𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕖𝕟 𝔸𝕘𝕖 - ᵖᵉᵗᵉʳ ᵖᵉᵛᵉⁿˢⁱᵉ

꧁Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 11 - Aʟᴡᴀᴛᴀɴ꧂

When Katherine had first visited Alwatan she had been 16. She had initially planned on visiting Alwatan sooner. However due to visiting Telmar more often than expected as well as constantly having to make round trips back to Narnia, she and her crew had often not made it to the larger country that lay far to the south.

It was much further than any of the countries she usually travelled to, but after sending through Pip, her goshawk to request lodgings for their visit, Katherine had gathered the right necessities and informed the crew that they would most likely stay two months there. 

Around 50km off the coast of Alwatan she had sent Pip again to inform them of their coordinates so that they would fully expect their arrival. The last thing they needed was anyone to think that they were an invasion plan.

Katherine had heard from Owain, who's country Deyrnas was nearby to Alwatan, that Alwatan was a beauty almost rival to that of Deyrnas. But Katherine who had seen all of Deyrnas' riches and wealth had not believed it until she had seen the golden turrets with silver flags fluttering from the tops. Katherine had stared in awe as the ships pulled up to the docks at the majesty of the city's entrance.

Tall golden walls shimmered in the midday sun as the city's firm mahogany doors yawned open to reveal a bustling city. Many stalls lined the entrance and kids ran around, letting laughter rise  through the hot air. Stalls filled of such beautiful fabrics she was sure even Stefan and Luka would complain gave bright tones to the city entrance, as well as exotic fruit stands peppering the spaces, Up ahead houses spread far to the east and left with the colorful market place acting as a cross and center to the wall encompassed city.

She descended from the boat and, bringing Raiden with her, she entered the city. As she got to the gate with the crew following she was greeted by two girls. They were both dressed in embroidered silk pants with matching, off the shoulder tops and closed cloth shoes.

"Greeting Your Highnesses" Katherine began sinking into a curtsy as she drew closer. The older girl looked around her age whilst the younger girl looked to be just slightly younger than Lucy. The girls replied with a shorter curtsy each and then the eldest turned to speak to her.

"As I am sure you are aware I am the second princess Yara and this is my sister, the third princess Amira. It is custom that the siblings or direct descendants of his majesty meet any visitors of the royal family at the gates"

"Yes, I understand completely" Katherine replied grinning softly. "I'm sure you have a form of transport for my crew and luggage to their lodgings as well as mine?"

Yara returned the smile, "Naturally, we have come prepared"

She signaled to six guards behind her and they came forward to carry the luggage and the others brought around three carriages of which her crew got into after saying their farewells.

"They will be staying at an inn not too far from the main market and close to the docks as you requested." Yara clarified.

"Much thanks" Katherine replied.

As she walked with the two into the gates of Alwatan's capital. The younger of the two, Amira turned back to Katherine to give her a smile.

"I hope you do not mind but we thought it might be fun to show you around the market first" Amira smiled,

"So we will be walking to the castle"

Katherine smiled back, "No I do not mind at all"

However internally, Katherine was wary. This was not proper custom when it came to caring for a foreign guest. She discreetly adjusted the pack on Raiden's back patting it once, not only to feel her twin blades which hid, safely sheathed inside. The pat was also a silent agreement with Raiden, to signal to him that talking was not safe for now.