Birthright: The Contested Seat

Wayin

The procession was up early this morning. As the sun gradually rose, casting its gentle glow on the dew-covered ground, they found themselves in the midst of a three-day voyage with another two days to go before reaching their destination. The queen's decision to bring along a considerable contingent of guards had inadvertently slowed their progress, making the journey lengthier than necessary.

Once confident in her title and reputation as ample protection against potential threats, the queen's perception had shifted after Lord Sommel's death. No longer feeling invulnerable, she sought to surround herself with layers of protection. The city guard and her personal retinue were doubled, and she never ventured anywhere without a vigilant circle of protectors. However, Wayin suspected that the queen's motivation for amassing such a formidable guard extended beyond mere caution. It was a display of slight, a reflection of her mistrust toward the Riverlands. Though her audacity in risking the already fragile peace was commendable, she still clung to the belief that her esteemed position and reputation would ultimately safeguard her.

Wayin, on the other hand, found solace in the leisurely pace of their journey. The fresh air invigorated him, and opportunities to explore beyond Galverin were rare. The Queensgrove, the verdant sanctuary of Ethios, held a special allure for him, and he embraced every chance to traverse its rolling green hills, wander through groves of wildflowers, and bask in the eternal sunshine. The queen's sizable entourage provided Wayin with a respite, allowing him to ride alongside Alice for most of the trip while the queen reveled in the company of her brother.

As their journey to the Magnolia progressed, Wayin couldn't shake off his growing unease. The queen had insisted on Alice joining them, but there had been no discussion about the position of Master of Records. Evelyne Tuhlack, with her penchant for hidden agendas, left Wayin with a nagging worry that there might be ulterior motives behind Alice's inclusion.

Alice rode up alongside Wayin, breaking the silence. "It's been ages since I've ventured through these lands," she remarked, a touch of nostalgia in her voice.

"It truly is a sight to behold. We often forget the simple beauty of the countryside when we're confined within the capital walls," Wayin responded, offering a faint smile.

"You speak the truth. Being out here again stirs memories of the days I spent at sea with my husband. Life was simpler then, just the two of us against the vastness of the open water," Alice mused, her voice filled with both longing and a hint of melancholy. It was evident that she struggled with prolonged separations from her beloved husband, a man who must have possessed remarkable qualities to inspire such a deep yearning in his wife.

"Have you ever been to Magnolia before? It's not far from your hometown of Dorgarden," Wayin inquired, trying to engage Alice in conversation.

"No, this will actually be my first time visiting Magnolia. When I was younger, there was never a chance or a reason for me to go there, although I did hear enchanting tales about the city. They say it's a place adorned with flowers, perpetually perfumed with the scent of spring. I'm truly excited to finally have the opportunity to see it for myself," Alice replied, her excitement palpable.

"It's a perfect time to visit. The city will be adorned for the new lord's ascension. People from all corners of Lord Dorn's realm are flocking to witness the event. It promises to be a captivating spectacle," Wayin chimed in, further fueling her enthusiasm.

Wayin was relieved to see Lady Alice finding joy amid the chaos that had surrounded them. The recent visit to the mines had left her melancholic for a while, and he feared he would never see her smile again. However, as their journey progressed, her former self began to resurface. The fresh air and expansive countryside seemed to be doing her good.