The Dark Before The Light

"How dare a bunch of hooligans enter here?" A man with squinted eyes exclaimed, his voice sharp.

"Daddy!" Fafea waved her hand, and the man's mouth dropped open in surprise.

"You look extremely comfortable, Imiys," Edwin stated, stepping fully into the room, his gaze fixed on the man on the throne.

"Kanar! Is that really you? Are the gods playing with me?" An elderly woman rushed towards Edwin from her seat, her gold jewellery glinting. The woman donned a pristine white inner dress, featuring a high neckline and long, modest sleeves. Over this, she wore a dark green robe, its fabric flowing elegantly with wide, billowy sleeves. The ensemble was adorned with a rich mix of gold and intricately beaded jewellery, glinting softly against the deep green. She reached his side, cupping his cheeks, her eyes scanning his face in disbelief.

"Yes, Mother, I am well," Edwin replied, his voice softening noticeably.

"We thought you died in battle, Edwin," Imiys said, his voice flat, as he looked over the group from his seated position. He had long braided blonde hair with striking pink highlights and piercing black eyes. He donned a cream-coloured, sleeveless, open-fronted robe, its outer layer crafted from a slightly heavier yet still flowing, richly textured silk. Along its edges and hem, delicate gold thread embroidery depicted stylized river currents, glinting subtly in the light. Beneath, loose-fitting trousers of a soft, breathable fabric, perfectly matching his tunic, gathered subtly at the ankle. His feet were clad in elegant leather sandals, secured by intricate, narrow straps adorned with small, polished metallic accents

"Oh, I'm sure you would have loved that," Edwin retorted, a cold edge to his tone.

"Is it really Mala lo?"

"What's the use of him now? Imiys has been an excellent replacement."

"Indeed, Edwin is still lacking in various ways."

"But he is the heir regardless."

"You should have more respect! My Edwin is the legitimate heir no matter what. He is more than competent." A young woman's voice cuts through the murmurs, strong and clear. She stepped out of the crowd in a peach-coloured dress; the outfit was a light, flowing white dress, and a sheer, dusty rose-coloured robe was worn. The long, bell-shaped sleeves with their soft drapes evoke a sense of grace and movement. The detailed beaded waistband cinching the outer robe aligns with the peach-coloured beaded bracelets, necklaces, and earrings she adorned. Her long orange hair was styled up with several braids but little strands left to frame her face.

"I don't need your presence or your words. I have come to claim what's mine, regardless of what you all think about me. My people are clearly more happy in my arrival than my court," Edwin said, his voice laced with cold authority.

"Please, I just got back my son, and I don't need a political battle upon his arrival!" The elderly woman interjected, her voice laced with desperation. The entire room fell silent. Her gaze softened as tears welled and tracked down her cheeks. "I thought I lost my two boys."

"I'm here, Mother," Edwin said, leaning into her touch and sighing heavily.

"That is true; we shouldn't ignore our traditions. My daughter brought back the King, our lands will prosper once more." Fafea's father announced, gesturing proudly to Fafea, who bowed and then stood tall. Imiys visibly frowned, then slowly rose from the throne.

"Well done, young warrior," a woman greeted, and Fafea beamed in return.

"And who have you brought with you?" the elderly woman asked Edwin, wiping her cheeks with her sleeve.

"They are my family, at least part of them. They have been with me and helped me," Edwin replied, gesturing to Acacia and Bella. Bella offered an awkward wave.

"Interesting..." The elderly woman assessed them from head to toe. "They seem quite... rough, but they have helped you, so they are welcome."

"Thank you, ma'am," Bella said politely.

"Pardon me!" Fafea suddenly exclaimed, rushing towards Acacia and gently pushing her a bit closer to the centre of the room. "She is a vessel!" Murmurs instantly erupted throughout the room.

"Excuse me...?" The orange-haired woman's expression darkened, her voice sharp.

"Based on what evidence?" an old woman asked, using a stick to assist her movements as she approached.

"Priestess! She knew Ramiel before I said his name, and she also developed both beast-man and magical abilities!" Fafea explained excitedly.

"I don't know when you started to stir up stories about vessels or whatever but it's true," Edwin confirmed, his voice firm.

The priestess walked towards Acacia, her blue eyes stared into Acacia's eyes for a moment. Her hand reached out and grasped Acacia's. For a few silent moments, nothing happened, and Acacia simply stared at the aged woman.

"What are you doing?" Acacia finally asked.

"... She is a vessel," the woman declared, letting go of Acacia's hand.

The murmurs in the room grew louder, and the orange-haired woman spoke up, a new intensity in her blue eyes. "Looks like we are the same after all. I'm a vessel as well. My name is Lani-ka." She extended her hand, and Acacia, raising a brow, shook it.

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"Acacia."

Lani-ka smiled, then pulled away from the handshake. "Edwin has certainly brought some interesting guests."

"I have, haven't I, Lucia?" Edwin said, walking towards Bella and pulling her to his side. Bella glared up at him before letting out a small cough.

"Yes, Kanar."

"Oh? So many surprises today!" Edwin's mother gasped, her eyes wide. "I didn't know you had such tastes..."

"Mother, you shouldn't say something like that.

"But... I am your betrothed! She... is just, she has nothing to give you!" Lani-ka yelled out, her voice sharp with indignation.

"Firstly, you gave yourself that title," Edwin stated, grabbing Bella's hand and dragging her with him towards the throne. "Lastly, her presence is enough for me." With a swift motion, Edwin shoved Imiys aside and sat down on the throne.

"A vessel is a blessing from the gods! We are finally going to be saved!"

"Mala lo has brought salvation."

"Your daughter has done well."

'I only have interest in the pit, though,' Acacia thought, observing their animated excitement with a detached gaze.

"A vessel," Imiys repeated, his gaze fixed on Acacia. He offered her a faint smile before looking away.

"Meeting is dismissed. We are tired and would like to rest," Edwin announced, his voice carrying an air of finality.

"I would like to investigate this vessel," the old woman, the priestess, interjected, her voice firm.

"I am not interested in being investigated. I came for one thing and I'm heading back," Acacia stated, her voice devoid of negotiation, earning a few sharp looks from the retreating crowd.

"You don't seem to understand the responsibility we have," Lani-ka said, her voice low and laced with frustration.

"You're right... I don't," Acacia replied with a dismissive shrug.

"Meeting dismissed. Your curiosity will be fulfilled tomorrow," Edwin ordered in a firm tone. Everyone began to disperse from the room, many casting curious glances at Acacia as they left. Lani-ka walked away, her frustration palpable, with the priestess trailing behind her.

"Follow the maids, dear. They will take care of you," Edwin's mother said, pointing to a group of maids who bowed in unison. "And you," she turned to Edwin, her expression shifting, "when were you interested in dating? I only minded Lani-ka because you refused to be with a woman, and now, this? Did you get reformed?"

"Mother, that is enough. I just want to rest," Edwin stated, his patience wearing thin. Just then, the maids gently took Bella and Acacia, leading them through a door that opened into a large, opulent hall. They walked to the end of the hall and stepped out, a garden coming into view with separate buildings. They stepped into one of the opulent buildings and stepped inside as they walked along a plush carpeted floor until they stopped in front of two separate rooms, where they were parted. Acacia found herself ushered into a bathroom, where the maids immediately began to pull off her clothes.

"I can bathe myself," Acacia stated, but the maids didn't react. They gently but firmly guided her into a large tub that resembled a small pool, while one poured fragrant bath oils, filling the room with the scent of roses. Another began to brush through Acacia's hair thoroughly, while a third meticulously scrubbed her skin. They poured water over her, rinsing away suds and soap. Suddenly, Behemoth hissed, causing the maids to jump back, startled.

"He won't hurt you, just don't touch him," Acacia clarified, wiping water from her face. The maids hesitated for a moment before resuming their task, carefully avoiding her neck as they scrubbed her arms and back. Once rinsed clean, they helped her step out of the tub.

They led Acacia to the main room and sat her down on a chair, a girl's hand became heated as she used her hands to dry up Acacia's hair while brushing it. The maids presented a series of dresses with various designs, their gazes fixed on her back as they searched through the garments. They finally selected one and assisted Acacia with it. The gown was rendered in hues of soft, pastel yellow, crafted from an ethereal, almost gossamer silk that seemed to flow like liquid moonlight with every movement. The bodice was artfully fitted, gracefully revealing the shoulders and décolletage, with a subtle, delicate cut-out at the back.

Its most striking features were the dramatic, detached sleeves, which billowed and cascaded like captured mist or wide, ethereal wings, extending far beyond the wearer's hands and trailing elegantly. The skirt descended from the fitted waist in a full, cascading flow, pooling at the feet like soft waves. The ensemble was adorned with a bold, cascading necklace of polished river gems and blue moonstone, interwoven with intricate gold filigree, drawing attention to her bare shoulders. The bodice itself was further connected by a delicate chain of gold beads at the waist, mirroring the grandeur of the neckpiece.

Acacia was then led back to the vanity, where the maids began to style her hair, adding scented oils that left it subtly puffed and shimmering. They braided the sides of her hair, styling it into a half-updo secured by a flower clip at the back. A few soft strands were left to frame her face. They handed her some gold anklets and a pair of simple leather sandals, which she slipped on instantly. The maids then stepped aside, admiring their work. Acacia looked at her reflection in the mirror, slowly rising, the dress flowing around her as if still in motion. The maids bowed, quickly tidied the room, and then left her alone.

"Why are the sleeves so dramatic here?" Acacia thought out loud, looking down at the elegant dress. Despite her musings, she couldn't resist spinning around, watching the fabric spread wide in a soft, yellow halo. She stopped, and the outfit settled back into place delicately around her.

Acacia slowly gathered the fabric of her dress at the waist as she walked out of the room. Her eyes scanned the hall and landed on a woman gazing out a tall window. The woman slowly stepped back, her dress fluttering around her as she turned, and her breath hitched.

"Acacia?"

"Bella?"

The two women stared at each other in shock, a moment of bewildered silence giving way to shared laughter as they walked towards each other. Acacia's gaze swept over Bella, taking in her appearance from head to toe. Bella looked striking in her dress, which had a base layer of deep violet, almost indigo, silk forming the fitted bodice and the flowing inner skirt. The bodice could feature subtle, darker embroidery or embellishments in a slightly raised texture, hinting at intricate patterns without being overly ornate

Over this deep violet base, layers of amethyst-hued chiffon mimicking the wispy, almost cloud-like quality of the original. These layers added depth and movement, catching the light in subtle shifts of purple. Her cinched waist was accentuated by a sash in burnished plum. Delicate silver chains draped from this waist detail add a touch of subtle sparkle. A very pale lilac flowy sleeve maintains the sheer and graceful effect without harsh contrast.

For jewellery, Bella had a unique piece of face and ear jewellery, resembling an elaborate, cascading chain mask or veil with silver-toned delicate chains. A piece of her hair was braided with a grey-purple ribbon that fell dramatically on her shoulder.

"You look amazing," Acacia stated, her eyes lingering on Bella's purple gown.

"I feel amazing," Bella replied, twirling slightly. "But just look at you. Kel would be absolutely jealous he couldn't come." They both chuckled, the shared amusement lightening the grand hall.

"This place is very big, though," Acacia commented, looking around the vast expanse.

"Let's explore!" Bella declared, picking up her own dress by the waist and moving towards the exit. Acacia followed her instantly. They stepped out into a sprawling garden, bursting with a vibrant variety of flowers. "I wonder if Edwin can handle all this. He's not exactly good with stress."

"That's what we're here for," Acacia replied, her voice firm. "To help him, and to knock a few senses into his head if he acts off."