I absolutely love Arslan Senki, but I don't have enough patience to wait for the manga and the series to finally update. So, I decided to write up a story with some changes. Please let me know your thoughts in the reviews. I do not own Arslan Senki. If I did, I would have finished it by now, because it's driving me nuts! Also, please read any notes I leave down below.
Pars Era, year 317
When their ally, Maryam, was invaded by the Lusitanian army, Pars responded on this day by meeting them with a force of 300,000 strong under the command of their king, Andragforas the III, and crushed them. They built a mountain of the Lusitanian troops' corpses.
Such was the glory of Pars. A kingdom unrivaled and undefeated by any other. It is a kingdom where only the strong survive , and the weak and strange are treated like less than scum. In this kingdom those with magic were revered as the strong leaders of Pars. Royalty, nobles, and high ranking soldiers were the only ones who possessed magical capabilities. Peasants were the only ones in Pars with no magic.
Yet, peasants still lived better lives than other species. Magical species such as elves, vampires, succubus, mermaids, and the like were enslaved along with non-magical humans from other nations to support the wealth and prosperity of Pars. A prosperity that was best demonstrated by Pars' glorious capital, Ecbatana.
Ecbatana is the very heart of Pars. It lies directly on top of a large hill in which lies the royal palace, surrounded by a large wall. The inner city surrounds the palace and is protected by a second wall. The rest of the city, where most peasants lived, extends downhill; and is fortified by yet another wall. This last external wall is surrounded by a moat. Beyond this moat lie several tents and pack animals of the arriving merchants, ready to enter the prosperous capital.
Within the large, extravagant palace resides Pars' royal family. Andragoras III reigns above all as king of Pars, his queen, Tahamine, stood faithfully by his side. The two royals stand as the major pillars of Pars. So long as they reign, Pars' fate is secured. Yet, it was not the present that worried some, but rather the future of the kingdom. Particularly, the future of Pars under the rule of the king and queen's only heir, princess Arslan.
Princess Arslan, though respected and admired by many for her kind heart and beauty, is often viewed by many as a weak and incapable heir to the throne. Despite that, she is the sole heir to the throne. All the people could hope for was for the king to marry her to a good match, a strong husband who can rule Pars in her stead. Already, there were countless offers of marriage being proposed to the king. Several suitors from other kingdoms and within Pars itself present themselves before the king in hopes of one day taking his place. But for some unknown reason, the king has not yet made his decision as to who will marry his daughter. This seemed to only cause unrest amongst the nobles and his advisors.
"How old is the princess?"
"Already fourteen years, I believe..."
"I heard rumors from her chambermaids that she has already had her first blood. She is of marriable age! Why does His Majesty hesitate to marry her. We can secure Pars' future and alliance with a neighboring company in just one wedding."
"You fool. Why would we marry the princess to an outsider? To do so would stain the royal family with a foreigner's blood! Surely, His Majesty intends to marry her to a citizen of Pars. A noble no doubt!"
"His Majesty doesn't recognize nobility, but rather strength. I believe there is a better chance that the princess will marry a great warrior like a Marzban."
Many were concerned over this, but no one thought of this more than the princess in question herself. Sometimes, whenever she despaired over her lack of control over her future, she would ask her father's right-hand man to distract her with secret sword lessons.
Princesses were not suppose to wield swords, but she insisted on learning how to use one. It's not as though she wanted to learn so she could charge to war. She just wanted, for once in her short life, do something that was not expected of a princess. Something that would keep her mind away from the thoughts of marriage or duty.
So, it was on that bright morning after her father had marched to battle that she decided to ask Vahriz for another lesson in swordsmanship. The old warrior agreed to another lesson and directed her to the palace courtyard, near a large fountain brimming with crystal clear water.
"Come, once more!" Vahriz shouted as he swung his sword for the hundredth time in the hour they have been sparring. His strong swing knocked the princess off of her feet with ease.
"Why, you!" Arslan rose to her feet quickly and swung her sword at him, which he easily blocked.
"Now, above! Now, middle! Now, under! Now, above!" The seasoned warrior continued his assault, swinging his heavy sword in every direction he dictated.
Arslan struggles to keep up with him, barely blocking his attacks. For each attack she would take another step back. Vahriz marched forward without mercy. Finally, when he had her cornered he mustered all his strength and knocked the sword out of the princess' hand.
"Princess!" The nearby female attendants gasped. Quickly rising to their feet, they rushed with towels and a bowl of warm water towards their princess.
"You are terrible, Vahriz. Using a maneuver like that on me!" Arslan complained as she rose to her feet. Her attendants swarmed her within seconds, trying to look for any visible injuries. If there was perhaps one thing she hated the most of being a princess, it would probably be the fact that almost everyone around her treated her as though she was made of glass. Vahriz was perhaps one of the few individuals who did not treat her as though she may break from the slightest touch.
Vahriz chuckles. "Such trifling moves would not be considered a mauneveur. They were merely basic scword skills" He bows. "However if you do not master these basic skills, your mauneveurs will be less powerful. Hone those skill, Your Highness. Though a day may never come when you will have need of them, I would still feel very assured if you were capable of defending yourself properly. That is why I agreed to teach you swordsmanship."
"Princess, I regret to interrupt your conversation, but we must hurry and prepare you to address the troops." One of the attendants said. "The Queen will be expecting you there by her side."
"Yes, of course." Arslan responded. "If you'll excuse me, Vahriz."
"My Princess." Vahriz kneeled in respect.
Arslan gave a soft smile before she and her attendants walked back into the palace. Once they reached her bedroom door, two guards opened the large doors to allow the women in. Their postures straightened before giving their princess a respectful bow. Arslan wished they would stop doing that and just say 'hello' every now and then, but she gave up on striking conversation with them a long time ago.
Her attendants, or better yet called her ladies-in-waiting, quickly rushed to draw her a warm bath. Once the bath was drawn, two of her ladies helped her to undress from her simple white pants and white blouse. She removed her knee-length boots herself. A third lady walked behind her to untie her white, waist-length hair from her pony tail, and tie it into a bun.
The young princess stepped into the warm waters. Her milky white skin flushing from the heat. Her ladies immediately began to wash her body for her. A few minutes later, she was clean, dressed in a silky white dress and silver colored lace sandals, with her white hair brushed and braided to the side. Her ladies searched to place some jewelry on her, but she insisted on going without them.
Once she was ready, the group of women headed towards the exit. One of the ladies tapped the door, signaling the guards to open the doors. Outside her bedroom door, across from her room, stood Vahriz. The old general kneeled once more before he stood to guide the princess down the hall. "We must hurry, Your Highness. The Queen is waiting for you to deliver her speech to the troops."
Arslan and Vahriz finally reach the large balcony from which the queen stood. Arslan's party stayed behind as the princess approached the balcony, walking towards the other end across from her mother.
"Your service is much asppreciated. I hope for much to come of your eternal alligiuence to Pars." Queen Tahamine said eloquently. Her cold stare directed towards the young men in armor underneath them.
Queen Tahamine was an undoubtable beauty. Her pale flawless skin, golden hair, perfect physique, and ice blue eyes were the envy of many women and the admiration of many men. Often, she would clothe herself in pure white and decorate her body in only the finest jewelry, deserving of such a beautiful queen.
Whenever the nobles wanted to flatter their princess, they would often tell Arslan that she looks very much like her mother. They would assure her that she will someday grow up to be a great beauty that kings and soldiers will gladly give their lives to defend. A graceful queen that will remain forever loyal to her country and husband.
"To Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Princess!" A solider shouts loudly. The armed men follow his enthusiasm with battle cries and shouts.
Arslan smiles awkwardly. Not sure what else to do, she waves at them with little grace. From the corner of her eye, she could see her mother turning to leave. She quickly tries to follow after her.
"Lady Mother!" Arslan shouts
The queen stops in her tracks. Her eyes glanced over her shoulder with the same cold stare as always. "What is it, Arslan?"
"I-I have been training very hard lately. My magic is a bit more controlled now, oh, and Vahriz has been quite strict with my lessons in swordsmanship. I know I probably should be focusing more on other things, but I-"
"I see." Tahamine interrupted before she turned her back to her daughter. She continued her walk to leave with no word of goodbye.
Sad that her mother did not give her much attention, Arslan frowned. For as long as the young princess could remember, her mother has always been rather cold and distant with her. Their conversations were always one-sided and short. Sometimes, in her moments of doubt, the princess wonders if the beautiful queen even cares for her.
In hopes of clearing her mind of such depressing thoughts, Arslan made her way back to the courtyard. I don't understand...Why does mother always treat me so coldly? She acts as though I've done something to offend her. Arslan mindlessly strolled through the courtyard, unaware of the two flying predators circling above her.
The young princess was brought out of her brooding when the two hawks descended to greet her. Arslan gasped in surprise as they neared her. Her lips pulled to a smile.
"Ah, if they have returned, then..." Vahriz spoke behind her.
"Come" Arslan said excitedly, wrapping her arm with the longer part of her dress. One of the two hawks gripped her clothed arm with his talons."Welcome back, Azrael." The hawk named Azrael moved its head as a reply. Arslan giggled happily in response. Her eyes darted to the nearby water fountain where the second hawk, Soroush, now perched.
"Your highness. Lord Vahriz, I find that everythinjg is ok." a strong, male voice said.
Arslan turned her gaze to her left. Walking towards them was a man clad in green and black armor with twin swords strapped to his hips.[1] He was a handsome, tall man of nearly thirty years-old with a strong build, tan skin, dark hair, a long well-groomed beard, and soft grey-blue eyes. She immediately recognized him as Kishward, Pars' most famous Calvary Captain.
"Kishward, you have returnbed." Arslan said.
"So, upon their return, they do not greet their master, but her highness... Cheeky bastards." Kishward huffed.
Vahriz chuckles. "They have no respect for you."
"No,no. it is not thet they don't rtespect me...but that they hold the deepest affection for her highness. Beasts and birds are mirros that reflect what is in the heart of those they come face toi face with. They know the soundness of her highness' heart and soul." Kishward explained as he bows before his princess.
"Your service is much appreciated. is everyone safe?"
"Yes, sir." Kishward raises his head to meet the older man's eyes. "Our loses were nearly negligeable. Ourf victory beat them and protected our beloved country. The King Andragoras is returning to the capital as we speak." He turns his sight towards Arslan. "Perhaps his majesty would be most heartened to see his only child's face welcome him back home at the gates?"
Arslan turned her gaze to her ladies-in-waiting. "Ladies, if one of you would please have my horse ready for me. I wish to be there to welcome my father home!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Arslan did not wait long after one of the ladies left to follow suit. Azrael took off with Soroush to follow her closely. The two men watched with content smiles as their princess nearly ran towards the stables.
"Her highness has surely grown so much over the years, yet still she hold on to much of her childhood innocence." Kishward commented.
"Yes, but I'm afraid such a sweet thing cannot last for very long..."
"Why do you say that?"
Vahriz frowned deeply. Turning away from Kishward, he sighed deeply. "For some time now I have been teaching the princess how to wield a sword. I have also supervised her magic lessons. From what I can summarize she has great potential, but little to no strength in heart to deal with whatever duties are forced upon her or trials she may have to conquer. I am also fearful of her inquisitive nature..." The older man stroked his beard. "Narsus feeds her curiosity with knowledge from our library books, but also with ideas of his own."
At all this, Kishward merely chuckles. "My Lord Vahriz, you worry too much. It is for these very reasons that you just mentioned that I am sure that the king will select an appropriate husband for our princess. She is but a child still, there is no need to train her so hard at such a young age." The younger man laid his hand on the other man's shoulder. "As for Lord Narsus...he is a smart man. I doubt he will do anything to influence the princess in a negative way. Honestly...too many people worry so much as it is about what sort of future we will have with the princess as the only true heir to the throne, but I choose to believe that there is still much time before we should worry so much."
"I suppose you are right..."
"Is my horse ready yet?"
Arslan inquired the second she arrived to the stables. Riding her horse into town always brightened her day. She was hardly ever allowed to leave the palace walls, so any opportunity she had to do so was always precious to her. It made her impatient and excitable. Unfortunately, her question was greeted with silence. The stables were empty except for the horses gazing out from their stables or chewing on hey.
"She will be ready soon, Your Highness. It will only be a few minutes more." A tall blond man said as he whipped his hands with a washcloth. His purple eyes softened when they met hers.
"Narsus! What are you doing here?" The little princess squealed unladylike as she ran to give him a tight hug, which he happily reciprocated.[2]
Narsus chuckled. "Such behavior. What would Lord Vahriz say if he saw you acting so unladylike?"
"That does not matter! I have missed you for so long. You have been gone for weeks...My lessons are simply so boring without you and your theories." She released the man from her grip. Her deep-blue eyes looked at him with fondness.
Narsus, though a strict teacher at times, was one of the few people in the capital she considered to be one of her dearest friends. He was one of the few people in her life that treated her like a normal human being.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I had some matter to attend to at home. Since my father's passing, it has been quite difficult to manage my household affairs." Narsus frowned as he averted his eyes. "I came back to speak with the king about important matters pertaining to the subject of slavery. I heard from one of your ladies that you were going to ride your horse to welcome the king and his soldiers back. I had hoped to catch you before you left."
Arslan looked at him confused. "You wish to speak to my father about slavery? So...the rumors...that you freed all of your family's slaves is true? Why?"
"Your Highness, your horse is ready!" A stable boy shouted as he approached the two with a saddled, white mare.
Narsus smiled sadly. "Perhaps we will have a chance to talk more about this later... You have more pressing matters at the moment, don't you? If you hurry now, you might even be able to outrun Lord Vahriz and your escort guards." He whispered the last part to her with a smirk.
"Why my dear friend Lord Narsus, I would never do such a devious thing!" She gave him a fake gasp. She attempted to remain serious, but his smirk was contagious and before she knew it she was mirroring it.[3]
The little princess giggled with pure mirth as she quickly mounted her horse. "Hya!" Her horse neighed loudly before it took off in a fast gallop.
Narsus could only watch while trying to contain his laughter as the princess rode pass the horde of guards and Vahriz waiting for her on their horses. Vahriz gave the man an exasperated glare before he kicked his horse to follow after the fleeing royal. The guards followed suit.
Not long after they were out of sight, did Narsus' smile disappeared.
I wonder...If I will even get the chance to speak to her again...
[1] I'm pretty sure that's not what he was exactly wearing in this scene, but I'm just gonna go with it.
[2] In cannon, Narsus was banished from Ecbatana a long time ago, way before the pilot episode, but in my story Narsus still resides in the castle. He has known the princess for years and even helps with her studies.
[3] I just thought I would add a little bit more mischief in Arslan's personality!
Thank you all for reading my work. Please let me know what you think in your reviews!