Claudia knew she was dreaming, but she didn't care. The vision before her was breathtaking—a vast field adorned with all manner of flowers, where animals roamed freely, unafraid. She petted them, their fur as soft as clouds. As she walked through the field, she noticed a villa in the distance. Though hesitant, a deep, lovely feeling pulled her toward it, a ghostly embrace that grew stronger with each step. In an instant, she found herself inside the villa, seated at a table laden with sumptuous food. The flavors were exquisite, reminiscent of her mother's cooking. Absorbed in her feast, she did not notice the figure sitting across from her until a serene, melodious voice broke the silence.
"Do not eat so hastily, my child. Savor the food; you have all the time in the world."
Frightened, Claudia tried to move, but her body remained still.
"Hush, do not be afraid. I am here. Just look at me."
Obeying the command, Claudia beheld a figure of unparalleled beauty. A woman, garbed in a stola so sheer it revealed her form. Her hair was a cascade of ever-changing colors, a living rainbow. Her face exuded maternal love and care. Claudia noticed the food had vanished from the table.
"Ah, beautiful Claudia, what a splendid young woman you have become. You had such strong lungs as a babe... ah, the memories," the woman said, while Claudia could feel a hand.
"How... how do you know me?" Claudia stammered, her fear palpable. The woman's expression softened with a hint of hurt. She rose and moved to Claudia's side, kneeling to embrace her, resting Claudia's head on her bosom. The beating of her heart calming Claudia.
"Do you not recognize your mother? I am Materna, mother of all gods and mortals. From the lowest thief to the mightiest imperator, all of you are my children. One of your kin has prayed fervently for you… just look at you, a courageous young woman leaving home to join the legions. But I will not scold you. I have witnessed your life."
"So you know how I feel. Besides, it’s my choice. Why do you care?"
"I care because it is my duty. I am a mother. I weep for each of you who perishes. I welcome your souls and mourn for those condemned to the underworld. It is no trivial matter. A mother always seeks to aid her children, no matter their actions, for they are forever loved. And you, my dear Claudia, are one of them. Though I cannot interfere with your choices, I shall bless you. Come closer," she said, as she gently grasped Claudia's head and planted a tender kiss upon her brow.
"I, Materna, mother of all, bestow upon you, Claudia, a divine protection. May you be shielded from ill intent and harm. More importantly, may you return home safely and in good health. Let the winds guide you, may your slumber be peaceful, and always remember the eternal love of a mother."
A warm sensation embraced Claudia's body, bringing with it the scent of home and the embrace of her family.
“Now go awake… face your new life… and please, be careful,” Materna said while leaving her side.
Soon Claudia was awoken by someone shaking her. She opened her eyes to see Sabrina.
"Oh, finally awake, sleepyhead! We're close to the castra, so wake up. We need to look professional for our first day, and it's getting late. The sun is already setting," Sabrina said. Claudia looked north and, indeed, it was nearly nightfall. Rising quickly, she noticed it was only Sabrina and her in the carriage. She jumped out, surveying her surroundings. Empty carriages lined the area, and in the distance, more were approaching. Sabrina grabbed her arm and led her toward the fortress.
The fortress was immense, its stone walls covered in moss, scarred by catapults, and stained with dried blood. Constructed atop a medium-sized hill, the area around it was barren—trees and small hills had been cleared to make it more defensible. As they neared the gate, dodging other recruits, Claudia saw the colossal steel and wood gate was open. They entered, joining a large crowd gathered around a stage where a few centurions and, presumably, their general stood. The stage was elevated so they could be seen. People of all kinds surrounded them, from redheads to blondes, from very pale individuals to those bronzed by the sun.
Sabrina and Claudia wormed their way to a spot and waited for the general to speak. After several minutes, Claudia noticed that the fortress was overcrowded; the crowd spilled through the gate.
"Citizens of Aurelia," the general began, her voice booming with authority, "I am honored to see so many of you here today, so many brave young women, ready to give your lives for the glory of the Empire, for Caesar, but most importantly, for the people. We are the shield against the darkness. To the north, we face the Herssers, who have invaded and slaughtered our people in the past. To the east, we contend with barbaric tribes, thirsting for revenge. You have heard the tales of their atrocities—from annihilating entire towns to enslaving our kin. Even the Albiones eye us, ready to sink their greedy fangs into our magnificent empire. But we will not falter. For we are sisters, the blood of Aurelia flows through our veins. We are the true rulers of this continent, nay, this world.
"Materna, goddess of all, has blessed us with these bountiful lands and the protection of our loved ones—our fathers, our brothers, and most dearly, our sons. Soon, you will be blood sisters, bound by the trials we shall face together. We will spill the blood of our enemies, and yes, we will see the blood of our sisters spilled as well. But we will never surrender. Surrender is not in our nature. Surrender means defeat, and defeat means death.
"We survived the Crusade, and we shall survive this era of our empire, emerging stronger than ever before. So I welcome you to the XI Legion. Be proud, be joyful, be courageous. The road ahead is fraught with hardship, but we will endure. Glory to the Empire!"
"Glory to the Empire!" the crowd roared in unison, the chant echoing through the fortress and beyond, a testament to their unwavering resolve.
As the crowd calmed, the general began to speak again, "I am Maxima, your new general, but more importantly, your sister in arms. We were not expecting so many recruits, so the barracks cannot fit all of you. But do not worry. Tomorrow, we begin your training, and tomorrow we begin the construction of your new homes. Tonight, sleep under the stars and feel the breeze on your faces. You will miss it, so enjoy it while it lasts. Goodnight, my kin. We shall see you at the first rays of the sun."
After her speech, General Maxima retired to her cozy quarters, enjoying a comfortable bed and warm food, while the recruits had to find a place to rest near the fort. They were also given some blankets.
“I didn’t expect so many would join the legion. It seems the rumors of prosperity in the southern regions are false. I see some Atlians among us; they usually don’t stray far from their villages. For them to be here, it must be dire. But it’s good for them—they need to contribute more to the Empire,” Sabrina remarked as she stopped by the stump of a tree. “Hey Claudia, we can rest here. The ground is compact, making it quite flat. There are no rocks, so it’s comfortable, and the old stump can serve as a makeshift campfire,” she said as she sat on the ground, spreading her blanket. Quickly, she began gathering tall grass and dry sticks.
I whistled. “You’re quite resourceful. Besides farming, what else did you do to gain such knowledge?” I asked.
"Glad you asked. In my region, life is harsh. The dry western winds desolate our fields, leaving little for sustenance. And the local fauna? Fierce as the wrath of Mars himself. Have you ever beheld a Summer Cat tear through a dwelling quicker than you can blink? I have witnessed it firsthand. We were often left homeless, seeking refuge where we could," she replied, her voice tinged with irritation.
A Summer Cat. As large as a war steed, its claws sharp as Albionian steel, capable of felling five women in a single stroke. Only seasoned hunters dare to confront them, yet the perilous nature of the hunt keeps their numbers scarce.
After fashioning my blanket into a makeshift sleeping bag, I noticed Sabrina sitting by the fire, warming her hands. I joined her, seeking warmth myself.
"Our first day, and soon our first training. I am filled with anticipation. Since childhood, I've been enthralled by tales of the Legion, the bulwark of the Empire, and their triumphs over the mountain savages. My aunt was a Legionnaire, but she met an untimely end," she spoke, her gaze fixed on the crackling flames with a hint of sorrow.
“Sometimes I wish I could have been there to bid farewell when she embarked on that campaign. But I was stricken with illness, so I missed it. Beyond the economic support my family will receive from me, I am determined to avenge my aunt. Those filthy barbarians of the East, always skulking in their mountains—I do not understand why the Empire has not eradicated them,” said Sabrina with palpable hatred.
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“You're referring to the Kudan people. I've heard of them, but living near the capital spared me from their raids. So, what do you know about them?” I inquired, curious about this particular group.
Sabrina's demeanor grew grave as she began to speak, her voice laced with anger and hatred. “They are barbarians, raiding and slaughtering passing caravans, enslaving any survivors. I have heard they offer sacrifices—animals and sometimes people—to their gods. The strategy was to seize some of their territory and force them to relocate, but they were ambushed. Slaughtered to the last woman, their bodies nailed to trees, their heads piled in gruesome stacks. Survivors spoke of the sounds of torment as the captives were branded, some sacrificed on the spot. Even now, body parts are still being found in that accursed area. My aunt perished on that mountain. I despise them for that; if I ever encounter any of them, I will exterminate them to the last woman,” she declared, as blood trickled from her hands, her nails having cut into her skin, leaving deep gashes.
After several moments, she passed her hand through the fire, and her wounds disappeared as if by magic.
“Well, let’s go to sleep. It’s getting late, and I have a feeling these coming weeks will be filled with hard work building new barracks and intense training,” Sabrina said as she cleaned her hands and went to her makeshift sleeping bag.
I was still amazed by the healing of her hands. Putting my own hand close to the fire, I felt the heat. I was curious about how she did it, but I didn't know. Going to my sleeping bag, I lay down, watching the beautiful night sky. Soon, Sabrina was snoring.
Slowly, sleep embraced me as I closed my eyes, the symphony of crickets, frogs, and nocturnal creatures weaving a serene melody that soothed my mind. A smile touched my lips, for tomorrow marks the beginning of my own journey. No longer shall I strive merely to gain my parents' approval or suppress my true passions. From this moment forward, I am sovereign of my own destiny, a free woman unbound by past constraints. These thoughts filled me with strength and resolve as sleep enveloped me.
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City of Aurelia, Caesar villa
The full moon was high in the sky, its perpetual glow illuminating the surroundings. In the streets, groups of guards and praetorians patrolled, encountering only clusters of drunks or restless citizens. At the center of it all, near the temples venerating the gods, stood the finest villa in the entire empire. Once the residence of the two consuls, it now housed only the Caesar.
It was surrounded by its own fence, separating it from the life of the common citizen. Within this sanctuary stood four grand buildings. The first was dedicated to the Caesar’s chosen deity, well known to be Materna. The second building housed a private bath, complete with its own sauna. The third and fourth buildings served as the living quarters for the Caesar herself and her chosen companions. Each structure was crafted from pristine white marble, which gleamed under the light of the moon. The garden was adorned with exotic flowers from the farthest reaches of the known world, adding to the splendor of the place.
Inside her chambers, the Caesar herself, Alexandria, stood as naked as the day she was born. Her porcelain skin, anointed with various oils, glowed in the light of the candles scattered throughout the room, rendering her beauty almost ethereal. She was alone in her room, her closest companions in their own quarters. She tried to become comfortable on her bed, but the silks clung to her oiled skin. Frustrated, she stood up, stripping away the silk, leaving her a little sweaty but still glistening with oil. Walking to her balcony, she breathed in the fresh air, letting the glow of the moon bounce on her skin.
She started to think. She had tried to negotiate with the most influential senators, but it had failed. The Hesses were still probing at the border, and several small skirmishes had already occurred. She knew the empire was not prepared; she had lost too many veterans in the campaign to install a puppet kingdom in Doerim. She remembered how those who had advised her to undertake that action were skinned and fed to her favorite lions. Their screams had almost made up for the loss of three legions.
But alas, that was in the past. Now she had to consider the economic situation of the empire. They were running out of various reserves—armor, weapons, even iron and copper. If a war started, it would be difficult to replenish her legions. Even worse, many women had been found with sacred stigmata on their lower bodies, indicating their allegiance to the outlawed Saintess religion. Despite efforts to eradicate this faith, it had not been wiped out. These followers were now trying to infiltrate the legions' ranks, aiming to incite a full-blown rebellion within the borders.
If the Hesses attacked, she knew those in hiding would join them. Worse still, if influential followers of the Saintess religion held political or military power, she could face a full-scale civil war.
All this stress was consuming her. Worse still, if she sought the Senate's support, she required the aid of that devious serpent. Since their last meeting, she had only three moons to secure the serpent’s assistance and gain her backing. But which legion should she send? She needed one that could be sacrificed without dire repercussions. Currently, the VI, IX, and XX Legions were securing the borders, while the IX, X, and XV were being rebuilt. The veterans who survived the Doerim campaign were becoming its officers, each overseen by a chosen senator of her inner circle.
No, even the usual methods of relieving stress with her favorite slave proved ineffectual. Soon, she heard footsteps approaching. She was not alarmed; only her most trusted companions could enter her villa. The footsteps ceased, and a smooth, pale hand appeared at the edge of her vision. A smile bloomed on her face. Turning to her right, she saw pristine dark golden hair cascading over a red toga, with a golden sash wrapped around her waist and silks draping from her neck. But more striking was her face, concealed by a metal helmet that covered all her face. Only her vibrant green eyes were visible, meeting the gaze of the Caesar.
“My dear Antonia, it’s wonderful to see you here, and even better to see you out of that armor. It conceals your beautiful form,” Alexandria said, wrapping her arms around Antonia's waist. She slowly traced her hands up Antonia's body until they rested on her helmet. “Now, why don’t you remove that helmet? We’re alone here, just you and me.”
Antonia began to unfasten her helmet, revealing her pale lips marked by a scar. But Alexandria was halted by Antonia’s firm grip on her hands.
“No, you know I find it uncomfortable,” Antonia replied, her voice both beautiful and resolute. Alexandria smiled, releasing her grip on the helmet.
“Very well. But tell me, why are you here? Were you not resting in your room? Or were you visiting someone special?” Alexandria teased with a playful glint in her eye.
“Neither. I was merely reflecting,” Antonia replied, her tone grave. “I am troubled by the future of our Empire. The loss of so many lives weighs heavily upon me, and I fear we stand on the brink of ruin. Reports indicate a troubling surge in bandit activity; for every hideout we dismantle, new ones emerge. More distressing still, the Dominion presses upon our shores,” she said, her voice laden with concern and stress. “Furthermore, our failed campaign in Doerim has bred doubt about our leadership. I have heard murmurs among the generals questioning your authority.” She placed her hand gently atop Alexandria’s, her gesture both reassuring and intimate.
“Those are but mere rumors,” Alexandria asserted with confidence, her hands encircling Antonia’s waist from behind. She placed a tender kiss on her earlobe, eliciting a shiver from Antonia. “Once I present my new policies to the Senate, our troubles will begin to resolve. Our economy will thrive again, and the Hesses threat will feel the full force of our might. And remember, you need not worry—I have you.”
Antonia’s gaze remained serious, though a trace of tenderness lingered. “You always say that, but I remain the unyielding Antonia the Mighty. If others were to see us like this, it might be perceived as a weakness. Moreover, you need an heir—a role I cannot fulfill.”
Alexandria’s fingers gently gripped Antonia’s shoulders, her voice soft yet resolute. “You always say that, yet I find ways to silence you in the bedroom. Let us not dwell on such matters tonight. I am Caesar, with many senators as my devoted followers. I have three moons to ensure their allegiance.” As she spoke, Alexandria began to lower Antonia’s red toga, the moon’s silvery light caressing her bare skin.
“Now, come,” Alexandria urged, her voice a blend of command and affection. “I have certain techniques to explore, and my usual methods of relaxation have failed me.”
Antonia nodded in silent agreement, her eyes reflecting both love and concern. As Alexandria guided her back into the room, they would remain there until dawn, allowing the burdens of the outside world to be set aside. In the privacy of their sanctuary, only the warmth of their shared embrace would matter until the morning light.
De Sancta Virginis: A Chronicle of the Holy Kingdom
In the annals of time, there emerged a figure of such celestial grace that her deeds and destiny have forever altered the course of history. From whence she came, none could ascertain, for the origins of the Saintess were enshrouded in divine mystery. Her name, though known in whispers, was eclipsed by the splendor of her miraculous acts.
The Saintess, whose presence was a beacon of hope and divine intervention, achieved renown across the continent through her extraordinary miracles. She healed the sick with a touch and even restored those who had been claimed by death, her powers evoking both awe and reverence. Her teachings, though veiled in secrecy, spoke of a goddess whose name remained hidden from mortal knowledge.
Under her guidance, a multitude was gathered, and fragmented kingdoms were united under a single banner, giving rise to the Holy Kingdom of Hesser. In this sacred realm, she was venerated as the focal point of a new and powerful religion.
The Saintess’ influence was profound; through her leadership, the lands prospered and unity was achieved. Yet, in a final act of unparalleled devotion, she faced an apocalyptic threat, offering her own life to contain the impending catastrophe. This ultimate sacrifice ensured the survival of her kingdom and secured her legacy.
After her divine departure, it was revealed through sacred prophecy and celestial signs that the Saintess had chosen a vessel. This holy vessel, blessed with the Saintess’ voice, is destined to carry forth her legacy. However, as of now, the vessel’s true identity remains unknown.
The Saintess Council, composed of revered elders and clerics, has convened in solemn assembly to seek out this chosen vessel. The council is guided by the Saintess’ voice, which whispers through divine channels to those who listen. This voice, a sacred echo of the Saintess’ spirit, provides counsel and direction in the search for the one who will become the living embodiment of her return.
Let this document stand as a testament to the Saintess’ divine work and a beacon of hope for those who await her reappearance. May the Saintess’ voice guide the council and bless us in our sacred quest to find her chosen vessel and perpetuate the holy legacy she bestowed upon us.