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The Continent of Valnor is a part of 
Splendorum Animae.
4 Characters Here
Lenore Ourania [29] "Hopeless optimist? Well, I certainly hope so. What has cynicism ever done for anyone, after all?"
Calliope Khthonios [28] "All of us are both light and dark, different, but it is what makes us brim with potential, and no matter what path is to be taken, I will always be by your side."
Cyril Nishant [28] "Even a devil has a heart, however twisted it may be."
Apollyon [24] "Believing and doing are the tools for a demise unlike any other, so I shall partake in a nectar so bitter."
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- 30 posts here • Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2
"I would not use any excuse for my shortcomings for I know that I am simply worthless."
A steep price, she says.
Basileus could only imagine what that could be for the Master Uisnech. Though, he already has the grasp of that concept due to the various accounts and tales told across the times. The illustrious High Mage and Head Master of the Academia was someone who has a defined purpose and understood the consequence it would yield. Still, the man is able to follow through such dangerous decisions and not be bothered by the effects upon his person. Truly, a remarkable person he is. Somehow, it reminded him of his mother who remained unhindered in her ambition for herself and for this Kingdom. However, the alignments of both people in comparison are highly different, like black and white.
Gratitude for his protection of Elysia?
How he wanted to retort to that statement of hers with intensity. This feeling of reprehension flooded his senses and the words felt to be crawling harshly from his throat. He released his hold of the pendant as his hand fell to his side. The actions which had been considered to be needed shall open the doors to a chaotic event. Doubt is present. Disagreement is true. Yet, he could not go against the wave crushing down upon him. So, he would keep everything inside and cover the shame with his kind and polite smile. "I simply do what I must." It seemed that the Deva in front of him does not differ in what propels them to act. And when they do, there is a cost that must be paid with such great expense. Of course, to say they are being forced into such a situation would be farfetched. In the end, they still have wills.
"Well, I must excuse myself now Lady Seraphiel." He lowered his head in respect and politeness. "It has been a pleasure to finally meet you and please send my regards to Lord Uisnech." With that said, he walked passed the green-haired Deva and was soon out of the gallery. He made his way through the hallways of the palace in where the sun filtered through the crystal windows. When, he was certain to be alone. He stopped midway and released a small sigh. His earth-toned eyes gazed through the glass panel. He likes this Kingdom. It is where he had been born to and serve for its best interest. But more than that, he only wanted to make the people he cares for happy.
Speaking of which...
Yes, she was far better than he will ever be.
"Why is that even if I am this close to you? I cannot do anything for you."
Well, Chrysanthe would not deny the fact where she has the tendency to question and to overstep her Commander's wishes at times. Someone has to do that especially when others were willing to do anything through blind faith and trust. She did not want that for anyone. Because, it was like erasing one's own voice and identity. It was fine to believe in someone else as long as one will not forget why that was so in the first place. One must not get captured in another's web in a sense. And really, she still respects the Black Knight though; it did not mean she would not want to beat the man to a bloody pulp at some point in her life.
And then, a bargain was established.
Such method was familiar with her; this had done by him for the others. It was an effective motivation. Still, she felt like being treated as a child as if she was not being taken seriously. This was reflected in her eyes narrowing and the slight pout of her lips. Nishant was always effortlessly calm and collected. Somehow, she wanted to see him tormented just to see if he was capable of that. But, that was of course a cruel thought which she quickly pushed away from her head. Anyway, she will take him up on that offer. After all, it would be best to have an assurance and knowing him, he will abide by his words.
âI will hold you to your word.â There was a smile across her face at that proclamation and a certain glint within those blue eyes. She will push herself even further and next time, he will be bested by her. And when that day comes, she will be able to say it and a step of becoming truly strong. âYou better be prepared.â She noted with a playful wink and afterwards, she watched Nishant went on his way to search the Princess. There was no doubt in her mind that the Princess will be found by the Black Knight. He always did for some reason. It made her wonder that if she was lost would he be able to find her.
She nodded in satisfaction when she noticed something from the corner of her vision. It was a familiar blue robe significant for the members of the Azure Council. Without any kind of hesitation or second-guessing, she felt herself moving to reach that individual wearing the colors she had associated with a precious person.
Her assumption was right as her name rolled with such tenderness and affection. âGood morning too, Brother. The training is going well. But, I have been defeated by Sir Nishant again.â Despite being siblings, they had less time spending with each other. It was due to the different obligations placed upon them. She was a Knight and the Prodigal Daughter of House Pallas. He was an esteemed Azure Councilor and the Heir of House Pallas. The situation revolving around them was not the same when they were but children. Even so, the fleeting moments where they can see each other like this were happiness. âAre you well?â As such, she could tell if something has happened with him.
Even if... he always hides behind that smile.
"The role I must take. The path I have chosen. They create a rift I want to cross."
The request was useless as it seemed. It pained Calliope as a volley of arrows was launched towards them. Nevertheless, she could identify that the bulk of it was leaning towards Lenore. There were many connotations to that and she did not like to jump on a conclusion until all factors had been considered. She looked at her friend who was defending them both. Her hands were coiled into fists for she felt completely helpless. She was supposedly the next ruler of Elysia, a figure of authority and power. However truly, she was unable to do anything with the rain of arrows coming towards them. All she is able to do was stand and watched Lenni exert such effort by her own.
She was no mage.
Lord Emrys had told her that there will be things that she will be unable to do. That is why she would need to learn about depending others for such matters. Then, the black Asura's words came floating in her thoughts. What would be her role? And saying, her friends knew. All of these statements were piling up one after another. She could not see the distinction between them anymore. But really, there must be a difference. It was at that point her vision had been blockaded by a towering black armor. She was pulled out by her inner monologue. Cyril has finally arrived. Though, it should make her feel safe and secured. And, truly he does.
But, she was really useless in this moment.
A face of emotionless hatred. No attachment just simply moving to the threads of a puppeteer.
"They seemed not to be themselves." She noted as her eyes returned to Harold. Remembering the young man, she could not see an ounce of violence in him. He was gentle and Ramie likes him. But then again, humans are capable of impossible feats when they are desperately pushed to the edge. Though, that could be the issue here. Harold should be echoing that despair but, there was none. It was then she noticed something odd protruding from the back of his neck. Almost transparent, its fragile shimmer was the only thing which gave it away. The appearance suggested to be of a needle or a thread of some kind. She reached for it and delicately wrapped it around her finger.
"Lenni, do you know what this is?"
"There is no other pleasant than the scent of roses."
As long as there are no battles for him to fight, Apollyon sees no reason to be near the white girl. For in the end, he does not like mortals as much as he dislike the devas. He is only here to pass time even with the nonchalant expression of Lucifer about a plan. Complicated subjects like that are better left for them. Such things do not matter to him. Really, humans are quick to change in their methods and preferred applications of stealth with betrayal. How boring in his opinion. If it is war, there should be an endless of corpses blanketing the fields beyond the fields of Elysia and their enemy.
Though, he did find individuals of interest, people to play with.
The encounters with the princess of this realm and the unknown boy were enlightening in more ways than one. They are much like two sides of a coin. Of course, only one could win with a 50% chance of probability. Yet, the one tossing them about. This thought brought a sly yet dark smile upon his lips. He could feel another stirring of power something archaic and filled with dangerous intent. It was familiar due to the scent unique to those of Inferno, but there was something peculiar. A hint of divinity, a trait he had associated with the white girl and another...
"I think you care more than anyone else."
His smile quickly vanished into a frightening frown as a memory better forgotten or yet erased from the vast expanse of history. A vision filled with such color and a scent enrapturing to a calm, it briefly played in his mind's eyes. Though, it invoked irritation instead of a warmth lingering in that scene. In any case, that mortal speaks about things which are nonexistent and of pure imaginary assumptions. And thus, the fate which lead to what the humans had deemed as Walpurgis Night became reality.
Apollyon was presently lazing about in one of the tallest turrets in the palace. He was completely alone as he looked at the hand extended upwards. A lone butterfly landed on one of his fingers. How foolishly brave. Did it think he was some flower? Probably due to the putrid scent he emits, one of roses. "Such emotions are lost" With that said, he crushed the innocent butterfly with his hand and closed his eyes. It would be better for him to sleep. As for human ploys and such, he would not interfere even if Elysia be placed in peril. Oh, he could feel the dark maneuvers and would let them put it into place. It would be a source of good entertainment.
After all, he would only act when summoned to it.
âThey say that true freedom is a distinctively human characteristic, but that is false. Not even humans are free. No one is.â
Lenore had to agree with her friend. This hadnât been what these people were like at all, and she couldnât help but feel a wave of relief when she noted that even the ones that had attacked Cy were not dead. He was not known for being the most merciful manârumors placed him as a barely restrained force of nature on a battlefield, though at least he wasnât as bad as his father, the previous lord Nishant. There were those that still lived in terror of that man, though he was dead now, as she understood it. But whatever his reasons, heâd let all of these people keep their livesâprobably because he knew them.
Their behavior was certainly strange, though, and when Cally directed her attention to what looked like a needle with thread attached, Lenoreâs eyebrows drew closer together, and she murmured something inaudible, checking over Ella, the woman closest to her. When she found the same, lodged in the back of her neck, Lenore pulled it out, soothing the hurt with a flicker of magic, shaking her head with an expression of vague discomfort on her face. She could not feel fear anymore, but she realized distantly that if she could, this might have produced a little trickle of it. To manage this kind of spell on more than one person, and so perfectly⊠she bit down hard on her lip, shaking her head again and setting about removing all the needles with utmost care, forgetting the original question entirely.
That wasnât exactly unusual for Lenore, who was well-reputed to be strange. Fortunately, despite not being a mage himself, Cyril had always been interested in magic and knew a great deal about it. So he took it upon himself to explain to the princess. âPlease be careful with that needle, Your Highness. It is still dangerous, even outside the flesh.â He held an armored hand out, palm-up, so that she would hand it over to him. He, after all, was wearing armor, and she was not. Though obviously he would have taken it even were his hands bareâany amount of danger, however small, was to be mitigated if he was capable, and he certainly was. Magic, after all, had no grip on him, though only perhaps three people in the world knew that, and the princess was not one of them.
âThe needle is evidence of a particular spell. The object is imbued with the magical energy of the caster, and then placed at the base of the victimâs neck, or spine, or somewhere of similar importance. It allows for control of the person, like a puppet. It is very dark magic, and its practice is forbidden in the Academy and similar institutions of learning. Even the Dorthoni do not permit their mages to practice it.â He did indeed not believe that the Dorthoni were responsible. This was far too indirect for a kingdom that prided itself on its straightforwardness. And even if King Anselm was more subtle and clever than any of his ancestors, he did not have the mages for this kind of spell. It required power far beyond the norm.
His eyes passed to Lenore, who was busy extracting needles, healing wounds, and neutralizing the spells on them. She would be building an understanding of the magical signature involved, he knew, probably for a tracking spell at a scrying mirror later. It was starting to wear on her, considering how much magic she had likely already expended that day. Even mages as strong as herself or Lord Uisnech were still people, and they still had their limits. They were better than most at pushing past them, but he suspected her summoning still made her weary, even though a week had passed. The aftereffects of those had been known to last months, in some documented cases.
Still she pushed on, and he had to admire her strength of will for that. Likewise it was with the Princess. Despite the difficulty they had faced, where another might have turned away from this in fear or distress, they remained first and foremost concerned with others. He suspected they did not realize just how rare this trait they shared really was. The queen had it, but hers had been tempered by years of needing to act in the way that best befit the entire kingdom.
When at last she appeared to be done, Lenore made her way back over to them. âIt was multiple casters,â she said calmly, carefully wrapping the now mostly-harmless needles in a piece of fabric, taking the one from them and doing the same. âIt will make them very difficult to track, but if I can get Master Emâs help and some of Sephirielâs⊠we might be able to figure out who is responsible for this.â Her lips pressed together in a thin line. Dark magic was not to be trifled with, and for good reason. Its effects on the caster were always corrupting, no matter the intentions of the one using it. âWe should get them somewhere they can rest. They wonât remember anything, but they should be all right if they sleep off the rest.â
Their behavior was certainly strange, though, and when Cally directed her attention to what looked like a needle with thread attached, Lenoreâs eyebrows drew closer together, and she murmured something inaudible, checking over Ella, the woman closest to her. When she found the same, lodged in the back of her neck, Lenore pulled it out, soothing the hurt with a flicker of magic, shaking her head with an expression of vague discomfort on her face. She could not feel fear anymore, but she realized distantly that if she could, this might have produced a little trickle of it. To manage this kind of spell on more than one person, and so perfectly⊠she bit down hard on her lip, shaking her head again and setting about removing all the needles with utmost care, forgetting the original question entirely.
That wasnât exactly unusual for Lenore, who was well-reputed to be strange. Fortunately, despite not being a mage himself, Cyril had always been interested in magic and knew a great deal about it. So he took it upon himself to explain to the princess. âPlease be careful with that needle, Your Highness. It is still dangerous, even outside the flesh.â He held an armored hand out, palm-up, so that she would hand it over to him. He, after all, was wearing armor, and she was not. Though obviously he would have taken it even were his hands bareâany amount of danger, however small, was to be mitigated if he was capable, and he certainly was. Magic, after all, had no grip on him, though only perhaps three people in the world knew that, and the princess was not one of them.
âThe needle is evidence of a particular spell. The object is imbued with the magical energy of the caster, and then placed at the base of the victimâs neck, or spine, or somewhere of similar importance. It allows for control of the person, like a puppet. It is very dark magic, and its practice is forbidden in the Academy and similar institutions of learning. Even the Dorthoni do not permit their mages to practice it.â He did indeed not believe that the Dorthoni were responsible. This was far too indirect for a kingdom that prided itself on its straightforwardness. And even if King Anselm was more subtle and clever than any of his ancestors, he did not have the mages for this kind of spell. It required power far beyond the norm.
His eyes passed to Lenore, who was busy extracting needles, healing wounds, and neutralizing the spells on them. She would be building an understanding of the magical signature involved, he knew, probably for a tracking spell at a scrying mirror later. It was starting to wear on her, considering how much magic she had likely already expended that day. Even mages as strong as herself or Lord Uisnech were still people, and they still had their limits. They were better than most at pushing past them, but he suspected her summoning still made her weary, even though a week had passed. The aftereffects of those had been known to last months, in some documented cases.
Still she pushed on, and he had to admire her strength of will for that. Likewise it was with the Princess. Despite the difficulty they had faced, where another might have turned away from this in fear or distress, they remained first and foremost concerned with others. He suspected they did not realize just how rare this trait they shared really was. The queen had it, but hers had been tempered by years of needing to act in the way that best befit the entire kingdom.
When at last she appeared to be done, Lenore made her way back over to them. âIt was multiple casters,â she said calmly, carefully wrapping the now mostly-harmless needles in a piece of fabric, taking the one from them and doing the same. âIt will make them very difficult to track, but if I can get Master Emâs help and some of Sephirielâs⊠we might be able to figure out who is responsible for this.â Her lips pressed together in a thin line. Dark magic was not to be trifled with, and for good reason. Its effects on the caster were always corrupting, no matter the intentions of the one using it. âWe should get them somewhere they can rest. They wonât remember anything, but they should be all right if they sleep off the rest.â
"People always have a choice. All they have to do is look through the webs entangled by time."
At her question, Lenni took a moment and studied the needle delicately displayed upon her palm. Though, there was no immediate answer from her friend. Instead, Calliope found Lenore looking for such manifestations on the others. And it seemed, all of those who attacked them had such needles. From that, she was able to piece a conclusion that the odd behavior of the people was due to this fragile looking object. Her hazel eyes gazed at the seemingly harmless object. As for the explanation, it had not been provided by her friend. Of course, she did not take offense as Lenni's decorum was something known to her. When her friend was intent on something, she seemed to forget everything else around her.
Really, that was adorable at times. A trait, Lenni seemed to share with Lord Emrys as heard.
Anyway, her query had been addressed by Cyril who reached out his hand. It was for the purpose of handing the needle to him. He stated that it was dangerous even in such a manner. Looking at the Black Knight, Calliope blinked her eyes a couple of times before relenting. She gave the needle to him and slowly rose from her crouched position. "Do you know what is it Cyril?" This time, she directed the inquiry to him. He seemed familiar with it and seeing that Lenni is busy extracting such needles from the others. This was the option she opted as not to disturb her friend.
An explanation had been given and Calliope did not like what it revealed. To manipulate people without care, it was an unacceptable thing to her. Furthermore, it is a forbidden magic and had been used to deliver a sinister deed. It seemed that this was not done by mages of the Academy or that of Dorthonion. Though, she really did not have any suspicions. That is why she had opted to ask their assailants directly. She had never been the kind to judge a person by ear or by appearance. Her perception of that person is developed once she had met and shared a conversation with. Even then, she would not think anything ill. It was never in her nature to doubt people. Though, she does condemn actions.
In the field of magic, Calliope would bravely admit that she is inept of it. The knowledge about it had been implanted to her as required for someone who would rule among the Elysian Mages. As such, she knew the basic history and a few details needed to be known by someone of her status. Other than that, she has no familiarity of its lore. To be able to weave tiny miracles, it is something she cannot do. If one would implicate her tarot-reading, it was more of a chance game. Though, she does get lucky that most of the time, her readings seemed relatable in the general timeline. Other than that, she has nothing going much for her, except for being the defined Heir of the Golden Peacock Throne.
Still...
"If they are intent to achieve whatever their goals are, they should not involve innocent people who wanted to be left in peace." That is her stand even towards people who have been identified as her enemy or threat. Calliope would not have anyone else interfere. Her attention and focus would only be on that one person. That is also why she has no hate over the Dorthoni soldiers or anyone from that Empire. She believes that her person of interest is the King Anselm. Even her declaration had been directed to him. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Cyril. "Would it mean that there is someone out there as strong as Lord Emrys and Lenni?" It is what she had concluded from the usage of the dark spell. The requirement of great magic and concentration, it would be a powerful mage.
This time around, Lenni answered that question. According to her friend, there were multiple casters. So, it would be a group of people. The plot thickens as it seems. This reminded her of the Black Asura's mention of a game. Could this be what he meant? Or, she was thinking too much of it. Setting that aside, she listened to what Lenni suggested. "That is good to hear. Cyril could you help in taking these people to safety?" She queried and afterwards went towards Lenni. Without ceremony, she embraced the white-haired girl. "Do not do anything so dangerous again. I would not know what I would do if something happened to you Lenni." Despite knowing that Lenni did what she had to do for their protection, Calliope was still concerned. Pulling away, she looked at her best friend's face. "You are not just a friend to me. You are like a sister to me. No... You are my sister. So, please be more wary."
After saying that, Calliope released Lenni and had a bright smile on her face. "Make sure Lord Emrys helps you. I will be leaving in your hands to find the casters."
"None of you are worthy of my presence, ever."
Everyone was bowing their heads in respect towards the elegant silhouette passing through the palace hallways. This was none other than the Matriarch of House Pallas or most known as the Lady Royale. She was dressed in a purple skin-tight dress with a plunging neckline and black feathers around the collar. Her headpiece adorned with jewels and a metallic half-circle frame on her back with two long strips of sheer material hanging down on each side while her face hidden behind her red beak mask. Despite such a provocative and peculiar appearance, it was no issue that she still appears as a beauty. Something which could be proudly seen on her son and daughter.
Though, her attendance to the palace warrants interest. The Lady Royale rarely visits the place she had once seen as her residence ever since she had been married off to House Pallas. At times, she had only done so for very important events relating to the participation of the Khthonios Family or there are matters to be discussed about the crown. Other than that, she would not waste time. As such, many had concluded that this visit would be about the incoming death anniversary or the throne. Most have decided that it might be plausibly both.
The Lady Royale soon came towards a door. She had not been welcomed with any sort of resistance from the guards present. For, she had come with an official business and on appointment. Furthermore, there was little others could do against her. She is protected by her status, blood, and reputation. In any case, the doors were opened for her entrance. And with that, the announcement of her arrival. She walked with such grace inherent of her and certain demeanor found in beings that possessed such an ephemeral existence.
Whatever the reason may be, it had effectively hid her intentions and generated enough mystery about her.
âNot every question has an answer, nor every problem a solution.â
Cyril was not an overly emotional person by any means, and he was not given to displays of such emotions even on thoe occasions when he felt them. It was perhaps why he had earned a reputation as something of an enigma. Of all people, the Queen knew him best, and perhaps his subordinates saw pieces of him that he did not generally make known to others, because it was necessary to be more human in order to lead them effectively. He should be distant as a figure of authority, but no so distant that they felt like they could no longer follow him. It was why he did things like pose them challenges, and handicap himself in their matchesâso that they would not ever look up and fail to see him there, ahead but visible, waiting calmly for them to catch up.
An illusion, in some respects, but a lie told out of concern.
His attention was returned to the Princess when she spoke, putting in a request for him to help Lenore escort the incapacitated to the healers, where they might be attended and received the rest their bodies no doubt desperately required. Well, under normal circumstances he would have done that without complaints, but he was not a stupid man, and there were things that required his attention to an even greater degree. He paused a moment, glancing up at the tree overhead.
âAnd leave your highness unattended in the immediate aftermath of an attempt on your life? I should think not.â His body language shifted, but it was impossible to tell if he was experiencing disapproval at the very suggestion or not. His tone betrayed nothing. Well, that wasnât quite true. It was abundantly clear that he would hear no further argument on the point. And in this case, he did not have to. His orders to protect the heir were standing, in the event that a normal guard was not present, as none were. So for the rest of the day, it would be his job to look after her.
Lenore smiled and raised an eyebrow. âYouâre always so serious, Cy.â Of all the people in the realm, only this one dared use such a nickname on him. Even the Queen and her heir called him by his full first name. Lenore was really just as impudent as anyone, though it was sometimes difficult to detect. He found it simply impossible to hold such notions against her, however. She had done him more good than she understood, truly, and he would be forever grateful for that, even if he did not and would no express as much to her.
âThat is because no one else is serious enough, Lady Ourania.â He wasnât about to call her by her name, at least not in public. It would fuel speculation that was so far off the mark it was stupid. Why did every bond have to be romantic in the eyes of the court, anyway?
Lenoreâs smile, small though it was, remained. She was never one to seem too long bothered by anything, and while this had in the past led other people to believe her flighty or uncaring, nothing could be further from the truth. She had never much cared for how others saw her, anyway, as long as she was doing what she believed to be right. She had certainly expected Cyrilâs refusal to leave Cally unattended, and in truth, she was grateful for it.
When her best friend embraced her, Lenore hugged back, her eyes lit with something warm when they pulled back from one another. This feeling, that of being cared for, and caring for another person in this tender, entirely pure sort of way⊠she would miss it when she lost it, perhaps more than she would miss anything else. Or perhaps it would be too far along for her to be capable of missing it. Part of her hoped so. The pain might be intolerable, otherwise.
âDonât worry about me, Cally. Iâll be fine. Iâm always fine, you know that.â With a little gesture, she pushed a few of her friendâs golden locks behind her ear, letting them slide through her fingers like silk. âThe same goes for you, you know. No more slipping off for clandestine meetings with hostile kings, no matter what they promise you.â In truth she and her friend, this sister of her heart, were afflicted by very much the same diseaseâan overabundance of the desire to give of themselves for what they saw as the greater good. Lenore had resolved to allow it to eat her hollow on the inside, quite literally, but if there was anything in the world she wanted anymore, it was that the same thing not be necessary for Calliope.
As her friend withdrew, Lenore nodded, making a strange beckoning gesture with her hand. The various castle workers and staff were gently levitated from their feet, and trailed after her as she headed for the healersâ ward, which was on the lower floors of the White Tower.
About half an hour later, she knocked on Master Emâs door, the needles that had been used in the casting still wrapped in her handkerchief held carefully in one hand.
âMaster Em? Itâs me. I think thereâs something you should see.â
In truth, the so-called Lady Royaleâs manner of address was thoroughly insulting, and both the Queen and the two members of her guard in the room knew it had been intentionally so. Nevertheless, Dianthe refused to allow it to bother her, instead maintaining the guise of a pleasant expression. She needed nothing to hide her true feelings more extravagant than the skill she had cultivated at showing only what she desired to be seen. Her masks, such as they were, were all made of her very own flesh.
âVery well, Lady Pallas. You are welcome to take a seat if you so desire.â She would never fail to be courteous, even if the other party could not be bothered to do the same. She was the Queen, after all, for one more year, and as such, these things were expected of her, always. She had never once failed those expectations.
A tea service was brought, as was customary, though whether it would actually be given any attention depended in large part on the mood of her guest. âAnd what matters, specifically, did you wish to bring to my attention?â Dianthe queried politely. Such a service was given every year at the same time and place, and generally in the same manner, as laid out by Lilura herself. Why she wanted to talk about it now was something Dianthe did not know, but was sure she would be discovering in short order.
An illusion, in some respects, but a lie told out of concern.
His attention was returned to the Princess when she spoke, putting in a request for him to help Lenore escort the incapacitated to the healers, where they might be attended and received the rest their bodies no doubt desperately required. Well, under normal circumstances he would have done that without complaints, but he was not a stupid man, and there were things that required his attention to an even greater degree. He paused a moment, glancing up at the tree overhead.
âAnd leave your highness unattended in the immediate aftermath of an attempt on your life? I should think not.â His body language shifted, but it was impossible to tell if he was experiencing disapproval at the very suggestion or not. His tone betrayed nothing. Well, that wasnât quite true. It was abundantly clear that he would hear no further argument on the point. And in this case, he did not have to. His orders to protect the heir were standing, in the event that a normal guard was not present, as none were. So for the rest of the day, it would be his job to look after her.
Lenore smiled and raised an eyebrow. âYouâre always so serious, Cy.â Of all the people in the realm, only this one dared use such a nickname on him. Even the Queen and her heir called him by his full first name. Lenore was really just as impudent as anyone, though it was sometimes difficult to detect. He found it simply impossible to hold such notions against her, however. She had done him more good than she understood, truly, and he would be forever grateful for that, even if he did not and would no express as much to her.
âThat is because no one else is serious enough, Lady Ourania.â He wasnât about to call her by her name, at least not in public. It would fuel speculation that was so far off the mark it was stupid. Why did every bond have to be romantic in the eyes of the court, anyway?
âBut if there is a solution to this problem, it will be found.â
Lenoreâs smile, small though it was, remained. She was never one to seem too long bothered by anything, and while this had in the past led other people to believe her flighty or uncaring, nothing could be further from the truth. She had never much cared for how others saw her, anyway, as long as she was doing what she believed to be right. She had certainly expected Cyrilâs refusal to leave Cally unattended, and in truth, she was grateful for it.
When her best friend embraced her, Lenore hugged back, her eyes lit with something warm when they pulled back from one another. This feeling, that of being cared for, and caring for another person in this tender, entirely pure sort of way⊠she would miss it when she lost it, perhaps more than she would miss anything else. Or perhaps it would be too far along for her to be capable of missing it. Part of her hoped so. The pain might be intolerable, otherwise.
âDonât worry about me, Cally. Iâll be fine. Iâm always fine, you know that.â With a little gesture, she pushed a few of her friendâs golden locks behind her ear, letting them slide through her fingers like silk. âThe same goes for you, you know. No more slipping off for clandestine meetings with hostile kings, no matter what they promise you.â In truth she and her friend, this sister of her heart, were afflicted by very much the same diseaseâan overabundance of the desire to give of themselves for what they saw as the greater good. Lenore had resolved to allow it to eat her hollow on the inside, quite literally, but if there was anything in the world she wanted anymore, it was that the same thing not be necessary for Calliope.
As her friend withdrew, Lenore nodded, making a strange beckoning gesture with her hand. The various castle workers and staff were gently levitated from their feet, and trailed after her as she headed for the healersâ ward, which was on the lower floors of the White Tower.
About half an hour later, she knocked on Master Emâs door, the needles that had been used in the casting still wrapped in her handkerchief held carefully in one hand.
âMaster Em? Itâs me. I think thereâs something you should see.â
âNevertheless, we must always strive towards improvement and the resolution of our problems.â
In truth, the so-called Lady Royaleâs manner of address was thoroughly insulting, and both the Queen and the two members of her guard in the room knew it had been intentionally so. Nevertheless, Dianthe refused to allow it to bother her, instead maintaining the guise of a pleasant expression. She needed nothing to hide her true feelings more extravagant than the skill she had cultivated at showing only what she desired to be seen. Her masks, such as they were, were all made of her very own flesh.
âVery well, Lady Pallas. You are welcome to take a seat if you so desire.â She would never fail to be courteous, even if the other party could not be bothered to do the same. She was the Queen, after all, for one more year, and as such, these things were expected of her, always. She had never once failed those expectations.
A tea service was brought, as was customary, though whether it would actually be given any attention depended in large part on the mood of her guest. âAnd what matters, specifically, did you wish to bring to my attention?â Dianthe queried politely. Such a service was given every year at the same time and place, and generally in the same manner, as laid out by Lilura herself. Why she wanted to talk about it now was something Dianthe did not know, but was sure she would be discovering in short order.
"There are things I must do on my own."
There was a noticeable pout on Calliope's face. It seemed that Cyril would not leave her side until she had been returned to the safety of her own assigned guards. Speaking of which, they must have probably asked for the Black Knight's aid to find her. And, she could not blame them really. He does have continuous success in finding her even when she believed it to herself that it would be impossible for him. It was a mystery to her how he is able to do so. She wondered if he implanted some kind of a tracing spell on her. However, that should be detected by Lenni. Whatever method he was using, it was really effective.
Taking a deep breath, Calliope watched Lenni took her leave with the unconscious castle workers. Her friend always says that she is fine but, there was certainly something more than that. Though, it was not like she could blame Lenni for it. For at the end of the day, she was the same as her. Kindred spirits, are they not? What a predicament really. As for hostile kings, she could not be sure about that as she still want to talk with Siegmund. Much like how Lenni cloaks her reckless actions with a smile which was the same for her, there was something more to the Dorthoni King. Yet, she had a good mind that this would not be allowed if she requested or proposed for it.
Clandestine, it is...
Now, how will she carry that out? Somehow, she has a sense that her mother would not be obliging to that. This will also apply to the others. Perhaps, she could ask the advice of her cousin, Basileus. Calliope remembered that he would always provide her with wonderful encouragements and solutions to her questions when inquired about. In addition, he had always been kind and precised in his words. So, she gave a determined nod about that and turned to look at Cyril who refused to budge from leaving her alone. It is true that there had been attack, however, there was something odd about it. She could not place what it is exactly just yet. Thus, she would leave it hanging for now.
Her concern, right now is...
"So, I think I will be fine. I just need some alone time." Calliope took a step back with her hands behind her back. "Okay? I promise I will go back at the palace after a few hours." She declared with clear authority and then immediately turned around as she ran away while raising one of her hands and waved them. "I will be careful."
Yes, in the end, she was not the kind to fear for her own life.
"Yet, no one is an island for everything will be easier with someone."
It was yet another busy day at the Academy. However, he was certain that it was more hectic back at the palace. He had been informed that a military conscription would be conducted to boost the army of Elysia. In truth, he does not see much of what it could do. However, it was inevitable as the citizens should see some movement that their ruling body is doing something to bolster their defenses and strength. After all, it was not comforting to say that they would be depending on the aid of a Deva and a Asura. Humanity will always find a way to show they have the ability for conquering their own problems. It also serves as an assurance as well, that humans are not weaklings against otherworldly beings.
Subtleties of humans...
This is why he prefers doing research and teaching. Inside his office, he could solely focus on his research. Despite the complex questions he is seeking answers to, Emrys finds this more easy to deal with than the schemes of the court. He could never get used to the workings of royal politics. As his thoughts trail to that, he recalled that Sephiriel had went to the palace in order to retrieve a book for his work. She should be returning soon enough. Once she does, he would be returning with his study.
As it would appear, peace is truly transient.
"As long as the friends would not do that again."
Truly irritating, Lilura has no desire of staying too long in the same room with this False Queen. If it was completely up to her, this would be done by Basileus or another. The mere sight of someone not by blood wearing the crown irks her terrible. Moreover, she had been passed in favor of this wench. Utterly despicable. Still, she put aside her contempt and focused on the task at hand. Furthermore, she had decided to speak of this personally, the matter revolving the ritual.
"The ritual would also be performed by Calliope." This had always been done by her. Yet, this is indeed the perfect time to change it all. "That is all I have need to discuss." She then turned her back and walked away. The permission to be dismissed by the Queen in her presence was not asked by Lilura. There was no need for any of her decisions or opinions. As such, she does not ask for it. In any case, the prayer ritual would be certainly be something to look out for.
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