THER MELIAN: CHRONICLES
Episode 7's
A silvery cloud of cloudiness swirled up to Vrey's sight. Forest on the river bank has disappeared, replaced by swamps and agricultural areas. The colored rice
bright green wavinglambai toyed with the wind.
The Yami River flows through the Lavanya capital, it can even be said that this river is the center of the city. They are getting closer to the city center. Vrey saw thousands of orange petals filling the river. On the banks of the river, he saw a floating market, larger than the floating market in Yamuna.
Vrey realized there was an island in the middle of the river. Although the distance of their ship with the island is still very far, but Vrey's sharp eyes are able to observe it very clearly. Around the island was built a very high solid wall, at each corner of the wall there is a guard tower filled with soldiers.
From his ship, Vrey could not see what was behind the high wall, but he could estimate. His instincts say a very important building is behind a wall, maybe a temple or even a palace. Unknowingly, Vrey smiled. He could not imagine what treasures were stored in such a place. Under different circumstances, perhaps he was currently thinking of a way to sneak inside.
Rion's voice came from behind him. “I know what you're thinking, but forget it.”
Vrey. “Do you know what I think?” reply's bad.
“Trapped,” says Rion. “I dare bet you've imagined what treasures you can loot in there.”
Vrey smiled wryly. “Yeah,” she said naughty.
“You talk about what?” Suddenly, Leighton was already on top of the deck and joined them.
Rion looked at him. “Vrey interested in Naian Mujdpir,” said.
Vrey furrowed his brows. “That's his name? So strange.” Leighton smiled. “That's Sancaryan language,” she explains. “In the middle of this river there used to be no island. The inhabitants of Lavanya built it a thousand years ago, then founded Naian Mujdpir which means Water Boundary City there. The place is already home to the royal family and the nobles of Lavanya.”
“Why bother building an island on a river this hard?” ask Vrey.
“Ya, makes sense, right? With a river as wide and as hard as this around it, no one can get close to the island without being seen,” Leighton said.
Vrey puts on a contemptuous smile as if to say ‘don't be too sure first’.
But a large dam in the middle of the river prevented them from sailing closer to Naian Mujdpir. Their ship had to turn towards the port. The rocky harbour was located under a high wall. After getting off the ship, they had to climb hundreds of steps made of river stone.
Vrey gasping. “For what build a wall this high?”
Leighton explained. “This is the river wall. Built to prevent flooding. During the rainy season, the water level of the river can rise in an instant. Without this wall, part of the city will immediately be submerged.”
Leighton's words were not exaggerated. From above the river wall, Vrey realizes they are right in the middle of town. Some cities lay on the lower side of the wall. The rest lay across the river, behind another similar wall. Except for the area directly adjacent to the river bank, almost the entire Lavanya city area is located lower than the river surface. No wonder they built such high walls on both sides of the river.
In addition to the river and high walls, Vrey also saw hundreds of water canals. The canal was used to regulate the flow of water from the river to the valley and agricultural areas on the edge of the city. The canal is also large enough for a boat to pass through. So that the canal also serves as a highway for ships carrying various goods, ranging from merchandise, livestock, to passengers.
Rion followed behind Leighton. “Justify your hood position,” said. “Or the bounty hunters in this city will instantly recognize you.”
“How about me?” ask Vrey. “I'm also wanted for theft and arson in Rilyth Lamire, right?”
Rion explained. “The leaflet from Rilyth Lamire will not make it to this Kingdom. But I think you need to cover your ears, people here don't really like Elvar.”
“Why is that?” ask Vrey.
Leighton looked at Vrey. “The relationship of the Kingdom of Lavanya with the Elvar Nation was bad since long ago. Even one of the reasons why this kingdom is barely established is because it is opposed by the Elvar Nation.”
Rion nodded. “When I first met you at Telerim, I thought you would run to Lavanya. It's the safest place to hide if you have a problem with Elvar.”
“I understand,” says Vrey.
Rion rushed down the river wall and towards the road. “Come, the airfield is located a little far from here. We have to rush.”
They started exploring. The capital of Lavanya is a very beautiful city, filled with beautiful architectural buildings made of light-painted wood. Located between the beautiful buildings is a very narrow path.
The streets became increasingly crowded with parades and dancers that filled the streets. Looks like it's part of the festival Leighton told me about this afternoon. The atmosphere of the festival here is much more pronounced than in Yamuna. Residents painted their round door frames and windows in bright red. When the sun is getting drowned, many small children are lighting fireworks in front of the house.
The more they explore, Vrey realizes something unusual. In addition to the Sancaryan Nation, the city is also filled with Draeg Nation. Like Elvar, the Draeg are the original inhabitants of The Melian. They also had sharp senses, but their stature was like a child. Their skin was light, with ears longer than the Elvar people.
Leighton apparently realized Vrey was engrossed in watching the Draeg. “There are so many Draeg, yes?” abugn.
“Yeah,” says Vrey. “Why can it be?”
“When the Elvar Nation opposes the establishment of the Kingdom of Lavanya, the Draeg Nation supports it. That's why their relationship is so good,” replied Leighton.
Rion cut Leighton's story. “We are up,” said. “This airship field.”
They rushed down the narrow path, then climbed the steps and exited on the field located on the edge of the city. In front of them lay an enormous airfield.
Vrey unconsciously gaped when he saw the row of airships lined up in the field. “Very many airships,” said Vrey. “The shape and size are also not as I saw in Granville.”
Leighton smiled. “It was reasonable,” said. “His Kingdom was the first to develop machina that made possible Man created airships.”
They walked across the prairie for about ten minutes before arriving at the front of the field. A wooden fence was built around that unusually wide field. The workers go back and forth carrying various kinds of goods, wood, screen cloth, to a large cart filled with cargo. The man worked hard even though it was dark.
Rion asked them to wait while he entered. A tall man greeted Rion.
They spoke long enough, in Lavanya's language of course, that Vrey didn't understand in the slightest.
Leighton furrowed his brows. “It doesn't look good,” he said.
Sure enough, before long Rion returned with a disappointed face. “We're late,” said. “All airships that will depart are filled with cargo and passengers. We can't leave Lavanya until after the festival is over.”
“Good,” said Vrey was upset. “I think we're stuck here until next week.”
“Yes, actually there are still airships that are not yet full and will take off tomorrow afternoon,” said Rion hesitated.
“Can we ride it?” ask Vrey.
“Unfortunately not that easy,” said Rion. “The ship belongs to the Kingdom of Lavanya. Ordinary people like us can't ride it.”
“But we have to ride it,” said Vrey. “Is there no other way?”
“Maybe there is,” said Rion. “One of the princesses of Lavanya Kingdom is an alchemist, she often buys medicinal grass from me. But I didn't know him, I never even met him. Usually, he just told his bodyguard, Desna, to trade with me.”
“One of the princesses?” said Vrey. “Indeed how many princesses are there in this kingdom?”
“Queen Lavanya has three sons and seven daughters. Princess Ashca is the seventh princess,” Rion said.
Leighton suddenly replied. “You said Princess Ashca?”
“Yes, do you know him?” ask Rion.
Leighton nodded. “She came to a dance in Granville three years ago, before I ran away. I got to know him, take me to him, maybe he still remembers me.”
Rion looked up at the dark sky. “This solvent, I think he's back in Naian Mujdpir. But tomorrow morning, he would have already returned to his personal Ateliya in the city. We can meet him tomorrow.” Ateliya was where an alchemist worked.
“Then we rest first tonight,” said Leighton. “Come back to city.”
Vrey turned around to head back towards the city, suddenly he saw thousands of lanterns filling the entire canal and river and hovering above the sky that overshadowed the city. Vrey looked up, looking at the thousands of lanterns dotting the night sky. Lantern festival has begun.
“Beautiful once,” whispered unconsciously.
Leighton stood beside him. “This is much more beautiful than I ever imagined,” she said. “I'm glad to see it with you, Vrey.”
Vrey glanced to the side and realized Leighton was staring at him. Suddenly, feeling his face hot, Vrey hurriedly turned and realized a low-flying lantern before him. Leighton caught the lantern and then, whispering in his Lavanya language as if making a wish before flying it back.
Vrey was curious, but he did not dare to ask what Leighton had just said. He was only speechless until the lantern festival ended and they all headed to a small inn on the edge of town to spend the night.
The next day, they left the inn while the streets were still quiet. Rion led them through a narrow alleyway flanked by red roofed houses and large canals.
After a while, they finally arrived in front of the Yami River. A gray curved bridge stands firmly on it. The bridge was very long, its feet were erected on a small island purposely built along the river and reinforced with metal.
Leighton was amazed. “Excellent,” said.
“Come, don't just admire it, we have to cross,” Rion said as he pushed Leighton.
Vrey realized the bridge was located on the opposite side of the dam yesterday. He was at the back of Naian Mujdpir, it seemed like the bridge and dam yesterday as well as serving as a defensive wall above the water.
After crossing the bridge, they continued to walk up to a narrow alley. Vrey smelled the stinging smell of drugs the moment they arrived. There are a lot of them there
In one of the biggest houses among the others, Rion stopped. Several soldiers in royal uniforms stood guard in front of the fence of the brightly painted house. Vrey saw a fragrant wooden board hanging on the doorstep of the house, on it engraved ‘Ateliya Princess Ashca’ in the letters Granville and Lavanya.
Rion walked towards Ateliya's door, the soldiers of Lavanya— Kingdom who already knew him—let him pass. But not so with Vrey and Leighton. They had to wait outside the fence while Rion knocked on the door.
Vrey frowned. “Tighten once the safety,” ruknya.
“New, right?” leighton replied. “The daughter of Ashca is one of the members of the royal family. If he leaves Naian Mudjpir, there is at least one small army escorting him.”
Not for a minute, the door was opened by a young man of small stature, but sturdy and muscular
Rion smiled kindly. “For a long time, Desna.”
The young man called Desna had dark brown hair. She wore a patterned bandana behind her hair, in stark contrast to her pale complexion. Desna looked at Rion with her clear eyes.
Vrey is quite surprised when he realizes that Princess Ashca's personal bodyguard is a Draeg.
Desna closed the door behind her. “You brought something for Princess?” ask her in the fluent Granville language.
“This time is not, but I brought a guest for her,” said Rion.
“You know not so, there is a series of procedures that must be followed if someone wants to meet the Princess,” reply Desna is not happy.
“Trust, Desna,” says Rion kalem. “What I brought is a very special guest,” he added whispered.
Desna glanced behind Rion, towards Vrey and Leighton who were waiting. “Be told them to open the hood,” the order.
Rion turned towards Leighton. “Can you introduce yourself to Desna?”
Leighton removed the hood that covered her head. “I am Prince Leighton ftaddeus Granville. I came here to meet Princess Ashca Shela Lavanya.”
Desna looked up, looking at Leighton's face. “Clear blue eyes, light yellow hair. You have all the characteristics of the Royal family of Granville. But did you bring any evidence?”
Suddenly a loud voice of a woman came from inside the house. “Let them in, Desna.”
“Mr Princess, this guy could have just pretended to be Prince Leighton. You know he disappeared from Granville three years ago, right?” Desna did not take her eyes off Rion and her companions.
“Three years may be a long time, but I still remember the voice of Prince Leighton, let them in,” said the voice again.
Desna scowled unhappily before opening the door and letting Rion and Leighton in. But when Vrey was about to step in, he stretched out a hand and prevented it. “Turn off your headscarf before entering,” he said firmly.
Vrey took off his headgear quickly. “Satisfied?”
“Vier ⁇ Elv,” hissing Desna. “I can't allow you
meeting the Princess. You have to wait here!”
The woman's voice was heard again. “Nothing Desna. Prince Leighton's friend is always welcome here, let him in.”
Hearing that, Vrey smiled triumphantly before walking towards the doorway. He accidentally bumped into Desna who was in front of him before walking inside.
The house was not very spacious, there were many antique buffets and cabinets inside. Oil lamps hang on the low ceiling of the house and give a dim light. The window to the right of the house wall is tightly closed, there is only a small wind hole reinforced with iron bars on the top of the wall. Right in the middle of the room was a huge wooden table. Dozens of glass bottles and ceramic bowls were strewn across it.
A black haired girl stood in the corner of the room. He turned his back to them and was adding some grass of dried leaves to the top of a clay cauldron filled with boiling water. Smelled a fragrant aroma from the cauldron.
The girl turned around and greeted them all kindly. “Sorry, I did not have time to clean up to welcome your presence, Prince Leighton. I just boiled a herb that smells pungent, hopefully this fragrant aroma can cover it.”
Princess Ashca stood before them and smiled. Her face is beautiful when she smiles. Vrey gasped, last night Leighton and Rion did tell him about how beautiful Princess Ashca was, but he thought they were just exaggerating.
Princess Ashca was tall, as tall as Leighton. His yellow tanned skin looked so clean. His hair was jet black decorated with various kinds of precious stones. The princess wore a silk dress that tightly wrapped her body, except on the knees down that were left open. He walked over and looked at them with his green eyes lit up.
Leighton advanced before Princess Ashca and knelt with one leg saluting. “I'm glad you still know me, even though three years have passed.”
Princess Ashca said hello to Leighton. He clenched both of his palms in front of his neck while bending next to his feet to pay his respects. “A long time ago, I heard you disappeared for three years. What are you doing here, along with your two unique bodyguards?” princess Ashca asked as she glanced at Rion and Vrey.
The princess guided Leighton to an adjoining room limited only to beaded curtains. Rion, Vrey, and Desna followed.
In the round room some waiters had waited, they poured tea into a cup that was placed on a short-legged table. Around the table are round cushions.
Princess Ashca sat down on one of them. Leighton sat next to him, while Rion and Vrey sat across from them. Desna stood at the end of the room, watching them all with her sharp eyes.
Leighton tasted the tea served to her. “I'm really sorry for coming without notice. Had I had time to explain what happened during these three years, I would have explained it to you,”. “But at the moment we are all time-hunted and we desperately need your help.”
“How can I help?” ask Princess Ashca.
“We need to return to Granville today as well. Can you write a special permit for the three of us to be able to board the Lavanya Kingdom ship?” ask Leighton.
Princess Ashca smiled. “That's no problem,” he said. Then, he signaled to one of his servants to bring a tray of parchments, brushes, and ink. The waiter placed a tray on the table right in front of Princess Ashca.
With graceful and quick movements, Princess Ashca took a brush and scratched it over the parchment. He read it again before affixing his signature and stamped the kingdom on a drop of red candle. Princess Ashca handed the parchment to Leighton.
“Is this enough?” tanyakanya.
Leighton observed the letter before folding it carefully and keeping it in his pocket. “Thank you, Princess, I really owe you,” Leighton said
Princess Ashca shook her head. “You saved me during my visit to the Blue Lagoon Palace three years ago. This time it was my turn to help you.”
“We have to leave now, the trip to the airship field takes quite a long time. I hope you understand,” Leighton said.
“You will walk that far between festivals?” ask Princess Ashca. “Why not just get on the boat? My personal ship is in the canal, very close to this place. Desna can take you there.”
“Thank you,” says Leighton. “You've been very helpful.”
“Same, Prince Leighton. Invite me to Gran ⁇ Ville when you get home. I would love to hear about what happened during these three years.”
“For sure, I say goodbye first,” said Leighton
“Goodbye then, or maybe it's more appropriate if I say see you again.”
Vrey just sat down and listened to the two people talk. He barely recognized Leighton. The young man seemed to turn into someone else as he conversed with Princess Ashca. The differences in class and social status seemed so obvious at this moment, like an abyss that seemed to appear and tear this small room right in the middle.
Leighton finally finished his farewell, he lowered his head and kissed the back of Princess Ashca's hand. Vrey suddenly felt his breath tight when he watched it. He turned towards the door so as not to need to see it any longer.
They finally left Ateliya. Desna and Rion walk in front while Leighton and Vrey follow after reattaching their headscarves.
Vrey could no longer hold back his curiosity. “What did you save that girl from until she felt she owed you?”
Leighton laughing. “The Ashca Princess overestimated,” she said. He has returned to his usual style of speaking. “That time the Kingdom of Granville held a banquet to commemorate the good relations between the two kingdoms. Princess Ashca was present as one of Lavanya's royal representatives. At that time, he was fifteen. Without knowing the customs of Granville, Princess Ashca asked me to dance. In Lavanya, it is a tradition for a woman to first invite men to dance. In Granville, the opposite is true. In order not to embarrass him, I accepted his invitation. After dancing, he learned of the mistake he made. Princess Ashca apologized many times that night, but I just laughed and told her there was nothing to forgive,” Leighton ended his story.
Vrey raised his eyebrows, he really did not understand how someone could feel ‘saved’ just because of such a trivial thing. It seemed like Leighton's old life was a world he would never be able to understand.
He hastily switched the subject. “From that problem,” said Vrey. “I'm more curious why a Draeg can be a bodyguard for the Lavanya Royal Family?”
He glanced at Desna who was walking in front.
“You remember my story?” ask Leighton. “When this Kingdom was established, the Draeg Nation supported it while the Elvar Nation did not. At that time the Draeg Nation sent some of its soldiers to escort the Queen Ashcansa's family, fearing the Elvar Nation would send the Shazins to finish off the Royal family. It never happened of course, but Draeg soldiers who were assigned here eventually served generations as bodyguards of the Royal family, such as Desna.”
“Why did the Elvar Nation not approve of the establishment of the Kingdom of Lavanya and why did the Draeg Nation just the opposite?” ask Vrey again.
“At the time the Three Nations Agreement was signed, the Elvar Nation got this area of Telssier Forest and Yami river valley,” Leighton explained. “Then, the Sancaryan Nation came and settled in this region. Of course the Elvar Nation does not want its territory to be controlled by migrants, Leighton explained.
“So the Draeg Nation deliberately sided with the immigrants to upset the Elvar Nation, so?” ask Vrey
“Maybe,” says Leighton. “But the Draeg Nation and the Sancaryans have a lot in common. They love everything related to metal processing and create new inventions like machina.”
They continued down the street filled with shops and Ateliya until they arrived in a narrow alley. At the end of the alley is a canal. Several small vessels were moored in the canal. One of his ships was painted red and more manicured than the other ships.
Desna who was leading the group stopped right at the end of the alley. “That's your ship,” said. “Show a letter from the Princess to the driver. He will escort you to the airship.”
“We are very grateful,” Leighton said. “After arrival in Granville we will send a letter to Princess Ashca.”
Vrey was just about to walk towards the ship, when suddenly something big and curved in shape flashed before him. He barely blinked as he saw the shiny object thrust right into his stomach.
