Year 1531 A.F. | Late Summer
Northern Keep — Morvain Estate
The Morian Estate sprawled across gentle northern hills, its towers rising like steadfast sentinels. Snow-dusted mountains were visible in the distance, but here, in the estate's gardens and courtyards, life moved with a rhythm of its own.
For Duke Edric Morvain, age sixty, the estate was both a fortress and a home. It had been decades since he'd lost his beloved wife, Duchess Lirathiel Morvain, yet the estate carried her memory in every carved pillar and carefully tended rose bed.
Today, the estate buzzed with a rare warmth—the entire family assembled for a late summer gathering.
....
Duke Edric Morvain and the Concubines
Duke Edric Morvain leaned against the balcony, cane in hand, eyes scanning the courtyard where his children moved like living portraits.
Duke Edric Morvain
"This is rare… all of you in one place without an official summons."
Lady Selene Drovannis, first concubine, smiled lightly.
Lady Selene Drovannis
"Rare does not mean unwelcome, Your Grace. It is a day for warmth, not instruction."
Lady Feryn Kaelthor, second concubine, arrived carrying a platter of fresh fruit.
Lady Feryn Kaelthor
"Fresh from the northern orchards. Some might say nothing surpasses a Morvain summer."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Some might, yes. You'll see if they try to claim it for themselves."
From the far end, Lady Alura Nivaris, third concubine, laughed softly.
Lady Alura Nivaris
"Let them try. The Morvain name protects this hill."
....
Lady Helena Morvain — Age 34
Lady Helena, eldest daughter, now married to Grand Merchant Lord Cassivar, approached with her three children in tow.
Lady Helena Morvain
"Father. Mother. Sisters."
Duke Edric Morvain bowed slightly.
Duke Edric Morvain
"Helena. It is good to see you in the estate, not through letters and accounts."
Her eldest son, Lord Kaelen Cassivar, age 12, tugged at her sleeve.
Lord Kaelen Cassivar
"Grandfather, tell me again the story of the northern wolves!"
Lady Helena Morvain
"Not now, Kaelen. Let the story breathe while you eat."
Grand Merchant Lord Cassivar, tall, robust, and ever aware of courtly observation, smiled and laid a hand on Helena's shoulder.
Grand Merchant Lord Cassivar
"Kaelen will grow into the story himself, Duke Morvain."
Duke Edric chuckled softly.
Duke Edric Morvain
"Then let him. Stories suit children better than accounts."
....
Lord Stephan Morvain — Age 30 | Earth Mage
Lord Stephan, heir to the northern keep, walked through the garden with his wife, Lady Miralith, and two children.
Lord Stephan Morvain
"Father, Helena, how fares trade with the Valcaryns?"
Lady Helena Morvain
"Steady. Caelum sends news often. They prosper."
Lord Stephan Morvain
"Good. Stability on the borders makes training children easier."
Lady Miralith, graceful and keenly observant, smiled.
Lady Miralith
"And your own studies in Earth magic?"
Lord Stephan Morvain
"Growing daily. Soon, I will teach the children in the courtyard."
....
Lord Tomas Morvain — Age 27
Tomas, the middle son, moved quietly along the northern corridor with his wife, Lady Veyra, and two daughters. He walked deliberately, almost shadow-like, eyes flicking toward hidden alcoves.
Lady Veyra
"You are quieter than usual, Tomas."
Lord Tomas Morvain
"I prefer the corridors to chatter. Some things are… best kept private."
Duke Edric Morvain, noticing, frowned lightly.
Duke Edric Morvain
"Keep private, yes. But we are not strangers in our own halls. Speak when called."
Tomas inclined his head, respectful but distant.
....
Kael Morvain — Age 17 | Friend to Prince Darius
Kael Morvain, the youngest son, strode through the central courtyard, sparring lightly with a wooden blade against two apprentices.
Kael Morvain
"You said you'd defend the eastern wall, and now you flinch?"
Apprentice
"I flinch because I respect the blade of a Morvain!"
Kael laughed, spinning lightly.
Kael Morvain
"Respect is not fear. Remember that."
Duke Edric Morvain, observing, nodded approvingly.
Duke Edric Morvain
"That boy will make a fine soldier—or a fine prince in courtly maneuvering."
....
Other Children
Lady Selara Morvain, age 21, unmarried, practicing healing and herbal magic
Lord Varyn Morvain, age 19, training in diplomacy, already skilled in protocol
Lady Illyra Morvain, age 15, learning etiquette, martial arts, and history
Selara approached Kael as he rested.
Lady Selara Morvain
"Kael, stop teasing the apprentices. They're nervous enough."
Kael smirked.
Kael Morvain
"If they survive, they learn. If they fail, they learn faster."
Selara shook her head, amused.
....
Gathering Together
By evening, the family assembled in the Great Solar Hall, long tables adorned with food from every northern trade route. Candles burned low, flickering against tapestries depicting decades of Morvain history.
Duke Edric Morvain
"Now. All together. Eat, speak, and be present."
Helena laughed softly.
Lady Helena Morvain
"It feels strange… everyone here at once, and not for duty."
Lord Stephan
"Strange, yes. But necessary. A family that trains and lives together stays unbroken."
Lord Tomas
"Even if some of us wander… differently."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Careful, Tomas. Shadows are one thing; disrespect another."
Kael Morvain
"Father—"
Duke Edric Morvain
"No, Kael. Let him speak."
Tomas inclined his head.
Lord Tomas Morvain
"I only say that even those who walk paths unseen belong here, if only for a day."
Duke Edric Morvain
"Then today is yours, as it is everyone's."
....
Closing Moment
Laughter mingled with stories of past campaigns, scholarly missteps, and playful disputes among the children. Even the concubines and married daughters shared glances and jokes.
Duke Edric Morvain, once stern and battle-hardened, finally allowed himself a smile.
Duke Edric Morvain
"For all the wars, councils, and secrets… this is what endures. Morvain blood and honor, together."
From the balconies above, the northern sun touched the estate walls, gilding banners and faces alike. The House of Morvain, in all its branches, legitimate and otherwise, strong and shadowed, was alive.