Chapter 4: From the land of Ice
Imported from SF2 with no description.
“Oh my, where is my manner ? I'm Lunbiv Lurnba, welcome my dear guest to our house for we are able to accomplish every wish for a fair price. So may I have honor of knowing your name ?"
Lunbiv expected something than a Gvtre and he got something more than that, except for Gvtre, Jbys, Orne and Harr, all of them are considered as threat and now Orne decided to be the first to approach him. A magnificent sight to behold is best way to describe the Orne standing before him, a beautiful polar bear to be correct.
“An Orne at my doorstep, now that is unacceptable, please come in. It makes me delight to see an old ally."
Jbys, Gvtre and Harr, three races against the freedom of human but Orne is different, at least when Lunbiv supervised them in his realm, Orne is usually very secretive about their life. They don't reveal everything or participate in any argument, they received knowledge and they just develop. Maybe there is other motive but right now, in Lunbiv's mind, he has a plan for Orne, he wanted nothing more than a play, a show, an entertainment for him, for Sotho and for his sleeping family.
“The letter… from the king… to you… Young Master…"
“There is no need to be shy, anyone here is a guest."
“I am not… good… with… these type… of… conversa..tion…"
“Don't worry, you don't need to say much. But at least to return my courtesy, can you stay for a while ?"
Sotho brings new tea for the polar bear while Lunbiv is using to open the letter and he needs to make sure he doesn't have to break the seal. The seal is carefully designed and it would be such a shame to break it, even Orne are mostly bears but the writing is pleasing to see but the content of the letter is heart-breaking. And Lunbiv can only return with a heart-breaking letter.
<Dear the blue star.
I have been waiting for you for two hundred years since that day. I long for your gaze and your attention, I can't give you my proposal but I hope even when this is just a wish, I wish I could hold your hands when our ceremony finish.
I know the tradition of your family, but I am willing, willing to wait for you even for a thousand years.
Now the blue star descended, now the contractor, the beloved child of the world returned.
Will you go with me, until the end of the world, till the end of this era and countless eras after. I will wait for you for eternity, to be by your side, held your hands for the rest of my life.>
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<The starlight is dimmed,
The banquet is long gone,
The flame is snuffed out,
Oh my mornach !
Why are you still waiting for the light ?
To hear the wedding march,
To become a part of my life,
My passion for you was long gone,
Prove to me,
Reignite the flame in my heart,
Then I shall answer your proposal.>
“Send this to your king, and tell him to prove himself to me in three days time under the blessed light of the blue moon, right in this yard of my house."
He is not falling for some sweet words, to say love and to demonstrate physical appearance is never enough. Sotho is the prove, Sotho is rough dwarf but through time and trials prove his devotion and under that rough exterior is a loving person who will do anything for Lunbiv. Saying you waited for two hundred years to Lunbiv is not enough for him, because the lineage of Lunrba family is far longer than that, stars born then snuffed out, they witnessed all of that, Lunbiv is youngest but he knows saying you love someone without trial and proof is nothing more than doing so for profit and benefit. True love born from hardship and trial, it born from the deepest bond and only time and trials can reveal that.
“You used to test me a lot."
“And you passed them with flying color. My list of suitor is long enough that it makes me feel sick, some just want the eternal life, some of them just want the treasure in the basement."
Those wanted eternal life were driven to madness within a first few cycles, they came back and already on their knees, begging for a way to end their existance. Those wanted riches were broke after exactly one weeks, they wanted fortune and Lunbiv just gave them what they want, to show them true happiness. Some of even what to borrow Begubf's power to finished off their political opponent but the one that got Lunbiv annoyed is a particular priest who wanted to use Qxerlnorn to bring glory and basically brainwashed every being. Of course, those people are the worst to Lunbiv and they all received their punishment.
“Worthless servants, all of them."
“You are still very much merciful."
“Well, father just wanted to give them hell and grandfather just wanted to decimate all of them. But I think, why not having fun for a while."
Not really interested in tormenting people but Lunbiv believe people need lessons and he doesn't have a good academic skills so his lessons are harsh. But Sotho declined all of that, he overcame every challenge, and that touched Lunbiv's heart and he is the only one to reach the finish line, the final challenge, the two hundred years of waiting, the test of time. And like most of suitors, Sotho didn't know the truth about Lunrba family's tradition and their way of expressing love.
“A sweet aroma… like you, he will have the same course and at the end is the trial of time. It is the ultimate test, the true challenge, to see if his love can stand to the test of time."
“You love the world but something else is much more important right ?"
“Finding new love is nothing more than a sweet dream, I want to care for those I love. I am not good at socializing, every action is simply the lesson that grandfather and father taught me."
“It's alright dear, I love you the way you are right now."
“My… king…"
“My messenger, how is his respond ?"
“This… is his… letter… and his answer."
The trials and challenges, the king of Orne considers this a challenge and nothing more than that, the thrill to seek something to entertain him. Orne Empire, declared their name then turned into nothing but a mystery but Eposos knows the truth, he knows that the child he called the blue star is always watching. To conquer the gaze of the star, another challenge for him like countless conquest in the past, Eposos is a king but he is a conqueror, an adventurer, he longed for challenges and this will be the next one to him.
Orne Empire, a mysterious kingdom surrounded by ice and mountain, they remain neutral in most relationship but with some cultural integration, some families still have servant and personal slaves. Still, on ice and stone, flower blooms and the same goes to the people of this Empire, their technology development is surpassed Gvtre and Harr so much that they don't need to depend on other countries for sources of food and fresh water.
The Orne Emperor – Eposos, inherited the throne from his father from two hundred years ago, at the end of last era. And that is moment Orne received changes, an overall change that nearly threaten every nobles, but through a lot of negotiation Eposos still had his changes and nobles still had some privileges. To Eposos, he considers everything as a challenge, even every changes in the Empire is considered as every strikes. To conquer the tradition of the past and to change the Empire, that is a war to him, and in his mind, everything can be conquered and now his target is the gaze of the star.
“You are always quiet but your face speaks for itself."
“You are… being… rough… again… my king."
“But you love that, aren't you ?"
“…Yes, my king…"
“That is so distance. I love you more than anyone like how I love the blue star."
“Yes… brother…"
The twin of Orne but their personalities are completely different, the brother - Eposos is much more aggressive and passionate while his twin – Ethos is the other side of the coin, quiet and timid. Ethos knew he can't be a king but his twin can, passionate and innovative, Eposos is perfect to be a king but the old king wanted to use Ethos as a way to sustain his eternal reign. But what he didn't know is the truth behind the timid and quiet manner, Ethos was already choose to become his brother's puppet. A puppet for the plan to dethrone their own father and driving him mad, and that mark the first conquest. They say that love conquer everything but every battles brought casualties, the old king's magic which were borrowed from Lunrba family caused an imprint on Ethos.
“Sleep well brother. One day, I will bring back your emotion and undo that dammed curse on you."
To Ethos, only pain can bring him pleasure but that only bring Eposos, to pleasure his brother, Eposos have to whip him and a lot of other rough tortures. It pained Eposos deeply everytime his brother entered the trance and started to beg Eposos to torture him and humiliate him. Even being portrayed as the aggressive king, Eposos care deeply for his brother, for his brother, he put of the mask of a sadist, for his brother, he raised his blade against his tyrant of a father but now, Eposos can't do anything but watch. Watch in his own uselessness as his brother slowly sink into depravity, slowly burned his mind and consciousness away.
“Even at the end of this conquest, even when I fail, I have to save you like how you saved me."
Eposos knows everything necessary about Lunbiv, the love letter is nothing more than a gesture, what he admired was the star and its symbol, not the truth about it. The star and the letter are nothing more than a tale to created a lie in hope to let Ethos's consciousness cling back a little bit longer inside his brother's body. The young master of Lunrba family is interested in their guests when they come to him with manner, wash off the musk even when you have to hide it with the finest perfume, do not let any wrinkle exist on your clothing, do not let any hairs stray that ruin your overall aesthetic.
“You are here… dear customer, don't think your little trick can fool me."
Lunbiv's clothing is far more luxurious compare to his guest/customer, finest silk from the old era, every button is created by Sotho using his own technique to have Lunrba house's sigil on every button. A modified version of something traditional and there will be no second set on the common market. But what beyond Eposos's understanding is the fact that Ethos is nothing more than a flick of light trying to linger to his body. And in just a few day, the Ethos that Eposos knows will be nothing more than a slave to pain and the brother's personality will be destroyed.
“Say whatever you want, but this is a perfect opportunity for a contract. You were trying to conquer me in the name of love."
“I will do anything for him."
“Yes, they say that love conquer everything. But they forgot the other phrase, every conquest come with destruction. So will you sign the contract or will you make me submit. But decide it quick, Tick-tock... tick-tock..., every second can be the end for your little brother."
A perfect contract, this is even better than the last contract that Lunbiv tried to get that headmaster to sign, Lunbiv knows he can make the bear submit, it is not that hard for him. There are more than enough way for Lunbiv to make the bear prince submit but the illusion of choice is a better way to playing around with people's hearts. He was never a good person, he considered himself as a harsh trial, a test, to see the shining reflection in people's heart and now this will be the same. The valiant hero or the hero who will sacrifice everything for those they love.
“Can I ask for the content of the contract ?"
“Now you are afraid ? But don't worry, I am fair, I have everything I wanted so there is no reason for scamming you. But you know what the contract will be right ?"
“… Is it me ?"
“Not really, equivalent exchange, your mind and consciousness for his mind and consciousness. That will be unfair so, how about anyone you decided except the Lunrba family's members."
Be a hero, be someone who stand against the contractor of chaos, to stand against the star. What Lunbiv missed is the thrill, to see a hero against him, to see a valiant heart shine through the darkness he created. To test people against their own heart and their conviction, adore the heroic ideal like he adored Qxerlnorn's glorious light.
“Struggle is meaningless, with your treasures, you can easily turned me into my brother and decline my request. So because of your reputation… to save him…"
“Don't worry, but think like this, if you fall here, Orne will fall. So this is more than you or him, this is him or your country, so what will be your choice."
“I can't have both… having one is losing the other… then… I guess I will have to take everything I want right ?"
“But first, let's set up a proper stage. Follow me."
Lunbiv and Sotho heading toward the gate and Eposos can only go after them until they arrive at a lake, the water is pristine and reflected the blue light of the moon. And this is the moment Eposos can feel the pressure, even more than the battle against Jbys and Harr, the battlesuits of Orne Empire have the function to combat on water surface but Lunbiv doesn't need any support or any of them are visable.
Eposos draws his blade and that is also the gesture to activate his armor's combat system, as he looking at Lunbiv, he found nothing, no enhancement, nothing out of ordinary. Lunbiv just simply step on the surface of the lake, every step caused a small wave, with a slight breeze and the light from the moon and the stars, Lunbiv almost look like a mystical creature.
“My father, for now, this is the trial, under the moon, I swore the sacred oath with Eposos - the king of the frozen land. For his victory shall be his salvation."
“Now, I have sworn my oath, let's begin."
The moonlight touched the lake and changed the world, under the moon and the star is a large and almost otherworldly tree. The lake reflected the star ocean above then but under the lake, there are something more than reflection of the star, floating glass shards bouncing around in the clear water, glass shards that reflected memories of the past. There was a lot of events from the old era, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, the Dusk, the Coming of the End and even as far as the Human's Renaissance. But not just the Lunbiv's memories in the sea, there were also the Orne's rebellion…
“Now, I want you to show me the power of your love. Show me your passion and defeat me."
There were nothing in the domain but the sound of clashing blades, Eposos can calculate every moves that Lunbiv made but Lunbiv is not just someone. Not just his clients, Lunbiv can sign his own contract, of course no one know the source but Lunbiv can sign his own contract and the price is the not the only thing that no one know. The battle become nothing more than the prediction between two persons, blades clashing and even the fragments down the lake clashing. Even with shorter life span, Eposos's memories shines with brilliant light.
“Ethos…"
“Well, let's give all we got. Show him your brilliant light, your passion, wake him up."
“Alright, here I come, to give all I got."
Glass shards pierced the water surface, but Eposos's blade cut right through them, the blue light of science and advancement cut through the memories of the past sorrow. Eposos stopped running, for the first time during his conquest and countless battles, he chose to march forward, every step he break the domain with the strength of science and his own emotion. The color of the blade is no longer blue but a combination of red, blue and white, the light filled the world and the sky slowly breaking the domain. But as the event occur, Lunbiv can't do anything but smile, he found something else, maybe that is hope, that is the light or anything that is beautiful. Because this is the first time he experience something so foreign yet so beautiful, their love is beautiful like his love.
“You did a great job. I lost."
“Thank you. And this…"
“Something to give you as you passed the test, a relic from the old era, a small piece of my treasure."
“This is… so you are not just a simple contractor aren't you ?"
“Well, enough sniffing, your brother is waiting for you. And please, don't tell anyone about this, it can be bad for business."
“You really held back, that wasn't a small part of your power."
“Yes… but just sit back with your brother and enjoy the show. But remember today is your reward but if Orne decides to be an obstacle, you know what will happen to your country. Not just your brother."
The moon shines and the chosen scent of young master Lunbiv for the night is agarwood, the rare scent that extincted since the time when technology still a force to be reckon with. The sweet scent of burning agarwood until the Dwarf king Sotho entered the room, not really a king but Lunbiv likes to consider he is still a king.
“You are a good child Lunbiv."
“I will reward those deserve and punish those dare to disturb me. The Orne did help me in the past and isn't nice to see happiness sometime ?"
Lunbiv goes through a lot of old contracts, a lot of them reflect nothing more than greed, but these contract reflected something else, the pure desire is also a way for Lunbiv to see some of the contract beautiful like that battle. But a job is a job, the relic he lent is nothing more than another test and now, to palace of the emperor, Lunbiv wanted his signature relic back, the one piece in his collection that have the power to make any creature bend their knees. He lent those powerful relic in the past and now, with the rise of the family, taking them back is something that has to be done.
“My lovely compass, here I come, I wonder how many vessel did you collect when I was gone ?"
“Welcome… back…"
“Ethos ! Are you alright ?"
“I… am… fine, everything… is… much… clearer now."
And for the first time, Eposos on the verge of tear, finally, after only one hundred years, Eposos can truly feel his brother once again, not a soulless puppet that can only feel pain for pleasure. And for the first time, he feels his brother holding him, the beautiful eye that no longer wild or soulless but endearing and caring. As Eposos feel the warmth of his brother, he receives an incoming call.
“You… are…"
“Don't worry Ethos, I got this. This is Eposos speaking."
“Ah yes, your Highness, apology for my action of playing around with your core and armor but you are using my upgrade so I just consider that my right."
“Just get to the point."
“Yes, sorry for interrupting your precious time but there are two problems. Firstly, your brother is nearly hardwired by the bastard that you called your father, so take your brother to my house once a month so I can slowly fix him."
“Why are you doing this ?"
“Because I am responsible and now, your noble are planning to goes against you. I can send an agent as an aid."
“But you didn't answer me, why are you doing this ?"
“Well, open the letter and see for yourself. I am busy and there is something I want, no more time for you."
<It's a fact that your noble want your head my king, they wanted that for so long even before the old king dead. They will do everything, poison you, kill you during your slumber, this letter will be short because I am busy so I sent an agent and an advisor for you. Why I do this ? It is very simple, you see, I owe you two so much, your father asked for that spell and I lent that to him… I know I am very evil, ruthless and wicked but devil have standard and the fact that he used that on his own children, to harm his own flesh and blood. So that is my answer.>
A devil with standard that is the answer that he wanted, he isn't that bad, a devil with moral, that sound novelty enough. For now, he will listen to Lunbiv but what he doesn't know is Lunbiv have a bigger plan for Orne, Orne will be the beacon. Jbys is far too aggressive, Gvtre is beyond salvation and Harr is just asking for their own judgement and sometime, they are too mindless.
“So this is Orne Empire. Good thing that master prepared for us."
“Slow down Karlix, I am too old to keep up."
“Oh please, master just brought you back, don't you say the trauma still exist, then I have to wipe you."
Looking from top of the hill are two free humans, brought back from the void by their master, an old man with white hairs and beard along with a young and slim man with blond hair and a pair of square glasses. And in their mind is the mission from their master, it is rare for their master to go this far for a certain country but this is their mission.
“I can't believe master Sotho and master Lunbiv are in this together."
“Let just finish this quick, I don't want to miss their wedding."
“I think they want to wait for master Begulf and master Qxerlnorn."
“Then let just finish this quick… can we just kill those nobles ?"
“No, we are just advisor and bodyguard, remember that. Master Lunbiv and master Sotho only allow that."
Karlix is surprised, but he is happy that his old partner still remain sane and true to his nature, dutiful and loyal.