Alice scanned the room. The high ceilings made it seem like there were more people than what was presented to her, but the night was still young and plenty more were still to show. Her hands were clasped in her lap, her legs folded beneath her form-fitted dress made of a bold blue, satin and adorned beautifully with diamond embellishments scattered along the low neckline, creating a shining, dainty glimmer. The lace of her sleeves hugged tight to her muscles, and she masked her discomfort effortlessly.
“Are you nervous?” A deep, raspy voice asked lightly from beside her.
Alice glanced down at her father’s hand resting along the spotless white tablecloth. She gently placed her callous hand on his—reassurance. “I feel as though I should be the one asking you that.”
Alice knew her father very well, and the way he released a held breath between closed teeth was no doubt a smile. She did not look at him, though, for she knew the worry he hid so well would be the first thing she would see. “You are so brave, my daughter. I never, not even once, have doubted your prowess, but I can’t help but wish the road ahead was as lucid as ones tread before.”
Alice sighed, “Oh, father. I did not train in the mountains of Moore just to expect lucidity in my future.”
“I know, I know,” he interrupted fast. “But before you are the Shield-Maiden of Thelan, you are first my daughter.”
She looked at him then, with her crystalline eyes, framed by golden strands curled away from her face. And as her assumptions were right, she noticed, immediately, the worry behind his wrinkled eyes. He forced a smile, in which Alice then mimicked. She squeezed his hand, “I promise I’ll return. Successful or not, I will not give you the anguish of loss as a result of my journey.”
They both knew the frailty of her promise, hanging loosely on a thin string. Alice didn’t care. Though she did not admit it, for she knew she would need every ounce of courage to face what lay ahead of her.
Moments passed, with small conversation, more reassuring comments, and small nibbles on their favorite Thelan delights. The room began to fill with revered nobles, heroic warriors, and entrusted tradesmen, even from both Kingdoms. Everyone conversed lightly and carefully, for it was known that the treaty was nothing more than a paper with faded ink. Although weapons were not allowed, Alice could pick out some of the hidden blades on many of the attendees. King Charles sat idly on his throne, his company moved awkwardly around him, even the servants were shaking, afraid to spill a drop on the wrong person.
“My Alice,” her father spoke sternly, pulling out a folder filled with papers. She leaned closer, looking over the folder as he revealed it’s contents, “The road ahead has countless dangers that the Kingdoms have no knowledge about. Mystery after mystery, you will face adversities and entities that no one has ever had the honor, nor bravery, to witness. I wish I had the information to help guide you, but I am sad to say that I do not.” He paused, and Alice smiled at him kindly, each of his words dropping a stone in her stomach, making it harder and harder for her to not sink. “But, I did muster information that may or may not be useful to you.” He shuffled between the papers, “This is information about some of the brave volunteers that will be journeying with you. I know there will be many, and I know they will range from varying skill, but I think these,” he placed a confirming hand on the stack of papers, “—these are your allies that I would hope you keep close. They have different skill sets that I believe will come to great use, and together you will all make an undefeatable force. These have the potential to be the heroes we’re all praying for. You included, of course.”
Alice said nothing, and instead peered over as he showed his first paper. “Niavak Wymark—the Pale Knight. A young Alovian knight, said to be very skilled and very strategic. Among his renowned successes, one stands out the most in which titles him as such. At the jaws of defeat, he formed an alternative strategy in which lead his legion to victory. Though worded simply, it is very impressive to think clearly and effectively when you’re on the spot, as well as when death is filling your foresight.” He maneuvered to the next volunteer, speaking under his breath, “I’ve heard he has quite the humorous side to him. Strange for a knight.”
“Arun Shirazi—the Blade Dancer,” immediately, Alice recognized the feminine features of the given drawing, wondering if the androgynous style to the artwork was accurate or not. “Although he may be easily underestimated, it is wise to not follow suit with that assumption. While his history isn’t quite known, the important parts are still there: pulled from an orphanage at age 10, showing determination like no other, and rising to the top with the Baldori’s deadly fighting style.. He became revered by his growth and his acknowledgements. His title was given to him through his seemingly effortless combat and fluid motions that suggest his natural instinct in battle.”
“Nariman—an Honorable Mercenary of Thelan,” the words came from his mouth even before he pulled out his document. Alice wondered if he happened to be his favorite. “I had to do a lot of searching to form Nariman’s profile, but I was happy with the results. Many of his accomplishments had gone unnoticed by the many leaders of the military, but his allies on the field were quite the opposite. Nariman is very skilled and very versatile, gaining talent after talent until he became well-rounded enough to have a limitless amount of strategies against his foe. While his history suggests a basic warrior, his strength suggests a hero. I’m excited to hear about his participation the most.”
“These next two you must promise to quell your general distaste for.” Alice wondered in confusion, until a heavy sigh was released by the reveal of their document. “Hatzurmarana Etse Tsorovah—the Sell-spell. I learned about her primarily from the street people that have underwent her services. She goes by the name ‘Hatzur’ and her powers are unique and valuable. She still remains quite the mystery as I’m unaware of her history. But, despite her closed off personality, and her said-to-be ‘cold’ attitude, she is very, very gifted. She may be a hard ally to muster in your legion, but I’d love to know more about her past that makes her the way she is, upon your return.”
“Next is Morganne—the White Witch. I heard the majority of her skillset from the Nantego tribe she dwelled in for a short time. It was very strange that I didn’t have to do much seeking to discover her, but I was rather advocated to acknowledge her participation in this conquest. I was visited by one of The Chosen. In so many words, she told me about Morganne’s incredible mind and her crave for information and answers. Morganne supposedly holds an ability very rare to most witches. While I’m unaware of the truth to that, or the specifics, I don’t doubt her ability in the slightest. Morganne is a scholar, and a great witch.”
“On my journey to discover the White Witch, and happily enjoying the hospitality of the Nantego, I came to find another honorable warrior.” He switched documents. “Talia Foa’i—Kaieke Tohorā,” the words came out proudly. Her father always took great interest in the Nantego and their culture. “Talia is a very brave and revered woman to the Nantego. She is a very fierce warrior in her tribe, and she is the creator to the atlatl weapon that they’ve come to favor as a community. I knew of her father, a very respected strategist of the Nantego and brother to the Chief. It’s expected that her daughter would follow in his footsteps, like so. Furthermore, her warrior training was very extensive and taught her versatility, strength, and control. She went on to lead hunts and pilgrimages for the Chosen. Now, she joins the conquest as, what’s translated to be, the Whale Rider—an honorable title for a fervent warrior.” He switched documents again.
“Elly . . . ,” Alice chimed in, recognizing the drawing of her former training partner and dear friend. It’s been some odd years since they’ve spoken, though Alice sends her gifts and letters from time to time. Her participation struck a chord within Alice, a sense of relief accompanied with worry for their, now, shared danger.
“As you may already know, it’s none other than Ellinor Myren—Shield-maiden of Moore. The Isle of Moore has a select band of fighters that are extensively trained against their own exposure from the Northern Mountains. She’s going to be very valuable on this quest from her knowledge of the many beasts that dwell within the realm of your destination. After your shared training, Ellinor went on to join the ranks of Moore’s brave hunters, and made a name for herself doing so. She was seen as the perfect candidate when the quest presented itself to their people.”
“Last, but not least,” he pulled the last document out, “—is Sir Wolfgang Alphonse Koivisto—the Hammer of Witches.”
“I recognize him. I believe I’ve heard of him through the people of Thelan, as well as the people of Moore.” Alice studied his drawing carefully.
“He’s not very known, but those that know him know his sacred skill set. Being one of the few witch hunters that exist, he could be of great use against the mystical enigma that taints the Northern Mountains. While I’m unsure about his history, he has lived through the tail end of the war, which suggests the reason behind his knowledge of witch hunting. He’s a questionable fellow, with intentions that are hard to pinpoint, but a formidable ally nonetheless.”
At the last of the individuals Alice’s father mentioned, she began searching the room to see if any of them had showed up to the farewell dinner. “They all show great feats that will come to use on our journey. I only hope they hone their skills and look past any differences that may become established. I value strengths and talents, but a stubborn warrior is of no use to me.”
“Have faith, Alice,” her father assured her. “They all come from a history of leadership and control. I assume the beginnings could be rocky, but when the time comes for it, your minds will come together.”
He tucked the folder away, returning back to the reality of the party. The room bolstered with chatting people and clinking plates. Many guests paid their respects to the lax King and others feasted upon the cornucopia of food that was offered in the middle of the large room. Round tables along the perimeter of the room began to fill with people from all cultures. Amidst the endeavors of the people, harmonious music played gently in the background by some of Thelan’s finest musicians. The sun casted it’s final rays of orange-yellow light, creating a beautiful scenery that people observed from the large balcony.
Alice waited for their arrival.
AlteredTundra,
Mixtape Ghost N,
NoriWasHere,
Snowdrops,
Blizz,
Aeolian,
Benzaiten,
Cubix
