The day of the Under-union Festival\u2019s opening ceremony had arrived! Arsha was bouncing up and down, eager to see the delights of the Under-union Festival. She always enjoys the dancing, the singing, and the broomstick sports! Her favorite sport was called Sanduay. She was excited at the idea of seeing a Sanduay game as she hadn\u2019t seen one for a while since starting her tour of duty. Right now, she and her fianc\u00e9s were with the Emboramiis, waiting for the rulers of the Under-realm to be announced. A Minotaur man stepped up to the podium and began. \u201cHosting the festival, and ruling the Galdredan Lava Kingdom, we have the Narvens, Queen Andwayla, Crown Princess Calandra, her fianc\u00e9, Elmar, Princess Ellemar, Princess Hanju, Princess Leenar, Prince Yantonu, Prince Ektan, and his husbands, Lord Tullak and Lord Forlater!\u201d The Narvens and Elmar walked down the aisle, waving as they passed the rows of people before taking their seats. \u201cFrom the Greltharg Merfolk Kingdom, we have the Yunumteys, King Exarla, King Teynar, Queen Eeraldii, Crown Prince Enturnam, and Prince Gulraten!\u201d Three Cecaelia men, a Mermaid, and a Merman then came down the aisle, the merfolk in water chairs like Shalvey. They sat behind the Narvens, Queen Eeraldii wiggling between her Kings and giggling like a little girl. Their sons, twins from the waist up, just rolled their eyes at the \u201cmushy\u201d romance going on. \u201cFrom the Morgonthor Trench, we have the Yerudiis, King Alnedar, his harem member, Ganthir, and Prince Lenshu.\u201d Two Mermen and a Cecaelia woman came up and sat behind the Yunumteys. \u201cFrom Crelima City, we have the Hanthuus, Queen Entralii, Queen Yurmar, and Queen Lartin.\u201d A Succubus, a Naga, and a human all came down the aisle and sat left of the Yerudiis. \u201cFrom Frigandor, we have the Glasnitas, King Esirat, Queen Ellndar, Prince Ferdath, and their royal guards, the Larkenthas, Lord Delga, Lady Larbuu, their son, Morla, and their harem heads, Enfanti Glarosa and Dorbu Toranthi.\u201d The Frostik Royal family came forward with Delga and his family and harem members following behind. They sat to the left of the Hanthuus. \u201cFrom the Actanila Mega-shark Grounds, we have the Wenshars\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMega-shark?\u201d Arsha hissed to herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKing Enrel and his son, Crown Prince Erutal,\u201d finished the announcer. The two Mega-sharks had an apparatus over their gills to help them breathe. They walked down the aisle, looking very nervous, despite the applause. They sat behind the Glasnitas. \u201cFrom the Calnthor Merfolk Kingdom, we have Queen Landuii Altror and her Royal Guard Captain, Sir Entrak Yortura.\u201d A pair of Merfolk glided down the aisle and positioned themselves to the right of the Wenshars. \u201cFrom the Greshkagh Mountains, we have the Gorkurahs, King Terothai, Queen Endomu, and Prince Korkomak.\u201d A trio of Trolls walked down the aisle, then sat behind the Calnthor Queen and Royal Guard Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo Endomu DID remarry!\u201d chuckled Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd married one of the greatest Realmfleet Captains,\u201d mused Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom the Grilthan Forest,\u201d continued the announcer, \u201cwe have the Tothens, King Endormak, Queen Rodoomee, Princess, Ensurna, their head dancer, Malee, and their Royal Guard Captain, Lord Elbar Tantho.\u201d A band of Elves came down the aisle, waving as they walked, then sat to the Gorkurahs\u2019 right. \u201cFrom the Haldebor Drider Caves, we have the Lundaliis, High Priestess Torunath, High Priestess Landorel, Priestess Eramii, Priestess Falnimam, and Mother Superior Anturath.\u201d A quintet of Drider women walked down the aisle, then positioned themselves to the Tothens\u2019 right. Arsha arched an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Falnimam\u2026Lundalii?!\u201d she hissed to herself. \u201cHe\u2019s dating one of the High Priestesses\u2019 daughters?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom Realmgate City, we have the Worodais,\u201d the announcer went on, \u201cKing Erodeth, Queen Marutam, Queen Rutalmer, and Queen Toyaktii.\u201d A male Fire Dragon, two female Sea Dragons, and a female Stone Dragon in their humanoid forms walked down the aisle. Malnar shook her head as the Dragon Royals sat in front of the Lundaliis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey\u2019re all roughly 5,000 and they STILL haven\u2019t made an heir,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the big deal?\u201d asked Arsha. \u201cMom was in her 7,500\u2019s when she gave birth to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou think that\u2019s late?\u201d chuckled Lardeth. \u201cMama Feymay had me when she was in her 10,000\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou mean you two were late-bloomers?\u201d asked Malnar. \u201cI never knew that. Daddy and Mother had me when they were in their late 2,600\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYikes, that\u2019s young,\u201d winced Falnii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom Falgreth, we have the Varseks,\u201d continued the announcer, \u201cLord Tomugath, Lady Endowilla, and their son, Young Lord Tenokath.\u201d A duo of Troll adults, with Lord Tomugath holding the infant Tenokath, walked down the aisle, then sat beside the Worodais.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you said my parents were young when they had me?\u201d Malnar asked Falnii. \u201cLord Tomugath\u2019s only 2,300 and his wife can\u2019t be much older than that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom Dwelga, we have the Tolshoons,\u201d the announcer went on, \u201cChancellor Penshek, First Lady Durshar, their children, Lord Torthan, Lady Entrilim, Lady Urmaltikar, Lady Werfern, Lord Dulerko, Young Lord Intorkar, Young Lord Feedokel, Young Lady Yintakal, Young Lord Huntokal, and Young Lady Jentothor.\u201d Penshek and his family walked down the aisle and sat on the other side of the Worodais.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood gracious,\u201d muttered Foresna, \u201cthat\u2019s quite a family to provide for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo kidding, that\u2019s big by Goblin standards,\u201d rumbled Gorfanth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd last, but certainly not least,\u201d the announcer was wrapping up, \u201cfrom the Under-realm\u2019s capital of the Belsnath Citadel, we have the Emboramiis, King Orbak, Queen Elmpam, Crown Princess Malnar with her fianc\u00e9s, Mid-realm Crown Princess Captain Arsha Royana, Over-realm Crown Prince Lardeth Felompha, Mr. Foresna Falshenda, Ms. Falnii Loftanaf, Mr. Gorfanth Steelhorn, Princess Yunfeen, Princess Lanthil, Princess Mirtantha, Princess Yantukath, their dancer, Pyrina Embrania, and their maid, Ralta Frilliom!\u201d The Emboramiis and the people important to them walked down the aisle to the sound of a standing ovation, then they sat down at the bottom-most seats. \u201cNow, all in attendance must release a light spell to pierce the dark cloud overhead!\u201d The dark cloud overhead choked out the sun, but this was all prepared as part of the opening ceremony. The Royal Families then thrust their arms into the air, releasing pillars of light into the cloud, making it dissipate! \u201cI hereby declare the Under-union festival\u2026OPEN!\u201d The crowd cheered and they all went off to see the various venues and booths. Arsha pulled Malnar to the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thought the Mega-sharks won\u2019t go anywhere near land,\u201d she muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026You haven\u2019t heard?\u201d asked Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHeard what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbout the Mega-shark civil war.\u201d Arsha\u2019s eyebrows raised in alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCivil war? Over what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, it turns out that there were Mega-sharks who insisted that slavery was backwards and used the incident at the Trelfan Trench as proof of their views. They would make every attempt to sneak slaves out of Mega-shark territory. They were always caught though, so a general originally from the Trelfan Trench, Enrel Wenshar, led a revolt against Queen Veloom. Daddy declared the civil war an internal matter and ordered everyone to not interfere unless a winner was declared. While Enrel lost more than a few battles, he certainly knew how to make victory costly for Veloom\u2019s forces. Eventually, with her remaining soldiers sent to their borders, Enrel and his army struck the palace and killed Veloom. He\u2019s doing what he can to rebuild the Mega-sharks into an honorable race, with Daddy\u2019s help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2026see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHere he comes.\u201d Enrel approached Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreetings, Your Highness,\u201d he began. \u201cI am Enrel, the Mega-shark King.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHello, King Enrel,\u201d returned Arsha. Enrel could tell, by her tone, that she was skeptic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand your doubts. Last time you encountered us; we were lustful savages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t deny that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t, it won\u2019t help us to learn from our mistakes if we don\u2019t confront our arrogance. The work is slow, but King Orbak is helping us. We WILL be different, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll be held to that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand.\u201d Enrel then left to speak with the other rulers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArsha, his work IS long,\u201d reminded Malnar, \u201cbut I have a feeling he\u2019ll make good on his word and so will his descendants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hope so,\u201d sighed Arsha. \u201cI\u2019m still a little suspicious of Mega-sharks.\u201d She then switched to more pleasant channels. \u201cBut this is the Under-union Festival, a place of fun! I understand your sister\u2019s family is performing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe rest of the 4 F\u2019s are gonna be arriving tomorrow. Yunfeen just needed to get here early so she could join us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably for the best, it spared the announcer\u2019s throat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo kidding. I have to pity the announcers and the Over and Mid-union Festivals. That was a lot of names. Ours would pass out if he named everyone in the 4 F\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomeone talking about my family?\u201d asked a voice. Yunfeen then approached the two girls in her Flamenco-style outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYunny!\u201d called Malnar as she hugged her young sister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood to see you again, Mally!\u201d giggled Yunfeen. She then looked over Malnar\u2019s shoulder. \u201cGreat to see one of my future siblings-in-law!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a long time, Yunfeen,\u201d returned Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou look great!\u201d Malnar broke off the embrace to get a good look at her. \u201cIn fact, there\u2019s something different now.\u201d Malnar then gasped. \u201cDid you\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m an official part of the Ravishing Reds within the Feisty Felansi Forsorna Family!\u201d Yunfeen then performed a few dance moves that were very similar to Flamenco moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCongratulations!\u201d praised Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow long have you been a Red?\u201d asked Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAbout two months now,\u201d answered Yunfeen. \u201cI\u2019ve never been so happy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou always liked the stage,\u201d chuckled Elmpam\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMama!\u201d cheered Yunfeen. She then hugged her mother. \u201cIt\u2019s been WAY too long!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, that IS the curse of the Forsorna Family,\u201d replied Elmpam. \u201cYou lot DO wander the Realms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, it is. Go with the winds, we say.\u201d Yunfeen then made a small gasp as she remembered something. \u201cMalnar,\u201d she began as she broke the embrace, \u201cI\u2019ve heard some bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh?\u201d asked Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d quizzed Elmpam. \u201cDid Dr. Borg make an attempt on someone\u2019s life in Oyed\u2019s name?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing THAT bad! Good grief, Mama!\u201d protested Yunfeen. \u201cMalnar, our team just lost their 3rd<\/sup> match against the Furies. The Bears aren\u2019t playing against the Gorgons this week. It\u2019s Furies vs. Gorgons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNNNOOOOO!\u201d wailed Malnar as she dropped to her knees and cried to the heavens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHA!\u201d laughed Arsha. \u201cYou owe me 30 golds!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2026Beg pardon?\u201d asked Elmpam as she cocked her head in confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSanduay, Mama,\u201d explained Yunfeen as she and Arsha helped Malnar up. \u201cWe\u2019re talking Sanduay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMama, you sound thoroughly disinterested,\u201d observed Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026because I am,\u201d answered Elmpam. \u201cSorry, girls, but this dog doesn\u2019t care much for the sport.\u201d Malnar, Yunfeen, and Arsha\u2019s jaws dropped at that revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2026My entire life and I never knew!\u201d gasped Yunfeen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMama, what sort of Belsnath woman are you?!\u201d protested Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cConsidering I was born and bred in the Coliamdii Kingdom, that\u2019s an interesting question, Malnar,\u201d chuckled Elmpam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut you DO take pride in your current home, don\u2019t you?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI do!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen how can you not be outraged that we lost to Falgreth?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause I\u2019m comfortable in the knowledge that we\u2019ll get them next time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2026Huh. You know, I feel better already.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The day of the Under-union Festival\u2019s opening ceremony had arrived! Arsha was bouncing up and down, eager to see the delights of the Under-union Festival. She always enjoys the dancing, the singing, and the broomstick sports! Her favorite sport was called Sanduay. She was excited at the idea of seeing a Sanduay game as she […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1462,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,236],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-3053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-3-the-first-strike","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3053"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3175,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3053\/revisions\/3175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}