Chapter 3: The Wolf Queen and the Keshian Ambassador

The steady beat of drums set the atmosphere in the village square. A large stage was set up on the north end and chairs and stands filled the square. People in various masks and costumes started filling all, being careful to be quiet and honour the ceremony. Torches were placed around the stage and around the square, providing the light as the last of the sunlight faded away. Even the children were quiet, in awe of the sight. The square was full as the drums started a new beat. A path opened up for the royal couple as they made their way towards the stage. Chancellor Rubens, as head of ceremonies, led the way, dressed as an ancient wiseman. He wore the pelt of a bear and a black mask with white paint on the sides of his face. Behind him followed the King and Queen. The crowd whispered in excitement and admiration as the royal couple walked by. Van was wearing gleaming white chain mail, black pants and boots, a long white cloak, and a very impressive white and black dragon mask. Hitomi was just as impressive. She wore a fine, cotton dress that was gray, sleeveless, and reached her ankles. Slits had been cut in the sides, up to her knees, to give better freedom of movement. She wore a finely crafted wolf mask that was accompanied by a white wolf pelt attached to the back of the mask so it covered her head and hung down her back. White armbands covered her forearms to complete the costume. Both masks covered their eyes and nose, but left their mouths exposed. Behind them followed Lord Finkbone, Merle, and the other advisors dressed in their own costumes.

Van and Hitomi followed Rubens to the stage, but when Rubens climbed up, Van and Hitomi lead the others to the platform that had been set aside for them on the west side of the square. Immersed in the ceremony, Van and Hitomi took their places on the wooden thrones and waited for everyone to be seated. At that time, Chancellor Rubens raised his hands and the drums fell silent. All eyes were on the stage.

"Behold! The Dragon Moon looks down on us this night!" He yelled, so all could hear him. Everyone glanced upward to admire the full moon shining in the sky, not far from the ever present Phantom Moon. "Hear now, people of Fanelia, the tale of the Dragon Moon!" Rubens said as he bowed himself off stage. The drums started up again, this time at a faster beat, and torches flared as the stage was filled with players.

Hitomi watched the drama unfold but had trouble paying attention. On the outside, she was watching the play, very seriously and royal-like, but her eyes were darting everywhere. She was overwhelmed by the turn out. She had never seen the square so packed and the costumes and masks were amazing. Everyone was fixated on the drama and Hitomi was mentally jumping up and down that things were going so well. Then she turned her attention back to the play.

The actors portraying the wisemen had just promised the spirit that they would care for the forest. The actors then stood and faced the audience.

"The promise has been made! Now honour it, citizens of Fanelia, by taking off your masks and showing your faces to the great Dragon Moon!" All at once people stood and removed their masks. The wisemen started whooping and yelling and everyone joined in. Van and Hitomi pushed their masks up and starting yelling too. Hitomi was having so much fun. She continued to yell and memories of track meet victories started to come back to her.

The crowd eventually quieted down as they followed the now silent wisemens' led. A wiseman walked to the front of the stage and bowed towards the royal pavilion. Everyone turned to look. Hitomi knew it was time for her to do her thing, so she pushed back her nervousness and took a deep breath. Bathed in moonlight and flickering torchlight, she walked to the edge of the platform and faced the silent crowd.

"The first night of the Dragon Moon signifies the beginning of the festival, but I hope it will also signify a new tradition for Fanelia. I wish this festival to be a time of learning, fellowship, fun, and peace. This festival was a blessing in disguise for me, for it allowed me to learn more about my new home and the people I proudly call my family." Hitomi said as she raised her arms to emphasize the crowd.

"Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the Queen's Festival!"

The crowd exploded with applause and cheers. The people of Fanelia loved their Queen deeply and she had won them over more tonight than ever before. Hitomi felt tears in her eyes and her chest tightened up as she looked on to the crowd. This was her home and these were her people and she loved them dearly. To hear their love and appreciation for her was almost too much for her to bear. She felt Van's hand slip in to hers as he stood beside her. The crowd exploded again when he bent down and kissed her check. Hitomi couldn't bare it anymore and she started to laugh and wave. Some people started whooping again and Van and Hitomi joined in. Music started up on the south side of the square, signalling the beginning of the celebrations. The first night of the Queen's Festival carried on late into the night, as the Dragon Moon quietly watched from above.

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The next morning found everyone out on the tournament field. Van and Hitomi were seated in the royal stands with Lola, Merle, Lord Finkbone, Millerna, Dryden, and Cleff. They were enjoying some snacks of fruit and cheese before the preliminary rounds of the tournament started. The first event was going to be foot racing. Millerna stifled another yawn as she leaned back in her chair. "I don't know if I will be able to sit out here all day and watch, Hitomi. I've never done this before."

Sunlight twinkled off Hitomi's circlet as she leaned over and patted her friends shoulder. "Don't worry Millerna, it's actually very interesting. You get to see the best advance from round to round and before you know it, you are cheering for your favourite to win. We will have to wait until tomorrow for the final matches. Just be thankful these seats have cushions." Hitomi said, wincing from the memory of the wooden thrones from the night before.

"I suppose you're right. I can't look at it in a negative light when I've never seen it before. Okay, I'll give it a chance." Hitomi nodded and stifled a yawn of her own. "Why are you still tired, Hitomi?" Millerna asked. "I thought you and Van left at a decent time last night, unlike Dryden and I."

Hitomi leaned over and whispered into her friend's ear. "We left, but we weren't sleeping all night long, if you catch my drift."

"Hitomi!" Millerna said half shocked, half approvingly. Then they both started to laugh, but a pleasant shiver raced up Hitomi's back as she remembered chain mail and white fur flying through the air. She glanced over at Van and caught his eye. His own circlet twinkled in the sunlight as he turned slightly towards her. Reading her thoughts, he grinned at her. Hitomi started drumming her fingers on the chair, suddenly impatient for the races to begin.

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The archery contest started a few hours before lunch and the first event was for young children who could shoot an arrow. Everyone was allowed to participate, male and female, so it was no surprise a few rounds later that a young woman stood among the contestants. The young woman was pretty good and was advanced to the next round with a few of the others.

"What's a woman doing out there!" A voice yelled out from the crowd as the applause ended. Everyone turned, including Van and Hitomi, to see a man in the stands stand up and point accusingly at the young woman. "Someone better tell her the kitchens are in the other direction." He said as he laughed and sloshed some of his ale on him. It was obvious that the gentleman was already far-gone in drink. Hitomi groaned and rubbed her temples. Van stood and addressed a soldier. "Make that man quiet down or escort him out." Hitomi was satisfied until she heard the man jeer and continue to embarrass the young woman.

"No!" Hitomi yelled, jumping to her feet. "Bring that man here, to me." The crowd fell silent as they watched with wide eyes as the man was brought before the royal pavilion. Hitomi stood with her arms folded and glared down at the drunk as he tried to bow elegantly.

"You there." She said in a commanding voice. "What is your problem?"

The man straightened, as much as he could in his drunken state, and faced Hitomi. "Your Majesty, there is a woman in the archery contest."

Hitomi paused, waiting for more, but it never came. "And why is that such a problem?" she asked.

"She's a woman! She doesn't belong out there. It's not right for her to be playing with bows and arrows when she should be knitting or something. Someone could get hurt! Besides, there aren't any women who are any good anyway." He finished, looking very smug. Hitomi slapped her forehead in frustration. She took a deep breath and turned to look at Lola.

"Lola, will you please go down there and show this pathetic little man how talented a woman can be."

Lola grinned an evil little smile. "I'd be more than happy too." She replied.

Everyone, including the now confused drunken man, watched as Lola made her way down and walked over to the young woman. She borrowed the bow and three arrows and walked over to stand in front of a target. She pulled something out of her pocket and used it to tie her hair up. She then tested the feel and strength of the bow and nodded approvingly. She picked up the arrows, placed two of them in between her teeth and knocked the other one. She let it fly and it hit the bulls-eye. But before anyone could react, she quickly knocked and fired off the two other arrows and hit the bulls-eyes of the targets to the left and right of her. Applause burst through the stands as Lola curtsied and walked over to the now sobered gentleman whose jaw was gapping. She pushed the bow into his hands and said, "Perhaps you should return this to its rightful owner. I think you have to go apologize anyway." The man nodded sheepishly and Lola left him to go back to her seat. She looked up and Hitomi smiled and nodded her
approval.

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The tournament had come to an end and the finalists had been chosen for the competitions that would be held the following morning. Van and Hitomi were walking back with the others when a messenger, a young squire, came riding up towards them. He jumped off his horse and bowed before them.

"Your Majesties, I've been sent to inform you that the Keshian Ambassador's boat had been sighted and will arrive very shortly." He said breathlessly.

"Very good." Van answered. "We'll go back to the castle and take some carriages down to the pier."

"Err...excuse me, Your Majesty, but Harbor Master Gayson said that the ship is making remarkable speed and will be docked with in a quarter hour."

"Oh!" Van said, surprised with the news. "In that case, myself, the Queen, Lord Finkbone and General Schezar will ride down now to meet the ambassador. You ride quickly to the castle and have them send a carriage down as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The messenger said as he took his leave and galloped away.

"I can't wait to meet her." Hitomi said as Van helped her on to a horse a guard had been using previously. "I wonder how they are making such good time? It took Millerna and Dryden almost an hour to get to port."

"Well, let's go find out." Allen said with a smile as the four of them rode off.

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Hitomi could only gasp in wonder as she watched the beautiful Keshian ambassador walk down the gangway. She was in awe of her perfect white skin, her long, gorgeous blue hair and beautiful silk blue gown. On top of the gown, she had a long robe made of the same material that practically floated behind her. She wore a silver belt, silver coloured sandals, and had a silver head piece that held her hair back away from her face. She held herself proudly and walked with grace. Hitomi was equally as fascinated with the swirling blue tattoos on her checks. Two adolescent Keshians followed closely behind the ambassador, and they also had the tattoos.

Van walked forward to meet the ambassador as she came ashore. The ambassador curtsied and Van bowed from the waist.

"Welcome to Fanelia, Great One, and thank you for coming. I hope this visit allows our two countries to learn more about each other and build a lasting friendship."

"Very well put, Your Majesty." The ambassador said with a grin. Hitomi was having trouble judging the age of the Mystic. Although her skin was fair and face free of wrinkles, she had wise eyes and a voice that portrayed understanding and patience that only can come with age and experience. "The country of Keshia is grateful for the invitation to your fair home and also hopes that Fanelia and Keshia can become like brother and sister."

It was a standard greeting but Van and the ambassador seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"I am the Mystic Fillodam and these are my apprentices, Hochcia and Jokilum." The ambassador said, turning to introduce the girls behind her. The girls looked very alike, both wearing a simple silk blue dress with a white cloth belt around the waist and white sandals. Van then stepped to the side and motioned for the others to step forward.

"Please let me introduce my wife, Hitomi, General Schezar, and my most trusted counsellor, Lord Finkbone."

Mystic Fillodam curtsied to them all, but when she looked up, she meet Hitomi's eyes. Hitomi was little startled by the attention.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty." The ambassador started to say. "I can see I am making you nervous, but I am so honoured to finally meet you. Word of your heroic deeds and great heart as reached us in poor, far off Keshia."

"There is nothing to forgive." Hitomi said, gaining control of herself. "As my husband tends to remind me, I'm still a celebrity and I fear I will never get used to it."

"Ahhh." Fillodam said approvingly. "It is said one who gets used to fame tends to live amongst the clouds. It is good to see that Fanelia's Queen is grounded and full of good sense."

"Thank you, that is very kind of you to say." Hitomi said, taken back by the unexpected compliment.

"Here come the carriages." Van said, breaking the silence that had followed. Van, Hitomi, Allen and Lord Finkbone climbed in a carriage with Mystic Fillodam and her apprentices.

Hitomi and the others watched as Fillodam and her girls viewed Fanelia for the first time. The girls had open wonder painted on their faces and Fillodam's wide eyes revealed that she too was taken back by the tall trees and grassy hills and wondrous mountains that were Fanelia. They were from an island, surrounded by water, and Hitomi wondered if they had tall red woods like these.

"What a beautiful land!" Fillodam finally exclaimed. "I don't think I've ever seen such a rich, dark green before."

"Fanelia is blessed with a rich forest, Great One." Van answered. "It is quite different from your homeland." Then Van paused for a second. "Mystic Fillodam, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Ask away, King Van, that is why I am here."

"How is it that your ship was able to dock so quickly? I didn't have a chance to talk to the Captain, but was it due to favourable winds?"

Hitomi noticed that the girls exchanged glances and grinned at each other.

"Well," Fillodam began, "As you know, a Mystic of Keshia works with the magic of the oceans that surround our island. We have the power to call the waves and the winds, so I used my power to speed up the ship. Actually, the winds were very unfavourable and the Captain confided in me that he feared we wouldn't make it on time, so I used my skills to help."

"That's amazing!" Hitomi said. "What else can you do?"

"Many things, Your Majesty. The power of the ocean is deep and serves those who serve it."

Hitomi couldn't help feel like Mystic Fillodam had avoided the question, but she shrugged it off. Van had started a new conversation and Hitomi listened as the carriage pulled towards the castle.

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"Quite the day, wasn't it?" Van said as he caressed Hitomi's back. She sighed and closed her eyes. It was late and Hitomi and Van were lying in bed together. A few candles flickered in the room, giving off a soft light. They had stayed out late this time, enjoying the parties in town. They had a lot of fun dancing in the streets with Millerna and Dryden and drinking wine in the pubs.

"Yes, it was. Tomorrow's competition should prove interesting. Plus, the ball in the evening, I'm looking forward to that."

"And why is that?" Van teased as he stroked her face. Hitomi opened her eyes.

"Because we get to get all dressed up and dance to beautiful music together."

Van smiled and looked deep into her eyes. "I'll never forget how beautiful you were during the ball, the day I proposed." He took Hitomi's hand in his own and started kissing her fingers. "And you keep getting more beautiful everyday." Hitomi blushed and cast her eyes downwards as Van continued to kiss her fingers.

"I am so lucky to have found you, Van. You make me so happy."

Hitomi flashed Van a big warm smile and Van responded by kissing her full on the lips. Hitomi wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back as she invited him to come closer.

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In another part of the castle, Mystic Fillodam stood staring in to the night sky, unmoving. Her apprentices held blue candles to either side of her and the candles gave off a mysterious blue flame. The girls had their heads bowed and eyes closed. Without warning, the flames extinguished and the girls looked up as Fillodam turned and looked at them.

"Everything is moving as it should. Hochcia, fetch the box."

Hochcia left the balcony and went back inside the guest chambers and soon returned with a small box. It was wooden and had five sides. Five seahorses were carved into the lid, with their tails wound together in the middle. It was a dull blue and cream colour.

"Excellent." Fillodam exclaimed as she took the box and moved into the room. "It is of outmost importance that the Queen receives this gift. We will present it to her tomorrow, with the others. It will stay with her and bring her too us when the time is right." Fillodam took a deep breath and placed the box on a table. "I just hope the stars picked the right person to save us..."