DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
Nil picked up her beverage and leaned back in the comfortable sofa. She looked at Eias with a considerate, kind expression as she listened to the words of the noble. She was sure that they were anxious of the upcoming trials and wanted to help them more than anything... so upon hearing her plea she nodded and began talking.
"In Ca-Elum - and in extension during its trials too - the 3 'M' is what always measured: mind, mettle and merit. In the eyes of the nobles the greatest champions are those who have a strong soul, will and body, one whose wits are quick, one whose mind is cunning and one who is honorable and deserves praise through his or her deeds."
She sipped her tea and smiled.
"I lack the merit part due to my weak constitution, but so do many other nobles lack the other two traits. This is why it is a great honor to be nominated to the Games by default and it is even a greater honor to compete against other worthy nobles. No dirty cheaters or tricky bastards shall be put against you: only those who were deemed worthy by the Lord and the council may fight for glory."
She put her cup down and looked at the girls.
"As you might have figured out the trials you have shall also focus on the three 'M's. Make no mistake, each of them will carry the remnants of all three, it is just one trial will lean heavily towards physical exercise while others for example shall test your wits and will instead."
Aeris nodded.
"We received one already, or well, it unveiled itself. It calls for someone whose knowledge is of the noble heritage and we thought of you as a prime example."
"You flatter me." Nil smiled, bowing her head towards Aeris "Your decision - as humbling as it is to me - was indeed a wise one. Chances are that I can indeed help you. May I see the card?"
Aeris handed over the piece of paper and after but moments of examination Nil nodded.
"Ahh, this is a famous one. "The Shattering Illusion" is a test which will test your merits, first and foremost. It shall put your constitution to the test."
Aeris remained silent as Nil continued.
"The test will - as the name indicates - nullify everything which is illusory or magical origin. Whilst you are in the main area where the trial takes place no amount of willpower of magical prowess shall enable you to summon the weakest spell in the world: you will be completely neutralized and will be forced to endure your own." she paused and her visage turned serious "I have to emphasize that this affects your wear as well: any enchantments you may decide to equip to your clothes and any magical properties they will have will be useless during this particular trial. No matter how hard you try everything shall revert into its normal function - including corsets."
She sipped her drink a bit then nodded.
"As I said every trial will continue to stick with you partially throughout the Chess Game, this is why tactics is important. The Shattering Illusion will linger with you in a dangerous way: unexpectedly you may find your spells and clothes neutralized for few minutes randomly in the labyrinth without any warning in advance. Should you wish to take this challenge as the first one know that you may not be able to rely on your magic very often."
Aeris furrowed her brows.
"This sounds very punishing."
"Perhaps at first it does and it is especially dangerous for those who live off of magical energies or use them frequently." Nil said, touching her corset "Then again, for teams who rely on agility and physical strength will find this particular challenge easy and a non-issue. I can not stress this enough: plan ahead, My Lord, My Lady. It will help you a great deal later on."
"In Ca-Elum - and in extension during its trials too - the 3 'M' is what always measured: mind, mettle and merit. In the eyes of the nobles the greatest champions are those who have a strong soul, will and body, one whose wits are quick, one whose mind is cunning and one who is honorable and deserves praise through his or her deeds."
She sipped her tea and smiled.
"I lack the merit part due to my weak constitution, but so do many other nobles lack the other two traits. This is why it is a great honor to be nominated to the Games by default and it is even a greater honor to compete against other worthy nobles. No dirty cheaters or tricky bastards shall be put against you: only those who were deemed worthy by the Lord and the council may fight for glory."
She put her cup down and looked at the girls.
"As you might have figured out the trials you have shall also focus on the three 'M's. Make no mistake, each of them will carry the remnants of all three, it is just one trial will lean heavily towards physical exercise while others for example shall test your wits and will instead."
Aeris nodded.
"We received one already, or well, it unveiled itself. It calls for someone whose knowledge is of the noble heritage and we thought of you as a prime example."
"You flatter me." Nil smiled, bowing her head towards Aeris "Your decision - as humbling as it is to me - was indeed a wise one. Chances are that I can indeed help you. May I see the card?"
Aeris handed over the piece of paper and after but moments of examination Nil nodded.
"Ahh, this is a famous one. "The Shattering Illusion" is a test which will test your merits, first and foremost. It shall put your constitution to the test."
Aeris remained silent as Nil continued.
"The test will - as the name indicates - nullify everything which is illusory or magical origin. Whilst you are in the main area where the trial takes place no amount of willpower of magical prowess shall enable you to summon the weakest spell in the world: you will be completely neutralized and will be forced to endure your own." she paused and her visage turned serious "I have to emphasize that this affects your wear as well: any enchantments you may decide to equip to your clothes and any magical properties they will have will be useless during this particular trial. No matter how hard you try everything shall revert into its normal function - including corsets."
She sipped her drink a bit then nodded.
"As I said every trial will continue to stick with you partially throughout the Chess Game, this is why tactics is important. The Shattering Illusion will linger with you in a dangerous way: unexpectedly you may find your spells and clothes neutralized for few minutes randomly in the labyrinth without any warning in advance. Should you wish to take this challenge as the first one know that you may not be able to rely on your magic very often."
Aeris furrowed her brows.
"This sounds very punishing."
"Perhaps at first it does and it is especially dangerous for those who live off of magical energies or use them frequently." Nil said, touching her corset "Then again, for teams who rely on agility and physical strength will find this particular challenge easy and a non-issue. I can not stress this enough: plan ahead, My Lord, My Lady. It will help you a great deal later on."