Artenah

IV - Séta

So I have carpal tunnel guys .>.

Wine had an odd effect on Séta. Instead of getting drunk, the young prince instead was more focused. Tonight, he decided he'd drink and actually study; maybe this way he would be able to understand what his father wanted him to understand: his family's history, he history of D'neim, the importance of the Neidre name. He'd never been particularly interested, as studying was boring and he'd rather be out and about with Vez. Tonight was different. 

He trudged his way to his bedroom and picked a book off the shelf. The Journey of Kaiae is what the title translated to. Mooleé was a language that never changed, even when reading century-old literature from generations before. That was one of the things he admired about his country. He never had to worry about new slang as he would when speaking Artenian. 

He opened the pages and started reading. Occasionally, he sipped some of the red wine out of the glass he brought with him. Kaiae was the god that was supposed to be watching over D'neim, specifically his family, but he never felt a connection with her. Especially after his mother died. He found his thoughts wondering, and he put the book back on the shelf to be forgotten about once more. 

Instead, he grabbed his sword and went out to the armory to train. 

oOo

Séta was exhausted. He was well aware that he shouldn't work himself so much physically, and that his father wouldn't be too happy finding him outside, but deep down he did not care at all. Adrenaline brought him joy, even if he knew he was better with the bow. The drunkenness effect had worn off, enhancing his senses even more. He had challenged some of the few men, winning some, losing some, but to him it was all the same freedom; the same family-like bond that he always had with the soldiers. 

He'd just been helped off the ground by the castle's marshal, Vez. He and Vez had a bond that Séta held dear. 

"Aren't you supposed to be on duty, not here mucking around with pawns, like me?" Séta inquired with a smile on his face. He sheathed his sword, and Vez followed suit. 

"You're not doing your own job. Besides, I got Kalero working overtime as punishment, so I figured I'd find out what you're up to. Glad to see you here." Vez said simply. Séta chuckled, and the two walked back inside of the small building to take off their armor. 

Despite being known for being the most aggressive satyr the entire country knows, Séta felt a sense of security with Vez around. He wasn't just the chief of command, Vez was also the owner of the Tiny Tavern, a place where travelers always gave good reviews. Séta had never been inside of the building, but he knew exactly what it looked like on the inside. It was warm, just like Vez was when you got to know him. 

Séta let down his long, messy hair from its ponytail. He and Vez took off their armor in a comfortable silence, the clatter of the armor being put into it's rightful place back in the makeshift locker was a sweet white noise to the prince. 

Vez was the first to break the silence. "You know, Séta, if your father finds out you're out here, instead of inside doing your studies, he'll be furious." 

Séta nodded, knowing the truth in the satyr's words. "Yes, I'm aware. But it's so much... nicer, being out here instead." 

"Stubborn like a mule. You really are your mother's boy, Séta. She was the same way." 

"How did she get along with my father, then?" Séta tilted his head, tying his hair back once more, this time with more precision than under a helmet. 

"He admired it about her. I've known your father since I was practically born, son. He doesn't harp on you because he hates you. He does so because he knows your potential. You will make a great leader one day." 

Séta sighed. "You're only saying that because it's what he wants you to say." 

Vez shakes his head. "You're still young, Séta. How long has it been since you've been to Kaiae's dome?" 

"I don't know, a couple years. What does this have to do with anything that we're talking about?" 

"She will guide you. Trust in our Sprite, and things will go well. You need to trust in Kaiae as she trusted Neida." 

Vez's words hung in the air. Neida, the first Neidre to be favored by Kaiae; the first to rule over D'neim in the name of Kaiae. Séta thought about this, considering his options. He didn't have many, so he needed to be creative. 

"You know my father better than I do. Can I convince him to just let my sister reign instead? She wants it more than I do, and then everyone would be happy. And before you say anything, yes, I know the first born son is supposed to take the throne despite any amount of sisters. But if I'm going to be king one day, can't I just hand it to her?" 

Vez raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering across his face. "You're serious about this?"

"Dead serious," Séta replied, crossing his arms. "Liele is passionate about ruling. She's always been more involved in the affairs of the kingdom than I have. I can't pretend I want it when she's the one who genuinely does."

"Being king isn't just about wanting it, Séta," Vez said, his tone becoming more serious. "It's a burden, one that weighs heavily on those who bear it. Your father may not be thrilled about the idea, it's just... unconventional."

"Unconventional is exactly what we need," Séta argued. "If the crown weighs me down, what good am I to the kingdom? Liele has a vision, and she cares about the people. I'd rather see her on the throne than force myself into a role I'm not suited for."

Vez considered this, his brow furrowing in thought. "You're right; a ruler should care for their people. But you have to be prepared for your father's reaction. He's a traditionalist, and he might not take kindly to the idea of relinquishing the crown."

"I know, Vez. I know a little too well, but that doesn't change my mind. My sister is better suited for it and we're on the brink of war with Simae. I can help on the battlefront, you've seen my skill, you know I can. Just help me with this." Séta pleaded. 

Vez sighed. Silence filled the cool, midnight air for a moment. "Fine. We can talk about this tomorrow. Your task right now, is to go to sleep. When you wake up in the morning, go to Kaiae's dome. Remember the rituals your mother taught you all those years ago. Get in contact with Kaiae, and let her guide you from there." 

Séta nodded, understanding what he needed to do. He would appease a god he hadn't spoken to in years, convince his dense father to change his ways, and finally join the army. Seemed simple enough. He headed back into the castle, sneaking his way to his bedroom.