Tales of a Fantasy Kingdom: The Nocopo

Chapter 4: Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 4: Trouble in Paradise

The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains of Ilia's chambers, casting a gentle glow on the room. As she lay in her canopied bed, a soft groan escaped her lips. Today was a day she wished she could sleep through, but her peculiar morning routine ensured that wasn't an option. A mischievous voice echoed through the room, "Wakey-wakey, Grumpy-Pants! Time to face another day of royal headaches."Ilia groaned again, burying her face in her pillow. Mote, the royal moteling, floated above her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was clad in a miniature robe that was clearly too big for him, and he clutched a comically large feather duster."Must you always start the day like this, Mote?" Ilia grumbled. Mote cackled as he attempted to dust off the ornate chandelier. "Well, sweetheart, it's in my job description, courtesy of your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandpa!"Ilia sighed in resignation, knowing that Mote's clumsiness and foul mouth were simply part of the package. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Fine, let's get this over with."Mote continued dusting, sending a cloud of particles into the air. "You know, it could be worse. At least I'm here to make your mornings entertaining."Ilia couldn't help but smile despite herself. "Entertaining is one word for it."As Mote continued his futile attempts at cleaning, Ilia decided to steer the conversation in a more serious direction. "Mote, can you tell me more about my family's history? I've always been curious."Mote paused for a moment, floating down to sit on the edge of her vanity. His blue glow seemed to dim as he grew contemplative. "Well, Ilia, you're part of a long line of the Claris. Claris, my boss, is the creator of all life throughout the multiverse. They's the one who put the sparkle in the stars, the fizz in your fizzy drinks, and the magic in magic mushrooms."Ilia's eyes widened in awe. "That's... incredible."Mote nodded. "But it comes with a price. You see, 13,000 years ago, there was this interdimensional abomination called Eldris. Nasty piece of work, that one. Claris couldn't just zap it away, so they had to seal it deep beneath Leoht. Your family, and by extension, me, we're tasked with watching over the whole world to make sure Eldris' evil power stays sealed away."Ilia absorbed this revelation, her mind racing with the weight of her family's responsibility. "So, my family has been protecting the kingdom for thousands of years?"Mote grinned, a hint of pride in his eyes. "That's right. And we've been doing it in style. I even helped build this palace and cast a lot of the spells enchanting it. I'm quite the handyman, if I do say so myself."Ilia couldn't help but chuckle at Mote's boastful tone. "I'm sure you are. But what does all of this have to do with me?" Before Mote could respond, they were interrupted by an exhausted herald. "My Claris, I bring dire news! War has erupted in the Aedish kingdom. The king is laying siege to the Temple of Claris! We have been sent an urgent request by the temple priest for aid." Ilia quickly rose to her feet, Mote moving in mirrored urgency.

Ilia and Mote swiftly moved through the palace corridors, making haste to the irridecent tower. As they made their way to the top, a large gathering of Leoht nobels and palace advisors awaited.

"What's the situation, as we know of it?" Ilia announced as she and Mote made their way to the head of the table. One of her mother's attendants cleared his throat and replied, "My Claris, King Elxam of the Aedish has gone mad! He is currently attempting a violent siege on our most sacred of sites, the Temple of Claris!" Another man of nobel birth stepped forward to continue."Reports from those inside the temple suggest a new Claris of the Aedish was born some time ago."

Mote responded in disgust, "That there is as trashy a you can get! It's his duty to turn over the crown and make the sacred pilgrimage!" Ilia nodded. However, deep in her heart, she did not judge Elxam. The line of the Claris in the Aedish kingdom was one filled with strife. Upon producing an heir, the former Claris must defend deep into the cave of the chosen. Never to be seen again.

Ilia sighed. "We must send aid to the Temple. I shall also accompany our forces." An advisor outcried in disbelief,"My Claris! You are too important to Leoht. If something were to happen to you." "Enough!" Ilia stated firmly "Elxam is a Claris of tremendous power. Although he may have an heir, he still possesses the same power he always did. The Aedish don't lose their gifts upon transfer. He could be a problem." Ilia braced herself in her resolve, her years of study of the arcane arts, and the power of her ancestors she now possessed. "A Claris is more than a queen. In ancient times, it was the three lines of the Claris that stood together against the darkness. And leoht will not refuse the call to action now!"

The room fell silent as she continued. "Ready our forces! We march on Elxam!" With that, Ilia turned and proceeded from the irridecent tower.

Mote buzzed in from behind "Well your reign is off to a wonderful start! First, you steal your sis's gig. Next, a bunch of humans crash your coronation. Now, the end of the world."

Ilia sniped back at Mote. "I don't need your ridicule, Mote!" Mote blurred along ahead, facing the queen he replied. "Oh to the contrary, I couldn't be more proud of you." Mote continued as he landed on Ilia's shoulder."And it seems life things are finally getting interesting around here!"