Arthur's Point of View

Dwarven Coast/Harbor City

“Isn’t it about time we got started!?” One of the Dwarves cried out as Elincia escorted me to the festival. “To Arthur Pendragon! Hero of Vithari!” Several raised a toast to me as cheers rang out.

I could feel a few eyes on me and how I might react, but I didn’t have the energy for it right now. Even though Elincia had cleaned up all the blood, I had yet to raise my energy, so I felt rather drained. A cough escaped my lips which made my Priestess escort frown.

“Here!” A Dwarf said as a mug was pushed into my hand. “Tonight is a night of celebration! We won, we’re entering an alliance if the rumors are to be believed, and you, Arthur Pendragon, have deigned to use our city.” He turned around and held up his mug. “Let’s hear it for Lestrania! Let’s hear it for Vithari!”

Another round of cheers rang out as many had their eyes on me. “Should you be drinking?” Elincia whispered to me.

“Probably not, but once I increase my energy output, it won’t matter. Probably.” Downing the drink, cheers rang out again as I held it up.

“Probably?” She pressed.

I shrugged weakly as a small cough escaped my lips. “Way I figure it, I need this. A night where I don’t need to worry about anything.”

Elincia was quiet for a moment as a Dwarf came up to fill my cup. “Do people like us really get such moments?”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Not often, but it’s important to take them when we can.” I told her. “Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?” Then I gestured off to the other Lestranians. “After everything that has happened, we deserve a break. I know I need one.” Taking a few more drinks, I smirked. “Who knows when I’ll ever get one again…”

A few coughs escaped my lips as I tapped my chest. “Are you sure you will be okay?” Her concern was touching.

Holding up the drink, I chuckled. “Don’t you know this drink is known to drown all your sorrows?”

She looked rather skeptical. “I know very well how this drink works, Arthur.”

Handing her my mug, Elincia looked up at me, surprised. “Then you should enjoy yourself as well. I’ll go get another one.”

Things… Quickly got out of hand. My memories of the night were hazy at best. I remember creating a conga line, which tickled me because I kept hopping over the Dwarves. Everything else was a blur. That is until I woke up the following morning.

Lucia's Point of View

Unknown Location

My mind was in a daze as I heard shouting. “Now, why don’t we try this again…” That woman’s voice cut in. “Who was it that Arthur Pendragon fought in Helmsforth!?” She demanded.

Alwin’s voice chimed in. “I already told you! Now let Lucia go!” She groaned in annoyance.

I heard some wrestling before Alwin’s voice turned to mumbles as he was likely gagged. “Useless.” Our captor walked to the center of the room near her desk, and I saw her form hunched over as my sight tried to clear. “Too many attacks have happened in Helmsforth, or near it, for it all to be a coincidence.”

My breathing picked up, and I heard wheezing in my ears. “Alwin?” I let out weakly.

“Nice of you to join us, Lucia.” Her footsteps approached. “You don’t sound too good.” I could see her outline in front of me, but not much else. “I thought by now you’d learn better. Pretending to be asleep would’ve saved you some more pain.”

“And leave you alone with Alwin?” I asked back between breaths before I started to hack. “I’d rather you talk to me instead.” The amount of sarcasm I used would’ve made Arthur proud.

“Truth be told, I think I’ll miss your pluck. Not everyone can be as cheeky as you in this type of situation.” I felt her hand pressed against my chest, and I started screaming in pain. “It only last so long!” She said loudly in my ear before she pulled away, and I panted. “These wounds look quite good on you, though.” I felt her pull my ripped clothing out of the way so she could examine her handiwork. “Do you still think someone is coming to save you?” There was a small humming momentarily after that.

It sounded like Arthur’s orb was vibrating on the counter in the center of the room as a small glow illuminated the area. Although, the orb only activated for a split second and seemed like it was dying more than anything. I couldn’t see very well aside from the flash of blue and hearing it fade out. If I had to guess, I’d say my magic that I put into the orb had finally run out.

“Yes. Yes, I do.” I said as there was a flash of a familiar blue before it faded entirely.

“…” She was quiet for a moment as I just hung there limply, and I heard Alwin’s muffled cries of protest. “Then I suppose I should wrap up our time together. What do you think?”