#kyriat

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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Endings and beginnings - 9 of 16

- Aunt Bansabira, when you were in the Astanna dance group...

- Astanna's Sisters? Oh that's a long time ago...

- Do you remember when you were performing at the royal wedding in Katafygio?

- For sure! Well, I didn't actually perform with the others, because I was... Bansabira paused, Eleos, what are you asking actually?

- I'm just wondering about something that I assume happened there... My real father...

- Wouldn't it be better to ask your mother? I don't really know anything, except that he was a guard at the castle.

- Do you remember his name? Eleos blushed a little. Mother wont tell me anything.

- I see. And you thought I might, behind your mother's back? Really Eleos, I'm disappointed.

- I'm ... I just ... Eleos fell into tears.

- Oh dear child. Don't cry. You know, your mother probably have her reasons, right? Did she explain why?

- She just says it was shameful. Eleos whispered, Do you think he forced himself on her?

- No, no it was nothing like that! I just think your mother was very naive, and didn't really think about the consequences. She was very young you know, younger than you are now, and she didn't really know about these things.

- So my father misled her?

- Well, he was older, but honestly, I have the impression that he was a very kind and honorable person. He helped us during the earthquake, and... Well I really shouldn't talk about this with you, all the time your mother doesn't want to.

- Please aunt Bansabira, I just want to know his name, that's all! I mean what harm could it do?

- That might be so, Bansabira squirmed on the bench, but I really don't think it's my place, it's up to your mother to tell you.

- But she will never! Eleos got agitated, You know her! You know how stubborn she is! Like, she is still not talking with aunt Areth because of that stupid quarrel, imagine how she will be with me! I will go through life without ever knowing who he was, or if I look like him or have his nose, his character or anything else! If I'm ever going to meet someone from Katfygio I will wonder if it's him!! It's torture!!

- Okay. So his name was Lemet and you have his eyes. That's all I will tell you. I probably told you too much already.

- I got his eyes? Really?

- Yes. But I'm not saying another word. I hope you can make peace with this now. And that your mother will ever forgive me, if she finds out.

Eleos was excited on her way back to the castle. The only thing that troubled her was whether she should tell her mother or not.

- I probably shouldn't tell her anything, she thought to herself. It's a bit cowardly of course, but since it bothers her so much to talk about this, it's probably better to keep it to myself. For sure Bansabira will not bring it up, so why should I? No, I will not worry about it, I'm sure she will never find out anyway.

- And, thanks Astanna, she continued, I now know who he is! His name is Lemet, he was a guard at the castle and he was a kind and helpful and an honorable man. And with eyes like mine! I wonder if he is still alive? Maybe he is married? Maybe I have a sister or brother?!

Eleos had been so sure that if she just got to know some basic things about her father, she would feel more calm inside. But the truth was that the answer of one question, just opened ten new ones. And there were nobody who could give her any answers. Well, not in Manthos anyway.

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Endings and beginnings - 8 of 16

- Mother, who was my father?

- What? Myrto was surprised by the direct question.

- I know my father wasn't Omiros. So who was he?

- Eleos, there is no point ...

- There is for me! Eleos cut her off. I just want to know who he was!

- But why? He is not here in Manthos, so you will never meet him. He might even be dead by now.

- I still want to know who he was!

- But why, Eleos? It wont change anything? I think it's better not to talk about it.

- Well, I don't! I think we absolutely should talk about it. And I think it's not too much to ask? It's my history!

- No it's not! Your history is here in Manthos. That's who you are. Your father had nothing to do with it. That part was just embarrassing and shameful.

- But mother...

- No!! Forget about it! There is no use dragging those things up in the daylight.

But Eleos did not forget about it. She just didn't talk with her mother about it anymore, but confided in friends, like her cousin Eris Noor.

- I hate my mother sometimes! Eleos complained, It's not fair! How can she keep this from me?

- I do understand ksadelfi, but please don't say things like that. Your mother is just trying to protect you, I'm sure.

- But I don't want to be protected! I just want to know the truth! I wish grandma Noor was here. I miss her so much.

- Yeah, I know. I miss her too. Maybe you could talk with one of our aunties? Maybe they know something?

- If I approach aunt Areth my mother would probably kill me. They have not been talking at all since that thing with the horses.

- Right. Eris Noor was thinking. What about aunt Khará? Or Bansabira? They used to be very close with your mother I believe?

- They were. But what would I say?

- Just tell them the truth! Just like you told me!

- They might agree with my mother and tell me nothing. Or they might not know anything?

- Why are you always so pessimistic? You will never know unless you ask...

- I know. You are right. Oh my holy Astanna! It's so hot! Koufovrasi!!!

- Let's go and have a swim in the river.

- Here?! At the Agorá?! People might see us?

- You know what - I don't care!

- But, but ... Eleos had to laugh of excitement. Let's do it!

...

- This was the best idea you had all day. Or maybe the second best. I will talk to aunt Khará and Bansabira. Because... why not? The worst they could say is no. Right?

- Right! And Eleos? Never again say you hate your mother. It's ungrateful. The Gods are listening, and might take her away from you. I don't have a mother anymore, so it hurts me hearing you talk like that.

- You are right. It's silly anyway, because I don't hate her, I really don't. She just annoys me sometimes. She is so stubborn!

- I knew you had it from somewhere!

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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 - 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 - 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 - 4 of 16

The whole family was affected, of course, but Eleos took Noor's death especially hard. Noor had been quite old, so her death wasn't really that surprising, but she had been the matriarch of the family and the one who held them together. Now they all felt a bit "lost", and for Eleos it was like the bottom had fallen out.

For a long time Eleos' relationship with her mother had been ailing. Myrto was always occupied elsewhere. With Queen Petra, work at the palace, or with her own grief. She simply wasn't available for Eleos. Or at least that's how Eleos felt.

Eleos sought help from Hebe and other goddesses, but she didn't get much response from them either.

- I don't have a normal family, she complained. My mother is always busy and doesn't even talk with me, and my father .... I don't know even if he is alive. Who will take care of me now that my grandmother died?

Maybe it was due to a lack of caregivers, maybe it was coincidence, but either way, that autumn Eleos grew up. With her long, black hair, flawless skin, and sparkling dark eyes, she was a beauty. Over time, she also learned more about how to make others look beautiful.

She became Queen Petra's favorite hairdresser and beauty advisor. They had been friends and playmates since childhood, but now their relationship took on a more formal form. Outwardly they tried to maintain royal etiquette, but privately they remained close friends and confidants.

They talked about everything. These days Petra was mostly occupied with the hunt for a husband. It didn't go well.

- I really don't like anyone of them! Petra sighed, Maybe I don't like men at all. I think they're really stupid for the most part.

- Even uncle Nashuja? He is not stupid? He is your regent already, maybe you could marry him?

- Don't be silly!! He is like a father to me! Besides, he is already married.

- What about cousin Koryi? He is not married! And you like him, don't you?

- Koryi?! He is goofy, but.. Yes, I like him. As a friend. But marriage wouldn’t be appropriate anyway, so it’s best not to think about it.

- Why? What do you mean?

- It's all about politics, you know. I'm expected to make important alliances, that's what everybody tells me. And Koryi doesn't have anything, not even a title. So it doesn't matter how I feel about him. It just can't be.

- That's so sad actually. Would you marry him if he was the prince or something?

- I don't know. He is the only man I can stand to be around, and even think of sharing my bed with. I mean, the thought of kissing or touching some of the others is just ... blah! They just make me sick to my stomach. Anyway, I try not to think about it. There is no point.

- I think you should elope! You could go to a new country where nobody knows you, and live together and have many children, and Koryi is a skilled builder, he can provide for you and...

- Stop it! Eleos!!! You are not helping!! I could never do that! I have obligations!

- I know Petra! I'm just trying to make you laugh. It's ironic. Everybody thinks you are so privileged and everything, but they know nothing. You have the least freedom of anyone in the whole of Manthos!

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)