R
Ringmaster
Guest
OOC: Weird Dream Prompted up a sudden revival and gave me the idea how to reboot this for you guys.
It had been over four days since the party had left. Four days of the tournament going through the motions, presided over by the new Queen of Arendelle. Like a flower stricken by frost, she was grace and sorrow exemplified as she presided over the knights who had come, now in honor on behalf of her family. It was enough to excite many of the common folk, despite the fear. Or at least, she was. Today, it would be her sister presiding...The Queen had taken to eschewing all visitors, within her tower. For what reasons, was yet unknown...Still, there was some excitement yet.
It was a good tournament after all. From Calormen to Agrabah, to the lands of Gondor and Rohan and many kingdoms more besides, they came and they displayed their skills. For better...
Or worst.
For the Black Knight true to his word had joined and had defeated his opponents, unhorsing them without a word of curse or mockery given. Merely a cold, brisk intent at odds with the fire he exuded. He was not here for them.
He was here for her, and time was that she would be facing him.
In other news, Prince Severus had gone missing, suspected alongside the party who went to see the trolls. The fury of Lord Bishop was a sight to behold, or so they said. But it was, what it was and there was no time to examine it closely.
Now the time had come for Black Knight and Keladry to face each other.
On the fourth day of the tournament.
Once upon a time....
It was a quiet dawn. Overcast, the red light shining and giving a disturbing look to the clouds far to the East. A foul smell wafted on the breeze and none could tell from whence it came. It was a stench like burning meat, like carrion and on its wings, the crows did fly. Some whispered it to be an ill omen, others made light of the matter.
In their tents, quietly the knights made ready their blades and shields even as one committee or the other pleaded an excuse to leave Arendelle early. Trouble was brewing.
It was on the horizon.
Outside the tents of Cardomas's company, the sound of scared men who wish they had never sworn to the courage of knighthood scurrying about echoed through the flaps of Keladry's tent. She scowled at the sound of it as her hands continued to sharpen her blade and remove any imperfections her eyes caught. Men sworn to their masters and the Lion's service, and yet they scatter and leave the duty of facing evil's agent to only a few such as I. Perhaps I will need to ensure that my own kingdom's standards do not fall so low...
Her heart held no fear for the coming clash. The agent of sin who was to be her foe was just a man, one who was a heretic and needed to be brought in line with the Aslan's will, and as a Paladin, she would have divine blessing to carry out the work needed to bring him to kneel. However, that did not mean she would not be cautious in the clash. Pride came before the fall for many of the great warriors of history, and she would not allow it to cloud her judgment. Instead, she would have it steel her will in the coming clash.
She had already sent Lady Olivia ahead to join the tragically crowned Queen in the stands as House Cardo's representative. It saddened her heart that she could not be there at the Queen's side, but their masquerade could not be revealed just yet. Not until this conflict was finished with.
Then she could reveal her true heritage.
With a nod, she sheathed her blade with an assured opinion of its craftsmanship and hung it from her belt. With that taken care of, there was only one final issue to resolve before she stepped outside. She took a knee and bowed her head, her voice barely a whisper as she prayed.
"Great Aslan, please answer my prayer today. As your sword, allow me to strike down any evils in the world so that they may not defame your glory. As your shield, allow me to protect the innocent from the evils of the world so that they may never doubt your grace. As your messenger, allow me to redeem those who are redeemable so that they may not lose your mercy. Thank you, my guardian. Amen."
Simple, clear, and precise. With that, her prayer was finished and with a final check of her armor, she was ready to step out and face the world's sins in a never-ending battle of grace. She gave a nod to the guards who had kept near the tent to ensure that no one attempted to attack her before the match.
"Return to our liege's side. I will be fine on my own."
And with that, she was off, shield strapped to her back and sword on her hip.
He was waiting for her. Out on the field, no squire by his side. Atop his great horse, he could have been a statue at rest. There was a calm, quiet space before the charge and apparently he liked the silence. For his part, the black knight seemed watchful...And when the man came down from the lists and announced, the entire city it seemed would be watching.
"THE MATCH SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS! DAME KELADRY VS THE BLACK KNIGHT, TWO SHATTERED LANCES OUT OF THREE OR UNTIL THE OTHER IS UNHORSED! AT WHICH POINT, BOTH WILL TURN TO THE SWORD! ARE YOU READY?"
The Black Knight merely nodded, head turning slightly away to look to the East as though troubled.
From atop her own war stallion, the now helmed Keladry nodded in the affirmative, preferring not to speak at the moment. There was no point to flowery words or noble declarations; she had made clear her commitment and dedication simply by taking part in the challenge she had issued. In one hand, a heavy blunted lance waited for the ephemeral charge and clash of the joust, and in the other, the proud colors of red and gold were painted upon her shield in the pattern of the House Cardo's brilliant griffon and complimented the beautiful shine of her silvery plate.
His head is turned aside. Strange, worry or doubt? Most likely not, given his earlier attitude... She would not consider it important to the joust. Her aim would be to unhorse him with a blow to the chest, and nothing would change that idea. As such, she sat in confidant silence as they waited for the call to begin came while in the stands, Olivia in the disguise of the princess of Cardomas watched with concern for her friend. Though she had no doubt that Keladry could win both by Aslan's grace and by her own skill, the young lady-in-waiting could not simply end her worrying. Especially not when Prince Severus's company had not yet sent word back and now, some believed they were missing...
-------------
"A good shot sire!"
"Just physics. When you get down to it."
The mission outward to the Trolls of Arendelle had ended up a failure. The lands had become enclosed by an invading force of monstrosities and people had been lost in the chaos. Prince Severus and Lorie Fisher ended up thrown together by circumstances, with the woodcraft and magic of the latter and the knowledge- And surprisingly, skill with a cane sword of the former. When questioned, he said simply 'I'm crippled, not helpless.'
As it was, they had been the best folk possible to examine the enemy, made from what looked like ancient warriors of Arendelle and their Viking allies, long since dead and entombed in recorded history. Lories fire made short work of them and Severus managed to identify their origin simply by an examination of the armor.
Which was nothing compared to the true evil they saw.
An evil even now attempting to push to Arendelle.
Which led them to current circumstances and the presence of the man known as Kristoff. Using his transportation to head back to Arendelle, the wargs and wolves came out to chase them. Run them down and finish them off...And only held out by fire and a musket salvaged. The city walls seemed to be looming up ahead....They were almost there!
----------
Snow began to fall, light and cool as a breeze from the east came. And with a roar as the flag was dropped, the joust began. He seemed five times as large now. Monstrous and terrifying as he lowered his lance and brought up his shield. Sparks flashed from the hooves of his horse and the steam from the cold air looked almost like smoke.
From the crowd, the audience gasped and others watched on coldly...
Disgusting witchcraft...
No hesitance or fear showed in her eyes that were only visible through the slits of her hawk-like helmet. Through the falling stars of ice, her mount charged forward as she spurred it on. In both of their eyes, there was no giant whose horse's hooves seemed to be made of flint that set fire to the Earth. There was only a man, a heretic in the eyes of Aslan and the Allfater, and their task was simple.
To unhorse the man, and with her shield held high to guard her chest, Keladry struck out with that goal in mind, aiming straight for the center of the Black Knight's stomach and chest.
They were like behemoths in the night. Two fortresses of iron and power, charging forth at the other.
And then the world went white.
Keladry found herself flying, her shield arm numb and the lance shattered before hitting the ground and rolling. A ringing noise bespoke of a concussion, the scream of the crowd of mingled fear and excitement bespoke of her status.
The same people who applaud your coronation will likewise do your execution.
And then came a black, gauntlet'd hand, waiting as a feeling of heat cut through the cold and the Black Knight looked down from his position. In a rumbling tone, he spoke.
"Your form was excellent. I've age and experience myself to fall upon however and you have done well."
He waited for her to accept or deny his unspoken offer of help, afterwards stepping back as he spoke.
"Few knights face me in open combat....They are cowards, forgetting what it ever meant to be a knight. With little on your years and courage, you saw what I was and came for me regardless. You have earned all I am to bestow to you...Once you are more clear-headed to accept."
The healers rushed over, assisting as they could to help clear her head as the Black Knight followed after as they put her on a stretcher.
Where had it gone wrong? As her vision spun and swirled in flight, that was the thought that rung through her mind. Not the aching pain in her shoulder nor the sound of the traitorous crowd, but a question of why this had happened.
Had Aslan forsaken her in her moment of need? If so, why? What had she done to deserve such a dismissive attitude? She had helped to protect Severus, a fellow noble and one she was sworn to aid as both a knight and a righteous paladin. She had challenged the Black Knight to protect the innocents; was that not the proper conduct of a warrior of Aslan, to safeguard the defenseless from evil?
Wait... My name...
Just as her vision cleared, she knew what she done to disappoint her patron. Dishonesty was her sin, believing herself just in hiding her identity. Her punishment was humiliation by her foe, embarrassment before the crowd.
With a swipe of her hand, the Black Knight's offer was slapped away with a growl. As the healers approached, she pushed them away and stood on her own, head now clear and her eyes filled with anger at the man who sought to sweeten her opinion of his evil. No amount of pitying respect he showed would keep her from hating him and from speaking.
"On my name... As the true Lady Keladry, daughter of King Alfred and Queen Elizabeth of Cardomas... I will strike you down, heretic, as a Paladin of Aslan ought!"
There was a gasp from the crowd, the people shocked in turn at the sudden turn of events. And the Black Knight stared on before throwing his head back and laughing.
"Ahahahaha! So be it Kitten. Perhaps you will...But not now. When you are stronger and more experienced, seek me out where the sun sets in the West, among the great Waste where I have made my home. I will wait for you there."
He turned his back and moved to get on his horse as he added aloud to all present.
"A SCOURGE HAS COME UPON YOUI, THOUGH NOT BY MY HAND! IT RIDES FROM THE EAST AND BRINGS HORROR IN ITS WAKE! PREPARE YOURSELF! JUDGEMENT COMES! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
And spurring his horse, he left the lists and headed out.
He had what he came for.
And he was looking forward to what was to come.
It was then at that moment that a great cry came out.
"THEY RETURN!"
It seemed the scouting party was back.
---------
The gates flew open and the Black Knight charged through, riding past the sled and sending the wolves scattering in fear though they dared not go close to the walls, not now. And as they pulled in to what looked like a party, Severus felt exhaustion of four days of action present its bill, and for good reason.
His traveling cloak was torn and burr-filed. His boots were heavily scuffed, his cane had some of the varnish knocked off and the tooth marks of a wolf that had clamped its jaws down, which could have been his throat. Were it not for the expression in his eyes and the cane head, he could have been some form of road vagabond in looks now.
And then the crowd scattered and Severus pressed himself automatically into the sled at the approach of the following man.
Lord Bishop was a figure very rarely seen to displays of anger. He was well known for his cool head, ponderous behavior and general amiability.
"LION ALIVE, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU BOY?!"
He roared with the fury of a drill sargant as he reached a hand for his princes collar, lifting him up effortlessly to see his features. Continuing, he chastened him with all the force of an explosion he had been saving.
"-THRICE DAMNED HEIR, YOU COULD HAVE DIED, YOU COULD HAVE CREATED A NATIONAL INCIDENT, DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT ANYONE WHO WOULD HAVE-!"
He was going to be doing that for a bit.
Kristoff seemed to falter before fainting as his world went black.
-------
"Gods høre mitt rop. Mab ikke forlat meg."
Elsa cried out, watching her hands glow an eerie, eldritch blue as the room began to frost. Her artificer winced as he waved his hands.
"My lady, please! Relax...I have devised these gloves to assist you, but they are only a mere impediment for now." He reached out for them, allowing her to slip them on and seeing the magic recede, she sighed. It was there, but contained and the gnome adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
"In the meantime, I am speaking to more on this subject- Perhaps my colleagues might be able to-."
"No! No one knows!"
Queen Elsa rose up, eyes stern as she spoke.
"The people are already afraid and claim my family is cursed. I refuse to allow them any sign that such may be true!"
Attacked on all sides, shunned and feared....The smart thing to have done was to end the festivals, begin the great work to keep the kingdom secure. But instead, dazed and lost she allowed the games to go on, because its what her father would have done...Because they deserved a proper send off and not just a memory of pain. Sometimes it felt like the only one she could depend upon was her sister...And the other.
Corrin...Hans....They had proven themselves true allies. Alongside Lord Bishop and his entourage. A few others, but hardly enough to count as diplomatic victories. The Gnome scoffed quietly but nodded.
"Very well. I shall require you here every Friday then, for tests."
"Very good Master Gnome." Elsa said more calmly before giving him a regal nod. Down the tower stairs she went afterwards, in deep and nervous thought.
And as she did so, she failed to notice the faint trace of frost that formed on the metal ornaments she passed in the castle....
----------
Lord Bishop soon dragged Lorie and Severus off to a warm tent and hot food. Kristoff would be resting off his exhaustion in the same place, even as Lady Keladry in her examination would get the news. Corrin, would find herself at the match as the special guest of Anna. And thus in a position to have seen and heard everything that had occurred.
And thus, was everyone in one place for plot reasons. : |
@The Tactician @york @Schnee Corp Lawyer
It had been over four days since the party had left. Four days of the tournament going through the motions, presided over by the new Queen of Arendelle. Like a flower stricken by frost, she was grace and sorrow exemplified as she presided over the knights who had come, now in honor on behalf of her family. It was enough to excite many of the common folk, despite the fear. Or at least, she was. Today, it would be her sister presiding...The Queen had taken to eschewing all visitors, within her tower. For what reasons, was yet unknown...Still, there was some excitement yet.
It was a good tournament after all. From Calormen to Agrabah, to the lands of Gondor and Rohan and many kingdoms more besides, they came and they displayed their skills. For better...
Or worst.
For the Black Knight true to his word had joined and had defeated his opponents, unhorsing them without a word of curse or mockery given. Merely a cold, brisk intent at odds with the fire he exuded. He was not here for them.
He was here for her, and time was that she would be facing him.
In other news, Prince Severus had gone missing, suspected alongside the party who went to see the trolls. The fury of Lord Bishop was a sight to behold, or so they said. But it was, what it was and there was no time to examine it closely.
Now the time had come for Black Knight and Keladry to face each other.
On the fourth day of the tournament.
Once upon a time....
It was a quiet dawn. Overcast, the red light shining and giving a disturbing look to the clouds far to the East. A foul smell wafted on the breeze and none could tell from whence it came. It was a stench like burning meat, like carrion and on its wings, the crows did fly. Some whispered it to be an ill omen, others made light of the matter.
In their tents, quietly the knights made ready their blades and shields even as one committee or the other pleaded an excuse to leave Arendelle early. Trouble was brewing.
It was on the horizon.
Outside the tents of Cardomas's company, the sound of scared men who wish they had never sworn to the courage of knighthood scurrying about echoed through the flaps of Keladry's tent. She scowled at the sound of it as her hands continued to sharpen her blade and remove any imperfections her eyes caught. Men sworn to their masters and the Lion's service, and yet they scatter and leave the duty of facing evil's agent to only a few such as I. Perhaps I will need to ensure that my own kingdom's standards do not fall so low...
Her heart held no fear for the coming clash. The agent of sin who was to be her foe was just a man, one who was a heretic and needed to be brought in line with the Aslan's will, and as a Paladin, she would have divine blessing to carry out the work needed to bring him to kneel. However, that did not mean she would not be cautious in the clash. Pride came before the fall for many of the great warriors of history, and she would not allow it to cloud her judgment. Instead, she would have it steel her will in the coming clash.
She had already sent Lady Olivia ahead to join the tragically crowned Queen in the stands as House Cardo's representative. It saddened her heart that she could not be there at the Queen's side, but their masquerade could not be revealed just yet. Not until this conflict was finished with.
Then she could reveal her true heritage.
With a nod, she sheathed her blade with an assured opinion of its craftsmanship and hung it from her belt. With that taken care of, there was only one final issue to resolve before she stepped outside. She took a knee and bowed her head, her voice barely a whisper as she prayed.
"Great Aslan, please answer my prayer today. As your sword, allow me to strike down any evils in the world so that they may not defame your glory. As your shield, allow me to protect the innocent from the evils of the world so that they may never doubt your grace. As your messenger, allow me to redeem those who are redeemable so that they may not lose your mercy. Thank you, my guardian. Amen."
Simple, clear, and precise. With that, her prayer was finished and with a final check of her armor, she was ready to step out and face the world's sins in a never-ending battle of grace. She gave a nod to the guards who had kept near the tent to ensure that no one attempted to attack her before the match.
"Return to our liege's side. I will be fine on my own."
And with that, she was off, shield strapped to her back and sword on her hip.
He was waiting for her. Out on the field, no squire by his side. Atop his great horse, he could have been a statue at rest. There was a calm, quiet space before the charge and apparently he liked the silence. For his part, the black knight seemed watchful...And when the man came down from the lists and announced, the entire city it seemed would be watching.
"THE MATCH SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS! DAME KELADRY VS THE BLACK KNIGHT, TWO SHATTERED LANCES OUT OF THREE OR UNTIL THE OTHER IS UNHORSED! AT WHICH POINT, BOTH WILL TURN TO THE SWORD! ARE YOU READY?"
The Black Knight merely nodded, head turning slightly away to look to the East as though troubled.
From atop her own war stallion, the now helmed Keladry nodded in the affirmative, preferring not to speak at the moment. There was no point to flowery words or noble declarations; she had made clear her commitment and dedication simply by taking part in the challenge she had issued. In one hand, a heavy blunted lance waited for the ephemeral charge and clash of the joust, and in the other, the proud colors of red and gold were painted upon her shield in the pattern of the House Cardo's brilliant griffon and complimented the beautiful shine of her silvery plate.
His head is turned aside. Strange, worry or doubt? Most likely not, given his earlier attitude... She would not consider it important to the joust. Her aim would be to unhorse him with a blow to the chest, and nothing would change that idea. As such, she sat in confidant silence as they waited for the call to begin came while in the stands, Olivia in the disguise of the princess of Cardomas watched with concern for her friend. Though she had no doubt that Keladry could win both by Aslan's grace and by her own skill, the young lady-in-waiting could not simply end her worrying. Especially not when Prince Severus's company had not yet sent word back and now, some believed they were missing...
-------------
"A good shot sire!"
"Just physics. When you get down to it."
The mission outward to the Trolls of Arendelle had ended up a failure. The lands had become enclosed by an invading force of monstrosities and people had been lost in the chaos. Prince Severus and Lorie Fisher ended up thrown together by circumstances, with the woodcraft and magic of the latter and the knowledge- And surprisingly, skill with a cane sword of the former. When questioned, he said simply 'I'm crippled, not helpless.'
As it was, they had been the best folk possible to examine the enemy, made from what looked like ancient warriors of Arendelle and their Viking allies, long since dead and entombed in recorded history. Lories fire made short work of them and Severus managed to identify their origin simply by an examination of the armor.
Which was nothing compared to the true evil they saw.
An evil even now attempting to push to Arendelle.
Which led them to current circumstances and the presence of the man known as Kristoff. Using his transportation to head back to Arendelle, the wargs and wolves came out to chase them. Run them down and finish them off...And only held out by fire and a musket salvaged. The city walls seemed to be looming up ahead....They were almost there!
----------
Snow began to fall, light and cool as a breeze from the east came. And with a roar as the flag was dropped, the joust began. He seemed five times as large now. Monstrous and terrifying as he lowered his lance and brought up his shield. Sparks flashed from the hooves of his horse and the steam from the cold air looked almost like smoke.
From the crowd, the audience gasped and others watched on coldly...
Disgusting witchcraft...
No hesitance or fear showed in her eyes that were only visible through the slits of her hawk-like helmet. Through the falling stars of ice, her mount charged forward as she spurred it on. In both of their eyes, there was no giant whose horse's hooves seemed to be made of flint that set fire to the Earth. There was only a man, a heretic in the eyes of Aslan and the Allfater, and their task was simple.
To unhorse the man, and with her shield held high to guard her chest, Keladry struck out with that goal in mind, aiming straight for the center of the Black Knight's stomach and chest.
They were like behemoths in the night. Two fortresses of iron and power, charging forth at the other.
And then the world went white.
Keladry found herself flying, her shield arm numb and the lance shattered before hitting the ground and rolling. A ringing noise bespoke of a concussion, the scream of the crowd of mingled fear and excitement bespoke of her status.
The same people who applaud your coronation will likewise do your execution.
And then came a black, gauntlet'd hand, waiting as a feeling of heat cut through the cold and the Black Knight looked down from his position. In a rumbling tone, he spoke.
"Your form was excellent. I've age and experience myself to fall upon however and you have done well."
He waited for her to accept or deny his unspoken offer of help, afterwards stepping back as he spoke.
"Few knights face me in open combat....They are cowards, forgetting what it ever meant to be a knight. With little on your years and courage, you saw what I was and came for me regardless. You have earned all I am to bestow to you...Once you are more clear-headed to accept."
The healers rushed over, assisting as they could to help clear her head as the Black Knight followed after as they put her on a stretcher.
Where had it gone wrong? As her vision spun and swirled in flight, that was the thought that rung through her mind. Not the aching pain in her shoulder nor the sound of the traitorous crowd, but a question of why this had happened.
Had Aslan forsaken her in her moment of need? If so, why? What had she done to deserve such a dismissive attitude? She had helped to protect Severus, a fellow noble and one she was sworn to aid as both a knight and a righteous paladin. She had challenged the Black Knight to protect the innocents; was that not the proper conduct of a warrior of Aslan, to safeguard the defenseless from evil?
Wait... My name...
Just as her vision cleared, she knew what she done to disappoint her patron. Dishonesty was her sin, believing herself just in hiding her identity. Her punishment was humiliation by her foe, embarrassment before the crowd.
With a swipe of her hand, the Black Knight's offer was slapped away with a growl. As the healers approached, she pushed them away and stood on her own, head now clear and her eyes filled with anger at the man who sought to sweeten her opinion of his evil. No amount of pitying respect he showed would keep her from hating him and from speaking.
"On my name... As the true Lady Keladry, daughter of King Alfred and Queen Elizabeth of Cardomas... I will strike you down, heretic, as a Paladin of Aslan ought!"
There was a gasp from the crowd, the people shocked in turn at the sudden turn of events. And the Black Knight stared on before throwing his head back and laughing.
"Ahahahaha! So be it Kitten. Perhaps you will...But not now. When you are stronger and more experienced, seek me out where the sun sets in the West, among the great Waste where I have made my home. I will wait for you there."
He turned his back and moved to get on his horse as he added aloud to all present.
"A SCOURGE HAS COME UPON YOUI, THOUGH NOT BY MY HAND! IT RIDES FROM THE EAST AND BRINGS HORROR IN ITS WAKE! PREPARE YOURSELF! JUDGEMENT COMES! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
And spurring his horse, he left the lists and headed out.
He had what he came for.
And he was looking forward to what was to come.
It was then at that moment that a great cry came out.
"THEY RETURN!"
It seemed the scouting party was back.
---------
The gates flew open and the Black Knight charged through, riding past the sled and sending the wolves scattering in fear though they dared not go close to the walls, not now. And as they pulled in to what looked like a party, Severus felt exhaustion of four days of action present its bill, and for good reason.
His traveling cloak was torn and burr-filed. His boots were heavily scuffed, his cane had some of the varnish knocked off and the tooth marks of a wolf that had clamped its jaws down, which could have been his throat. Were it not for the expression in his eyes and the cane head, he could have been some form of road vagabond in looks now.
And then the crowd scattered and Severus pressed himself automatically into the sled at the approach of the following man.
Lord Bishop was a figure very rarely seen to displays of anger. He was well known for his cool head, ponderous behavior and general amiability.
"LION ALIVE, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU BOY?!"
He roared with the fury of a drill sargant as he reached a hand for his princes collar, lifting him up effortlessly to see his features. Continuing, he chastened him with all the force of an explosion he had been saving.
"-THRICE DAMNED HEIR, YOU COULD HAVE DIED, YOU COULD HAVE CREATED A NATIONAL INCIDENT, DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT ANYONE WHO WOULD HAVE-!"
He was going to be doing that for a bit.
Kristoff seemed to falter before fainting as his world went black.
-------
"Gods høre mitt rop. Mab ikke forlat meg."
Elsa cried out, watching her hands glow an eerie, eldritch blue as the room began to frost. Her artificer winced as he waved his hands.
"My lady, please! Relax...I have devised these gloves to assist you, but they are only a mere impediment for now." He reached out for them, allowing her to slip them on and seeing the magic recede, she sighed. It was there, but contained and the gnome adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
"In the meantime, I am speaking to more on this subject- Perhaps my colleagues might be able to-."
"No! No one knows!"
Queen Elsa rose up, eyes stern as she spoke.
"The people are already afraid and claim my family is cursed. I refuse to allow them any sign that such may be true!"
Attacked on all sides, shunned and feared....The smart thing to have done was to end the festivals, begin the great work to keep the kingdom secure. But instead, dazed and lost she allowed the games to go on, because its what her father would have done...Because they deserved a proper send off and not just a memory of pain. Sometimes it felt like the only one she could depend upon was her sister...And the other.
Corrin...Hans....They had proven themselves true allies. Alongside Lord Bishop and his entourage. A few others, but hardly enough to count as diplomatic victories. The Gnome scoffed quietly but nodded.
"Very well. I shall require you here every Friday then, for tests."
"Very good Master Gnome." Elsa said more calmly before giving him a regal nod. Down the tower stairs she went afterwards, in deep and nervous thought.
And as she did so, she failed to notice the faint trace of frost that formed on the metal ornaments she passed in the castle....
----------
Lord Bishop soon dragged Lorie and Severus off to a warm tent and hot food. Kristoff would be resting off his exhaustion in the same place, even as Lady Keladry in her examination would get the news. Corrin, would find herself at the match as the special guest of Anna. And thus in a position to have seen and heard everything that had occurred.
@The Tactician @york @Schnee Corp Lawyer
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