Chapter Text
Long ago before you or I were born….or even your grandparents or theirs lived twelve kingdoms. Each one was different. Each had their own special ways of existing. Some were made of production…others were made of culture. Millions of people lived in them. Making the kingdoms popular and important. Each kingdom had a ruler that was unique in their own way. Some were kind, some were not. Others were quiet while others were loud. So alas let it start here. In a place full of natural…and supernatural abilities.
Alas the story starts long ago before the rulers were even born or their parents. It starts in a world full of war and death. It starts back with two brothers. One was a man….the other…was a monster. Aeor was the king of the kingdom of Rivendell. He was a kind and loving man who always did the right thing. He would never stop to be a helping hand to those in need or to help a poor civilization on the brink of death. While his brother, Exor, well he was the opposite. He was cruel and a liar. He greedily took over innocent villages that hadn’t even once harmed him or even know he existed. He started his own cult and created the most cruelest and most destructive religion in the world.
Carpe Mortem…
Yes. It starts here. Centuries ago. Where Aeor was found with news that would change his life forever.
“Your majesty.” Said a soldier who entered the chambers of the king. Aeor turned and looked at the man. “What is it?” He asked clearly worried. Destruction was growing nearer and he knew it. Hundreds of people were disappearing on their own without a trace. Where they went had to be answered.
“We have found where your brother is.”
“What?”
Every bone is his body seemed to have broke when Aeor heard the news. His brother had disappeared years ago when they banished him. But he seemed to have cursed the land for famine and death haunted Rivendell. Aeor couldn’t believe the news. If they found Exor then they could put a stop to this wicked curse.
“Where is he?“
“He is in the Carnivorous Cavern Milord.”
Aeor felt the blood rush into his head as he heard more of it. The Carnivorous Cavern was known as the center of death to all those who ventured into it. “How do you know this?”
“A child escaped the den of the monster. He told us this lead.” The soldier explained. Aeor closed his eyes as his blue hair dropped over his eyes. He stood by the window as the he thought of the best course of action. “You trust a child?”
“He was one of us. He can’t lie. It’s not possible.”
Aeor thought this true. A spell made it so that none of his people could lie. Of course, besides the one who dared disobeyed the spirits of Magic’s wishes. That of course being Exor.
“I see. How many men where down there.”
“10,000 Milord.”
Aeor didn’t move. Instead he sighed. “I see. Prepare 20,000 men. We will attack at sunset tomorrow.”
“Yes milord.”
Back in the Carnivorous Cavern Exor was writing his teachings down in a red and gold book. He was in a tiny part of the what otherwise a enormous cavern. This was the place where he wrote down his life teachings. A manifesto you could say. By him were bones of those that were sacrificed in rituals and those used as food. Exor believed cruel and inhumane beliefs. His laws were more than unethical. They were 𝙀𝙫𝙞𝙡….
“Pœnitentiam agite de quacumque die. Exor dabit tibi potestatem ut vel potentissimus lucrari non possit. Cavete praesulem Dryadum. Aeor... Si vis hanc potestatem adipisci, dic…” He wrote down in elvish.
A despairing smirk curved across the evil man’s face as he then smiled. “I shall not die. Oh no. I shall forever be alive. I shall be a god unlike stupid brother. He is a weakling the deserves defeat. Yes. I shall cast a spell onto him cursing him! And not only him! But those of his descendants!” Like mentally unwell man, Exor Cackled as his voice was heard all through the echoing cavern. He smiled and started the ritual. He murmured spells and passageways to the evil in which he wanted. But the last part needed for him to complete his curse was one single thing.
𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅…
He sliced his arm open with a sword and watched in fascination as the blood dripped down his arm and onto the book. A red glow suddenly surrounded the book as the letters became blood red and seemed to glow. “Yes….yes…yes!” Exor shouted as the curse worked. His cheers were cut off abruptly as a horn was sounded.
“What?” He furrowed his brow and stood. A follower quickly ran to his cave and shouted:
“Master! Our enemies are here!”
Exor growled and clenched his fist as he grasped his sword and hid his book in a chest. “Prepare yourselves you idiots. Kill all those who enter the cave. But leave my brother to me.”
The follower nodded. “Of course Master.” He bowed quickly before leaving. Exor furrowed his brow and clenched his fist. “So the time is near now brother. Perhaps it is time to deal with this once and for all.”
Aeor meanwhile was attacking the followers as it appeared they were about to sacrifice innocent people. He and his men slaughtered the traitors sparing no one besides the prisoners and the children. He felt little pity for those who were evil enough to sacrifice their own kind for rituals so he killed without blinking a eye. Suddenly a huge blast of wind poured through the cavern and straight at Aeor. He hid his face as he was suddenly alone. He looked around and was confused.
Then he saw him.
His brother.
Exor.
“Well…well…well….if it isn’t brother. Long time no seen ehh?” Exor chuckled as if insane. Aeor gritted his teeth as his brother laughed. “Exor why have you done this?!” He cried.
“I have my reasons. But brother. You were the one who kicked me out of my beloved home. Your the one who should be punished. You should know what it’s like to have your family leave you in the mountains. But then again…you wouldn’t know would you? Your all high and mighty after all.”
Aeor was unable to speak at his words. He was unsure how to respond. His own brother was a traitor. He shouldn’t feel the way he felt. But he did. And he regretted that. “Brother…you betrayed us. You betrayed us all! I’m not a perfect man and I know that. I don’t try to be someone I’m not. Exor! Your a good man! Don’t be the monster they fear you are!” Aeor cried to his beloved brother. A chuckle escaped Exor as he turned to his brother. “Oh Aeor….don’t you see? I’m gone already…” He smiled at Aeor as he begin to glow. His eyes turned ruby red as a sadistic smile curved his face. His body moaned as he turned from being a man into something else.
A 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓
Horns grew from his head and fangs sliced through his gums and he grew far taller. Aeor cowered back as he saw his brother no more.
“𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓…𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔?” Exor chuckled and smiled at his brother.
“Exor…? What happened to you brother?!”
“𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖…𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅…”
Aeor gritted his teeth as he grasped his sword and narrowed his eyes. “Do your worse. I won’t let you do this. It’s wrong. I’d rather go to the seventh tier of the Nether then let you do what you plan. You monster…”
Exor chuckled and folded his hands. He watched Aeor as he prepared to fight. Exor did nothing but relax. Power flowed through his veins as his greedy lust filled his mind. It was time. He was ready.
“𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍…𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.”
With that Exor’s hands stretched and his fingernails turned into sharp claws. Aeor prepared himself for the worse as he readied to fight. No one moved for a minute. Aeor waited for Exor to move but he never did. He seemed to be as still as a statue. Aeor felt chills go down his spine as he saw Exor crack his neck. Then he ran towards Aeor.
“What the hell-?” He shouted as he flung his sword in front of himself to protect his chest as the claws scratched his sword. Aeor cringed at the sound of the metal and claws clanging together. Exor spun around and his smile never seemed to fade. It was unnatural. Aeor gasped for air as he panted. Then he quickly ducked as Exor clawed at him again. The fight went on with both side slashing at each other until Exor cornered Aeor and swiped the sword out of his hands. Aeor felt anxiety fill him as his brother laughed. “𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒔. 𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅’𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒐.”
His eyes glowed a even stronger red as Aeor braced for the pain as he waited to be stabbed to death. But it never came. What came was something far worse.
“𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏…𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒛𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆…𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑰𝒇 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒄𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆…” Exor Chanted. Aeor felt all his body begin to change as pain filled his entire existence. He screamed loudly begging for help. “Gwanur whui…! Oh meld gods ha hurts. Help nin gar- i polod….”
Ice formed on the man’s skin as it began the crystallize. A cackle escaped Exor as the spell began to change him. Aeor moaned as pin filled him. His screams echoed in the cave as soon everything disappeared.
•••
Perhaps we should start here instead,
In a time where from the light shone in. There was shadows. Dark, dark, shadows. Many would be injured because of this sorrowful tale. Many more killed.
But alas, we shall start.
….
The calm afternoon breeze filled the warm air as the kingdom of Rivendell readied for the night. Elves habited the land. Yes elves. Their graceful bodies never seemed to dirty as they worked in the fields of Rivendell or those who were armorers for they never had a single burn on a arm or leg. Elves lived for a far longer period of time for they lived for years without end. They could not die from natural causes.
Yes. We start here. But not in the village, not in the fields, but in the palace of Rivendell. In the throne room to be exact. The elven king of Rivendell sat on his throne and was finishing off a letter for a nearby kingdom. His throne was embroidered in gold and diamonds and other jewels with the most elegant of woods attached to it. The fabrics of the seat was made of the softest of silk from a allied kingdom. The king himself, well, he was a long story.
He had soft, medium length, teal hair that shimmered in the light. Upon his head was a silver and gold crown that marked his rank. His turquoise eyes glimmered like stars and his skin was paler than of all the rulers. He was hairless besides his head and wore a white cape with different shades of blue for his robe. It was held by a brown leather belt wrapped around his extremely thin waistline. He had golden trim on his sleeve cuffs and navy leggings underneath his outfit. He wore handsome brown boots that reached his knees. He, was indeed the most beautiful.
He was around 5”10 and was the age of seventeen. The young elf’s name was Alinor Volare. But like most elves he had two of course, one for elves and one for humans. Alas, Volare was called Scott to humans. But that didn’t change the fact that he was handsome. Extremely handsome.
Scott was a kind king. He was known as being very gentle. He was introverted and timid like most elves. But he also had a sense of logic compared to other rulers. Much like in a fairytale he would help those around him and wasn’t greedy at all. On the flip side of that, he did enjoy diamonds and gold. It was one of his downfalls. But he wouldn’t let it consume his mind. Unnecessary thoughts weren’t wanted. Not when Scott was in charge.
“Be sure to bring this to the Crystal Cliffs’ Elders. They will inspect it. Wait for their reply before coming back.” King Scott Volare of Rivendell said giving a messenger the letter. The man bowed humbly at his king.
“Yes of course my lord.”
With that the simple man walked out of the throne room leaving Scott alone with his guards. He read a scroll as his adviser spoke of his things to do in the morning.
“You have a meeting with the Count of the Grimlands and the representative of the Crystal Cliffs. Not to mention the King of Mythlands requested a meeting. So did the Queen of the Smallholding. And of course, the Princess of the Overgrown.”
Scott nodded listening to not a word the elf was saying “Of course Avery. I will be sure to go to the meeting. Do you know what it’s for?” He asked not looking up from his scroll.
“No your majesty, however the message did say something about it to do with the Northern kingdoms. I’m afraid the handwriting was a bit hard to read. So I suppose we will have to wait.” Avery responded.
Scott nodded. “Of course. Tell The Representative of The Crystal Cliffs that I wish to talk to her privately after the meeting.”
“Of course Milord. We shall get that written right away.”
“Good. Thank you.” Scott nodded.
Avery then started writing the message down while Scott told him what to write. Soon he was left alone and simply was standing in front of his window of his quarters. He watched the sunset as he thought of memories. Some were quite rememberable. Others weren’t. Some were fond,
Some weren’t.
“𝘚𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴?”
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩.”
Scott giggled to himself at this. My what a memory. He loved his childhood. It was something that he would cherish deeply into his heart for the rest of his life.
“Good times. Good time.” He echoed.
—
Nearby Rivendell across the snowy mountain peaks. By a forest, towards the plains was the civilization run by the magical beings of the world. Mages, sorcerers, and wizards were the residents of this civilization. Their protectors was the moon and the dragons that guarded the magical skies. People from all over the world live here, so they, can become what calls them. Only the best though became true wizards. Only those chosen by the spirits themselves would be good enough to have the title of a Head Wizard. It took years at training and leadership and bravery before any received the title. This, is the Crystal Cliffs. Alas, it starts here for a soul who would change the world. Change the future of the fate of the universe. They would change everything. Yes. They lived here, in the Crystal Cliffs.
The grand library of the kingdom of wizards and sorcerers was full to the brim on all types of magic. Those that needed words to work, and the more complex ones that only the most powerful wizards could use. Ones with thoughts and not words. It was made out of birch wood and amethyst crystals and other materials such as dark oak, quartz and other magical wood and stones. In the section of fire magic was a teenage girl that was reading one of the books that were on the shelf.
Her hair was a fiery red that would blind the strongest if it shone in the sunlight. Her skin was pale and had three freckles on each cheek. She had emerald green eyes that often looked like a forest lost in her eyes. Her hair was fashioned in a long braid that reached to her knees. She wore a lime green underbust corset that held tightly onto her body creating a tinier waist. The sleeves of the top were short puffy types that ended on the top of her arms. She had her skirt of the dress a forestry green color that had a belt on the top of it. Her boots were purple and made her exactly one inch taller than before. Upon her right ear was a amethyst earring that she wore to represent herself. Covering most of her head was a wide brim, violet shaded hat that reached many inches into the sides. She often had trouble going through doorways because of it and was often teased. Even so, she wore it.
The girl’s name was Gem Arescet, the youngest child and only daughter of the Arescet family. She was the tender age of seventeen with almost all her life still to spare. She was born in the city Eastvale of the Grimlands, a nearby kingdom. Her parents had been the Count and Countess of it empire but had had passed away. Her twin brother, Fwhip ruler over the kingdom while she was a wizard at the Crystal Cliffs. Her hands gracefully touched the page of the book she read as the bell in a clock tower was sounded. She knew it was time to go but she loved to learn about magical things.
“Wizard Gem, it is time for the library to close. Please put the book up.” One of the many librarians murmured quietly. Gem nodded. “Of course Head Wizard Alma.” Gem bowed showing respect for her elders. Even though she was a powerful figure in the world out there, here, she was the same level as everyone else. Everyone voted for their politics here. They weren’t governed by a count or a king. Not a monarchy or even a hierarchy, no, they simply had democracy. “May I take the book with me?” Gem asked the librarian. Alma nodded. “Of course Wizard Gem. Return it tomorrow though.” The girl smiled and laughed. “Thank you! Thank you very much!” She shouted happily as she raced down the hall until she heard a-“Shh!”
“Oops….sorry!” Gem whispered. She then passed other wizards who were preparing to exit the building she was soon in the cool summer air as the sun went down behind the nearby forest that surrounded some of territory. “It’s beautiful.” Gem sighed happily as she watched it. Gem loved the Crystal Cliffs. The beauty of the empire was unbelievable. The landscape was as if a painting that she had seen in her old home’s halls. She loved the way the mountains looked when the sun shone behind them. It was truly a natural wonder. Even if she missed her birthplace greatly, she didn’t care. She loved it here. She didn’t want to ever leave. She wouldn’t dare. She wanted to spend her final days here. She didn’t even want to marry if it meant leaving.
Gem walked through the Crystal Cliffs as the other mages and wizards bustled throughout with their day. She avoided the crowd feeling a bit shy and resisted the urge to run across the cobblestone road. She passed the exotic plants that only grew in the altitude that the kingdom was located. She passed the academy that she had graduated from a few months ago that had students of all ages walking in and out of it. By the school was the post office for those who needed to mail off their letters to their friends and families. Gem often sent letters from the office for her friends that she knew. The Crystal Cliffs was a small kingdom due to it only having those with magical abilities. Those from all over the world would wonder here and would find a place to live. Many kingdoms found Magic to be unappealing and disgraceful. In some it was outright banned. So those wishing for the ability to grow with the spirits would go to the Crystal Cliffs.
In Gem’s case, she was chosen by what they Grimlanders called, the Elders. They were highly respected and were the only ones that the Count was beneath. Otherwise no one could hold a candle to the ruler. Gem had always wondered why she was chosen not to be the countess like her brother but a wizard. Not like she was angry that she had been chosen to be a magical being. But still, she wondered.
She reached a her living quarters a few moments later. They were located in the tower on the top floor. There she walked to her chest and grasped a pair of a elytra. It had amethyst crystals and wooden like details on it. Gem was unsure how the flying machine worked but some how it did. She clipped the technology onto her back and placed her book tightly in her hands. She then walked towards the balcony and flared the elytra out. She then jumped off the platform.
And her elytra saved her from falling to a gruesome death. She was flying in the sky by then and soon was soaring through the sky like a eagle. She flew towards the east miles away. Minutes later she knew she reached the destination when she saw The Grimlands’ fields of wheat and the city of Eastvale. It was known as the most technologically advanced nation and had thousands if not millions of people. Gem landed gracefully out in a field of wheat and looked around it.
The farmlands of the Grimlands had the most fertile land in the east and was where most of the nations apart of the Wither Rose Alliance would get their food. They also got the food from a farm nation called The Smallholding. Gem was proud of her childhood home. She knew it was powerful and even if it’s name had the word ‘Grim,’ it still didn’t seem like it to her. Perhaps it was because she was from the country but yet it still didn’t seem dark to her.
“What are you a scarecrow?” A slightly deeper voice snickered out. Gem turned to see her twin brother Fwhip Arescet, smirking at her. He too stood in the fields for how ever long she didn’t know.
Her brother had coppered colored hair that was cut medium length that ended right below his ears. A amethyst earring clipped onto his left ear matching Gems. His skin was pale and like her, had three freckles on each cheek. Instead of his eyes being the same emerald ones like his twin, he had deep purple ones rarer than any other eye color. He had natural green eyes but when he was six, he had been in a explosion accident that caused his eyes to turned a periwinkle color. Red stubble was around his face making it harder for Gem to squeeze his chubby cheeks. Fwhip wore a white colored shirt that was careless tucked in and wrinkly with a navy vest that hid the stained shirt. A charcoal colored jacket covered his arms and vest that reached to his hands that were covered with leather gloves. His pants were a canvas style colored with black dye. A large belt covered his small waist while his feet were held onto leather boots. The shoes made him two inches taller than he was naturally and so he always wore them.
He was around 5”7 normally but grew to 5”9 with the boots. Gem was a few inches shorter than him but she was fine with this. Her beloved brother had a pair of dark maroon goggles on his head and most importantly, his long, red scarf that reached to his waist. He always wore it so it had burns on it and patches of where he had resembled the fabric together. Fwhip had always wore the scarf form as long as both twins could remember. It made him feel safe and sound. He was two minutes older than his twin sister and because of this and for other reasons meant he was the heir to the Grimland throne.
“Hello Fwhip,” Gem sighed as she facepalmed. “How did you get here so fast, you said that you would be at least ten more minutes.” Fwhip laughed and looked at his sister and cleared his throat. “Gem, you forget, I have a elytra.” Fwhip said showing off his bat styled wings that had the outside of it black and the inner bits maroon colored. They were far larger than hers and far more sinister
“Oh yes, I do forget that you have the wings of a bat.” Gem sighed shaking her head. Fwhip loved the aesthetic of his empire and often fed off of it. He would wear the same style of clothing making him match his empire. He was a bit mischievous but also a bit more mature than Gem in some things so it was a healthy mix. He was a quiet young man barely reaching into his early adulthood.
“Gem please, they aren’t bat wings. Their bat dragon wings. You know, from mythology?”
“Why are we still talking about elytras. Can we just go inside already.” Gem quickly hastened. Fwhip laughed and shook his head. “I thought you wanted to be outside. That’s why we met out here.”
“I change my mind. It’s too hot anyway. Let’s head to home.”
Fwhip nodded as he placed his hand above his eyes so he could see better. It was true, the Grimlands lived in a hot biome so it was often boiling in the summer.
“That is true. Gosh I wish winter would come.”
“But you hate winter.” Gem cocked a brow. Fwhip shook his head and flared his elytra. “No I hate the cold.”
“Your not making any sense….” Gem blinked utterly confused by Fwhip’s words. “Your understand when your older.” Fwhip patted the girl’s head and she became angry as he flew towards their home. “We’re the same age!” She shouted feeling angry.
From faraway a laugh escaped Fwhip.
“I’m older by two minutes!
——
“So why did you even want to meet?” Fwhip asked relaxing in a chair. He had his leg on his desk where he had all sorts of miscellaneous papers. His study was a mess. The curtains were closed making the light limited and made Gem more uncomfortable.
“My Aeor why is it so dark and messy in here? Gem almost felt sick at the disorder. Everything for her had to be clean and neat. Otherwise she wouldn’t be able to work.
“I’m working on some projects….I came up with some ideas today. Like this sword-“ Fwhip started to say but Gem cut him off with a slap. She was a bit toxic to say the least and would often playfully hit Fwhip when she thought he was being stupid. It had been this way almost all their life. It never hurt him and so Fwhip found it almost appealing because he loved to tease his sister and it was a way for Gem to show her chaotic love.
“That’s not the point.” Gem sighed as she opened the blinds so Fwhip could get some sunlight. He screeched a bit at the blinding light but Gem sighed and looked at him. “Fwhip, the Crystal Cliffs Elders sent me to ask you something.” She said looking at him.
“Really what is it?”
“They wanted to know if you could make a railroad system so we could transport our goods.” Gem explained in short detail.
“I thought you wizards were suppose to be learning magic. Not making deals involving trading.” Fwhip cocked a brow. Gem sighed and shook her head. “We have to have some income Fwhip, we can’t just depend on charity.”
A laugh escaped Fwhip. He loved to make his sister annoyed. It was his job anyway. “I know. I was just kidding. Take a joke sis.”
Gem blinked at Fwhip. She was in utter embarrassment then. She could never understand jokes at all. It was one of her biggest opponents. She never could understand when people were joking. Well….most of the time at least.
“Right….anyway. Do you think you can do it?“
“When do you need it done?”
“Two weeks?”
“Hah. Easy. I’ll be done with it next week.” Fwhip laughed.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
—-
The next day would be a long one. It would start in the early morning for the king of Rivendell. As he awoke at dawn. His servants dressed him in some of his utmost beautiful of clothing as first time the leggings, then the robes, and then his cape. And of course, on top, his crown.
Scott thanked the elves and prepared is elytra. It was a feathery machine that Scott had no clue how it was made. But however the count of the Grimlands made it, It sure was useful. Preparing himself for the meeting Scott brought his scrolls and placed them in his bag that he carried and quickly opened his wings and soared through the sky.
Scott loved to fly. Especially in the early mornings. He would spend little over a hour before actually heading towards the Grimlands. First, he was to fly for a bit. He loved to touch the clouds with his hands even if they felt like nothing. He would do tricks and would watch the towns wake up. The sun rose by him as its rays shined onto him creating a most magical look.
Scott loved the aerial views that the elytra gave him. The tree tops were wonderful and the mountains were spectacular. Not to mention the top of buildings. That was truly amazing. Soon a hour went by though, and soon Scott had to leave his beloved area. So he flew towards the Grimlands towards thr city of Eastvale and landed onto the ground.
He noticed that the gates were quiet as the city seemed to still be waking up. Scott never murmured a word as he walked quietly towards the gate where it opened without a word. The Grimlanders knew the king obviously, and so of course they let him enter without saying a word
Scott walked by the townsfolk who were all waking up.
“Fresh eggs!”
“Baked bread!”
“Hearty meats!”
“Fruity fruits!”
Scott felt his stomach growl for food. He hadn’t wanted to eat breakfast back at home so a e hungry stomach was suspected. This was his fault so he would have to live with it. He walked to the Eastvale manor in which the meeting was taking place and awaited for the guards to allow him in.
“Your majesty.” The guards bowed humbly and gesture for him to go in. Scott acknowledged this and entered the mansion. It was a large and dark manor with many different rooms. There was almost no light in it but that was okay. Well, for Fwhip it was. And Gem Scott guessed. The twins had been born and raised in the manor after all. Scott found himself claustrophobic and desperately wanted to leave the manor. There was no natural light at all and the halls were empty even from servants. Scott entered the room in which the meetings took place and immediately noticed that he was early. No other ruler was there much less a representative. Scott was a bit hesitant to go into the room for it was dark but a pleasant scent called him over.
His stomach growled once more as he bit his lip. He was hungry. That was for sure. Scott entered the room and noticed that the curtains were closed. He was a bit uncomfortable to say the least. But he noticed a plate of muffins on the long dark wooded table.
“Oh morning Scott. I didn’t see you.” A laugh was in the voice. Scott jumped a bit at the noise but quickly composed himself. He turned to see Fwhip standing in the corner reading something to do with who knows what. Considering that Fwhip only ever read books about tinkering and geology Scott would be surprised if he was reading about anything else.
It was Fwhip after all.
“Good morning Fwhip, hope you slept well?” Scott asked bowing humbly but also calmly. Fwhip hesitated before bowing too. As much as he hated it it had to be done. They were after all, public officials.
“What are you reading?” Scott tilted his head to the side. Fwhip sighed and closed his book. “I was reading about the North.” He answered honestly.
Scott was surprised. And he almost never was. Fwhip reading something other than things that interested him. “Oh I see…” Scott said in hesitation. Fwhip then gestured at the food on the table. “Fill free to take a muffin. Their fresh.”
Scott nodded. “Of course. Is Gem here yet?” He asked speaking of the count’s twin as he ate a muffin. Fwhip shook his head in response. “No, she’s running a little late. Something to do with….a set back….” He cleared his throat as he then sat down at the head of the table with his foot propped up.
Scott couldn’t help but wince at Fwhip’s manners. He seemed to have almost none. But that wasn’t his fault he supposed. Fwhip simply didn’t learn a lot of manners as a boy. Thankfully he was a kind guy at heart. Otherwise Scott didn’t think he could be in the same room as him.
“I see. Compliments to the chef. They did a good job on these pastries.” Scott gave a good word to the Royal chef. Fwhip rolled his eyes at the formalness and simply grasped a pen from his jacket pocket and started to scribble on his exposed hand. Scott almost never saw his hand without his glove so he found it a bit weird to say the least. And without a doubt, him drawing on his hand seemed….unclean for sure.
“Sure they did. I don’t know how you guys can eat so early.” Fwhip sighed as he continued to draw.
“What do you mean? It’s after seven.”
“I mean….never mind. It’s not important. My gosh where are they?” He groaned loudly feeling far too impatient to focus. Scott sighed and noticed a tea kettle sitting on the table by the muffins. He felt his throat being slightly dry. He then asked Fwhip if he could take a cup.
“Yeah sure go ahead.”
“Thank you….” Scott was unsure of what to say as he poured the tea into a nearby tea cup. He took a small sip noticing that Fwhip hadn’t touched it at all.
“The tea is good. Do you want some?” Scott asked kindly to his friend and alliance member. Fwhip shook his head roughly. “No thanks. Way to early for food and liquids.
I’ll stick to nothing.”
“Suit yourself.” Scott snickered taking another sip. The two sat in uncomfortable silence as Fwhip continued to draw and Scott quietly sipped his tea. There was a loud cry from the outside of the manor which made Scott jump and Fwhip quickly stand up. The count chuckled as a smile curved his face. He placed his glove back on and walked to the window in three quick strides. Scott didn’t move but tilted his head.
“What was that?” He asked unsure of what it was. Fwhip looked at him and showed his pearly whites.
“That’ll be them.”
“Really? All of them?” He asked tilting his head.
“Nope. Just looks like Katherine.”
“Of course. I’m surprised Gem isn’t with her. She’s always early.” Scott said with a hint of disappointment in his voice. Fwhip chuckled at that as he stood waiting for the two to come. “She is. But she sometimes is too busy to be here. Usually she comes and gets onto me about my manners.” Fwhip rolled his purple eyes before continuing.
“It’s not like she’s older than me. I am way older than her.”
“Your two minutes apart.” Scott murmured into the air.
“Yeah well I’m older by two minutes.” Fwhip spat a bit.
“Does it matter-?”
“Yes. Yes it does. You of all people should understand that.” Fwhip muttered the last part to himself. Scott winced a bit hearing those words that Fwhip thought he couldn’t hear. Scott cleared his throat as he took another sip of tea.
That’s when they heard a gentle knock on the door. Scott didn’t have the chance to move to get the door for Fwhip was quick yo open the door. There he smiled brightly at his friend and ally that stood there in the doorway.
“Ahh! Katherine! Welcome!” He bowed humbly at his friend. Scott turned to see the young woman looking beautiful as always.
She had soft, long, extremely dark brown hair with long bangs that cut off just before her eyes. She had a flower crown with purple crocus flowers and morning glories mixed with white daisies and salver-forms creating a most beautiful headpiece. She had gray eyes with tint hints of purple that shined like stars and of course, pale skin. She had rosy cheeks and dimples plastered on her face. Katherine also had pink lips making her look innocent. She wore a skinnier ballgown styled purple skirt and a white corset with purple and white flowers plastered all over it. She was around 5”4 and was a healthy girl of the age of sixteen.
Katherine Fleur was the Flower Princess of the kingdom of the Overgrown. The crowned heir to the throne and the protector of fairies and flowers. She herself was a fairy and had the small, elegant, wings of one.
“Hello Fwhip, Scott.” She smiled at the count and king. Scott humbly nodded but Fwhip gave her a thumbs up. “Good to see you!” He cheerfully invited her in. Katherine giggled a bit at his banter. “Please sit down.” Fwhip gestured for her to find a seat. She sat towards the middle of the table and gently looked down.
“How are you Katherine?” Scott asked kindly.
“I am good! What about you?” She asked as they started making conversations.
“I am as well as suspected. How is Your regent. Forgive me, what’s his name? I’m afraid I can’t recall.” Scott spoke of Katherine’s regent whom was her caretaker for she was a orphan and no Overgrownian princess became queen without a spouse. So until she married she would serve only as a princess and because no one else was fit for the thrown, she was the only choice.
Katherine loved her regent though. He was in his sixties with his hair as white as snow and how loving he was! He truly was the father she never knew. And Katherine loved him for that.
“Amica. He’s such a good man. I don’t know what would’ve happened if he wasn’t my caretaker. What would happen to me? My people?”
Fwhip listened silently to Katherine who talked pleasantly to Scott. Fwhip had known her since he was ten. And she was nine. He had of course, known everything about Amica. The old man was a wonderful father. Sure, he had no children, and sure he had a northern accent, but he was a lovely man for sure. And Fwhip felt comfortable with Katherine in his care.
He didn’t say a word for some reason. Maybe it was because he didn’t care. Or maybe it was because he did care. Fwhip didn’t know. He didn’t want to know. He enjoyed listening to them silently though.
“When will Gem and the others be here?” Katherine asked Fwhip. He fixed his scarf before answering. “Gem is running a little late I’m afraid. She will be here soon though.” Fwhip assured. Katherine nodded. “Of course. Fwhip how is the sword idea going? The one you told me about yesterday?”
It was Scott’s turn to listen silently. “It’s going well. I’ll have it done soon. When I showed Gem the idea she simply shook it off.” He mumbled a bit to himself. Katherine and Scott looked at each other before he saw them do so.
“That’s unfortunate. I’m sure she will care once its done! Fwhip your such a amazing inventor. I’m proud of you!” Katherine gleefully cheered him on. Red tinted the count’s face as he chuckled.
“Any-anyway! Uh-yeah I’m going to to start the sword today hopefully.”
“Good luck then.” Scott nodded.
Before Fwhip could respond a loud noise came from outside again. The three turned their heads as Fwhip chuckled. They heard a scream that surely meant something.
“Yep. That’s them.” Fwhip smiled and stood up. The others giggled a bit as they awaited.
“What do you suppose is happening out there?” Katherine tilted her head in concern. Fwhip laughed at this. “Classic Gem. Katherine whatever you do, don’t act too cute. You know she’s a jerk. Scott-well you can actually do what you always do. She likes you most.”
“What about you Fwhip! Your literally her twin.” Scott sighed feeling a bit embarrassed by Fwhip’s words.
“Oh me……I’m dead meat. If he’s in trouble then I’m for sure am.” Fwhip sighed.
“We don’t understand.” Katherine sighed.
“I know. I don’t either. She’s just….I guess…Gem’s just-that’s not important. She and the others are about to come in. Don’t say a word about this. You know Gem.”
Scott nodded and Katherine sighed as they heard Fwhip’s answer.
“You know us Fwhip, we will.”
Katherine nodded in response. “Yeah. We won’t say a word. I promise.” She smiled gently at her friend. Fwhip curved a smile as he nodded. “Thank you you don’t know what that means to me-“ He was interrupted by the door blasting open with three new individuals entering the room. One being Gem, and the others being close friends.
Gem was holding a man with one hand by his ear and the other hand holding a handful of a woman’s hair.
The man had short brown hair that hardly had any bangs. And eyes the color of the sky. His skin was slightly darker than all the other empires and was quite tall he was around six feet. He was a handsome man with broad shoulders and a very cheerful personality. He wore cyan and ruby colored royal robes with hints of gold throughout the clothes. His pants were a simple brown pattern they were a teal like color similar to his robe. Upon his head was a golden crown.
The man was King Sausage Farciminis of the Mythlands. He was a goofy guy of 22 being five years older than Fwhip, Gem, and Scott. He was best friends with the twins for they had known each other ever since the birth of the twins. Sausage was more like a brother than a friend, especially to Fwhip. The boy was very close the man and often would spend his free time talking to Suasage.
Speaking of which, Sasuage wasn’t actually named after liverwursts but because he was such a hearty child he became known as Sausage. And has been since then.
By his side was a beautiful woman with long, golden brown hair that reached to her knees. Her eyes were crystal blue but had sharpness in them like a hawk. She had tanned skin from working in the sun all day and fencing with swords all the time. She was around 5”11 almost being Sausage’s height. She wore a sleeveless, earthy green dress that reached down to her knees in the front then it went long in the back. She wore flowery sandals and of that such. She had no symbol of class but had sunflowers in her hair.
The woman was called Pearl Solis, Queen of Glided Helianthia or as some called it-The Smallholding. She was known as the Farm Queen having many fields of wheat feeding most of the world. She was best friends with Sausage knowing him far longer than the twins had. She was his age too. They spent everyday together doing who knows what.
“You two are in so much trouble I can’t even speak!” Gem pushed them into chairs. Sausage and Pearl were unable to do anything about the girl. She was a wizard. And everyone was afraid of spell users. Especially ones like Gem.
“Come on Gem! It was a practical joke!” Sausage screamed as she slapped him good. Fwhip snickered at the two being dealt with. Scott and Katherine stared in shock at the angry wizard.
“There was nothing practical about that. You stupid liverwurst.”
“Gem come on. It was just a joke.” Pearl spoke in a accent. Gem glared at the two as her twin spoke.
“Gem what happened?”
“What happened?! Do you want to know what happened? These two kidnapped me and placed me on a mattress in the middle of the ocean!” Gem shouted. Katherine whimpered a bit at the yelling and Fwhip gave her hand a tight squeeze. “That does seem a bit….extreme Sausage,” Scott sighed taking a sip of tea.
“We were just having fun.” Sausage pouted.”
“Your lucky you aren’t dead!” Gem shouted. Fwhip laughed at this. “I take it this is why you were late?“
Gem glared at her twin. “Shut up right now bro.”
“Where are your manners today sis?” Fwhip laughed. Scott coughed before anyone else could speak.
They turned to him as he spoke looking at Fwhip. “What did you call this meeting for Fwhip?” He asked.
“Oh dear, I’m afraid we got distracted. I’m sorry Fwhip.” Pearl sighed.
“It’s fine. I got distracted too. Uh. Well where was I?” Fwhip then looked through a stack of unsorted paper before speaking.
“Oh yes, found it. Jimmy sent me a message.” Fwhip stated reading aloud what the Codfather of the Cod Empire had sent him.
“What is it?” Katherine felt herself feel uncomfortable because of the fact that she was Allied with the Codfather.
“Listen to the message.”
“𝔻𝕖𝕒𝕣 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥 𝔽𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤. 𝕀 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕓𝕪 𝕚𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕦𝕡 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕨𝕒𝕣. ℕ𝕠 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣.”
𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚢,
𝙲𝚘𝚍 𝙵𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝙹𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚢,
Fwhip let the message set into the others before continuing.
“What did I hear?” It was Gem who spoke. Anyone who knew her knew she wouldn’t live for this. Even if she wasn’t the countess of the Grimlands didn’t mean she was going to let her brother be threatened upon like prey. She had a sense of pride too.
“It means what it means.”
“How did this even happen?” Sausage tilted his head concerned not only for Fwhip but that fact that he bordered this me Cod Empire.
Fwhip sighed and decided to let someone else speak.
This someone was Katherine.
“Basically, Jimmy was persecuting the Oceanian race of people called Salmon. What he did is terrible….my friend how could he have done this….” Katherine whispered the last part to herself.
“Anyway. Fwhip stood up for the poor people and even created a city for them. What he does for them is amazing.” Katherine spoke quietly. Fwhip blushed a bit at his friend’s words.
“Not the point though Katherine.” He coughed.
“Right-sorry. This angered Jimmy and after that…..There has been threats. But this one….this one is awfully…”
“Like he’s about to declare war on me?” Fwhip asked bemused.
Gem’s mouth was being held tight by Pearl as Sausage spoke.
“Doesn’t he know that you have Allies. And I literally am at his border.”
“Sausage you couldn’t take him and the Ocean Empire and Mezalea and Pixandria together.” Pearl reminded her friend of the Northern powers.
“Yeah well if they mess with Fwhip then they mess with me.”
Gem finally was able to speak and she did in rage. “They think they can do that? Fwhip! This is insane. How did you two not make peace you-stupid-Ugh!” Her temper was truly out of control.
Fwhip turned to Scott who didn’t murmur a word.
“What are you going to do Fwhip?” He asked the count. Fwhip sighed and shook his head. “I’m not sure. This is going too far though…but…it’s too late. It can’t be stopped….”
“Surely it can be Fwhip! You guys need to just make peace with each other!” Katherine smiled widely reminding of all of them of innocence and love.
Fwhip shook his head.
“No way. Jimmy was the one that started this.”
“And I’m not going to be the one to pick up the mess.”
—-
Soon everyone was leaving as Gem talked to her twin. “Fwhip are you sure you know what your going to do?!” She asked grasping his wrist in concern. He nodded trying to reassure her.
“Of course Gem. I know what I’m doing. I’m about to be a adult.”
“Fwhip your practically a kid still.”
He narrowed his eyes at this. “Well so are you.”
Scott waited as they talked and soon as Gem was about to leave he was able to catch her alone.
“Gem, are you alright?” He asked. The Gem he knew was far calmer. She nodded. “Of course I am. I’m just busy is all Scott don’t worry about me.” She smiled humbly at the king.
“You sure?”
“Yes. I gotta go tell this news to the Elders now. Goodbye.” She bowed humbly to him before quickly leaving the Grimlands.
Scott watched her fly away. And not for a second did he believe her words.
Not even once.