"First time inside of the castle?"
Fenkar's relaxed posture as she sauntered around the ornate halls of the castle helped me relax a little as well, though the overwhelming realization that I was standing within the centerpiece of Birchan's power was... well, overwhelming.
It made me feel a little small as I saw all of the trophies, paintings and other piece of history that lined the hall we were walking down, each one meticulously dated, maintained and displayed so that anyone viewing could understand just how long Birchan had been around.
Queens and heroes from years ago lined the walls, each one given a little shrine dedicated to them that flowed somewhat into the others, showing how interconnected everything was and only growing grander the longer we walked.
"It is a testament to the power that has resided in Birchan as well as a display of the history. A show of force, legitimacy and also a reminder that our homeland has been around for a long, long time."
Renna seemed proud, as did Fenkar and Leonisa; glancing towards my wife I also noticed how she was staring at some of the paintings or pieces of armor, clothing or other form of trophy with some reverence, like she couldn't believe she was actually seeing them.
"How long has Birchan been around..? And how many Queens, heroes and other notable figures has it nurtured?"
The Nymph gave me a smile as she said "Approximately five or six centuries as a proper city, and then another three or four as a collection of peoples looking for a better life.", while Fenkar chimed in to say "We've had about 14 Queens in total now - some had illegitimate claims to the crown, others only lasted a handful of days before something happened - and maybe double that in 'heroes', with another 20 or so outstanding Nobles."
"Birchan has a rich history because of its age, but it is so old because of the things that have provided that rich history. For example, my grandparents rose from Baronesses to Duchesses after commanding large swathes of the military in three separate wars. You can see them there."
Pointing at a golden shrine that had a giant painting depicting a bloody battle, Leonisa smirked as she added "Someday I shall join them in that shrine as well, just like my parents and my sister. Someday too - hopefully - my own daughter takes her place at that shrine just like I have."
"Yeah yeah, how about you actually EARN your own spot instead of just relying on nepotism to get in here, hm?"
Fenkar had a playful smirk on her lips as she said that, making the Lionkin roll her eyes while she took the 'high ground' and refused to answer, though when we got to a certain point they all stopped.
"And here is the shrine dedicated to the civilians who went above and beyond what was expected of them. Heroes come from all walks of life, yes, but it is harder for them to strive for excellence then it is for those of the Nobility."
Turning the corner and stopping just in front of the final shrine - one of the largest ones - was the Queen, and the moment we laid eyes on her we all gave a sort of greeting; I bowed alongside Renna, while Leonisa, Fenkar and Rhefia all saluted her, showing the differences in 'station' immediately.
The warriors were far more respectful of who she was while Renna and I were more reverent of her station, and neither side was entirely wrong in how they greeted her, as seen by her simply waving us off as she took a step closer to the shrine.
"This is one of the places where Camara, Blade of Areseta, is memorialized and remembered. Here and the shrine within the Valorous Hall are places people can go to thank her, and her tomb outside of the Valorous Hall is open only to those related to her and those that are worthy of laying eyes on such venerable bones."
The tall, built Deerkin stared at the shrine for a few seconds before taking a breath and turning towards us, specifically looking at Rhefia as she said "Welcome back to Birchan, Rhefia.", drawing another salute from my wife.
My Deerkin didn't look as... reverent as she 'should' be, and as such the Queen just chuckled softly and gestured for us to walk with her as she made her way towards a large, ornate door guarded by the well armored members of the Canopy.
"I will not soften my words nor lie to you, Rhefia. I was sad to have you go but choosing between a talented stranger or my daughter was an easy choice. I suppose times of peace makes said choice even easier."
"I understand, my Queen."
Humming softly and stopping just at the door, the Queen didn't turn around as she said "Again, I understand and accept any animosity you might have... but please, do not bring any of that to bear when you come face to face with Giselle or with Heria. I think we all would like to just move on.", which earned her a repeat of affirmation from Rhefia.
Pushing the doors open and stepping inside, the Queen walked us towards this gigantic wooden desk situated just beneath this gorgeous stained glass window that overlooked the city, moving around the desk and sitting herself down in the large, velvet chair while beckoning for us to sit as well.
Seated already beside the Queen was her wife, the Goddess Dryatra, while the Deerkin standing at the wall beside the window turned around after hearing the door open; tall, thin and rather scholarly looking, who I could only presume was Heria was rather handsome, with her serious expression only making her all the more intriguing as she locked eyes with Rhefia.
But my wife only briefly acknowledged the Princess since she was more interested in the other woman inside of the room, one I had only heard negative things about from pretty much everyone who knew her.
Standing beside the handsome scholar was a shorter, frowning olive skinned woman with small nubs sprouting from her temples, sheathed in a darker keratin that made it clear she wasn't a Deerkin of some kind; Giselle was staring right back at Rhefia, her emerald eyes glowing with power, conflicted emotions and memories...