Hamili, Kayunta- 2 days prior to leaving Icycilis (Morning)
"Whoa!" Xiuying said in awe as she stepped out of the boat that ferried them from the docks of Esgarde. A scenery of foreign ambiance was unveiled before her eyes: a huge sea wall stretched as long as her sight can cover, beside it were a variety of sea houses overlooking the ocean in front with a two lane road towards the main capital.
"Welcome to Banwa(City) Hamili, the capital of Kayunta"Adrianna introduced as Xiuying ran around the place, observing even the smallest detail of the quaint dock.
"Master! This is beautiful!" She gleefully exclaimed, the young girl was unfazed by common seasickness as if she travelled ocean countless times.
Adrianna chuckled at her jubilance, "There is more to see, come now" The lilac haired woman held out her hand for her apprentice to take as she led them to their main destination: Balay(House) Maanyag(Beautiful), home to the country regent, Lingayen(pronun: Linggahyen) Udtohan.
—
"Adrianna! Thank the Goddess you arrived safe" Lingayen stood from her loom station and hugged the healer as soon as she stepped on the house made of lacquered dark wood. She turned her attention to Xiuying, a small hint of disdain flashed before her features before it was changed to a smile.
"So this is the apprentice you've been talking about" the dark haired woman crouched to her height and smiled, almost awkwardly but unnoticeable, "Pleasure to meet you…may I hold your hands for a while, girl?" She inquired to which Xiuying complied. Lingayen held her hands and closed her eyes as if feeling the energy around, the moment she opened her orbs that of a chaotic thunderstorm, Xiuying anticipated what she's about to say.
"She'll grow to be a powerful healer..,what can be seen cannot always be what is within" Lingayen stood up and walked towards Adrianna, she gave the woman a pat on the shoulder, "Illumina and Amaya are waiting for you in the infirmary"
Xiuying understood how her master became acquainted with a formidable woman: both speak in cryptic statements to deliver their message and Xiuying doesn't have a problem with that. Afterall, she grew up with Adrianna…she does need more time to understand what Lingayen has said.
Adrianna nodded in understanding and called Xiuying to her side where they left Lingayen to work with her loom.
Kayunta is a strange place to Xiuying's eyes. Awfully a lot of the residential spaces are built with sturdy dark wood or stone. It can either be a sturdy house with its lower part made of stone while the upper consists of mahogany wood, residence made of wood entirely, or a concrete house with galvanized iron sheets as roofing. Either way, most of its motifs and structure closely resemble such designs from Coronas apart from having a single balcony full of flowers.
They are very quaint if she dare say but….magical as Xiuying gazed to and fro to see unnaturally colored birds comfortably flitting around the area, singing their songs around town while some animals can be seen interacting with the common folk.
They do not have luxurious leveled houses like Mylingrr. Her master did tell her about the villages situated outside the city where they have expansive yards full of flowers and vegetables that stretch to their gates with horses and carabaos as their form of transportation.
Speaking of transportation, they only have small carriages attached to horses, a man pushing his own carrier and a non-floating cab that runs on four wheels. Xiuying is at least fascinated to ride those later and tour around the city whose road expansive and built with bricks.
The establishments' lower buildings are made of bricks or cobblestone with their upper floors made of wood while a number of windows etched around the building with various wood patterns, although they are not as tall as those in her home city; she can count five levels to the top.
Kayuntanians do love to establish heir wood work, the young girl thought as they passed through, noticing some ocean blue flaglets bearing a fish insignia, either way, their structure and designs are all so different that she compared each one to those in the mainland as Adrianna holds her arm while they walk towards the infirmary. Xiuying would surmise the building's spot to be expansive just by looking at its walls that stretched far from the gate which is seemingly old as it is riddled with bush flowers and its cracks are identifiable even from long distances.
"We're here" Xiuying heard her master say as they passed a tall lightpost near the growing ylang-ylang (native in Kayunta) tree by the side of the crossroad. She turned to see a humongous iron gate that separates her to the infirmary the Regent is talking about.
The place which she knew as Dalang Tulong is more like a big mansion with many rooms inside while the external area was reserved for certain trees she is still unfamiliar about and vehicles waiting for their owners. On its centre was a fountain and around it was a pond halfway populated with fishes of various specifications: one population had magnificent looking tails to swim by while the other population were distinguished by their vertical flatness and variety of colors.
"Master? Why is Kayunta's architectural design similar to Coronas'?" They walked past the fountain and to a flight of stairs.
"Long ago, Kayunta had two rulers of different races: one from here while the other from Coronas…although they ruled with peace, people decided to use the court to oppose one another leading to a mild dispute between both countries. Although it was resolved by the the Goddess of the land, Hara Maamyon, some traces of Coronas' tradition and culture remains"
"Woah. No wonder, thank you for bringing me along Master—I love it here..it feels whimsical" Xiuying beamed as they climbed the stairs side by side.
"Wait till we get to Majaeka, Kayunta is closely interwoven with nature that's why it differs in your perspective—Ah there they are" Xiuying turned her head to where her master's gaze is and saw two averagely tall woman both of dark blue hair wearing a white sleeveless shirt under an apricot hand woven shawl paired an asymmetrical various shades of peach skirt of the same fabric as their shawls.
"Illumina! Amaya! Kamusta(How are you)?" Adrianna greeted enthusiastically and all of the sudden there's an accent in her voice as she uttered those words. Xiuying will have to treat her to good food if she needs to learn this vernacular.
The two women rushed over and met mid way with her master before they shared a hug, "This is my apprentice, Xiuying Seiju" Adrianna introduced.
"Why hello little princess?" Illumina smiled lovingly with a slightly condescending tone, Amaya jabbed her sister and offered a hand for Xiuying to shake, "Pleased to meet you Xiuying…I hope Kayunta will cater your comfort"
"It very much so" Xiuying replied back whilst shaking her hand. She can already differentiate one twin from another.
"Make haste now Adrianna, Amaya, let us visit the Goddess' Heart" Illumina turned around almost swiftly and walked away. Amaya held Xiuying's hand as the three of them followed side by side, "Don't mind my sister…she means well"
"I understand Lady Amaya….I get that often" Adrianna's face dropped the moment her daughter spoke those words, "Where are we going though?" The young girl added.
"The Goddess' Heart is full of wonders your mainland cannot produce. You'll see for yourself the gifts she will bestow"
—--
Ivanovich, Strandethorn- 3 days and a half after leaving Icycilis
Thick gigantic doors creaked open and Soren with Kale stepped inside as Queen Miroslava sat waiting on her side of the throne. The guards present in the room marched to leave under the queen's order.
"Queen Miroslava" The two men gave her a court bow. The Queen gave a slight nod of her head. Dressed in a gallant snow white ball gown with precious stones embroidered on it, she stood up as slowly and gracefully while the room chilled as if her very being is ice itself, oozing coldness from the depths of her bitter heart. Her eyes were covered by a short veil extending down her back from the heavy headdress on top of the Queen's head designed to signify her royalty and bond to her homeland.
"Prince Jiahao" Miroslava spoke in a deep northern accent, her voice like fresh snow blanketing the ground. She never takes change too well, that said, Soren's name for her is always the one used by Samaarians for their prince.
"I take it that you are enjoying your stay in Ivanovich?"
"Yes, this is a wonderful place Your Majesty"
"No need for formalities. You are a royalty after all, Prince Jiahao —do not forget that" Soren only gave her a slightly irritated smile only Kale can discern.
"Now, my Poroshas have validated the relic as authentic. You have my word to protect this from harm" the Queen gave a small nod, placing a hand to her chest, "If there are no further inquiry, you may go"
"The Aureole and Kayunta extends their gratitude." The two men bowed before her. Upon the sight displayed in front of her, the Tzarina's lips quivered as if she wanted to say something, "Wait. Prince Jiahao…The Princesses: Guiying(Linthea)and Amaryllis(Xiuying), are they well?"
"Queen Miroslava is ever thoughtful" Soren gave her a warm smile, "My sisters are doing fine" he replied before giving a slight nod of his head and walking out of the throne room.
—-
Walking by the busy hallway of scurrying maids and office staff never gave the two a peaceful feeling. Even so it was day, the corridors they turn to leave the castle exudes such coldness as if it has eyes everywhere. Kale shivered as they walked over the red carpet stretching to who knows where, observing the paintings lined in this gothic structured palace; Dimly lighted lamps were never going to be his thing anyways.
"So, is this your first time going to Strandethorn?" Soren's voice pulled him out of his reverie. Kale nods, "Yes, I spent most of my lifetime in Kayunta where…my mother and I lived since I was born"
"Oh? Then if you're from Kayunta then—" His silvery voice echoed in the now empty corridor devoid of people.
"I heard about it…my mother never took it well however I can't lay a verdict on it since I wasn't there" Kale answered nonchalantly.
"I see.. apologies for bring this up" The other man sighed and gripped the scabbard on the side of his hip.
Kale looked at him and smiled, "Haha, don't bother Prince Jiahao"
Soren closed his eyes with a thin smile forming around his lips, "Soren is fine" as his companion chuckled, slinging his arm around his shoulder as if they were the best of friends.
"Prince Jiahao!" The two were interrupted by a mellow voice and loud sounds of heels tapping on marble floors. Kale turned to the source as if the dark corridor became lighter from that sole presence running towards them.
"Princess Izavaellia!" Soren was then hugged by a shorter figure with fluffy deep indigo hair. The young princess buried her head on the Prince's chest like she would to her older brother, her arms tightening around him.
Following behind her is Strandethorn's reclusive prince who looked scarily similar to his sister, his alluring eyes like that of an astronomical dawn quietly observed the two and only delivered a nod which Kale found eerie for a prince like him; but then again, Strandethorn itself is a strange place.
Soren stroked Izavaellia's head lovingly and turned his attention to the older brother before them, "Prince Jadiel" he gave a court nod, extending a fist towards the other who only stared at it blankly and unfolded his hand, turning it to a shake, "Pleased to meet you again, Prince Jiahao" Jadiel spoke plainly with a lofty tone that caused Soren to raise an eyebrow.
"When did you arrive? Was your journey fair?" Izavaellia quickly broke her hug and asked, a soft smile still on her face as she now locked her arm around her brother's.
"Yesterday and yes, Princess. Thank you for your concern" Soren then turned to Kale who minded the wall like it was the most interesting thing in the palace, "Right, this is Kale from Kayunta..Kale, meet Prince Jadiel Alexei Nicolai and Princess Izavaellia Ksenia Natasha Ivanov" he added. Kale extended his gloved hand, "Forgive my impudence majesties, I cannot withstand the extreme temperature of Strandethorn thus Soren advised me to wear these gloves at all times" He said with laxity but the fear of offending the royals was evident in his voice.
"Princess Izavaellia is fine" The young girl took off her gloves and shook his covered hand gently. Her vibe changed from lightly talking to Soren to a stilted royal to which Kale never bothered about. 'Princesses tend to have their own favourites' he only surmised.
"Charmed" was simply the reply of Jadiel before he gave a look to his sister who shook her head with a slight smile mixed with nervousness.
Kale withdrew his hand.
"As much as we would like to catch up with you Prince Jiahao….my brother and I have something urgent to attend" Her tone shifted to a straightforward one. For a girl of twenty-one, she doesn't look like it that one would mistake the princess of actually being the oldest of the two.
"Don't worry about it Izavaellia…we have plenty more occasions to interact. I'm sure my sisters would be delighted to see you at Guilia's birthday" Upon hearing this statement, Izavaellia's lips curled into a smile, "Well then, please excuse us" with her hand around her brother's arm, she lead them away from Soren and Kale until their figure disappeared in the crosswalk.
"What do you think Kale?" Soren turned to his companion who was as confused as a newborn babe.
"Strandethornians are weird"
—--
Cordaelia, Coronas- 1 day prior to leaving Icycilis/ Near sundown
Children's laughter filled the wide garden as they frolicked to catch bugs while some were playing with each other on the lush ground.
"We rarely get visitors from the Aureole…you must excuse how the children fuss over you Cobalt Ranger" The woman who introduced herself as Leonore chuckled to herself as they strolled along the garden. Calyx shook his head, "It's fine, Madame Leonore…. It's no different to the kids back home." He turned to see a small group of youngsters who then looked behind them before they laughed to themselves. The children from the orphanage were curious little ones who followed him like ducklings, always observing his every move.
The moment they stepped back into the building, Leonore the caretaker greeted them differently than what she did before, explaining that she was in the middle of an internal chaotic conflict which the two understood completely. The woman was generous enough to invite them to lunch and eat together with the children in a wide expanse of a dining hall, suggesting that it would be better if they were to familiarize the area first before gathering clues but alas dusk is coming fast and Calyx and Hisako are still empty handed.
"Does Francesca often play with her playmates?"
"Yes, she is well loved here that I can't see a reason why someone would just kidnap her" Leonore spoke gently with worry evident in her sullen face. Eyebags under her eyes and the tired expression indicated that the Madame worked tirelessly to find Francesca but her efforts were to no avail.
"We do hope you can get to the bottom of this….that girl is bound to get a good life in Lisario. Señor Ibarra visited a long while and only took some information…please Cobalt Ranger" The woman turned to him with her hands clasped together and her voice gently lowers to a plea, "Give justice to these young souls"
Calyx placed a hand on top of hers with a small smile. He cannot provide consolation yet nor assurance but at least he can give her hope that she is not alone in the darkness.
"By the way, I haven't seen Miss Seiju, is she well?" Leonore's brow raised with worry as she stepped closer to the male, her hands clasped in some sort of hope prayer. A woman in near forties like her still retained her beauty and curves much to the displeasure of others which she takes great pride in flaunting, aside from taking care of children, that is.
"She's with Sir Ibarra right now I'm afraid" Calyx casually waved off, stepping away from the Madame who rolled her eyes until they landed on a peach haired girl behind them. The woman flinched and hid behind her companion, peering to see that Hisako was still observing her. Those soulless eyes boring down her soul and that cheap little red riding hood attire might just give Madame Leonore an eerie nightmare.
"Calyx." Hisako started, motioning to the group of kids following behind her, the young girl's eyes lacked the shine to predict her emotions.
"Ah yes…we'll conclude our investigation for today Madame Leonore" The dark haired man turned to the older woman behind him while Hisako already marched with her little troops back inside the orphanage.
"Did you find something valuable?" Leonore asked to which the young ranger shook his head, "Not yet..but rest assured, we'll find Francesca as soon as possible"
"Thank you Sir Ranger…goodluck"
—-
"She's definitely hiding something" Calyx paced back and forth in their lodging while Hisako sat on the wooden chair to ponder on their recent interaction.
"Yes…the children are acting uncannily—they're always following me" She drawled, "Like they're…ghosts" Hisako paused before handing him a white folder, "However, I checked her office and got this"
Calyx flipped open the envelope and took out the contents within. He turned to Hisako who gave him a blank stare, "I made sure to make a copy, senior"
"That's strange….Leonore never said there are more missing people" He turned one page over and another. Different portraits with the big red word 'Missing' on them and upon further reading, he found that most of the missing individuals are from different countries around Missenia while others came from a distant continent called: The Sanctuary.
"Haah" Calyx ran a hand through his hair while Hisako looked at him nonchalantly, "Senior Linthea would lose your bet"
"Yea, this needs a bigger brain than expected"
The door suddenly burst open with Linthea gasping for breath behind it. Calyx ran to offer her a cup of water which she drank in one gulp, "What happened to you?" The man asked her genuinely to which she gave him an annoyed smile, "What do you think I've been doing?" Her response slightly irked him but Calyx is a better person than most people the princess encountered, thus, he sighed and placed the pitcher next to Linthea's cup.
"Whatever you're doing, do it fast" He ordered rashly, "We need Ibarra for this. I suspect Madame Leonore is hiding something from us" he handed her the papers he's been skimming which she received with furrowed brows.
….
…..
"Wow," Hisako opened her eyes after hearing her senior's surprised tone. She peered just right to see the small smirk creeping to Calyx's face after her reaction.
"Congratulations, you win this bet"