Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 12:

Hazen was right about the celebration. Everyone was required to attend. Even inferiors like myself, as the Duchess had so wonderfully pointed out the next morning.

I woke up to knocking on the door. This was the first time in awhile that maid actually visited me, aside from bringing food. Curiosity set in as I opened the door. Instead of a lone maid, a group of them barged into my room and started getting me ready. I was pulled every which way and eventually I was presentable.

I was guided down to the study. A place I was familiar with, but only through slightly illegal measures. I've figured that my vent was not able to be seen, since I had been eavesdropping for 6 months. The maid knocked and announced my presence. I thanked her and stepped through the doorway.

It was only the Duke and Duchess this time, but that didn't lessen the tension in the room. The Duchess was standing in her normal place behind the Duke. He was ignoring everyone. I figured this conversation would be led by her.

"I presume you are aware of the celebration that is approaching." Her voice cut through the silence, demanding an answer. Curtsying was starting to become second nature. "Yes your grace, I was aware." Letting out a sniff, she stepped out of her husband's shadow. Circling around me, it was reminiscent of her son's introduction.

"Everyone is required to attend. Anyone not in attendance is seen as ignorant or defiant. In upholding the standards of the Alderredeen Family, we must insist that you attend as well." I wasn't surprised by this demand, but I still needed to show gratitude. Once again curtsying, I thanked both of them. "Thank you, your graces. I will promise to be an excellent representative of how courteous the Alderredeen Family is."

This time the Duke cut in. "It will do you well to refrain from mingling with others. That way your ignorance is not apparent. We will travel in different carriages to the capital. You will reside in a different room and you are free to roam throughout the celebration. Remember the celebration lasts a week. Don't do anything to disgrace us or you will pay the price." They wanted me to be there in name only. That was fine for me, I wanted to explore and possibly hang out with Hazen. Wanting to get this over with, I nodded and gave a short response. "Understood, your graces."

With a wave, I was escorted from the room and left to my own devices once again. This must be the celebration of Lahe. Going to the library, I wanted to study up on the celebration as well as proper etiquette. It would behoove me to maintain an cordial relationship with this family, even if they don't feel the same way.

Curling up in my corner, notebook in hand. I continued my streak of eavesdropping and studying until the sun went down. Now I knew a little more about this celebration and why it was a big deal.

Lahe and Adraria

Lahe is the deity associated with the victory/ creation of Adraria

Lahe is also connected with the presence of magic in Adraria

The celebration of Lahe is a week long

- The first day: the procession of nobles, military and lastly the royal family

- The second day: the gathering of the people (you can usually see the mingling of common and noble)

- The third day: the reenactment of the battle leading to victory (presented by the military)

- The fourth day: the creation of Adraria (theatre)

- The fifth day: the presence of magic (presented by the Royal Magic Academy)

- The sixth day: the celebration (royal ball held; commoners hold similar event)

- The seventh day: the renewal of declarations* (by the king)

[*this year the king will be declaring the heir to the throne on the last day]

So many activities, each one important to the country. It reminded me of the Fourth of July celebrations in my other life. Though that did not last as long. Pushing away the waves of melancholy, I scribbled down a couple more notes.

The Alderredeen Family supports the First Prince

- Rhedin is the "advisor" to the First Prince

- Sent a person to deal with the Third Prince

The Third Prince is coming back for the celebration after being in the south

*Hazen possibly works for a royal > who knows

Closing the notebook once again, I sauntered off to my room. Hazen said he wasn't going to be here, but I still needed practice. Reluctantly making my way outside, I took in the fresh air and sounds of nature. I wondered if the capital was like this. Or was it like a big city?

My training went by slowly, but I was glad that I did it in the end. I was becoming more and more sure of myself and that helped with self-defense. Skirts were generally a hassle, but I was not opposed to tearing a side in the midst of a conflict.

Stretching out on the cool grass, sweat clinging to my body, I stared into the darkness above me. When I took the time to slow down and process everything that was happening, I felt a wave of helplessness come over me.

I was heading to a giant celebration and expected not to mess it up or show my powers. The stakes were too high and even I knew that. As I felt myself spiraling, I tried to cling to something tangible. The blades of grass beneath my fingertips, the crickets in my ear, the smell of rain that was yet to come. Letting out a sigh, I forced myself to relax.

Selfless and an overthinker? What kind of discipline did I pick?

Shooting up, I frantically looked around for the source of the voice. No one was around me, nature kept singing its own tune. The voice sounded familiar, like the one that spoke to me while I was saving Hazen.

Bingo. Glad I picked a thinker as well.

Great, I was saddled with a sarcastic voice and powers. How much of a freak can I be?

Freak? No, I believe you meant gift from me to the world that is not quite deserving of it.

Wait? Gift? Magic? Lahe? Am I talking to Lahe?

Well talking is a relative term, but yes. I am Lahe.

Feeling a bit faint, I slowly laid back on the grass. Breathing in and out, I tried to make sense of the fact that I was talking to a deity. A deity that helped create the country I was living in and the magic that was used. Wait why was the deity talking to me? What did I do? My mind started churning and the voice seemed unaware to my mental stability.

I suppose I did create a pretty cool country. Magic was already there, but no one really knew how to harness it. Which is a real bother because I worked really hard on it.

I spent, what seemed like hours, talking with Lahe about everything. The world home, how magic worked, everything. Though they didn't really have a physical body, it was nice to talk to someone other than Hazen. Pretty soon I had to get back inside, but I was sure Lahe would still talk to me.

Definitely. How else can I vaguely guide youtowards your destiny.