The city Lumaris, was visible from the forge, and they could see the large gates awaiting them. As they approached the gate a scanner glanced over them verifying their Identification as the gates slowly began to open as their IDs were approved. A large commotion was heard from behind the gate as they opened.
The group made their way to the town, wondering what all the commotion was. People were gathering in the streets and hanging over their balconies as they eyed the Bonded Blades. “Is that them, there is no way right. No, it can’t be them, can it.” The whisper in the crowd grew as the Elite Bonded Blades marched down the street. It was a very uncanny and odd occurrence to have such a prestigious group take such an open route to the Elders Mansion. If not for the urgency that the young smith expressed in his tone, there would be a more discrete meeting amongst the hierarchy of the City.
It was such a notable and memorable event to ever meet a Bonded Blade in person, let alone 2 of them at once. Eventually the group met up with some city guards who were rushing over to try to maintain a semblance of order. “Sorry about this,” the guard lowered his head in a bow profusely apologizing to the pairs again only addressing the Masters directly out of respect. The guards held their own magically enhanced blades, but they were nothing compared to the rune forged magical blades made by the Forgemasters.
“No need for such pleasantries and apologies, you have done nothing wrong,” acknowledged Argust. “We are glad of your assistance, but there is no need to trouble yourselves, we are more than capable of making our way to the Mansion.”
“I completely understand Forgemaster,” but it is our duty as the City Guard to make sure no one disturbs you on your journey, it would be disgraceful to allow such a thing to happen on my watch.
The Forge was outside of the city to give Privacy to the Bonded Blades. Normally the Blades would have an escorted vehicle take them to meetings with the elders, but under duress, exceptions sometimes had to be made.
Upon approaching the gate leading to the mansion the elders rushed over to greet the Blades, “I am sorry about the urgency, but we do not have a lot of time. Please join us, we must seek out a more private location for what we are about to share with you is for your ears, and yours alone. It is not something we can speak up in front of such a crowd,” expressed the Senior Elder Raken.
As Argust followed the elder, the difference in stature was not lost to the onlookers. He was a good foot taller than the elderly man, but only slightly larger in frame. The elder’s sagely grey beard also did not help him stand out against the intimidating stature of Argust. One thing about Forgemasters, when they are forging, they take on their Forgemaster form, which is that of an ancient being so their appearance changes. Their body ages but their muscles increase, and their aura soars to an intense pressure that fills the entire room. Once they finish, they revert to their younger self and have an eternal youth about them. This was the current form of Argust which was contrast to that of the elders.
They finally reached the mansion a sprawling, stone-built structure reminiscent of medieval castles. Its walls are thick and adorned with futuristic embellishments like holographic banners and energy-based torches, providing a soft, ambient glow. The main entrance boasts a large, oak door with high-tech security features like biometric scanners. Above, drones flit about, acting as both messengers and security.
The ancient oak door of the elder's mansion swung open, Argust and Aliyena stepped into the grandiose entrance, their eyes adjusting to the ambient glow of energy torches lining the stone walls. Behind them, Malron and Shailen followed, examining the holographic banners that fluttered in the air, showcasing scenes of medieval valor interspersed with futuristic landscapes.
Elder Raken, a figure of esteemed wisdom and authority, led the way. His robe, a blend of traditional fabric and light-emitting threads, trailed behind him, illuminating their path through the expansive hallways. The group's footsteps echoed on the smart tiles, which subtly adjusted their hue to a calming blue, sensing the importance of their meeting.
As they moved through the living areas, they were surrounded by a harmonious blend of past and future. The high, arched ceilings of the grand halls towered above them, while advanced lighting systems replicated the warm ambiance of natural sunlight. The furniture, though styled to resemble medieval craftsmanship, adjusted to their presence, offering a welcoming comfort.
Argust, a man of strong build and sharp intellect, exchanged a knowing glance with Aliyena, whose grace and keen eyes missed no detail of the mansion's wonders. Both were aware of the significance of their upcoming discussion with Raken. Malron, with his thoughtful demeanor, and Shailen, ever observant, trailed slightly behind, their minds racing with possibilities and questions.
As they approached the private quarters, the air grew subtly warmer, the smart tiles beneath their feet responding to the cooler evening outside. Raken paused before a large door, its surface a masterpiece of carved wood intertwined with softly glowing lines of energy. With a simple gesture, the door opened, revealing the sanctuary of his quarters.
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The room was a testament to luxury and tradition. The large canopy bed, with its smart-fabric drapes, stood imposingly against one wall, while an antique desk, now equipped with a holographic computer, sat near a large window that offered a view of the genetically modified gardens below. The hydrotherapy bathtub and smart mirror added a touch of modern indulgence to the otherwise medieval setting.
Gathering around a round table, designed to mimic the round tables of ancient lore but with surfaces that responded to touch, the group prepared for their meeting. The seriousness of their expressions reflected the weight of the decisions to be made, decisions that would shape the future of their world, a world where the past and future were not just coexisting but were intertwined in the very walls of the elder's mansion.
In the elder's luxurious private quarters, the atmosphere was thick with tension and expectation as the group gathered around the high-tech, round table. Elder Raken, standing at the head with a solemn expression, broke the silence. His voice, though steady, carried an undercurrent of concern.
“As you are aware, The Legacy of Swords tournament is about to take place. However, there's a pressing concern. Elorin may not have enough eligible candidates to participate in the tournament. There are rumors circulating that our relevance has diminished in the current era, and our continued invitation to the tournament relies solely on Fiona's Legacy. While it's true that both of you have consistently dominated the tournament every year, it's worth noting that not a single Elorin, apart from the two of you, has ever placed in the top 10.”
Argust, his brow furrowed, leaned forward. “Elder Raken, the tournament isn’t just a display of skill, it's a symbol of our heritage and strength. We must find a way to bolster our presence and prove that Elorin’s legacy is more than just a memory.”
Aliyena nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. “Perhaps it’s time we rethink our training methods or seek out hidden talents within Elorin. There must be others who possess the potential to excel.”
Malron, always thoughtful, interjected, “We should also consider how the tournament has evolved. It’s not just about traditional swordsmanship anymore. The integration of new technologies and tactics has changed the playing field. I am unsure of anyone else’s ability to adapt to these new tactics other than us.”
Shailen, usually quiet, spoke up with a note of urgency, “The Legacy of Swords is more than a competition; it’s a stage where the future of our people could be decided. We cannot let our legacy fade into obscurity.”
Raken listened intently, his eyes moving from one speaker to the next. “Your points are valid. The challenge before us is not only to find worthy candidates but to ensure that Elorin’s presence in the tournament reflects our true capabilities. This is a task that requires immediate attention and innovative thinking.”
The group leaned in closer, their minds alight with strategies and ideas, knowing that the fate of Elorin’s honor and legacy in the Legacy of Swords tournament hung in the balance. The urgency of the moment was palpable, and each member understood the critical role they had to play in upholding and revitalizing their homeland’s esteemed position in the tournament.
The group sat in thoughtful silence following the elder's grave announcement. The weight of Elorin's predicament in the upcoming Legacy of Swords tournament hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow of concern over the faces of Argust, Aliyena, Malron, and Shailen.
Argust, was the first to break the silence. "Elder Raken, your concerns are indeed valid. We are all deeply committed to Elorin's honor in the tournament. Yet, at this moment, a viable solution to bolster our ranks eludes us."
Aliyena, her expression mirroring her agreement, added, “We must think this through carefully. Rushing into a decision without a solid plan could jeopardize not only this year's tournament but Elorin's future participation as well.”
Malron, nodding solemnly, suggested, “Perhaps there's a way we can work within the tournament's rules to find a loophole. A temporary measure that allows Elorin to compete even if we don't meet the required number of challengers.”
Shailen spoke up with a hint of optimism in his voice, “Yes, perhaps we can find a way to use our strength to convince them to change the rules I don’t see why there should be a required number of contestants from each realm anyways just to compete. I mean shouldn’t the only thing that matters is the overall strongest person in the Sector since that is what the tournament has always been about.”
Elder Raken, listening intently to each member, finally spoke, “I appreciate your dedication and wisdom. It seems our best course of action, for now, is to delve deeper into the tournament rules and seek a temporary exemption or alteration in the requirements. In the meantime, we must all remain vigilant and open to any potential solutions or new talents that may arise within Elorin.”
The group nodded in agreement, understanding the complexity of the situation. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that while an immediate solution was not at hand, the collective minds of the group were dedicated to finding a way to uphold Elorin's legacy in the Legacy of Swords. Each member stood up, their minds already turning over possibilities, committed to exploring every avenue to ensure Elorin's continued honor and presence in the prestigious tournament.
As the meeting concluded, Elder Raken escorted the group through the mansion's grand halls, their steps echoing softly on the stone floor. They passed under the high arches and intricate tapestries, emerging into the cool evening air of Lumaris. The group, led by Raken, made their way through the lush, glowing gardens, heading towards the city's outer gate.
The two pairs of bonded blades, Argust and Aliyena, followed by Malron and Shailen, were a striking sight. The Forgemasters, Argust and Malron, walked with an air of authority and purpose, while the Blade Maidens, Aliyena and Shailen, moved with graceful, silent dignity. The city guards, clad in armor that was a blend of traditional design and modern technology, escorted them, ensuring a clear path through the bustling streets of the city.
As they traversed the cobblestone streets, the citizens of Lumaris paused to watch them pass. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, a mixture of reverence and curiosity. The citizens, well aware of the social protocols, directed their inquiries and comments towards Argust and Malron, careful not to address Aliyena and Shailen directly.
A young artisan, his hands stained with paint, approached Argust respectfully. “Master Argust, will Elorin's might be showcased in the Legacy of Swords this year?” His eyes shone with hope and pride.
Argust, acknowledging the artisan with a nod, replied, “We are working diligently to ensure Elorin's presence is felt in the tournament. Your support is what drives us.”
Further along, a group of children, wide-eyed and curious, gathered around Malron. One brave child piped up, “Sir Malron, will you be fighting in the tournament too? We hear you're one of the best!”
Malron smiled warmly at the children, “Thank you for your faith in me. I will do my utmost to uphold Elorin's honor in the tournament. Your cheers will be my strength.”
Throughout their journey, the citizens of Lumaris displayed a mix of respect and admiration. They understood the importance of the Legacy of Swords and the honor it brought to their realm. While they couldn't speak directly to the Blade Maidens, their looks of respect and silent nods towards Aliyena and Shailen spoke volumes.
Finally, as the group reached the outer gate of the city, the guards saluted, and the gates opened slowly. The Bonded Blades stepped through, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, their hearts and minds committed to the glory and future of Elorin. Behind them, the gates closed, leaving the citizens of Lumaris with a sense of pride and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.