In the long, long past, there was a small village by the name of ‘Kisiriku’.

It was growing steadily under the leadership of its calm-minded and strategic head, Kouta Vaba. Known for her sharp intellect and ability to foresee the moves of potential adversaries, Vaba skillfully navigated the complex web of alliances and enmities surrounding Kisiriku. She understood the importance of diplomacy, often leveraging trade agreements, marriage alliances, and calculated concessions to ensure Kisiriku’s safety and prosperity.

One of her most brilliant strategies involved the establishment of a trade route that not only boosted Kisiriku’s economy but also tied neighboring villages into a web of mutual dependence. She ensured that Kisiriku became an indispensable part of the region’s supply chain, making it harder for enemies to launch attacks without damaging their own interests. This not only secured Kisiriku's borders but also allowed it to thrive while other villages faltered under the pressures of war and famine.

Vaba was an orphan of the war, adopted by the big hearts of Kisiriku.

Vaba had two children, the elder son, Aldric, and the younger daughter, Komura. Both of them were loyal to the head, managing the military and financial affairs for her while she focused on strategic treaties with the neighboring villages to establish a substantial position.

Aldric, sharp and methodical, oversaw the military, ensuring Kisiriku’s defenses were impenetrable. He restructured the training regimen, making the soldiers more disciplined and effective. Komura, with her keen understanding of numbers, handled the village’s finances, ensuring that Vaba’s strategic endeavors were well-funded.

Together, they made a formidable team, bringing Vaba’s vision for Kisiriku to life.

The elder son, Aldric, was married to the daughter of another small village like Kisiriku, on the condition of its merge with Kisiriku.

The young maiden, Celine, was infamous for her beauty even in the royalties. The union was not merely a marriage but a calculated move to expand Kisiriku’s influence and secure a valuable alliance. This merger increased Kisiriku’s population, resources, and military strength, making it a dominant force in the region.

The younger daughter, Komura, was married off to the son of the head of one of the most substantial villages of that time, Rafiki of the Yakumo village.

This alliance with Yakumo was another stroke of genius by Vaba. By binding Kisiriku with one of the most powerful villages, she ensured that any threat to Kisiriku would also be a threat to Yakumo, creating a powerful deterrent against potential aggressors.

This is a story of what transpired after this and how it set in motion a chain of tragedy for everyone involved.

KISIRIKU VILLAGE

It had been over five years since the political marriage of the two children.

“Is everything ready? I don’t want anything missing at the important times, you all!” Vaba shouted while working with the other workers herself, setting up the grand dining. She had grown older, her face now marked with wrinkles, but the spark in her eyes remained bright enough to subdue the signs of age.

Belvedere, who had been her trusted aide for years, chuckled as he watched her. “Haha, you’re really excited, aren’t you, my lord?”

“Of course I am!” Vaba responded without missing a beat. “My children are returning after five long years. You have no idea how much my eyes have longed for this moment. We can’t afford to miss anything!” Her face was serious as she ran around, shouting at workers for the slightest missteps. Belvedere couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle.

He leaned in slightly, his voice teasing. “Komura aside, was there really a need for Aldric to be out of touch for this long? That prick has a long lecture waiting for him.”

Vaba’s serious demeanor cracked slightly, revealing a grin. “Oh, you better believe it! I’ve been saving up for this. He’s not getting away easily!”

Belvedere laughed, shaking his head. “You’ve got that motherly wrath ready, I see.”

Vaba rolled her eyes. “It’s not just wrath, Belvedere. It’s called ‘parental wisdom’—a very effective tool when wielded properly.”

Belvedere raised an eyebrow, smirking. “I’m sure Aldric will appreciate your ‘wisdom’ as soon as he walks through that door.”

Vaba’s grin widened. “He’ll have no choice! And Komura… she’ll be begging for an escape within minutes. Mark my words!”

As they worked, Vaba suddenly paused, looking at the grand dining setup with a critical eye. “Belvedere, do you think we’ve got enough spice in the stew? Komura always loved a bit of a kick, and I don’t want her to be disappointed.”

Belvedere nodded, considering. “Might be worth adding a touch more. She’s been in Yakumo—her tastes might have changed.”

Vaba clapped her hands. “Good thinking! I’ll have the cooks adjust it.”

As she moved away, Belvedere watched her with a fond smile. “You know, my lord, it’s moments like these that remind me why Kisiriku thrives. It’s not just strategy and alliances—it’s the heart you put into everything.”

Vaba paused, looking back at Belvedere with a soft smile. “That’s kind of you to say, but let’s be real—when it comes to those two, a mother’s touch is the best strategy I’ve got.”

Belvedere chuckled. “A strategy that’s never failed you yet.”

And like that, all the preparations were done, and our guests had arrived.

"They're here!" Vaba exclaimed, her voice a mixture of excitement and relief.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over Kisiriku, the sound of hoofbeats echoed through the village. Vaba's heart leapt as she rushed to the entrance, with Celine beside her, eyes scanning the horizon. There, silhouetted against the orange sky, were several figures on horseback.

Aldric was the first to arrive, his tall frame casting a long shadow as he dismounted. He had grown broader in the shoulders, his face weathered by the years away. As he approached the village, Vaba’s heart swelled with both pride and a tinge of frustration.

"Mother," Aldric said, his voice deep and controlled as he approached Vaba. But before he could say more, Vaba had engulfed him in a fierce hug.

"You foolish boy," she muttered, her voice thick with emotion. "Five years without a word?"

Before Aldric could respond, the sound of more hoofbeats drew their attention. Vaba turned to see another group arriving from a different direction. Komura gracefully slid from her horse, her once-childish features now refined into those of a woman. By her side was Rafiki, her husband, a tall and imposing figure with a proud stance. His eyes scanned the village with an air of superiority, though a small, respectful nod was given to Vaba as he approached.

“Mother,” Komura called out, her voice light and melodic as she approached with a smile. Rafiki remained a step behind, his posture slightly aloof.

Vaba pulled back from Aldric and turned to her daughter, wrapping her in a warm embrace as well. “Komura, my dear, you’ve grown into such a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you, Mother. I’ve missed you.” Komura’s voice carried a hint of something deeper, though she maintained her smile.

Rafiki stepped forward, his tone courteous yet firm. “Lady Vaba, it is good to see you well. My wife has spoken much of you.”

Vaba nodded, keeping her expression neutral. “Rafiki, welcome to Kisiriku. I trust your journey was smooth?”

“Smooth enough,” Rafiki replied, his gaze shifting towards the village. “Though I must say, your village remains as quaint as ever.”

Celine, standing quietly by Vaba’s side, stepped forward, her eyes filled with emotion. “Aldric…” she murmured, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes.

Aldric’s stern expression softened as he turned to his wife. “Celine… It’s been too long, hasn’t it? I’m finally done with the work now.”

Celine moved to embrace him, her tears falling freely. “I’ve missed you so much… You don’t know how hard it’s been.”

Aldric held her close, his voice gentle. “I’m sorry, Celine. I should have been here.”

Vaba, sensing the intensity of the moment, gently patted Celine’s back. “Let’s get you all inside. The feast is ready, and we have much to celebrate before we delve into serious matters.”

As they walked towards the grand dining hall, Belvedere fell into step beside Komura. "It's good to see you, my lady," he said softly. "Your mother has been beside herself with worry."

Komura’s smile was warm but tinged with sadness. “I’ve missed her too, Belvedere. More than you know.”

Rafiki, overhearing the exchange, glanced at Komura, his expression unreadable. “Your mother’s dedication is admirable. We’ve been fortunate to have such a strong leader in Kisiriku.”

Vaba caught the tone in Rafiki’s voice, one that straddled the line between compliment and critique. She gave him a measured look. “I do what I must for my people, Rafiki, as any leader would.”

The group entered the hall, where tables groaned under the weight of countless dishes. The aroma of spices filled the air, bringing a genuine smile to Komura's face. "You remembered," she said, turning to Vaba.

"Of course I did," Vaba replied, her voice warm. "Now, sit, all of you. Eat, drink, and then we'll talk.”

As they settled into their seats, Vaba couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The tension in Aldric's shoulders, the shadows in Komura's eyes, Rafiki’s guarded demeanor, and the emotional reunion between Aldric and Celine—these were not the same children she had sent away five years ago. And Rafiki’s presence, though necessary, seemed to add a layer of complexity to the reunion.