Episode 1 (The invitation) Rough*
They weren’t sure how long they’d been running, but they were so winded that they had to take a moment to breathe. Looking around the wood, they found a sizeable tree to hide behind, just in case. The sun was almost done setting, and Jay Lexin was starting to get very, very anxious. Jay was really good at being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this time it was serious. It wasn’t often that the Draekuns - half demons with beautiful human faces, but with cat like claws and black, bat like wings - roamed the villages; they usually stuck by their covens in their mountains. But, apparently, today was far from being a normal day for Jay, much to their dismay. ********************* Spring had always been an important time of year for garden farmers, like Jay, and they started their day like any other in May. Step 1) wake up sister, step 2) prepare breakfast, step 3) tend to the vegetables patches, step 4) tend to the apple trees, step 5) get paper work in order, and head into market. This is how it had been for the past several years, and the past several days of the current spring. However, on this day even from step one there was something odd afoot. “Ray, rise and shine, we’ve got a lot to -” Jay looked around at a room with an empty bed and books spread about the floor. “Ray?” Jay called, as it was not like their sister to be much of an early riser. “I’m in the kitchen!” Ray hollered back. The sun rise was shining in a way that it seemed to illuminate the kitchen table, Ray sitting sweetly, a breakfast of her own creation prepared. “And what’s all this? Neither of us have birthdays any time soon” Jay said, grateful, albeit slightly confused. “Did you hear the news? The wealthiest heirs from the Capitol are visiting the mountainside villages to invite some of us for the Lumina Festival! Oh we must go, Jay! You’ve done work with some of their culinary heads, yes?” Ray chimed out, excitedly. A bit taken a back, Jay took a moment to reply. “I’ve helped to provide them with some of our finest fruits and veggies from the garden, yeah, but I’d rather not get involved with their sort beyond that, truth be told” “Oh but Jay, it would be so elegant and extravagant! You don’t truly believe the rumours, do you?” Jay hesitated, “It’s not that I believe the rumours, Draekuns tend to stay at the top of the mountains. I just don’t know if that elegant crowd is really…us”. The rumours, of course, were that the wealthiest in the region who resided in the Capitol, had a history of doing shady business with Draekuns. Mostly in relation to assisting in, “resolving” family feuded. However, Jay’s understanding was that the Draekuns avoided the general human populous, just how Jay, and most humans preferred it. Jay’s actual reason, however, was simply that they felt so disjointed from the high society folk from the Capitol, especially those from the wealthiest families. “Ugh, but Jay! It’s not like I’m suggesting we find husbands” Jay raised an eyebrow “or wife, or some other manner of life partner, or partners” Ray quickly added “it’s just one night to feel like high society for once” Jay sighed. A night off did sound nice. “If we get a start on the morning chores, we’ll have time to head to the - town square?” “They’re gathering by Marwin’s Inn, a few steps down from the square, to meet with villagers and decide who to invite” Ray explained. “Okay” Jay said, “I’m assuming we should probably dress better than, uh, usual?” “Well of course!” Ray brushed back a curly pink lock of hair from her face. Jay only just noticed that she had freshly washed her rose hair. “I guess I should let my hair down” Jay said, as they touched the two small buns on the back of their lavender ash head. “So it’s settled! Now, let’s get a start on those chores!” Ray exclaimed as they headed towards the back vegetable garden, adjacent to the kitchen. Jay was almost dumbfounded. They decided it was probably best to let their sister have a go at this chance for a night out with those high society folk, especially if it meant having the daily tasks done with such enthusiasm. As the sun was high in the sky, the two siblings walked by the town square. Ray was decked out in one of her cuter spring dresses, with a pink and yellow floral patten, complimenting her pink braided hair and blue eyes. Jay wore billowy green slacks, with a lace blue tunic, with their straight lavender ash hair just barely past their jaw. There was already quite the crowd gathered outside of Marwin’s Inn, right next to an exceptionally fancy carriage. It would seem that the three wealthiest families sent their three heirs, and some of their siblings in one limousine carriage. Ray started to fidget, nervously. “Everyone looks so well dressed…” she said, frantically looking around. Jay glanced about, and they had to agree with their sister; the hopeful villagers that had showed up were dressed to impress, young men, women, and androgynes alike. That being said, Jay wasn’t about to crush their sister’s hopes. “You are by far the prettiest and most sprightly gem among us” said Jay, earnest in their voice. Ray smiled at their older sibling “And none is more charming and uniquely captivating as you, Jay.” Jay laughed “If for some strange reason they offer me a spot and not you, you can take my place. We’re both Lexins, it shouldn’t make a difference” “Oh don’t talk like that” said Ray. Just then, the sound of a baritone horn erupted from just outside the carriage. “Attention all” called the Capitol’s ambassador, Thien Hutarl, a short stubby androgyne with short black hair and a purple dance suit “the children from the Clarence, Impunda, and Quorille family is now ready to meet you. Please form three clear lines as calmly and quietly as possible”. Ray and Jay joined the line just to the left of them. And then they saw the children of the wealthiest families in their region. Jurra, and Karru Clarence, identical twins, short and petite, walked to the most right line first. They both had bright emerald green hair and golden eyes. Omaer, Yalek, and Liira Impunda went to the middle line. The Impunda’s had rich dark skin, with light green eyes, the two older boys with dark auburn hair, and Liira with rich, tight curly black hair, all with strong builds. Jay let out a sigh. Why wouldn’t the Impunda’s gone to their line, the thought. Oh well. The Quorille family was by far the wealthiest and most pristine of the families, but only with one heir. Florence Quorille was a tall, slender androgyne with long silver hair, and magenta eyes. They walked with such grace, yet had the most commanding presence of all the Capitol heirs. Florence, unlike the other Capitol heirs, flew through their line. One glance at a villager, and they either walked directly past, or handed them an invitation and went to the next person in the line. They were only a handful of people away “This is happen so much faster for our line, I’m not ready!” whispered Ray, exasperated “It’ll be fine, just calm down” said Jay, assuringly. When Florence finally got to Ray and Jay, something they stopped in their tracks. Florence looked at the Lexin siblings, and spoke in their angelic voice for the first time since they exited the carriage “Jay and Ray Lexin, the ones who run Lexin Garden farms” they said. Jay wasn’t quite sure how to respond, while they thought of about five different witty quips they could have made, the decided against it. “Yes, that would be us” said Jay, in a calm and pleasant voice. Florence locked their magenta eyes with Jay’s blue-green eyes. “My baker always uses your apples to bake my favourite pies”. Ray finally pipped up “how did you know who we are?” Florence looked into Ray’s blue-grey eyes. “Henri, who picks up the culinary supplies for my chef made mention of the sprightly pink haired gem, Ray and the captivating and charming Jay, with the lavender ash hair. Most of those outside the Capitol do not poses these hair colours, so you’re not exactly hard to miss”. Ray blushed. It was true, that Ray and Jay’s family did originally come from the Capitol on their mother’s side; their mother, Joirra Helen fell in love with their faetha, Quinne Lexin, a simple village garden farmer, who was the reason the family was raised in the country side village instead of the Capitol. That was years ago, though. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed what our garden has to offer” said Jay humbly. Florence held out two invitations and simply walked away. Jay and Ray looked at their invitations in silence. “Well, I guess we can head back and start on the afternoon chores, then” said Jay. “That happened so fast, am I even awake right now?!” Ray could hardly contain her excitement. “Ouch!” Jay had pinched Ray “Yeah you’re awake alright” they chuckled to themselves. “You know what? I’m too happy to be mad at you. Let’s go home!” They were nearly done their afternoon chores, an hour earlier than expected, when the next strange thing happened. There was a knock on the door, and Ray answered it. “Missus, you and Jay must stay in tonight” it was their neighbour, another garden farmer, Gyol Rake. “We can’t, we’ve been invited to join the Capitol heirs in the first set of caravans heading to the Lumina Festival” Gyol shook his head “Something’s not right about this. Them’s Capitol heirs haven’t invited common villagers to the Lumina Festival in years. Jay walked over “Does this have to do with the rumours?” “I’ve said what I came to. Please do what’s safe” and with that, Gyol left. Jay crossed their arms “I’m not sure about this…” “Jay, Florence Quorille personally invited us, we can’t just offend them and not go. The caravan will be picking us up in only a couple of hours.” Jay looked out the window “Okay, but if ANYTHING seems even slightly off, we’re getting out of that caravan.” “Nothing’s going to happen” Ray said, rolling her eyes “but fair” she sighed, reluctantly. She knew her older sibling just wanted to make sure they were both safe. Their parents left the Lexin children the farm so they could travel out on the seas, so Ray understood the responsibility that Jay had to keep in mind, in addition to the safety of their younger sister. With their chores done, there was one hour left to get ready for the caravan. “All I need is to decide on my dress!” Ray had turned her room more upside down than usual, if that was even possible. “Why not the orange one?” suggested Jay. “It would be perfect if it weren’t for the chocolate cake stain from your birthday party” said Ray, disheartened. Jay checked the clock. “The sun’s only just starting to set, I think I’ve got enough time to head to the Wood’s Well”. The Wood’s Well was a well in the centre of the nearby wood, the Trock Trail Wood. Even in the dead of summer it’s water was ice cold, and perfect for removing any stain. “Are you sure you can make it back in time?” “Well, I’m already ready, and it’s not like my dress shorts and dress shirt would be ruined from the walk” Jay shrugged. “Okay, but please be quick, I’d hate to make the caravan wait” said Ray. “It’ll be fine, probably” said Jay. Ray gave them a look. “By probably I mean defiantly, calm down” When Jay got to the well, they slowly started to let down the bucket, humming to themselves, and started lightly singing as they poured the water from The bucket into their water skin . “That’s a familiar tune, what’s it from?” came a soft, baritone voice, a mere few steps behind Jay. Jay nearly jumped, their hand quickly reaching for the dagger they kept in their sleeve; they hadn’t noticed there was anyone behind them. In front of them stood a towering man, with a dark cloak, gorgeous face, incredibly pale skin, short black hair, and deep blue eyes. Jay had never seen them before, and kept their hand on their dagger. “It’s an old folk tune my faetha use to sing to my younger sister and I” said Jay, calmly. “Sounds like they had good taste in music” said the stranger. “I am Krenshaw, what’s your name?” “Jay Lexin” Jay started to calm down, as the stranger did not seem dangerous. “What brings a sweet, young androgyne like yourself out to the woods at this time?” asked Krenshaw “Nothing gets stains out like the ice water of the Wood’s Well” Krenshaw laughed “Fair enough, but what’s so important that you need a stain out right now?” “My sister and I are going to the Capitol for the Lumina Festival. We were invited by Florence Quorille themselves” said Jay “my sister’s dress is perfect, save for a chocolate cake stain”. Krenshaw’s eyes darkened. “I’m actually on my way to the Lumina Festival tonight, with my clan. We can escort you and your sister.” There was something in his voice that didn’t sit well with Jay. “Thank you for the offer, but the caravan is expecting us” said Jay, as polite as they could. Krenshaw’s blue eyes started to change. “Oh my sweet dear, that was not an offer. That was a promise”. It was then that Jay noticed, in the setting sun that Krenshaw’s cloak had a strange texture to it. Jay’s hand slowly went back to their dagger. They had never seen a Draekun this close in person before, and their mind started racing, trying to think of their weaknesses. It’s almost like Krenshaw was reading Jay’s mind. “You’re so cute, and I’d hate to have to damage your stunning self” his wings started to spread. Jay started slowly walking backwards, water skin in the right hand, dagger now out in the left. “Please, I’m a simple farmer, I don’t have anything you could want. I promise I won’t tell anyone I saw you here, you have my word. I’m no one, same with my sister.” Jay was getting ready to run. “Farmer, duke, princess, engineer, it doesn’t really matter. You happened to cross the path of travelling Draekuns. Contrary to popular belief, we do enjoy the temporary companionship of humans. I promise you no harm, so long as you come along willingly” Krenshaw had a hungry look in his eye that Jay really wasn’t thrilled about. “Well, you see -” Jay started “KRENSHAW” a booming voice called from the west. The moment Krenshaw looked away Jay bolted down the trail leading along the river. It was a twisty trail with several forks. It was a confusing complicated route back to the Lexin residence, if you weren’t familiar with it, which Jay was hoping that was the case for Krenshaw. As they ran they heard a growl escape Krenshaw, in addition to the sound of their wings fully spreading out and starting to flap. Running through the winding path, Jay was certain that they were covering more distance than Krenshaw could whilst flying, given the crowded trees and wide wingspan of the Draekuns. “I WILL FIND YOU JAY LEXIN” Krenshaw bellowed. As terrifying as that was, it sounded like he had gone in the wrong direction, just as Jay hoped. They continued running as fast as they could, until they finally had to take refuge behind a tree to catch their breath. Having lost track of time, they only just now realized the state of the setting sun. The sun was almost done setting, and Jay Lexin was starting to get very, very anxious. ****************