"Please close the door and remain outside." The guard acknowledged the queen's order going outside and waiting outside while the two talked. He didn't protest or inquire why she wanted him to go outside as he knew they were talking about delicate information that she didn't want anyone else to hear. Turning her attention toward Alexander she began to speak toward the paladin dutifully and formally. "There's no need to apologize, I wasn't doing anything that was that important other than working on the arrangements for her coronation. Yes, it is true that Meira wishes a coronation to honor her status as princess and I think she's rightfully earned it. She's not Windgracian by birth and actually comes from a different royal family altogether. This is just between you and me, okay? If news of this were to get out it would stir trouble in this world. Meira is one of the final descendants of the Rystaliuskal family line. Her mother Melianth is the daughter of the former Sindel empress and emperor Finathia and Azmaldus Rystaliuskal. She is the last of her kind. Meira is a Sindel and this must just between the two of us. Since she descends from royal blood getting support shouldn't be too difficult for her. Also, yes she can utilize the forbidden technology known as Elan. She hasn't been taught how to use her ability to absorb the technology, but she does have the ability innately inherited from her mother. I've been trying to protect the girl from her family's lineage until she was ready to learn about it on her own." Erialyss said as she then took a pause for a moment to ponder what she had just told the person. It was true very few knew that Meira was a Sindel child by birth and that she was indeed one of the last remaining ones of her kind. The Sindel went almost completely extinct due to The Great Collapse which also ruined the Phaedrians. She is a descendant of the legendary Sindel Elder who is said to be the son of Hemera and Nyx. My father Atroshaniu Rev'athalena and mother Magdalene Zorathan was one of the few people who actually got to know Saint Alkmaar. Sir Alkmaar presented both my mother and father with the swords Langrisser the Sword of Light and Alhazard the Sword of Darkness." She paused once again as she looked up on the wall and saw the legendary Langrisser sword on her wall on a rack held in place. It was a beautifully crafted bastard sword with angel wings for a handle and the handle had the heads of both Atroshaniu and Zorathan on it.
The sword was given to her when her father passed away a long time ago and she remembers as a child when he presented her with the sword. It was at the sametime she had fully mastered the trades of Glyph Magic and Holy Magic. She had also been taught in the art of Psyagonics secretly through oral tongue since the magic was passed down as a secret and secretly learned from the prestigious Alkmaar Raruva'ixan Uraiunogaervan. "The sword you see on the wall I've told few about, but belonged to my father and was his holy weapon which helped him during the Elian Renaissance Era. It's known as the holy sword Langrisser and was his holy weapon that aided him in battle. The twin to it Alhazard belongs to my sister Lanavanthalstia Windgrace who is the one who continues his teachings educating the people of Windgrace of his great teachings of Holy Magic that both my mother and father learned from the Great Alkmaar. Our family has been entrusted with the protection of the Exrius and Ciela household names which are both families that belonged to the Sindel race. The only reason I'm telling you all this, because our family greatly trusts your Order, Sir Alexander. This information must remain anonymous and secret between the Order and us. It is very delicate information that could be used wrongly if it were to shift into sinister hands." Erialyss answered as she turned away from pointing at the sword on her wall and faced Alexander once again. She was hoping that what she heard was true and that the information she passed onto the Order Alexander represented would count the information as fragile treating it with the proper care it needed. Only a few knew about the Sindel race and most thought they were just entirely a myth and believed that Alkmaar and the Elian Crusaders were nothing more than children bedtime stories. This didn't bother Erialyss or any of the Elian descendants since it was probably better that way. In that way, no one could ever use the information and try to utilize the power of those weapons for their own personal gain. All of the weapons were sworn to complete secrecy as no one was to know what family held what holy weapon.
"I would not waste your time by summoning you here if the coronation weren't reality. I want you to know that, but I have a feeling and something Siia said to me earlier was watch the shadows during the midst of the coronation, because a tribulation was going to present itself and cause distress during the coronation. She wouldn't exactly tell me what she meant by that, but it was enough for me to enlist extra guard to ensure that it goes successfully without problems. That is the chieftain reason you're here and I petitioned to the Order. Since a large array of guests are coming from various nations I need some extra protection since I don't want to leave the capital undefended while the coronation takes place. This will thwart any attempt of someone trying to secretly attack the capital since Sir Rhadamanthus will retain his duties as the Commander of the Defenses. I want you to also enjoy the coronation yourself not to arouse any suspicion that I've hired extra assistance to help make sure the coronation goes smoothly, Sir Alexander." Erialyss took a a breath after her long speech since it did exhaust her voice just a little bit. She could feel a tingle which was in the form of a tickle on her throat. It was obvious that she had been talking for quite awhile. It was also true that she didn't want to alarm the guests that there was going to be trouble and wanted her knew guard to try to blend in with the others. Just keep close surveillance without arousing and suspicion is all she desired from that entourage. This was reinsurance to make sure that Siia's revelation be circumvented and that she make sure it never happen.
She knew herself that Siia was a difficult woman due to the fact she spoke in riddles a lot and only spoke her mind. She did obey orders but only if they did not contradict her own actions. This didn't prevent her from being obedient as she was very calm and reserved. She never spoke unless it was of utmost importance and it was really hard to engage into any formal conversation since she didn't really say much. Sadly, Siianthaliae's past was almost a complete mystery aside form her involvement along with her sister Miiarvanthalua in the Elian Miracle. Both helped the other crusaders free the world from the evil grasps of Harken society. Other than that, she really didn't know anything else about Siianthaliae Axthrusia Vanb'Rianthei though she read about a Sindel named Axthrusia and wondered if that had any connection with the Vanb'Rianthei family name. No one knew the race identity to the Vanb'Rianthei family since they kept their race a secret and passed themselves off perfectly as another race entirely. She wasn't entirely sure if she could believe the reports that Siia was a Salecian since the one who is supposed to be her daughter Xeiyenreisha looked very much like a Sindel child. There were rumors she was a descendant of the Ciela family though the rumors could never be proven and it is still a rumor to this day. Thinking about her adviser exhausted her mind where she decided to relax it for awhile and allow Alexander a chance to answer her replies.
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"See you tomorrow at the coronation, Fenrir." Meira waved as she remained outside to enjoy the breath of fresh air as she watched Fenrir gallantly walk off toward the direction of the inns. Meira decided before she was going to eat that she was going to go to her special spot in the park and enjoy some refreshing air before she returned to her manor. She knew that Ranathia was probably still downstairs cleaning and though the cooking smelled so good, she knew it wasn't ready yet and didn't want to get in anyone's way. Meira went for a stroll down the capital until she reached the park where she enjoyed the various sights she loved along the way especially the Skyfall Waterfall which was a waterfall that fell from a landmass that floated in the air. It was certainly a spectacular sight see and the rainbowish water was always a sight for her eyes. She finally reached the park where she walked over toward one of the park benches and took a seat. The park was empty aside from a few people mostly kids who were playing ball outside.
That made Meira think about how they could enjoy their life and she had to live a sheltered life and wasn't always allowed the luxury of enjoying herself outside all the time. She didn't get to play these great games or these interesting sports created by these kids using a ball. She did when she was in the academy take gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, tennis, basketball, marital arts and archery while she was at the academy. All of those sports she was the top student of and was the most skilled. She wont first place in all her matches and helped a struggling basketball and volleyball team to four back-to-back world titles. Though those were sports and weren't just playing for fun like these kids did as they did have rules and regulations you had to abide by.
Her happiness was interrupted when she saw a wounded person walking toward and when they came into sight her jaw dropped and fear embraced her mind when she realized the figure was her grandfather. Meira shot up at of her seat then ran in the direction of her grandfather who was bleeding badly and he used his hand to cover the wound. "GRANDFATHER!!!" Meira exclaimed as she finally reached him and saw he was badly wounded. She had no idea what happened, but his injuries were inflicted by someone who looked like they were skilled and knew what they were doing.
"There you are..." Azmaldus coughed up blood as he grabbed her and pulled her over toward the benches where he took a seat. Azmaldus was trying to remain conscious as long as he could. He knew full and well the extent of his injuries meant he was going to die. It was his time anyway, he had no regrets about leaving the world since he knew it was it good hands. "I'm glad I got to see you again, Meira..." He said as he embraced her hand tight showing that he cared a lot about her.
"No, don't say that... you're... you're...." Meira tried to hold her tears back realizing the reality of the situation where she yelled, "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DIE!!!" She said as she tried very hard to hold her tears back. She didn't want to accept the fact that his injuries were beyond repair. She tried to heal his wounds, but he shook his head. She didn't know how to handle the pain that was stinging her heart right now.
Azmaldus wiped the tears that were about fall from her face knowing it was hard for her to deal with the fact he was about to die. He wanted to live just enough to see his beautiful grandchild adorned with her rightful crown before he died. He then revealed that to her as he prevented all her attempts of healing her and saw her eyes smiling, "Don't look like that, Meira. I'm not going to die yet. I'll remain around until my princess wears that crown Erialyss is going to present her. I know it's painful for you to bear the thought, but there are somethings I want to tell you before I die. Not right now since my passing moment isn't here yet. The wounds I suffered are far beyond repair and there's nothing you can do for me now. It is my time, child. I will at least live long enough to see you crowned." Azmaldus smiled as he held Meira in his arms. He would use what magical force he had left to attempt to live until it was time for him to die. He couldn't leave the world without seeing Meira become a rightful heir to the throne and a be acknowledged as a princess not only by blood, but also by the fact she rightfully earned her title through her dedication and diligence.
"Please...." Meira murmured as she trying not to cry, but it was so difficult for her. The weight of her grandfather dying was hard for her to bear and even caused her heart to sink into sorrow. She wasn't sure how she was going to deal with this new adversity that faced her. "Please don't die... grandfather... Please, I need you!" Meira demanded as she didn't want to see him die though knew her attempts at trying to reason with him were to no avail.
"You'll come to understand in time, Meira. You're a strong girl and I know..." He paused for a moment as he coughed up blood and spit it on the ground. He thought to himself for a moment as he tried his hardest to remain alive until the moment she was presented with the crown, but it was so difficult. His eyelids were getting heavy and if he feel asleep now he'd never wake up again. He couldn't allow that to happen yet though fighting to stay alive for a few more hours was going to be a survival of the fittest and a battle he was willing to win. "I know you'll get through this. You have people to lead and can't be concerned about my passing. You should honor my passing and see things through and live your dream. That is all I would want from you." He paused for a moment as he took his sheathe off his belt and Chrysantheum and handed it to Meira.
"What is this?" Meira questioned in confusion when she was handed the sword. She hadn't seen a sword like the one her grandfather carried and this was the first time she actually got a good glimpse of his sword. Unlike her swords, it had a curved blade which was meant for fast and efficient strikes. She wasn't entirely sure why her grandfather was giving her his sword. He also didn't say what happened to him. She wouldn't ask since she thought he might tell her about it during his last moments of life. She didn't really want him to die, but if this was his wish then she had no right to deny him what he desired. It was still painful to bear and quite a burden on her heart.
"My sword Chrysantheum." Azmaldus paused as he caressed her face with his hand wiping away more tears from her face. "I want you to have it. It's my only thing I leave, my grandchild. Before I die at my last moments, I will reveal what I've learned to you. You must know as it is your legacy." He smiled as he continue to stay seated on the bench with his clothes, hands and body drenched in his own blood. He didn't think it was time for her to know about her father and mother just yet waiting for the opportunity to present itself.
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"That's some way to greet your old friend." The man said in an amused voice as he enjoyed tinkering with Luther's mind. Luther however was not in the mood and wanted to strangle the truth out of this man about the whereabouts of Chloris, but that might endanger her life so he refrained from doing so. He thought it was a cowardly act that this man he knew and wanted to distance himself would use such a tactic to force him to meet with them. He knew that he didn't just call him there for a conversation. That there was more to the conversation than meets the eye and what ever he requested he would have to unfortunately agree to. He hated to but as long as this man held Chloris hostage there wasn't much he could do. "What do you want, Aodeos? I'm hardly in the mood for your games and I will make you pay if you harm her at all!" Luther said boldly toward the figure as his voice echoed in the background. Too bad there wasn't anyone around to see the two talking as the part of the capital they were in was not that populated and was on the outskirts of the city.
"So you remember." Aodeos said pleased since he remembered his name. Aodeos remembered the good old days when Luther and him worked as a great team trying to revolutionize the entire Universe and destroy corrupt government and religious sects. The two had committed many acts together and were atop the most powerful galactic government's wanted lists for crimes they committed in the past. Luther though took his sister Lenna with him and tried to live a sheltered life on the planet known as Gaea where he didn't care what happened to his old compatriot Aodeos. He just wanted Lenna to live a life without having to burden herself like he did. He didn't want her to commit the same mistakes in the past as he did either and that is why he moved to Gaea.
"We had good old times together, punishing corruption within governments like the Erewhon Pavilion and the United Federation of Pangalactic States of Terravana. Such corrupt bigwigs and fatcats deserve what we brought onto them. Even their children were likely to commit the same sins as their fathers, Luther." Aodeos grinned as he remembered the time they killed several political officials in an incident that went down listed as an accident and the cause of the crash of the Pavilion ship was never determined. He hated governments like both since he knew full well it was all just one big political charade which is why he formed his mysterious and nostalgic cult known as the Angels of Destruction.
"I first want to see if Chloris is okay. Show her to me!" Luther demanded since he wasn't interested in hearing the bantering of an old friend of his who went completely off their rocker. He didn't commit those crimes for the sake of his damn cult and only did so that Lenna could life a healthy life so that she didn't grow up completely dependent upon others. Like him, he wanted his sister Lenna to one day become independent and think for herself and he would be damned if he'd let her join his bastard old friend's cult known as the Angels of Destruction.
"Very well, I'll let you see the girl." Aodeos said as he gestured in a direction as he paused before he requested toward the person who was in that direction, "All right, Duress bring out the girl. He may look but not touch."
Before he revealed Chloris who was still inside embraced by the hands of the devious Duress, he a few things to say to his friend. Unfortunately Chloris was hardly in any position to protest and was only gagged again, because she wouldn't keep her tone down when it was removed earlier when she was taken out of the brown burlap sack that one of his accomplices was carrying earlier. Despite her struggling with her hands, her wrists were secured firmly behind her back and coils of rope below her breasts held her bonds in place to prevent her from trying to force her hands in front of her. Another rope was looped in the middle to prevent her from easily slipping the ropes off her wrists. She was blindfolded with the black cloth that was used to gag her earlier while she was in the sack and now it was to being used so that she could not see her captors. Despite their requests for her to behave she did not. When she wouldn't stay quiet earlier she was later regagged with a thick satiny cloth rolled up into a band that was pulled between her lips tight and tied off behind her neck. They had warned the girl earlier that she was going to have her mouth restrained if she didn't listen and being the feisty tomboy she is, she ignored their warnings and expresses a look of discomfort and anger on her face as she can feel something at her mouth which prevents her speech. Despite wanting to fight her own distressed situation, she decides to save her energy until she has an opportunity where she can try to escape on her own. Struggling and try to yell that would only come out in the forms of a muffle would only waste her breath and energy. She was angry without a doubt, but if she really wanted to escape she would have to wait calm and patiently no matter how much peril she was in right now for the opportunity to present itself.
Without any struggle or resistance she followed her captor Duress who was completely cloaked and masked aside from part of her face. Her hair was black as night as she held her claws close to the girl's throat. Duress had a sadistic style grin on her face that you could see through her muzzle like mask. Chloris contemplated about the times that Luther talked about he used to be involved with a group of people who were very bad news and she finally understood what he meant. So these are the people that he used to be involved with? Selest questioned in her mind as she tried to understand what Luther had to go through when he was younger just so he could raise his little sister Lenna. I know they won't harm me as long as I'm useful to them. I should use that to my advantage and when the opening is clear I should attempt to escape. Right now just keep calm Chloris and don't waste your energy. She thought to herself as it was still dark until she felt her blindfold being removed where she could see a couple figures dressed in black, she could see them plain as sight but not what they look like due to their covered faces and it was hard to decipher their voices when they used mufflers to disguise them with. All she remembered from them is their voices and some of them had unique voices when she was blindfolded and felt like she was bound to a chair. She could also see Luther in front of her which brought her even some more relief.
"If you had only listened and behaved like a good girl then I wouldn't have had to take away your freedom of speech, Chloris. I warned you that your mouth would get in you trouble and I had to take matters into my own hands to prevent you from doing anything rash or foolish." He spoke toward the door that contained the captured Chloris which he was using as a hostage to get Luther's attention. His plans for Chloris is to continue to hold her captive until his friend Luther completes the task he has in store for him.
"As for what you need to do. I'm sure Malice can fill you in on the details. There is something she wants that someone has and I agreed to help her with that endeavor. Things will go more smoothly if you also help. Go ahead Malice. Tell him about what you want him to do. I suggest you obey or your little princess will become her new little mind slave. You wouldn't want that, would you?" He said amused which invoked Luther's rage where he tried to approach Aodeos only to be blocked by one of his men who stood in his way barring his path. "Temper, temper..." Aodeos remarked in certain humiliation for Luther as he knew his reaction was quite natural. It was obvious by his reaction that his feelings for the girl were very strong and since he had close ties with the government he could help Malice in her request of wanting to lure Nathan into a trap so she could get what she wanted from him.
"Bastard..." Luther said trying to contain his anger inside of him. There was nothing he could do as long as they held Chloris captive. He wanted to try to act to save her, but he knew that Aodeos always had something up his sleeve and that his actions would probably get them both killed. He hated having to obey this person he tried to distance himself, but now he couldn't. He always had a feeling someone was observing him and it seems his thoughts were true.
Mystery Girl One
Mystery Girl Two
Mystery Girl Three
Mystery Girl Four
Four girls were hidden out of sight standing on top of the roof. All of which were closely observing the situation. Two girls had pink hair though had the same colored eyes. They both had blue eyes and were clothed in fancy looking white and blue robes which were mostly white with blue embroidery toward the ends. The third girl concealed in a black and white cloak stood behind both these other two girls. Her face was completely concealed and all you could notice were bits and pieces of her beautiful raven black hair sticking out. The last of the girls was a silver haired girl that was partially cloaked. You could see plain as day the Chinese style priestess dress she wore and her black thigh-highs. All four of the girls looked like were talking amongst each other, but it was unclear what they were speaking about. Didn't look like any of the figures even noticed the girls were eavesdropping them.
"I would have never expected to see him again." One of the girl's remarked as they tried to remain silent and overhear what was going on. They were just going to listen to the group until they found out they were holding a hostage which invoked one of the pink haired girls requesting they intervene. Despite the black haired girl's protests the group agreed. The black hair reluctant agreed due to the fact she didn't like people being held hostage. She overheard one of the girl's speak and in a quiet voice pressed her finger to her lips, "Keep it down!" She whispered loudly enough so she could he, but quiet enough to give them away. "We don't want to give the idea that someone is watching them. When they are finished speaking that is when we'll intervene. I'll go straight for the one who is holding the girl captive. You others make sure to provide a distraction."
