The next few days passed quietly. Dad kept visiting me to take me outside and watch the stars together. That day he felt that I had gained an interest in it... not that he was wrong, but it wasn't that much.
As for Mom. For some reason, she had been getting busier lately. One of the few times I managed to spend time with her, I heard that the business she had been starting with Lady Karla was progressing quite well, partly thanks to the help of Duchess Katarina. So, she was being buried by tons of work. A good thing, considering her motives, but bad for me because in a week, I could get to see her, hopefully, only once.
No, I'm not mad at her, I'm just... feeling a little lonely, that's all.
...
I won't go on with that subject.
Zenya was similar, but she did make an effort to visit me, although most of the time she ended up falling asleep while we were playing. Nothing to complain to her about. She seriously looked exhausted. Besides, it was comfortable to take naps next to her, so, no complaints.
Sarka would stop by sometimes, but mostly she was just as busy as the rest. From what I learned, she was currently at the academy, yes, the same one; or so I believe, that Mom had mentioned quite some time ago. Sarka had returned home in the middle of her course due to my birth and Mom's health and was currently studying to make up for lost time. Also, part of it was research she was doing to get her engagement to her girlfriend approved. At least that's what I heard from her when she was talking to Zenya.
Regarding Ameli. She is currently with me.
I must say that Makila is a very good mentor. Ameli had improved quite a bit from how she was in my early days in this world. She still had a few accidents, but she was undoubtedly better than before. She had also begun to smile again. Not in the same way as before, but more... natural.
Another change was that, when we were alone, Ameli had a habit of talking to me. She didn't expect me to answer anything she said, but that didn't stop her from continuing.
A lot of the things she would tell me were about her childhood and how difficult it was, but she tended to focus on the positive things. She would tell me about her older sisters and what good sisters they are, the jobs they currently do, her other mothers; of which she has 9, and the Matriarch, who serves the function of a father/husband in her family.
A little hard to imagine, especially since they call her just that, "father". Don't ask me why, Ameli didn't seem sure either. She just said it was one of the quirks she had, but in a way it was endearing.
Her family, which she called a "Maternate" consisted of her "father" and her 9 wives, of which, the fifth in rank was her mother. She had 24 sisters of different ages, but only 3 were sisters of the same biological mother, and only 1 of them shared the same biological father. According to her, he was an Eleinos, a race with nothing remarkable apart from their intricately designed horns. It didn't matter much to her, as the Valven don't usually have an interest in these birth fathers. Their entire tribe is females, so in a way it's understandable.
It came as a surprise to me to learn that there was an all-female race, but hey, I guess it was to be expected from a different world.
Another interesting thing about her was that she was currently entering her "nymph" stage of adulthood according to Valven. From the age of 20 onwards they begin to be considered adults among their race, and that is also when they can be courted by a Matriarch to join her "harem" and begin having daughters. Ameli said, quite bluntly, that she did not plan to do that for at least another 30 years. She wanted to continue working for the Baelian family for now and learn as much as she could. Truly an admirable thing to do.
Makila arrived later that afternoon while Ameli continued to tell me stories about her family. She seemed a bit exhausted from her work and, of course, it was my duty to heal that exhaustion by running up to her and stroking her ears with everything I had.
No, I'm not lying, it wasn't me being selfish and enjoying the divine fluffiness...
…
Ok, I admit it, yes it was, but Makila said it relaxed her so it was a win/win.
While we were in that relaxation session, reinforcing my relationship with my beloved extremely soft-furred second mother, another maid arrived. Someone I didn't know.
" Madam Fiana." She began, standing in the doorframe.
"Felia?" Makila rearranged her relaxed posture, sitting up straight and placing me on her lap. "Come in, what's wrong?"
"Yes. This letter just arrived. I gave it to Madam Irlana first, but when she finished reading it she ordered me to bring it to you."
Confused, Makila motioned for her to come closer and took the letter. She began to read it and her expression instantly changed from confused to joyful.
"It's finally here." She said, as she looked away and smiled at me.
"Arrived? What did the letter say?" asked Ameli, very curious from the side.
"...Ameli, it's rude to ask the contents of a letter addressed to someone else."
"S-sorry, Madam Fiana!" cried Ameli in panic. She lowered her head immediately, looking embarrassed.
"As long as you know. However, this time it doesn't matter, since it's something you need to know anyway. Thank you Felia, you're dismissed."
"Yes, ma'am." Replied the maid, curtsying, and promptly retiring.
"So. The letter is an invitation coming from the Nazzik family." Makila explained after it was just the 3 of us left.
"The Nazzik family ma'am?"
"Yes. You don't know this, but the night of Dri's birthday we received a visit from Duchess Katarina. She said she was organizing a small infant party and that she expected us to bring Nita."
Ameli made a complicated expression. She didn't think it was a good idea for us to attend, but she didn't say anything about it. Makila noticed that but decided not to say anything either. She was quite aware of what was being said in the mansion itself about the Nazzik, but there wasn't much to be done about it. It's not like you could magically change everyone's mindset overnight.
"Anyway," Makila resumed, again attracting Ameli's attention. "The reason I'm telling you all this is because you'll be attending as well."
"...A-are you sure this is a good idea, Madam Fiana?" Ameli asked crestfallen. Her previous mood was replaced by nervousness, being consumed by the low self-esteem that still held its claws deep in her.
"I know what you're thinking. You won't be going alone, so you don't have to worry about anything."
"Who will go with me? Ah, is it possible for Madam Irlana to attend as well?"
My eyes sparkled at the thought - will Mom go with us? She means, will I finally be able to spend more time with her?
But Makila dashed my hopes instantly...
"Lana will be busy for a while, maybe for several more months. No, who will go with you will be me and Tina."
...
I'm not upset.
I didn't hug Makila's tail tighter because I was upset, I just... I was getting cold.
...
Anyway, it might be a good opportunity to see Makila in action. Normally she just keeps herself at home and, since we don't get many visitors, I've never had the opportunity to see her interact with other people. I can use this as a good example of what adult interactions are like in this world.
Ameli also seemed somewhat relieved. Having Makila around would put her mind at ease.
"The invitation says the party will be on the 5th day of the 1st month, so we still have plenty of time. It will also be a good opportunity to see Nita interact with other children her age. It will be the first time she gets to meet children other than Dri."
"I think she will do well. The little lady is very cute and nice. Surely all the children will want to play with her." Ameli said flashing a smile. "That reminds me. Duchess Nazzik had a daughter recently too, didn't she?"
"That is correct. In fact, according to Katarina, she is the reason why she decided to organize the party. She wants our daughters to get to know each other and be able to be friends when they grow up."
"It will be... difficult," replied Ameli, sounding rather worried.
"You think so? For me, it's the opposite. If Nita is like her mother, then it won't be difficult at all for the two of them to become good friends." Makila said with a smile, looking at me as if she knew something I didn't. "And from the way this little Mishka sees me lately, I'm convinced she's the same way."
Ameli didn't look convinced but said nothing more, merely watching me thoughtfully.
For my part, I eyed Makila suspiciously. I wasn't quite sure what she meant by those comments and in a way, they didn't seem flattering...am I the same as Mom in any way? For some reason, I'm not sure if I want to know what she meant.
After that, the topic drifted to other day-to-day things, as well as advice Makila gave the girl.
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Unlike last time, the time started to move faster, and by the time I realized it, we were already in the last month of the year.
There were some heavy snowfalls the last few days, turning the outside into a real white blanket that covered the whole landscape completely.
Although there were no more major events since last time, a few things did happen. Zenya officially started her classes with her music hero, so sometimes she would arrive with me with a huge smile on her face. Other times she would arrive with the little bird that Sarka gave her for her birthday, showing me how well-trained it was and its really beautiful singing. Sometimes the little bird would approach me, curious, but Zenya would immediately pull it away. I don't know if it was out of fear that the bird would do something to me... or the other way around. It was kind of annoying that she thought of me that way, but there was nothing to be done.
Mom also showed up a couple of times, but only long enough to greet me and give me a few kisses on the cheeks before leaving again. And when I say leaving, I mean being dragged away because she wasn't able to leave on her own.
That was enough for me to know that at least she wasn't leaving me alone of her own free will. At least not to a certain extent.
I just hoped that this work of hers would pay off soon and she would get more free time. I wanted my relationship with my mother to be a real mother-daughter relationship this time. One of my many goals in this life.
Near the end of the month, one of the last events of the year arrived. Although this one is just for the family. Makila's birthday. Although it was different from how I expected it to be.
Let me explain.
From what I understand, during the life of anyone in this world, especially in their childhood (although it also depends a lot on culture, tribe, and race), 5 important birthdays are celebrated. The first is on their first birthday, a family-only event that celebrates just that, reaching the first year of life. This is especially important because, unsurprisingly, getting through that first year is a difficult thing for many children. The medical field seems; I emphasize SEEMS, to be good enough, but still, infant mortality is quite high.
The second is at the age of 3, also exclusively familiar, and just as "small" as it is the first step taken as a conscious person. What do I mean? Instead of celebrating the age, it is celebrated that the child is now able to see the world with greater understanding. In this world, it is said that, at the age of 3, is when the "soul" becomes aware of its body and finally becomes "someone". In short, it is when the child becomes aware of itself.
At the age of 5 years is the third and second in importance. This is when their first social debut occurs. When they start to create connections, and friendships, become aware of their duties as a noble, and so on. That is why it is celebrated in a big way, to allow them the opportunity to take their first steps firmly in the world.
At the age of 8, for the Atenosia, the valah ceremony is given. This is the age when it has finally finished growing and has adjusted to the rest of the body. The ceremony is performed by members of the race in a room behind closed doors. I have no further information about it, I just know that it is extremely important.
The last one is at the age of 12. This is the most important because it is when they finally make their real debut in society, standing alongside adults on a relatively equal footing. At that age, they begin to be considered almost adults, and it is also when the marriage requests begin to arrive. There seem to be rules about that, although I don't know them.
After that, there are no more birthday celebrations except for a few. The so-called "milestones" of life. These are at 30, 50, 100, 150 and 200. Not many make it above 150, although most races seem to easily exceed 100 years in their life expectancies.
How did I learn about these things at such a detailed level? Why is all this relevant now? Because my beloved sister told me about it. At that level of detail, yes. I told you she was a great source of information. And it is relevant because Makila passed the age of 50 some time ago. On the 15th of the 12th month, she turned 56. So, I missed her celebration by 6 years and if I want to see the next one, I'll have to wait another 44 years. I hope I can live long enough.
Regarding the rest of the family... other than Zenya, I don't know their ages. Makila doesn't look 56 years old, maybe 30 or younger. However, that could be due to the long life expectancy of this world, letting her beautiful and/or youthful appearances last much longer. Sarka is around 16, though I'm not entirely sure. Mom and Dad are a complete mystery for now. The only thing I'm sure of is that Dad is older than Makila and Mom is younger than her.
Oh, and Ameli is 18, as she said, close to her Nymph stage at 20.
Back to the point, Makila walked around the mansion that day receiving words of congratulations, and nothing else. It seemed that nothing more than that was being done, at least by others. That night Mom and Makila went to sleep together. The only thing I will say about it is that the next day Makila looked extremely happy and relaxed, other than that her hair and fur looked shinier.
She is living the good life...
A few days later, the last event of the season and the year. No, there is no Christmas, no New Year's Eve or anything else. It's just a fairly simple New Year's celebration. A family dinner to say goodbye to the year, thank Sathalia for giving us another year of life, and a speech from the head of the family to the servants and guards as thanks for their service and staying loyal to the family.
It sounds like something simple and somewhat ungrateful, but it is quite important. Everyone looked very happy for Dad's words to them that day. I later learned that they are given a juicy monetary bonus on that day...
With that, finally, my first winter came to an end.
Slowly the weather became warmer. The snow was melting and the white was replaced by bright green. Spring was timidly peeking out, as some small animals awoke from the lethargy that the cold winter had imposed on them.
The invitation that Duchess Katarina sent us said that the party would be on the 5th day of the 1st month, that is, in about 3 days, and Makila had been preparing for that day. How? You may be wondering. Well, she called Lady Karla to prepare a dress for her. Yes, a dress for her. The last time she wore something other than the usual "maid uniform" was for Zenya's birthday, and she looked absolutely stunning that day. The big difference this time was that now she wasn't hiding her appearance. She had to take into account her ears and tail, and the colors that would match her new hair color.
Of course, Karla was full of confidence, measuring her body, from the tips of her ears to her tail. With me it was the same, taking new measurements to compare with the previous ones and see how much I had grown.
It wasn't much. But, considering I was technically a Revant, and from the way Aunty Ven looked, I was sure I would keep my height down. Not that it bothered me.
Again, I was wrapped in various types of fabrics and dresses, only this time, Karla was much calmer than the time with Mom. Makila quite enjoyed seeing my different styles but was more "professional" about it, something Karla decided to respect by giving equally professional and serious comments.
Dilia was not with us this time, but Karla kept mentioning her every chance she got. Constantly complaining that she still didn't give her a grandchild, that the girl didn't call her "mother" and that she was still so strict with her at work that it seemed like Dilia was the boss and not her. Quite an amusing dynamic.
Fortunately, Lady Karla was an excellent worker, very dedicated and fast. She said that the dresses would be delivered the next day by herself, to make sure that everything would be perfectly done.
With everything ready, we just had to wait for the promised day.
I was quite nervous about it. Not only because there would be too many high-status strangers, but, because it was my first time leaving the mansion grounds. It was, quite literally, a whole new world in front of me, and that scared me. I was just a baby, what if we had an accident or were attacked by bandits? Or worse, by monsters. I didn't know the route we would take, or what anything was like, and that made me even more anxious than it should.
I didn't feel very good that last night. It was so bad that Ameli had to call Makila to sleep with me to calm me down. I was sure she noticed how nervous I was, and so she wrapped her tail around me. Thanks to that I managed to sleep very comfortably.
The morning of the party I was woken up very early. They bathed me and put on my new dress, a very lovely light blue dress, made of a soft fabric that fluttered gracefully with every movement I made. The bodice was simple, adorned with fine silver thread embroidery in star patterns to match my own eyes. Short puffed sleeves, finished in white lace giving a fine touch of elegance.
The skirt was wide and light, designed so that I could move easily, both walking and crawling; though I doubted I would have the opportunity to do that at a high-class party. A blue satin ribbon encircled my waist, tied in a small bow at the back, adding contrast to the dress.
And to top it all off, little white leather shoes along with a matching tiara, adorned with a small blue gem in the center, which sparkled subtly in the suns light.
My whole outfit revealed the economic power of my family, but without being too opulent, showing a touch of humility despite our noble rank.
Makila, on the other hand, was wearing a dark blue dress, made of a much more luxurious fabric reflecting the actual position she had, which she did not usually show to the rest. The bodice was tight, decorated with the same type of silver thread as my own dress, but with much more intricate and complex designs, imitating constellations.
The sleeves were long and tight, ending in a wide cuff adorned with white lace, mirroring my own. The neckline was moderately low and was decorated with a line of pearls, adding to how tight that part of the dress was, it greatly highlighted my second mother's abundant breasts.
The long, flowing skirt fell in graceful folds to the floor. It was designed to move gracefully, giving the impression of floating with every step. A sky-blue satin ribbon encircled her waist, tied in an elegant bow at the back just above her tail, which had also been adorned with 2 large silver rings with blue gems, one ring in the middle of her tail and the other near the tip.
To complement the whole outfit, she wore low-heeled shoes, covered in something similar to dark blue velvet, and a necklace with a blue gem that subtly reflected the light. Her hair was pulled back in an elaborate updo, adorned with small gold accessories with small blue gems, keeping with that star theme.
The whole outfit was trying to echo my dress, screaming to everyone that we were mother and daughter enjoying an outing together.
Ameli came out behind us, dressed in her elegant maid's uniform, one much more elaborate than normal.
The girl looked nervous but cheerful. Something that helped me calm down a bit. The anxiety was still present, though.
We left the mansion together through the front door, where a large carriage was waiting for us.
It was just like a princess carriage, with its design reminiscent of a pumpkin. But with the difference that it was not pulled by horses, but by birds. Yes, birds. Four of them. Not ostriches, emus, or cassowaries, they were like... chocobos? Slightly thinner, at least 180 cm tall, with more dinosaur-like appearances, but incredibly cool. Their feathers looked fluffy and soft, so soft that you wanted to hug them and sleep in their warmth.
The coolest thing about them was that they had some sort of armor attached to their backs that covered their sides, and they wore some sort of helmets on their heads. Even their legs had steel spurs that looked incredibly sharp and deadly. They weren't wearing the typical horse reins, with those things they put in their mouths, but they were wearing a leather contraption wrapped around the base of their beaks that seemed to serve the same function.
I was so fascinated by them that Makila started laughing. And to my surprise, she pulled me close to the magnificent animal. You would think a mother would NEVER do that, especially with animals that look dangerous, in more ways than one, but she did. I didn't know whether to be terrified or grateful.
When I got to the nearest one, it stared at me for a moment, then at Makila, at the driver, who nodded slightly, and, as if it understood, put its head towards me while closing its eyes. I hesitated, very much hesitated as to what I should do, and at my hesitation, Makila slowly brought me closer to the animal.
I touched with my hands, still hesitantly, the feathers on the side of its head, and, indeed, they were incredibly soft. With each passing second, I gained more and more confidence and ventured to stroke more parts of its head. Its beak was hard but smooth, with very few marks, a testament to how well cared for the bird was, the feathers on its head were somewhat firmer, but equally incredible to stroke, similar to the feathers of an eagle or hawk.
I was completely lost in that moment, that I barely noticed the sweet sounds the bird was making. Adorable squawks that indicated unmistakably that it was enjoying my caress. Unfortunately, we didn't have all day to be here, and I was led away from the wonderful, majestic animal. Surprisingly to everyone, the bird had enjoyed it so much that its head followed me as I walked away, looking disappointed that it had lost its source of petting. It gave a few annoyed squawks, but quickly returned to its position.
I whined, whined quite a bit because I wanted to keep petting him, but Makila turned me around, to face me directly in her face and spoke to me calmly.
"Nita, I can see you enjoyed Melar quite a bit, but those Ekus will be home always in the Nidarys. I promise we'll go see them another time, okay?"
Makila didn't wait for my answer, instead, we walked to the carriage door and, helped by a screed, climbed in and she sat inside, Ameli behind us.
I had no choice but to accept it and wait for the next time I would see the cute Melar, and be able to stroke his amazing feathers. But I could understand it. Right now, I was heading to an important event. A battle I hoped I could face.
Meeting and playing with children my age.
It would be my toughest battle yet.