#koryi

Endings and beginnings - 6 of 16

A new day had dawned in Manthos. The Queen now had a King at her side, and many other changes were on the way for our friends at Manthos' palace.

Queen Petra felt the traditions and duties weighing heavily on her shoulders, and tried to adapt to the new situation, with a husband she was not attracted to.

- I will learn to love him, don't you think? she said to the memorial of her twin sister, Or at least I must make sure that Manthos has a royal heir.

Koryi found courage to tell his father that he wanted to leave Manthos. Nashuja took it better than he had feared.

- It's not that I will be gone forever, Koryi said, but I think it's good for me to get some military experience and see the world. Among other things.

- I do understand, my son, I really do. When will you leave?

- Next week. I will just do some practical preparations and say goodbye to some friends and stuff.

- Be safe, my son. I'm already looking forward to the day you will return.

A few days later Nashuja went off on one of his daily riding trips with his favorite horse Pi. However, in the afternoon Pi came back home alone. Search crews found Nashuja many hours later, with a broken neck. He was already dead.

The family was in shock and distraught.

Queen Petra lost not only her regent and advisor, but also the one person she had trusted completely.

- How will I manage? she thought to herself. I have a husband I don't know at all, my best advisor in life and work deceased, and on the top of that, Koryi, my trusted friend, will also leave. What am I going to do?

Eleos, Myrto and the whole family felt that their lives might change a lot now that Nashuja had left them. Would they even have a place at the palace now? What if the new husband of the Queen saw them as competitors and advised Petra to throw them out? Where would they go? What would they do?

Even though the Queen was in deep mourning, decisions had to be made and some certainly couldn't wait. Just shortly after the funeral of Nashuja she asked Koryi to stay at the palace.

- Unfortunately I can't give you the role as the regent. I will have to give that position to my husband. But you will become my most trusted advisor, the third important position in Manthos.

- I don't think I'm qualified to such an important position...

- I really need your help, Petra cut him off, I don't trust anyone of the other military advisors to the same degree, and trust is more important than skills right now. I know you had other plans, but this is really important to me!

- It's a great honor to be asked, and you are my Queen and everything, but ...

- But what?

- It will be very challenging for me. Koryi almost whispered, because he knew it was completely unheard of not to immediately do as the queen wanted. On a more personal level.

- But you would be willing to take on that challenge for me? Petra didn't reveal with a single expression what she felt, or even what she thought he meant. You would do this for Manthos?

- I... eh. Koryi swallowed. This was not a choice, it was an obligation. Yes. I accept.

- Thank you.

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Endings and beginnings - 7 of 16

After a while the daily life of Manthos Palace went back to a more normal state. Duties had to be performed and conflicts had to be resolved. Everyone felt Nashuja's absence, but they simply had to help each other to keep the wheels turning.

Koryi was busy getting used to his new responsibilities. His mother was a great help with the different laws and rules, she had assisted Nashuja as well some times, and already knew the work.

Myrto was now officially the housekeeper at the palace. An incredibly important position, and her wishes were everyone's law, unless the queen herself opposed it, which very rarely happened. There were servants who did the practical work, but Myrto also liked to get her hands dirty every now and then, especially in the kitchen. Like her mother Noor she was a great cook.

They were still in mourning, so no big parties or celebrations were held. A situation that suited the Queen perfectly, as she was still not fond of the social appearances expected of a royal.

King Alkétas, on the other hand, did his utmost to familiarize himself with the culture and people of Manthos. He was often seen in the agora, where he participated in debates and listened to the opinions of the people.

The queen was committed to upholding traditions, but to everyone’s surprise, she decided to close the royal stables—at least for a while. It was by no means a popular move, but Queen Petra stood her ground. Nashuja's accident was just the latest in a long series of horse-related accidents in the family, and Queen Petra wanted to make sure that no more would happen. She asked the former stable manager, Phillipos, to work with Areth, the head of the stud farm, to find ways to ensure that all the horses were safe before the stables might be reopened.

Areth wasn't happy with the new assignment, which, moreover, was unpaid, and complained about it to her sister.

- I mean, it's stupid to think that you can make horses safe! They are animals! How am I going to accomplish that? I don't think she is in her right mind! Mother was right; royalties are all degenerates!

- Watch your words! Myrto got agitated. There is nothing wrong with her intelligence! She is just trying to avoid accidents!! How can you disrespect our brother like that. Don't you care about his death?! You should just do your job and stop complaining!

- How dare you speak to me like that? You have been living too long under this roof I think. And now you think you can treat me like a slave. YOU aren't royalty, so stop acting like you are!!

- Get out! All that manure have eaten your brain! Talk about degenerate!

The sound of the angry voices could be heard echoing between the walls of the palace. Eleos heard the quarrel very clearly. Her heart sank in her chest, and she felt very uneasy hearing her mother and aunt arguing like this.

- In the end, she thought to herself, deep down, we are all alone. It's not just Petra. Even if you have family, they can be taken away from you. They die like uncle Nashuja and grandma Noor. Sisters can be divided by a stupid argument. Or be completely absent, like my father.

The thought scared her, but she also found it a tiny bit liberating. Maybe she should ask her mother the un-askable?

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Endings and beginnings - 3 of 16

Even if the palace now was completed, Nashuja was still very busy. Since Queen Petra now had turned 16 years old, it was important to find her a suitable husband.

Petra had, to be honest, rather reluctantly agreed to meet some candidates. She didn't feel ready for marriage and hoped it could wait a few years, but Nashuja convinced her that it was better to find a husband now, before the best candidates were tempted to try their luck elsewhere. He would hate to see her end up with some charlatan in a hasty marriage, just to secure order of succession.

Finding the right candidate was no easy task. Many had expressed interest, and only the most suitable were invited to the palace for further consideration. It was a very important position to fill, and many considerations to take into account; political position, lineage, wealth, personality. A difficult choice.

As the suitors introduced themselves, Petra became more and more discouraged. She found none of them particularly charming or likeable.

- How am I going to choose among a bunch of self-absorbed fools, she whispered to Koryi, I feel nothing but disgust.

- Maybe father can build another house for them, so you don't have to see them at all.

- And how would the succession to be ensured? By magic? I'm not a fool. Your mother has told me a thing or two about how it happens. Ach! It's so frustrating!

- Kyrie! Kyrie! You need to come at once Kyrie! It's your mother!

- Is she dead? Nashuja became cold of fear.

- No Kyrie! Not as far as I know!

- All right. Mam, I will have to go. We have to continue later. Or wait. How many candidates are left? Four? Koryi you can assist the interviews and we will discuss them all when I'm back.

- Of course father! I hope giagia will be okay...

At Noor's house the rest of the family were already there.

- What happened Rusa?

- She just fell! She was having lunch, and then all of a sudden her face turned weird, and then she just fell! We carried her to the bed, and now she's sleeping. But her face still looks weird..

- Hmm. Sounds like apoplexia. I will call for the healer, maybe they can advice us. Let's hope for the best.

The healer never reached there in time. Shortly after, Noor had another apoplexy (stroke) and died without regaining consciousness. Her journey in this world was over.

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Epilogue

It's strange how some sims grabs your heart and you bond with them almost like you bond with a real person. Noor has been one of those sims for me. She has been with me for a long time, and I will really miss her in my game and in my stories. If you want to see a collage from her life you can find it here:

🎬Noor - in memory (YouTube)

Endings and beginnings - 5 of 16

Queen Petra did not elope. After careful consideration, she decided to marry Prince Alkétas of Strangepolis. He was older than her, not particularly wealthy, but kind and polite. At least Petra thought he had kind eyes. He was also the younger brother of the former King Archelaus, and was therefore suitable in every way.

It would be a lie to say she was a happy bride, but it was her own decision and it was a choice she could live contentedly with.

Formalities aside, Petra had chosen Alkétas, mostly because he was respectful and humble. She found him rather boring, but was determined to make the marriage work. It was important that an heir be born now, or the royal family would die out with her.

He on his side was happy to get out of Strangepolis. His relationship with Queen Ζosimih, the current King's mother, was not good, and Prince Alkétas didn't like to be in conflict with anyone.

Queen Petra had insisted on a private ceremony. It was unusual for a royal wedding, but since it had not been ten years since the great catastrophe, it would be appropriate. No guests at all, just Petra's family - or rather; the ones that felt like family to her: Eleos, Reem, Koryi and Myrto.

Nashuja held the ceremony, that was also a stripped down version. Just the basic necessity and formalities.

Although the wedding was not held in public, the people of Manthos were well aware that it was taking place. On the day, a small group of citizens had gathered outside, and Petra was persuaded to greet them from the roof balcony.

Petra, who was known for her low social profile and someone that rarely appeared in public, was, to her own surprise, quite moved by the cheers and happy faces. She decided at that moment to try to be more accessible to the people than she had been so far. It was not something she would find easy, but at least she would try.

The crowd cheered and applauded as if they could read her thoughts. The affection went straight to her heart.

Koryi and Eleos watched from the other balcony. Eleos was also touched by the warm reception, but Koryi was very quiet and serious.

- Cousin Koryi? Are you okay?

- Ehm... Yes. I will be fine. I'm just thinking... I probably should leave the palace for a while. For everybody's sake.

- We will all be sad if you leave, Eleos was sure he understood who she actually meant by "all", but I do understand. You have to do what you think is best.

Endings and beginnings - 10 of 16

Back at the palace things were calm. Despite the closure of the stables, Queen Petra was generally a popular monarch, even though she rarely appeared in public.

From time to time, she would meet with citizens who came to her with their problems, big and small, but lately she had been leaving this increasingly to her advisors and staff. She was pregnant with her first child and had therefore scaled back her royal duties.

She was still leading the Council of Manthos, but left much of the practical responsibility to Alkétas, the prince consort, and sometimes to her advisor Koryi.

Once little Ifigenia was born, the queen wanted to take care of her herself, but everybody around her told her that it would not be fitting for a queen, and she reluctantly gave the daily care to others.

The main responsibility was given to Myrto, as she was now the highest-ranking woman among the castle's servants. It was a task she enjoyed very much, Ifigenia was an adorable child, and Myrto loved her as her own.

So when the queen was planning her first overseas visit to Strangepolis, the prince consort’s homeland and Manthos’s neighboring country, she asked Eleos to accompany her as her assistant, so that Myrto could stay home with little Princess Ifigenia. Eleos felt it was a huge responsibility, but she was excited.

The trip went well, and Queen Petra had important and friendly discussions with the young King Amyntor and his more experienced mother, Queen Ζosimih.

For Eleos it was mostly work as usual, but she was thrilled to see a new and exciting landscape. Also she couldn't help thinking that one day she might be able to follow Queen Petra on a trip to Katafygio, the other neighboring country of Manthos.

- If I'm patient, she thought to herself, I one day in the future might be able to visit my father's country. And if I'm really really lucky I might even meet him. I will not tell my mother about these thoughts, because she would probably try to stop me. I will just keep it in my heart, until it is reality.

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The Manthos castle was in ruins, so the council had to meet elsewhere. The Astanna temple was in a bad shape too, but they had managed to find a safe corner, to have important discussions and decisions. Today, Nashuja was invited to discuss future solutions for the leadership of Manthos.

- I came back to Manthos to help my family and to help rebuilding the city. Nashuja said, I am in fact King Ifiklis' son, but I had no intention of claiming the throne - I still haven't. The story of my becoming is a brutal one, and is still painful to my mother, me and the whole family. Forces within and outside of Manthos will surely try to use this against me, and against our country.

- However, he continued, I do understand there is a need of leadership in Manthos at the moment, and I accept that I might be the best suited person. However, I propose the following: I suggest that you make me the legal guardian of the Queen, and thereby the regent, without any formal right to the throne. Should she die, we will need to elect a new leader or king for Manthos.

After a brief discussion, the proposal was adopted and sealed with a toast of kykeon. Nashuja were now the regent of Manthos.

The child queen moved in with her uncle and his family. After all, he now had the best and most solid house in Manthos. Myrto and Eleos also moved in, and Myrto was given the daily care of the ailing queen. The change after a few weeks was astounding.

Noor had made a poultice with herbs, that after a few days made the eczema a lot better. It would probably disappear totally with time. In the beginning Noor had kept a polite distance to the queen, but soon gained sympathy for the little girl.

A nutritious diet is always important, and it certainly was for Petra's condition. In addition it seemed like the social environment did her good too. The women usually cooked together, often under the supervision of Noor. And what's more healthy than sharing a good meal with your family?

Every day Petra and Nashuja went for a walk, short ones in the beginning, longer ones as Petra gained more strength. The fresh air did them both good, and they developed a warm and trusting relationship.

Most people in Manthos thought this was a great arrangement. Nashuja was well-liked, and no one questioned his good intentions for the position. His efforts for the reconstruction spoke for itself.

Some very few whispered in the corners, about him not being a legitimate regent, that he was born out of wedlock, and that he might not be a citizen of Manthos even. These people had their own agenda, one that benefited themselves and their pockets only, and most people met these allegations with rolling eyes and disapproval.

Even Noor eventually came around. She never heard anyone comment or dwell on the way Nashuja had come into the world. And she was full of admiration of her son, but, truth be told, she was immensely proud of all her children.

Here she is, with her surviving children and grandchildren. Except Pamesijos and his family, who were abroad of course, and the two newborns who were sleeping.

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[End of chapter 14]

💕 I truly appreciate every follow, like or comment you have made. I'm constantly telling myself that I'm doing this only for me, because I love to write small stories. The truth is that a story need to be heard (or read), otherwise it's not a story. So thanks to everyone for reading, I am so very grateful. 💕

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Sunday dinner at Noor's had become a pleasant tradition.

Usually there were good food, cheerful discussions, funny stories and sometimes airing of family problems.

However, the last few weeks Nashuja had been very quiet. They were used to Myrto not speaking at all, but not Nashuja.

- Is something wrong, my son? Noor asked, Is something troubling you?

- No mother Noor. Everything is fine. I'm just a bit tired.

- Yes, that's understandable, she said doubtfully, but I have a feeling that something is weighing you down?

- Don't worry about it mother, I'm fine.

But Noor couldn't help worrying.

- Maybe he doesn't trust me still? she thought to herself, I was an absent and bad mother when he grew up, and now he's been away for so many years. Clearly something is wrong, he just don't want to share it with me.

The next day Nashuja asked for a meeting with Captain Leotychidas and for an audience with the young queen. At first the Captain refused because of the queens health situation, but finally agreed. It was heartbreaking.

The little girl was thin, pale and couldn't walk without help. She had lost most of her hair and had large spots of painful eczema. She didn't speak and seemed confused and afraid.

- Do you understand the problem? The captain said. This can't continue for much longer.

- I understand that she needs help. Who takes care of her?

- My son Kalliergontas.

- A teenage boy?! Wouldn't a woman be better?

- At this point, It's hard to find someone you can trust. We're trying to keep it a secret that she's here. For her own safety.

- Hmm. We will have to solve this in a different way. I have an idea, but let me check something first.

- So you will consider the other thing we talked about then?

- I am thinking about it. But I need to talk to my family first.

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- Sorry father, Boui hurried to say, that was a bad choice of words. We know you are a proud man, but now that your hair is white and your strength is redused, we don’t want you to go hunting alone. That’s why we thought it was a good idea for our brothers to accompany you.

- And don’t forget that you can teach them a thing or two about hunting. I’m sure your grandchildren would love to join too. That would be very exciting for them!

- He he, I know some tricks about hunting, don’t I, Oyw smiled.

- You sure do father!

The next week the boys were ready for a hunt. A new acquaintance of Koryi, Rusa, was also present. He came from a place far to the east (or was it north?). Oyw and the others met him for the first time. He talked a bit strange, but understandable, and also brought with him new technology - a bow and arrows. Most of the guys were not that impressed, it looked very flimsy, and it was unclear to them if, and how, it would even work.

It did not take long before the first deer were observed.

- There! Just in front of us, Oyw whispered.

The hunting team was not impressively well organized.

- Meshaloob Klyg! I almost had him!!

But then Rusa got a well-aimed shot.

- Ooh Be Gah!! That arrow went very fast and very long! Klyg was divided between jealousy and admiration.

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