Jalkan Hakkariak
Location: South of Victoria / Village of Jalkan Hakkariak,
Time: Y1491 / 12nd day of the Ice Moon / Sunset
POV: Narrator
The sun was falling over the village of Jalkan Hakkariak, a quiet farming community of Dark Skins. After a hard day of work in the fields, the men returned to their huts, where the women and children were waiting for them.
On by one, the men entered the huts.
Only one failed to return, today. After waiting for a while, a Dark Skin woman hurried toward the hut of the Village Chief.
*knock* "Jalkan! Jalkan! Open the door!!" (Reiti)
*open* "What's this ruckus, Reiti? I'm eating." (Village Chief Jalkan)
"You know exactly why I'm here! My husband didn't return with you! Where is he?!?" (Reiti)
"Who knows. That Fair Skin can go wherever he wants. I don't watch over him." (Jalkan)
"How can you say that!!! You are the chief! You watch over us all! Gather the men! Search for him!" (Reiti)
"The men are tired. Maybe tomorrow." *close* (Jalkan)
*foot in the door* "Don't you dare! Go out there! Search for him!" (Reiti)
"No." (Jalkan)
*slam* (door)
"AAAHHHHH!!!!" *scream in pain* (Reiti)
Despite the pain and a mangled foot, the Dark Skin woman dragged herself back toward her hut, leaving a bloody trail behind.
--------------------------------
Location: Jalkan Hakkariak / Reiti's Hut
*open* *drag herself* (Reiti)
"Mother! Your foot!" *help Reiti* (Jurayn)
A little Fair Skin girl hurried toward her mother.
*in pain* "It's alright. I just need some rest. Your father will be back soon. I'm sure of it." (Reiti)
The scrawny little girl who was no more then four years in age tore up some rags, and dressed the wound on her mother's foot, the best she could.
--------------------------------
Time: Y1491 / 15th day of the Ice Moon
POV: Jurayn
I'm hungry. I'm thirsty.
I try to draw water from the well, but I can't reach!
I plead to the adults. But they won't help!
"PLEASE HELP ME!!!" *cry* (Jurayn)
"Stop screaming! Fine. If you want water, draw from the Pig's fence. Just don't take too much. They need it more than you do." (Chief Jalkan)
"My mother is hurt! She is hot! Her foot is big and black! I don't know what to do!" *cry* (Jurayn)
"What a noisy brat!" *kick* (Jalkan)
*fall* *cry* (Jurayn)
"I'll say to you what I said to your mother. I don't watch over you. Now get lost! I have work to do." (Jalkan)
Why do they hate me?
What did I do wrong?
I don't understand!!!
*cry* (Jurayn)
...
Mother needs water.
The pigs drink it, it will be good for us too!
I can reach the feeder!
I can make it! For Mother!
*stagger toward the Pig's fence* (Jurayn)
--------------------------------
Time: Y1491 / 22nd day of the Ice Moon
*open door*
*open eyes* (Jurayn)
Someone came?
Help?
"Reiti is dead." (Farmer)
"About time. We can use her hut. The girl?" (Jalkan)
*light kick* (Farmer)
*squirm* (Jurayn)
"Still breathing." (Farmer)
"Throw her out. She won't last long anyway." (Jalkan)
The farmer dragged the helpless girl in the street and threw her aside near the margin of the village.
--------------------------------
Location: Jalkan Hakkariak / Outskirt
Time: Y1491 / 23rd day of the Ice Moon
"There she is!" (Farmer A)
"Quickly! There might still be time!" (Farmer B)
*open eyes* (Jurayn)
He~ lp?
*kick* (Farmer A)
*kick* (Farmer B)
It doesn't hurt~ anymore~
--------------------------------
Location: Jalkan Hakkariak / Southern Royal Road
"I still think this is a waste of time, Sir." (Royal Knight Amerio Yastrade)
"We are searching for candidate princesses. To search is never a waste of time" (Royal Mage Mercurio Lodesto)
"I mean. This is a Dark Skin village. We visited fifteen so far. How many do we have to search before you understand that nobody of value could possibly live in such places?" (Amerio)
"Careful about what you say. I'm the one giving orders, here." (Mercurio)
"I'll be more careful with my words, but my point stands." (Amerio)
"Sir! A mob!" (Royal Knight)
"Well, we might as well use this occasion to keep the peace. Go break the mob!" (Amerio)
"Yes, leader!" (Royal Knights)
--------------------------------
Location: Jalkan Hakkariak / Outskirts
POV: Royal Mage Mercurio Lodesto
My knights are making a circle around someone, keeping angry Dark Skins at bay.
"So, what was this ruckus all about?" (Mercurio)
"They were beating this Fair Skin girl. She is alive, barely. She won't pass the night." (Knight)
With all the wounds, dirt, and dried blood she doesn't look like a Fair Skin at all. I'm surprised she is even alive. At this point it might be mercy to end her suffering, but...
"Where is the Village Chief? Come forward!" (Amerio)
"No need to intimidate us. I'm Jalkan. Chief of this community." (Jalkan)
"Care to explain why your men were beating a Fair Skin? Did you kidnap her?" (Amerio)
"No! One of your kind arrived seven years ago, just after the war. That abomination is the fruit of that man taking one of our women for himself. They are both dead now. That thing is cursed, and we were taking care of that. Something we should have done long ago. This is something for us to deal with. Nothing a Royal Knight should worry about!" (Jalkan)
Sounds about right. Dark Skins are weary of others. With good reasons.
"I'll ask for reports about kidnapping, if there is none, we'll be on our~ (Amerio)
"Not so fast. She is a fair skin girl. Before leaving I'm going to examine her." (Mercurio)
"Mercurio! Just look at her! She can't possibly be~ (Amerio)
"The Queen asked me to search. And that's what I'll do." (Mercurio)
"Fine... Suit yourself. Knight, make room." (Amerio)
*stand aside* (Knight)
I prepare myself and weave and analysis magic.
...
"I'll be damned. Healer! Give first aid to this girl! Do not let her die! We are taking her back with us." (Mercurio)
"Yes, Leader!" (Royal Mage Knight)
...
"Are we really doing this?" (Amerio)
"She is one of the most adept girl I ever seen." (Mercurio)
"Unbelievable. Do you have anything to say, Village Chief?" (Amerio)
"I don't care as long as that abomination is far from my village." (Jalkan)
"Leader, the girl is very close to death. I'm not sure I can keep her alive until we get back to Victoria." (Knight)
Let's hope this broken little thing lives. It would be a shame for her aptitude to go to waste like this.
Name
Location: Victoria / Royal Palace / Health Ward
Time: Y1492 / 41st day of the Bloom Moon
POV: Narrator
*open eyes* (Jurayn)
*scream* *run* *curl* (Jurayn)
"... Call for the Royal Mage, the Princess Candidate just woke up." (Royal Healer Calmata)
A Fair Skin man in his mid forties turned the corner and entered the small treatment room.
He had long flowing platinum hair and blue eyes. He looked young for his age. He had a fashionable beard, wore a monocle and an elaborate and voluminous blue and purple one piece dress. On his heart he wore a signet made from black gold, signifying he was an high ranking Royal Mage.
"No need to call for me, Royal Healer. Luckily I just came to check on her. Give me a report." (Mercurio)
"Yes. The girl's insides will never fully heal, still, she will live as long as she gets regular treatments. Her mind on the other hand... I can do nothing about that. Who knows what she went through. Poor thing." (Calmata)
Mercurio turned his attention to the little girl that was curled in fetal position in a corner of the small room. A pitiful and heartbreaking sight, but he seemed unfazed.
"Little girl, do you understand what I'm saying?" (Mercurio)
*tremble* (Jurayn)
"I'm Mercurio Lodesto, a Royal Mage. I saved you because you have aptitude. Potential to weave magic." (Mercurio)
*tremble* (Jurayn)
"We will nurse you back to health. Feed you. Teach you. Give you everything you want." (Mercurio)
*tremble* (Jurayn)
"But make no mistake. We are not doing this out of charity. If the day comes that you fail, you will be cast out in the dump we found you in." *glare* (Mercurio)
*shiver* (Jurayn)
"Your previous name no longer holds meaning. From today onward you will be known as Aurora. Your family name? You will have to earn it." (Mercurio)
*tremble* (Aurora)
"Welcome to your new life, Princess Candidate Aurora! The Kingdom expects great things of you! You'd better not disappoint." *grin* *bow* *leave* (Mercurio)
*tremble* (Aurora)
Mercurio Lodesto left the treatment room, leaving the Royal Healer with the daunting task of making a princess out of the broken little girl curled in the corner of the treatment room.
Nightmare
Location: Royal Palace / Princess Aurora's Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 46th day of the Harvest Moon
POV: Narrator
As an high ranking Princess, Aurora was given an opulent room. A huge bed with a with sheets and pillows made of the highest quality silk and feathers. A floor covered with wooden tiles carved with elaborate patterns. Walls covered in rich paintings. Even the floor was adorned by glorious images from famous painters. On the walls there were bookcases filled with precious tomes about magic, etiquette and governance. There was a single large window with stained glass that would make play of lights in the morning.
*turn* *sweat* (Princess Aurora)
And yet, the harsh truth was that no amount of riches can give a comfortable night sleep. A nightmare in paradise is still a nightmare.
"Ahhhhhh!!!!" *heavy breath* *curl* *cry* (Princess Aurora)
*open door* *run* "Princess!" (Tutor Sabrina Torva)
*hug* "That nightmare again?" (Sabrina)
*tremble* "I'm fine! Go away!" *tears* (Aurora)
"We go through this every night. I'm your tutor. Our fate are entwined. If you fail, so do I. If there is one person in this world you can speak your mind to, that's me." *hug* *pat head* (Sabrina)
"The nightmare! It hunts me!" *cry* *sob* (Aurora)
"I know. I'll stay here until you calm down. Until you can sleep." *caress* (Sabrina)
"I'm afraid they'll throw me away like garbage! I'm garbage!" *hic* (Aurora)
"That's not going to happen. You are doing wonderfully." (Sabrina)
"The new girl! The one in the temple! She is stronger then me! If they make her into a princess~ *cry* *hic* (Aurora)
"They tried, but failed. That girl now lives in Alba. Nobody can force her out of there. You are the strongest princess. You are safe." *caress* (Sabrina)
*tremble* *hic* (Aurora)
*pat head* "That's right. Just take deep breaths. It's not good to keep using sleeping magic every day. I won't go away, I won't abandon you. So don't worry. Just try to get some sleep." (Sabrina)
Convoy
Location: Alba / Courtyard
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon / Dawn
"How are preparations coming along? Are the horses ready?" (Leader Teram)
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
*munch* *munch* (Horse)
"She is fed and strong, Leader" *pet* (Soldier Talasia)
"I checked the wheels. The carriage will do just fine until we reach Victoria, Leader." (Soldier Feron)
In the courtyard preparation were almost complete for the convoy that would carry several trainees back to Victoria. While the trainees could use more practice, it was important for them to spread the technique they learnt from the Gifted One as much as possible.
[Everything is working out nicely. I will soon be rich!] *smile* (Sister Jerica)
A sister very eager to depart looked at the preparation, when someone she did not expect approached from behind.
"Greetings, Sister. It would seem we will travel together." (Inquisitor Kaven)
*startled* "Ahhhh!" *pant* (Jerica)
"I'm... sorry, Inquisitor. I didn't hear you. I didn't know others would be travelling with me." (Jerica)
"We cannot sit idly by, for there is much to be done. The wisdom of the Gifted One opened doors that were closed to us before. A new era under the warm light of Gloria is upon us." (Kaven)
"May Gloria's warmth embrace all!" (Inquisitor Sebra)
"Ha ha ha. I'm sure it will, inquisitor." *sweat* (Jerica)
As people were busy in the courtyard, a little girl came out of a door running.
*run* *pant* "Inquisitor! May I speak with you?" (Liara)
*kneel* "Gifted One. You grace us with your presence. Our lives belong to you." (Kaven)
*kneel* *whisper* "This one is unworthy." (Inquisitor Sebra)
*kneel* (Inquisitor Gabri)
"... Please. You don't need to kneel." (Liara)
*raise* (Inquisitors)
"Inquisitor Kaven. I have a favour to ask of you. The technique I taught you is very powerful. Promise me you'll think twice before using it. Make sure those you'll burn deserves that." (Liara)
The inquisitors were puzzled at the strange request of the Gifted One. Surely, every man woman and child they had freed of the taint of sin over the years deserved it.
"I, Kaven, swear upon my very life that I will do my best to uphold your ideals, Gifted One. Your technique will spread the name of Gloria far and wide. Gloria bear witness to my promise." (Kaven)
Still, if the offspring of Gloria wouldn't speak for no reason. The inquisitor wowed to do as the Gifted One asked.
"... I'm sure you will, Kaven. Thank you. And have a good journey!" *kiss cheek* *run away* (Liara)
*tears* (Kaven)
The innocent kiss Liara gave to the inquisitor had a great impact on him, for she is the offspring of Gloria herself. Kaven might as well have received piety from his Goddess.
"All on board! We are departing! We have a long day of journey ahead of us." (Leader Teram)
Epiphany
Location: Royal palace / Training Tower / Sealed Training Chamber
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon / Midday
Within the walls of the Royal Palace there was a building dedicated to training. Princesses who wanted to hide their techniques, could use sealed rooms to hone their skills. One such room was currently being used by Princess Aurora.
*pant* (Princess Aurora)
[I'm so close! One more time!] (Princess Aurora)
Using her connections, Aurora got her hands on reports about the Beast. An inhumanly adept little girl that was single handedly responsable for stopping the decline of the Church of Gloria.
Apparently, the Beast was using a technique that allowed her to weave aether into magic threads much faster and in far greater amount.
Imitating the descriptions in the records, Aurora was trying to replicate the technique.
She extended her hands, and started dancing, trying to weave magic threads at her fingertips, her long flowing platinum hair following her body along the trajectory.
*dance* (Aurora)
"Yes!!! It's working!!!" (Aurora)
After a few spin, she finally got the hang of it as she held on two long, stable and dense magic threads.
"I will practice some more, then show the technique to Mother! She is sure to rewards me!" *smile* (Aurora)
Safe Journey
Location: Victoria / Gate of Gloria's Temple
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon / Afternoon
"Inquisitor Kaven! The gates of the Temple Complex are in sight!" (Leader Teram)
"Well done, Leader." (Inquisitor Kaven)
*blush* "I just performed my duty, inquisitor." (Leader Teram)
"We arrived without any accident. Gloria smiled upon us it seems." (Kaven)
*sweat* "Yes! I couldn't agree more!" *nod* (Sister Jerica)
"You have been silent for most of the voyage. Are you feeling unwell, Sister?" (Kaven)
"Now that you mention it, I might be a little motion sick. Perhaps I should go to the market and buy myself a remedy." (Jerica)
"Can't you heal yourself, Sister?" (Kaven)
"Healing doesn't work all that well for motion sickness. I'll descend here if you don't mind." *leave* (Jerica)
[Her behaviour seems suspicious. I would like to hold her and investigate the matter, but... The Gifted One asked me to make sure before I resort to forceful methods. I will leave her be, for now. I need to ask Madre for advice about the words of the Gifted One and how to reconciliate them with my duties.] (Kaven)
Audience
Location: Victoria / Gate of the Royal Palace
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon / Afternoon
Before Sister Jerica stood the large gates of the Royal Palace. She hurried toward the guard post.
*whisper* "Aimless Bird request for an audience with the Queen. Red Red Blue" (Sister Jerica)
"Hold on a moment. I have to confirm this request. Do not leave if you value your life" *wave hands* (Leader of the Royal Palace Gate Guards Lodorn)
*surrounds Jerica* (Royal Palace Gate Guards)
...
"Open the small gate. I will accompany you personally, Aimless Bird. I'm authorized to suppress you at my discreciton, so don't think of doing anything funny." (Lodorn)
"... Make the way" (Jerica)
[I want to see you try. The likes of you can't do anything to me as I am now!] (Jerica)
Hubris
Location: Royal Palace / Audience Hall
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon
POV: Narrator
"Fallen Lady Jerica, formerly a member of House Termione!" (Page Solel)
The twenty meters tall richly adorned gate opened at the hands of two Dark Skin guards.
Before Jerica's eyes was a room she had entered only once before in her life, when as a young girl she was given the order by the Queen herself to become a member of the Church of Gloria. Become a spy.
The Audience Hall was a glorious room, even by the standards of the Royal Palace. The room was narrow but extremely tall, with the ceiling towering fifty meters above her head. The ceiling was covered in windows with glorious images made from stained glass for the rays of the sun to play with.
A red carpet made of silk was laid over the the floor and the steps.
Jerica, remembering past lessons she received in a previous lifetime when she was a noble daughter proceeded with the grace.
The floor was made of black stones that reflected light. Complex patterns etched on it. Inside the tiles one could see luminous dots that made the floor look like a starry sky.
At her sides there were lines of imposing figures wearing golden armors with red feathers on their helmet and wielding halberds. The Queen's Guards.
*murmur* (Everyone)
Above her head there were balconies. Sitting in there, nobles and high ranking officials of the Kingdom, looking down on those who walked the carpet like they where beneath them.
[I get it. As a Sister of Gloria, I don't have elaborate clothes like the rest of you. Be quiet. Soon I'll be richer than any of you!] (Jerica)
*ready weapon* (Moreo Nodel, Leader of the Queen's Guards)
As Jerica approached the set of stairs on the opposite end of the room, two guards that looked even more imposing than the others, barred the way with their weapons.
On top of the tall flight of stairs stood a glorious throne, whose back reached almost the top of the ceiling. It had with rich embellishments and details made from black gold. The wall behind the throne was decorated by insignias as tall as the ceiling.
A woman wearing a form fitting white dress with golden lines stood up from the throne. She wore one ring on each fingers, two bracelets, a necklace with a large black orb that seemed pulsing and a black tiara with a red gem seemingly bleeding red light.
"Lady Jerica. For many long years you served as my eyes and ears, allowing me to see behind the tall walls of the Temple of Gloria. Now you return to me on your own accord. Explain yourself." (Queen Orta)
The murmur of the nobles ceased. The silence was almost painful.
"If your highness allows for it, I'd rather show the power I have attained and I am willing to share." *grin* *bow* (Jerica)
*take fighting stance* (Queen's Guards)
*weave hands* "Very well. I will judge the worth of your technique myself. I'm sure you understand your fate if I judge your gift to be lacking." (Orta)
"Of course, my Queen. Do as you will with me." (Jerica)
With absolute confidence, Jerica undressed and started dancing and gathering aether with her fingertips. She added many unnecessary movements to turn the collimating technique into a captivating dance.
*whisper* "Uhm... That's a lot of aether." (Noble Grande)
*whisper* "With this much she might be a match for the Queen herself..." (Noble Bertold)
*whisper* "I heard she was discarded by her family. Maybe we should adopt her, dear." (Noble Selesmia)
Jerica seamlessly closed her dance with a stylish bow, holding two balls of dense aether threads in her hands.
"... Your technique piqued my interest. Very well, then. I will allow you to show it to my royal magician. If you teach it well, I may grant you a peerage as reward." (Orta)
*murmur* (Nobles)
*whisper* "To allow a fallen noble back in the fold is unheard of!" (Noble Yastrade)
"My queen. If you allow for it, I wish to receive gold in exchange for my technique. I also wish to be freed of any obligation toward the Kingdom. I'm sure you agree that this technique is worth at least this much, my Queen." *grin* (Jerica)
*shouts* (Nobles)
"The nerves!" (Noble Bertold)
"To actually refuse a peerage bestown by The Queen herself! This is what faith in Gloria does! It turns people in madman!" (Noble Grande)
"Such an undisciplined girl! No wonder her family abandoned her! Who would ever want such an ungrateful brat as daughter?!?" (Noble Tierasmia)
"Woman! Your words are nothing short of treason!" (Moreo Nodel)
*sorrounds Jerica* (Queen's Guard)
Jerica had pushed her advantage too far.
[With this much aether, I'm too much of a threat to the Queen's life. And my technique is too valuable to them. They will be forced to stand down and agree to my terms.] (Jerica)
What to the presents seemed nothing short of madness, inside Jerica's mind was a calculated risk to be freed from her obligations to the Kingdom. Jerica was just more afraid of Liara than she was of the Queen. Overconfidence in her newfound powers also played a big role in the decision.
"Poor misguided soul. You got hold on just a little bit of power and think you can talk back to me? You'll soon understand that Queen is not an empty title!" (Orta)
The dark jewel embedded inside the Queen necklace started to eat light. The figure of the queen descended in the shadows as she prepared to weave magic. The Queen's Guards are ready to act as one and pounce at the traitor.
*grin* (Jerica)
At the same time, Jerica, was weaving an offensive spell with a smile painted on her face. The image of what was left of the hill near Alba was fresh in her mind. She just couldn't see herself lose against them. None of them possessed Liara's collimating technique. She did.
"Mother! Leave her to me!" (Princess Aurora)
All presents stopped in their track as they heard the powerful voice of the first princess.
"Aurora. It is the mark of a good ruler to understand when one is outclassed." (Orta)
"Indeed, Mother. It is." (Aurora)
The young princess walked toward Jerica. She wasn't wearing any clothes either and was holding two balls of dense aether threads within her palms. Her eyes were full of confidence. She came here to show The Queen her achievement, and was presented with the perfect chance to gain advantage over her sisters.
"Impossible! You know the Beast's technique? But how?!?" (Jerica)
"Your reports might have been a little too accurate, traitor. If you planned on opposing Mother, you should have kept this information hidden. Not that it would have done you any good. This technique is wasted on someone like you." *grin* (Aurora)
"That's a good resolve you have, First Princess Aurora. Everyone! Stand Back!" (Orta)
The Queen's guards broke the encirclement around Jerica and formed a line in front the stairs that lead to the throne, protecting the Queen.
"Jerica. If you can win against the First Princess, I'll allow you retain your life." (Orta)
*murmur* (Nobles)
"Are you going to let a traitor leave??? Unacceptable!" (Noble Grande)
"If anyone oppose my command, come down here and voice your dissent!" (Orta)
*silence*
First Princess vs. Spy Healer
Location: Royal Palace / Terrace of Honour
Time: Y1503 / 5th day of the Wither Moon
POV: First Princess Aurora
*walk* (Aurora)
This is a golden chance. A traitor shows up just as I mastered the technique of the Beast.
If I can deal with the traitor myself, my position as first princess will be secure!
I'm walking forward, toward the terrace. Looking behind me would be seen as weakness, so I force myself to look forward with absolute confidence. Behind me, the traitor is surrounded by members of the Queen's guard. And behind them are The Queen, the Queen's guard and my sisters, the other Princesses and Princess Candidates.
Not walking too fast not too slow. Showing grace with every step. Never meeting the eyes of servants that make room in the corridor. Showing that they are beneath me. My sisters seems born to behave like this. Not me. I always have to remind myself of this behaviour and be careful not to slip up, lest rumors would spread like wildfire that I'm ungraceful and unfit to be Princess!
I don't want to be thrown aside like garbage. To be honest I'm more worried about that that I am of facing the traitor. If it comes to magic, I'm confident in my abilities. It's intrigue and politics that scares me. But I can never let my fears shows us This is what it means to be a Princess.
"Attending the match, First Princess Aurora!" (Page Solel)
*far away* *cheers* *applauses* (Audience)
The large gate opens in front of us. Behind it, the Terrace of Honour. An open air circular arena built on top of of the Training Tower. A place second in height only to the Royal Tower.
The audience is already sitting, watching. Sometimes I feel rumors travels faster then facts, they are there watching before we even get to the arena.
Of course they are watching from rooms, windows and balconies of nearby buildings. Protected by barriers. Only high ranking Magi and Royalty have the skills and the guts to see magic duels from up close without dying.
The terrace is a large slab of the hardest black rock, fifty meters in diameter. It's hardened by powerful enchantments. Expensive. But cheaper than rebuilding the terrace after every duel. Three Royal Magi are tasked with activating and sustaining the enchantment.
Without looking back I head toward a platform of white rock. The traditional starting position for contestants. I must show absolute confidence.
"Her opponent! The Traitorous Sister of Gloria!" (Solel)
For the first time I turn toward my opponent, taking stance She is a chubby woman in her late thirties, sporting red hairs that reach her shoulders and green eyes. She could be a real beauty if only she lost some weight. I suspect this is a deliberate effort on her part not to look conspicuous.
The traitor served as a spy after all. Of course she betrayed us. Never trust a turncoat.
"Today, my favourite daughter, the First Princess Aurora, faces the traitor healer from the Temple of Gloria. Sister Jerica. The rules are as follow: It is forbidden to weave spells that affect the outside of the arena. The fight is to the death, until one is incapacitated, or until I deem the fight over." (Queen Orta)
*far away* *cheers* (Audience)
"If Sister Jerica wins, she will be allowed to retain her life. The First Princess will receive no reward as she is merely upholding her duty as Princess.
*far away* *cheers* (Audience)
"Third Princess Beata. Give the signal as soon as you are ready." (Queen Orta)
From behind the powerful barrier weaved by the Royal Magicians, my sisters are smiling.
I have to admit I'm disappointed that I only have to lose from this match, but retreating now would be even worse than dying. I'm committed.
An orb of fiery fire heads toward me at great speed. Both Jerica and I held onto the aether we weaved before. We both weaved more while we were walking.
The traitor starts weaving as soon as my Sister released her spell against me.
*slap* *redirect fire orb* (Aurora)
I lay a fire deflecting barrier on my right hand and slap the fireball away, so that it flies in the general direction of my opponent.
"Ops. My hand must have slipped" *grin* (Beata)
I had no doubt she would try something. Life is unfair. We Princesses are expected to just deal with underhanded tactics and tricks. Interference is supposed to be forbidden during duels, but the Queen did nothing about it. I was ready for my sister to hinder me, but this means I'm a beat behind my opponent.
*dash forward* (Jerica)
!!! What?
The chubby woman dashes forward at great speed! She easily side steps the fire orb and is closing the distance fast!
I never expected her to rely on speed and strength with that body of hers!
Had this been the me from yesterday, I wouldn't have had enough magic to follow up. But had this been the case I wouldn't have challenged the traitor at all.
To think such a simple technique can make such a drastic difference.
I imbue the air inside me with strong magical fire and exhale. A powerful and hot wave of fire move forward.
*burn* *groan* (Jerica)
My opponent weave a barrier and dashes inside the fire breath. But her spell was rushed. It's thin and there are holes in it. The traitor is not used to battle magic, unlike me. She suffers serious burns.
*run* *extends hand* (Jerica)
She doesn't stop! Her body is bathed in fire but she extends her had and is closing on me!
I hurry up and weave a barrier. It's forming, but it won't make it in time!
"AAAAAHHHHH!!!" (Aurora)
This. Hurts!
I instinctively try to move my right arm to counter, but I can't feel it at all!
*extends left hand* (Aurora)
*fly away* (Jerica)
*hit floor* (Jerica)
That. Was. Close.
*heavy breath* (Aurora)
Jerica used primal magic to strengthen her body and close the gap. She touched my barrier as it was forming with her palm and punched right through it. As her palm closed on me, she used one of her healing spell to break up my right arm from the inside.
As she was ready to hit my body with her boosted strength, I managed to push her away. This was too close for comfort.
*bleed* (Aurora)
Damn it. My severed right arm was cut near the shoulder and is laying next to me. I was bleeding profusely, but I know enough healing magic to dumb the pain and close the broken blood vessels. I learned it to heal my insides myself. Old wounds from my youth.
*heavy breath* *groan* (Jerica)
I look at my opponent. It's clear she suffered as much damage as me, if not more. The left side of her face is covered in blisters her left eye is swollen to the point it's closed. Her hairs burned away and her scalp is visible. Her skin is burned in patches all over her body. Her right arm, the one she used to sever mine is bent the wrong way. It must have broken when I used force magic to throw her away, she flew thirty meters before roughly hitting the floor. No doubt she suffered internal damage as well.
*groan* *dance* (Jerica)
My opponent lost the magic threads she weaved. She uses the Beast's collimating technique to to weave more. Even in her state it would only take a few seconds for her to have enough to weave a small spell.
But some of my magic threads are still with me!
I would never lose focus with only this much pain. It's your loss, traitor.
I use up all the magic threads I had left. This is far from my best weaving, but against a defenceless traitor it's more than enough.
*blinding light*
"AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!" *wail* (Jerica)
A fiery shower of light descends from the heavens themselves. The light engulf the traitor. She screams. Only for a second. The light disappear, and the traitor collapse on the ground, her skin burned black.
*collapse* *dizzy* (Aurora)
My head is spinning, and I can't focus my sight. I barely hold onto my consciousness.
What?
"Guards. Go find the one who attempted at my daughter's life!" (Orta)
"At once, my queen!" *run* (Queen's Guards)
"I remind you that interference with duels held in the Terrace of Honor is forbidden. I shall use my authority at this time to punish the perpetrators. A ruler should know when it's wise not to act." (Orta)
*becomes pale* (Third Princess Beata)
Someone attempted at my life from one of the windows in the Royal Tower. A subordinate of Princess Beata, I assume. The Queen saved me. This was too bold an act.
"I, Queen Orta, declares First Princess Aurora the winner of this duel!" (Orta)
*far away* *cheers* *applauses* (Audience)
"Guards. Take the traitor to the dungeon. Interrogate her." (Orta)
"As you will, my Queen!" *run* *drag Jerica* (Queen's Guard)
"First Princess Aurora. I commend you for winning. As I told you before, you shall receive no rewards as you merely uphold your duty. Go to the Health Ward and have your wounds healed." (Orta)
*weak voice* "Thank you, Mother." (Aurora)
*staggers* *pick up severed arm* *walk away* (Aurora)
My sisters are grinning ear to ear. I misjudged Mother's intentions. And now I'm paying for it. I won, but I won't be discarded, hopefully. But I might lose my ranking if my body doesn't heal fast.
Damn it!
"I'm not done. If challenging the traitor means upholding your duty, it also implies that in not doing so, you failed the Kingdom, princesses!"
The grin painted on my sister's faces instantly disappear and becomes dread.
"I, Queen Orta, decree that Princess who were present and failed to take action will lose twenty-five stones! Princesses who weren't present and Princess Candidates will lose Fifteen stones!" (Queen Orta)
Twenty-five?!? I can't believe it! By losing so many at once some will be forced to leave the palace! Most will be disciplined!
"There is more. Princess Candidate Aurora. I, Queen Orta, saw your technique and approve of its potential. You are to teach that technique to my Royal Magi. You will be awarded Ten Stones for this service!" (Queen Orta)
Ten stones on top of that?!? I can't believe it!
"That will be all." *leave* (Queen Orta)
*glare at Aurora* (Princesses)
... This was the right call after all! I have been through worse, my wounds are a small price to pay. My position as first Princess is more solid then ever! I just have to reach the Health Ward alive, now.
*take severed arm* "Let me carry it for you, Aurora. Also, lean on my shoulder. I'll accompany you." (Tutor Torva)
... I have no room to refuse my tutor's kindness. I'm close to losing my consciousness.
"I'm going to the Health Ward as well, let me accompany you, First Princess Aurora" *bow* (Royal Mage Mercurio Lodesto)
My sisters may try something along the way. I can't fight back as I am now. I don't trust him at all, but I must take the risk.
*weak voice* "It would be my honor, Royal Mage Lodesto." (Aurora)
My sisters make room for me to pass as I head toward the Health Ward with my tutor and the Royal Mage.