Three days had passed since he left Valonde. He was now on a carriage bound for the neighboring kingdom of Felucia. The gentle rocking of the carriage and the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hooves were quite soothing for him.
As the carriage rolled along the winding road, Ed observed the landscape transform around him. Verdant fields stretched out, interrupted by patches of colorful wildflowers that swayed in the gentle breeze. The distant silhouette of the Boneridge Mountains seemed like it supported the sky.
The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the countryside. He was surprised by the simplicity and beauty of the rural scenes passing by, finding a certain tranquility in the open fields and distant horizons.
Eventually, Felucia could be seen in the distance, Ed caught sight of the city's imposing walls. Towering ramparts of weathered stone stood strong, adorned with age-old engravings. The gates, reinforced with iron and guarded by watchtowers, welcomed travelers into the heart of Felucia. Upon closer inspection, the engravings depicted scenes from ancient tales and legends.
Ed hopped off the carriage, the solid ground beneath his feet a welcome change. He tossed a coin to the driver, expressing his gratitude, and with a nod, he entered Felucia.
Deciding to rest, Ed entered an inn, its wooden sign creaking softly in the breeze. The warmth and aroma of the inn was pleasing. He paid three gold pieces for a room which put quite a dent into savings. Without pay, he had no source of income which meant he had to find work soon.
That was a worry for another time though as he settled onto his bed. It dawned on him that night that this was his first time outside of Valonde.
Morning bathed Felucia in a soft glow as Ed eagerly stepped out to explore the city. His first destination was the bustling marketplace, a lively hub of activity where merchants showcased their wares. Stalls adorned with vibrant fabrics, exotic spices, and gleaming trinkets created a kaleidoscope of colors and scents.
Next, Ed ventured into Felucia's renowned library, a haven of knowledge and ancient wisdom. The towering shelves housed countless tomes with leather-bound spines. Dust motes danced in the sunlight that streamed through the stained glass windows, giving the library an almost magical ambiance.
The city's grand cathedral beckoned him next. As Ed stepped inside, the hallowed silence embraced him, and the colorful light streaming through the stained glass windows painted vibrant patterns on the floor.
Felucia's park felt like a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle. Ed strolled along winding paths shaded by ancient trees. A tranquil pond reflected the azure sky, and the distant laughter of children playing added a joyful melody to the air.
With the last remaining gold pieces, he had Ed decided to visit the blacksmith, drawn by the rhythmic clanging of metal on metal. The blacksmith's forge radiated intense heat, and the air was filled with the distinct scent of molten metal.
Approaching the counter, he noticed a finely crafted spear that caught his eye. The shaft was made of sturdy oak, polished to a smooth finish, providing a comfortable grip. The spearhead gleamed in the forge's light, Its steel tip, honed to a razor-sharp edge.
He left the smith happy with his new purchase. Later he would stumble across a board covered in paper. He read one of them which provided information on the kingdom
“Bordered between highlands to the North, a tropical forest to the South, a sea to the East and fertile grounds to the West, the Kingdom of Felucia remains one of the most powerful on the continent of Mithlonde”
Across from it was another paper that caught Eds’ attention. It was a promotional paper for a tournament that would be held today offering a small prize of 1,000 gold. That would be enough to pay for meals and rent a room in an inn for about a year. Later that day after an hour of asking locals for directions he found the spot. An open battleground filled with peasants who couldn’t even hold a weapon probably.
“This is going to be easy gold,” he thought maniacally to himself as he prepared to face off against his first opponent. It was a man with leather pauldrons and a club. The fight was over rather quickly if you could even call it that. His training had given him an elite edge over the competition.
This continued for a while until he reached the finals. His eyes grew as he saw his opponent. Clad in golden armor and with a sword in hand, she was short and had Auburn hair. It was not only an actual adventurer but a powerful one at that. Why would an adventurer participate in a tournament as minor as this one?
Ed felt a shiver down his spine. He looked into his opponents eyes. There was nothing in there, no emotion or warmth. Those eyes had no life in them.
“Seems like the threat level has risen,” he said to the women clad in gold as he unsheathed his spear from his back.
The armored woman raised her weapon to the side and closed her eyes. Ed charged at the women closing the distance quickly. He attempted to sweep her legs but failed as she dodged out of the way quickly. His eyes widen as he sees her standing there in the same position eyes still closed.
He rushed in again this time stabbing multiple times with his spear. None of the strikes found its target as the armored women stood there still in the same position eyes closed. Suddenly she opened her eyes and unleashed her strike.
“It's beautiful,” Ed thought as the cold steel bit into his skin. It was as if space itself distorted around the blade. “So this is the power of an experienced adventurer” He tasted dirt in his mouth, blood pooling around him until everything went dark.
He had a dream again, however this time it wasn't the same wretched nightmares he had been having for the past few days. He was ascending the steps of a grand palace wreathed in gold and silver. He looked down noticing armor that gleamed with an iridescent sheen, its surface resembling the shifting hues of a twilight sky. Intricate etchings of swirling patterns adorned the plates, catching the light in mesmerizing ways. Along the stairs were corpses, mountains of them lined up as if to welcome him and at the end of it all was a throne. Carved from an otherworldly crystalline material, it refracted light into a mesmerizing dance of colors that cascaded across the surroundings. Elaborate runes, infused with iridescent enchantments, adorned its surface, tracing lines of arcane power that pulsed softly with each beat of the heart.
There was an individual upon the throne, cloaked in shadow except for a singular golden eye that stared straight into his soul. Then he felt pain, unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was as if a thousand knives were piercing into his heart and his limbs were being torn from his body. He could not utter a word or a thought as the seated individual watched him suffer. Was this hell? Had he died from his wounds barely having even started his grand adventure? The thoughts ceased as he awoke from his dream
“I'm glad you're awake, one of the spectators brought you in” Ed heard as he began to wake up. He turned his head and was stunned by what he saw. She had flowing golden hair and eyes like the ocean. Upon her was a dress of pure white and leaves of gold woven in between. She had to have been royalty or at least a noble
“I'm Princess Alexia of the Felucia kingdom, you're currently at the Brightwood hospital,” she said with a grin on her face. His suspicions were correct, he wanted to bow, salute, or do anything but he couldn’t find the strength to do so.
Ed tried to speak but a burning feeling hit his throat. “Water” he weakly croaked out pointing at the glass next to him. Princess Alexia placed it gently in his hand which he gulped down in an instant.
“I healed you with my magic so you should be good to go. We have more patients waiting so it would be appreciated if you left quickly” she said as she lifted the blankets off him.
He slid his body upward until his back was against the headboard. “Soon I will begin my Grand Adventure in earnest. As a princess, I’m sure you know a lot of things. Would you please tell me where the nearest place of interest could be”
Something gleamed in her eyes as he said “Grand adventure”. Getting uncomfortably close to Ed, she excitedly asked “It must be great being an adventurer, I mean traveling the world is far better than staying in one location your entire life”
“I'm not an adventurer” Ed interjected before she could continue. “I failed the adventurer exams so officially I'm not an adventurer but in my heart, I am”
It looked as if something clicked in her head and a huge smile grew on her face. Then noticing how close they were, her face grew beet red and she jumped back. Covering her face in embarrassment she mumbled “That was unbecoming of a noble lady such as myself my apologies”.
He was handed a plate of sliced apples which he happily accepted. It’s been a long time since he had eaten something sweet.
“It's fine, you've saved my life today,” he said in between bites. The apple was sweet, unlike anything he had tasted before. “What is a princess like you doing in a hospital anyway? Where I'm from the royal family seldom leaves the keep much less mingle with the commoners”
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“I chose to be here because I wanted an escape. All my life I had lived inside the royal palace unable to leave or interact with anybody but the maids and my tutor” she said her eyes staring at the window, a castle that dwarfed the entire city in the distance. “When I turned of age my tutor asked my father if I could work in the hospital seeing that I had healing magic. It was my first chance for freedom and a life outside of the walls I had known my whole life so I took it”
“Anyways enough about me, there are other patients” she said getting up.
Ed looked at her with genuine interest, captivated by her story. As she stood up, he hesitated for a moment before gathering the courage to speak.
"I'd really like to hear more about your experiences. Could we maybe meet again after your rounds at the hospital? There's something intriguing about the life you've led, and I'd love to know more." He asked
The Princess smiled warmly, "Ed, I appreciate your interest, truly. But being a princess comes with its responsibilities, and my duties are paramount. However, if you are injured I would be obligated to help you.” she said with a wink.
"I see, I’ll look forward to when that time comes" Ed says face lighting up.
As days turned into weeks, Ed found himself living in Felucia, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. He started with menial tasks, scrubbing tavern floors and carrying goods for market vendors. The pay was meager, but it kept him going.
In the mornings, Ed could be seen sweeping the dusty streets, earning a meager sum from the grateful shopkeepers. During afternoons, he toiled in the fields, helping farmers with their harvest in exchange for a handful of coins and some vegetables. Evenings saw him hauling crates in the market, muscles aching but never giving up. No he can’t give up now.
His nights were spent in a cramped, dimly lit room with a rickety bed. Ed's hands bore calluses from his labor. Whenever Ed sustained even the slightest injuries from his laborious tasks, he would find his way to the hospital where Alexia worked
They discussed everything, from the mundane details of Ed's odd jobs to the intricacies of life within the palace walls. Alexia shared tales of her royal upbringing, the strict etiquettes, and the expectations placed upon her. In turn, Ed opened up about his humble origins, the struggles he faced in the city, and his dreams.
They were small but precious moments for him. Having someone he could talk to so far away from home meant a great deal for him. He didn’t want them to stop, he wanted to stay in this moment forever. Alas he knew this could never be.
~~~~~~~
The air was thick with the promise of rain as Ed made his way to the Brightwood hospital, his hands bandaged and stained with fresh blood. He had cut himself on a sharp piece of glass while working the odd jobs. In truth he had done it on purpose like many times before. Some would call him insane for hurting himself on purpose but he’s always had a high pain tolerance.
The atmosphere inside the hospital was somber as dark clouds gathered overhead, casting a muted light through the windows. The distant rumble of thunder echoed.
The princess was attending to the patients again. He liked watching her cast healing magic. It was warm and yet somehow devoid of all feelings.
“Surprise, I got you something," he said, revealing a delicate bouquet of flowers. "I thought they might brighten up the room a bit. What do you think?"
Ed looked at his friend and was taken aback. Her normally virbrant blue eyes looked as cloudy as the sky outside. There was clearly something wrong here.
"What’s wrong you know you can talk to me, right? It's clear something's bothering you, and I want to help if I can." Ed, gently probed
Alexia managed a faint smile. "Ed, really, it's nothing. Just the usual stresses of palace life. Let's focus on something else, I’m nearly done here."
"Alright, we can shift our focus. Tell me, have you ever tried the pastries from the bakery near the city square?” Ed said respecting her wish not to delve deeper for now. I brought some along today. A little sweetness might lift the spirits, don't you think?"
Alexia, her expression still conflicted, looked into Ed's eyes and hesitated, "Can I really trust you, Ed? It's not that I doubt you, but the walls around me seem to be closing in, and I fear what the future holds." She said as she healed his wound. It took longer than usual.
Ed reached for her hand reassuringly, "Alexia, you can trust me completely. I'm here for you, no matter what. You’re my friend after all."
The rain outside started, at first tapping gently on the windowpane. Then it intensified until it was nearly banging on the window like tiny stones being thrown from the skies.
"I'm to be married to the son of Ulfang the Black. It's a strategic move, they say, to strengthen alliances and secure peace in our troubled times. Ulfang the Black is a powerful sorcerer and he controls the Golden City of Porthy. In the center of the city is a citadel which contains all the tomes of magic which Ulfang possesses. I suspect my father wishes to obtain one of the tome but why I can not say. “ Alexia explains her voice tinged with despair.
Ed listened attentively, "Porthy, huh? That's a long way from here. How do you feel about this arrangement?" he asked, giving her space to share her thoughts.
Alexia sighed, "It's not about my feelings, Ed. It's about what's deemed necessary for the kingdom. I've always understood the responsibilities that come with being a princess, but this... it feels like I'm losing control over my own destiny."
Ed leaned forward, "Alexia, you can't just let this happen without a fight. It's your life, and you deserve a say in it. We can find a way to change this, to give you the freedom to choose your own path." He said encouragingly. He didn’t quite understand it but he knew she was upset and that was enough for him.
Alexia sighed "Ed, you don't understand the complexities of royal politics. It's not that simple. I can't just defy my father and the entire court."
Ed persisted, "But what about your own happiness? Shouldn't that matter too? I might not know about how the court works but what I do know is that the moment you give up on your dream is the moment you truly die. I had given up as well, I won’t let it happen to you"
Alexia's eyes lit up with a spark of inspiration. She paused for a moment and began to think. Grabbing ink, parchment, and a quill in another room, she crudely drew a map of the city and directions to a location.
“In five hours when the moon is high in the sky, follow these instructions and take everything you have with you,” she said thrusting the parchment into his hands. “I will take leave for now, remember to follow the directions closely”
The door slammed shut as the princess exited the room. Ed stared incredulously at the parchment in his hand wondering what just happened. Placing the parchment on the table next to him, he slipped into his blanket hoping to get some rest. He did not sleep at all that night.
The cold icy night sky bit into his skin as he walked through the city. The drawing was bad, so bad that it took him an hour to follow it. The only source of light was the pale beams of the moon and the occasional crystal lamps. However, he soon arrived at the location, a majestic tree in the center of the city. The leaves were turning into a multitude of colors, a sign of the winter to come. He stepped in front of the tree placing his palm on its trunks just like the instructions said. Then there was a brilliant light that nearly blinded him and he was no longer at the tree.
“What took you so long, I waited an hour and you never came”. Princess Alexia was standing there pouting with her arms crossed. He began to scream but found a hand where his mouth was supposed to be. “Relax it's just a teleportation spell, now are we going to escape or what” Alexia said.
"Hold on I thought you just wanted to get out of the marriage? I could get executed for this! How exactly do you plan to get out of here?" Ed inquired still in disbelief and now circling the room clutching his head.
"I know it's a lot to take in, Ed. But we have a little trick up our sleeves, something I’ve never had the opportunity to show you before. Meet Slinky." She gestures to a feathery snake-like creature coiled on her arm. “Don't let Slinky's appearance fool you. He's not just any creature. Slinky is my familiar, and he has a unique ability. When someone touches him, they become invisible. It's how we'll slip past the guards unnoticed."
Raising an eyebrow he says “Slinky? You're going to use a feathery snake... named Slinky... to get us out of here? Are you serious?" he sighed still skeptical about all of this. "Alright, Princess. I never thought I'd be relying on a snake to get out of a castle, but desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose." Ed said still not believing the situation he was in.
She smiled "Desperate times indeed. Now let's go, Ed. I will lead the way." They exited the room quietly to not make any noise and draw attention to them. They truly were invisible, he couldn't even see himself guided only by holding onto Alexia's arm like a child.
Why me? There must be thousands of adventurers in the city. Why pick someone like me?" Ed whispered as they moved through the castle. He had never seen something like this before.
Alexia, looking thoughtful, responded, " You’re my friend what other reason does there need to be. Don’t forget you’re the one who made me think of this in the first place "
His brows furrowed in confusion
"I never said anything about running away from your family!" Ed exclaimed.
“My tutor will understand me, I’m sure he’ll explain to my family” she said as they approached the steps leading into the palace. The only barrier between them and freedom is a huge Oak door. Suddenly their body shimmered in light and they could see themselves again.
“Well, what do we have here, escaping the castle without proper authorization is a grave matter. Care to explain yourself, princess?" The man standing in front of them was tall and exuded an air of wisdom. His long, flowing robes, woven with intricate patterns of stars and mystical symbols, billowed around him as if stirred by an unseen wind. A long, silvery beard cascaded down his chest, its strands seeming to shimmer with a faint, ethereal glow.
“Merlin what are you doing here” the princess exclaimed wide-eyed. She knew exactly who this man was, Merlin Ambrosius an ex-deity and the man who taught her the craft of magic. She took a defensive stance and raised her hand as if to cast a spell despite knowing she couldn't win.
“Relax I won't stop you, I'm too old to fight nowadays” Merlin walked forward and placed a hand on her head. “I care about my dear student too much to interfere with her dreams,” he said softly.
The ancient sage thought back to when he first met the princess. It was a cool spring day and she was in the royal courtyard reading a book about the wonders of the world. He will never forget the look in her eyes when she was shown magic for the first time. With a swift, elegant motion, he wove his fingers through the air, tracing intricate patterns that left trails of golden flames in their wake. The flames responded to his touch, dancing and twirling like living entities under his mastery. There was so much joy, so much happiness in her. He vowed to not let that happiness disappear.
He pushed her towards the door letting her leave. Just then the air was split by the sharp, metallic whistle of a sword's trajectory. In an instant, Merlin's staff swung into a defensive stance, and his form blurred with astonishing speed. The blade's arc halted abruptly, met by the shimmering energy of Merlin's magical barrier.
Ed had been observing the whole situation quietly but this made him jump. He had never seen a man move this fast before. Would such a thing be possible for him as well?
"You would let her leave, Merlin?" the attacker growled, his grip on his sword unwavering. His armor was red and gold the same as his hair.
Merlin's gaze remained steady as he countered, "Bryce, she has a fire within her that must be stoked, a destiny that cannot be denied."
Bryce's lips tightened into a firm line. "And what of her duty to this kingdom? You and I both know that letting her leave is a grave mistake. As her brother, I will not stand by and allow her to wander into danger."
Merlin raised a hand, his expression a mixture of understanding and resolve. "Alexia, you deserve the chance to explore, to grow into the person you wish to become. I will not stand in your way."
Bryce's jaw clenched his grip on the sword tight. "This is reckless! What happens if it awakens again!”
Merlin's gaze softened, and he turned to Ed. "Ed, I sense you have a strong spirit and a willingness to protect. Take Alexia and run. The path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but it is a journey she must embark upon." With a thunderous roar, Bryce lunged forward, his sword clashing against Merlin's magical barrier.
Ed nodded quickly while grabbing ahold of the Princess. He didn’t quite understand what was happening but he knew he had to protect her.
With his other hand, Merlin summoned a teleportation circle underneath them. The circle activated turning a bright white. Soon the world turned black once more.
Lore and definitions
Deity- In this world the thirteen strongest individuals are called the Deities named so because their power transcends all. Athough not truly gods, they are so powerful that many began to believe so. When a deity dies and another chosen it is called an ascension