ATREUS THYESTES
I sighed as put on my blue toga line with cloth of gold because according to my grandfather 'A lord must always dress richly in order to inspire both his banner and his people'.
'Damn Hermesian customs.'
I do not even both looking at myself in the mirror after all I am not the type of person to overly care about the details of their appearance.
As I am guided to the banquet hall were thousands of lords are drinking, feasting and gossiping I pass by fine paintings depicting heroes such as Agamemnon, Rufus Caesar and of course the greatest person to ever be born in this continent Shaka Ngozi the son of lightning, High marshal of the East and Slayer of tyrants. Shaka is the ancestor of house Ngozi it is no boasting to say what Cyrus the silver dragon is for the Northern continent Shaka is the same for us in the Eastern continent.
'Lord Thyestes truly has no limits when it comes to his desire to increase the prestige of house Thyestes. Of course I feel the same to some extent after spending eight straight years learning the history of my house how could I not be loyal and proud to be a Thyestes?'
I make it to the banquet hall and am quickly assaulted by different smells coming from different things first is the overwhelming sent of spices and herbs then there's the more subtle sent of the different fragrances and sented oils used by the gathered nobles.
The soft humming of harps and other musical instruments played by musicians for different parts of the world somehow clash beautifully.
I covered my nose for a moment overwhelmed by the different sents as I entered the large hall with a ceiling so high that the place sometimes felt it was meant for giants rather than men. Other than the senses what surprises me even more however is the sheer diversity of the clothing worn by the different nobles in the hall.
'You should be used to this.' I told myself.
No matter how many times I see it I will never stop being filled with wonder at the sight of the different cultures of Pangea especially the Northerners, Westerners and especially the Southerners with their different styled robes and jewels which differed from man to woman I had especially noticed that some young Yeonies and Ishinian lord prefered to wear their robes like cloaks with their embroidered tunics showing and louse trousers to complete the fit.
Of course some wore their robes traditionally tied with sashes of different hues the ladies on the other hand simply wore silk robes that hugged their figures and had their hair tied into buns or complex braids and had it pierced by golden or silver spikes.
'I should get a tailored red martial robe for myself and the rest of my family one these days.' I mused.
The Northerners on the other hand were all dressed differently depending on which nation they where from. For example that the man and woman of Persan preferd dressing in fine tailored suits with a different colored cloaks on one shoulder of course many women still wore dresses of silk as well however it seemed suits were greatly liked in the kingdom of wine and romance.
'Alex told me about that strange nick name for Persan. I wonder where it came from?'
The Britanianns and Wisslandians on the other hand had their own style with man preferring doublet-coats and slim trousers some man wore suits of different shades and top hats which I strangely found quite stylish myself although I was not an expert in fasion. The women of WIssland I noticed seemed to be less conservative compered to their fellow in Britannia with them wearing silk scarfs along with their dresses while the Britannian women preferred to wear hats with veils along with their dresses.
The Valemen dressed similarly to the Wisslandians and Britannians however they seemed more relaxed with their fassion preferring their coats to unbuttoned and some of the woman were showing a generous amount of skin. The Midgardians mimicked their fellows which I found to be a shame because I was quite looking forward to seeing those heavy dire wolf coats they favored so much but alas they'd be baked alive under the Eastern sun.
'All these cultures are quite unique especially their different ways of dressing.'
The Westerners on other were few in number in this gathering of mostly nobles. Like the Northerners they also preferred suits however they preferred wearing denim or leather coat with their suits. How they survived the heat? only Helios would know.#
"Were is the Thyestes table." I said grinding my teeth.
I had been walking trough the giant hall for quite some time without seeing the red leopard of my house all I have been getting is nods of respects from some Northmen lords and knights and some words of praise from my fellow Easterners.
Pass by a wide square table with the standard of House Okumura in the middle as I look about I see Luke from the corner of my eye shacking hands with Arthur with a dark-haired youth standing amongst them.
'Ah, the you are.' I thought catching sight of Ajax dressed in a black cotan tunic lined with cloth of gold.
Before joining my family I wave at Luke and Arthur they seem to not notice me but the dark-haired youth does he grinned and waved at me his grey eyes sparkling as if pleased by himself.
'That fellow looks familiar.'
"Alibaba you cannot be serious." A man said in a soft tongue I knew very well.
"Well think of this matter more deeply cousin, like Rufus Caesar did during his struggles in life. For instant can you recall what he said to Agamemnon during the gold grass field?"
"I do not." Answered the young man.
"Despite the struggles of life we must simply say this as we march to certain death, lead me on oh Zeus and destiny."
I say passing by Alibaba and his cousin Ashik I do not even stumble while speaking in the tongue of gold sends the official language of the Raa empire.
"You're quite dramatic aren't you Sigmaleo?" Alibaba asked in his usual sagely tone.
Glancing back at him while walking forward I said.
"Thus thou not still wear brilliant Ivory toga while speaking to those lame old man from the halls of Plato ha, Alibaba?"
He snorted and continued his conversation with Ashik.
Smirking I turned and bumped into somebody.
"Agh, who?" I mumbled rubbing my forehead.
My vision swam for a moment for moment as I looked down to see a woman in red silk on the ground her hand on her forehead her red eyes glaring up at me with pure anger it was Maria Theseus.
'Wow, the lord of hope sure does like to torment me with this girl doesn't he?'
I sighed already knowing this was my chance to fool the world.
'Do it bloody slave you have no choice Lorn has already decreed that you must marry this girl within two years!' I ground my teeth glaring down at the girl no mater how much I try to deny it I have to admit she is beautiful especially in that red backless silk tunic that reaches to her knees. 'Good now do your duty you damned slave!' I growled at my self.
I extended my hand toward Maria my expression still stoic.
"Get up." I hear myself saying.
Surprisingly she takes my hand.
I support her by placing my hand on her lower back she jolts in surprise.
"Lets go the rest of our family is waiting for us." I say my hand o her waist.
"Our family?" She asked glancing at my hand which I observed was quite close to her hip.
'Its no matter like uncle Dorn once said a Thyestes does not flinch or react to anything.'
"Yes, our family you'll finally be one of one us once we're married and you ought to act like a woman of house Thyestes. Meaning that simple contact with your fellow man's paltry body should not provoke a reaction."
Her eyebrows farrowed but she did not complain as I guided her to our family's table.
As we walked hand to hand we seemed to attract a lot of attention especially from my fellow Easterners. 'Let them gawk.' I though. 'Let them know that Atreus of House Thyestes is not only a promising young warrior but a man who courts the finest of woman.'
Even though I know and most people that know me as well know that I have zero interest in courting and not to mention romantic relationships.
"Look at you two courting in public. Are you trying to cause a scandal?" Alexander said whistling.
"Be quiet." I say. "My lady please seat." I say to Maria.
She smirked impressed by my performance.
"Are actually courting her?" Ajax asked from his seat on our long table.
I spared a glance at the table draped with a black cloth decorated with red lightning and responded to my cousin. "Why shouldn't I? Maria is a beautiful woman and a fine warrior."
Silence.
Then Leona burst out laughing startling a serving woman in white she hugged herself and said trough gasping fits of laughter.
"Sister did you hear that? Your bully of four years likes you hahaha. Sisters of fate be mercyfull to think those words would come out his mouth of all people."
Diomedes and Ajax both shook their heads.
"Sister you go to far he still...." Maria started.
I raised my hand silencing her.
Then Leona's laughter finally died.
'To think I once desired her.' I thought feeling foolish.
"Are you done!" I hear myself say my voice like the frozen wastelands of Agea. "Because if you are I'd like to remind that you and maybe a year apart in age and somewhat equals when it comes to magic. However we are not equals in terms of status I am a lord and you.....are likely no better than one our servants so no your place and never speak to me like that ever again."
Alexander tries to say something but I cut him off.
"You are to marry this one brother take care to make sure that she knows her place under our banner."
Alexander grimaced and nodded as Leona shook with anger and Maria to ground her teeth beside me.
I bare no ill will against my brothers but the Theseus sisters were meant to be my replacement incase I was not found. Ah yes my grandfather did tell me that excellent lie about how Diomedes or Ajax were meant to take my place as lord of Sunborn but of course as I grew older and started understanding the sheer wealth and status of my house I knew that my two cousins had their own keeps in Gaia so I knew that the next people in line to inherit My keep and the richies that came with it would be my grandfathers two wards.
'Was he planning to give them my father's Runeblade and plate as well?'
"Oh, why is everyone so quiet did Trey get all mad again." I lively voice said.
"Where have you been sister." Diomedes said.
Aria took her seat next to her giant little brother. My cousin is a charming young woman with long Thyestes red hair and olive colored eyes known for being the most well dressed of my family she is also the oldest out of all of us here.
'Wait, She turning 21 this year making her two years older than Maria. Gods I have long way to go in terms of growing.'
"Glad you can finally join us Mrs silks and earrings." Ajax said smirking.
Aria sniffed and started the usual argument she had with Ajax about how he always wear the same clothes and how he only bathed once a day which was considered revolting by most Hermesians who regardless of birth or social standing preferred to bathe at least twice everyday.
Of course I myself prefer to bathe trice per day and I don't intend to stop despite my family making fun of me for it 'Being clean is all good man' my grand uncle once said to me 'But don't you think this is a matter of excess that discipline?'
I remember launching into a rant about how different stoics and soldiers of old vied bathing as something sacred that made one close to the gods and their fellow man.
"Where the hell is grandfather?" Ajax said tapping his glass.
As to answer his question a horn blew not a war horn of course but a loud and thundering instrument none thon less.
High lords, great warriors of Pangea and many powerful figures of the world go silent even the soothing music that was playing goes still.
"ALL RISE FOR HIS IMPERIAL ARCH WARDEN OF THE PALE DESERTS PRIME OF THE RAA EMPEROR SINBAD AMUN RAA." The Herald called in aged yet commanding voice.
His voice is so commanding in fact that I would mistake him for a former commander rather than than an emperor's mouth piece.
The emperor of the Raa moved followed by his son Darius the star of the resent festivities.
'Bah, everyone probably forgot that we were all here to celebrate him doing what again? wow to think even I have forgot truly Darius is an after thought.'
"WELCOMING THE SON OF THE SEAS AND THE SUN LORD OF THE FOUR PRINCEDOMS KING OCTAVIAN BELLONA." The Herald call as King Octavian strode in with his brother Sunprince Marcus Bellona and not to mention the fact that the man is Rufus's father.
The king has the same feature as Rufus however the acception is that he has more of a stoic deminer than my friend.
His royal attire consists of a stiff black military style uniform a gold imperial toga and lastly a sunburst colored circlet crowning his head.
'So, that's Caesar's crown.' I though unable to take my eyes of the crown of the suneater himself.
"QUEEN SARA FLANAGAN LADY OF THE MOON AND FORESTS DEFENDER OF THE VALE AND HIGH MARSHAL OF THE SHATTART WINGS."
'So she's the youngest monarch in the world.' I though looking at the black-haired curvy queen dressed in a green coat and black trousers on her head was a black crown with a single blue gem. The woman walked with pure swagger followed by her granduncle.
The Herald then announced the arrival of the president of Libertesia and someone related to the king of the central continent some members of the council run states of the North all figures who didn't wear a crown. The were also some Agean lords who came on behalf of their monarchs some Vanir of note also had their names shouted to high heavens.
'So, we are all pretending as if Vanaheim still belongs to the Vanir.' I though shaking my head.
From beside me maria mumbled something about the Vanir still keeping face even after all this time.
One thing I had not notice due to the sheer size of the banquet hall was that everyone who seated stood and boud to their respective monarchs and rulers when their titles where being called.
"WELLCOME TO THE FATE GUIDED LIGHT EMBRACING PEACE KEEPING CELESTIAL GREAT EMPEROR SUNG HAJIN."
"Wow, he actually said it without mispronouncing anything." Alexander whispered.
"Shh." I said. "I want to hear the Pengaian emperor's tittles next."
I had not read much about the title of the monarchs of the other nation only knowing their names and occupation had seemed enough in the past but now? I want hear all their epic tittles.
"WELCOME TO THE STORMBLESSED DIVINE SILA LORD OF THE FIVE DAMIOS EMPEROR RIN SUGUWARA."
'When is the emperor of penglai going to.....'
The herald cleared his throat?
I grin.
"WELLCOME TO THE NINE HEAVENS OVER LOOKING WORLDS FATE DEFYING ALL ENLIGHTENED GOLDEN BODY JADE PALACE ALLL RIGHTEOUS GREAT EMPEROR SURPASSING RADIANCE JADE MARTIAL HEAVENLY VENERABLE GREAT EMPEROR HAN ZHENG."
"What the actual fuck." Alex said then he covered his mouth realizing the were more voices murmuring about the old emperors tittle.
The man himself is quite the impressive figure standing tall in red robes that were more majestic than any other atop his head was a southern black crown that looked like a some sort of square hat.
The murmurs quieted as the Herald loudly cleared his throat his voice easily carrying accross the large area.
'He must be quite the skilled wind mage.' I mused taking a sip of my water I don't drink wined nor any other alcohol for that matter.
"HIS MEJESTY KING LOUIS V CLAMONT OF PERSAN."
'Ah, I dosed off? such is the mind one such as I.'
"WELLCOMING THE FIRST SUN OF THE EARTH GREAT RULLER OF THE FIVE SAVANAS MUSA OF MOUNT META RULER OF ENKAI KING OBA ORORON."
"Oh, its old Oba I thought he'd be to busy arguing with his council members about the taxation of silk or something." Ajax said in an audible whisper.
Of course he was telling the truth Zeke's uncle was well known for being a man of simple plans that helped increase the wealth of his nation rather than the spider web like schemes preferred by most monarchs.
'I should ask grandfather if I could serve as king Oba's cupbearer.' I mused.
But alas I know that I will instead be serving in my grandfathers court rather than my best friends uncles court.
"HER GRACE QUEEN VICTORIA OF House PENDRAGON THE THIRD OF HER NAME QUEEN OF THE DRAGONS, PHEONYXIES AND THE SHARKS OF THE WEST." The herald paused as a king and queen emerged dressed in red and gold with crowns of gold and red. "KING JOFFREY OF HOUSES RED WOOD AND PENDRAGON FIRST OF HIS NAME KING OF THE REDWOODS, THE LIONS AND THE GREAT STAGS LORD OF THE SIX KINGDOMS DRAGON KNIGHT OF THE NORTH AND PROTECTOR OF THE REALM."
A large number of people stood most them Britannians some bowed their heads even took knee. At first I did not know what was going before I hear many chairs screeching back as a couple emerged hand in hand they walked all eyes on them as if they were born to be the center of the cosmos itself king Joffrey looked every inch the warrior standing tall and proud with the man is inhumanly beautiful with shoulder length blood red hair and deep violet eyes. The Northern king was dressed in a red silk coat and black trousers with a circlet of red atop his head with points shaped like leafless trees.
'He looks just like Arthur!'
The queen does not disappoint either with fair skin, long golden hair and striking green eyes she to looked every inch the warrior with her stiff powder blue trousers and red coat trimmed with gold unlike her spouse the queen Victoria wears a crown of vibrant gold I could not make out the design of the spike however a she passed by.
"One king! one queen! one realm." Called the Britannians.
"Zealots!" I muttered.
Everyone from Ishin to Libertesia knew how zeelot the Britannians were towards their mornarchy.
I shifted slightly and whispered careful to only speak in Hermesian less anyone overheard me.
"I believe the rumors of the Redwoods usurping the Britannian Throne were unfounded." I say.
"So, that makes no difference to us." Diomedes said.
Alexander and Ajax nodded their agreements.
"Why do you speak of this my lord?" Maria asked.
"Because lord Sparta now owes the blackstorm 3 million golden lions." I say raising three fingers causing everyone in the table to wince.