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Throne Room
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The rulers of the realm were pleased by the architect's words. Though he was not of noble birth, Tibrus's bond to the royal family was stronger than most and he was like second family to them.
The Queen listened intently as the architect gave his description of the three warriors participating in the tournament.
Creator_Drake wrote:"Hmm. To start with, the lad from Heide, is a swordsman of some renown, known as the Dark Swordsman as he can utilize a version of darkness that doesn't corrupt the user from what I understand. As for his character he seems like one that sticks to his beliefs but is willing to be helpful at times. He's intelligent and was quite inquisitive when I gave him the tour to the Mural Hall. Overall, both before and after speaking with the lad nothing about him has rubbed me the wrong way as of yet. We'll learn more as the days pass." He paused a moment, idly scratching a spot on his forearm.
The description of Henry gave the Queen a rather positive image of the man. "I see, I would expect nothing less from one of Heide's distinguished fighters. I've heard tales of his family's valor in days past, I have to say that I'm thoroughly impressed. Perhaps we will see more from him at the tournament." She gave time for Tibrus to continue his explanation.
Creator_Drake wrote:"That other lad, Ruecian, is another that I've gotten the chance to speak with for a time and like Sir Henry, nothing has tipped me off to something being wrong. Like his Majesty the lad is a Rayearth, though of what specifically I've yet to see. He holds the nickname Ghost of Arcana which could give an idea to his abilities. The way the lad walks reminds me of Lord Seijin before he left for his homeland of Zipangu." His eyes then widened in realization and snapped his fingers.
"The Ghost of Arcana? I think I've heard of that name before. But You say he reminds you of Lord Seijin, how so?" The Queen perked up as Tibrus gave more information on the merc.
Creator_Drake wrote:"Which reminds me, the lad had asked about his whereabouts yesterday as we spoke; seems Lord Seijin has taken on an apprentice in the last few years. Anyway, both swordsman appear of good character so I don't believe either would bring harm to the kingdom.
The Queen's eyes widen at the words of the architect, and the King gives a small squint as he listens. Queen Brunhilde runs a hand down one of her bangs before speaking. "You mean to tell me that this man, who we know to be nothing more than a common mercenary, is the apprentice of one of the kingdom's greatest heroes? I understand that Lord Seijin took his leave of the kingdom sometime ago for personal reasons, but you say that during the time he decided to make a disciple out of some commoner who lacks even a surname? I mean no disrespect to either of the men, but I must admit, I have my doubts.
Reinhardt begins to speak after sitting up in his chair. "So, it's true after all, the master has chosen someone to pass his art to.I had heard various rumors about Ruecian's exploits across the lands, but I wasn't sure at first. However, hearing the details about what is known about the mercenary's skills, I have to say that they all sound similar to Seijin's feats. If this is correct, then I can't say that I'm surprised. Now I want to see his skills first hand even more. At any rate, I digress. You were about to talk about the Cloaked Wanderer?"
Creator_Drake wrote:As for the Wanderer..." He ran a hand through his hair, scratching the back of his head. He then let out a sudden chuckle, possibly surprising the King and Queen a bit.
"If that robbed man truly is the Cloaked Wanderer as I know him, then Zauberheim is now host to one of the most powerful of figures in the land. I mean no disrespect my King, but the Wanderer could match you at your full strength from the height of the Daemon Crusades, with the latest iteration of your armour." He then gazed at one of the banners overhead, his eyes losing a little focus.
"It's been so long since that day, yet I can see it now as if it were yesterday..."
The King chuckled soon after Tibrus, his description of the Cloaked Wanderer amused him a little. "Is that a fact? Perhaps we'll have to test that after the tournament has concluded. I've heard very few rumors about the fellow, but of course they weren't enough for me to build a concise picture of the man. I see that my choice of warriors this year was well-founded if I do say so myself." Reinhardt noticed the architect staring at one of the banners in the room, reminiscing about days long past.
"Ah yes, the armor you constructed for me served me well, particularly against the more dangerous foes. I sometimes wonder what my father and Lord Seijin would have thought of my accomplishments, would they have been proud or pleased with my actions? I've done my best to keep relations between the factions peaceful and orderly, but sometimes I don't think it's enough. There has been much civil unrest as of late and there are rumors of rebellion. The incident last night is by far the worst, I've been a foolish ruler and a poorer father."
Queen Brunhilde noticed more than any how the recent times affected her husband. His spirit waved quite often and he was always on edge. She of course did everything in her power to comfort her king, but something was wrong. "Now, now. I'll hear no more of that talk. All matters, save Peter, have been settled. As king, you shouldn't let silly rumors and gossip waver your mind. You are the greatest ruler and father that I know, and I know that father and Lord Seijin would be proud of you exploits - both as a king and as a warrior."
The King made a small smile at his wife's words, he appreciated her sincerity greatly. "You are too good to me, my Queen. Forgive me, Tibrus, I should not spoil the mood with such talk. Tibrus, I thank you for entertaining my wife's inquiries; if you are done then you may take your leave and head to the Citadel to finish preparations."
At that, a mage in royal robes appeared out of a magic circle, who was prepared to take the architect back with him to the Luminous Citadel. "Is your business finished here, Milord? There is still more work to be done."
Reinhardt then rises from his chair. "My queen, I must prepare for today's events, I trust I will see you in the Citadel this evening?" With a nod, the Queen acknowledges her husband's statement. "Farewell, for, my Queen. Tibrus, I leave it to you!"
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South District Prison
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A guard who was sent to retrieve a certain student makes his way through the holding cells. These cells were meant to hold prisoners who currently await trial or judgment, something young Peter Culiar was here for. The young lad had been framed for rape by the daughter of the Sivana house. Thankfully, the Queen in her wisdom and mercy, spared the young man from immediate death and scheduled a trial for him - one that she herself will be present for.
The guard had arrived in front of Peter's holding cell; he looked at the boy's face while he sat on his bench. The student looked as miserable as one could be, it almost seemed the boy had lost the will to live and had given up hope. One could see the dried tear-trails on the boy's face, it was a rather pitiful site to behold.The guard reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys to the cell, unlocking the door soon after.
"Peter Culiar, by order of the Queen, you are required to stand trial for your alleged crime against the Sivana house. Come with me and I'll escort you to the chamber."
The gaurd motioned for Peter to follow. Soon the two would be on their way to the trial site where Peter's fate would be determined by a court of elected officials and a small jury.
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Ceremony Reception
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Lisia and her friends arrived on time to the ceremony reception at the school. In roughly 15 minutes the students would walk across the stage and receive their marks of graduation within their respective studies. Many senior students were gathered for the ceremony, however, only a selected amount who have already been determined would be participating in this year's tournament.
Felicie looks around and sees many familiar faces among the crowd. Many of them boys she's hit on in the past and female students whose boyfriends she's nearly stolen. " I wonder which of these mooks will be part the competition after the ceremony. It'd be interesting to fight all those girls I pissed off earlier this year, teehee!"
Anri sighs and shakes her head before speaking. "Only
you would be excited by that. If you're not careful, one of them will take you by surprise and knock you out in the first round." Felicie tensed up at her jinko friend's remark. "Whatever, you should be the one that's worried, Little Miss Kitty. I bet you're still thinking about that black dragon bitch you almost bested you in a mock battle in P.E! " Anri began growling at the vampire's snide retort before being stopped by the princess.
"That's enough you two. This is an important day for all of us and for the academy, so try to act professionally just this once." Felicie and Anri both folded their arms and looked the other way, having been scolded by the princess as always. Luke tries to start conversation to lighten to mood. "So Lisia, are you ready for your graduation speech?" Lisia turned to Luke with a smile. "Yes, I had prepared it several days in advance; it's always good practice to plan ahead!"
Lisia then speaks to Brandon, who had been rather silent when not being directly addressed. "I'm glad that you decided to come with us today, Brandon. I hope that your future in the arms industry is bright. And I'm sure you'll do well in the tournament later on. Although I warn you, you may end up fighting me, hurting you chances at victory!" Lisia playfully smirked at the boy who is slowly becoming a part of the group. Before, he would never have decided to even greet his fellow students, let alone socialize and walk with them to school.
As the students spoke, the Head Master appeared in the room. All of the students quieted down at the sight of the man. He had a very regal appearance that suited a man of his standing. With a cough his cleared his throat and began to speak. "Welcome to all graduates on this fine and pivotal day. First of all, let us pray that Peter Culiar is given the chance to graduate along with all of you and is cleared of all charges. Let us give our hearts out to the poor boy. Now then, it is a very important day indeed. It is the day you all take your marks of magical studies and go on to make something of yourselves in today's society. For a few years now, you have diligently studied and trained your bodies, minds, and souls for this coming day. For a select group of you have earned the right to participate in this year's tournament; giving you a chance to showcase all you've learned throughout your school career and impress potential connections/employers. But all of that is secondary. For you see, way this day truly represents in the beginning of the rest of your lives. It presents a chance for new beginnings and opportunities to re-invent yourselves. But most importantly, It gives you the opportunity to embrace your dreams and to reach new point where no person has reached before. YOU are the future; it is you all who will build a bridge to new beginnings.
Lisia dawn a warm smile at the Head Master's words. Anri smiled with her eyes closed and Luke became teary-eyed. Felicie tried her best not to laugh, as she often did when the Head Master gave one of his monologues. She always found them to be corny and cliche. After giving his speech, the Head Master adjust his large glasses before speaking again. "That's enough from me, it's time for you all to walk. But first: Lisianthus von Zauberheim, Your Highness!" Lisia straighten up at her called name. "Sir!!" The Head Master beckon the valedictorian to come up. "You must give your speech to start the event, please take the stage."
Her friends waved to cheer her on as she made her way to the stage. "Good Luck", they all said in unison as they waved to the princess. When Lisia got to the podium, she look at the crowd, which consisted of the parents and family members of the students. Teachers and faculty members could also be seen in their assigned seats. Much to her disappointment, she could not make out her parents in the seats. She figured that her mother would be dealing with Peter's case, but there was no sign of her father the king. Despite this, she goes on to give her speech.
(
I'll leave her speech to your imaginations, as I don't feel like writing out a graduation speech.)
The Head Master turns to the students as the princess is about to close her speech. "All right, I hope you are all prepared. You will be called in alphabetical order of your surnames. Congratulations to all of you for your hard work!"
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Reception Balcony
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As Rue and Henry made their way to the balcony, Rue decided to entertain Henry's question about the hooded man. Rue also noticed the hooded man decided to watch the ceremony along with them.
"I wouldn't say that. I just know him from yesterday. It's hard to figure out what to make of him as he's always silent; the most I can make out is that he has a strong connection to Peter Culiar, the student currently about to stand trial for being accused of rape. I just wanted to make sure he didn't cause any trouble trying to take Peter by force. Hence that ridiculous lie I made up on the spot."
The two swordsman made their way to the balcony in time to hear the princess's speech. Rue stands toward the ledge as he watches. The two are caught off guard by the sudden voice however "Hmm, you know, I believe that girl will make a fine ruler one day. She seems to be growing into the role rather well, wouldn't you two agree?
The merc turns to see that it is none other than Reinhardt himself. Contrary to Lisia's initial observation, her father had made it to the reception after all. Rue decides to greet the King, who presence nearly caught him by surprise.
"I see Your Majesty has made it to the event. I'm sure your daughter will be pleased." Reinhardt walks forward toward the ledge as well, viewing her daughter give her speech and seeing the students receive their marks. "Yes I'm sure she will, as I'm sure she will enjoy fighting against the apprentice of the legendary Seijin." Rue's eyes formed into a sharp glare at the King's words.
"You know? Did Tibrus tell you? I didn't think I gave him any clue as to who my master was. Very astute of you." The King smiled at Rue while listening to the students having their names called. "He could tell from the way you walked and your mannerisms. It wasn't hard for him to piece two-and-two together, and I had heard rumors about your exploits that made me wonder. Now I know for certain! Tell me, how is the old goat? I often wondered how he had fared in his time away from the kingdom.
Rue made a small sigh as he told the King what he knew. "I actually don't know, as it has been several years since I've seen the man myself. I went to find in Zipangu one day and I saw that he was nowhere to be found. A little while after that I was called to your kingdom for this assignment, and I was hoping I could find clues to his whereabouts here" Reinhardt rubbed his chin at the merc's explanation.
"I see, that's unfortunate. Although, I'm sure a man of his skill is doing quite fine. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually, in the meantime relax and enjoy the festival. I trust you both are prepared for the tournament, just don't be too rough on my daughter and her friends? Rue slightly bowed at the King's request. "I never intended to do so, Your Majesty."
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Luminous Citadel
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The man in black ventured into the Citadel, exploring the inner working of the establishment. As the top was where the tournament was being held; he noticed that the stairways leading to the roof were blocked off. He decided to pull someone who had the look of an official to the side to ask him about the event.
"Beg your pardon sir, but who is overseeing the events here?" The young worker was covered in soot from the multitude of spell-casting; trying to ensure the integrity of the barrier. "Why 'tis Lord Tibrus Heatherman of course! Folks 'round here know that the man oversees most of all architectural design and planning for city-wide events, you new here, sir?"
The cloaked man chuckled at the young man's response. "In a way yes, tell me, may I speak with Sir Tibrus?" The worker adjusted his visor helmet, covered in black spots, as he prepared a response. "'fraid the man isn't here right now, he went to speak with the King. But he should be gettin' back in a spell. I'll let him know you asked for him, sir! If you'll excuse me, I've a job to do."
The man in black watches the young worker as he buys a drink to refresh himself before heading back to the roof. He then stares off into the distance, as if reminiscing. "How many years has it been? So many things have happened since those days."
