The General's Daughter

Chapter 2: A Story

A month. I am given a month to live with my family and study Evanlean customs and traditions. I am given a month to become Aldia Yvanna-Rosia 'el-Mejihien once again. A month to become a daughter to my parents and a sister to my siblings.

After my conversation with the High Priestess, I was escorted to her personal Keep where I was bathed with the fragrance of Aer flowers and dressed appropriately as an Aldia of the Warrior clan. And after the Hour of Mande, a carriage sent me to my home in the capital.

Stepping out of the 'el-Mejihien carriage for the first time in seven years, I take in my surroundings. The silver entrance to my family's manor is still radiant as ever. The colors of my ayah shines with the hot sun beams giving me a feeling of importance--a feeling I thought I already forgot.

A few brief moments pass by and I am greeted by my eldest brother, Abbe Yohan-Urje, in his full military attire. His face matured for the last seven years, and he is to be "crowned" by the end of the month, signifying his rise in rank in the Asterian army.

His lips pull into a tight line and his fists clench. In a stranger's point of view, he may appear angry to see me, but I know, I see it in his eyes, that he is happy, and he wants to embrace me. But of course, we are children from a warrior clan, and we are not to display affection in the eyes of the public.

"It has been a while, sister." He offers his right hand for me to take it. It is customary for the eldest child to escort an esteemed visitor to the house.

"Have you been well, dear Abbe?" I smile beneath my ayah.

"Mother is patiently waiting. And all of the siblings are happy to see you back here."

We enter the grand gates and we stroll slowly. My hand reaches for the skirt of my golden yellow gown and lifts it a little giving me space to walk with poise, as it is expected of an Aldia.

"How's Abbe Yevah?" I ask for my other older brother.

"He is well. Appa says he is to wed an Aldia from the noble clan, and take over."

"Ah, a birth of another warrior clan." I nod my head in approval. I know Abbe Yevah is a capable leader. "How about you? Aren't you supposed to marry now?"

"In my crowning ceremony, an Aldia from a warrior clan will be chosen for me. And in a few more years, I shall head 'el-Mejihien. Appa is to retire and I shall take over his place." His eyes brighten up, a contrast to a serious face he constantly keeps.

I squeeze my left hand in approval.

After almost a five-minute walk in the front garden, we finally reach the manor and servants were lined up to greet me. I nod, acknowledging their deference.

We proceed to the private family hall where my family waits, and Abbe Yohan opens the door.

The first thing I see is the smile of my mother, and the green ayah that greatly contrasts her brown eyes. She is seated beside my Appa, whose face is still a mirror of seriousness. Standing on my mother's left side are my Addas: Adda Yyah, the military chemist; Adda Ymeh 'el-Raojie and her husband, whom I recall as Abbe Fausto. Adda Ymeh is cradling a baby wrapped in pink--my niece. Beside my father stands Abbe Yevah and his ever-so-bright smile that I really missed.

"Honor has been brought upon 'el-Mejihien." My eldest brother recites and as sign of respect, I fold my knees together, bow my head touching the ground.

"Honor is received." My father says and it is my cue to stand up.

The door closes and my mother literally runs to me and hugs me tenderly. "We missed you Yva."