The journey is coming to an end as Mero steps onto the quay of the summer capital of Qit, his heart still vibrating with the intense experiences that marked their adventure. The sun has already set, giving way to a deep blue sky where the first stars sparkle like jewels scattered on dark velvet. A cool breeze, laden with the woody scents of pines and the sweet fragrances of wildflowers, glides over his skin, soothing the fatigue of the journey. Around him, the city stretches out in peaceful harmony, its cobblestone streets lined with houses with steep roofs, their windows diffusing a soft, welcoming light.
The palace, dominating the city from a gentle hill, immediately catches his eye. Its walls of light-colored stone, weathered by time, stand with austere elegance, pierced by high arched windows that hint at the grandeur within. Lanterns suspended along winding paths cast golden halos, guiding Mero and his companions towards the main entrance. The gardens surrounding the building add an unexpected touch of splendor: masses of scarlet roses and fragrant jasmines bloom under the silver moonlight, while fountains murmur a crystalline song, their waters reflecting the starlight.
Upon their arrival, the king and queen of Qit welcome them with a majesty tinged with sincere warmth. The king, an imposing figure with broad shoulders, wears a cape embroidered with geometric patterns that ripple slightly in the breeze. His crown, adorned with precious stones, sparkles under the torches, adding an aura of power to his presence. Beside him, the queen, more delicate but equally majestic, is draped in a silver silk dress that seems to float around her like a cloud. Her smile, soft and luminous, softens the solemn atmosphere of the palace, and her sparkling eyes betray a genuine joy at seeing Mero and his companions again after their journey.
Mero, impressed by their presence, feels a surge of admiration mixed with slight apprehension. He bows his head in respect, his moist hands betraying a nervousness he tries to hide. The king gives him a simple yet benevolent wave, while the queen offers him a smile that seems to dispel the shadows of the place, transforming the austerity of the stones into a promise of comfort and conviviality.
They are led into a vast salon where a sumptuous table awaits, set with care that testifies to the refinement of Qit. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls adorned with vibrant tapestries, where scenes of hunting and ancient festivals intertwine in a mesh of gold and crimson threads. The table itself is a masterpiece: an immaculate tablecloth, embroidered with floral motifs, supports a feast that dazzles the senses. Baskets overflow with exotic fruits—pomegranates bursting with ruby seeds, plump figs with violet hues, and bright red wild berries. Dishes of roasted meats, golden to perfection, exude a scent of spices that tickles Mero's nostrils, while delicate pastries, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with silky creams, promise irresistible sweetness.
Mero takes his place among the guests, his stomach rumbling with anticipation. The king sits at the head of the table, his imposing figure dominating the assembly, and once everyone is seated, he rises to speak. His voice, deep and assured, fills the room with calm authority.
— "Welcome to our table," he declares, his eyes scanning each face with almost paternal attention. "This meal is a way to celebrate your achievements, your discoveries, and the friendship that binds us. May this dinner be a new step in our relations, and may we all emerge enriched from this experience."
A smile lights up his face, and Mero, captivated by the simplicity of these words, feels a warmth spread through his chest, as if the king's hospitality personally envelops him.
The queen, with a softness that contrasts with her husband's gravity, adds:
— "This journey has been an opportunity for you to discover not only the lands of Qit but also to strengthen the bonds that unite our peoples and our hearts."
Her gaze lingers for a moment on Hélène, seated across from Mero, and a particular smile forms on her lips, as if she perceives a secret emotion in the princess's eyes. Mero, intrigued, observes Hélène in turn, noting the thoughtful gleam that crosses her face, but he has no time to dwell on it.
Dinner begins in an effusion of flavors and sounds. The dishes circulate, the cutlery clinks, and laughter erupts as the atmosphere relaxes. Mero savors a bite of meat, his palate delighted by the blend of tenderness and spices, followed by a juicy fruit whose sweet juice bursts in his mouth. Beside him, Mandarine radiates happiness, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of the room and the joy of the moment. She gives him complicit glances, her eyes sparkling with mischief each time their fingers brush as they pass a dish.
Ki, seated further away, does not miss an opportunity to tease Dorian and éléonore, her playful remarks provoking bursts of laughter. Mero, amused, wonders what trick she has in store to make the evening even more memorable. Hélène, on the other hand, remains more silent, her eyes scrutinizing the scene with an intensity that intrigues Mero. Perhaps the journey has awakened deep reflections in her, truths she has not yet shared.
The king and queen, attentive to their guests, circulate among the tables, exchanging a few words with each person. Their presence, benevolent and discreet, transforms the palace into a true home, where the grandeur of the place fades behind human warmth. Mero, touched by this hospitality, feels privileged to be there, surrounded by companions and welcomed as an equal.
When the main meal ends, a refined dessert is served: sweet delicacies with subtle aromas, evoking the lands of Qit. Mero tastes a light mousse, his palate enchanted by its airy texture, then a rich jam that melts on his tongue. Mandarine, laughing, leans towards him and whispers:
— "With all these meals, I'm going to gain weight, you know."
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Mero smiles tenderly at her, charmed by the lightness of her tone.
— "Don't worry, Mandarine," he replies, amused. "The best memories are not measured in pounds, but in moments shared."
She laughs softly, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes shining with a mischievous gleam he adores.
— "You're right. But I'm still curious to know if you can make me love vegetables after all this feasting."
She straightens up slightly, a mischievous smile on her lips.
— "Maybe you could make me taste other things, outside these banquets, and convince me that I don't need to worry."
Her playful tone and the sparkle in her eyes suggest more intimate promises, and Mero, feeling his heart race, squeezes her hand under the table, a silent response to her invitation.
Suddenly, the king rises again, imposing silence with his mere presence. His voice, deep and filled with dignity, resonates through the room.
— "My dear guests, dear friends," he begins, his gaze sweeping the assembly with contained pride. "Tonight, we celebrate not only our union with the Empire but also the richness and diversity of our kingdom."
He pauses, a smile lighting up his face lined by the years.
— "The kingdom of Qit is not simply a land; it is a home for a multitude of peoples, each bringing their own culture, traditions, and wisdom to our great nation. We have the Qits, our ancestors, who founded the great cities of the northwest, building imposing structures where history intertwines with architecture. Their vision has forged our character and the grandeur of our kingdom."
Mero, captivated, imagines these majestic cities, their gray stone towers reaching for the sky, their streets echoing with the footsteps of past generations.
— "Then there are the Bonms," the king continues, "proud and resilient, who traverse the vast expanses of the frozen plains with their herds of musk oxen. Their harsh life and ancient traditions embody strength and perseverance, qualities we must all draw inspiration from."
In Mero's mind, images of endless plains swept by icy winds unfold, where bundled figures guide massive beasts through the snow.
— "The Fgrens, people of the Phlegr?an Fields, have tamed this volcanic land and drawn all its richness from it," the king continues, his voice more contemplative. "Their connection with the earth and their ability to cultivate in extreme conditions are an example of the relationship we maintain with nature, one of mutual respect."
Mero visualizes black and fertile fields, bordered by volcanoes with plumes of smoke, where farmers plow with fierce determination.
— "Finally, the Nuuis," says the king, his tone becoming more grave, "those who live where the sun never sets in summer, where the sky sets the earth ablaze with eternal light. Their culture is as luminous and vibrant as their land, and their history reminds us of the importance of light, not only for nature but also for the soul."
Mero imagines villages bathed in golden light, where joyous dances resonate under an endless sky.
The king raises his glass, a benevolent smile illuminating his features.
— "May this banquet be a celebration not only of our alliances but also of the peoples who make up this great kingdom. For it is they, through their diversity, who enrich Qit."
A murmur of approval runs through the room, and Mero, moved, raises his glass, his heart swelling with respect for this land and its inhabitants.
The king continues, his voice taking on a warmer inflection.
— "Tomorrow, my friends, begins the summer solstice, an event awaited by all who live under our sky. It is the moment when the sun reaches its zenith, and the day lasts longer than the night. For us, it is much more than a simple astronomical celebration. It is the great festival of the sun, an event that marks the beginning of seven days of rejoicing, gatherings, and festivities throughout the kingdom."
He pauses, his eyes shining with enthusiasm, and Mero feels a wave of excitement wash over him.
— "For us, it is a sacred moment, where light triumphs over darkness. And more than that, it is a tribute to the birth of Mother Tuin, the goddess of the night. For although the sun shines brightly during these seven days, it is also the moment when Mother Tuin awakens in the shadows and the soft darkness of the night. She is the one who watches over us, who guides us through the darkness, but also the one who preserves the balance between day and night."
The king raises his glass, a solemn gleam in his eye.
— "That is why, during these seven days, everything stops. The fields rest, the forges go out, and even the merchants slow their trade. It is not just a holiday; it is a period of reflection and gratitude. A time to reconnect with nature, celebrate life, and honor our ancestors and our deities."
A complicit smile crosses his face, and Mero imagines the streets illuminated with lanterns, fireworks bursting in the night sky, and songs resonating in the soft summer air.
— "You, my dear guests, have the chance to participate in this great festival," the king continues. "It will not just be a spectacle but an experience. We have planned rites, dances, and songs, banquets under the stars, and of course, a great procession in honor of Mother Tuin."
Excited murmurs fill the room, and Mero feels his heart beat faster at the thought of discovering these traditions.
— "Thus, tomorrow, we will begin this sacred celebration together, and I hope that each of you will find, in your own way, a part of light and peace. May this summer solstice be a source of inspiration, joy, and renewal for you."
The king sits down, leaving an atmosphere of serenity and anticipation in the room.
Later, Mero and Mandarine retire to their chamber, the excitement of the solstice still vibrating in their minds. The room, lit by an oil lamp, is a haven of calm: velvet drapes frame the windows, and a canopy bed invites rest. But sleep is far from their thoughts. Mandarine, close to him, is affectionate, her fingers brushing his arm with a softness that makes Mero shiver. She murmurs tender words, her voice like a caress, and the warmth of her presence stirs his senses.
Yet, amid this intimacy, the promise he made to her resurfaces in his mind. Despite the desire burning within him, he knows he must remain faithful to their commitment. He looks deeply into her eyes, mixing gentleness with firmness.
— "Mandarine, do you remember our promise?" he asks, his voice slightly trembling with the effort of restraint.
She looks at him, surprised, but a shy smile lights up her face. She knows his integrity and understands the battle he is fighting.
— "I remember," she murmurs, a hint of pleading in her voice.
Mero caresses her face, the softness of her skin under his fingers fueling his hesitation, but he holds firm.
— "I want this moment to be special, Mandarine. It will be even more so if we wait, you'll see," he says, his tone calm but filled with emotion.
She closes her eyes, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The warmth of her body against his seems to defy the distance, but she nods.
— "You're right," she breathes, more at peace.
Finally, they fall asleep in a tender embrace, each struggling against their desires but united by the promise that binds them. The festival the next day will bring new adventures, and patience will further strengthen the bond between them.
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