"Today is the day, just a little bit more Kyo, you can do it. Once you are done, you can finally rest." I sigh, these self-sponsored pep talks really lost their effect after trudging through the dark woods. Had I known what would be lying in wait for me there, I would have girled-up and just detoured around. Instead I had my food stolen, and I had to use ghost magic for way too long. I feel so dizzy right now, I don't even know if I'm walking straight. I can't seem to focus on my surroundings properly, the buildings all seemed to meld into gibberish though. I just know that I need to see the queen of Astaeron as soon as possible. Usually I would write in advance, but I don't have any money to send a letter, and a message of this importance can't be trusted to the mail system anyway. I reel in pain as my head aches. Too much thinking, just need to stay focused on what is important. Just get to the queen.
I continue down the road to the castle. Many people stop to try and assist me, but I constantly reassure each one as they approach me, "I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me, I'm just a little under the weather." They don't believe me, but if I insist enough and give them a sincere smile they let me go anyway. I feel very hot. I probably have a fever again. My muscles feel like they are cramping up. Moving about is painful, but I only have a little bit more to go. I'm panting, panting like a dog. I can't catch my breath. I don't want to stop, but suddenly I see the sky overtake my sight. I was looking up? Owww. I land flat on my back, just steps from the outside of the castle. I cough violently, gasping for air. I really want to cry, but if I do, people will know something is wrong. I need to see the queen now. Maybe, if I just allow myself to rest a bit... I crawl over to the side of the building, leaning against it. I didn't expect it to feel so good. I nearly fall asleep, but I stop myself. I won't be able to get up on my own if I allow myself to rest. Just a little more, and I need to remember my manners.
I make my approach for the gates, but a guard stops me, placing a hand on my forehead, "Miss, you are running a very high fever. You should go rest."
I can't say that the guard isn't wrong, but my message comes first, "I'll be ok, I just have a message for the queen, its really important. I came here as fast as I could so I could tell her. I can rest afterward." I take a few more steps, but that only worries the guard more. "Don't push yourself, I'll call someone over to escort you to the queen. I don't know what is so dire that you have to come in a state like this, but I wish you good fortune." The guard calls another guard not currently on active duty, and he lifts me off my feet. I'm a bit embarrassed, but all things considered, it is probably best this way.
Reaching the throne room, I excuse the guard who proceeds to inform the attendant of my arrival, and I stand by the door waiting to be summoned.