[h1][u][b][center]The Palaparese Revolution: Chapter 1:[/center][/b][/u][/h1][center][h3][u][color=#B8860B] Mahal Agha[/color][/u][/h3][/center][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/oKxxC3B.png[/img][/center][center][color=#B8860B] "Selim, what happened?"[/color][/center][hr][hr][h2][u]Homecoming [/u][/h2][hider=❖][center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llRsBxXySEk[/youtube][/center]
In all this time away, Lunara learned, [i]home is where you make it[/i]. Her hair usually tied up was let down and wafting, stretching out her arms, exhaling softly, she leaned back on her steed whom trotted the dirt path beaten into submission by years of other riding travelers. A lady of your station shouldn't be traveling alone! Her father would've preached. [i]Why trot in the dirt concealing your destiny when you could be out there where the people can look up to you in all your brilliance?[/i] Her mother would've prodded. Of which did Lunara listen to more? Neither. She quite liked breaking expectations, it gave her that sweet release from pressures nobility charged on her, a life she did not have the luxury to choose as she was promptly reminded again and again of her duties as a noble lady of the house. Lunara may have learned another lesson about home, she could never escape far enough. Adding to her earlier thoughts,[i] home is where you make it, if you can get far enough away from the one you're in.[/i]

Quite honestly Lunara wasn't looking forward to returning home. She liked Ersand'Enise, she fancied the differences in culture, perspectives, and ideas. There were plenty of books and rarely any insects flying around to make her squeamish. It was a place she'd like to continue to make home. Yet, it wasn't far enough from the nudge of her parents calling her back for duty, like a noose around her gut, she was pulled between feelings of safety and vulnerability. 

Not far above, lurked Miray. If it weren't for their bond it would've been difficult to sense Miray's presence. She was silent and seamlessly blending in with the dappled light filtering through the thick canopy. Lunara, ever so often would glance up to catch glimpses of Miray weaving effortlessly through the jungle above, a smile cracking across her face, [i]beautiful.[/i] As they rounded over a slight elevation Lunara spotted what Miray had already begun to stalk, a monkey.

The jungle seemed to hold its breath. With a swift launch from Miray, the jungle burst alive with sounds and colors from other creatures scattering out of the way. The intensity of the hunt was dialed up. Lunara went from falling asleep on her horse to pacing with the excited Goma and monkey. She matched the speed of the swift movements Miray was delivering in the canopy, the monkey finding difficulty with its catch and release of the trees it hugged under pressure. Both leaped. Only one landed. Miray's powerful jaw and claws gripped the monkey in mid-flight. The two tumbled through the air and for a split second, the monkey let out a high-pitched screech, a desperate chatter echoing among the trees.

The monkey twisted and flailed, attempted to wriggle free, but Miray's strength was unmatched. Her metallic canines gleamed as she locked her jaw delivering an electric charge through her teeth. The faint crackle emitted from her canines and sharply followed was the monkey's fade into submission. 

Miray leaped down gracefully onto the jungle floor, her powerful limbs absorbing her impact. Her prey now silenced, the jungle seemed to return to the humming of casual life, background of insects and rustling leaves resuming as if acknowledging the hunt's end. Miray approached Lunara and dropped the monkey in front of her as if to say, [i]you aren't a good hunter, so here I did it for you.[/i]

Lunara didn't much like monkeys and was always comforted that there was one thing in this life that always looked out to protect her from the things she didn't always notice were there at first, [color=Aqua]"Thank you, Miray, you're incredible, always protecting me. What would I do without you?"[/color] Lunara hopped down off the horse and graceful as Miray from the trees. Miray leaned into Lunara's touch, her fierce eyes softening, a subtle gesture of affection, another note to their unbreakable bond. Lunara remained off the horse, leading it by the reins to her home as she walked next to Miray. Why did she take the dirt path and the longer way home? Because she didn't want to leave the [i]home she felt when she was away.[/i]

Lunara moved toward the entryway, through arches, and combed yard. She could hear her father's reproach in her mind:[i] A lady of your station should be punctual.[/i] She imagined the disapproval etched on his face, the disappointment at the dust on her boots and the hint of wilderness she hadn't bothered to shake off. Brushing a stray leaf from her cloak, straightening her shoulders, she let out a slow exhale. 

[color=aqua]"Wait here, Miray,"[/color] she murmured, stroking the Goma cat's head one last time before stepping inside. Miray settled back on her haunches, eyes fixed on the door. Once it closed, Miray bounded in the woods to see if she couldn't keep eyes on Lunara throughout the interior of the estate. 

Inside, the hallways stretched out, echoing with memories of her childhood. Strange, how distant this place felt now. The ornate tapestries, the polished floors-they were relics of a life she had once been part of, but no longer felt connected to. She paused, taking a moment to steady herself. Her mind fitted back to Ersand'Enise, the freedom she'd felt, to the friends she'd made, and the perspectives she'd encountered. It was all so... far... far... away within these walls.

As she reached the door, she straightened once more, forcing a calm expression onto her face. The door creaked, there he was, seated behind his massive desk, a portrait of power and control. Ruslan looked up, his gaze sweeping over her, taking in the dust on her cloak, the wild look in her eyes that she hadn't managed to conceal.

[color=c13131]"Lunara,"[/color] he said, a hint of reproach already coloring his tone, [color=c13131]"You've finally returned."[/color]

She met his gaze, her jaw set, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. [color=aqua]"Yes, father," [/color]her voice steady. 

She could feel the weight of his expectations pressing down on her, but she refused to let it bend her. Whatever lecture awaited her, she would face it as she had faced everything else.

Ruslan held a mask over his face as he let the moment stretched on. Finally, he placed his quill back into the ink well and set the recent news aside. In a smooth motion, he pushed onto his feet and walked around the table. He slowed upon approach, his hand held out for a proper greeting. 

Once finished, her pulled it back and spoke. [color=c13131]"Though I'm glad to see some things haven't changed. I think it's time we talk about your future."[/color] He gestured for the door, indicating for her to exit first.

Lunara’s gut churned as the words ‘future’ slipped from her father’s lips. What was he going to hold her responsible for now? As Ruslan gestured for Lunara to exit first, there was a brief thought, what if she just ran and never came back. Good riddance! 

Yet, she found her feet walking lock step with her father. Her mind slipping into focus and her heart steadying. Lunara was always going to end up here with him, discussing her future. Was it not what he raised her for? 

It would have been more accurate to suggest they’d be talking about Ruslan’s future and how Lunara would bring his vision and legacy into the next chapter, not her’s. It was never really about her. 

[color=aqua]“Ok, we’re walking - what about my future did you want to insert your input into?” [/color]She asked sarcastically.

[color=c13131]"I see Ceren's attitude has worn off on you." [/color] Ruslan commented then added, [color=c13131]"Perhaps it was unwise to send her to school with you. Even for protection."[/color]  

He let his words settle in the air in hopes to temper her mood. Soon, the older man moved on and addressed the next issue. He kept his pace an amble since he had much to say. [color=c13131] "Getting upset over what is expected of you, doesn't change the role you were born in. We each have our responsibilities to serve the family. Even if we're not fond of it."[/color] 

Ruslan stared off into the distance for a moment, then exhaled. [color=c13131]"Since you left, tensions have been rising in Palapar. Especially in the lower class. Recently, a few of our slaves were caught gathering together without permission. They had stolen one of the kitchen's knives and were heard plotting. According to the overseer, they planned to murder one of the guards and make a break for it into the jungle." [/color] 

While he didn't know if the source could be trusted, it was enough to ensure punishment for even the thought of it. Those who rose above their rank often brought discord into society. Everyone had their place and for good reasons.

Lunara keeping to the etiquette of her station with an upright walk replied with a tone of defiance, [color=aqua]"Ceren's attitude? No, this is mine, father."[/color] Her eyes steeled ahead, [color=aqua]"And, yes, duty to family over one's self."[/color] A lesson she repeated back to him, the man she learned the code from. 

Her father pressed on about his woes, Palapar, lower class, slaves, caught, stolen, plotting, and murder. These were all words she selected as he spoke his concerns and all Lunara could think about was,[i] why?[/i]

She stopped for a moment, turned toward her father, [color=aqua]"Why do our slaves want to run?"[/color] An answer Lunara knew, yet, she was intrigued at what her father might conjure up as a serious thought.

Ruslan frowned at his daughter's statement. It was clear he didn't believe her words as he continued to lead onward. 

[color=c13131]"They are unable to be more than what they are. So they chose to run rather than shoulder their expectations. "[/color] Ruslan's voice oozed with confidence from the lessons he had learned as a child. [color=c13131] "Little do they know about how the world works. The strong will always rule and it is by their mercy, the weak is allowed to exist." [/color]

Lunara's face was slightly down as she listened. Ruslan's words bounced in her head, his view of these people were oddly similar to his view of her. The difference was his daughter had escaped but his slaves had not. 

Her eyes lifted, [color=aqua]"By their mercy?"[/color] Lunara sighed, [i]was it worth the trouble? [/i]She started to chuckle, [color=aqua]"Thank the Pentad for their mercy!"[/color] Her tone mockingly in delivery. [color=aqua]"So, what will the [i]strong[/i] do to rectify such rebellion?"[/color]

Ruslan noted the disapproval, but stilled his tongue. If she had been Ceren, things would've been different. All it took was a swift slap to the jaw to bring her sister to heel. However, Lunara was stronger. A reason that made him proud despite her behavior. 

[color=c13131]"When words fail, they use force. Currently that is the direction I see things going if the weak don't fall back into line. That has never changed." [/color] If he was pleased to reveal this fact to her, his face didn't show it. [color=c13131]"It would be wise to remember that or you risk becoming a target yourself. Or worse, the family does." [/color]

Their path took them in a wider room near the house entrance.

Lunara listened. She didn't believe him, but she listened. What was the use to change the ideas of a man who believed the world was always exactly how he saw it. All this talk of burdening responsibility, The burden of strength, responsibility, and the place of the weak, all were his ideas and no one else's. At the end of the day - he is what he is, a product of his environment.

[color=aqua]"I'll remember."[/color]
[center]~~~~~[/center]

[color=#B8860B][i]How long had it been?[/i][/color] The rains continued to drench Mahal as her anxiety rolled off her. Her eyes rested on the main house wedged firmly between the coffee fields and native jungle. Like a jewel set in the center of a green crown. One built of stone, ironwood, and hand crafted tile. Yet underneath its surface, Mahal knew the beauty to be skin deep. She remembered the screams and blood she shed within its wall and across its grounds. 

Lost in the memories, a soft whine drew her attention. The girl twitched to life and looked down. She saw both her young dogs studying her intently, their tails drooped and ears perked. Their forms waiting impatiently for her next words. Something wet slide across her neck causing her eyes to look at her shoulder. The familiar red skin of Diyablos clung to her shoulder and seemed to touch her cheek. This broke the spell over her. She turned her head forward, inhaled then walked toward the house. Shortly all four slipped under the wooden roof. 

[color=#B8860B]"Ipte-Zept's Blessing."[/color]  A burst of heat flushed her body and evaporated the water into steam. Meanwhile the dogs shook themselves, scattering droplets across the floor. Supok yawned then half bowed, stretching down upon her front legs. As she rose back up, her head glanced about causing Mahal to click her teeth. "Stay with me. Don't go wandering off." 

The pup stared at her before something caught her attention. Noticing the distraction, Mahal followed her companion's gaze. It rested on the farthermost corner of the room. Slowly, one by one, the shadows began to detached themselves from the darkness and stalked into the light. Goma cats, about six them, circled about the intruders. Mahal tracked each one before the largest, a male, drew uncomfortable close. He waited for something. Cautiously, she stretched her palm outward. The feline purred then rubbed his whiskered cheek across it. 

Mahal's stomach tightened in her middle. [color=#B8860B]"What do you mean, tending to her? Is she sick?"[/color]

He paused, averting his gaze. Mahal pressed again. [color=#B8860B]"Selim, what happened?"[/color] 

[color=e1dd67] "Another accident."[/color] 

[color=#B8860B]"Another?"[/color] Mahal's nostrils flared. She knew something would happen in her absence. It never failed and she cursed herself for not being here to stop it. Her hands tightened into fists as her teeth gritted, her form shaking. 

Seeing the fury roll off her, Selim placed a hand on her shoulder. [color=e1dd67]"Calm down. While misfortune visited Onaona, she is still with us. The Gods were merciful and it was not her time for judgement yet."[/color]

The tension in Mahal's shoulders fade while her eyes gave him a grateful look. [color=#B8860B]"So she's okay then? Why didn't you say that from the start?"[/color] 

[color=e1dd67]"She's alive, but not the same as before. I wasn't here when the accident happened and I couldn't heal all of the damage. "[/color] He pursed his lips before revealing the ugly truth. [color=e1dd67]"She can't walk any more."[/color]

Before Mahal could ask to see her, Puno gave a soft woof. The girl's attention shifted as her form froze in place. Her eyes met her father's. His expression darkened with disapproval. Immediately, her head tilted downward and her breath hitched in her throat. The girl forced down the anxiety rising into her pounding chest. This wasn't suppose to happen. She intended to get in and out without anyone knowing... yet she failed to do so. 

Ruslan drifted from Lunara's side and stepped toward her. His voice, low and disapproving, addressed her. [color=c13131]"You were the last person I expected to be here, Ceren. Explain."[/color] 

His presence loomed over her like a predator upon a small, helpless creature. Mahal swallowed the growing lump in her throat. [color=#B8860B]"I-I..."[/color] She paused, collecting her strength. [color=#B8860B]"I missed home."[/color]

Lunara hasted to her sister’s side, bumping her father’s shoulder. Her arms wide open to embrace Ceren. 

[color=aqua]“Sis! I didn’t expect you to be here, glad you are though!”[/color] Wrapping her arms around Ceren. Although [i]missing[/i] home was a stretch.

Mahal's jawline tightened. The canines at her side grew unease causing their fur to bristle and forms lower defensively. Puno looked ready to lounge at her father. It was enough to draw out Diyablos as she felt a small tentacle reach out and grip her fingers. Instinctively, her fingers curled into the comforting gesture. 

Before her father spoke again, Lunara brushed past him. A subtle twitch entered his form as he fell still and collected himself. The favoritism was clear in Mahal's eyes, but she knew better than to call it out. Never the less, it fed the anger settling in her heart. Especially knowing her mother could never walk again because of him. Spotting Lunara's welcoming gesture, Mahal became distracted from her thoughts. She almost stepped back, but stopped herself. The girl freed her hand of Diyablos's grasp and then leaned into her half-sister's embrace. It lasted only for a moment. Her last words had been a hasty lie and if anyone knew it, it would be Lunara and Selim.  

Ruslan's scrutinized her behavior like everything else she did. [color=c13131] "You know you should've sent word you were here. Or does Ersand'Enise not teach proper manners?"[/color] 

The tension in the air grew, electrifying it like a calm before the storm. Mahal's patience gradually began to slip underneath her cold mask. Selim sensed this and stepped forward. Keeping his posture relaxed, he directed his words toward Lunara instead of her father. [color=e1dd67] "Permission to speak?" [/color]

Lunara and Mahal had not always seen eye to eye but what they both felt and agreed on were the terms of this home and their place here - it was not their own. Siblings bonded in feudal chains rather than the warmth of love. Ironclad expectations turning and twisting against their flesh and weighted down by a family they seemed to care less of who they were and more of what they were supposed to represent. 

Slamming through the tension, their father's voice striking with the force of a blacksmith wielding a hammer. Desperate to shape crude metal into a fine blade. Yet, as harshly as he struck and as many times as he tried. Ruslan was as good a craftsman as he was a loving father.

Lunara sensing Mahal's tension beginning to build in her expression, when Selim proposed his question, Lunara snapped at the opportunity to avoid her half-sister from bearing fangs, [color=aqua]"You may."[/color] Lunara nodding in acknowledgement.

While Selim was a gentle soul, he knew his worth and used it to his advantage in times like this. The men's eyes met for a brief moment. Ruslan's burned with his wounded pride while Selim took advantage of grace given to him. 

[color=e1dd67]"My apologizes."[/color] He prayed for Ahn-Shune's forgiveness for the half-truths he wove.  [color=e1dd67]"Ceren had just entered when we crossed paths. She mentioned her mother, and I spoke of her condition. I do believe seeing her daughter will lift Mistress Onaona's spirits. Especially now." [/color] He stepped carefully around the incident, ensuring the father's sin stayed hidden. May Dami have mercy on his soul over this deception.
Lunara'a instinctually asked, [color=Aqua]"What about her condition?"[/color] Her throat felt like swallowing a bag of rocks and her heart started to hasten. The tone behind Selim's message left Lunara concerned about Onaona's health.

After hearing the news Lunara’s throat choked. She was at a loss of words. Onaona had took care of Lunara since she was a baby. She was a good woman and she never thought that same woman would be in a position where she couldn’t even take care of herself. 

[color=Aqua]“Where is she?”[/color]

[color=e1dd67]"In her room."[/color] Selim answered as he remained behind with Mahal. He dare not leave those two alone. 

Once that question was answered. Lunara took off to see Onaona at her bedside.[/hider][h2][u]Suffering in Silence[/u][/h2][hider=❖❖]After a conversation with their father, Mahal wiped the blood from her lip. She found Selim shortly after and followed him to her mother's room. The healer's arm reached out and pulled the cloth door to the side. She paused then strode in. According to Selim, Lunara had finished her visit earlier though hesitated to leave. 

Gradually Mahal's vision adjusted to the dim light. The shuttered remained close with a few cracks letting in rays of sun. It still made the room darker than it should causing her to squint. She paused on the woven grass mats, their texture rough against her bare feet. Mahal settled next to one of the wizard cap mushroom vases and checked the withered flowers. A painful regret entered the woman's eyes as she gently brushed the dying plants. Pivoting on the ball of her foot, she brought herself face to face with the four post bed. In the center sat a figure, slender and still, surrounded by veiled nets to keep the bugs out. 

[color=#B8860B]"Mother?"[/color] Mahal allowed the dogs to wander, her focus drawn to her mother. 

The shadow shifted in the bed as the woman reached over, her arm pulled back the nets. [color=758c9b]"Mahal, is that you? Truly you?" [/color]

Onaona looked thinner than Mahal remembered her last. She noted the tautness and then the forgotten tray of fruit nearby. Casually, the daughter selected a dish and gave it a cautious sniff. She frowned at the sour odor causing her to set the tray to the side. 

[color=#B8860B] "Selim, can you tell one of the slaves to prepare some fresher food? Some fried kicker snails or marinated meat? Something good for her healing."[/color]

[color=758c9b] "I'm not hungry," [/color] Onaona protested only to be silenced by Mahal's next words. 

[color=#B8860B] "No. You need to eat something. Besides, we haven't eaten together in a very long time."[/color] 

[color=758c9b] "Very well. I would be a horrible mother if I didn't share a meal with you." [/color] The playfulness in her voice rang in the air.  

Mahal lowered herself onto the end of the bed as Onaona reached out her hand. Her gaze lingered on the busted lip, but said nothing. Gently, Mahal's hand overlapped her mother's. Despite the affection, she couldn't bring herself to make eye contact. Words lingered in the back of her mind, but she dare not say them. What could she say? Sorry for leaving? No, no words could expression her shame properly. She shook herself mentally and moved on. 

[color=#B8860B] "Good. Ersand'Enise doesn't have kicker snails."[/color] While she wanted to bask in the affection for hours, she had little time to spend here. [color=#B8860B] "Lunara likely asked earlier, but I'm asking again. It is true what Selim said? That you can't walk now?"[/color] 

Onaona pulled away her hand and laid it in her lap. She forced a smile while she explained. [color=758c9b]"Yes, sadly. It was a foolish mistake and my own fault. I should've known better." [/color] 

[color=#B8860B] "What happened?" [/color] Mahal's demanding tone caused her mother to flinch. She regretted it instantly. 

[color=e1dd67]"Onaona," [/color] Selim's informal use of her mother's name caught Mahal's attention. Her head turned and studied him, noticing the care in his address. [color=e1dd67] "Stop blaming yourself, it hurts my heart to see you carry this. It's not your fault." [/color] 

[color=758c9b]"Selim, please. It was nothing. As I told Lunara, it was an accident. Can we not talk about this?"[/color]

He shook his head. [color=e1dd67]"I disagree. It needs to be shared in order to heal. She's not the only one to feel guilty and if I had been quicker, you would still be able to walk."[/color]

Onaona defended him. [color=758c9b]"You were out collecting herbs for salves. Without them, many slaves would've lost their fingers to infection by now. Especially with the demand Virang is making on the plantations."[/color] She then added. [color=758c9b]"I was foolish to think I could get close without getting hurt. Even his first wife doesn't dare approach him during a mood. I simply forgot why..."[/color]

It was Selim's turn to sigh. He moved from the door frame and rested a hand on Onaona's shoulder. The woman pressed her lips together and the fake smile crumbled. She toyed with a strand of long, black hair to avoid speaking. Instead, it was him that cut the silence. [color=e1dd67]"Stop making excuses for him, you've given him enough to last several life times." [/color]

Raising her hand to touch his, she gave in. She turned to Mahal, her voice depressed and defeated. [color=758c9b] "Both your father and you have a temper. He was already on the verge of exploding when I got too close. I thought I could calm him, but..."[/color]

She licked her lips and continued. [color=758c9b]"Selim has taught me a bit about the Gift, but it wasn't enough. He unleashed his kinetic and I crashed into a pillar. I just remember a sharp pain in my spine and passing out. I woke up here with Selim healing me. So... at least he didn't leave me on the floor." [/color]

[color=e1dd67]"Yes, I suppose. Still, I pray to Oraff-Zept that it will never happen again."[/color]

Mahal sat there quietly reflecting on what happened. Her head bowed and she clamped down on her emotions. It didn't stop the frustration and helplessness from poisoning her core. Why wasn't she there? She could've stopped it. Feeling the emotional build up, her fist flung out. It slammed into one of the posts and splintered the wood on impact. Both Onaona and Selim jumped. The healer had already placed himself protectively in front of her mother. 

[color=#B8860B]"Sorry," [/color]She quickly apologized and retracted her hand back. Some things didn't change and she hated it.  

Feeling her pain, Diyablos ventured out from her satchel. His tentacles scaled her arm until he reached her shoulder. They carefully wrapped around her neck as if hugging her close. The dogs drew nearer too. Supok bounced her front paws onto the edge of the bed. She whined and wagged her tail, pleading for attention from Onaona. 

[color=758c9b] "Oh? Who's this little fellow?" [/color] The woman took Supok's large head into her hands. She started to scratch the firehound's chin and ear causing her foot to thump the floor. The young pup melted into the affection.

[color=#B8860B] "She, that's Supok. This is Diyablos and that's-"[/color] Before Mahal could introduce her, the updog rushed onto the bed. Her muzzled pressed into the woman's face and tongue licking at her skin. Seeing her mother curl away, Mahal barked out a command. [color=#B8860B] "Puno, down!" [/color]

Onaona raised her head and brushed off her daughter's worry. [color=758c9b]"It is no trouble, Mahal. She's just excited. What an adorable and pretty girl." [/color] 

Mahal took in the shift of the atmosphere. Soon after, a servant arrived with a tray of kicker snails and other delicacies to feast upon. About one of the few benefits allowed for their station, but it wouldn't last forever. Her eyes shifted from her mother back to Selim as she recalled the moment shared between them. In her absence, something dangerous developed between them. A devotion born of hardship and need. She put it aside for now and sought to enjoy the present while it lasted. [/hider] 
[hr] 
OOC: Reposted here to line up with the story better. :P