Short summary: Kouen and Hakuei act as hosts for a Kouga cultural festival.


Guardian Lions (3)
First Naadam

Not many people had the privilege, courage, nor level of comfort to enter Kouen's private space. Hakuei had taken her leave from the court, and made her way into his study without effort. The sight of him poring over a scroll came as no surprise to the princess-general. She stopped at the front of his desk. She waited with patience for his undivided attention and permission to speak. Kouen paused in his scholarly journey through history to meet his cousin's eyes and address her.

"What is it, Hakuei?"

"Lord Kouen...I don't know if you're aware of upcoming events, but I'm sure that because of your extensive reading, you've heard of something called Naadam."

He affirmed her educated guess with a nod. "I have."

Naadam was a festival celebrated by the Kouga clan, a source of great cultural pride to them. The hallmarks of the festival included their trademark sports: horse racing, wrestling, and archery. Kouen had read much about Kouga culture among many other things. It was unfortunate (for the former empire) that with the waning of Chagan Khan's power, Kouga culture shortly followed suit. It had been years since the present-day ragtag clan held a proper festival. Suddenly Kouen remembered that they were fortunate enough, very fortunate indeed, to have Hakuei Ren host and sponsor Naadam for them.

The first imperial prince rolled up what he had been reading with routine yet deliberate care. "Though I've read about Naadam, I have yet to see this festival for myself." He had a good guess why Hakuei would approach him. "Are you about to ask for my part in this?"

She expected that he'd be aware she came to him for that very reason. Still, she flushed a little when she nodded. "It's crucial for fostering an alliance with the Kouga clan, who are now citizens of the empire. Demonstrating public interest in their culture will only be a boon to both sides. It's very important for them...and for myself, to some extent."

Hakuei didn't admit it loud, but another reason for her request was to get Kouen away from the volumes of scrolls and the confines of the library. He needed fresh air and, as future emperor of not only the Kou empire but quite possibly the world, he needed more interaction with people. Hakuei firmly believed that Naadam would be a valuable experience for the two of them. It might even be fun.

Kouen could see anticipation burning bright in her blue eyes. She could be quite persuasive. "You've convinced me, Hakuei. Very well, I will help you."

"Splendid." The princess bowed low and hid a wide grin behind her clasped hands. "I look forward to seeing you in the Kou Empire's first Naadam."

Kouen was no fool. He knew all the aspects behind Hakuei's reasoning, and part of him appreciated her for making the effort to look after him. Knowing her, he highly doubted that Hakuei would want him there to merely serve as a royal, passive presence. No offense to the Kouga clan, but he hoped he wouldn't have to drink their strong horse milk. Or gods forbid, engage in their drinking contests.


On midsummer's day, under a stretch of clear blue sky and on grassy plains, the first Naadam held by the Kou Empire commenced. The sight of Kouen making his entrance certainly attracted more than a few stares. For much of the clan, it was their first time laying eyes on their future king.

Dorji, captain of Hakuei's trusted Household Cavalry Corps, remembered his first encounter with the imperial prince. Though it was brief, first impressions did not go unforgotten. Dorji took him to be a cold and distant man, maybe even a little ruthless. Kouen certainly had strength, but seemingly none of Hakuei's warmth and kindness. His face always appeared to be one of aloof disdain. But looking at Kouen joining Hakuei under the tent reserved for royalty, perhaps he was wrong. Dorji sensed a strong, palpable bond between the two. He stood too far away to hear the exchange between prince and princess, but Hakuei clearly looked happy to see Kouen.

The opening ceremony began with an impressive display of parading horsemen, ululating chants from talented singers, and ear-pounding music, followed by a moment of recognition for the deceased elder: Chagan Shaman, better known as Baba by the people who still dearly loved and missed her. Of course, Kouen had never met the old woman, but knew secondhand knowledge from Hakuei that she was someone to be admired and remembered. The somber, heartfelt silence was fleeting. The Kouga clan sprang to life once more as Hakuei proceeded to herald the main events they'd celebrate. Baba would have wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. That was the thought prevalent among her people.

Wrestling came first. Hakuei couldn't deny that the Kouga people had very odd attire for the sport, which left them bare-chested and bare-legged for the most part. Kouen thought they looked like overgrown infants. The mental image made him snort a little.

"The wrestlers' hats look like what Kouha wears," he remarked.

From her seat next to her cousin, Hakuei chuckled. "Now that you mention it, you're right."

As each wrestling match stirred up much commotion and betting competition among the spectators, Kouen couldn't help but feel that the whole thing was unseemly and barbaric. Wrestlers became sweaty and red-faced, huffing and puffing like bulls as they tusseled and each fought to win by throwing his opponent to the ground.

Kouen chanced a sidelong peek at Hakuei, whose face lit up when she recognized some of her subordinates entering the ring, decked out in that unflattering wrestling attire. The eldest prince couldn't help but crack a smile at her enthusiasm. He felt happy for her that she was enjoying the festival so far, even when she was not part of the Kouga clan. He didn't fail to notice how the Kouga people treated her, either. They welcomed and valued her presence. Rather than being above them, she liked to be among them. It amazed him how she managed to establish such a strong connection with these people, who were long thought by his empire to be earth-roaming savages. Hakuei didn't keep her distance. Kouen saw that in the way she personally approached the sweating yet beaming wrestlers, congratulating them on their victories with earnest words and even touching their shoulders as she did so. She regarded them as her friends, not just her subordinates. It reminded Kouen of how his little brother Kouha treated his band of misfits with dignity and respect.

After wrestling came the horse races.

Hakuei noticed Dorji and his fiancee Toya standing a few feet away, whispering and gesturing frantically between each other. The princess couldn't keep from smiling. She wondered what the couple were fussing so much over. Finally, Dorji seemed to get it together as he straightened his back. Hakuei was a bit surprised with what he did next: he directly approached her and bowed.

"General Hakuei, we'd like you to join us in the horse race."

Taken aback by his bold request, Hakuei shook her head. "Oh no, I can't do that, Dorji. This is your festival."

The captain smiled at her. "It wouldn't have been at all possible without your efforts, your highness. We know from past battles that you're very skilled on horseback. Please, we insist that you take part."

Men and women who happened to overhear voiced their assent. Dorji's grin only broadened as he felt himself backed by his clansmen.

After some deliberation, Hakuei relented with a chuckle. "Very well, if you insist."

Bator, one of her Household members, ventured an inquiry he couldn't hold back: "Perhaps Lord Kouen would like to join you in the race?"

Hakuei turned to her cousin, who had heard the entire conversation.

Reclining passively under the shade, and despite appearing distantly uninterested, Kouen surprised them all with his reply: "Count me in, then."

Hakuei let a wide grin spread across her face. This ought to be fun.

The Kouga children were the first to race. Hakuei was amazed at how young some of them were. Boys and girls as young as three or four years old bounced in their saddles, giggling and whooping as they spurred their ponies along. She herself hadn't started riding a horse until her eleventh birthday. In fact, it was Kouen who had taught her how to ride.

Adults rallied and cheered for their children from the sidelines. Hakuei rooted for no one in particular, but she remained silent and smiling as she observed the race and secretly hoped that none of the little riders would fall. Fortunately the children had a safe and fun race. Hakuei reckoned many of them would make promising horsemen in the future.

When it was time for the adults to race, Kouen and Hakuei had to change out of their ceremonial regalia and into proper attire for riding. In the pasture where riders prepared their steeds for the race, Hakuei mounted on a chestnut horse and weaved her way through the Kouga men to trot up to Kouen's palfrey. She pulled the reins and swung her horse around to face her cousin.

"It's been a long time since we've raced," she remarked.

"It has." He dared to shoot her a cheeky, crooked smirk. "I wonder who will win this time."

"Is that a challenge, my lord?"

"Perhaps."

The Kouga men took great interest in the banter between the royals. They even began to place bets.

"I place my faith, trust, and money on General Hakuei."

"Lord Kouen's the future emperor. Shouldn't we be rooting for him?"

"He's a gentleman. I'm sure he'll let the princess win."

"I reckon it'll be a tie."

"A tie? Hah, you just say that so you won't lose any bets. Well, you won't be winning any, either."

The riders laughed among each other.

Kouen was a competitive man. Nothing else, except perhaps war, stirred his blood and fueled his ambition like matches to decide a clear winner.

With him and Hakuei in the race, excitement and anticipation mounted among the spectators. Many wanted to see how the two would match up in a contest of equestrian skill. Roars and cheers swelled as riders gathered at the starting line. Hakuei kept her eyes riveted at the stretch of grass before them, her head light and heart fluttering. She tightened her fists on the reins and braced her feet at the horse's sides. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kouen mirroring her moves.

At the resounding blow of the horn, the riders took off. The plains thundered with mass hoofbeats of a hundred or so galloping horses. Hakuei didn't panic as a few riders nearby passed her. She knew that this was a test of stamina more than one of speed. Kouen too kept his horse at a reasonable pace. He let the more inexperienced riders overtake him. Hakuei felt her heart beat in rhythm with the horses' hoofbeats. Her initial nervousness was left far behind. All she felt now was the rush of pure adrenaline, the joy of riding with the wind.

Her distinguished place within the empire's army came from no error of judgment. Hakuei was a warrior through and through. She loved the people under her protection, but her pride made her determined to win this race. She didn't want to lose. Seizing the opportune moment, she dug her heels into the horse's flanks and made it break into a faster gallop. Kouen did the same thing. At the last stretch, the first prince and princess of the Kou Empire went all out. They sped past surrounding riders, even experienced ones like Dorji and her attendant Seisyun, who stared after the prince and princess shaking his head in awe. He had seen them race many years ago. If memory served him right, Kouen had won, but mostly because he had experience in the army with the former emperor and his heirs.

The tables might be turned now. Though Kouen had started horseback riding before Hakuei, she had a gift for equitation and spent months in the Tenzen Plateau. The two competed on an even field. Seisyun really didn't know who would come out victorious this time.

No words were exchanged between Hakuei and Kouen, not even little jokes. They knew to save their breath and energy for the sole purpose of getting ahead of the other. The two seemed to ignore everyone and everything else as they battled for first place at the finish line.

Loose grass had covered a shallow marmot hole, a danger Hakuei's horse ran straight into. The uneven ground made the horse suddenly dip and buck forward. Hakuei tumbled from her saddle and flew headlong onto the grass. She heard a sickening snap upon impact. Her vision was a blur of plains and sky rolling into one as she tumbled a few more feet before landing flat on her back.

Kouen's eyes flew wide. He shouted her name, jerked the reins and made his horse swerve back. Fortunately for the two, they had been ahead enough that the riders stopped their horses in time and avoided trampling over the fallen princess. Kouen dismounted and ran up to her. Hakuei's horse seemed to be fine as it struggled to its feet, nothing broken. He couldn't say the same for her, however. Blinking and groaning, Hakuei was unable to sit up. Kneeling down, Kouen gingerly rested her onto his lap. She cried out in pain.

Kouen looked down and winced at the sight. A strangled whimper sounded between her gritted teeth.

"Don't move," he commanded firmly. "You broke your collarbone."

"Princess! Princess Hakuei!" Seisyun dismounted and rushed up to join Kouen, but as soon as he did the prince shouted to him, "Fetch me my sword. Hurry!"

"Y-yes, my lord!" Seisyun didn't need further explanation. He jumped onto his horse and galloped back to the starting line. Many riders dismounted and formed a large huddle around the prince and princess, their worry and concern clear for the latter. Few of the men, Dorji and Bator among them, stepped forward intending to help Kouen carry Hakuei, but he waved them away.

"Step back. I'll handle this."

The men exchanged confused looks, but obeyed his firm command nevertheless.

Seisyun was huffing and panting by the time he returned with Kouen's blade. He knew that the Djinn's power housed within would heal Hakuei.

Kouen held his sword close to Hakuei's wound. The ornament hanging from the hilt glowed, and a bright, pink aura of a phoenix emerged to hover over the injured princess. Kouen watched with silent relief as Phenex's curative power took effect. Hakuei's sharp, labored breathing quieted and her face relaxed as she felt the pain leaving her. The gruesome abrasion between her neck and shoulder seemed to mend itself. Jutting bone and congealed blood no longer marred her smooth skin. The bruises on her legs and back faded away, too.

Hakuei tried to smile up at Kouen, to assure him that she was fine now, but exhaustion overwhelmed her and her eyes fluttered shut.

No one won the horse race that day.

With the princess having injured herself, winning would feel like cheating to many of the riders. The fact that all the riders worried over Hakuei's wellbeing took Kouen by surprise, but he supposed that was to be expected of her loyal Household. He carried her on horseback and delivered her to the infirmary himself. Kouen had to preside over the archery event without Hakuei around. He was certain that she was loath to miss out. For now he needed her inside and resting properly. Even with Phenex, time still proved to be the best medicine. He didn't fail to notice how the Kouga clan seemed to regard him differently since he had healed Hakuei.

On Dorji's part, he didn't expect Kouen to wield that kind of power. He didn't expect the prince to show that he cared. Before the archery events, he had profusely apologized to Kouen for asking Hakuei to race in the first place. Kouen asserted that there was no need for apology. Even if that Kouga warrior hadn't asked, Hakuei would want to join in the fun, anyway. Kouen's response put Dorji at ease.

During a lull in the event, Kouen seized the chance to check up on Hakuei inside the makeshift infirmary. As he threw aside the tent flap, he nearly bumped into Toya. Startled, she almost dropped the bowl of milk in her hands.

"Oh! F-forgive me, my lord."

He brushed off her apology. "Carry on."

It turned out that Toya was delivering the milk to Hakuei, who laid comfortably on a bed of furs and appeared to have just woken up from a much-needed nap. Seisyun, her ever-loyal attendant, stood by her bedside. Toya knelt at the opposite side and tipped the bowl to her lips. When she finished drinking, Hakuei managed a grateful smile at the Kouga woman.

"Thank you so much, Toya. The milk you make is the best I've ever tasted."

Toya flushed with evident joy. "You flatter me, your highness. It's a pleasure serving you."

The princess took a liking to horse milk, which was unusual considering how strong and off-putting the drink was to most people. Though never the type to indulge in the drinking contests, Hakuei never hesitated to take an earnest sip or two out of courtesy, as well as for her own enjoyment. Men and women of the Kouga clan, especially the warriors, seemed to really appreciate the notion.

Toya turned to Kouen questioningly. "Would my lord like a drink as well?"

"...I suppose one wouldn't hurt."

She hurried away to fetch some more. Knowing that Kouen would want some time alone with Hakuei, Seisyun bowed at them both and took his leave.

"How's the festival going so far?" Hakuei asked.

"All according to plan," Kouen replied. "The archery contests are running smoothly."

She nodded, immediately regretting the move afterwards as she winced. "Good, I'm glad."

"They seem to be enjoying themselves."

"And you? What about you, Lord Kouen?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, recounting all that had happened so far. "I won't deny that I've enjoyed today's events. Minus your misfortune, of course."

"Looking back, I'm somewhat glad that this happened."

He knitted his brow. "What do you mean?"

"When you healed me with Phenex, you revealed a side of yourself not many have the chance to see. More often than not, you're seen as a conqueror and a destroyer. While that may be true for the most part, people forget that you're a healer too. I think it's good that the Kouga clan got to see what you could do."

Sometimes Kouen felt he was undeserving of such sincere, genuine praise from his cousin. Now was one of those times. He lowered his eyes. "In all honesty, I could care less about my reputation, for better or for worse. I'm just glad that you're all right. I don't like seeing you getting hurt."

Hearing that from Kouen reminded her much of Hakuryuu, the way her little brother constantly worried and fussed over her as if he was the older sibling. Hakuei felt moved by Kouen's show of concern, considering that he was a man who rarely opened up.

Their conversation cut short when Toya came back with milk for Kouen. He acknowledged her with a wordless nod when he accepted it. Much to his surprise, it wasn't as bad as he had thought.

"Had it not been for what happened today, I think you would have won," he admitted. "You improved a lot since we last raced."

"You think so?" Hakuei rested her head against the pillows, closing her eyes in drowsy content. "Given today's inconclusive turn of events, I suppose there's always next year. The Kou Empire's second Naadam."

"Certainly."

Hakuei was thrilled. The fact that Kouen was willing to co-host another festival with her was enough to make the rest of her day.