Post by SummerCrow on Jun 25, 2014 0:00:50 GMT -6
A few seconds later, you realize you never had a chance to change out of your armor. Your helm and gauntlets sit on the table by your seat from the night before. Stretching, you walk over and start to pull them on. Fully dressed, you wonder what exactly you can do with your bouquet. Marching and fighting aren't exactly good for flowers, but you hate to just throw them away...
You clutch the bouquet to your chest, and you feel a strange warmth. When a bright light starts to shine beneath you, you almost throw the flowers to the ground. The light engulfs you just as the sun breaks over the horizon, but you stand your ground. A brilliant flash lights the balcony. A sudden shift in weight throws you off-balance, and you catch yourself on the railing. You take a step back and look down, only to stumble and trip. You fall gracelessly to the ground, where several things become apparent.
------------------------
June was promoted to Dark Bride!
HP: -2 (9)
Str: -1 (11)
Mag: +2 (5)
Skill: +3 (11)
Spd: +2 (13)
Def: -2 (10)
Res: +2 (10)
Luck: +0 (9)
------------------------
First, you notice you can see your legs; your armor is gone. Next, you see why you tripped. Your boots have been replaced with some fancy shoes with points on the end, and a bundle of lace is wrapped around them. Finally, you find your fall was cushioned by a large bundle of black lace. After you take in all these sudden changes, you start struggling to your feet. It takes longer than it should.
You manage to stagger into the throne room, stopping in front of a well-polished shield. After everything you've been through, it takes quite a lot to catch you by surprise. Your reflection makes you gasp. Your black-and-white armor is gone. In its place, a black dress, cut short in the front and long in the back, a trail dragging along the ground. Half of the front is covered swirls of white beaded lace forming rose decorations. The dress is held up by a pair of thick straps, accentuating your chest. When you notice, you bring your arm up, finding a black choker adorned with a dragon cameo around your neck. A pair of long, black gloves with thin white lines in swirling patterns cover your arms. A veil extends from a black circlet in your hair; you turn to examine your hair, and find a deep V cut into the back of the dress.
After the initial shock of your clothes metamorphosing wears off, you start to examine the dress (gown, you correct yourself). The material is some kind of silk - you don't know enough to guess anything more. You still have no idea where your armor is, but you realize the gown itself has thin metal plates sewn throughout. Even underneath the fabric, the darkened steel glistens as it catches the sun. The gloves are thicker than they appear, with a firmer leather grip. One of the gloves conceals a small pocket, perfectly sized for a knife. The gown's train hides a few small pouches for carrying supplies.
You feel a bit different, as well. When you try to put on your lance's sling, you realize it doesn't feel right. You give it a few awkward swings, but it just doesn't feel right. You check your bow next. When you loose an arrow at a suit of armor across the hall, you're pleased to see it strike home. Hesistantly, you follow up with your hatchet, leaving it embedded in the suit's helm. With a grin, you heft Armads, charging. Though you stumble in your new shoes, you still easily cleave the suit in half. Guards burst through the throne room door as the armor clatters to pieces. Claudia is on point, and she takes a moment to recognize you. When she does, she order the others to lower their spears. She turns and departs without a word. You try to chase after her, only to trip again.
You're hesitant as you enter the dining hall for breakfast. A few people people stop their meals and conversations and stare. A few noticeably avoid staring straight at you, but they steal glances when they think you aren't looking. Several people offer you compliments; Charon walks up to you, notices something over your shoulder, then turns and walks away. You turn and find Paen, back in his familiar suit of armor.
"You were supposed to hold onto that bouquet until you'd decided, not use it right away."
"I didn't realize it was magic."
Paen smirks. "Well, I'm certainly not complaining. It suits you."
You fold your arms over your chest. "I'd feel more comfortable in a suit of plate mail," you admit.
"Such is the life of a monarch," he tells you, feigning sadness. "To be paraded about in flimsy silks instead of fine steel. You get used to playing dress-up."
You kick at the ground. "How am I supposed to fight like this?"
"I'm sure you'll get used to it quickly. You take to most everything like a fish to water."
"I wish I had some time to train, but we'll need to set out immediately after eating if we want to meet Doran on time."
"You should be able to practice with staves on the way, at least," Paen tells you.
"What? But I don't know how to use staves. I don't know the first thing about magic," you protest, confused. Paen just smiles and motions for you to join him for breakfast.
-----------------------------
Your army gathers in the courtyard. You'll head south, out of town, then turn west. You'll have two days to make it to Meridia; a hard ride, but doable. You're relieved to find you can still ride Marth, though you have to adjust but sitting side-saddle. Jessup joins you, hesitant to hold on to you. You're all to aware of Alyssa occasionally glancing your way. Anna gave you a few heal staves and a knife, and Jessup is going to give you a quick training session while you ride.
Bud stands next to Wendy and her manticore, the only one comfortable approaching them. Haley strokes her horse's mane. Ferris reaches up and pats her on the thigh, their eyes meeting for just a moment. Dan and Claudia sit in the back, waiting to take off. Paen sits aside a dark warhorse, turning Flamberge over in his hands. Zephyr pesters Sherry, literally hopping circles around her while pointing at his back. Rosalin and Cecil come running out of the castle well behind the rest of your troops. Charon's busy chatting up a pegasus knight, while Mary and John speak quietly to each other.
Several nobles look down from the castle balcony - the king's elite guard, aside from Claudia, remain behind to watch them. Adam's troops form lines between the castle and the main plaza, waiting to see you off. Adam himself leans against the castle wall, a grin on his face. Thrace's troops fly overhead. Thrace herself alights next to you. You recognize the young girl mounted behind her, clinging to her waist with one arm.
"June," she greets you. "Diana wanted to give you something, before you go. A thank-you gift."
The knight pulls a small shield from her waist, then offers it to you. When you reach to accept it, you steal a glance at her missing arm. She frowns for a second, then smiles. "Better than the alternative," she manages to say cheerfully. "This is Iote shield," she explains. "It won't help you, but it may bring your fliers some luck. Put it to good use, and give 'em one for me!"
"We'll end this," you reassure her.
"We're counting on you," Thrace tells you. She gives you a salute, then takes to the air.
You steer Marth to Paen, staying a few feet behind and to the side. "It's time to end this!" you announce. "Forward, march!" As you pass through the town, crowds gather along the edges of the street to see you off. A group of younger girls point at you, turning to each other and whispering. You notice Sherry staring down as you leave. You figure she's probably upset. I should probably speak with her later.
You clear the main gate, and you start to turn to the west. Ahead, rolling plains slowly turn into hills. You steel yourself for the tough fight ahead.
-------------------
End of Chapter 20A
-------------------
Who gets the Iote shield?
(A) Claudia
(B) Dan
(C) Wendy
You clutch the bouquet to your chest, and you feel a strange warmth. When a bright light starts to shine beneath you, you almost throw the flowers to the ground. The light engulfs you just as the sun breaks over the horizon, but you stand your ground. A brilliant flash lights the balcony. A sudden shift in weight throws you off-balance, and you catch yourself on the railing. You take a step back and look down, only to stumble and trip. You fall gracelessly to the ground, where several things become apparent.
------------------------
June was promoted to Dark Bride!
HP: -2 (9)
Str: -1 (11)
Mag: +2 (5)
Skill: +3 (11)
Spd: +2 (13)
Def: -2 (10)
Res: +2 (10)
Luck: +0 (9)
------------------------
First, you notice you can see your legs; your armor is gone. Next, you see why you tripped. Your boots have been replaced with some fancy shoes with points on the end, and a bundle of lace is wrapped around them. Finally, you find your fall was cushioned by a large bundle of black lace. After you take in all these sudden changes, you start struggling to your feet. It takes longer than it should.
You manage to stagger into the throne room, stopping in front of a well-polished shield. After everything you've been through, it takes quite a lot to catch you by surprise. Your reflection makes you gasp. Your black-and-white armor is gone. In its place, a black dress, cut short in the front and long in the back, a trail dragging along the ground. Half of the front is covered swirls of white beaded lace forming rose decorations. The dress is held up by a pair of thick straps, accentuating your chest. When you notice, you bring your arm up, finding a black choker adorned with a dragon cameo around your neck. A pair of long, black gloves with thin white lines in swirling patterns cover your arms. A veil extends from a black circlet in your hair; you turn to examine your hair, and find a deep V cut into the back of the dress.
After the initial shock of your clothes metamorphosing wears off, you start to examine the dress (gown, you correct yourself). The material is some kind of silk - you don't know enough to guess anything more. You still have no idea where your armor is, but you realize the gown itself has thin metal plates sewn throughout. Even underneath the fabric, the darkened steel glistens as it catches the sun. The gloves are thicker than they appear, with a firmer leather grip. One of the gloves conceals a small pocket, perfectly sized for a knife. The gown's train hides a few small pouches for carrying supplies.
You feel a bit different, as well. When you try to put on your lance's sling, you realize it doesn't feel right. You give it a few awkward swings, but it just doesn't feel right. You check your bow next. When you loose an arrow at a suit of armor across the hall, you're pleased to see it strike home. Hesistantly, you follow up with your hatchet, leaving it embedded in the suit's helm. With a grin, you heft Armads, charging. Though you stumble in your new shoes, you still easily cleave the suit in half. Guards burst through the throne room door as the armor clatters to pieces. Claudia is on point, and she takes a moment to recognize you. When she does, she order the others to lower their spears. She turns and departs without a word. You try to chase after her, only to trip again.
You're hesitant as you enter the dining hall for breakfast. A few people people stop their meals and conversations and stare. A few noticeably avoid staring straight at you, but they steal glances when they think you aren't looking. Several people offer you compliments; Charon walks up to you, notices something over your shoulder, then turns and walks away. You turn and find Paen, back in his familiar suit of armor.
"You were supposed to hold onto that bouquet until you'd decided, not use it right away."
"I didn't realize it was magic."
Paen smirks. "Well, I'm certainly not complaining. It suits you."
You fold your arms over your chest. "I'd feel more comfortable in a suit of plate mail," you admit.
"Such is the life of a monarch," he tells you, feigning sadness. "To be paraded about in flimsy silks instead of fine steel. You get used to playing dress-up."
You kick at the ground. "How am I supposed to fight like this?"
"I'm sure you'll get used to it quickly. You take to most everything like a fish to water."
"I wish I had some time to train, but we'll need to set out immediately after eating if we want to meet Doran on time."
"You should be able to practice with staves on the way, at least," Paen tells you.
"What? But I don't know how to use staves. I don't know the first thing about magic," you protest, confused. Paen just smiles and motions for you to join him for breakfast.
-----------------------------
Your army gathers in the courtyard. You'll head south, out of town, then turn west. You'll have two days to make it to Meridia; a hard ride, but doable. You're relieved to find you can still ride Marth, though you have to adjust but sitting side-saddle. Jessup joins you, hesitant to hold on to you. You're all to aware of Alyssa occasionally glancing your way. Anna gave you a few heal staves and a knife, and Jessup is going to give you a quick training session while you ride.
Bud stands next to Wendy and her manticore, the only one comfortable approaching them. Haley strokes her horse's mane. Ferris reaches up and pats her on the thigh, their eyes meeting for just a moment. Dan and Claudia sit in the back, waiting to take off. Paen sits aside a dark warhorse, turning Flamberge over in his hands. Zephyr pesters Sherry, literally hopping circles around her while pointing at his back. Rosalin and Cecil come running out of the castle well behind the rest of your troops. Charon's busy chatting up a pegasus knight, while Mary and John speak quietly to each other.
Several nobles look down from the castle balcony - the king's elite guard, aside from Claudia, remain behind to watch them. Adam's troops form lines between the castle and the main plaza, waiting to see you off. Adam himself leans against the castle wall, a grin on his face. Thrace's troops fly overhead. Thrace herself alights next to you. You recognize the young girl mounted behind her, clinging to her waist with one arm.
"June," she greets you. "Diana wanted to give you something, before you go. A thank-you gift."
The knight pulls a small shield from her waist, then offers it to you. When you reach to accept it, you steal a glance at her missing arm. She frowns for a second, then smiles. "Better than the alternative," she manages to say cheerfully. "This is Iote shield," she explains. "It won't help you, but it may bring your fliers some luck. Put it to good use, and give 'em one for me!"
"We'll end this," you reassure her.
"We're counting on you," Thrace tells you. She gives you a salute, then takes to the air.
You steer Marth to Paen, staying a few feet behind and to the side. "It's time to end this!" you announce. "Forward, march!" As you pass through the town, crowds gather along the edges of the street to see you off. A group of younger girls point at you, turning to each other and whispering. You notice Sherry staring down as you leave. You figure she's probably upset. I should probably speak with her later.
You clear the main gate, and you start to turn to the west. Ahead, rolling plains slowly turn into hills. You steel yourself for the tough fight ahead.
-------------------
End of Chapter 20A
-------------------
Who gets the Iote shield?
(A) Claudia
(B) Dan
(C) Wendy
