans of the freshwater sea. The creatures both in the ocean and sky are more similar than they realize or accept. The difference between them is the way that they swim in the ocean is different from their aquatic counterparts. The Sky Cetacean tails move down then up while those in the sea move their tails up then down. It’s just a fun fact.” The prince said as he turned his attention back to the horizon and motioned for the Captain to join him.
“Tell me Cap’ who is that?”
He said as he point to Noel.
“The 778th ruler of Kosin River Valley Kingdom”
She answered. “A Farming Nation. Who has recently become trading partners with a few nations that neighbors the Denki kingdoms…”

“Does the Astral have a trade contract with them?” Na’lumire questioned.

“Not necessarily….” She responded

“Elaborate…” he rebutted.

“It’s complicated… and does not concern us at this current moment…” she muttered.

“Well Imma just talk to’um.” He said as he waved his hand attempting to get Noel’s attention.

The AI strolled by and took Noel’s order, a simple Tarkan bison steak steak with chimichuri and wine sauce, a common meal that’a hard to get wrong and even harder to make amazing. Noel enjoyed the way that Diamond Dust prepared them at Cold Frontier, but preferred the way they made them personally when the kitchen was empty at the end of the night. It reminded them of home.

The device swirled around and produced the steak exactly as they ordered, medium, presented better than they expected a machine to be able to do, it somehow found an eye for basic plating that Noel attributed to the dishes the tool was trained on, the skill aggregated from hundreds, if not thousands of this dish plated by any number of real chefs who actually had a taste for the art.

They finished polishing their silverware and prepared to enjoy their meal before noticing Na’lumiere waving from across the room, having some sort of conversation with his attendant. Noel didn’t look up completely from their meal, it’d been a while since they had eaten anything, but peering over their the edge of their glasses they made short eye contact and waved back with two fingers released from their fork. With the cursory greeting completed, Noel cut into their steak and began eating.

Na’lumire leaned back in his chair, watching the clouds drift lazily by beyond the windows. He knew he had to focus if he was going to make this work. The spell was one of his favorites, a rare bit of magic that allowed for silent communication over great distances. It was a spell taught to only the most disciplined of mages, and one that he had mastered during his time in the Denkai Royal Academy. With a deep inhale, he focused on the air around him, willing it to carry his voice to the young emperor across the vast dining hall.

"Your Royal Highness," he began, his voice echoing gently in Noel's mind. "I am Prince Na’lumire Dol’ara, the second son of Queen Quedessa of the Denkai Kingdom. I hope your journey has been as smooth as the waters of the Kosin River."

Noel’s furred ears twitched when Na’lumire’s voice cascaded across them. They darted their eyes back and forth across the room while slicing into another piece of their steak. They didn’t make eye contact with anyone, not prolonged enough to spark this conversation anyway. Noel took another bite and placed their utensils down, wiping their mouth as they chewed and swallowed. Behind the napkin, Noel spoke out loud with their eyes closed, hiding their mouth and keeping this conversation discreet as it carried over the airwaves.

“For what it’s worth, I haven’t seen the waters of my homeland for quite some time. But my journey so far has been pleasantly uneventful.”

Noel’s conscription to Diamond Dust kept them from the Kosin River Valley for much of their lives, save for a few predetermined trips back for some Bansae milestones. Certain birthdays and developmental moments required Noel to perform as the Marquae should, preparing to succeed the throne as the next Emperor of the River Valley, but if history served as an indicator of the future, they wouldn’t be assuming the role anytime soon. Their parents were famously healthy, just like most of the citizens of the river valley’s natural bounty. Just like those trips back home, this meeting of royalty was another formality in her long road to the throne.

“Do you always greet people whispering sweet nothings into their ears?”

Na’lumire watched as Noel took a bite of their steak, seemingly unbothered by his mental greeting. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement. He knew that his telepathic skills could be disarming to those who weren’t accustomed to them, but he had to admit, the young emperor had a way of keeping their composure.

"I apologize if I startled you, Your Royal Highness," he projected, his mind's voice smooth and steady. "It's a skill I've honed in order to be able to speak to allies when we separate on missions. With so many ears eager to listen, as in todays world private conversation is a luxury we may not often find."

Na’lumire said in understanding, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "I long to see the Jaidian Cost again," he said wistfully. "The salt breeze and the crash of the waves against the shore. My mother, Queen Quedessa, she's a woman of great wisdom and strength. I know she'll be proud of the steps we're about to take."

His thoughts turned to Mythos, his eldest brother and the crown King. The weight of their mother’s expectations hung heavy on Nalumire's shoulders, and Na’lumire knew the burden was not easily borne. Yet, he was confident that together, they could ensure peace for their people. Then there was Da’Lynirr, his twin, whose spirit had always brought a smile to his face. Despite their differences, their bond was unbreakable.

"And what of your family?" Nal asked, breaking the silence. "I'm sure you’ve heard tales of the Denkai royals. My brother, Da’Lynirr was quite the strategist."

Na’lumire’s eyes lit up at the mention of his twin. "Ah, Da’Lynirr," he said with a warm smile. "He's the heart of the Denkai Kingdom. His passion for the people is matched only by his love for adventure. And yes, our mother is indeed a force to be reckoned with."

The conversation between them, a rare moment of camaraderie in the tense world of politics. It was a brief respite from the looming shadow of the summit, a chance to connect as individuals rather than figures of power.

“Quite the monologue,” Noel thought, calmly finishing their meal while her ears filled with the lineage and progeny of the Denkai Kingdom. The audio turned out to be more enjoyable than the incessant prattle of next generation monarchs. Noel waved a hand to beckon the AI waiter for a kettle of hot water to prepare tea for themselves and a guest if they decided to actually show their face.

The service produced the teapot and two teacups and Noel removed a coiled tuft of herbs from their breast pocket, rolling it between their fingers. “Unfortunately, the exploits of human kingdoms rarely reach the shores of Aeon. Even rarer still do they breach the curtain of the B’halian Empire. But your people sound quite successful in their endeavors.” Noel spoke quietly to themselves in a room full of prying ears, pouring hot water over the herbs to steep. Diamond Dust’s work often clashed with the interests of various kingdoms and their influence requires understanding the historical record of each community to mitigate negative responses and reception, but Noel often opted out of operations that threatened the stability of sovereign kingdoms. Their position as the 777th Emperor of the Kosin River Valley couldn’t be compromised by their conscripted work with Diamond Dust.

“My family is at home on the Kosin River and the last sovereign nation on retainer to the B’halian Empire. I’m here as part of my education to maintain that status as I assume the throne.” Information is currency and Noel’s insight didn’t come cheap. They strived to keep themselves in a neutral position here and divulging details to an intrusive voice before seeing their face would give up too much leverage.

“Have you slipped into the ear of any of our contemporaries?” Noel asked, taking a sip of the tea they prepared, its shimmering steam accenting the air around her with a salty, sweet aroma.

As the three young royals continued their conversation, the bustling dining hall of the grand airship served as a backdrop to their shared musings on responsibility and destiny. The captain's footsteps grew more urgent as she was called away by an alarming message from her vice captain, leaving the duo to watch in concern as the crew sprang into action. The airship began to list slightly, and the captain's voice echoed through the corridors, ordering an immediate docking sequence.

The ship's gentle sway grew more pronounced as the crew secured the vessel. The storm outside picked up, casting dramatic shadows across the gleaming metal and polished wooden surfaces. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a rumbling reminder of the perils ahead of them. The atmosphere grew tense as the captain returned to the dining hall, her face etched with worry.

"Your Royal Highnesses, it appears we've encountered a minor setback. I’ll be handling it and will need to you remain in your quarters while I investigate. In the meantime, I suggest you all take this opportunity to rest and prepare for the final stretch of our journey to Valdoran."

The captain's voice crackled over the intercom, her breathing tight with urgency. "Attention all passengers, this is Captain Castellanos. We've detected a defect in one of the Nimbus's engines. As a precautionary measure, we will be making an emergency landing at the nearest docking station. Estimated time of arrival is two hours. Please remain calm and stay in your current locations.”

~Moments later~

The dining hall buzzed with whispers while the silverware clinked against the flatware. The clangor of dining room service plates quickly waned as Captain Alaric's voice boomed through the dining hall demanding attention. Her stern gaze fell upon the young mages, and Na’lumire watched as the captain's expression grew troubled.

"Your Highnesses, I regret to inform you that we've encountered a fuel leak," Alaric announced. "We've found a suitable dock to make an unscheduled stop and make repairs and will approach it shortly. Please remain in your quarters until the all-clear is given."
The room erupted into a cacophony of complaints, but Alaric's authoritative presence quickly silenced the crowd. As the captain hurried away, the air grew thick with tension. The ship began its descent and outside the windows, the dark clouds of an approaching storm swallowed the ship beneath its precipitation.

The storm hit with a fury, winds howling and rain lashing against the airship's hull. The royal children felt the ship shudder as it was buffeted by the tempest. They watched the scene unfold, their minds racing with thoughts of what could be causing such a malfunction. The airship descended through the clouds, the winds outside growing more turbulent. The ship shuddered, and the lights flickered briefly. The captain's voice grew more tense. "All hands, brace for impact."

After what felt like an eternity, the airship shuddered to a halt beside a dimly lit dock. The storm raged on, the lightning flashes revealing the worn wooden planks and the rickety buildings that surrounded it. This was hardly the grand entrance they had envisioned for the Peace Summit.

The news was met with a mix of disappointment and relief from the gathered passengers. However, for Na’lumire, Daitsuya, and the Denkai sisters, it provided an unexpected chance to interact with the other featured royals of the summit, including Marquae Noel, in a more intimate and relaxed setting. With the airship temporarily grounded, they had no choice but to make the most of the situation, turning an unfortunate incident into a chance to foster alliances and friendships that could shape the future of their kingdoms.

“Pch…I’ll see you around Noel..”

The Nimbus had become a whirlwind of emotions. After the captain's ominous announcement, the young Prince had retreated to his suite, the opulent surroundings suddenly feeling suffocating. The excitement of their grand departure had given way to a gnawing anxiety as he heard the storm rage outside. The ship's descent was a roller coaster of nerves, and the sudden jolt as they docked only served to amplify his unease. A force went up his spine as they landed it was uneasy, he wondered did anyone else feel it. His connection to the Marashin. The Storm in itself. It mocked him, it called to him, what might have been something normal to many of the others, was different for him, he felt the emotions of not only himself but the five women who accompanied him. Daitsuya and her sisters. The powers of the Divine that connected them.

As he entered the room, Astrune, was the first to break his anxiety. "We can't just sit here," she said, her voice filled with worry. "Let's go see what's happening, This doesn’t seem right with me… this is Ordara engineering, a fuel leak doesn’t sit well with me." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her cheeks were flushed with the thrill of potential adventure.

Seitsuka, ever the pragmatic one, raised an eyebrow. "The captain said to stay in our quarters," she reminded her sister. But even she couldn't deny the allure of the unknown that lay beyond their window.

Hytsuya looked between them, her curiosity piqued. "You don’t think it’s weird though?, Onna dark stormy night the Denkai Air ship cascaded down the clouds when the engine shook, the sails rattled and swayed in the fierce winds. The ship came to a halt and In the coordinators of the ship rested the children of the kingdom." she asked, her eyes pondering the matter.

Rossern, the voice of reason, suggested they wait for more information. "We need not worry, the Nimbus is safe. That’s why we should stay put. " she said firmly. "The captain will surely update us soon..We can’t just jump the gun you guys. Things happen. Nothing happens in reality. "

But the siblings were not easily deterred. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Daitsuya turned to Na’lumire. "What say you, bae?"

He took a deep breath, weighing the risks. The Denkai Kingdom's future rested on their shoulders, and they couldn't afford any missteps. Yet the call of the mystery beckoned them. "This, is rather odd but it maybe nothing in particular.. how about we explore the ship a bit." he decided, standing up. "But we must be cautious.."

The group slipped out of their suite and into the corridor, the storm outside casting eerie shadows through the ship's windows. The Nimbus had docked at a station that was far from the gleaming bastion of technology they had left behind. The buildings were old, their wooden facades weathered by time and the elements. The lights flickered and buzzed, casting an eerie glow that danced along the water-soaked planks of the dock.