Finally, the caravan had arrived. Ship had reached its destination — VANRAKSHK kingdom-The Guardian of Forest.
For the grand festival, people from all five kingdoms and their unique tribal clans had gathered.
As they stepped into the lush, echoing heart of the forest, Jhumki whispered with wide eyes,
"I heard King Kesari of theVanrakshakis incredibly powerful. "
" His hair is thick and white, and his claws… long and curled. They say one swipe of his paw can slice through the thickest stone like paper."
Before anyone could respond, everyone's gaze was pulled toward the sky.
"Look!" someone gasped. "Flying fairies?"
Tribe Mother corrected calmly, "They're not fairies. They are the Hans (swan)Clan."
Jhumki leaned closer to her. "Which kingdom do they belong to?"
Tribe Mother's voice lowered with awe."The most powerful of them all — AAKASHVANSHI – The Sky born."
Just then, the sky dimmed.
A deep, unsettling shadow spread across the gathering.
Everyone looked up.
A massive eagle with wide, powerful wings glided above them, its shadow casting an overwhelming presence on the ground.
Agnira narrowed her eyes. "That... is no ordinary mount."
Tribe Leader stepped forward, his voice firm. "That's not just any mount. That's King Aakesh of the Aakashvanshi."
"Down your head"
Aakaashvanshi – The Sky born
Guardians of the skies, this kingdom rules over all winged creatures of Drishmaya. From majestic eagles to mythical air serpents, all flying clans serve under the banner of the Sky born. Their palaces float among the clouds, and their voices carry the echoes of thunder and wind.
As the eagle began its descent, the crowd below instinctively bowed their heads. Silence fell. Respect filled the air.
--------
Deep within the dense forests lies a beautiful, enchanted kingdom known as Vanrakshak—
Vanrakshak – The Guardians of the Forest - one of the five eternal elements of the realm.
For centuries, this jungle has been under the guardianship of the royal family of the White Lion Clan. Every creature that walks the land belongs to one of the many animal clans of this kingdom.
Among them are the fierce and graceful girls of the Fox Clan, known for their razor-sharp strikes, and the swift-footed members of the Antelope Clan, unmatched in speed and agility.
"But Swarjan, belong to AGNIYATA Kingdom , have voices that can heal, or enchant through melody. " Tribe leader say proudly.
Agniyata – The Fireborn
Born of flame and forged in volcanic wrath, the Agniyata are unlike any other. They do not belong to a specific species but are wielders of elemental fire—each tribeand clans blessed with distinct powers.
Others master herbs and spells to counter any curse or poison.
Their greatest weapon, however, is not their fire—but their minds.
This kingdom is also known for its legendary cuisine. Their magic extends to taste, flavor, and emotion—each dish a spell in itself.
"...And that's why they say—the magic of the Agniyata's lies in their skill. So all Agniyata's known as Skill Soul"
Jhumki looked around with a mischievous glint in her eyes, raising her hand in a playful gesture—
"And now that we've started talking about food... I'm starving!"
Everyone burst into laughter—
From the five kingdoms, guests had arrived, and for them, a separate official welcoming team awaited in the Kingdom of Vanrakshak.
All members of the Swarjan tribe approached the official team, whose in-charge was a Cat Soulbeast.
Small black ears twitched atop her head, sharp claws glimmered on her hands, and a long smile stretched across her face to greet the guests. The other soldiers standing by her side also belonged to the Cat Clan.
The Tribe Leader placed her hand over her chest and bowed slightly in the traditional way of greeting. The entire tribe followed her gesture in unison. Then, from a small pouch, the Tribe Leader brought out the official bronze badge of Swarjan.
The Swarjan badge was forged in bronze, its background shaped like flames, with a flute carved across the fire. Displaying it proudly, she said,
"We are from the Swarjan Tribe."
The Cat officer also placed her hand on her chest, bent her head slightly, and replied warmly:
"Welcome, Tribe Leader Mohini. I am Bijli, General of the Vanrakshak Kingdom. "
"Your acceptance of our invitation is a great honor for us. The Vanrakshak Kingdom welcomes you. Arrangements for your tribe's stay have been made at the Inn . We hope it pleases you."
With a cold gesture toward her soldiers, she added,
"My soldier will escort you there."
A Cat soldier stepped forward, accompanied by four other guards who looked ordinary at first glance.
Jhumki nudged Agnira lightly with her elbow and whispered,
"What do you think these guards are? If their superior is a Cat Soulbeast, then surely these must be Rat Beasts. After all, Only rats can serve under a cat."
Again she tapped Agnira with her elbow.
"Tell me—what beasts do you think they are?"
Agnira suddenly stopped walking, then turned slightly toward the guards and signaled Jhumki with her hand,
"She want to ask something ."
Guards look one another face with confusion.
Jhumki's mother frowned.
"What happened?"
Agnira smirked at Jhumki from the corner of her eye.
Jhumki glared back at her with faint irritation.
Taal's mother sighed.
"What else? They've surely thought of another mischief."
"Come on now, quietly," Taal's father added.
"No more mischief this time."
Passing through rows of beautiful trees and flowering plants, they finally reached the Pushpjheel Sarai (Inn).
It was vast—an immense pond lay at its heart, filled with countless blooming lotuses and other blossoms. Surrounding it were numerous rooms, arranged gracefully.
Cat soldier stepped forward, bent her head lightly, and placed her hand on her chest in the traditional way.
"Tribe Leader, allow us this honor. The guards will remain here—for your protection."
The Tribe Leader also returned the gesture in the traditional farewell.
----------------
Fragrant sandalwood smoke swirled in the air, mingling with the sweet scent of incense.
A long dining table was set by the edge of the pond, glowing under hanging lanterns.
The soft notes of a tambura floated through the evening air, while starlight shimmered above and the aroma of delicious food wafted from every plate.
Agnira, her curled locks escaping from her braid, flicked them back with a smirk as she leaned toward Tal.
"Look at Jhumki. Poor thing looks like she hasn't eaten for days. That tiny body with a belly like a singing bowl!"
Tal chuckled, sipping from his carved wooden cup.
"Don't tease her, Agnira!"
" She's survived this whole journey on fish only. Well, at least the fish can finally rest… thankfully sweets are voiceless, or else, seeing her hunger, they would have all committed suicide by now. "
Jhumki, busy serving herself another helping of mango pulp and forest greens, narrowed her eyes at both of them.
"You two are the real hunger games. One was busy flirting with the sea, the other obsessed with banging drums like it was a war."
" No one thought—'Hey, what about poor Jhumki, the starved melody queen!' Just tossed me into this journey like background music."
At the far corner of the table, Niritya sat cross-legged, staring mournfully at a lone pakora (snack) floating in her kadhi(dish). Her tone was sharp and soaked in irritation.
"Are you children? Can we not have one peaceful meal without your circus act?"
Agnira turned dramatically toward her and fluttered her lashes.
"Oh, Princess Niritya! We understand... your royal taste buds must be offended by this humble jungle feast."
"But please, make sure to eat Karela pakora (bitter gourdsnack)— maybe its bitterness will neutralize yours."
Tal tried and failed to suppress a snort.
"Or we'll just have Jhumki sing a tragic raag(music type) about kadhi for you only?"
Jhumki, ever ready, picked up her tambura with mock seriousness and crooned in an exaggerated, emotional tone:
"You're just like kadhi — warm, sour, and dangerously unpredictable."
" Niritya, your kadhi is the destiny of my dinner plate!"
"Yesterday's defeat is still unbearable for you. Never mind—go eat with your little friends," "Right! Chanchal and Chunri?"
Niritya leaned forward with a sneer.
"A true performance needs magic. And your friend? She was never born with any. Just wait until His Majesty sees that in his grand celebration, a powerless girl dares to perform . Then you'll understand what it truly means to meddle everywhere you don't belong."
Agnira's gaze sharpened.
"Then why don't you do the dance yourself?"
Jhumki and Taal stared at her in shock.
"Have you lost your mind?" Jhumki whispered. "You performed so beautifully—You win , why step back from such an important stage?"
Niritya laughed coldly.
"What's the matter? Did you get scared so soon?"
Agnira rose, leaned slightly over the table toward her, and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Consider my mercy your good fortune," she said coldly—and walked away.
Nirtya, furious, slammed plates down on the table.
"That ordinary girl—what does she think of herself?"
Her friend Chanchal muttered, "She's afraid of you."
"Yes," Chunri also muttered, "afraid—and hiding behind arrogance to escape."
------
While one corner of the kingdom buzzed with the joyous preparations for the grand celebration, guests flowing in and out of the cities Inn, another side of Drishmaya remained veiled in quiet serenity.
Deep within the emerald shadows of the forest, where the air carried the scent of wildflowers and ancient bark, a lone figure danced between the trees — swift, silent, and radiant. Dressed in a flowing Silver Gown that shimmered like morning mist, Young Mistress Inara (peacock clan) trained with twin silver blades that gleamed under the filtered moonlight.
With a sudden leap, she spread her arms — white feathers burst into the air like a celestial explosion make a circular feather shield at her back. It was as though a sacred white peacock had taken flight, its wings adorned and big with silver-tipped plumes his feather shields, a delicate crown resting atop her head. Her movements were graceful, fierce — listening to the forest's whispers as though it were telling her secrets.
Then, her purple eyes narrowed. She jump on top of trees.
Something shifted in the rhythm of the woods.
Hidden in the shadows, cloaked figures in black crept silently, surrounding a trembling white dove caught in a glowing net of dark magic.
Inara's expression hardened.
With a single breath, she launched herself upward — swinging through the branches with the agility of a wildcat. Her blades sliced through the air, glinting like moonlight as they slashed the enchanted net.
The dove tumbled free .
Landing lightly between the attackers, Inara stood tall, her eyes burning with fury.
"No shame in tormenting a helpless soulbeast?" she growled. "Now try saving yourselves from me."
Startled, the assassins raised their heads just as silver blades flew toward them in a blinding arc — one grazed a cheek, another knocked a dagger clean from a hand.
The clash began.
The assassins intruders lunged at her, claws and blades ready. But Inara moved like water, like wind — ducking, leaping, twisting.
Her silver blades clashed with theirs, sparks flying with each strike. A fierce foot swept one man off the ground. Another received a blade pressed cold against his throat before being knocked back by a powerful kick.
Then — a howl.
"I'll be turn all of you into mince. She again growl.
The assassins , now injured and outmatched, began to retreat, vanishing into the forest's embrace.
As the last one disappeared, the white dove on the ground shimmered with an ethereal glow — its feathers vanishing into soft light, revealing a small dove-girl in their place. She looked up at Inara with wide eyes, gratitude swimming in their depths.
Inara sheathed her blades and offered a hand.
"Don't worry, "she whispered gently ,"You're safe now."
But just as Inara gently grasped the dove girl's hand to help her up—
She suddenly winced.
Something sharp pricked her palm.
Inara's eyes widened in alarm as she staggered back, staring at her hand. A small, almost invisible needle glistened against her skin.
The dove girl lifted her eyes—no longer innocent, but cold and calculated beneath her delicate frame. A sly smirk curled at the corner of her lips.
Inara gasped, her vision already beginning to blur. She stumbled.
"You... y-you're..."she whispered, breath catching in her throat.
And then—her knees gave way. Her silver blades slipped from her hands as she collapsed to the forest floor, unconscious.
-
-----------
In the mystical realm of DRISHMAYA, five ancient kingdoms uphold the balance of life. Each is a pillar—unique, powerful, and essential to the harmony of this enchanted world.
Aakaashvanshi – The Sky born
Guardians of the skies, this kingdom rules over all winged creatures of Drishmaya. From majestic eagles to mythical air serpents, all flying clans serve under the banner of the Sky born. Their palaces float among the clouds, and their voices carry the echoes of thunder and wind.
Jalnandan – The Children of Water
Nestled beneath magical oceans and within hidden rivers, this kingdom is home to aquatic clans and mystical marine beings. From glowing merfolk to sentient corals, Jalnandan thrives in the rhythm of tides, their magic flowing like water itself—graceful, mysterious, and deep.
Chayavashi – The Shadow Dwellers
In the dim underlayers and forgotten corners of the realm, the Chayavashi reside. Masters of stealth, they command reptiles, insects, and the crawling forces of nature. They live in twilight, their power drawn from what hides in the dark. Silent, sly, and strategic—their strength lies in secrets and shadows.
To be continued...