The Mordian Campaigns

Ch-11: The Homefront

Author's POV

Now, shifting focus to a new chapter in our story, we turn to the home front of Colonel Havelock and his family. In stark contrast to the harsh, unforgiving hive city of Mordian-Havelock's birthplace, a world locked in eternal darkness and gloom-the place he and his wife call home could not be more different.

Their home is nestled on Argius, a lush and expansive agri-world, a major lifeline for Mordian, supplying it with the essential resources it needs to survive. Argius is a world of rolling fields, fertile valleys, and endless horizons bathed in sunlight, a far cry from the grim towers and oppressive shadows of Mordian. Here, life grows with abundance, and the landscape is dotted with vast farms and estates, some of which have been passed down through generations of noble families like Havelock's in-laws.

Argius' prosperity comes at a price. In return for its produce, Mordian sends guardsmen to protect the planet's sprawling agricultural holdings from threats, both domestic and from the stars. As the head of a prominent family with military ties, Havelock is well-respected on this world, commanding respect not only for his military honors but for the peace and stability his presence brings to Argius. It is a world where his children can grow up without the constant threat of war, yet it remains a place where vigilance is necessary, for even paradise has its perils.

---

Elara Vaetrix Havelock is not just any duchess; she is the Duchess of Argius, one of the most powerful and influential aristocrats in her planetary system. As the head of a ruling family controlling vast economic wealth, her influence spans far beyond the fields and estates of her home world, reaching into the governance and trade of other planets. Yet, despite her immense wealth and status, Elara's character is marked by a striking humility and warmth that defies the stereotypes of her class.

Her life is steeped in beauty and privilege. The sprawling family estate, with its grand halls and immaculate gardens, is a testament to her power. Lavish gatherings attended by dignitaries, barons, and dukes are a regular occurrence, where Elara commands respect not with pomp but with her grace and wisdom. Dressed in elegant, carefully tailored gowns that subtly reflect her wealth, she embodies nobility without flaunting it. Her brown hair, always perfectly arranged, frames her striking features, hinting at the strength beneath her gentle exterior.

Elara is the heart of the Havelock family, managing their affairs with precision. Despite her serene and humble demeanor, she oversees the family's fortunes with a sharp intellect, ensuring that they remain at the top of the social and economic hierarchy. Her diplomatic skill is unmatched, whether she's negotiating trade deals for Argius' agricultural output or settling disputes among the noble families. Her position brings her into constant contact with the most powerful aristocrats of the system, yet she never lets her status define her interactions. To those beneath her, she is as kind and considerate as she is with the elite.

The wealth of the Havelocks surrounds them in every aspect of their lives, from the art that lines their mansion walls to the luxury of their daily meals. Yet, for all this opulence, the family's true longing is not for more riches but for the return of their patriarch, Colonel Havelock. The children, dressed in fine clothes and educated by the best tutors, miss their father dearly. Every night, they gather in prayer, hoping that the next knock at the door will bring news of his return from war. No one feels this more intensely than Elara, who, despite her responsibilities, finds herself gazing out of the grand windows, waiting for her husband.

Her love for Havelock is palpable, a deep, unbreakable bond that has carried them through society's disapproval and long absences. The family's wealth might bring them comfort, but it is Elara's strength and love that sustains them in the absence of their father.