Eddipus, once a wise old elven sage, found himself standing in the great hall of Seaside Alchov, his heart pounding in his chest. His youthful, handsome face scanned the grand entrance, waiting for his dear friend, Val, the governor of Alchov. Now, he looked like nothing more than an elve of thirteen, his age reduced by the Master's hand so that he might join the fight ahead.
Eddipus's eyes darted, taking in the intricate carvings on the walls and doorways, each one depicting tales of valor and sacrifice from Seaside Alchov's storied past. A fireplace fire glinted off polished armor and steel, casting long shadows throughout the hall. The scent of aged leather, fresh herbs, wood, and salt water filled his nostrils as he stood silent in the chamber.
The tapestries on the walls depicted scenes from the victory over the Rapha Raiders, making him feel both awed and humbled by his friend's accomplishments. He heard murmurs about the young boy standing before the throne, some whispering about his youth, others about how strange it was to see an elve in Alchov. He couldn't help but give a soft chuckle at how others perceived him; once so old and wise, now so young. He retained some wisdom, a handful of memories. Yet, other thoughts were withal a fog.
Val's raspy voice cut through the chatter and clatter "Who awaits my presence?" He descended the grand, wooden stairs carved with intricate detail. Rugged and bald with a jagged scar running across his face, he exuded an air of authority even without sitting upon his royal seat. His eyes took in Eddipus, confusion etched on his face before his eyebrows furrowed at the oddity of seeing a young elven boy standing in his great hall.
Through a painted window, Eddipus could see the sun begin to rise over the coastal village, painting the room in hues of warm orange and gold. Eddipus squinted against the light, watching the beam illuminate Val's seat as the governor sat. Eddipus's heart swelled with joy. The room went silent for a moment.
Lady Raven watched from a balcony as her husband sat. She couldn't help but feel curious. Curiosity of who the boy was. She turned to greet a man, who had awakened from his quarters and walked to her. He had grown so much since she'd taken him in; he was no longer the scared messenger boy, but a strong, determined twenty-year-old man. "Come, Isaak," she said. "Let's go down to the hall and see who this boy is."
Isaak followed her down the grand stairs. Servants bustled about, lighting candles as Raven took her throne next to Val. Raven leaned over and the two kissed then returned their gaze toward the boy. Isaak stood behind his parents.
Eddipus felt a lump in his throat as he bowed his head respectfully before the three. "Governor Val," he said. "I am here to offer my services."
Val's eyes narrowed, studying the boy before him. He could not shake the feeling that something about this child was hauntingly familiar.
The bustling hall was once more a symphony of movement and sound. Servant girls in flowing blue robes flitted about, their graceful steps moving on the polished wood floor. The air was thick with the scent of the exotic perfumes they wore, mingling with the other aromas wafting about.
Eddipus's youthful good looks drew envious glances from the maidens as they passed.
Val's voice echoed through the hall, calling for quiet and the room went still again. Everyone stopped and turned to face them.
"So," Val began, eyeing Eddipus warily. "What brings you here, boy?" His voice was commanding yet tinged with curiosity. Eddipus grinned, recalling the time when Val jumped from a window... He was sure it was Val.
"You remember when you told me about your parents' death?" Eddipus asked. Val's face clouded over momentarily like he'd seen a ghost. "How could you know this?"
"Val, it's me, Eddipus," the boy replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "I know it's hard to believe, but the Master has granted me this form so I may fight in the battle to come."
"Forgive me if I find that difficult to accept," Val scoffed, his disbelief evident.
"Allow me to remind you of our shared past, then," Eddipus said, undeterred by Val's skepticism. "Do you recall the time we ventured into Crenith together? In the archer's tower, I urged you to jump from that window?" Eddipus stifled a laugh.
Val's expression softened somewhat, but he remained guarded. "How could you know?" he asked with caution.
Eddipus conceded, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "In our escape from Crenith, you hesitated before leaping out of a tower window to avoid a Draugen dog."
At this, Val cracked a smile, the memory of his tumble flooding back. "I was terrified, wasn't I?" he admitted, his defenses crumbling. Was this truly his old friend, Eddipus? "By the Master," Val whispered, his voice barely audible as the revelation washed over him. "Your eyes... It truly is you! Eddipus!"
As the two friends basked in their shared memories, Val's heart swelled with gratitude and love for Eddipus. The boy may have been unrecognizable at first glance, but his spirit and unwavering determination were unmistakably those of the wise old elf who had once stood by his side.
"Thank you for returning to me, brother," Val murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Together, we will face this war you speak of."
"We shall," Eddipus agreed, his own eyes shining with fierce resolve. "For the bonds of friendship and love are stronger than any weapon."
Val rose from his throne and crossed the room in a few swift strides. He pulled Eddipus up from the floor into a tight embrace, their bodies colliding with a force that belied the depth of their brotherly bond. Val's heart thundered in his chest. "I miss our travels."
Eddipus returned the embrace with equal fervor, his slender frame trembling as the weight of their shared history settled upon them both. "...and I you, brother," he replied.
Val drew back to look at Eddipus once more. The boy's face was a tapestry of emotions.
Val clapped his hands twice. "Prepare a table for our most honored guest!" Lady Raven stood from her throne and walked forward with a questioning look. "Veileen?" She questioned. "Raven," Val smirked. "
"Is it indeed wise to place this court's trust in this mere elve boy?"
"This is not just some mere elve boy, my dear. It's Eddipus."
"So he says. But can we be sure, my love?"
"If you are sure of me, be sure of my brothers."
Raven could say nothing as she knew Val to be correct. Raven was sure of him, knew Val to be honest. He would never lead her, their son, or his people astray. Raven nodded with a small smirk. "I trust you, husband."
"...and I you, my charming Raven."
Amidst the clanging of pots and pans, a sense of unity began to take hold. The servant girls worked tirelessly to prepare a feast fit for kings led by a tall, hulking man named Brutus. In the kitchens, their movements became quick and precise as they chopped, stirred, and mixed ingredients together. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, mixed with the scent of roasting meat and simmering sauces, creating an intoxicating scent. A lightly tanned woman with dark hair and warm brown eyes, moved with finesse as she worked the dough for another tray of bread, swaying beneath her red silk gown.
Val clapped his hands twice. "Daaubond!" Val called. "Relieve my brother's weary shoulders, he has traveled far."
Daaubond walked from the dough to the elve and began massaging Eddipus's shoulders. He let out a contented sigh as her nimble fingers worked out his tension. He closed his eyes, almost in a deep sleep where he sat when Val woke him. "Now, onto the task at hand. Why have you come, brother?"
Eddipus's eyes flickered open. It was already enough that his memory was a foggy mess. Daaubond's gentle caress was making him forget a little more. He shook off the comforting drowsiness, her fingers still roaming over his tight arms.
"War comes, Val."
"War?"
"Yes. Cardamon forces will war against Chestme in Westerian. If this happens without our help in stopping them, their queen will crusade against the entirety of Fonde SSique and beyond."
Val sighed. "I was afraid of this." He grabbed Raven's hand and caressed it. "I will do what I must to protect my home."
"We all will," Raven responded.
"But first, let's eat, drink, and make merry. For my brother has returned to me!" He laughed and the room erupted in cheers of joy.
Despite the looming threat of war from Cardamon or Chestme, there was an air of celebration now. Servants had bustled about and set plates, goblets, and silverware. The bond between Val and Eddipus was palpable; they had fought, and now they would face their biggest challenge yet.
As the food began to arrive, Eddipus couldn't help but savor every bite. The roasted fish was tender and juicy. The vegetables were freshly picked from the garden outside, their sweetness adding depth to the rich sauces that covered the trout. The grog was smooth with Alchovian water mingling with rum, lemon, and sugar.
Raven glanced at her beloved, then at their son Isaak who sat to eat. As always, she was happy seeing her family together. She gave a soft smile at Val. "How do you feel about Isaak's love?"
He looked up from his plate to see her gaze. "He's doing well. Hardened by our hunts together. I feel he's ready for a relationship and Kalia is a good woman."
Raven nodded as Isaak smiled in a dreamlike state, feeling the warmth of the dancer's affection washing over him like a gentle tide. Kalia looked back with smiling eyes, sharing a moment of joy as she twirled around the fireplace. Her white top shimmered as she swayed to the beat of Megdda Lynn's lute. She moved hypnotically fast, her hips shifting like a tossed ship at sea as Delilah danced and played the ocarina. Kalia's black hair, tied, cascaded down to the small of her back, accentuating every curve. Isaak couldn't help but watch her, transfixed.
The fire crackled, casting Kalia's flickering shadow on the wall behind her.
Eddipus clapped along to the music, his face aglow with merriment, taking another sip from his goblet.
"She's quite something, isn't she?" Isaak asked, still in a trance.
Eddipus placed his drink down. He couldn't say for his heart belonged to another... He blinked, trying to remember her name. Eddipus could recall her scent. He remembered how she looked and even the touch of her hand, yet his love's name eluded him.
Val turned his head to Isaak. "I approve, son," he murmured before returning his attention back to his plate.
Kalia continued her hypnotic, bare-foot dance. She moved in a swift motion on the cool woodgrain floor. The sound of clapping grew in the room, mixed with men's appreciative whistles and gasps. She hadn't heard any of them, only had eyes for Isaak. Her long, white, baggy harem trousers swayed with each step, revealing glimpses of shapely thighs. She was closer now. Isaak's heart raced and he felt warmth emanating from her body, bringing a smile to his face. She leaned forward and kissed him before caressing Isaak's cheek and returning to her spot in front of the fireplace.
Low sat near the fire, eating a turkey leg. The Chestmian observed a beautiful woman, Vaulurou, with black hair and a single white streak down the middle of her tresses. She looked over at him and winked as she danced. The smell of sandalwood incense swirled about her and made it to his lizard-like snout. She contorted her body in nearly impossible ways to the rhythm of the cittern. She wore thin blue clothing that clung to her body, showcasing her form. Vaulurou's cleft chin and light brown eyes caught his attention as her earrings dangled. A gleam showed through a nearby painted window and bounced off her coiled, snake-like bracelets.
Eddipus smiled as he looked around at the bustling atmosphere, listening to the laughter and music. It was clear that Val's presence had brought so much joy to everyone in the room. The night went on with more dancing, feasting, and merriment until eventually, everyone started to retire to their quarters. As servants prepared a room for Eddipus, he settled in and couldn't help but feel proud of his friend, Val. It was a night he'd never forget and yet the challenge ahead loomed like a dark harbinger.