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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 3:58:31 GMT -6
Screams echoed within the underground corridors.
Frightened by the unfamiliar cry that rang from her mother's voice in the adjacent room, the small child tightened both of her tiny hands; one around the doll her mother personally crafted as a gift to her, the other around the hand of the tribeswoman accompanying her. Although the child had yet to learn everyone's names, she felt no fear in the stranger's companionship, for their lives belong to the same tribe as the other. That means that they share things even if the child didn't completely understand what those things were yet. It mean they would not cause harm to the other. It meant that they are friends-- no, family that is to be trusted, even if they did not share bloodlines.
"Are you afraid?" asked the tribeswoman by her side.
The child began nodding. "What's happening to mom?"
The woman gave her a soft, reassuring smile and caressed her head. "Do not worry, deary. What your mother is going through is just a natural process that happened just a little bit sooner than expected. The nice people with her are helping her. And when it is all over? You will have a healthy baby brother or sister to play with!"
The child brightened up slightly at the prospect of having a sibling, but still trembled in nervousness and clung to her doll for security. When her mother began gasping in pain and giving panicked yells at her to call the midwives, the poor creature was spooked out of her skin. After running as fast as her legs could take her for help, she was escorted just outside mother's bedroom and told to wait outside with the nice lady.
"It's okay to be nervous", said the tribeswoman. "...Do you want to know something? You are actually behaving much calmer than your daddy was when this first happened! He shook twice as hard as you did and paced everywhere. I do wonder if things would change if he was here with you."
The child only muttered a small "hm" at the mention of her father, the chieftain. In truth, she did not really like her father. Compared to her affectionate mother, he seemed more distant from her, and only spoke to her a few moments at a time. Additionally, more than once did she overhear his words of preferring to have had a son over a daughter when he hadn't believed her to be present. As a result, the child truly prefers her father when he is not near; whether he be patrolling the woods outside or seeking traders elsewhere.
After some time, the kind tribeswoman was about to speak again when one of the midwives opened the bedroom door and slipped outside.
"Is mom okay?" asked the child.
The midwife looked at the child, failing to hide her conflicted expression. She turned to the other tribeswoman with the child and whispered in her ear. The midwife sighed deeply and began walked away as the tribeswoman pulled on the child's hand to lead her away.
"Come, child. Tell me where your bedroom is."
"Why?" asked the child. "Did something happen to mom?"
"It... It is best that you go to sleep for the night", said the tribeswoman, no longer looking her in the eye.
The child did not feel like sleeping, but nonetheless did as she was told, showing the tribeswoman the way and allowing herself to be tucked in despite her desires for her mother to be the one to do the deed.
Hours later, she was awoken by the sounds of a series of violent crashing in her home. Upon going outside to see what caused it, she saw her father having returned from his expedition. He had a hand over his eyes as he knelt down around furniture and other items smashed in rage. Upon seeing his frightened daughter peering out of the corner, he suddenly stood up and stormed out without a word to her. It would some time for the child to discover her mother and brother had both passed on that day.
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:01:45 GMT -6
It was supposed to be a simple diplomatic visit with armed soldiers to the Dalish kingdom of Nightingdale.
Now, a single young warrior remained, desperately running and only barely able to raise his blade and defend himself against the horde of shadowy humanoids with bat-like wings and claws capable of rending his metal armor, the rest of his companions wiped out as a direct result of the sudden ambush. He was clutching his sides in an attempt at covering a grievous injury, blood from his head had run down and blinded one of his eyes, and he was clearly outnumbered. His only chance at survival, he figured, was to take a blind run into the nearest forest and hope to lose his assailants somehow.
He was wrong on two counts: one by having mistaken the difficult to navigate swamplands for a comparatively easy to navigate forest, and two by believing he could out maneuver the shadowy attackers.
Two attackers managed to fly ahead of him and charged from his front, possibly in order to cause him to slow down and allow the larger horde from behind to catch up and overwhelm him. He raised his sword, which was primarily black save for a single crimson slice down the middle, and focused. Two transparent copies of himself shot out at high speeds and slashed through the monsters, felling them before they could harm him.
Although he continued running as much as he could, he knew that he is unlikely to survive this day without outside intervention; if not from the shadowy abominations reaching him, then from loss of blood from his injuries. This thought was only cemented as he slipped on unstable ground and fell forward, his energy failing him as he failed to muster the strength to pick himself up.
"F-Forgive me....Fa..."
He heard what sounded like footsteps approaching. He braced himself for a claw to pierce him through the midsection.
...It never came. Rather, a smaller hand touched him by the forearm and moved him slightly. Confused, he opened his eyes and looked up to see not an abomination, but a pretty, young teenage girl about his age. She appeared to be surprised by the wounds he possessed, and looked at his one open eye briefly before turning her head to the side at the distant, but approaching screech of the boy's pursuers. Her eyes darted between the boy and the direction of the abominations, clearly possessing a great amount of hesitation at what she must do.
His energy spent, the last thing the boy saw before fainting as the girl reaching for an amethyst pendant around her neck.
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:06:32 GMT -6
The first thing that brought the boy back to the waking world was the sound of nearby birds chirping. With aches all over his body, he finally forced his eyes to open, finding himself in what appeared to be a shack, with an open window signifying to him that it had reached daylight of the following day. He was lying down, likely on a bed. He slowly tried moving to sit up, only to cry out in pain from moving too quickly. Immediately as he did so, the door outside opened and the girl from before rushed to his side.
"Wait!" she said. "Please, don't strain yourself! You mustn't move very much!"
The boy winced as the girl helped lower him back to lying down.
"Where... am I?" he asked.
The girl hesitated briefly. "You're... in my... second home, of sorts. I usually live elsewhere, but I often come here to... be outdoors."
"You... saved me?" said the boy.
"I had never seen those abominations ever go so far into the marsh. You were injured, so I only did what anyone could have done", she replied. "I... I was out collecting ingredients for a special type of medicine I know. I used it to heal your wounds."
"Is that so?" said the boy. "Then... I must apologize for the inconvenience."
The girl shook her head. "The ingredients aren't particularly difficult to find..." She leaned in so that the boy could get a better look at her. She had silver braided hair and dark eyes. She wore simple attire; a white, sleeveless shirt, slightly torn pants, and the same necklace with the purple jewel from before. "Listen to me. I know you are injured, and you require some days to recover, but I beg that you please leave this place as soon as you are able! I... I cannot be seen conversing with an outsider!"
"Outsider?" echoed the boy. "Why--"
The boy looked to the ajar door after noticing movement and paused, seeing a robbed man making his way through the swamp's trees and moving closer to the shack. The girl turned her head to see what the boy was looking at and gasped.
"Don't make a sound!" she instructed him.
He decided not to protest as the girl slipped through the door back outside before shutting it close. In the brief period of silence that followed, the boy observed the house. It did not have much, which would make sense if the girl's claim of having another place she truly calls home were true. There was a small shelf of books, perhaps a few journals, and a simple doll on top, a cupboard with a mortar and pestle visible from the ajar door, flowers by the windowsill, some strange charms hung from the wall, a desk with a photograph of what appeared to be another woman, and a small amethyst statue on top of a stand. His sword lied within its sheath by the bedside.
Although he was not one to eavesdrop, he could not help but pay attention to the conversation between the girl and the man outside.
"Where have you been?" said the man.
"I have been... here", replied the girl.
"You know well what I am referring to!" retorted the man. "You had not returned since yesterday after I sent you to collect healing powder. Do you not have it yet?"
"N-no", muttered the girl. "I'm sorry father, but there were abominations farther into the marsh than usual and--"
The boy nearly gasped as he heard what was undoubtedly the sound of the girl being struck.
"Then find another damn spot! Our medical supplies are worn thin as it is. If a preventable death happens because of your negligence, you will be exiled! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Y-Yes, father!" said the girl. Her voice cracked briefly.
"I expect a supply by nightfall", said the man. "Do not fail me again."
"Yes, father..."
More silence. Then the girl entered the shack once again.
"...I'm so sorry", said the boy. "You used all of your healing powder to heal my wounds and..."
"...Thank you for your concern", said the girl. "However, it is not something for you to worry about. I'm... no stranger to abuse."
"But why?!" exclaimed the boy. He ignored the pang of pain he felt. "I heard you call him father! How could he treat his own daughter like that?! Don't you wish to fight back?"
"...He is chieftan, and his word is law in our tribe", replied the girl. "There is nothing I can do."
"...What tribe do you belong to?" asked the boy.
"...I... I will only say on the condition that you tell no one", said the girl. "We have been persecuted... shunned... hunted down and labeled as sinful people. We seek no quarrel, only a place where we may find refuge... where we may belong."
"...You have my word", said the boy.
"...We are necromancers", answered the girl. "To defile the dead is considered a sin... To reanimate them the greatest heresy..."
"I see", said the boy. "...It is strange, but I believe you... But know that I do not believe you to be a bad person, either."
"You do not?"
"No", said the boy. "You saved the life of a stranger in need, knowing what your father would do and knowing the risk of bringing an outsider here. I consider one's actions as what weaves a person; not their heritage, or their powers."
"I-I-I... Thank you... from the bottom of my heart", said the girl.
The boy smiled. "Truth be told... I have a couple of questions. I mean... I want to learn some more about your tribe. Your lifestyle, your culture, the details of your powers... Everything."
"You... are open minded", said the girl. "...If only more people were like you... Very well. I can show you some things... I know not why, but I feel I may trust you. Do you have any questions that you wish an immediate answer to?"
"Not particularly, as I have no desire to expend you of time you need to collect your medicine... Save for your name."
"My name?" said the girl. "O-Oh! Forgive me, I've neglected to show you correct manners!"
"Do not fret", said the boy. "I too have failed to introduce myself."
"Err... Yes... Well... What is your name?"
"You may call me Vance."
"Then... Well met, Vance", said the girl. "I am Glinda."
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:11:37 GMT -6
ONE WEEK, THREE DAYS LATER
"...Necromancy is not power to be abused", continued Glinda, "nor is it without limits."
"Limits?" asked Vance.
She nodded. "Despite common belief, what is reanimated does not possess a soul; from the original individual during their living life or otherwise. We may only manifest a physical body and make use of physical attributes such as combat skill. Only in mythological instances has a once-living person's soul ever been connected with a flesh-and-bone body, and those are of questionable accuracy, nor is there likely to be anyone capable of such mastery in the present day."
"There are documented instances of necromancers reanimating an army, or generally being seemingly insane, which has contributed to the stigma against necromancers", said Vance. "Does this have anything to do with how you said it is not power to be abused?"
"Correct", said Glinda. "Necromancy is a dark art that requires no small amount of power and focus to use. Unfortunately, overuse of this power has shown capable of corrupting users in various forms. Either they develop an obsession with mastery that they seek any and all means of power by any means necessary, or they believe themselves gods who may do as they please. Perhaps something else entirely. It is... different, in many cases."
"I had no idea", said Vance. "Back in Yuleia, we possess vast libraries and documentation filled with so much information... And yet, you have taught me more in little more than a week than I have ever learned from them."
"I'm afraid it is merely the prejudice against our kind", said Glinda. She looked down at the cup of tea in her hands sadly. "Necromancers... have never been treated well. Whether due to fear or religion... perhaps both... Not many seek to hear our tales, nor do they heed them when they hear it."
"I know better now", said Vance. "I now see it's mostly a bunch of xenophobic poppycock."
Glinda gave a sad hum as they continued drinking their tea together in the middle of Glinda's shack, the sun setting outside. Glinda hesitated before speaking next.
"Are... How are your wounds?"
Vance stood up and began performing a variety of movements. "Fully healed, more or less. I believe I'm able to travel, now."
"O-Oh", said Glinda. "I see..."
"...I know how much I've put you in danger of exile or... whatever the punishment for what you've done is", said Vance. "I'll... Perhaps I shall slip out at dawn tomorrow... I can't thank you enough for what you've done, Glinda."
"It is nothing", said Glinda. "...It is strange. At first, I wished you to leave quickly in fear of what fa-- the chieftan would do, but now... I... do not wish for you to go."
They held their gazes at one another until Glinda finished her tea and stood up.
"I must be going now to the refuge. If you are truly going to leave at dawn... May you at least... remain here until I see you one more time?"
"...Of course", said Vance. "I promise."
Glinda put the teacups away and picked up a handful of bags of herbs to take with her. As she opened the shack door, Vance called out to her.
"Glinda?"
She paused at looked at him. He hesitated.
"...N-Nevermind. Don't let me keep you."
Glinda nodded and continued on her way, closing the door behind her.
After entering the refuge, Glinda made her way through the underground corridors until she reached the central chambers. Her father, the chieftan, was reading a tome of sorts as he sat on the wooden stage in front of a stone shrine, a staff with a glimmering and bright sky blue jewel glittering in the center despite the otherwise sub-par lighting within the refuge.
"I have brought more herbs", said Glinda.
The chieftain looked up from the tome, stood up, and wordlessly took the bags. Glinda knew by now not to expect a word of thanks, so she was mildly surprised when he spoke.
"I've received word from some of the Dalish. They say that a Yuleian squadron was wiped out just outside the marsh."
"A Yuleian squadron?" inquired Glinda.
"Yes", he said. "According to an onlooker who knew better than to assist a fight they would lose, there was only one who survived the initial ambush. Said the crown prince ran into the marsh and the abomination attackers gave chase."
"C-Crown prince?!" gasped Glinda.
The chieftain nodded. "You said before you encountered abominations within the marsh... Do you know anything about what happened to the crown prince? This... What was his name... Vance?"
Glinda forced herself to recover from the shock that was Vance being the crown prince of Yuleia. "N-No! I only saw shadowy movement before I opened a rift and fled to my shack further into the woods!"
"Is that so?" The chieftain scowled. "Then perhaps you would not mind if I were to have a look inside the shack of yours? You are spending more time there than usual, and it would most certainly explain your failure to obtain healing powder about a week prior."
"...Wait!" said Glinda. She grabbed her father by the sleeve of his robes. "I confess! I found him fleeing from those creatures and about to die, so I nursed him back to health! I'll accept being exiled, but--"
The chieftain pulled his arm away before striking her once more, causing her to fall to the ground. He grabbed her by the hair and arm and forced her to come with him. He yelled at one of the tribesmen looking at the scene in shock. "Go to him; purge him by any means necessary! Use reanimation if you must!"
"What?! But sir!"
The tribesman's protests were ignored as the chieftain carried his daughter away despite her resistance.
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:16:33 GMT -6
Unable to find the bliss of sleep, Vance simply lied alone on the bed loaned to him with only his own thoughts as company.
"...What should I do?" he muttered to himself. "She does appear to be unhappy here, but... Is the alternative any better; to live among the ones who are prejudiced against her kind? Furthermore, what would she think regarding..."
A knock on the door startled him. Knowing that Glinda wouldn't have returned here without using her rift magic in case of emergency, Vance was immediately suspicious. He grabbed his sword and cautiously approached the door. No one was outside. Instead, a small orb of light hovered a small distance away, within the clearing. Aware of the possibility of a trap, he unsheathed his sword and cautiously approached the light, alert of his surroundings for any sign of movement.
Once he got close enough to the light, it vanished. From the darkness, another figure appeared. It spoke; a man's voice.
"Forgive me, but the chieftain has no intention of allowing you to leave this place and potentially expose us."
"I see I've been discovered", said Vance. "...What of Glinda?"
The man ignored the question. Instead he began chanting and began moving his glowing hands around. The magic concentrated into his hands then fell downward and seeped into the ground. Six human figures then appeared next to the man, enveloped in a foggy smoke. The smoke dissipated, revealing two Legionaries, one armed with a battle axe and the other with a machete, two Angelos, both holding Greatlances, and two Ephesian heavy units, both with energy halberds. Their skin were deathly pale, and their eyes glowed.
"Hmm... For a secluded tribe, you seem knowledgeable about the outside world's military", said Vance.
The reanimated soldiers took battle stances. "The chieftain wishes for your death... However, I do find myself in disagreement of his methods. I suggest you surrender your blade and leave this place. I will say that you perished here."
"Going out to the outside world without something to defend myself with is tantamount to certain death regardless", said Vance. He raised his sword and pointed at the man. "Regardless, I still want my previous question answered. I know that punishment for bringing an outsider to your people is harsh. Where is Glinda now?"
"...Our refuge", said the necromancer. "...I do not truly know what the punishment is... But I no longer feel like I am capable to standing for it. Especially not if the chieftain is hurting his own daughter."
"...But why?" asked Vance. "Why does he abuse her so?"
"I cannot say for certain", said the necromancer. "Perhaps it is because she is not a son, as tradition has our leaders be predominantly male. Perhaps it is because he was forced to raise her himself after the breech birth that claimed the life of his wife and would-be son. It matters not."
"...No. It doesn't", said Vance. He approached the necromancer, ignoring the revenants that held their weapons toward him. "I wish no further harm to come to Glinda. You appear to share this sentiment. Lead me to the refuge so that I may rescue her."
"...Very well", said the necromancer. He made a symbol with his hands and the reanimated soldiers with him fell into ash. "Follow me."
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:29:29 GMT -6
The necromancer guided Vance through the swampland until the trees parted and a stable clearing came into view. Crumbling, stony ruins of some form of church or temple took up most of the space. The necromancer stepped over a collapsed wall and approached a large podium. Once he got close enough, the podium began moving on its own and revealed a small entrance to a staircase protected by a barrier that dissipated shortly afterward.
"This entrance is protected", explained the necromancer. "It is enchanted so that only those who carry the necromancer bloodline shall have the entrance revealed to them." He stepped aside and gestured to Vance that he is allowed inside. The escort removed his robes before giving them to the prine. "I will not be joining you. I would rather this be settled non-violently, but it is clear that things will turn violent. Take this robe. The other necromancers may initially believe you to be one of them, allowing you to avoid detection. The chieftain will know what I have done... I have no use for the robe."
"I understand. Thank you for your assistance", said Vance. "I make no promises... But I shall attempt to refrain from spilling blood."
"...Watch your back."
The necromancer began walking away as Vance put on the robes and began walking down the stairs.
---
It took a surprisingly little amount of time for Vance to adjust to the dimly lit corridors that greeted him within the necromancer refuge. A combination of torches, Ether lamps, and magic orbs illuminated much of the corridors, and a few guide posts placed around the area allowed for relatively painless navigation. He was in search for any form of guide leading him to the chieftain's quarters, but then a voice speaking within his head told him his true destination.
"Mandatory meeting within the main chambers. All must attend. No exceptions."
Vance saw the necromancers nearby start to murmur to themselves, expressing both worry, confusion, and curiosity regarding this mandatory, short-notice orientation. With a feeling of dread, he followed a pair of refugees into the crowd gathering within the main chambers and blended into the crowd. He began slowly moving from the back row to the front row as a large man walked in front of a shrine adorned with a staff the likes of which Vance had never seen before. A wooden post was erected by assistants as they waited for the rest of the refugees to appear in attendance.
"...Come and heed my words, my brothers and sisters", said the large man in front of the shrine, "as I shall not repeat this point twice, As your chieftain, it is my duty to do what is best for you, my people, for we possess a bloodline that some would call us tainted for. We have been labeled heretics for the circumstances of our own birth. It is for that reason that it is my duty to shield us from those people who would have us in the gallows for our power. It is for this reason that I will not tolerate any interactions with an outsider; especially not when it threatens our own safety. Much of you are aware of that the punishment for this is harsh, as it is a form of treason. However, it has come to my attention that some would continue to lead an outsider to our home. I wish for all of you gathered here to understand just what this punishment entails. To learn and commit it to memory."
The man raised his arm, showing a wristband with an amber gemstone within. A rift much like the one Glinda had shown to be able to open appeared, and the chieftain pulled a struggling person through it. The other necromancers gasped and began speaking amongst themselves as Vance began to quicken his pace through the crowd. Pulled through the portal was Glinda, her legs tied together, her mouth gagged, her wrists bound in front of her, her braid undone, and her clothes ripped. The chieftain roughly pulled her to the pole and tied her hands to it. No matter how much she cried and struggled, Glinda couldn't break free.
"Not even my own daughter is excused!"
The chieftain picked a whip off the ground and struck Glinda in the back with it, causing her to cry out in intense pain. The necromancers gathered there began speaking louder, some of them expressing open disapproval of the chieftain's actions.
"Those who betray the family will be broken!"
Another series of whip strikes. Vance was openly shoving himself through the crowd.
"This is but the beginning!"
Another strike.
"Traitors will be begging for the release of death!"
The following strike did not connect with the intended target, for Vance burst from the front row of the gathered crowd and ran in front of Glinda with an arm raised to take the blow for her. After taking the blow, he swung his sword out in front of him not to strike the chieftain, but to cause him to move back to dodge it, giving space between them. After doing so, Vance quickly knelt down and began using his blade to cut through Glinda's bindings.
"I see", said the chieftain. "That blade...Thanatos Edge! You truly are Vance Garland III! Doubtless, you plan to return to your kingdom and--"
"Hold your tongue, lest I remove it!" hissed Vance. Very rarely is he ever angered, but now... "You are nothing but a hypocritical control freak! You claim to be the victim of unwarranted prejudice; that much is true. And yet, you are no better; you look down on those without the necromancy bloodline and even call for their own death!"
"Who are you to speak of how to lead my people?!" exclaimed the chieftain. He grabbed the staff out of the shrine, which caused shocked expressions from the onlookers. Apparently, it was of great importance to them. "You, who know nothing of us; or plight, or anguish, our blood! You, who know nothing of how we have been wronged!"
"I know more than you believe", said Vance. He was finally able to break Glinda's bindings and was helping her stand. His attention was turned toward her father, so he didn't check to see her expression. "Over the past week, I have learned about your people; your culture, your history, the rules you abide to, your lifestyle. I have learned that necromancers are not at all what they are believed to be. They are normal people, just like a Yuleian, Dalish, or an Ephesian. They do not deserve the stigma they possess. Were it not for Glinda, I would have been dead. She knew that you would punish her severely, and yet she refused to leave someone in need behind. She is a paragon who deserves better than what you give. She had told me about all of you. The rest of you are kind people... You, however," he pointed his blade toward the chieftain. "You are nothing but a blackhearted tyrant hiding behind the charade of benevolence!"
The chieftain raised his staff at Vance. Suddenly, Glinda stepped in front of him and raised a hand, the gem in her necklace glowing bright. A ray of light shot from the staff shot through a rift that Glinda opened and appeared a short distance away as another rift opened. The ray of light hit the wooden stage beneath the chieftain, causing him to lose his balance as the wood began to decay at an alarming rate.
Glinda limped past Vance and pulled him by the sleeve through another portal behind him. They then found themselves in Glinda's shack, the small amethyst statue within shining until the rift closed. Glinda hurried around the room, picking up a variety of items; a few bags of healing powder, a compass, the doll on the bookshelf, the photograph on the desk, and a few canteens of water she gave Vance.
"We must go! They know we are here!" said Glinda.
Vance made no objections and followed her as they began running into the swamp.
---
They ran in silence for some time until Glinda tripped and fell, crying out in pain as contact was made with the wounds she received from her punishment.
"Stop!" said Vance. "...Let's take a breather. Your wounds will become infected if we do not tend to them."
"V-Very well", said Glinda.
Vance helped Glinda move next to a tree, took a bag of healing powder, and began applying it to the wounds Glinda received.
"...You are a prince", said Glinda. "Why...?"
"Why didn't I mention it?" said Vance. "I did not wish to impose on someone who had already saved my life... nor do I particularly care for formalities. I do not consider myself superior to anyone. We are all people."
A moment of silence as Vance finished applying medicine to Glinda's wounds. A failed attempt at suppressing a sob from Glinda caused Vance to realize that she was crying.
"H-Hey", he said.
"What you did back there", said Glinda. "What you said about me... I'm sorry, I merely... It is the nicest thing anyone has ever said or done for me... Thank you."
"It... was nothing", said Vance. He realized that Glinda was not wearing suitable attire and removed his robe to offer to her. She accepted. "I merely said what I thought."
"You... haven't an idea how much this means to me."
The two of them continued sitting down, taking a breather. Finally, Vance offered the courage to muster his question to Glinda.
"Glinda... what will you do now?"
"...I know not", she admitted. "I cannot return to the refuge as things are..."
"...I do not wish to seem as if I am imposing on you", he said, "but I've noticed during our time together that you seemed... unhappy. I confess that at first, I knew not whether I had the right to ask this of you, but my mind has been made up."
Vance looked into Glinda's eyes.
"Will you... come with me? To Yuleia?"
"V-Vance...!"
"I'm sorry", he backpedaled. "I know what you may believe, but you will be allowed to live at the palace! I cannot hope to change public perception of necromancers on my own, but we can keep your bloodline secret! You will be welcome! I just... I promise to make you happy there."
"Vance", said Glinda. "...I... truth be told... the last we were at the shack... I wished to... ask if I could join you."
"Then..."
"So yes, Vance", said Glinda. "I accept. I will go with you!"
Vance smiled. "Those words fill me with joy." He quickly stood up and offered Glinda his hand. "Let us go, then. We have much ground to cover."
Glinda smiled and took her hand into his. "Very well."
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Post by empireoffire on Feb 14, 2015 4:34:30 GMT -6
FIVE YEARS LATER
Sleep is a harsh mistress. Throughout most of the coronation ceremony, Vance Garland felt fatigued and had fondly welcomed the thought of nightfall coming swiftly, so that he may enjoy the bliss of sleep. When the time came when he was able to lay on a bed, however, his mind was in a frenzy of different thoughts, his body was agitated, and no position he took felt comfortable. Eventually, he gave up trying to find sleep, and instead decided to dress himself in order to attempt to find some form of peace through walking the halls of the palace... his palace... Gods, it sounds so strange to say it as such.
Before he stepped outside, however, something caused him to hesitate. On a whim, he searched through a drawer, shuffled through its contents, and retrieved a small, black box he had stored in secret in the far back. Without thinking, he pocketed it and walked outside.
---
His stroll led him to a balcony found at the top floor of of the palace overlooking St. Elne, the capitol city. He rested his arms on the railing and overlooked the city he was now King of.
Halfway in a trance, he did not know how much time had passed. The only thing that brought him back to reality was a familiar voice speaking behind him.
"Doesn't His Majesty wish to rest?"
Vance turned around to see Glinda walking up to him. Her appearance was a far cry from how she looked during their first meeting. Although there were the minor details, such as how she no longer wore her hair in a braid, she also now carried an unseen air of grace and dignity with her, as opposed to the pained and somewhat hesitant aura from before.
"Come now, Glinda", said Vance, "you know you do not have to call me that."
"I know", she said. She joined him on the balcony. "I am merely preparing you for the formalities you will be receiving for the greater part of the remainder of your lifetime."
Vance sighed. "Honestly, I wonder if I will ever fully conform to the title of King. It feels... wrong, somehow."
"Nonetheless, we all know it is a title you will perform excellently for, even should you not yet feel pride in it", said Glinda. "None doubt your abilities; me least of all."
Vance smiled. "If you believe that, then that's really all I need. I suppose I must simply grin and bear the formalities and continue being who I am."
"I confess I do not know much about leadership", said Glinda, "but that sounds like a fine strategy."
The two of them continued looking down from the balcony. Suddenly, Vance turned to Glinda.
"Glinda... I have come to notice that you have always been there to support me whenever I need it most, and you are the one person who I trust most in this world."
Glinda was surprised. "I... I'm flattered, but what brought this out?"
"F-Forgive me", said Vance, "It is just that I have done a lot of thinking lately, and... Having you by my side is what drives me most and... I was hoping that you would continue to do so even now... No, I mean... I was hoping you would continue for the rest of our lives... W-What I mean to say is..."
Vance cleared his throat, rummaged through his pocket, and knelt down on one knee. Glinda gasped and cupped her hands over her face as Vance opened the small box and revealed a beautiful amethyst ring, the Yuleian crest visible within the purple gem.
"Glinda Vecna... Will you marry me?"
Glinda was left speechless. Instead of speaking, she gave her initial answer by crying tears of joy while rushing forward and embracing Vance. After a moment of holding one another, Glinda let go.
"M-My apologies", she said. "I'm just so... so..."
"I understand", said Vance. He took her hand. "I... There is no one else I want more than to be my wife... But with it comes responsibilities. I will not lie; the duties of a queen are of great importance. I have no doubt you will make a fine queen, but if you..."
"I accept", interrupted Glinda. "I... I will do everything within my power to do what is required to remain by your side... my love."
The two of them looked deep into each others' eyes and smiled before sealing the oath with a kiss.
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