[IC] Ancients of Elan ~ Rise of The Chosen

[Xeiyenreisha]

The open blue sky provided the people of the Guardian nation with a beautiful day. There wasn't a sign of a cloud in the sky and the signs of demons in the area were decreasing day by day. Since the light showered the ground with its beautiful and elegant radiance that spread throughout the area it blessed with its warmth, no demon has yet since shown its face in the Guardian capital area. Toward one of the garrisons peaking over the city outward, a girl can be seen sightseeing on one of the balconies that peered high up into the sky several stories. The beautiful pink haired girl dressed in mostly red and black leaned on the wooden railing as she looked out at the city below her. Standing beside her was a mysterious woman dressed mostly in black with most of her appearance concealed and toward her left was her bestfriend she knew since the academy. They once were rivals, but ever since they really got to know each other and see eye for eye they've become true friends.

Meira gave off a deep sigh making it known that she looked bored. There wasn't really much to do and all she could do at the moment was sight-see over the magnificent Guardian capital known as Ereis Eisan. The city and the castle of the naton were divided by a Dragonmire Mountain and the only way to reach the castle was either to take the treacherous mountain-path or take one of the trolleys that lifted you skyward over the city toward the top of the mountain then downward toward the recreation area where you would have to register before given admittance to the castle. The woman that continued just to stare at the sky didn't say a word and Ranathia was busy studying one of her tomes she bought from one of the magic shops in the city. Airships continued to soar over the gigantic Guardian capital as Meira continued to peer over the city watching the man sights she could perceive.

When she was about to enter the garrison, a soldier approached her with a request that the king asked her to the castle. Meira looked at Ranathia who just asked her right after the soldier talked to her what he wanted where she said toward her in a plain voice, "Oh, it's just that King Razhard wants to see me." Meira said with a deep sight not understanding why the king wouldn't get it through his head that she just didn't particular find him a person that she was interested in. At best, he was a great friend to her, but she couldn't ever love someone that she just couldn't get herself to like in the way he wanted. That's what she thought anyway as she left the balcony then took the stairs down toward the bottom of the city where a royal airship awaited her to board it.

Like usual, the mysterious woman followed the two. Meira wanted to know why this person was stalking them and who she was, but she knew she'd just start talking nonsense and that it would be just a waste of time. She took her seat toward the front of the airship and then peaked out the window as the attendant closed the door and announced that it was leaving toward the castle. "I wonder what he wants now?" Meira said as she watched the airship pass over the city while she could enjoy the views from above. It has been awhile since she had taken a ride on an airship. Ever since Windgrace when she first graduated anyway. She would have used her mount to reach the castle, but the king was gracious enough to provide them with transport. One of the soldiers approached the mysterious woman and asked demanding an answer, "Hey, what do you think you're doing?"

"What's it look like I'm doing? I'm going to accompany these two birds. Now go away." She said irritated as she turned her face away and again put it back into the mysterious tome she was reading from. The woman didn't show any signs of responding where the soldier reached out to grab her hand causing the woman placed her hand on her blade. Meira immediately interrupted and told him that she was a guest and was a part of their unit. The soldier nodded and let them carry on with what they were doing.

It wasn't long before the ship reached its destination where it touched down and Meira and the others departed for the ship and looked at the scenic view the castle had to offer. It was a view that astounded the mysterious woman who just closely examined the area before she saw the two walking down the white stone walkway toward the castle that stretched into the sky. When they started to approach the entrance they heard someone causing a ruckus and looked like there was a problem. Meira approached the situation to see what was going on at the entrance and she was very surprised by her view. It looked like two individuals were having a disagreement, but she wasn't close enough to hear what it was about.

[Card Captor]

Stuck at the front gates of the castle, Nathan face palmed "okay, while I admit it's pretty impressive that you can that I'm not part of the nobility just by looking at me, it doesn't change the fact that I'm under orders"

"I sincerely doubt that" the guard sneered

"It's true! My commanding officer was invited by the king. As her second in command, I came along as her 'plus 1'"

"'Plus 1'?" the guard raised an eyebrow

"Yeah" Nathan confirmed "like when you get an invitation to a party and the invite says you can bring a friend, date, or an escort; a plus 1"

"Whatever! I don't care about you or your 'plus 1'! Neither you or your whore of a commanding officer are getting in!"

"Actually, I'm pretty sure she's not a prostitute. Mind you I haven't asked her and this is really all based on her personality, but I'm pretty sure she's still a virgin. And while I don't know a lot about prostitution, I'm relatively sure you can't be a virgin prostitute" Nathan corrected. "Also I imagine it would be hard to be an officer and a prostitute at the same time. Unless there was sort of military run system" he mused

"What?" The guard was taken aback by Nathan's bizarre response

[Xeiyenreisha]

Meira overheard some of the words in the argument where her mood finally changed. She didn't look to pleased when she approached the scene along with the two other people that were accompanying her. Ranathia also had a frown on her face, but the other mysterious woman didn't look like she cared at all. The words she heard when she approached the soldier that was arguing with Nathan were "whore" and the second was "virgin". Both words annoyed her when she thought about them thoroughly. She stopped a few feet away from the two where she went, "Ahem..." Tapping her foot down on the ground in disgust and then crossing her arms with a cold stare in her eyes letting everyone around know that she was upset.

Instead of approaching the soldier first, she turned her attention directly toward Nathan where she responded as the soldier took a bow then apologized to her for what he had said when he realized who her commanding officer was, "As much as I appreciate you standing up for my honor, Nathan. I'm pretty sure you could have just stayed quiet and found me instead of instigate a confrontation over here." She bent down with her hands on her hips with the same cold stare in her eyes where she then continued once again, "How do you know I'm a virgin? I'm certainly not a whore, but what gives you the right to speak for my modesty? You not only misrepresented Windgrace when doing that, but you also are guilty of insubordination." She paused for a moment as she pulled herself away from Nathan again returning to her normal stance as she paced about him where she continued on, "I'm not saying I don't appreciate what you did; moreover, the fact you need to know when to just let things go and bury the hatchet sometimes too."

"Forgive me, Lady Meira. I had no idea you were his commanding officer. I sincerely apologize for my insults and I will accept any punishment you deem fit for someone like me." The first soldier said scared as the second one was so frightened that he couldn't even open his mouth.

"That will be unnecessary. You are not one of my soldiers so I cannot punish you though I will speak about your behavior toward the King himself." She boldly stated as the soldier gave off an oh man kind of gesture keeping his mouth shut while Meira turned her attention toward Nathan. "With that all aside, we'll go ahead and pass." Meira explained toward the guards as they stepped aside and allowed the people to enter. The woman who followed Meira took a brief glance at Nathan then looked away quickly with a silent sigh saying quietly, "Why would a divine race want to impersonate... No... nevermind..." She shook her head softly becoming silent once again.

Ranathia turned her eyes toward Meira as she saw the woman that followed them look toward Nathan asking her as they passed through the archway large downs that opened for them as they step inside the large structure. "Has she been always following us?"

"Yeah, but anyway..." Meira answered as she turned her attention toward Nathan. She looked at him then winked toward him, "Been awhile hasn't it? Already made it up to second in command of my unit, huh?" She praised him before she continued with what she said, "I'm surprised to find another person from the Windgracian Academy here like myself. You should remember me since I am of the Rystaliuskal family line and was one of the nobles attending the academy. The status was rather irritating though. Must have sucked for you how they treated you in the academy giving you a room separate from my own. I sometimes think the nobles here are complete idiots." Meira said as Ranathia and the woman said nothing as they walked down the hallway in the castle.

[Card Captor]

"Well I remember you, but not your family name. To be honest; the reason I remember you is probably your pink hair, it makes you stand out. I don't think I've even seen anyone else with your hair color. To be honest, I have trouble keeping track of all these noble families. It's nothing like my days on the road. The people out in the country have much smaller and easier to pronounce names anyway. I didn't need a flow chart to remember who was related to who and how, or who didn't like who because of this or that. Honestly, how do you remember all this stuff? Is there some kind of trick, or does everyone just pretend they remember all this stuff? Because honestly, I don't think a group of complete idiots could keep all that information straight. Hell, that guard knew who you were on sight, I found that pretty impressive" Nathan answered. "Who are the Ryste...Rysti...your family again?

[Leotamer]

A lady in a red robe walked behind Meria and Nathan, and interrupted, "I would believe it is Rystaliuskal, would that be correct Meria. Sorry for interrupting but I would just like to introduce myself. I am Aira Evene of Xi. You probably haven't heard of Xi, it is a small island of nothing but trade and herbs." Aira gave Nathan a strange look, and then quickly looked away. "I am acting as a medical adviser to the king and his army. I don't know much about swords and shields, but I am fine alchemist and doctor. The herbs of Xi have served me well, and I plan to use them to give Guardia exactly what it deserves. "she paused and continued, "Victory over their enemies." she said, a bit boastfully. Aira shifted her eyes from person to person, and then quickly left each one in turn moving to the next.

[Xeiyenreisha]

A lady in a red robe walked behind Meria and Nathan, and interrupted, "I would believe it is Rystaliuskal, would that be correct Meria. Sorry for interrupting but I would just like to introduce myself. I am Aira Evene of Xi. You probably haven't heard of Xi, it is a small island of nothing but trade and herbs."

"Yes, it's Rystaliuskal." Meira agreed as she stopped for a moment when the lady in red stop them. "Also my name is "Meira" not "Meria". It is a name which I value highly since my mother gave it to me. One which I'm am very proud to be a daughter to." Meira corrected her on the mispronunciation of her name. She didn't quite know who this person was, but she seemed to be a nice person. She still exercised a little caution by remaining where she was where she continued, "Pleased to meet you, Aira Evene. I am the second daughter of the Elian Crusader descendant Miracle Melianth. I don't think my name or myself am that special though I do want to continue to honor my mother's name by protecting this planet she loved." Meira added as she turned away from Aira remembering what Nathan asked before the woman spoke before she did. She also noticed that the woman behind her was still following her though she stood further back away from the group turning her face so that it was hard to see what she looked like. The woman hadn't said a word ever since they got off the airship, Not surprising since the woman she knew from being around her was usually always quiet.

Pulling her attention away from the mysterious woman she looked at Nathan. Remembering that Nathan asked her a question which she partially answered, but not fully she directed her attention toward him, "My family is one of the many families which descends upon the Elian Crusaders that freed Gaea from Xhosa's tyranny so long ago. I am a descendant of Aurelian Zeustzius. She was the original member of our family line that established the Valdarian Empire. She formed it after she helped the other crusaders destroy the evil Avernia Empire and bring an end to Avernus and Emperor Xhosa's tyranny. I carry the holy blood of my mother's side of the family Euphoria. The weapon you see in my scabbard is called the legendary Holy Sword that United Darkness called Meleitling. Meleiting is Sadarian for "Blade of Light" It is one of the many Elian Crusader Holy Weapons in existence. This sword is special since only females that bear Euphoria holy blood can wield it. I've been told it can help guide the hearts of the people of this world. What that means I don't know? . I don't know a lot about the legend, but I do know that I inherited some kind of birth mark and was marked on the day of the dark moon. I was born as a former princess of the Valdarian Empire, because my mother was the daughter of both Emperor Azmaldus and Empress Finathia. Other than that, all I really know about is my mother. I still have yet to know who my father is. The man who gave me birth disappeared before I could ever meet him. He left my mother to care for me and never told my mother why he left. He didn't say anything at all. The main reason I'm on Gaea is to find my father. People say his name was Rhinehart and that he was a member of the Primavalthera family. Along with my mother, he saved this world from destruction. That is all I know about that man. I hope one day I can find him and finally meet him then ask him why he abandoned my mother. I don't hate him though I just want to know the reason why." She finally ended the long winded discussion as she looked back toward Nathan and awaited patiently his response to her question.

Ranathia frowned not understanding why Meira spoke so casually of her family's lineage. Speaking without some restraint was a bit dangerous and this woman in front of them she didn't know if she could trust or not. She knew when she turned her attention toward the cloaked woman that followed them that she didn't look to please about the discussion either though she wasn't going to say a word. Ranathia was still curious who that woman was since there was something about her that made her feel strange. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

"I personally don't give a damn about the greedy nobles in this city. I'm only doing this for those who aren't fortunate enough to defend themselves and for reasons of my own and something I need to clarify for myself." Ranathia added once Meira had got done speaking toward Nathan. "By the way, I am a member of the prestigious Primavalthera family. Then again, I'm pretty sure you're familiar with that family name. My name is Ranathia, but you may just call me Rana if you wish. Doesn't really matter to me one way or another." Ranathia stated as she introduced herself toward the woman then noticed the cloaked woman still didn't want to say anything. She knew by her expression on her face that she just didn't care.

All the cloaked woman did was watch the other talk while she remained silent thinking toward herself. I am not going to engross myself in the values of a social butterfly discussion. I shall just remain where I am and listen to what is said. Not like anything these beings say could be of any use toward me. Though I am rather profound of the traditions of both the Rystaliuskal and Zeustzius families

[Card Captor]

Nathan listened to Meria's story about her family lineage. However one word she said caused him to choke on his own breath "...princess? D-did you say that you're a princess?" The panic was visible in his eyes 'of course she's a princess. Why not!? That makes complete sense. It's not like I'm allowed to have someone in my life I can speak to casually without any sort of awkwardness......okay, so maybe I'm not allowed that. Wow, this got really uncomfortable fast' Nathan sighed, briefly forgetting he was around other people 'My direct superior officer is a princess...wow, that's as bad as it gets. I already know what I am, I don't need someone reminding me about it every day. Well, my life just got a lot worse'

[Leotamer]

Aira felt her skin crawl every time the word "holy" was used, but she tried to hide it the best she could, which was really good. "What a lovely story Meira, and I am sorry for mispronouncing your name. It is probably my islander accent." she said smiling warmly. "And nice to meet you too Rana. I am sorry for not noticing you. Work has been busy, I been having to keep on my alchemy lab, and try to find ways to improve the efficiency of the Guardian's medicine and it has been a challenge. My I be bold enough to ask what brings you here?" she asked.

Aira noticed how Nathan was starting to feel uncomfortable, "Nathan, is it, if you need to take your mind off things, I could show you around my basic alchemy lab, presuming you would like and your commanding officers don't mind. It can be quite a sight for people who haven't seen one before. I need to poke my head in there anyways pretty soon, and I can always enjoy some company."

[Xeiyenreisha]

"Princess in name only, Nathan. It's nothing you need concern yourself about." She said in a persuading voice as she wasn't too interested in her princess title that much. It was just a moniker she obtained from being a Rystaliuskal. Nothing more than that and she didn't really care about it anyway. It didn't change who she was or what she wanted to fight for. Her princess title she assumed from her mother meant nothing to her. The fact she was the daughter of the woman named Melianth was enough to satisfy her. She didn't need any attachments to impress people. She just acted the way she was and paid little attention to those who praised due to her title.

"Might I be bold enough to ask what brings you here?" She asked.

Meira first thought about it for a second asking herself if she should reveal the reason why she was there. She shook her head thinking it wouldn't harm anyone to at least know why she arrived inside the castle. "Well, you see..." Pausing for a moment as she focused all her attention on Aira. "I'm here under direct orders of King Razhard. He didn't really give me any details to why I'm here so I'm guessing I'll find out when I enter the throne room."

"Also, Nathan has my permission to enter your lab if he wants. Really, he doesn't need to ask me for permission about things so trivial." Meira added knowing Nathan would wait until she complied with the request.

The woman let her voice be heard with words. She looked over at Meira's sword in her scabbard and then heard her story which she still wasn't happy about Meira revealing it to this person. They were a total stranger, but that didn't stop her from saying what she wanted to, "Blade of Light? So it still rests in the hands of the Elian descendants that bare the Euphoria holy blood? I must ensure that the radiance is not tainted. The other face of that sword is ugly and need not show its face. The Devil's Sword should stay forever asleep never to awake. The sheer twilight is enough to destroy the holy bonds of a deity. I understand now why Euphoria feared that sword so much. The one they used to call the Godslayer Leoht. The denizens who have held that sword still lie imbued into its darker form. The restless spirits which hate their creators and strive for divine redemption. I must watch over this Elian and make sure she walks the path of justice like all the other descendants who have brandished that blade."

Ranathia remained silent and didn't really have anything to say other than nodding at Aira when she answered her earlier. She noticed the cloaked woman starting speaking and she knew more about that weapon Meira held than both of them knew. It made her even more suspicious of the woman. How did she know more about that sword than the Rystaliuskal family knew? Also, what is this darker truth of about the sword which is evil? She had many questions for the woman where she looked over in her direction asking, "What do you mean by its sheer twilight is enough to destroy the holy bonds of a deity? Just who are you anyway and why have you been following us?"

"The question you ask is one which you can answer yourself. Is it not you that does not understand the truth and blind yourself toward the darkness that veils itself around your words? To understand the legacy of that ancient relic, first you must understand the true meaning behind the words Creation and Destruction. Only then will you understand the truth about that sword. If you cannot find the answers on your own then all hope for your kind has been lost. Not even the eyes of salvation will save you from the perils of eventide. When the tides of darkness shatter the wall of light all will be returned to the eternal eclipse. The luminance of Providence that gives existence its radiance will fade into nothingness. An eternal oblivion of no hope or future. The sands of time will cease within the hourglass. The end of time will cast its claws unto all of creation. The answers lie in wait for you to grasp them. Will you hesitate and continue to shade yourself from the light of truth? Will you open your eyes to the brighter axiom or will you continue to wander lost within the mysteries of another enigma of origin? Engulf your intelligence is what you behold as truth and never turn a blind eye on it or the deception within lies will continue to mesmerize you until the end of time.if you indulged yourself in the certitude that all questions have an immediate solution then you're a fool. Wisdom Evangelina holy blood comes from the contemplation of rational thought over the course of time. It is not something that is innate toward anyone or anything. If foolish mortals have lead you to believe that as an actuality of verisimilitude then you're more of the imbecile than I once realized you were. I would be a fool myself to engross myself in the enlightenment of a foolish child who can't comprehend the morals of their own convictions.Listening to the mere words of mortals self-indulged in their own ego will accomplish you nothing. If you want the real answer, I suggest you seek it yourself. Only then will you truly accept it." Those were the words the woman said toward Ranathia when she went silent again. Ranathia was all confused and didn't understand anything of what that woman just said. What is with these riddles? Are they supposed to mean something? She was great at formulas, but these riddles were so incoherent they were hard to understand.

[Card Captor]

"Oh, okay" Nathan said, pretending that it was. In truth; Meira's words did little to calm him down 'my My direct superior officer is a princess' he repeated in his mind 'wow. I don't think I've ever heard of something this ironically cruel' he confessed to himself. As an attempt to distract himself, he began to wonder why the King had called upon Meria. "Sure, why not?" He replied. He needed something to distract himself with, and this seemed perfect

[Leotamer]

"Wonderful' Aira replied, as she walked towards her alchemy lab. She reached into her robes and grabbed a key and unlocked her lab and relocked it from the inside behind them. "Sorry for having to lock the door, I just can't have people stumbling in and knocking something over or something. It is quite easy to mistake one room for another in a castle this big." she said.

The room was covered in shelves and shelves of different veils which held many different multicolored liquids. Each one having a small label saying something to the like of "Pt56, or Ps103." and many different things. In the center of a room, there was a large cauldron with a small metallic box with fire wood in it.

Aira shuffled over to a desk and started to sort some of the papers that were thrown about it. "So, how do you feel about the nobles of Guardia's mainlands."

[Card Captor]

"Eh" Nathan shrugged "they're not that bad. Honestly I was pleasantly surprised by how...well...pleasant they were. I was expecting a lot worse when I entered the academy, but it really wasn't that bad" Nathan confessed, completely serious. Looking around, Nathan found his attention drawn by the rainbow of liquids. If he didn't think that over half of them could kill him or at the very least poison him, he would have found the sight far more enchanting...it was still pretty though

[Leotamer]

"Oh, and where are my manners. Would you like something to drink?" Aira asked, as she poured him a cup of tea and offered it to him. "My I just warn you, corrupt runs deep in Guardia, but lucky, King Razhard is working on it." she said, smiling. "Though, may I ask, how much do you know about mana and Xi? And do you mind if I waste a bit more of your time with a little story. Xi isn't in the best of shapes right now, and Guardia's hands are full with other conflicts, which is way I am here to help end those conflicts so Xi can be restored to its former glory." she said.

[Card Captor]

"Enough to not look like an idiot" There was no way he could use magic the way he did without any knowledge of mana. His parents had made sure he had enough basic knowledge of the stuff to cast spells. Xi on the other hand was another story; before he had entered the academy, he had never even heard of the place. In fact, he found all of his academic classes to be a real hand full. Luckily, he had enough combat experience that he could devote all of his time to studying and didn't need to train to keep up in the more physical classes. "And I don't mind listening to a story" he welcomed it in fact, he needed something to occupy his mind

[Leotamer]

"I think you may be mistaking ellan for pure mana. It is a common mistake, there is really one difference and that is pure mana doesn't use esir or ragna like other magics. Many people are either indifferent or even hateful towards it. I think you might recognize more it as archant, which is magic using mana. However, to Xi, mana is much more important. XI grows lots of manawyn which is a common ingredient used to create pure mana.. Manawyn was once a very important export of Xi and mana has been long apart of our tradition."

"However, recently Archant has been banned in Xi. It has become illegal to grow or sell manawyn hurting our economy and putting many of the lower class Xians out of work. Many of the noble families brushed this off so the revolts are being put down, mostly because the nobles get all of their money from trade. It is because of the greedy Guardia nobles. You see, Xi is controlled by the Guardia King and the greedy nobles of Guardia used this to push for an Archant ban. Guarida didn't buy any manawyn, so by banning it, they both hurt are pride and our economy without even affecting Guardia." she paused, and continued, " I am sorry for the rant, but I just needed to let someone know how I been feeling."

"And you haven't drank any of your tea yet. Please, drink up. I might get offend if you don't." she continued.

[Card Captor]

"Oh!" Nathan had forgotten all about the tea "sorry" he quickly downed it, suppressing a grimace as he did. Nathan hated tea, and not just tea but also pretty much any beverage that wasn't water or milk. If water was good enough for plants and animals, then it was good enough for him. As for milk; well it was the easiest source of calcium. Why the hell anyone would want to soak leaves or powder in their water was beyond him. And trying to understand why people would drink alcohol, which is used in some clearing solutions, felt like trying to comprehend a seven sided cube, it made his brain hurt. "Is that what they did?" He asked in surprise to Aira's story "huh. That really sucks"

[Leotamer]

A wave of enchantment immediately flowed though Nathan as he drunk the tea. "Now, don't worry." Aira said, knowing that he would feel it. "You see, there is a possible traitor running around this class, and I simply slipped you a truth potion. I just need to know if your a hiding anything from me. You can say quite, but your silence might just prove your guiltiness, so I repeat, are you trying to hide anything." she said, with a sly smile. She knew that he probably wasn't a traitor, but knew that everyone was hiding something and the more she knew the better.

[Card Captor]

Nathan dropped the teacup in shock "dammit, this is why I hate tea. Bad stuff always happens when I drink that crap" he mumbled. He tested the enchantment flowing through him and found that he was unable to lie. "Yeah, I'm hiding something, something big" dammit, why didn't he just keep quiet? "I don't know anything about this 'traitor', but I'm pretty sure it not me" wait...pretty sure? Why only pretty su- oh right, the whole 'filthy Dragonite' thing. Dammit! He might have been discovered. But how, he hadn't changed forms for 7 years!

[Leotamer]

Aira laughed in her head, thinking "I have never heard of someone who was "pretty sure" they wasn't a traitor, but I should keep a straight face, I shouldn't reveal my own intentions yet." Aira straighten up, "So, Nathan, you are probably not the "traitor", then tell me, who exactly are you." she said out loud and then went back to her thoughts, "So this boy does hold some secrets, I should use the guise of protecting the throne to dig up some more dirt on him. He was with Meira, so he must be someone of importance, having something on the "holy knights" blood could serve the cult well, and Nathan was the weakest link. I also did hear something about Nathan muttered from one of those girls."

[Card Captor]

Clearly whatever was in that drink was making him far more chatty then normal, there was no way he would so easily divulge so much information to someone he had just met "just a worthless pieces of garbage looking for a chance to die a hero before I become a monster. Going on raids to burn the inhabitants of small villages and take their women to either use for myself or sell as slave, like the rest of my kin." He said surprisingly calm "that's the whole reason I'm here. I don't care about Guardia. I'm just looking for a cause to die for. I know that I have to die, so I'd like my death to at least mean something"