NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Family Meeting
It's almost been seven full years since I've been transported to this world after the abrupt end of my prior life. Judging by the calendar Mother has hanging up in our kitchen, the date in this world is currently the 10th of Ather, 1942. If this were Earth, we'd still be in the midst of World War II. When I first began to learn how to read and write in Maurich, I damn near thought I was transported back into the past. Let's just pray I don't encounter any Nazis.
Jokes aside, I was surprised to learn that the calendar years are very, very similar to how they were back in my old life. Almost an exact parallel, which makes things rather convenient. That would mean the month of Ather is about the equivalent of December. Next month is Gudor, which is the start of the new year, or "a new birth," as Soza told me. She said the months are named after the "Old Gods," which alone is even more fascinating to me. Just another thing I need to write down to ask her about later.
But what really has me so latched onto these calendars is that, apparently, I was born towards the end of the year. Which means if I recall correctly…
"What're you doing on that chair, Little One?" My mother's voice startled me and let off a yelp, and I began to lose my balance on the chair I was using to boost me up.
"Luna!" Mother gasped, yet she was too far away to catch me if I fell, and in a swift motion, she dropped the cooking pots she had in her hands and thrust her right hand upwards. "Lift!" Her voice echoed, and suddenly I felt a gust of wind strike me in the chest mid-fall and knock me back onto the chair, allowing me to catch myself and restore my balance.
Holy shit, Jedi powers saved me. Taking a couple deep breaths to compose myself, I blushed deeply. "Sorry, Mother, I-I was just looking at the calendar."
Mother shook her head. "Luna, how many times have I told you to not climb on things?" She sighed as she bent down to pick up the pots and pans she had dropped.
Behind me in the living room, I could hear her footsteps thundering down the stairs as Varis came to see what was happening. "What's wrong? Is everything okay?" I could see he was holding a wooden toy gun Father had gotten him a couple weeks ago.
Mother once again sighed. "Everything is alright, just your sister being a little gahengi." A gahengi is like a form of monkey in this world—not such a cute kind of monkey either.
Varis came over to me as I hopped off the chair, and as he got beside me, I couldn't help but notice once again how much taller he's gotten over the course of the month. God, I hope I get another growth spurt soon. I hate being tiny.
"What were you trying to see, Sis?" He asked me.
"I was just counting how many days till my birthday." I huffed. God, I wasn't the tallest guy in the old world either. Am I cursed to forever be short here? At least back in my old life, short girls were seen as cute. Hopefully that also carries over here if that's the case.
"Momma, when was Luna born?" Varis asked.
I scoffed. "You don't even know my own birthday?"
"Do you know mine?" Varis retorted and paused. "Exactly." He stuck his tongue out.
Mother began to place the pots and pans away, and she glanced over her shoulder and said, "My little star was born on the fifteenth. So, in five days, my little girl is going to be seven years old," she said in a sing-song voice and began to hum happily.
Varis eyes widened, and he said, "Oooh, that's the day of the Frostland March!"
I blinked, Frostland March. What was that again? I vaguely recall hearing something about a Frost March. "What's that?" I decided to ask out loud.
"You don't recall?" Varis looked at me, shocked. "You were at least one!"
"Varis," Mother said as she closed the cabinet door and stood up. "Your sister was only two years old when the Winter Army came through here."
My eyes widened. "Oooooh." I said it out loud, as I recall it vividly now. The army, wearing all white and gray, marched down the streets of Oren, the massive ground dragons tugging artillery along, and that fat general on the strider alongside the elven wizard with the silver hair. I recall it all now.
"See, she remembers!" Varis beamed, and my mother cocked her head as she looked at me.
Fuck, I should cover this up. "Uh, it's hazy, but it sounds familiar now." I giggled and ran a hand through my hair, though my mother kept a close eye on me. Oh god, I think she's getting suspicious of me.
"But to answer your question, Love," Mother straightened up and came over to Varis and me as she looked over the calendar. "The Frostland March is a celebratory event that passes through here every five years."
"What're they… or are we celebrating?" I asked.
"Soza might be better at answering this," Mother admitted as she stepped back and placed her hands on our shoulders. "But if memory serves me right, it's to celebrate our victory against the Dark Lord. Not just Heinmarr but the entire world. In Yankston, they call the fifteenth VE-Day, or Victory for Enora and on that day, they have parades, fireworks, and big shows like we do. Every nation celebrates that day, but the Frostland March specifically is special."
Curious now, I asked, "How so?"
"Well, it's because during the invasion of Garlay, the Dark Lord was backed into his mighty fortress. To hold off the Global Allied Nations, he used his divine powers to call upon a great blizzard, so thick that it blotted out the sun for thirty days and thirty nights. The blizzard unfortunately killed off thousands of brave men and women who weren't prepared. Yet the ones who were prepared…"
"Oh, oh, I know this one! The White Army!" Varis bounced up and down. "Father told me this story one night!"
Mother nodded and knelt down beside us. "Yes, Sir Heinrich Fellner, general of the Kaiser's Legion. He gathered five thousand brave men and women and marched through the Frostlands of Garlay, not one to be stopped by mere snow. He and his brave soldiers acted as the spear that thrust forth and into the gap in the Dark Lord's armor. If it wasn't for that brave march, the alliance would've been stalled for too long because of that snowstorm, yet Sir Heinrich's White Army was able to dispel the storm, not without a heavy price. It is said that out of the five thousand, only a few hundred returned; even Heinrich himself lost his life during the battle of Nigashiizu." Mother gave our shoulders a squeeze and stood up. "At least I think that's how the story goes. Soza can probably tell it better than me.'
I nodded my head slowly as I digested this story. "Momma," I said, looking up at her as I gripped my chin in astute thought. "Garlay, is that the land with the big wall around it? The one that Soza has been teaching us about?"
"Oh yeah, how did they build a wall around a whole place like that?" Varis asked and stretched his arms out. "The place is huge on the map!"
Mother nodded. "Yes, it is, Dearie, and the wall was built with magic…" She trailed off before speaking up again. "And before you ask, no. Neither of you are ever going to go there."
"Dang it!" Varis huffed as if that was literally going to be his next question.
I snorted and shook my head. "Nope, I never planned on it. I just wanted to confirm my thoughts. But thank you for the story, Mother; it was really interesting!"
Mother beamed. "I'm glad you liked it. Was there anything you wanted to do on your birthday?" She asked.
I frowned. Was there? Aside from reading a book or maybe just hanging out with Varis, I didn't really have a plan. One of the few downsides of this world. No video games, no internet. I had to figure out ways to keep myself entertained.
Usually, such things are what I already mentioned. Though I have also found dressing up and trying on my other outfits that Mom got me to be kind of fun, I guess the femininity in me is finally overtaking me, but you gotta do what you gotta do to not go insane. Though usually I just shoot the shit with Varis, it's rough talking to him sometimes. I always have to remind myself that the kid is only eight years old, and while he is technically older than me, mentally, I'm still talking to a kid. God, I can't wait to be the age at which I can speak to adults and not be viewed as a "child prodigy.".
I shook my head. "Nope. Maybe just read and relax here at home."
My mother frowned and gave me a disappointed look. Uh oh.
"Are you sure?" She raised an eyebrow and looked at me as if she knew something I didn't.
Oh fuck. Did I forget something?
"Wasn't there a certain building you wanted to see?" Mother smirked.
I gasped. "The cabin! Yeah, I want to see inside there!"
"Awwh, how come she gets to see it first?" Varis pouted.
Mother giggled. "Don't worry, you can come." Mother tussled the hair on his head and chuckled.
I beamed excited. Okay, now I have something to genuinely look forward to. "But also, Madam Soza wanted to gather us all up for something she's been planning," Mother said.
"Oh, what would that be?" Varis asked as Mother turned around and began to prepare breakfast for this morning.
I followed behind Mother, grabbing my little step stool so that I could help her wash some dishes for everyone. "Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. When Madam Soza wakes up, she'll let you all know." Mother nodded as she grabbed a pot and placed it on the range.
Great, I thought as I began to pump water into the sink. More surprises.
Father came home early from work as noon came around. Tired and exhausted, he proudly proclaimed that he asked the chief to let him have a vacation this year for the Frostland March. Which honestly surprised me. With a big parade coming into town, you'd expect all law enforcement to be present, though my father has made it clear countless times that he is well respected amongst the other constables. Maybe he got to flex his seniority? Either way, I was excited to have him present on my birthday. Not that he never was; he just always came home late and tired in the prior years.
After he finished eating the meal mother and I prepared, some coocha omelettes and black bread toast, Father asked Varis and me if we wanted to practice shooting again today as he placed a box of ammunition on the table. Shooting has become pretty common ever since Father first took us out. About every other day or so, whenever he's home, he's taken both Varis and I out back for practice.
Even Soza has joined in as well, and boy, oh boy… she's good. I don't know what it is, but something about seeing Madam Soza with Father's rifle cracking cans hundreds of yards out with only the rifle's ironsights. It makes me feel things; oh God, I'm crushing on my fucking teacher!
Shaking those thoughts, though, Varis has also proven to be really good with his father's weapons as well. Nowhere near as good as Madam Soza, but give him a couple more years of practice, and he'll probably surpass her. On the other hand, I'm an amateur. I'm too small for the rifle, which Varis has already fired a few times, and the revolver still startles me sometimes when I shoot it. I'd put myself at like a C when it comes to shooting.
Speaking of Madam Soza, shortly after Father came home, she finally left the cabin outback and came inside. As the Serelli woman stepped into the house, her eyes were heavy dark bags, her red fuzzy ears were flat, and her hair was disheveled. She looked like she'd either been hung over or tried to wrestle something in her sleep last night.
"Oh, you're alive?" Mother greeted Soza. "Luna, can you take over washing these dishes?" She asked me, and I nodded and scooted my stool over to the sink.
Mother went over to Soza, and the two exchanged a few quiet words before Mother nodded. "I'll get you some coffee; take a seat while I reheat some food for you."
Father, who was still eating his lunch at the table while speaking to Varis, glanced up and said, "Spent all night planning?" To which the feline woman nodded groggily.
"There is much to prepare for and acquire." She yawned.
Varis looked to Soza and asked, "Father asked if Luna and I wanted to shoot some more; do you want to join?"
Soza smiled, and her tail flicked pleasantly, and she said, "I would love to, but unfortunately, this rest day I am preparing an event for us all."
This made my head perk up as I recalled Mother earlier saying Soza wanted to gather us all up. "What would that be?" I asked from over my shoulder as I finished washing a plate and setting it out to dry.
Soza yawned once more, her fuzzy ears flopping back and forth, before she scratched her chin with her clawed fingers. "It is a surprise, little one. Give me some time to wake up, and I shall share."
Father chuckled as both Varis and I groaned. "Don't worry, you two are going to love it." Father hummed as he spooned the last of his meals into his mouth. He then got up, came over to me, and squeezed my shoulder pleasantly. "Step aside, Luna; I'll take over. How about you and Varis go get changed into something comfortable and play outside for a bit so we adults can talk?"
Seeing my chance to avoid chores, I took it instantly. "Okay!" I hopped off my stool. "C'mon, Varis."
"But I want to hear the surprise." He huffed and got up from his chair.
"You'll hear it in a bit; Madam Soza needs her caffeine."
"Her what?"
"The stuff that comes from the coffee beans!" I said as I quickly went upstairs to change.
You know, despite despising the winter months, if there's one thing I can appreciate about this country of Heinmarr, it's that winter isn't long. It's only about two and a half months—technically, three—but what I mean is that the cold weather tapers off quickly. The initial months are frigid and horrid. Yet as we go into Gudor, the final month, things gradually start to warm up. It's still cold now, but not so bad. There isn't really a thermometer here, at least not one I can read well.
I'm still trying to learn this world version of measurements. But if I had to compare it to the old-fashioned U.S. freedom units, it feels like a solid low of 40 F. It's neither too cold nor warm, kind of like sweater weather. Most of the snow is beginning to melt, and it's nice and packable.
Because of this, my dress today is pretty relaxed and not as tight-fitting. It's the usual dark blue dress, almost black, though I went with black stockings this time and my usual calf-high boots with my matching corset beneath. The dress itself comes down to my ankles, and I have my trusty old cloak with me and my cute muffs. Though today I've also got on these adorable mittens my mother knitted for me last week, I can now make snowballs and pelt my brother without the fear of getting my hands cold.
Which I did just that.
Varis, who was surprisingly not trying to tackle me into the snow, was making what looked to be a little snow fort. Getting just up behind him while his back was turned to me, I scooped up a copious amount of snow, packed it as best I could, and reared back and threw.
Only to see the snowball land like two feet in front of me.
God, I miss my old throwing arm.
Varis didn't even notice my attack and was focused on building him… oh, he's making an igloo. You must not get distracted. I need to make another snowball for revenge against all those times he got me. I turned away and began to pack more snow.
This time, however, I decided to get a little closer and inched up some more. Once again, I reared back, assumed my power stance, and threw. With a little grunt, the snowball catapulted from my hand and landed a few feet to his left.
This time, this got his attention, and he turned to look at me. His blue and green eyes shared a perplexed look, and he eyed me from head to toe. "Did you…" He pointed to the little hole in the snow where my ball landed. "Throw a snowball at me?"
Dammit, I lost the element of surprise. Of all the times I finally decided to initiate the first assault, I failed. We'll get him next time.
That is if there ever will be a next time. As Varis turned away from his igloo and assumed his power stance, his chest puffed out and his hands stretched out to his sides as he parted his legs and began to belly laugh.
"Ho, ho, dear sister, you wish to challenge me?!"
Shit, I quickly began to scoop up more snow, packing them into a ball. I straightened up. If I can't throw a ball, I can at least hit him with it at point-blank. I began to approach him.
"Oh, you're coming closer, sister?" Varis smirked at me smugly.
"Well, I can't hit you from over here, can I?" I said as I strode towards him.
"Well then," Varis leaned forward as I got within arm's reach, his lanky form looming over me as he said, "Come at me—yaaah!" He screamed as I pulled back the waistband of his overalls and dropped the snow down his trousers.
"Cold! Cold!" He yelled as he fell over, clutching his crotch. "Why! Why did you?!"
"Revenge for all those years of pushing me in the snow." I said coldly.
I heard the back door to the house open, and Mother stuck her head outside. "What is going on out here? Why is Varis screaming?"
"Luna dropped snow into my pants!" Varis squirmed on the ground. Okay, I was starting to feel bad now. Every man knows that getting snow on the boys isn't pleasant. I guess I just forgot about that…
I rubbed the back of my head as my mother shot me a stern look, and I smiled sheepishly. "I-I think I took it too far."
Mother sighed. "Come here, Varis. I can clean you up, and Luna, no dropping snow in people's trousers! You know better to do something like that."
I sighed and nodded as Varis went over to Mom.
Shortly after the snow incident, I went back inside after Soza ate her lunch and drank some coffee. She was still a bit disheveled but very much more awake. Varis changed into some comfortable loose pants and a simple polo as I swapped for a simple blue sundress. Maybe for my birthday, I should ask my mother for some boy clothes; I think she wouldn't mind if I had pants and other shirts. As for going out in public, though, that's another bridge to cross.
We were all in the kitchen around the dining room table. Father was in the restroom while Mother was tidying up the kitchen. I sat beside Varis, I shifted nervously, and leaned over to say, "Sorry for dropping snow on your crotch."
Varis blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "It's okay; it was kind of funny." He chuckled and smirked. Good sport. I yelled when he punched me in the shoulder. "Do that again, though, and I'm dropping snow down your dress."
"Varis, don't hit your sister." Soza quipped, and Varis jolted.
"Sorry." He nodded.
I rubbed my arm and said, "It's okay; I kind of deserved that."
After a few moments, Father returned to the dining room from the restroom, still drying his hands on a cloth. He had changed from his constable uniform into an alabaster polo and black khaki pants. He brushed his brown hair, and his thick mustache was also nicely brushed, though he did have a bit of scruffiness growing across the rest of his face.
"It seems the family is all here." He smiled and looked at me. "And I see little Miss Troublemaker is here too." He winked before leaning in to whisper. "Pretty funny what you did, but don't do it again." He chuckled. "Cailynn, come on over. You can finish dusting after we're done with the meeting."
Mother nodded and set the rag down. She came over to the table, and we all sat down. Father smiled at everyone as he positioned himself and stood at the head of the table. "Now, now, I don't recall the last time we had a family meeting like this."
"I think it's our first, dear," Mother said, and Father nodded and stroked his chin.
"Yes, it is. Well!" He clapped his hands together, startling me and Varis. "As you all know, in the coming days, it's someone's special little day." He wagged a finger at me. "And well, our special guest and friend of the family wanted to share something with her and everyone here." He gestured to Soza.
Soza smiled. "Thank you for the introduction, Slyran; I wasn't expecting something so formal." Father playfully bowed and sat down, which caused a giggle from Varis, and I smirked.
Soza turned to me. "Lady Luna, as you know, in a handful of days it'll mark your seventh cycle. This is going to be our fourth year together." Oh God, I feel center stage now, and the anxiety is already building. "When we first met, I thought you were nothing more than a simple toddler. What I did not expect, nor did anyone here, was how vastly intelligent you are. You are six years old now and soon to be seven, and you are already performing arithmetic and reading at a scholarly level. You speak fluent Maurich and Common like your mother and act at times as if you are an adult like us."
Oh god, what is she getting at? I almost want to tell her to spit it out. It feels like this is leading to a goodbye.
"Your mother and father and I have spoken at length about this, and we believe that once your studies are finished here, it would be best if you came with me to Rennford Academy in Yankston."
"Wait what?!" Varis shot up from his seat, and I jolted. "What about me? Am I going?"
Soza bit her lower lip as both Mother and Father looked at Varis, their expressions not looking well as they both frowned, and Father placed both elbows on the table and laced his fingers. He shook his head. "No, Varis. You are to stay here with your mother and me. Your mother will continue your studies, and I'll continue to train you."
"But it's not fair! You can't just send Luna away!" He balled his fists, yet in the meantime, I was too stunned to speak.
Send me away, why? I didn't want to leave. Am I going to get a say?
"Varis, please. Sit down; there's more to the story." Father said, his voice getting a little stern.
"No! I don't want Luna to leave; she's my sister and my friend!"
Mother spoke up: "Varis, your sister isn't going away forever. She'll be back. It's just that I and Soza can only teach her so much. She has great potential, and she needs…" Her voice wavered.
I could sense something wasn't right. She trailed off and didn't finish.
Father started once more: "As I said, Varis, your mother and I will be taking care of you. As a matter of fact, I recently commissioned Mr. Henderson, the carpenter, to construct a wagon. Which shouldn't be finished for a few months due to the backlog he's received. Though once it's finished in the coming year, we'll be moving homes once Mr. Harold at the stable receives a suitable strider for us to buy."
"Moving?" I finally spoke. "Why? Why so suddenly? You're sending me away, and you're moving?" I cocked my head.
Father and mother remained quiet. "What are you hiding?" I asked bluntly, and for the first time, Father's face scowled, and he looked at me.
"Luna," he said in a low voice. "Please just listen to us. Do not ask questions."
Soza leaned over and placed her hand on my shoulder. "It is for the best, dear. Think about it: Rennford Academy is one of the best schools in all of Enora and it's in Yankston of all countries. A beautiful land. There you could learn magic, the secrets of the world, and its history. Anything you could ever want."
I pulled my shoulder away. "I don't want that! Not if that means I get taken away from you all!" This seemed to hit my mother hard, and she choked up a little.
"Luna, please," is all she said.
"And how do you know I'll be able to attend? I'm going on seven years old; isn't a place like that for scholars and old wizards?" I ranted. I was starting to fume. No, I just started to finally get used to this world and this family. I was beginning to love this place, and now I'm being forced to go somewhere else. I don't want to go to some faraway place; I don't want to start over again!
"Luna, you're a prodigy," Soza said. "The second a magister lays eyes on you, they'll be fighting like dogs to take you in as a student apprentice. And if you pass the spiritest, they'll most definitely want you."
"I don't give a damn!" I blurted out.
"Luna!" Father stood up. "Do not speak like that to Soza. I know you're confused and upset, but please trust us."
"Why don't I get a say in this?" I said back, "What if I don't want to go? What if I want to be here with you?" I began to tremble slightly, my emotions unraveling. "I-I love you all…I-I don't want to go away. ag…I don't want to leave my family aga…"
My father's hardened expression softened, and for a split second, I thought I saw tears welling in his eyes as well. Varis turned around, bolted out of the room, and ran upstairs. Mother stood up to go after him, but Father stopped her.
"Let him be…" He said it softly.
I dropped down and covered my face. Madam Soza reached over and placed a hand on my back as I quivered.
"Luna," Father said quietly, "I'm sorry for raising my voice… You're a smart girl, and I'm aware that you're probably already connecting the dots. I can assure you, everything we're doing is planned."
"I-Is this h-have to-to do with, M-Mr. Blaxen?" I stuttered out as my emotions were running rampant. I sputtered and coughed as I wiped my eyes continuously.
I looked up, and despite the blurred vision of my tears, I could see my parents looking at me, and their expressions said it all. It was. Ever since that day a little over a month ago, my parents have been more proactive and lovable. As if trying to make up lost time. What did Blaxen say to them?
"Please trust us—"
"Just tell me!" I cried. "Stop hiding secrets from me." I could see on their faces that they wanted to say something but looked conflicted. The way Father gritted his teeth and diverted eye contact, and Mother, like me, looked to be crying.
Madam Soza looked at me, her eyes filled with sadness, as she lowered her head and said nothing. I gritted my teeth. I wanted to scream and cry more. The emotions running through me were so powerful, yet I did my best to keep myself in check. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths.
"Fine… whatever…" I mumbled and hiccuped.
"Thank you," Father said softly. "I'm sorry that this is not what you wanted to hear… in the coming year. When you finish Madam Soza's studies, you will be getting ready."
"And it will not be forever, Little One." Soza whispered to me. "For only four years, you will learn from the best."
Four years feels like an eternity, though.
Father took a deep breath and smiled at me, though his eyes were a little red as he fought back tears. "And besides, we'll still keep in touch with you. There are scrying mirrors there, and where we're going, we can easily reach out to you."
As I regained what little composure I could, I asked, "Wh-where are you going?"
"We're going west to Frangor. Your mother and I have been looking for plots of land out there for a couple of years. And we found a realtor looking to sell a quaint farm. A home much larger than this one. It's also a little closer to Yankston, as it'll be on the west coast."
"Yankston is a whole other continent, Father." I said bluntly and sniffed, though I could tell he was just trying to make me feel better.
He deflated and nodded. "I know. We just wanted to let you know ahead of time, so come next year, this isn't abruptly sprung on you, Luna. Please think about this, and don't think that we're trying to throw you away, because we aren't. We love you deeply."
Without a word, Mother came over and wrapped her arms around me. "Please don't hate me!" She sniffled and clung tightly, and I gasped softly and blushed before returning the hug.
"I could never hate you, Mother."
So, this was it… I have one year left with these loving people. Of course, not forever, but… it almost felt like it. I've only been here for seven years, and just this year alone, I felt like I was getting used to it.
What did Mr. Blaxen say to them to get them to want to send me away and move themselves?
"To put things on a happier note, though," Soza spoke up, and both my mother and I raised our heads to look at her. "I am also planning on taking us all out on a field trip for your birthday." Soza smiled.
Ayo, what? A field trip?
"To where?" I asked softly.
"To the Heinland Mountains," Soza smiled.