Birthright: The Contested Seat

Varyth

The storm had inevitably passed, relieving Varyth of his frayed nerves. Although the damage inflicted was relatively minor, it still warranted concern. One of the primary sails had been torn apart by the powerful winds, significantly impeding their progress. Faced with a choice, the captain presented them with two options: either press on towards the Triplets at a sluggish pace, elongating their journey by several days, or make a stop in the nearby city of Oton to repair the sail. Eager to minimize their time at sea, Varyth and Khuli reached a consensus and decided to halt in Oton for the necessary repairs.

In reality, Varyth viewed this detour as a wonderful opportunity to spend more quality time with Khuli. Throughout their voyage, their bond had deepened considerably, and she had witnessed Varyth's most vulnerable moments. He had allowed her to see him without his protective walls, stripped of his usual strength, and in return, she had chosen to nurture him rather than belittle him. Varyth had confessed that his feelings for her had grown, but he hesitated to assume that she reciprocated those sentiments. He was unwilling to make a fool of himself by presuming her affection.

Clad in his customary travel leathers, Varyth ascended to the upper deck and found Khuli already present, her anticipation palpable as they awaited the ship's arrival at the harbor. As they stood side by side, Oton gradually emerged in the distance, steadily drawing nearer as the ship advanced, propelled by the synchronized oarsmen toiling within its belly. Oton stood as a shining city, its coastal charm accentuated by the encircling emerald peaks of rugged mountains. Situated in the northern reaches of the Riverlands, it held the distinction of being surpassed only by Joras in terms of its northernmost position. The borders of Joras and the dominion of Lord Tuhlack, who reigned with an unwavering grip within The Crown, were separated by a mere stone's throw.

Under the rule of Lord Alloway, a trusted bannerman of Lord Warly from Omerfell, Oton had played a pivotal role during the Beggar's War. As the conflict unfolded, Oton swiftly defected from Lord Warly's allegiance to join forces with Lord Galia. Opinions regarding Lord Alloway's integrity remained divided, with some questioning the nobility of his actions while others attributed them solely to self-preservation. However, in light of several other bannermen also changing sides amidst the escalating bloodshed, Oton may have faced even harsher judgment if it stood alone in its decision.

"They are breathtaking," Khuli marveled, her gaze fixed upon the majestic mountains encircling the city. "They remind me of Firaloth, how it towers into the sky."

"Ethios boasts a plethora of stunning landscapes, but I'm certain your homeland possesses its own share of natural beauty," Varyth replied, acknowledging the allure of Khuli's birthplace.

"Yes, Wurth is undeniably beautiful, although we lack mountains like these near my village. There are mountains in Kijamala, to the north, but I have never had the chance to visit," she sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness.

"Kijamala? Is it a city akin to Oton?" Varyth inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"No, it is our province in the far north. Kijamala and the other provinces were once independent nations, but that was centuries ago," Khuli explained.

Varyth felt a pang of embarrassment at his own ignorance concerning Khuli's homeland. Wurth had always remained an enigmatic nation, veiled in secrecy and shrouded in limited knowledge. Although books existed that delved into their histories, Varyth had never felt compelled to explore them. During his youth, his focus had been dedicated to mastering all aspects of Rentos, as he harbored a fervent desire to be assigned there upon completing his training. In fact, he had even apprenticed in Rentos under Lord Amin of Galrosa. However, the opportunity to become a Sage Royal had presented itself, and Varyth, having achieved a high score, ultimately deemed it a more suitable path for himself.