It has four legs! Its a farm animal! Mateo sat on the edge of the carriage bench; his eyes fixed on the paper card his brother held above his head. You can ride them!
Cow! Marco shouted across from him.
Tori squinted at her little cousin and the card that said horse. You...ride cows?
You can ride a cow! Marco defended himself.
Its pulling the carriage right now, Tori said in a deadpan voice.
Marco looked at her quizzically. Horse?
Next! Mateo flipped the small hourglass over and Marco tossed the card to the side and grabbed the next one. Its the animal on cousins store!
Lion!
Oh, thank goodness he at least got that one.... Mateo flipped the small hourglass again, but the larger one on Toris side was about to run out. She smiled. And...ti!
No! Marco let out a pained cry and looked at the small stack of cards next to him. I only got four this round!
Lets total it up, Tori said as she opened a little notebook filled with small lines and notes. Okay...Mateos total score...25. Not bad. Now Marco...adding the four this round.... She looked up and saw the tense looks on the twins faces. 26. Sorry, Mateo. Marco wins.
Marco let out a cry of triumph as he raised his arms in the air. Mateo looked stunned. Wait...one more round!
We agreed on five rounds each, Tori said as she reached forward to gather the cards. It looks like half my dessert will go to Marco tonight.
Hehehe.... The older twin looked pleased as he gave his brother a smug look. Mateo crossed his arms over his chest and slumped back against the carriage.
I can win with one more round.
We dont have ti for one more round, Tori said as she pushed aside the curtains of the carriage. Were already here.
As she gathered the cards and put them away, the twins scooted to the window to look outside. Just up the road were the main gates of Presidio; old, reinforced clay brick structures that led to the largest city in Sur, the southern region where their familys march was located.
At the top of the hill, overlooking the city, was the fortress Tori awoke in months ago. In the late afternoon sun, it looked particularly inviting. They had been traveling for a week and were in the carriages all day; just the thought of getting to stay in one place for a while and not have to sll like ginger to travel was welcoming.
Like the twins, she looked out the window closest to her to try to get a good look at the city. As large as it was, it was only a fraction of Horizon.
Soleil was a sprawling empire with 35 administrative regions and its heart in Horizon. It was surrounded by the Central Corridor and beyond that, the five duchies, which were mainly agrarian, but dotted with mines and forests that could be sourced. They were physically the closest high-ranking nobility to the center of politics and when people talked about local nobles in Horizon, they counted the duchies.
Because of their vast resources and territories all over the empire, they tended to also be the wealthiest nobles and were constantly competing with each other.
Then, there were the twelve marches, with the four largest made up of the original expansion territories of Soleil when it was still a kingdom vying for land. As the kingdom grew into an empire and stretched out its dominance, a patchwork of smaller marches was created to be buffer areas along the forr borders.
Soleils military power was spread along the twelve marches, but the Eastern March of Schwert that oversaw most of Osten, the eastern region of Soleil, and the Southern March of Guevera, which oversaw Sur, controlled about a quarter of the empires military each as a result of their locations and history. All the smaller marches in their region also reported up to them. According to Kasen, they were the two marches that had the best quality militaries.
The Western March, controlling Anlar, was coastal and closest to so of the client states and annexed territories off the mainland. As a result, they held two-thirds of Soleils naval power. The remaining third was under the Gueveras, technically, but were split into three smaller portions amongst three smaller marches closer to the coast.
The Northern March, in Nordur penninsula, had a sparse population with little to defend in terms of resources. Their military was trained to be more like ergency service personnel. They trained jointly with the other three big marches, taking up logistic or dic roles within them.
All in all, the four main marches were deeply united from the empires early expansion to secure its borders. Unlike the duchies, the marches were on exceedingly good terms and nobles from one march often married into another. Her paternal grandmother was the daughter of the late and forr Marquis OTuagh and her grandmother's nephew was the current Marquis OTuagh.
This made Marquis OTuaghs son, Admiral Andrew OTuagh of the Anlar Fleet, one of Toris cousins. He was a bit older than Sebastian, but the youngest of his siblings. Victorias mory recalls him trying to teach her how to swim when she went to visit as a child.
Tori leaned back against the carriage. In retrospect, it wasnt just the Gueveras whose power and influence backed her. She had distant relatives in high places. Unfortunately, she didnt retain any mories from Victoria about how said relatives saw her. Whether or not they had a good impression of Victoria was unknown. They werent ntioned in the wiki article, either.
Tori had to learn about these blood and political ties from Kasen. It would probably be a good idea to beco closer to them, if only to have another layer of protection from whatever the ga decided to throw at her. Also, in her original world, she had a massive extended family and she always liked that.
The carriage continued to move forward and they were waved through the fortress gates. Ahead of them was her aunt and uncles carriage. It wouldve been too cramped with five people in a single carriage, so Tori volunteered to essentially babysit her cousins and use them as market research for pictionary, charades, and heads-up. She didnt have ti to make the bingo cards for traveling, so shed have to work on that while she was ho.
They were led into the outer courtyard and, on the steps below the main entrance, three adults were waiting for them. Toris eyes crinkled up as she saw her parents and grandfather with expectant looks on their faces. She smiled. For people shed only known for a few months, shed had them in her heart securely.
The ga may be against her, but it didnt leave her helpless. Her lips curled up. That was probably its mistake.
The carriage ca to a stop and as soon as it did, the twins threw open the door and shot out.
Gramps! Their screams filled the courtyard as they jumped into the open arms of the Elder Marquis. He laughed and lifted them up, one in each arm, and squeezed them, happy to see his youngest grandchildren.
Tori stepped out of the carriage and before she could take a step towards her grandfather, her parents surrounded her.
Tori, welco ho! Her mothers tight embrace filled her with warmth as she was pulled forward. How was the journey? You must be tired. Its much longer in the winter.
It was just two days longer, Mama. Its fine, Tori said as her mother stepped back and held her at arms length to study her.
Your mother had the cooks prepare your favorites for dinner, her father said as he gave her a hug. Even your favorite dessert.
Half of it is mine! Marco cried out. Tori let out a little snort.
Yes, yes, that was the deal. She rolled her eyes and headed over to greet her grandfather. The door to the first carriage was now open and she watched her Auntie Lucia step down, wearing her down coat.
Oh, my! Its much colder here than I thought it would be. Its good that I brought my coat with . She wore a smug expression as she looked directly at her older brother.
Toris father frowned as he saw his sister parading in front of them, shalessly showing off the coat. Lucia, he said in a droll voice. Good to see you.
Gregorio, I cant believe you ca outside in such thin clothing, Auntie Lucia let out a small, mock gasp. She gave the marquis a pitiful look. Its a sha you dont have a nice warm coat, like mine.
The corner of the marquis eye twitched. Yes....
Do you like it?
Its-
Tori designed it, you know. Specifically, with in mind. Its called the Biancci wons trench. She walked in a circle and the marquis scowled. A nervous Uncle Maurizo rushed to her side.
My love, perhaps we should go inside now. Its getting colder and the sun will set soon.
Maurizo. The marquis voice was low as his blue eyes glared at his brother-in-law. Are you also wearing a trench?
Uncle Maurizo froze for a mont before turning to face the marquis with a weak smile. Ah...yes....Tori made and her aunt a matching pair.
She saw her parents turn their heads towards her and she quickly hugged her grandfather to avoid their eyes. Gramps, how are you? Have you been busy?
The old man snorted and let his grandsons down before embracing his only granddaughter. Im fine. Suffering from popularity, as always, he said with a lopsided grin. He looked over the top of her head and gave his children an annoyed look. Theyve been traveling all day. Everyone should go inside and relax. He stepped back and urged Tori up the steps. Dinner isnt for so ti. Go and take a nap. I will send soone to wake you for dinner.
Thanks, Gramps. By the way, where are Kasey and Sebby? Tori looked around. She expected her brothers to be the first ones to rush up to her after her parents.
I sent them on so business to the garrison, her father said, casually. The Presidio garrison was a half days ride away and usually if soone went, theyd stay the night. Theyll be back for dinner.
Tori nodded and looked back at the carriage. The servants were starting to unload and she pulled away from her grandfather. Can you take that box to the family room? she asked as she pointed to a new trunk about half the size of the one she left with.
Whats inside, my dear? Her mother craned her neck and looked over the trunk.
Its my first ti in Horizon, so I bought everyone commorative gifts. Her parents eyes sparkled with excitent and Tori wondered if Victoria ever bought her poor parents gifts before. It was a minor detail she couldnt rember.
Her grandfather once more urged her to go to her room and rest after her long journey. She was more than happy to do so. She just wanted to rest and not think about the taxing carriage ride, the ga, or that weird encounter with Constantine before she left.
Tori planned to just lay down for a mont and then unpack her bag of things before she was called to dinner, but as soon as she laid across her big bed, in her room already ward by the fire in the hearth, she was out.
It wasnt until she heard knocking on the door and her na being called by a maid that she opened her eyes. The light crystals were glowing a dim yellow light, likely to let her sleep, and the curtains across her windows were pulled closed. There was no light coming from them, aning it was already dark out.
Tori rolled into a sitting position and rubbed her eyes. Ill co down in a mont! Im just washing up! She heard the maid confirm and then a few fading footsteps before Tori walked to the ceramic basin and jug. The water was now room temperature and was likely warm when it was brought in.
After washing her face and re-doing her hair in a bun with a headband, she straightened her clothes and headed downstairs to the dining hall.
Tori! She opened her door and found Sebastian waiting for her in the brightly lit hall. Welco ho!
Sebby. She smiled and raised her arms to give him a hug. Her brother happily accepted and kept one arm around her shoulders as they walked downstairs. When did you get back?
A few hours ago. Papa knew you were coming ho today, but he still sent us out to do so work at the garrison. I tried to talk him into letting us go tomorrow, but no. He said it had to be today. And do you know what it was for? Reassignnt orders and delivering joint training directives.
Her brother complained all the way to the ground floor, where they found Kasen standing just outside the dining hall. He saw them approaching and smiled warmly.
Welco ho. Did you get so rest?
I fell asleep as soon as I got to my room, Tori said as she greeted him with a hug. I heard Papa sent you to the garrison.
He didnt need to send both of us, Kasen said with a frown as he walked beside her. But he kept insisting it was important.
Tori chuckled and stepped into the dining hall with her brothers on either side. It was already noisy, with the twins explaining that they had been playing gas Tori made and that the winner for the day would get half of Toris dessert as a prize.
Im glad you two are having fun with your cousin, but is it necessary to take half of her dessert every night? Auntie Lucia asked as she sat beside her husband.
Cousin got to keep the other half, Mateo said, as if the prize was valid and in no way unfair to their cousin.
Tori, youre here! Her mother rose from her seat and rushed to her to take her arm and lead her to her seat. The twins were telling us about the tents you made.
I didnt make them myself, I just put together the design and asked it to be made so my group could have sowhere to sleep on the excursion, Tori said as she took her seat. She scooted forward and looked across the table at the twins. Did you two bring one of the tents?
They brought everything, Uncle Maurizo replied with a slight grimace. They want to camp out in the courtyard.
Oh yeah! The twins looked at each other eagerly before turning to their uncle. Uncle, can we camp in the courtyard?
Auntie Lucia gave her husband a disapproving look for reminding them. The marquis furrowed his brows. Isn't it a bit too cold for that?
We have sleeping bags and vests!
You two will just get in the way of morning training, Auntie Lucia said. And weve been on the road for a week. Dont you two want to sleep in a big bed?
The duo shook their heads. We slept in beds all the way here.
We should get to sleep outside!
Everyone seed to want to disagree and Tori watched the twins beco more and more disappointed. As the food was served, Tori began to cut her at and spoke up.
Id like to show everyone the tent. Maybe tomorrow, the twins can help set it up after morning training, just to show everyone? If they cant camp outside overnight, what about just for the day? We can cook lunch on a campfire.
If its during the day, itll be warr, her mother said, thoughtful.
As long as its after morning training, it should be fine. Well section off an area for the twins to set up, her father agreed. He looked at the duo. But you cant sleep outside at night when its this cold.
Sure, Uncle!
We wont! The twins looked at Tori and gave her obvious winks. She chuckled and continued to eat.
Dinner conversation was dominated by her parents asking her about school and her store that they heard so much about.
What about your roommate? You said shes staying in Horizon for the winter break? her mother asked.
Tori nodded. Her father got her a room at an inn and shes splitting her ti between doing so desk work at the guild with Henrik or going to Sonia and JPs for riding lessons. I was going to invite her to co, but her father already reserved the room. Weve been calling every night and shes reporting what everyone is up to, since Im the only one who left for the break.
Her mother smiled warmly and her eyes seed to dampen. Im happy to hear that you are getting along...and making friends. You never really...got along with anyone your age here; I was worried you wouldnt make any friends in Lyce.
Tori squinted and her lips straightened into a line. Wow, Mama...your low expectations kind of hurt.
As soon as dinner was finished, her father seed to urge everyone to the family room. It was a large hall with a massive hearth that already had a roaring fire to warm it. There were plenty of places for everyone to sit and folded blankets laying across the various sofas and seats to help keep them warm.
Tori brandished a key and went straight to the trunk shed asked the servants to bring. While Auntie Lucia and her family sat further away, her parents, brothers, and grandfather seed to huddle close to the trunk, all wearing expectant looks.
With a big grin, Tori opened the trunk and began to pass out the gifts shed brought ho. For Gramps and Mama and Papa, I brought you so regional wine. She handed each person a bottle and they cooed over it, admiring the bottles in their hands as if they had been handed an award. For Kasey, I got you the latest book on trade regulations, directly from His Highness Prince Emil himself! She happily presented a bound book to her brother, who nodded as he accepted it. And for Sebby, a new satchel.
Oh...thank you....
She handed the leather bag to her eldest brother and could faintly see the light of expectation die in his eyes. Tori kept a wide smile on her face as she closed the trunk and sat on top of it. Well? she asked. What do you think?
Sebastian looked at the bag with barely restrained disappointnt. Is this all? Kasen elbowed him and shot him a glare.
Were you hoping for sothing else?
No! No, I love the satchel! I dont need anything else! Sebastian hugged the bag against him and forced a smile as their parents and Kasen also began to ramble about how wonderful their gifts were.
After about a minute, her aunt began to laugh. Tori, stop teasing them! Just give them what they want. Her eyes were crinkled up and she lifted a hand to wipe at them. Honestly, they look so sad.
Tori chuckled and stood back up. She opened the trunk and began to hand out garnt bags. For Gramps, a winter coat. Its not as dense as the ones we sell in Horizon, since it doesnt get as cold here, but it cos with a hood and plenty of pockets. The material is also water resistant.
The beaming old man took it from her hands and quickly pushed aside the garnt bag to admire the black coat within. Rather than the down coats, they were more traditional wool coats with so modern embellishnts. Oh...my look at all these pockets.
There is one inside that can hold a dagger, Tori said as she handed her parents each a bag. Mama and Papa also get matching coats. These are spider silk with mohair. Mohair is lighter and breathable. Its good for the weather here. You both look good in brighter shades of blue, so Mama gets the lighter blue and Papa gets the darker one.
Her father yelled for soone to bring down a mirror as her mother stood up to put her knee-length coat on. The fur trim was silver and shorter than the ones on the down jackets.
What about us? Sebastian nearly pushed Kasen aside to get to her first.
Tori handed them a bag. Sebby gets brown, as he looks good in earthy colors. Kasey gets navy. These are also mohair coats, but theyll hit your mid-thighs and dont have belts. Youll notice the straighter cuts and the accent lines on the lapels, hems, and cuffs. I thought theyd be good for when youre outside. I also brought so sweaters for Grandpa and Grandma Sophos.
This is perfect! Sebastian said as he held out the coat to examine it. He couldnt seem to stop smiling. Im going to have to reconsider what Ill wear for the balls now to match this.
Pleased that he liked it, Tori smiled even more. How many balls do you plan to go to?
Were attending three this winter and then we have our usual solstice dinner party with the family, Kasen told her as he checked the accent lines on the cuffs.
Tori tilted her head to the side and squinted. We?
Yes. Sebastian looked at her as he put his arms through his coat. The three of us are going to attend so local balls to represent the family. Isnt that great, Tori? You love parties!
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