A Choice of Fate: Majik's Unleashing

[Soranohime]

A Choice of Fate:


Majik's Unleashing​

A long time ago, four known kingdoms thrived with power and wisdom in the World of Majik: Heart of the North(Kokoro no Oukoku), Spade of the South (Supedo no Oukoku), Diamonds of the West (Kongouseki no Oukoku) and Clubs of the East (Kurabu no Oukoku).


These four kingdoms lived in perfect peace and harmony with one another. Everything was perfectly normal until the kingdom of Clubs had fallen that it caused upon itself. It was an unfortunate yet an inevitable event since at its very heart was a king reputed for his corrupt ways who brought ruins, not only to himself but to his family and his kingdom as well. Rumor has it that death of their daughter was caused by the murder of the King, her very own father and the Queen, seeing this betrayal, had barely escaped.


Twenty years had passed since then.


Queen Yume Shinoroi was the current ruler to the most prominent and well-respected Kingdom: Kokoro no Oukoku. Unfortunately, the thieves grew even rampant when the Kingdom of Clubs had fallen as they initially were the keepers of peace. Most of their attacks were focused on the now central kingdom. According to the scouts, the most notorious of them all was the Deadly Seven as they were said to be the master minds in all the malicious activity.


As now the current ambassadors of peace and love, the Kingdom of Hearts decided to make the order of twelve knights with a General to assist them and recruit only the strongest and wisest. None currently held the position of the 12th knight who dubbed to be the strongest of all the knights.

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Inside the throne room...


"Run and don't you dare show that horrid, disfigured bloody face of yours 'round here or I'll torment ya in an unimaginable level that you'd feel the pain even at your grave!"


An man around mid 30's nursed the bruises the female gave her as he went scampering from the raging woman who currently held back by two guys. She forcibly removed herself from them and slammed her fist on nearest object, a mini-pillar which was now broken to pieces.


"Bloody hell! I should have foreseen this treachery!"


Suddenly, a messenger barged inside the room much to everyone's surprise inside. His facial expression looked panicked as if he had been chased by rabid dogs. "Your Highness! News! No one died and those who were injured are now recuperating."


Yume breathed out a sigh of immense relief. However, she frowned after a second, remembering his earlier distressed expression which confused her. "I'm most grateful for the great news, Pepito but your face clearly shows not that of a happy person. What's the other news?"


He breathed heavily to catch his breath. "The advisers... they had invited warriors and knights from different kingdoms for the appointment for the order of twelve knightsand tonight, there would be a ball... to welcome them."


"WHAT?!" Her loud voice boomed, echoing loudly inside the throne room. Another poor object beside her was damaged beyond repair at her unrestrained anger.


A cold glass of water was offered to the distressed queen and she smiled gratefully at the person who gave it to her. Yume held the glass and drank its content within three large gulps. "Thank you, Maria."


Maria was one of her personal maid and the one that acted as her mother figure when her own died. She had been in the castle before she was even born as what Yume had been told. She was one of the people her mother and father had taken care of when the Kingdom of Clubs had fallen.


"Please do not stress yourself too much, my queen. Your humble servant, such as I, would worry about your health." Maria's face held an expression full of concern and anxiousness.


"Please do not worry about me, Maria. My current condition is perfectly well." Even when the voice she used was gentle, the tone held finality in it that even Maria could not protest. Her maidservant just shook her head and smiled. "If that is your wish, your Highness." She bowed down and dismissed herself.


Yume, on the other hand, stood up and looked up at the ceiling in thought, her eyes burning in determination. She picked up her gown skirt to lift up the hem that once touched the floor and walk past the door, leaving the throne room.


"Darn those old farts! Making decisions without even consulting the Queen herself. They've gone too far already!" With these enraged thoughts in mind, she began preparing herself for the incoming ball.

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Her queen ann dress, embroidered in golden complex designs, glistened under the influence of the chandelier's light, making her look more royal and ethereal than before. It fit her snugly around her waist and her silky ball gown skirt swaying as smooth as the river water as she moved.


Yume was blending in with the crowd as many of the people from the other kingdom had not seen a glimpse of Heart Kingdom's only ruler, much to her delight. In return, she did not know much about the other people as well. Despite her blazing anger, the queen still managed to smile politely at the people she was socializing with.


Honestly, socializing in formal events was not one of her strong suits since fake smiles and laughter tire her easily. As the evening passed without the official announcement of the newly appointed knights, Yume knew that she needed to rest for a while because her cheeks began to ache from smiling and her golden heels were starting to pain. With this thought in mind, she went out towards the balcony to breath in some fresh air.

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It was a truly magnificent glimpse of a small part of her kingdom. Even at night, the place was brimming with life. People were selling things, happy children being carried by their parents, couples holding hands. It was a joy of the Queen to see everyone so happy and full of life. Their contagious happiness dwindled her rage for a bit.





Seeing that she was alone in the balcony, she clasped her hands together and closed her eyes, her head tilted up towards the lovely starry night. "Papa, I miss you already. Mama... please give me strength for tonight."

 

[Sole Survivor]

​

The invitation Ilbryn had received had originally caught him off guard. Truth be told he was one of the prominent knights in the dwarven royal guard despite his elven heritage, but he was not expecting to be invited to attend a royal ball. His views on the balls were trivial - they held no true purpose aside from court affairs. For a group of warriors, soldiers, and trained guardsman such a display of fancy seemed odd. He had been content in his position as the second to the Knight-Commander, so, he had planned on turning down the offer. Yet fate had a different goal in mind for him. Both his mother and father had encouraged him to attend. After all he had been chosen to be interviewed by the Queen herself. An honor, surely, but such a task would pull him from his home if he were to be accepted into the position as one of the twelve nights in her new court sect.


"You'll do well to take this." His father had said confidently. "You're a Berca after all."


Those words were meant to be encouraging. Ilbryn knew that, and he appreciated his adopted father's tries. Though he was an Berca by association he did not have the dwarven blood in his veins. It had taken him a good portion of his life to come to those terms. Many of the other upper class dwarven castes saw it odd for the Berca caste to take in someone at all - especially an elf child that had no tries to his family.


"Your father has a point," His mother cooed, placing a hand on his forearm. She stood barely above four foot 5 inches, so, she was significantly shorter than her son. Had she been taller she would have placed her hand on his shoulder itself. "There is nothing they can hurl at you that you cannot handle."


"One can be surprised." Ilbryn retorted. "But I will not fail you."


Four days ago his mother had packed him three bags worth of rations, poultices, and basic needs. Since it was quite the journey away they had put together a far amount of coinage to purchase a steed that Ilbryn could ride. It would cut down the time it took him to get to the other kingdom as well as not burden him more than he would already have on his shoulders. The steed had to be brought in from the elven kingdom. A massive beast of chocolate and cream - it was breed especially for elves. The small ponies the dwarves used were not good for riding since many of the stout peoples did not use any sort of animal transportation. Even if they had - Ilbryn would have been to lanky to ride upon its back. That was the disadvantage of being five feet six inches tall in a land where most of its people were just around five and a half to at the most five feet tall.


Nonetheless - he had departed from his home. His family and long time companions wished him well in case he did not return to them.

​

Now knee deep in the ball, Ilbryn stood to the side of the event. Adorned in his ceremonial silverite armor, the light of the lanterns glinted off of his pauldrons. The silver toned armor was etched with gold and red steady lined-designs that matched that of the dwarven society's upper guardsman class. His hair was shaved on the sides with what remained in the center, naturally straight whitish blonde strains, pulled back into a sort ponytail. The very end of the hair hung down to the back of his neck where his neck met with his back. Two strips of red silk were used to hold it together with one at the base and the other at the very tips.


A good portion of the night he had felt eyes on him. Namely those of humans. Despite how peace had been in action - there were still prejudices. Ilbryn could feel the stares of human women and men, eyeing up his being. Most of their gazes landed on his face were root like tattoos danced up his cheek bones and forehead back into his hairline as well as long the portions of his shaved head. It was a symbol of elven pride - a choice he did not have. When he was young his mother and father had found him, and he had already been adorned with the religious tattoos that were in respect to the elven deity of strength and guidance, Illewe.


His honey colored hues searched the ground level. He took no notice in their gazes outwardly, keeping any feelings of disapproval to himself. He rose his hand to his face, curling his fingers into a small fist and cleared his throat. There had been no sign of the queen. And he was starting to wonder if she would indeed attend her own event. Carefully, Ilbryn weaved his way through the crowd of peoples. A few 'pardons' escaped his thin lips as he stepped over to the edge of the certain level. Below he could hear the splashing of water against the supports, and he rose the chalice that remained in his other hand to his lips. The warmth of the spirits in the glass were deathly sweet - a pleasant mixture of berries and strength.


In his homeland they did not have these sort of things, and Ilbryn felt himself at a disadvantage compared to most of the others. He would attend the event for a little while longer before he would slip away to return to the chambers he was given for the night. It would be more wise to take what rest he can. His long knife-like ears twitched when a cold breeze brushed against his face, a faint pink covering the tip of his ears.

 

[Soranohime]

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@Ephemeral Epiphany

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Her silky strands of flaxen hair fluttered gently in the air behind her, as if they were dancing along with the night breeze that blew upon it. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear that managed to make its way on her face. It was then that she had noticed a certain figure that caught her eyes. The elven male that had her full attention was rather eye-catching. And it was not common for people to join her in the balcony since most nobility seemed to enjoy partaking in social conversation. Unlike her human companions, her stares were not of enmity, but of her natural curious nature.


He was not familiar to the female but she recognized the intricate tattoos etched on his face and the dwarven designs in his armor from one of her diplomatic studies that particularly focused on other cultures and tradition other than her own place. The boring lectures clearly paid off as she knew that he belonged to a higher-than-average class despite his elven blood. How interesting.


Lastly, one thing she took notice of was the pointy ears that all elves seemed to inherit and how it was in an adorable shade of pink. She always had the urge to touch the sharp tips whenever she was faced with her elven subjects but decided otherwise in fear of her advisers' wrath for her insolent behavior.


Thankfully, she wore nothing close to what identifies her belonging to the Kingdom of Hearts nor to any human clans so it was safe for her to approach him without Queenly formalities. Her current garb was her way of a silent yet childish protest against those old prunes. Normally, the Queen was respectfully towards elders, even establishing a law of prioritizing elders in shops and giving money allowance to people who reached age beyond 100 years but the elders always knew what buttons to push to enraged the ill-tempered female. Yume honestly did not expect for her plan to go so well as they forbade her from speaking in front of the audiences. It worked to her advantage since she was never a fan of formal settings. Festivals and cheerful holidays were more to the queen's liking.





"M'Lord, I speculate that the ball was not to your liking?" A gentle, sympathetic smile graced her lips as she felt her heart reaching out for the stranger when he took a step on the balcony's marble floor. Yes, his handsome and strong facial features and well-groomed appearance was someone that belonged to an upper-class gentleman but his countenance somehow told her that he wanted to be somewhere else that was not here.


"Forgive my intrusive manners. I believe we have not met before. I'm Yume. A native of Kokoro no Oukoku." Her slender fingers extended the edges of her dress and lowered her head as she curtsied with grace befitting one with a high status.


Yume was careful about not mentioning her last name. Saying so would make him recognize her royal status. The Shinoroi is a renowned clan that usually belonged to nobility - rulers, lords, dukes, duchesses and many more. They rarely belonged to anything lower than that. This was because of the natural ability of their body to wield dual elemental nature that puts them on a pedestal.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime

​

In his choice to make way to the marbled balcony, Illbryn had for a second assumed he would have been able to be alone. Yet when he heard a voice his head tilted upward to see if someone had indeed addressed him and in fact not someone else. The curious human woman in front of him had indeed gave her words to him, and Illbryn would lend his ear to her. It was the least he could do considering her words were that of politeness instead of comments on how people were shocked that a dwarven elf guard had managed to be invited to such a party.


His thin lips curled up a tad into a small smile. Seeing a human offer such a polite greeting as a curtsy to him – peaked his interest in the human girl. At her action, he folded his left arm behind his back and his right across his chest. Respectfully he lowered himself, bowing back at full level. Straightening himself up, he arose to meet her eyes with his own. He was about her height if not two inches or so taller. Looking down upon her gentle face, his ears twitched due to the breeze.


“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Yume.” Illbryn repeated the name. He had not known anyone of that name before and he had not seen anyone on the list of knights that he had read that was posted on the door of the event, so, he assumed that she was like she said. A native who had been invited to the ball. Perhaps if anything she was the daughter of one of the knights or nobles that were buys down below. Or even a young lover. “A fitting name for one born of the kingdom of fire and heart.”


His words were true in their nature. The name was strong yet held a beauty that was the embodiment of fire.


At her words, Illbryn chuckled. It was a warm airy laugh that was short and quiet compared to most. His head tilted to the side. “I am not a lord,” The elf spoke. “If one were to be sparing – perhaps so. My dear parents would those of lords and ladies – I am merely in waiting.” Since he was the named heir of House Berca, Illbryn would inherit his dwarven parents land regardless of the fact that he was not their biological heir. He still deemed himself only a partial noble due to his not blood ties to his parents. It did help had made a name for himself due to his rank in the guard.


After a moment he had realized he had not given her a name, “Forgive me.” His voice was smooth and a tad deep, each of those two words spoken with emotion. He had not realized how rude he had been; his mother would have grabbed him by his pointed ear (after having him bend over for her to grab his ear) and dragged him off to a private room to scold him.


“I am Illbryn Berca,” His head bowed. “Knight-Captain of the Royal Kongouseki no Oukoku Guard.”


His memory had little of his true homeland of air and freedom, but even if he had those memories of such a floating city – he would have not called it his home. His earthen land of Kongouseki no Oukoku was what he considered to be his true home.

 

[Soranohime]

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@Ephemeral Epiphany

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Soft, merry laughter from the female filled the temporary silence between the two, sounding like tinkling little bells blown gently by the wind. Her prominent amusement was clear for all to see. It was hard for her to hide it as she had done the same harmless blunder which earned her the unrelenting yet comical reprimands from her adviser.


"There is nothing to forgive, good sire." Yume stifle her amused laughter with her right hand concealing her growing smile on her lips while she waved the other around dismissively. It took her long before she calmed down, her whole face was in an adorable shade of red in her attempt to restrain her mirth.


Seeing that her manners were slipping away from her, the slightly embarrassed female stood up with a straighter back and seemingly permanent blush adorning her pale cheeks. Years of practice made her anxiousness almost imperceptible caused by the thought that the elven stranger might have assumed she was laughing directly at him.


"Truthfully, I never expected company in this good 'ol sanctuary of mine. Rest assured I am never one to turn away a good one." Yume commented out of nowhere in hopes to divert her companion's attention from her earlier lack of manners. With all honesty, no one often dared to enter this area of the castle before as the queen had unofficially marked it as her own. He was a guest in her castle and all visitors are always welcome. 'Traitors are different story,' she mentally added.


"It is a trusty safe haven. Keep this a secret from everyone else," Yume in a humor-filled voice with her gloved right index finger hovering upon her lips. The female gave him a lingering smile before she turned her body towards the smooth, cemented railing of the balcony, her silky gown skirt smoothly flowing along. Her elbows propped upon the cement, her head swiveled to his direction as a silent invitation for him to join her admire the wonderful scene below and above.


"He was a guest in her castle and all visitors are welcome," she repeated the thought once again in her mind. "...tomorrow would be a different story." The growing malicious intent inside her was hidden behind the peaceful facade she put on as her mask.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime



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Kind words and merry laughter – the embodiment of the party now graced his presence in a mortal form. As custom would call, he would nod at her words and offer her a small smile when she laughed. Though it was not in his nature to like this sort of scenario, Illbryn found a fondness on the one-on-one chatter and this woman of refreshing candor.


“I am aware that wandering could land trouble where it is not welcome.” Illbryn admitted with a shrug of his armor, emitting a gentle clank of silver rubbing against silver. “But I can assure you, my lady, I will not tell a soul of this lay-a-way place of peace from the chaos. It will remain a secret -- sealed behind my lips locked away for as long as I live.”


Those words were silly in nature, but the way he spoke with such sincerity and seriousness held meaning.


Her blossoming cheeks growing in shades of red and pink were warm against the cool night backdrop. The way it tinted her face was graceful and slow. It was more gentle than that of a harsh blush that he had seen on the faces of the women below.


Taking three steps towards the balcony, Illbryn leaned against the smooth railing. He leaned forward, gazing down at the people. Crossing his legs, Illbryn exhaled.


“How different it appears from up upon these marble floors,” The elven male spoke as he watched them in interest. “Being embraced in the moment it feels slow and still. Yet from here you can see the full picture. The swirling of long flowing dresses in every shade imaginable and a counterpart waiting to take their hand, whisking them away. It is uniform how they move.”


A particular woman caught his eye. Human in race she was adorned in a golden dress that shined in the light of the lanterns, casting shadows with each twirl and step. Like the morning sun forcing the gaze of the people below despite the clouds that would try to block of their light.


“You did not come here for a lecture,” Illbryn lightly shook his head, looking back at her once more. “I did not mean to ramble.”

 

[Soranohime]

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@Ephemeral Epiphany

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The night was getting colder and colder, evident by the hue of red adorning the paleness of her tiny nose and the visible, forming mist as she exhaled. As she was all ears on the male, the chillness of the bitter cold wind embraced itself upon her exposed and vulnerable arms and shoulder, sending a shudder of chills down her spine.


At his self-accusation, soft laughter was heard from Yume once again as she shook her head in an unhurried manner. Her twinkling eyes lingered on the starry night before her head swiveled to his direction, speaking with amusement dancing on her twinkling orbs of cerulean pink.


"That connotation never crossed my mind at all." A light chuckle escaped the bounds of her lips. "If I may add, I even find it greatly admirable that you manage to perceive and capture the beauty of the seeing the bigger picture. However..."


The support of the railing on her body left her as she pushed herself off of it. Her heels were clicking audibly against the marble tiles as she approached him with predator-like eyes. His left hand, larger than the female's, was captured into hers in a deft motion and shamelessly weaved their fingers together like young lovers.


"...festivals are much more to my liking despite the lack of conformity. Unlike the practiced movements of a ball, the fiery, spontaneous dances in festivals are jovial; more full of life..." The female imitated both dances, all without unloosing her grip on his hand. It was obvious in her hazy eyes that she was lost in her own world, dreaming of the wonderful features of festivals.


"...Like the adrenaline rush coursing through a fighter's body and felt only in a fiercest battle, you passionately dance in accordance to the rhythm of your partner and outdone him or else you'll lose."


Her self-induced trance was broken when something crashed inside, most likely a plate that one of her guest unceremoniously dropped to the tiled floor. The shocked female immediately took a wide step backwards as if burnt. The unconcealed surprise on her face told her companion that her actions were genuinely unintentional. Due to her brash actions, it placed her in an awkward predicament that created an uncomfortable silence between them.


Another cold breeze blew upon them. The thin fabric of her silk gloves were not enough to protect her from the chilly night, resorting her to rely on the warmth provided from the rubbing friction of her clothed hands.


The silence was once again broken by the trumpet inside, signifying that an announcement was about to be publicized. It shook her out of her embarrassed state and placed on a more confident posture. For the first time in this evening, a haughty smirk, tainted with a malevolent intent, became visible on her lips and it was when the end of the tonight's ball was drawing nigh. Her chin lifted up significantly as her steps were more undaunted and pompous as she headed for indoors.


"Good luck, Illbryn of Kongouseki no Oukoku. You'll be needing it in the test tomorrow. I sincerely hope there would be neither grudges nor regrets after I crush you all." Without waiting for any response, Yume swiftly entered the polished smooth surface of the ballroom floor, letting the warmer air hugged her body. She would never let anyone inside her heart nor in her beloved abode. It was clearly a mistake that she allowed herself to talk to him. No outsiders nor anyone shall ever disturb the tranquility she and her family fought hard to protect. No one.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime



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Truthfully, Illbryn had been caught off guard. The elf had been ever so focused on each word that graced her lips that he had been thrown off when she had reached for his own hand. His eyes cast down watching as wrapped her fingers around his own. Not once did he have to move. The Lady Yume only had to move alongside herself, twirling and swirling. A dance for one yet his hand moved along with her in the simply action.


Illbryn had not been raised with dancing. His warrior's gait was forceful and demanding, so, he could only observe. Like a statue he remained still. His eyes were focused - interested and observant. Yet he had been jarred from his thoughts when he had heard the clatter of the fallen plate. His body swiftly turned from the young lady in front of him in the direction of the sound, his hand that once was in hers snagged free and rested atop his the hilt of his sword. After a few moments he realized what it had been, and he let out a short sigh before turning back towards Yume.


Clearing his throat, Illbryn gave a polite nod of his head. He had been about to speak when she had mentioned crushing them. Two blonde brows furrowed, gazing after her once she had left him standing there alone. "I wish you well, Lady Yume." The knight said more or less to himself.


Crush? Illbryn mused, What does she mean?


It hit hard like the sword of a dwarven carta criminal.


There was two options. Lady Yume was either a knight and dressed in less formal wear than her armor or she was in fact the Queen herself. Either one had caught his interest.


Gazing down at the warm berry drink in his cup, Illbryn brought it up to his lips once last time. The last few drops treated his now somewhat dry tongue to a pleasant sensation, tingling of alcohol and the gentle smoothness of fresh fruit.


The night was still young despite the lowering of temperature that normally signified the turning in of the people. Perhaps it was the alcohol that was like fire in his veins that kept him warm, but he felt little chill minus the discoloration of cream to strawberry on the tips of his ear. Exhaling his breath, a small cloud of fog lingered in the air in front of him before dissipating into the night. Another glass tempted his thoughts, but he felt it most wise to head to his room. And in that direction he sauntered.

 

[Soranohime]

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@Ephemeral Epiphany

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As her feet absentmindedly dragged her towards the direction to her sleeping chamber, several protests of disappointment were heard from everywhere, complaining how the Queen was not able to attend her own ball even if the invitation was personally sent by her. Some of them were audacious enough to claim that if ever she was present, they would be able to charm the heart of the fiery, passionate Queen and be her King, making her gag mentally as she walked by.


'How bold and naive!' Yume hastened her steps, too abhorred to hear more of their deluded presumptions. The appointment of nobility does not simply work that way. One have to defeat the current position holder in order to secure a place as a noble in the Kingdom. In her case, someone have to challenge her into a duel to earn his rightful position as a reigning monarch. If a male defeated her, he had earned the right to become the King. If it were a female, Yume would simply be replaced. No one had accomplish that feat so far as there was no present King ruling beside her and she was still the prevailing Queen.


The room was getting warmer as she drew closer to her room. Warmth of the fireplace embraced her entirety, making her close her eyes and sigh in bliss. The soothing heat left a proof of its touch through the pinkish tint that became visible on her soft, once pale cheeks. As her eyes fluttered open, they immediately got caught by the lone bed in the midst of her room - it was cajoling the exhausted female to come and rest at its comforting refuge. Not once did the female thought of protesting against its beckoning. Without moment's hesitation, she strode her way towards the silky mattress and fell on it with a muffled thud, not bothering to change her garb into ones that were better suited for slumber. A soft yawn escaped her lips before she slowly drifted off to sleep.


In the midst of the night, her peaceful rest was disturbed as an ominous nightmare corrupted her dreamless sleep. It was someone of an Elven blood that haunted her in her dreams. He arrived and destroyed everything she sought to protect with her life: her people and the Kingdom. Soft whimpers and mumbles of protests were heard from the sleeping female, her thin body looked even more vulnerable as beads of sweat covered her head and body.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime



​

The moments that passed after the fair woman left Illbryn's side were spent in a mixture of the court's game of social interactions along side of a few more glasses of the warm berry flavored ale. Despite his better judgement to avoid drinking, Illbryn had found himself trying to revel in the chaotic event. Once he returned home there would be less of this sort of thing and there would be quite a time before he could even have the experience once more. His actions, though a slight abnormal, did pay off in the end. Among-st the knights that were taking their precious time to head to their chambers, Illbryn found himself making acquaintances as well as picking out which of the knights he would make sure to avoid. One such knight was a made from the Kingdom of Heart itself.


A man with fiery red locks had stopped him, and the other had asked a number of questions that were personal in nature. Some of them were muffled out by the voices of the crowd that surrounded them but one in particular had made its way onto Illbryn's knife ears.


"Do you miss the land your ancestors hail from?"


The answer to the question was quite simple. The elf have responded with a short, polite no accompanied by the shaking of his head. Normally this would be a sign that he did not wish to continue their conversation; however, the human knight seemed inclined to continue with the topic, letting it run free instead of reigning it in.


"What a shame that is, isn't it? All those floating temples -- least from what I have heard about that place. I, for one, would never go to such a place. I am in my homeland and I am quite fond of it. A miss-match being like yourself taking up so high in the royal guard of a dwarven kingdom. What a topic! I'm sure the Queen will pity you with a simple conversation to satisfy her thirst of your odd nature. After all there is no way a elf can win a fight with dwarven battle techniques. Your body is not built for such stout and sturdy fighting."


Illbryn returned the man's comment with the simple words: "We shall see."


Excusing himself from the awkward situation - which was more common than one would think - Illbryn sauntered down the hall to the chambers that were given to him by her worship. His gloved hand reached for the handle to only be stopped.


"Excuse me -- good sire?"


More conversation -- a thought that was not the most pleasant thought, but still he turned to face the voice. In front of him stood a young woman who barely looked of age. Long spring like chocolate curls twirled into tight loops framed her face with two golden hues peering up at him. Rosy cheeks and round features greeted him more warmly than what treatment he endured at the ball itself.


"Yes?" His voice was careful unsure of what exactly she desired from him. Especially since she was so young. There was little he could offer her, and what he thought she might want he was certainly not going to humor her. "Is there anything I can do to assist you?"


Her cheeks reddened worse, growing in color like the spring's first blossoming roses. Eyes cast downward, she dug her brown boots into the smooth marble flooring. She chewed on her bottom lip, tugging at the pale pink flesh before extending out her hand. Clutched loosely in he small fingers a rag of pale blue with little yellow lilies adorning the material was partially balled up. "A token for the knight."


Illbryn cocked a brow at her action, gazing down at the token. It was not common in dwarven society to give a token to a fighter, but in others he knew it to be a symbol of respect and admiration. "For me?"


"Yes -- sire!" The brunette stumbled more over her words, giggling nervously in his presence. "I had seen you spend most of your time at the ball alone. I was too frightened to approach you in the presence of those around you." She paused, blinking her long lashes in his direction. "The burden you must bare! They were hardly kind -- the talk of you had reached many ears tonight. I would ask you take it in a symbol that not all of us are against your people."


Illbryn nodded slowly, his lips parted as if they were expecting him to speak. There were not many words he could weave together in response, "I thank you for the kind words. A token such as this would be an honor to bare out for all to see. Yet I must earn this on my own merit if I may win. I will keep in mind your face and words, if that offers any sort of comfort."


The young girl beamed up at him, mouth wide and gaping in surprise. She quickly tucked away her cloth in the pocket on her dress. Embarrassment filled her, but she did not flee despite the desire too. "It does, sire. Do sleep well and I will look for you after your battle." She bowed her head as she backed away with the warm from her flushed cheeks growing worse and worse. "Thank you. Sleep well, sire."


With that Illbryn retired into his chambers -- a bit more confused. The knight slipped out of his clothing, leaving him standing there in nothing more than fitted undergarments he wore over his lower half. His body was shrouded by the dulled light entering through the curtains by the window while he crossed the room to the bed that was calling to him. Climbing into the sheets, Illbryn made himself comfortable by laying on his stomach with his arms folded under a pillow and the blankets resting just above his backside. Tomorrow would bring a challenge and he needed sleep -- peaceful if it could be.


Hues covered by darkness, his eyes closed and he breathed in slowly. Sleep grabbed at his body, hungry and desiring to embrace him. The elf fought not, allowing it to take guide him into his dreams.

 

[Soranohime]

Day One:


Phase I - The Decisive Battle Between the Knights


???????????????

@Ephemeral Epiphany

The first thing she was aware of was a wonderful, warm, smell teasing that her nose. It had a slight spice to it and drew her from the clutching grasp of sleep.


Cinnamon.


As the spicy-sweet aroma pulled her further from slumber, her other senses began to wake up. Light footsteps tread slowly from the direction of the door towards the place where the large-sized window of the room was placed. Her eyes did not have to see to know that it was her favorite maidservant, Maria. She clutched on the bed sheets beneath her and anticipated in agony of the impending irritation she foresaw was to come.


There - a vexatious sound of metal sliding against metal reached her ears, making the groggy Queen groan as her room began to lightened up significantly. Her eyelids glowed red and she squeezed them shut against the bright sunlight she knew waited for her. Her slender arms held out and tried to swat away the offending light but the irritated female knew it was in vain.


"Good day, Your Grace. I'm afraid I have to wake you from your slumber but today is an important day," Maria said in her own sweet, motherly voice.


Her mind was fully aware of that. The advisers made it clear that it was so and that was the sole reason she wanted to remain on the possession of her tempting bed. But alas - it was not right for a Queen to abandon her for the reason her advisers annoyed her. She slowly sat up from her relaxed position against the pillow, ignoring the protest of her tired and aching body, and stretched out her arms. Her back was straight up - flaxen tousled hair reaching in a distracting manner to her waist and a hand rested on the bed to support her. She was tired, yes, and she knew that it would greatly affect her in her battle today - if someone was strong enough to defeat her strongest knights.


Her fingertips briefly pressed into the edges of her eyes as she tried to brush away the sleepiness in them. Her eyes sluggishly adjusted to the golden light and went to the left side of her room. Yume could see through the window the stretch of sky hinted at a beautiful day. Her musings had been cut off abruptly at sound of the old yet gentle voice of her lone companion in the room.


"The bath has prepared, Your Grace."


Yume nodded once and that was enough for Maria. The humble maidservant lowered her head in respect before she swiftly left the room without making a single sound.

????????

​

The evidence of the turbulent slumber was washed away by the drops of warm water that slid down her body. What could have the dream meant? It was the first time it ever occurred to her as if her ominous dream was warning her about an impending danger that was about to come. Yume absentmindedly went through the usual process of bathing: lathering herself with a lavender-scented soap and massaging her blonde mane with a random shampoo Maria provided for her.


"No knight outside the kingdom must not earn a spot in the order. Not even one," she mumbled to herself before she let the water removed the suds of her naked body.

???????????????

​

The golden ball of light shone down brightly at the battle arena. It was not a far walk from the heart of the Kingdom, just a few kilometers from the gates of the castle, especially for people attuned to traveling long distances. The invited candidates from kingdoms around the world had been told to gather here during the announcement last night.


The Queen strode confidently towards the direction of the high room that held the most important people, greeting the cheerful people along the way. Clothed in her battle clothes, she stood up like a sore thumb in her crimson colored dress, its eye-catching color matched the rich color of blood. It barely reached mid thigh as Yume preferred unnecessary restrictions. At her gloved dominant left hand was a short staff while the other was noticeably empty. Atop of her unbounded blonde hair was her all-time favorite hat that she had wore during all of her battles.


Yume stopped her motions for a while as she was now seated on a throne-like chair. Her cerulean pink orbs traveled at the preparations her subject had went through for the past few days. Disregarding her gratefulness and amazed wonder, the exasperated female let out a heavy sigh at the trouble her beloved people had to do. Yume never liked the hassle and excessive exhibit that her advisers undergone just to merely show off the skills of the battling warriors and display the capabilities of the Heart Kingdom. Yet, it eased her seeing the visible excitement and giddiness dancing in the eyes of her people.


"I'll be giving the show my people want," With these thought in mind, Yume leaned back and observed the people below with a smile.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime



​

Dawn had rose over the kingdom of hearts, signalling the day of the tourney. Illbryn had slept well throughout the night due to the warm mead that had filled his veins and in the end fogged a bit of his thoughts. Pulling himself out of his bed, the elf stretched his arms over his head languidly. Each muscle in his body tightened, shivering as the tension left his bones. His body was trained for the tourney due to many years of hard work to perfect his craft. There was always a pang of nervousness in his stomach when he would be put before spectators to watch him do battle.


A short knocking on the chamber doors turned his thoughts to what he needed to do. The voice of a woman on the other side told him to ready himself. He replied politely and set out to get his battle gear ready and make himself presentable.

​

Illbryn stood before the cheering crowd with the others knights in the center of stadium. His eyes focused up on the high box for when the Queen had entered. His head tilted up when he squinted to get a better look at her, and his eyes widened. How surprising. He thought to himself. That woman he had spoken to was in fact the Queen? It couldn't be but now at the moment it was more likely. It made him all the more curious about her and what he goal had been to speak to him last night with no intention of telling him whom she was. After all many of the knights and nobles had wanted to speak to her.


Now he could all but wait to see what the tourney would hold for him, his future, and those men and women that stood around him.

​

 

[Soranohime]

Day One:


Phase I - The Decisive Battle Between the Knights


●▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●

@Ephemeral Epiphany

"To every competitors from different kingdoms, every spectators on the sides, noble and civilian alike, I welcome you to Kokoro no Oukoku!" Her booming voice was soon overwhelmed by the loud cheers in response from her audience. The Queen looked over all of the people as she waited for the applause to die down.


"It is to everyone's knowledge that today will be the day where the invited people from other kingdom battle to secure a position as one of the twelve knights in the Order." Every head inside the arena was now looking at her silently in excited anticipation to which Yume silently approved.





"The selection of the knights would undergo several phases: each of them testing whether the competing participants have the rights of being a honorable knight by strictly abiding to the Kingdom's knightly code."





As she was about to speak once again, someone nudged her from behind. This action made her pause for a while to see who disturbed her in the midst of her speech. It was Maria once again, which made Yume relaxed immediately. A scroll was given to the Queen as soon as the maidservant caught her attention. Letting it roll open to see the contents, her eyes scanned through the whole content in a hastened manner.





A pleased expression followed by a deep frown seconds later could be seen on her face before her right gloved hand crushed the scroll and burned it to ashes without further consideration. Damn to those old prunes to ruin the happy mood she was in.


"As I promised..." Frown turned stoic after her attention was steered back to the waiting audiences below her.


"The number of competitors would dwindle down to less than a half. Before anything else, I'm afraid I have to lessen the current number before the tournament would actually start."


Murmurs and sounds of protest were heard all around immediately to which the Queen raised her hand as a sign of silencing. Their sentiments were deeply understood but the kingdom could not afford to hold immoderate amount of battle in one day. They still have several phases to undergo and they only dedicated one to two days for the first phase for physical test.





The female inside immediately disappeared into a wisp of beautiful crimson inferno, her signature color. The ball of fire swiped down to the ground, leaving a trail of fading fire and smoke at its trail. Perhaps, a wielder of an eye-catching magic was born for such a flamboyant position such as a Queen. Not a feat that she desired with all honesty. The ability to soothe and heal was what she yearned for but all she was gifted was an ability of immense power and destruction.





As soon as the burning sphere touched the battle ground, it altered back to its human form, revealing the crimson clad Queen. Yume walked around with her staff still in her hand, her feet dragged her to the nearest knight. He was a human with relatively normal looking features: dark brown hair with equally brown eyes with a slightly angular face. She fully faced the man who was now stiff and alert but it did not escape her notice how his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. A sign of nervousness. Just how she liked them to be.


"State your name and your kingdom, knight." This certainly made the male even more nervous especially at how all the eyes in the arena was now directed at him.


"Knight A-Alden, your Grace. Member of the Royal Kokoro no Oukoku Guard!" He shouted in a booming voice, trying to sound strong through his loud volume. Yume fought the urge to click her tongue in distaste. False confidence made his anxiousness even more prominent. His face was not familiar to her in the least, making her assume that he was a new member. Lucky him for he was not in the list. Spared from getting removed, she moved to the next knight.


This elf looked more sure of himself. Just like most of those with elven blood she had met, the knight she was currently examining had the typical traits: handsome fine features and pointed ears with a slender build. The smirk on his lips that screamed confidence-bordering-arrogance made Yume want to punch him in the face immediately. Yet, it was not appropriate for someone like her to behave in such an uncivilized manner despite the teeming desire to do so.


"Name and kingdom," Yume demanded with an authorative voice, hoping to mask the annoyance she was experiencing at the moment.


"Knight Ectheldir, your Grace.. Member of the Royal Supedo no Oukoku Guard." His line was delivered smoothly and confidently but unfortunately for him, Yume clearly remembered his voice from yesterday. Despite the very brief encounter, Ectheldir broke a code of being a true knight. He was someone who did not fit the role of a member in the most honorable and chivalrous order their kingdom had established. The haughty male was certainly not in the list of the knights to be ousted but she was one of the people that would determine whether someone would stay or not.


"You are dismissed." Yume was secretly relishing at the stupefied expression on his face before she looked away and moved on to the next knight. Pity and empathy filled her heart about the shouts of protests from the disappointed audiences but her decision was final and irrevocable.

 

[Sole Survivor]

​

@Soranohime



​

Illbryn listened intently, feeling the ends of his knife like ears twitch to focus on her words. Sharp intelligent eyes honed it on her form and for not even a second did they leave her being. She was magnificent in her battle attire. Adorned like a deadly rose that one would long to get close to only to have it strike them with its thorns. From the brief encounter the two had shared he had not assumed her to be the Queen. Realizing his mistake he felt a wave of cool relief spread over his body through his veins. By some miracle the creators spared his life to not be cut down by her mighty hand that evening. Even with the sweetest of nectar in his blood and the somewhat cloudy thoughts -- he had truly come out unscathed.


The kingdom's knight code.


A topic he knew little of in all honest. He had spent a fair about of time with the scholars of his homeland to learn about the kingdom of hearts and fire. Most of the rules were different from those of his homeland. His peoples took royalty by the royal bloodline. Here this was so different, and yet he felt excited. In his heart he was certain he could stand the test that she would put before him. And if he could not? He was not worthy to serve in another kingdom. It was how the affair would go. Illbryn would respect her kingdom and her rules much like hoped those who visit his own would do. But this was worth more than his homeland. This was the heart of the continent. Here was where those who mattered stood in shining armors together ready - strong of heart and mind. A place he longed to serve.


At the mention of narrowing down the already sizable group of knights, his brow furrowed together. Creasing his forehead in thought he wondered how many would be taken from the ranks that now made their stance next to him. Reaching up his hand pushed up the visor of his helmet to get a better look at those around him. Whilst his head did not move much his eyes drifted from face to face of the others. Human, Elf, and Dwarf each shared looks of fear. Not for disappointment in their own skill but for the fact that the Queen may decide a detail of them was not suiting to her.


The awaiting eyes of the crowds barred down on the knights. One by one as the Queen passed her judgement upon them. There were shouts of disappointment when a favorite was cast to the side, and cheers of pure unadulterated joy when another would be allowed to remain for the battle. The male elf could only wait his turn. Watching her go down each member speaking to them and either spending them away or continuing on. Not to far from him, he could see her exchange of words with the other elven knight he had seen earlier. At his dismissal, Illbryn could not help the fact his brows rose in curiosity. That came as a surprise to him. He allowed his warm hues to move forward, keeping his gaze forward and his stance strong. His lean but muscular form did not shake or shiver. Many hours he had kept such a stance and he knew well to keep his body tight.


Once he saw her out of the corner of his eye approaching himself, Illbryn bowed his head politely, "My Queen." The words came out respectful but were delivered with a softness like that of charmeuse. Though she was not his queen she was still a queen that deserved respect. A respect he could not have given her the night before since he had not known whom her true identity belonged.

 

[Soranohime]

Day One:


Phase I - The Decisive Battle Between the Knights


●▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●

@Ephemeral Epiphany

The celestial ball of inferno shone harshly on the horde of people gathered upon the arena. Even the human embodiment of fire was not immune to the rising temperature of place as sweat was visible in her forehead. After hours of evaluation, signs of slight exhaustion could be visible as her heel-clad feet, blanketed with a layer of gathered dry dirt, left a small trall of dust as she was subtly dragging herself by now and her pink lips were slightly chapped as they suffered from the lack of moisture. Her tiredness made her slightly grateful for the decision of the elders not to let her engage in a battle today - this was a secret that she would gladly take to her grave.


It was only until she faced the man from last evening that her whole demeanor changed. The respectful words were delivered with his voice as how she remembered it to be, deep and velvety rich. Only the most observant people could see the slight twitch on the Queen's lips as if it was aching to smile. She managed to retain an impassive expression but her eyes shone in the morbid amusement as they stalled upon the knightly figure in front of her.


Even if she was fully aware of what his answer and her decision was going to be, she still questioned Illbryn. For formality's sake, she asked the same command she had used on every knight in the arena. One subtle yet glaringly prominent movement was different from the rest of the knight she had encountered. With swift motion, her hand reached out from beneath his chin, her dull fingernail making a soft thunk against the metallic surface of his helmet as she tilted his head from its lowered position. This gesture broke the deafening silence of the place with a slight murmuring from both the audiences in the bleachers down to the awaiting knights in the lower ground.


"State your name and kingdom, knight."


Perhaps it was a way to agitate everyone to watch out for this particular knight or she only felt like doing it. Whatever the reason was, the deed was done and there was no taking in back. Everyone, eager as ever, was bracing themselves in their seat for now as Illbryn was the last knight to be evaluated.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime



​

The event was a game. A trivial matter that he knew he could in all fairness play along to despite his natural habit of preferring not to linger in the game. He desired the more straight path -- be it talking or fighting. Lingering the position of the middle only made him more aware of the faint drops of sweat forming on his brow from under his blackened blue helmet.


All until he felt his head being lifted up. Two hues of chocolate lifted up with the action moving to meet her gaze from under the visor. The corner of his left lip curved upward seeing her looking at him. That small action was an action he knew could cause quite the stir. Not only was it something she had not offered to any of the other men and women who were fighting for the honor of serving her, but it could be called a bit of favoritism. Illbryn wouldn't call it the latter. The fair queen had no reason to favor him or take interest in him compared to the others. It very well could just be a part of the game itself. Yet it did linger in his thoughts as he straightened his body to face her properly.


"Your Highness, I am Illbryn Berca. Knight-Captain of the Konogouseki no Oukoku Guard." His head nodded in a small motion that was slow resembling a bow without letting his head move back to the position it had taken before her touch.


What her choice for his fate he did not know. In the meaning of the phrase, Illbryn's fate did rest in the palm of her hand. One flick and she could toss him to the side if her spirit willed it. All he could do not was wait her judgement.

 

[Soranohime]

Day One:


Phase I - The Decisive Battle Between the Knights


●▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●

@Ephemeral Epiphany

This time, she did not repress her amusement from being expressed by her face as a smirk emerged from her once stoic features. Of course, this slight movement of her lips caught everyone's attention, making both knight and civilians alike create an uproar. Yume only prevented her smirk from widening. They were clearly playing into the palm of her hands. It was intentional, her lingering in her current position much longer than she had with another knight. Everyone was bracing on their seats by now, eager to know what the Queen's decision would be. It spoke volumes that there was something in this knight that they had to look out for.


She took her sweet time observing the male before him. Aside from his strikingly handsome features, beads of sweat decorated his brow but the stoic expression he had never wavered. A feat that was admirable but at the same time, it stirred the feeling of envy within her. Her hand finally lowered back to her side before she moved on to the next knight. Deafening silence was only the response of the waiting spectators until one girl initiated a clap and others followed suit. Soon, the arena was filled with the joyous sound of applause and cheers.


'That's it...'


When Illbryn failed, Yume strongly wished others were looking as he did. It was quite an immature revenge really. Oddly, the unsuspecting male was punished for his innocent actions from last evening even if Yume was the one who clearly initiated the conversation. The shame he unintentionally left on her was a shame she already been seared in her heart.

 

[Sole Survivor]

@Soranohime

​

Heat boiled under his light tan skin leaving a trail of small prickles of pins and needles on the back of his arms as well as the backs of his calves. Trying to pinpoint to what extent and what emotion was causing such a reaction of his skin to crawl, Illbryn found no answer to his body's displeasure. He straightened up tall once the queen moved past him. From the audience he could feel their gaze on him as well as the knights to his left. The feeling of being watched -- no, observed for the amusement of others was what drifted into his mind. A feeling more than likely to be the cause.


Once in the past had he felt such a feeling that mimicked in it comparison. When he had been chosen to take his stop as Knight-Captain. Flashes of black figures in front of him with tall alabaster and stone surrounding him. In rows of stone pews dwarven men and women came to watch the ceremony. Sitting at the third and fourth seats on the seventh row were none other than his adopted mother and father. Their eyes watched him upon the raised stage with pride spilling out and down their faces. Namely his mothers own. His father was stoic in expression but his eyes softer than normal. In his memory he remembered each of the faces of the dwarves to his left and to his right. But they didn't matter. In front of them a short dwarven woman with caramel skin and short choppy black hair stood with one sword in her hand. A finely crafted blade of silver with small etches of emerald embedded within its might length. It would be given to those who survived the training and would take second in the order of knights.


The woman paced down the stage gazing at each of the recruits till she landed upon Illbryn. She hesitated. Her steely eyes peered up into his own, considering he was a fair four or fives inches taller than herself. Brow furrowed and a creased forehead where the only signs that she gave to him. No words needed to be exchanged between the pair. Not now and not again. The room filled with inaudible whispers. Illbryn was left with not a clue to what they were saying nor had the elf tried. His attention was placed fully on the woman before him. Moments went by that felt like a life time. Than finally she had spoken to him.


"In our ranks -- an elf."


The crowd of dwarven onlookers went as still as the stone they sat upon. Not one even dared to breathe. Her arms lifted and she held out the sword to him.


His memories vanished before his eyes as he head the audience cheer and call out in excitement at the Queen's choices. His lips held together in an fair yet calm expression from under his helmet. Not only now did he feel that the queen was expecting something -- Illbryn felt a drive to show her what he could do. Much like that moment years ago he would give his everything for this chance. Yet this was only the start of an uphill climb to the finish line. Be in at the Queens' side or shipped now.


For now he was safe.


In the recesses of his mind, Illbryn wondered. Despite her allowing him to stay did she have a plan for him? Why was he singled out? Perhaps it was his own curiosity that had landed him from the party and into her grasps the evening before?


His pointed ears twitched under his helmet as his eyes followed the Queen, waiting her next move.

 

[Soranohime]

Day One:


Phase I - The Decisive Battle Between the Knights


●▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●

@Ephemeral Epiphany

Yume finally evaluated every single knight in the arena, much to her and everyone's relief. The prominent memory that caused everyone's bewilderment was the earlier stunt of hers was not reenacted even once. In a flick of her wrist, her human body altered to her fire form and traveled back to the topmost room in the arena. This form did not hold for long as the fiery ball of fire changed back to its human form when it arrived at its destination.





Every eyes turned to the Queen's direction. It was then that everyone noticed the new figure that had been lingering in the small area reserved only to those who held higher positions. It was a man; particularly a knight that belonged to the Oukoku Kingdom. His allegiance was evident through his stainless armor that was embellished with red and silver patterns matching the kingdom's signature design. Yet, it was not what made the several women swoon.





His face was visible for everyone to see as his silver helmet was tucked neatly beneath his right arm, the crimson red feather atop of it danced rhythmically with the soft breeze. This fortunate man was endowed with handsome features accompanied with fair skin; his flaxen hair dancing in the breeze, rivaling the sun in its brightness. What most especially beckoned hundred of his admirers was his signature foxy grin that glinted in the sunlight.





The two authoritative figures above clash against each other like the sun and moon with their contradictory expression; one of solemnity and one of frivolity.The unnamed knight approached the queen with ease like they had known each other for long, his gem-like azure eyes were glittering with slight mischief and warmth as he did so. Nearing himself towards Yume's ear, the small movements of his lips revealed that he was whispering. This seemed to excite the crowd as loud murmuring had occurred once again. It was perhaps because to most knowledge, the people allowed by the Queen to be at this proximity could only be counted by one hand and clearly, this knight belonged to the privileged minority.


"Hey, isn't that the knight rumored to be involved in a dalliance with the queen?"


A man beside Illbryn nudged him lightly with his elbow. Through his glistening armor, the design on it was prominent that he belonged to the kingdom of Hearts. His face, on the other hand, was hidden from the elf's sight as he was wearing the kingdom's signature metallic silver helmet. His bubbly voice told Illbryn that he was the type of a man who would continue to chatter whether the man he was talking to was listening or not.


True to his words, Eloise appeared to be a befitting man of charisma to stand beside the queen. They were once caught in scandal of being in a love affair before it dwindle into a soft murmur gossip. Despite the efforts of the elders, the rumors was still there, like a fading tiny wisp of flame but still burning.


"Rumor has it that the astonishing repertoire of Sir Eloise was enough for a position of king but he had yet to duel with the Queen to test out this possibility. Such a shame really."


His one-sided conversation was cut short when the queen above cleared her throat loudly to catch the audiences' diverting attention.





"The original number of candidates decreased to less than a half. However, this not due to unjustified or ludicrous reasons. In actuality, the yesterday's ball was a pretest to everyone. There had been 'spectators' observing everyone during the event, listing people unfitting to our kingdom's knightly order. Unfortunately for most, some of the candidates' behavior were not deemed appropriate for someone that will beheld an important position." The crowd went buzzing once again but the queen seemed unfazed as she continued to speak.





"Let me inform those who do not know our knightly code and refresh the minds of those who already knew. To put it simply, the Twelve Knights of the Order have to be loyal subjects first, competent warriors second and chivalrous third. And that is all for this morning. Rest while you can as the first phase of the evaluation will finally begin in the afternoon. Dismiss."