[h1]Alessia and Aral[/h1]

Alessia, having cleaned up from the morning chaotic events, had finally been able to step out of the Embassy and make her way to the Arena to see the tournament and meet the Prince, who was now in fact the King. Thanks to the many disruptions, she had not been able to arrive for the opening, but she was at least in time to witness something the Otheans called ‘Jousting.’ Since leaving, she had donned some traditional Kalesian clothing, not least of which was the thick cloak that was incredibly out of place in this climate. Lydia had also put on her armour, since the cities first impression had been one of such danger. It would give away her skill in combat, but that was the unfortunate side effect of added ability to protect her mistress. Alessia was also pleased with the fact that her bodyguard being a woman would demonstrate to the Otheans the Kalesian view on equality.

Finally seated, in a spot with a good view, not far from the new Kings own seating, she had been just in time to watch the first Joust begin. It seemed that Jousting consisted of two heavily armoured men sitting atop horses more massive than any she had ever seen, who would charge at each other at full tilt. It was strange for her to see a horse so large, she had not realised they could even carry such a weight as a fully armored man. In Kalesia horses were food animals, only riden by those who could not handle or afford a Bargal. Here it seemed they were treated with the same reverence as Bargals were in Kalesia… After the first round though, she supposed it was probably a good thing these men were not mounted on Bargals. The force of a Bargal charge being concentrated into a lance would likely have caused considerably more damage.

Though not cowed by the armoured men as many of the city folk seemed, Alessia nonetheless found the entire spectacle fairly impressive and thoroughly entertaining. Once the first set of jousts had ended and the winners gone to refresh for the next rounds, Alessia decided it was time to meet the King.

Aral had arrived shortly before the Jousting had started. Currently his seat was over looking the best view of the contest while the knights readied themselves, their squires checking things from armour to the lances, ensuring their men looked their best for the event. Not that they would’ve stayed that way. They started off with a few misses as their lances merely grazed off their foe and hadn’t succeeded in knocking them from their horses, the animals sweating and nickering with annoyance at being turned about to run again. A few round occurred until finally one man nicked the other sending the rider into the sandy dirt below. His horse, a black, burly one continued to trample to the other end without noticing it’s lightened load. 

The crowds roared with their cheers, drowning out the horses’ beating charge and the clanking of armour. Aral had to resist in joining in their roars while his eyes spotted movement on the field. In moments, fellow knights in earlier Jousts had rushed to the fallen’s aid. Shortly afterwards doctors began checking the defeated man over for wounds.

It was a rare event but possible in any of the evening’s many shows. 

Aral watched a bit longer as his eyes noted the medical tent, stationed near enough to the arenas, then felt a slight comfort when one of the doctors emerged with a gesture signalling the man was alive. The knowledge the knight was unharmed made him relax a bit and draw back into his cushioned seat, others rallying for the next event for the evening.   

It was a short trip to the Kings exclusive seating, the Kalesian box was conveniently close, being that the nation was so respected. The guards did not challenge her when they saw the emblem on her brooch and heard her accent, only requesting that Lydia leave her sword outside - a fair security measure that Lydia obeyed without question.

Aral’s head lifted from his observation when the guards assigned to his sitting area had moved. His curiosity grew as he eyed the scene, his vision absorbing the women, the last one leaving her sword behind her. Vaguely he wondered if the girl actual knew how to wield such a weapon though he wouldn’t state his question out loud. He had heard that woman could have equal standings to a man within the culture yet to see it was rather different and caused him to be smart enough to keep his mouth closed against such carelessness. His interest, on the other hand, was nudging him fiercely.

He tried to feign his attention back to the arena in hopes to hid the fact she had gotten his attention. Though by her heavy clothing and its simple purpose, he took a guess she was the Kalesian representative. It meant his desires to learn about the culture would be satisfied and the excitement caused him to shift slightly, his posture changed when the Kalesian ambassador arrived to his seat. 

Alessia’s first impression of the King was one of surprise. She had been expecting the king of mighty Othea to look… More manly. This man, barely more than a boy, at least by Kalesian standards, looked surprisingly effeminate. In his Kingly attire, she might even go so far as to say beautiful. Not handsome, but beautiful. It put her off a little, though she quickly recovered. “Your majesty.” She began, using the title the ambassador had told she had to when addressing this man. “I am Lady Alessia Rezalla-Rhidian, of Kalesia.” She nodded her head in respect, though her eyes met his as soon as her head raised. Kalesia respected Othea, but would not bow to it. Such would guide Alessia’s conduct with Othean royalty. 


Aral hadn’t made an effort to raise though it was clear in his body he wanted to, merely out of desire and curiosity, yet he resisted. His position was merely not just his after all and he strove to remember that even now. Without the correct pause he returned the bow giving the same respect before he hesitated at seeing her eyes looking back at him. It surprised and caused a slight flare of pride to settle in his heart at the brazen action. Despite the clear disrespect from the woman, he bite his tongue and leaned slightly into his seat. 

“You may be seated.” He motioned for a chair to be brought forth. 

Alessia bristled at the implication that she had to wait on [i]his[/i] whim, reminding herself that it was because he was the sovereign leader of this country, and not because in his mind she was probably ‘just another woman.’ She took the offered seat, noting with disappointment that no chair had been provided for Lydia. It was the little things that reinforced her resolve. What was coming was definitely necessary. “This is quite the spectacle, this tournament. We have nothing quite like it in the Empire, I am impressed. Your people do you honor.” At least, from the Othean point of view. Or so she had been told. To dedicate such an event to just one man seemed wasteful in her point of view.

“I’m more proud of the people involved in the event. They do themselves proud by putting this event together with their heart, the effort is clearly worth praise.” Aral commented while his eyes returned to the scene playing out. Already the next event was underway. “I hope you and your staff have found Amaryth pleasant?” 

The Princes first comment brought the hint of a smile to Alessia’s lips. Perhaps at least he was not lost in the entrenched feudal beliefs of his country after all. But then it was a little early to truly judge him. “I admit, everything I have done in Amaryth so far has been rather rushed. I only arrived last night, and this morning my chance to explore a little was cut short by Inquisitors.” She turned to look directly at Aral then. “They acted as though they ran this City.” Turning back to the arena she said “Quite distressing. Aside from that, the City seems quite beautiful. If a little warm.”

Aral’s mind recalled the last scene after his crowning. His lips tried to tug into a bitter, sarcastic smirk at her words to hear evidence uttered from someone who shared his distaste of the current state within the city. However it never fully revealed itself. Inside he looked over the arena, acknowledgement and pity over his people’s state ran in his mind. “Time has changed the city under each King’s reign, namely to better the people’s lives and as new King that is strictly my duty to fulfill. Some traditions have been ignored and neglected by those who represent the Dominion of Idris for far too long. The crown isn’t a position I will take lightly as it represents my people, not myself, and I can’t allow them to be insulted.”


He tried not to chuckle at her comment of it being warm and merely added on his thoughts. “I believe Kalesia is much colder, isn’t it? So I can understand why.”  

Alessia was impressed by the Kings brief speech. The more he talked, the more he seemed to have the potential to be a real visionary for his people. “That is a very… Kalesian point of view.” She said sincerely. “And you are only partly right. Where I come from, it is much colder than here, the Kalesian capital in the north. A common misconception for westerners, as I understand, is the belief that all of Kalesia is a frigid wasteland. Much of my homeland is, in fact, much more like Amaryth in climate. We certainly have no shortage of rolling hills and pleasant meadows.” She said with a wry grin.

Aral’s expression broke its contained demeanor, letting a gentle smirk play across his lips when he heard the representative's words. He couldn’t help the spark of pride fill where the void of worry gnawed at him, feeling the tension and worry start to fade away. “I wouldn’t know much of Kalesia other than its location and basics. Its culture, people and more is still a mystery to me even when many of the youth within Amaryth have started to mimic it’s more unique beliefs. This has cause conflict with those of the older generations and something I can’t ignore forever. Either way… my choices will end up unpopular with someone even with the best intentions in mind. Though it’s interesting to know I have slight taste of Kalesia here in my homeland.”  

“An unfortunate truth of ruling.” Alessia said. “It is good that you have come to such a realisation so early.” Alessia had come to understand this through a rather indirect method, but her quick mind had applied it to the field of rulership with ease. “Kalesia is only as it is today because the Empress, may she live forever, has shaped it according to her view over many generations and with a singular dedication, despite all adversity.” She was not going to give the young king any outright tips on ruling, not only was she not a practiced ruler but a strong King of Othea, sadly, did not suit the Empires purposes right now. “It may surprise you to learn, but we are not a secretive people by nature. It is the mountainous borders of our land that have kept our culture so isolated.”

“Perhaps I can help you better understand the ways of the Empire? If your youth have truly taken on values like ours, it might be beneficial. I have studied extensively in the Imperial Library, the single greatest collection of knowledge east of the Karak Claw mountains. I would be willing to…” The thought of the great library and the idea of teaching some of its knowledge brought on a sudden desire to read the little book that was the source of her power. It was so sudden and powerful that she faltered in her speech noticeably, her hand moving to rest on the surface of the to me, while the other went to her temple. “-share some of that knowledge with you…” She completed the sentence before pausing for a brief moment to recover her composure. “In the interest of furthering cultural relations between our two peoples.”


Aral looked at her, catching the subtle hint and resulted in the more free views he had seen from his peers. He wasn’t sure what to think at first. Merely since his father’s actions had forced him into isolation from such influences other than learning and his uncle’s teaching more selective, it didn’t help his naivety showed. Her stammer concerned him slightly and reflexively spoke. 

“Are you alright?” His hand gestured to an attendant to bring them some water as he waited her answer, ensuring she was fine before he replied.       

“It must be the heat.” She said quickly. “I will be fine… but a glass of water would not hurt.”

While the attendant poured, he nodded sympathetically and made his comment. “I admit knowledge is a great asset in the role of a King and could better my understanding of the less traditional roles our youth has adopted. Namely so not to alienate them. Though I suggest lighter fabrics so you don’t faint and more suitable to the climate. Delicate flowers shouldn’t risk wilting under the sun but rather flourish.”   

“I intend to. It was protocol to wear traditional Kalesian garb to our first meeting… And while these clothes may be very comfortable where I come from it takes no great intellect to realise they are not suited to this climate.” She did not react openly to his flattery, merely sipping the water as quickly as she could while remaining polite. She was nonetheless happy to receive it, wishing for a somewhat less formal environment. “Obviously it is no time to teach while you watch the tournament your people have put so much effort into putting on for you.” She cast her eyes once again to the arena floor below, still very much interested in watching it herself.


“Yes, they expect so much of me and I only hope to make them proud. Even now an important decision requires me to be objective, namely on the topic of Relics. Which brings to my attention at how little I really know about them. I believe Kalesia’s views on evokers are much different than Idris’, aren’t they?” Aral of course knew the answer, at least a bit, but he wanted to hear it from her.    

“They would have trouble being more different.” She began. “In the Empire there is no negative stigma for being an Evoker. There are a few laws to help prevent criminal Evokers, but it is our view that every person should be allowed to contribute to society in whatever way they can. When an Evoker is discovered, their abilities are tested and a selection of fitting jobs that allow them to make full use of their relic are found somewhere in the Empire. And so we do not seek to destroy Evokers, or to collar them, but to allow them to use their power for the good of all Kalesians. Of course criminal Evokers are hunted, but so are all criminals. The punishment fits the crime in such cases, as it always does.” She did not tell him of her own nature, it was much too soon for that. She had to have an inkling of how he might react before telling him that. Still, this topic was one that vitally needed a change in Othea. The stain of Idris corruption had had a long time to take root here, and it would take a great deal of persistence to burn it out and bring enlightenment to Othea.


“How do you deal with these criminals? I’ve heard some Evokers have some heavy and frightful abilities that would overshadow normal people. Sometimes lethal enough to slaughter a great number in a short time.” Naturally Aral realized he was starting to quote some of his teachers, trying to keep his expression from showing his distaste in repeating rumors. His mind failed to twist his thoughts into the right words that didn’t sound foreign or disgusted within his own head.  

Alessia sighed at that. Of course he would latch onto that part. “It is remarkable how few Evokers turn to crime when they know that they have a guaranteed place in society and a place to use their abilities. But for those that do, an Evoker is not such a terrifying target when they are but one and you have Evokers of your own to defend against their powers. Once caught, they are sentenced as any criminal would be, the only difference is that their sentences are enforced by people capable of keeping Evokers confined to prisons or other such things.”


“That gives some insight on at least one issue that will be brought up in the future,” Aral commented then turned to a the other side of the conversation. “All the information I’ve ever been able to collect is how Relics are used in conflict and turmoil, mostly suffering. It makes it hard to just accept these facts as the only truth when some nations have made it possible to co-exist with Relics in one manner or another. As a King, I have the responsibility to know the full truth and be ready for most common issues to defend my verdict in the end. A fact I learned when I was groomed for this role since the age of eight. So, is it true Relics are only used in the instance of war and conflict?”    

“If we only used our relics for war, we would need constant warfare to keep all the Evokers busy. The Empire has not been at war, not truly, for centuries. There are so many more things you can do with a relic than use it to hurt people. An Evoker who could control fire, for example, would, at first glance, seem an excellent weapon of war. But fire is a tool, used to forge metal into a great many things. Such an Evoker might find an excellent job as a smith, able to heat one or more forges with nothing but her force of will. I think you will find that with a little thought, all but the most destructive Relics can be put to peaceful use. They are simply tools.” Alessia did not show her impatience at such a limited viewpoint, she was too careful for that, but it did disappoint her somewhat.


Aral digested the information in silence, his eyes still on the scene playing out below. More fighters in the arena below had thinned out their numbers now and the event seemed to come to a close. His mind toying with questions he wanted to ask yet knowing their appearance in public. Spending time chewing over his words quietly he was soon spared from any farther conversation when a sound began. 


The bell cracked the air and vibrated, rippling through not just the land but the skies as well. For several moments everyone was left breathless until the sound receded. However the newly crowned king was far too distracted to notice the oddness as from the corner of his eyes, Aral spotted his uncle’s figure collapse to the royal’s box’ floor. Repulsively he jerked from his seat. His attention ignoring his guests and tried to draw closer to his uncle. It wasn’t until his form was immediately held back by one of the guards that had approached to protect his king. Aral’s fingers tightened about the strong arm that separated him, his demeanor forgotten in the shock of seeing his beloved uncle down, while he struggled a moment to reach Kheris’s side. 

For some heart stopping moments, the newly crowned king felt something die inside. 

The scene around him seemed to be smothered in water. Shouts from the surrounding guards to gasps from the nobles within the box were all nothing more than background noise, his breath held in his panic. It wasn’t until his Uncle rouse that Aral felt himself breath again. His mouth let a hiss of air pass and escape his soured lungs, feeling the relief that came with it. Aral knew he likely looked more like a scared child as he relaxed his struggle and allowed himself to be sat back into his seat. Inside he had been rattled far too much for his liking, his display insult to his people and his mind racing around in circles in a dog chasing its tail fashion. Too much had happened this day for his inexperienced mind to absorb yet more was still to come. 

It was then he noticed the arena unravel its horrible scene. A section collapsed, crumbling and taking a few combatants with its fall, while a large, scaly creature crawled out. It started to snap and claw at whoever came within its range. In moments it started to edge into the crowd causing blood curling screams. Aral starred in morid horror.

His uncle’s words snapped him from his trance state causing him to finally see the chaos ensuring below. A beast, scaled and savage, had sprung forth from where part of the flooring had crumbled. It slashed and clawed causing those caught in its path to scream in their panicked fleeing, some falling prey while others managed to get clear. He was convinced the thing in the arena below had to be an evoker, for relics were the only known source of magic, making him glare at the creature hurting his people. 

“Do what you feel it necessary uncle.” Aral stated coldly, giving his uncle authority, as he lingered there to bore down a king’s anger on the thing’s destructive path. The guards knew better than to touch him when he added final words to his uncle Kheris,” However if it comes down to my people’s safety and that [i]thing’s[/i] life, kill it.” 

It was rare to see the prince anger or filled with such rather that likely even Kheris would’ve been surprised to see it surface. As if...someone else was peering back. Without a further word, Aral turned on heel and followed the other nobles in their exit wake. His steps steady and unhurried as he left the current course of events in Kheris, not willing to risk his people’s only hope for a better future by engaging the beast himself. Even if his honor and loyalty had demanded otherwise.