บท 4: Ley Lines (Part One)
Two years have passed.
I have been living peacefully with my family. My brothers would often play with me when they have a chance to. Aerik has been going to school since I was born, while Kaon started school last year. Normally, children started school when they are about 6 but both my brothers went earlier. In particular, my eldest brother at the age of 4. Sometimes, during dinner, they would be talking about what they learned and what they did during the day. What piqued my interest the most is when they talked about ley lines and elemental affinities.
I do not know much about them nor do I understand what they mean about ley lines and elements. It sounded like something from a video game or in fantasy books. The information I did glean from my brothers are that ley lines are a source of power and that noble families generally have an affinity for one of the prime elements. I learned that there were 5 main categories: water, earth, fire, air, and spirit. In our family, we strongly resonate with fire. My brothers also throw out the term "cultivation" a lot too, which confuses me even more.
It was almost the end of the autumn season that I will learn more about this topic and witness it myself during my second brother's sixth birthday.
"It's time to go prepare for the festivities, little one," my mother says as she picks me up from the ground. I was in the garden again, attempting to strengthen my mobility. I'm proud to say I can at least crawl around more and speak a few words. "Bruh-wer?"
"That's right. Your brother, Kaon, is turning six today. A very special age that you will celebrate on your own birthday as well." She kisses me on the forehead before walking down the hallway.
After washing up and being dressed in a dark purple dress with red lace, my mother takes me to the main hallway where the rest of the family was.
The main hall was beautifully decorated with silver streamers and gold ribbons. The colors represent a milestone in life. Silver is the beginning and gold is the ending. When my mother and I have arrived, I see Kaon dressed in a specially made outfit that is decorated with gold and silver trimmings. His normally messy hair is combed neatly, and to the side of his hip, was a sword in its scabbard. He reminds me of a knight.
"Hi Freya," Kaon greets me as soon as he sees me. Then he turns to mother and greets her with a kiss on the cheek. "Hello mother. You look lovely." My second brother is going to be quite the charmer.
Standing behind my brother is Aerik and Father. They look dashing themselves in their suits with the family's colors, which is purple and red. Aerik smiles warmly when he notices me looking at him. Father takes me from Mother's arms and place me on his lap.
The party is going to be a private one with family and close friends. During this celebration, I would officially meet my mother's side of the family, the former Duke and Duchess of Nova Lunes. Also known as my grandparents.
Lord Vernon Ray was also invited, but he would not be able to make it due to a situation in his province. Honestly I am glad he would not be coming. Two years of knowing him, I can see why people call him cold. He deals with his servants as if they are beneath him. He is polite with my family, but I can sense that he disdains my father for some reason. I have yet to meet his family since he always has a reason for them not coming. Then again he only came to visit about 3 times after my welcome party.
The Master of Ceremonies announce the arrival of my grandparents, breaking me out of my reverie. Two elders walk hand to hand leisurely down the hallway. The man looked dashing in his suit and tophat. He is holding a diamond-topped cane in his other hand. He is slightly taller than the woman next to him. The woman has long white hair and is dressed elegantly in a deep purple colored dress. She has golden red stitching that takes the shape of the family's seal.
"Hello mother. Hello father," my mother stands and greets them.
"Astrid. It is lovely to see you again," the woman says as she comes up to kiss my mother on the cheek in greeting.
The man also greets my mother with a kiss before muttering something in her ear, causing mother to laugh.
"Duchess Adriana," my father greets the woman formally with me in his arms. "Duke Galen." He turns toward the man. They both nod in reply before glancing down at me curiously.
"You must be Freya," the woman says warmly before stroking my hair. "I am your grandmother. It is lovely to meet you dear." My grandfather motions my father to let him hold me. My father looks at me before handing me to my grandfather. I observe him quietly without fussing. My grandfather seems to see something in me before smiling brightly.
"You are indeed of the Winchester house," he announces proudly. My grandparents dote on me a couple of minutes before turning their attention to my brothers.
"My my. How the both of you have grown," grandmother says.
Both my brothers greet our grandparents before the M.C. announces dinner. My grandfather continues to hold me so I ended up eating on grandfather's lap. My father did try to get me but grandfather refused. I can tell that my grandparents are the affectionate type. I shift a bit uncomfortably at the thought as I eat my food.
My family continues to converse while I start to nod on and off. Then I hear that word "ley lines" again and I perk up in response.
"Since Kaon is now 6 years old, he can now make his first connections," my father says.
"Indeed. I am sure he will also awaken his first element as well. Just like his brother," grandfather adds. I look at my two brothers, who were sitting across from me. Kaon looks excited while Aerik blushes a bit at the praise. Aerik is level-headed but he's not very good with compliments.
The family continues to converse before ending the party. The guests left after thanking the hosts and congratulating my second brother. Our grandparents soon left to the guest room to rest after a long trip. They mention that they will join the next cycle, whatever that means.
Kaon is practically bouncing around in excitement as the last of the guests leave the main hallway. Mother gently pats my brother's shoulders. "I know you are excited but you have to wait until the right moment." Kaon nods, but he is still bouncing around in excitement.
Aerik is also looking excited. He tells father "I can't wait to improve my connections. I can feel I'm close to the next rank."
I am so curious! It is also frustrating that they seem to be speaking in code. This is more complicated than hacking into a government-owned system.
My mother is currently holding onto me. She looks down before calling Il'wara over. "Could you take Freya back to the room?" No no, mother. Let me stay.
I let out a cry. It surprises the rest of the family since I am normally a calm baby. Mother hesitates as Il'wara waits for the next command. I fuss around, waving my arms toward my father and brothers. My brothers look troubled while my father has a thoughtful look.
"It should be fine since it is the full moon tonight. Besides Freya is not old enough to make connections yet," my father finally says. I can tell he is giving in and slowly calmed down. Mother notices before nodding. "Alright." She gives me another look before waving Il'wara away. I can finally find out what is going on. I just did not know I would be greatly affected.
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