SlashInfinite

Soturi: Death of a King

Elena could barely sleep that night. The anxiety was still very much burrowed in her mind. Even as she stood there in the early morning, the guards had not left their position outside the residence. After talking to Adair yesterday, they had insisted to continue guarding her. She knew perfectly well that she might still be in trouble, which was why she had carried through with her plan. Elena had indeed asked about Adair’s view on a possible scrying of the mind to be deemed innocent, but he had been led to believe Elena meant for Kate to receive the scrying. But no, the young magi had sent for the court mages, bluntly explaining the situation and requesting for a scrying, to prove her innocence. They had not answered, which was worrying.ß

Not even a cup of tea had managed to bring other thoughts to her, but the knocking on her door did. With quick steps the girl skipped towards the door, opening it quickly and staring at the figures outside. One of the court mages, a grumpy old woman by the name of Yella Liversteam stood there in her same old robes, clearing her throat before she spoke. Behind her was another mage and a nobleman, with the two guards observing.

“Miss Lockslin, we’ve discussed your situation.” She paused, before wetting her lips and continuing. “And we’ve decided, upon evaluation of your former help to the King and the kingdom, to allow for a scrying. Today.” Yella said, with that familiar frown on her face. Still, she had been rather nice about it, considering.

“I am prepared to leave already. Will it take place at the Astral Hall?” Elena asked, clasping her hands obediently in front of herself.

“No. The King has decided it should take place in the throne room.” The nobleman rudely interrupted, folding his arms. Elena could not help but grow nervous at that. A scrying in the middle of the throne room was as uncommon as a farmer’s son marrying a princess. It did not bode well. If the king had decided it was worthy of his time, Elena could most likely begin counting the minutes she had left.

The throne room was as beautiful as ever. As far to the roof as there was to the top of the tallest trees Elena had ever seen. And the ancient and irreplaceable ornaments, pillars with the stories of the kingdom carved into them. It was admirable beyond imagination. The king sat in his throne, greeting the group that had entered. Each and every one of them bowed in respect, with an approving nod in return by the king. Yella stepped forward, gesturing to Elena as she spoke.

“Your grace, this is Miss Elena Lockslin of the Mage’s Tower. She is the one who request for the interrogation herself.” King Merrick nodded in return, before he spoke.

“I have heard about your position, Miss Lockslin. Merciful as I am, I will of course allow you to prove your innocence.” He said, motioning for the mages to go about their business. Elena was guided towards a single chair in the middle of the room, rubbing her sweaty hands as she sat down upon it. She had put on the robe she was most fond of. It was a soft and beautifully sown gift from Talder years ago. It had not fit her until she had matured, not that it had ever bothered her. It was a midnight blue, with silvery markings all over it, ancient words and incantations. The robe had to be one of her most precious items, even if she never had prioritized clothing.

No further words were spoke as Yella stepped towards Elena, placing a hand on her forehead. As she begun to mutter an incantation, her fingers began glowing a faint white. Instantly, Elena could feel the magic invading her mind. She grimaced, even if she knew there was nothing to fear. But it was still such a claustrophobic feeling, opening your thoughts, memories and life to other people. No one wanted to be scryed, but what choice did she have? It was something that had to be endured, horrible as it was. The magic flowed through her memories, investigating each one of them carefully. Elena took in a deep breath, shaking as she sat in the chair.

“Your grace –“ Yella addressed the king as she halted the incantation, looking towards him. “The young Miss Lockslin has not associated herself with the Rebellion, but she does know Kate Iles, perhaps even a long-time friendship. Still, she appears to hold a remarkable loyalty for the crown, long as she has lived. I, Yella Liverstream of the King’s Court hereby declare Elena Lockslin innocent of any accusations concerning her loyalty.”

“Excellent. Most excellent.” Merrick stepped down from his throne, his cloak waving gracefully as he approached the young magi. He offered his hand towards the girl, having become slightly teary at that point. Elena accepted the help, but strayed from looking directly at him; it was not suitable for anyone besides his most trusted men. She curtsied before the king, as he spoke again.

“If you would all excuse us, I would like to have a word with Miss Lockslin.” Merrick stated, gesturing for all of the others to scurry away.

“Now,” Merrick started, turning his back and motioning for Elena to come along. “I am sorry you had to undergo that, Lockslin. But it is for the safety of the kingdom. Speaking of which, I have an offer.” The king turned around again, offering an unreadable smile.
“Perhaps you’ve heard of the order of magi that serves the crown personally?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I have, Your Grace.” Elena humbly responded, dipping her head. There was indeed a group of mages that worked directly for the crown’s interests. They were commonly referred to as the Diviners. Elite, ruthless and crucial to the Kingdom, there was both fear and respect by the citizens, and the mages of the Tower alike.

“Splendid. You have been deemed innocent, but I believe there is yet more you could do for the Kingdom. Kate Iles betrayal was unexpected, and a danger to us all. If you would accept, I would have you accept the oath, and take on the seal, to find Guardsman Iles, and bring her to justice, one way or the other.” Merrick kept a rather firm expression, but smirked in his mind.

“O--… Of course, your Grace.” Elena curtsied again.

Oh, how easy it was to manipulate the young.

Breakfast University Of Magic

Finishing up here, just want to know what the take on Chronomancy(Magic dealing with time) is? I imagine it'd be a rather risky school of magic (Usually is in other universes, at least!) but if it was alright for my character to study and experiment with it?

@TheHangedMan

Breakfast University Of Magic

How many years would there be at the university? Just doing my CS now :)

Breakfast University Of Magic

Yes hello, I'm just dropping my "Interested, sah!" sigil right here o/

Soturi: Death of a King

I'll most likely get working on a post tonight (EU time!) but I most likely won't finish it before tomorrow, having a ton of homework to deal with, whelp. But is anyone about to post, or soon will? In that case I'll hold off on the post until they do :)

East meets West (SlashInfinite & POOHEAD189 1x1)

The Swordmaiden barged through the infirmary door, dulling the noise of the commotion from the battle outside. Mikasa stumbled towards a table, grunting heavily. It did not take long for her to realize the earlier wound had opened up. She sighed angrily, but quickly gathered herself and raised her sword high again, as the pursuers ran through the door. Or, that would mean the pursuer. The sight of the half-breed caused frown on the face of the bloodied woman. The two took a step closer, both ready with their weapons. There were no words between them yet, as they prepared for a gracious dance of swords and scarlet droplets. Meldarion’s eyes went to the Swordmaiden’s stomach. Her hand was covering it up, as she limped around in the circle the two were walking in.

“I gave you all the chances to flee. You’re as persistent as ever.” He almost smirked at that, but nonetheless kept his cool. Mikasa came to a halt, eyeing him up and down with a heavy frown. “You speak as if you know me.” She muttered back.
“Perhaps I do.”

The two moved towards each other, blades crashing and slashing furiously. Mikasa fought with a surprising ferocity considering her injury. The distance was closed, and with a swift elbow, Meldarion knocked Mikasa’s blade out of her hand. With a yelp of pain she sent her leg high, sending it right towards his hand. Both blades were knocked out, and the two now stood barehanded. The Swordmaiden was lightly equipped, holding up her two wrapped hands. With a swift nod Meldarion accepted the challenge, moving forward. The two engaged in a bloody sea-saw battle. Swift strikes flew from each soldier, blocking and countering left and right. Meldarion sent his lead hand forward twice, and quickly followed up by sending a swift knee right for Mikasa’s injured stomach. She gasped in pain, but threw herself forward to grab him by the neck.
Short of breath she returned the knee, before Meldarion separated them with a frown.

The man charged forward, directing one of his hands under her armpit, and the other flying for control of her bicep. Trying to hold her stance against the stronger man, Mikasa was struggling. Meldarion shot his hips around, tossing the woman over himself. The man locked her down, threatening with an elbow.
“Had enough?”

@POOHEAD189

Soturi: Death of a King

With a racing heartbeat Elena came to a halt in her hopeless chase. In the violent stream of water below, Kate and the now unconscious gnome was dragged off with the current. The young sorceress took in a much needed breath, a small sigh being let out immediately afterwards. In the distance, heavy and plated footsteps could be heard with an alarming rate. Still, Elena could only muster to mutter to herself; “What are you doing, Kate?”

As she turned around, she was met with a fairly discouraging sight. Before her stood a band of steel-clad soldiers, almost resembling a pack of wolves trapping their prey. Each and everyone one of them had drawn their blades, holding them at the ready with a wary gaze. A single man stepped forward. He was a familiar face, with the usual sigil dotted across his armor. His eyes squinted, eyeing Elena in distrust. Redarion Benneth did not say a word, before the magi beat him to it. “They’re gone... I could not catch up.”

With a heavy frown the veteran nodded. He discreetly leaned to the side, whispering to one of the guards. Elena’s pulse was still running wild as a dog chasing after a piece of meat. She repeated Kate’s words within her mind, over and over again. It isn’t safe!

The magi’s breath slowed down in realization, wetting her lips briefly. Surely they did not suspect her of being associated with whatever was going on? Elena’s gaze darted to the still drawn swords, causing her to gulp. Whilst panic began to overcome her, she kept a rather calm outward appearance. Something her time with the courts had taught her to. Quickly she collected herself, before speaking.

“I will head back. I do not wish to come between you and your work. Best leave you to it.” She nodded firmly and set off, to pass around the guards. One of them raised his sword, blocking her way as Benneth spoke again, his voice being ever so plain, but still so very haunting. “Please, Miss Locklins. There may be more of these culprits on the streets. Allow my men to escort you safely to the Tower.” His eyes were unyielding. It was anything but a suggestion. Elena could feel her stomach twisting and turning at those words, but alas she agreed. “As you say, Sir Benneth.”

The walk back towards the Tower was occupied by silence. No one said a word, not even Sir Benneth. With every moment that passed, Elena became equally anxious. She was an apprentice and assistant to a respected mage of the court, which was probably the only thing keeping the soldiers from dragging her into a dungeon and interrogating her. Or perhaps Redarion truly wanted to escort her to safety, not for second doubting her loyalty to the crown?
That thought was discarded as quickly as it had entered her mind. No, all these events were all too convenient not to be connected. As each second passed by, her mind was endlessly debating with itself in a void within herself. There was an urge to chase after Trent; find him, as Kate had shouted for her to do. But unless Elena had the intentions of bringing him back to the dungeon, it would not reflect well on her position. But alas, if Redarion had already made up his mind, perhaps there was not much choice.

As they passed through the busy streets, one might spot a small puppy locked within a cage. It looked miserable; thin and coarse from hunger. The brown eyes stared at the passing group of soldiers, with the magi in the middle. For just a brief second, it felt as if Elena had eye contact with the creature. Pitiful, aren’t we? She sighed to herself, feeling just as trapped as the poor creature.

The Tower stood high as ever, undisturbed by the events of the day. Sir Redarion came to a halt, turning around on his heels. He clasped his hands behind his back, with an enigmatic smile creeping forth on the lips of the elderly man.
“I trust you’ll find your way to your quarters. However-“ He paused, opening a small pouch by his side. The man handed over a simple trinket of sorts, shaped as a flat hourglass, made in a transparent glass-material of sorts. “I would be most appreciative if the lady would carry this token. It is nothing but a relic of the God, to prevent harm from coming to you.”

Though reluctant, Elena accepted the gift as the soldiers walked off. She was left dumbfounded there. Nothing? No offer to ‘guard’ her quarters or the likes? Perhaps she was not considered a possible threat after all? Or?
Elena turned around, looking towards the direction of the guards. She wrinkled her nose, before stuffing the necklace into her pouch. Whatever reason there was to give it to her, she’d figure out eventually.

The woman stormed up through the tower. She knew what room she was headed towards, but her mind was clouded. Skipping swiftly up the stairs as a newborn mountain goat, Elena made her way through the home of the mages. In a leap of panic she knocked on the door, without even knowing how to begin. There was not anyone else she dared go to, even as little as they knew each other. Still, he seemed like a trustworthy person, at least on the outside.

“Adair? Adair! Are you there? Hello?!” Elena waited outside the door, a face of panic in the place of which a rather calm expression would usually reside. Messy hair which used to be neat and orderly, it was obvious she was troubled. Even if she was not exactly sure why herself.

Soturi: Death of a King

Getting late-ish here in EU, so I'll probably get working on a post in the morning, if some other people want to post first, just let me know! :]

Soturi: Death of a King

"Yay! Go, little orb of light, reach your dreams!" Made my night @Deserted x) That was fantastic.
And yes, just need a lil' info on how you wanted to go about the Meagher scenario, so I don't mess something up in my next post! :)

Edit: Woops, litteraly posted this the same second you did

Soturi: Death of a King

The marketplace was more than filled this day. Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters alike were rushing around the streets, most carrying smiles upon their faces. Elena was hiding underneath a gentle shadow, just outside the house she resided in. With a careful grasp around the books in her hands, she stood and watched. Observed, ever so carefully. There was something quite soothing about watching people go by with their days. The young woman had lost track of time, and it was not until a familiar figure approached her, that her trance was broken.

“I hope I’m not disturbing.” An old and rugged voice spoke. It belonged to Redarion Benneth, an old veteran of the King’s Guard. He stood calmly in his heavy armor, dotted with sigils of the king. The plated glove rested easily upon the hilt of his sword, as he offered a quick bow towards the magi. Elena offered a thin smile, as she dipped her head in a quick curtsey. The two had met regularly, seeing, as they would often walk towards the inner city together. Elena never quite knew what to make of him. The man was old, but his loyalty was unwavering. He never questioned a single order, even if it came to killing newborn Soturi. Perhaps it was that which kept her on guard.

“You’re not.” Elena assured him, before they trotted off through the markets. They quickly fell into their everyday small-talk as they left the noisy marketplace behind, walking through the quiet alleys. There was a shift of atmosphere around them, just as Redarion spoke again. “Tell me, how well do you know Kate Iles?” Elena furrowed her brows, before rolling her shoulders. “We’ve met on occasions.” She always was so minimalistic in her answers, which the older man knew perfectly well. “You’d consider her a friend?” He asked, causing Elena to look at him in a jolt of surprise.

“She knows my name, I’d assume. How come?” Elena asked curiously, as they approached the inner rims. Redarion waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head. “No matter. You are convinced you do not need a companion, for the questioning?” Elena snorted a gentle snicker at that, shaking her head, just as he had done. “Please. It is a gnome, and he is behind bars. What could possibly happen?”

---

“Awful lack of people.” Elena muttered to herself, as she stood in front of the dungeon. She reluctantly headed into through the open door and flicked through the pages of a notebook she had been given. A ledger, filled with names and crimes prisoners had committed. With a small frown, she wrinkled her nose at the list on the gnome. “This is small-time thievery and petty crimes. Why in the world would he know anything about this rebellion?” Elena muttered to herself as she looked around the very empty dungeon.

“Hello? Anyone? Anything?” The magi shouted with no answer. Nothing. Even two cells stood open. “Peculiar.” She muttered, her mind pondering. With a quick flick of the wrist, the book opened up again, and the pages flew by. Elena tapped her finger on the earlier page, reading the record once more. However, her eyes darted to the other page. Her eyes blinked several times.

“Trent?” She read the name to herself in disbelief. The two certainly knew each other, Elena considering him a long-time friend. How his name had ended up in a prisoner’s ledger boggled her mind. What had started as a rather ordinary day, had taken an abrupt direction. Without further hesitation, she sprinted out of the dungeon.
“An-jad’toh ensiah-nu.” She muttered to herself, along with a fancy gesture of her hands. A small orb of light came into existence, not much bigger than a lemon. It quickly flew off, leaving an ethereal string of light behind it. The magi darted after it without further thought. Should all go well, it would lead her to Trent. That was the theory, at least.

Elena heard shouting as she ran through the streets, following the noise more than the orb. At last, she spotted a familiar figure by the canals. “Kate?” She muttered, before shouting the name again. “Kate!” With hasty steps, Elena ran towards Kate, who appeared to toss a person into the canal, along with herself. “What are you doing?!” she cursed at herself, trying to keep up with the strong current in the canal. Once the girl had caught up, she spotted the gnome in the water.

First Redarion had asked about Kate, then Elena had seen Trent’s name in the ledger, and now Kate was running off with a gnome? Elena was perhaps more puzzled than she was earlier. She acted out of instinct, shouting for Kate again, hoping to break the sound of the water.
“Kate, blasted! What are you doing?!”

---

Meanwhile, the small globe of light continued to surge through the streets, darting in the direction of Trent.