Birthright: The Contested Seat

Kael

"I understand the pronunciation is difficult, but it's important. The Vorali language places great emphasis on precision, as even the slightest deviations can profoundly impact their ability to understand you. That's why it's renowned as one of the most formidable languages to master," Kael explained earnestly, seated across from Edwin in the castle's majestic library.

True to his promise, Kael was diligently imparting his knowledge of the Vorali tongue to Edwin. Like many outsiders, Edwin struggled to grasp the intricacies of Vorali grammar and pronunciation. In moments like these, Kael found himself grateful for his early immersion in the language; without it, he doubted he would have achieved such proficiency.

"Pay attention and watch how I shape the words," Kael directed, pointing to his mouth as Edwin focused intently. "Mefimprinos. Eemai Edwin Arintear to Ethios. Athali Vaheen."

It was a straightforward introduction, one Kael believed would be useful for Edwin to remember ahead of their potential summer journey, yet Edwin fumbled over the words clumsily before giving up in a huff of frustration.

"Why is this so challenging? They're just words," Edwin muttered in frustration, his fingers skimming through the pages of his Vorali history book. Kael noticed the longing in Edwin's eyes, the desire to speak like the heroes immortalized in the histories. It was a trait Kael found particularly endearing in Edwin.

"Yes, they're just words, but they're not ones your tongue was raised to speak. Even the Vorali understand that their language is no easy feat. They'll appreciate your effort, even if it's not perfect," Kael reassured Edwin, hoping to alleviate some of his frustration.

Edwin offered a small smile, the tension easing from his features. "Tell me about your childhood there. What was Voralis like?" he asked, closing his history book and resting his head in his hands.

As Kael allowed his thoughts to drift back to the past, memories of home flooded his mind, tugging at his lips and evoking a smile he couldn't suppress. Despite the challenges he faced during his childhood, he wouldn't trade those memories for all the riches in the world.

"I can't speak of Voralis without first mentioning summer," Kael began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "My friends and I would race through open fields bursting with flowers, and we'd cool off by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Vorali Sea. We were a nuisance to the local farmers, sneaking onto their farms to feast on their ripe peaches and figs. I can still taste the sweet, sticky juices running down my chin. Summer was when Voralis truly came alive," he reminisced, his tone filled with warmth.

"It does sound wonderful," Edwin murmured, his eyes reflecting a deep yearning.

"It truly was. Every significant moment in my life happened during the peak of summer in Voralis. I learned to ride a horse, to tend to the fields, to read, to mend my own clothes—everything seemed to flourish in the summer. I even learned to sail." Kael recalled fondly.

"I've always desired to learn how to sail. My father never saw fit to hire someone to teach me. I suppose he feared I'd take to the seas the moment I could," Edwin confessed wistfully.

"Why are you so eager to leave? Being a lord can't be all that undesirable," Kael inquired genuinely. Edwin Arintear possessed everything one could desire: wealth, power, influence—the list was endless. He had the means to explore the world at his leisure once his father had passed. Yet, his urgency to experience it all puzzled Kael.

Edwin let out a quiet scoff, but his demeanor softened, betraying a hint of sadness. "I don't know. Perhaps you're right; being a lord isn't entirely unbearable, but it just doesn't feel right for me. I can't quite explain it, but every moment I spend here feels like I'm living a life that isn't truly mine. I desire the wealth, yes, but I want to earn it with my own efforts. I want to engage in something that feels meaningful and impactful to my own journey. Everything is handed to me, done for me, and I despise it more than anything. What I would give to be a peasant boy running through the fields of Voralis," he said solemnly.