Treatment

Location: Alba / Archives

Time: Y1503 / 25th day of the Wither Moon / Noon

POV: Sistina, Eighth Princess of the Kingdom

*grab book* (Sistina)

Uhm... 'Effects of lack of food on a developing child'...

Aurora was starved, there might be something useful in here.

“Hello, Sistina! How are you?” *smile* (Initiate Kara)

“Ah!” *drop book* (Sistina)

Why they always sneak behind me like that! My heart can't take it...

“Sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you.” (Kara)

No, what am I thinking! Kara is such a good friend, she treats me so incredibly nicely.

“No, I'm sorry.” *look down* (Sistina)

... To think people would apologize to me. My time here is going to spoil me rotten. Why do people here treat someone like me so well? I'm weak and useless. I don't deserve any of this... I'm afraid of returning to the Royal Palace.

*tears up* (Sistina)

“Whoa! I'm sorry I scared you! Don't cry! Please?” (Kara)

*dry tears* “it's just... dust in my eyes. I'm okay!” *smile* (Sistina)

“That book is about healing. You are always looking at those kind of books. Do you want to become an healer, like me and Liara?” (Kara)

“A... a friend of mine is sick. This is the only way I can help her.” (Sistina)

“I want to be a great healer! As great as Serina! Tell me about her sickness, maybe one day I can heal her for you!” *radiant smile* (Kara)

Aurora told me not to... but if I don't tell her a name, it should be okay. Maybe Kara will convince Liara to try a little harder too.

Not that she has to! But the people here says she is even better than Serina at healing. She might be the only one that can help Aurora.

“When she was young, my friend~ (Sistina)

Sabrina told me all about Aurora's situation. So heartbreaking. I explain it to Kara, leaving out the worst.

~and that's why I'm looking for books that teach about healing the insides.” (Sistina)

*teary eyes* *sniff* “Of course I'll help you!” (Kara)

This young girl is so compassionate. She'll become a wonderful healer, like Liara.

It was so hard to speak up, but I feel like a rock has been lifted from my back now that I have. I wanted to disappear and hide from the shame, but I had to endure it. For Aurora. I cannot help her on my own.

Aurora tells me they are evil, but I cannot fathom them being anything but nice! Is this because everyone around my friend has tried to hurt her? She had it way worse than me.

But the people around Liara are different. Even from other followers of Gloria I met. If it was about status, they would just speak politely and badmouth us behind our backs. Nothing would force them to show kindness or help us like they do. They genuinely care!

Aurora is wrong about them. I'll prove her that Liara and her people can be trusted. They can mend Aurora's wound. Maybe even her heart. And mine.

“Is everything okay, Sistina?” (Kara)

*nod* “It couldn't be better, my friend. Thank you.” (Sistina)

*smile* (Kara)

Whispers

Location: Alba / Corridors

Time: Y1503 / 25th day of the Wither Moon / Noon

POV: Sabrina, Aurora's Tutor

Alba is not a big place by any means. It pales in comparison with the Royal Palace, both in size and grandiosity. Which is good. It's hard to hide secret when the walls are so close together.

Oh! A coven of sisters is gossiping just around the corner. I'll wait a moment out of sight and hear what they have to say.

*whisper* “Have you heard? Inquisitors from satellite temples have been on the move.” (Sister A)

*whisper* “I heard Lord Kaven is planning something big.” (Sister B)

*whisper* “I saw them off when they went to train in nearby hills. After receiving the blessings of the Gifted One they became unthinkably powerful!” (Sister C)

*whisper* “Lord Kaven always was. Oh. How would I like to feel his arms wrapped around me!” *blush* (Sister A)

**giggle** (Sisters)

The inquisitors are on the move? Hopefully the Royal Family is not the target!

I'd better go and warn Aurora.

*turn around* *walk* (Sabrina)

Location: Alba / Aurora's Chambers

POV: Aurora, First Princess of the Kingdom

*groan* (Aurora)

My arm keeps tormenting me. I can tell that the Head Healer is doing a good job, but undoing Calmata amateurish healing is really painful.

*knock* *knock* “I bring news, Aurora.” *enter* (Sabrina)

“I hope it's important. I'd rather be left alone right now.” (Aurora)

I hate her worrying look. I especially hate when people take pity on me! No one was there when it really mattered. It'll always be just me.

“... How is your treatment going? Is the Head Healer making matters worse? An assassination attempt perhaps?” (Sabrina)

So paranoid. I would notice something like that!

“No. Serina is doing it to the best of her abilities. Is just that... my body is somewhat more messed up than I had hoped it to be~ *touch belly* *look down* (Aurora)

“Are her skills enough to heal you?” (Sabrina)

“My arm is not a problem. But healing my insides might as well be... I don't have many hopes... Enough! Tell me about the important news!” (Aurora)

I will manage! As always! I just have to silence the pain coming from my body, and everything will work out! That's all!

“... Word's around that something big is going down. The inquisition is on the move. They are hunting.” (Sabrina)

“I'll hear Mother about it later, but it doesn't concern us.” (Aurora)

“How can you be so sure?!? What if their target is~ (Sabrina)

Her look of pity left place to a puzzled expression. She can't connect the dots.

“The Royal Family? No. Their first move would have been to take us hostages if that was the case. My guess is that their target is the Silence.” (Aurora)

“It was us who hired~” (Sabrina)

“Don't speak of it! Only talking about it can make it real. Not that the upper echelon of the Church don't know already. If I was in their position, I would use my newly acquired powers to publicly punish those who wronged me and become the top dog. It's the Silence who targeted the Bea~ the Gifted One.” (Aurora)

Our privacy is probably being respected, I doubt they would risk me discovering that I'm being spied upon. Either way, words are better left unspoken. I mustn't give that wolf in sheep's clothing any reason to jump at my throat.

*nod* “There is the Cult of Fertility as well. They had Secularia sacked amongst other atrocities.” (Sabrina)

Now that I laid out all the facts, Sabina arrived to the same conclusion as me.

“If some survived, than yes, they are probably targets. If the inquisition has enough resources to target them to, that is. They don't have much manpower to begin with. I wonder what they can even achieve. Maybe a surgical strike against the nerve center of the organization~ (Aurora)

I'll find out soon enough. I'll share some of this intel with Mother to gain a few more points. I'll show her that my presence here is bearing fruits, and sooner than she thought.

With Sabrina gone, it's time to hear from Mother.

*wave hand* (Aurora)

I gather some aether with my good arm and prepare my spell. My body is still in pain, but I can deal with this much no problem.

(Aurora)

I get the familiar feeling of a shockwave propagating out in all direction, unimpeded, traveling at incredible speed.

When the shockwave of magic finds the recepient of the spell, a new shockwave bounces back, and when it hits me, our minds become connected.

I can feel Mother's mind, now. Only the toughts on the surface of course. It's the same for her. I focus on the voice inside my mind.

[It's me Mother.] (Aurora)

[Aurora, my favourite daughter. I'm busy. You'll have to make this quick.] (Queen Orta)

I'll be brief. It's not like Mother or my sisters are in danger.

[The inquisition of Gloria is on the move. Their target is probably not us, but be on the lookout. You might glean precious intel if you see them from afar.] (Aurora)

[So you found out? A bit late, but I guess your presence there has some value.] (Orta)

Of course she knew, already.

[... Do you know who their targets are?] (Aurora)

[Fort Nora, Secularia and Calmia. My soldiers will help the Church out in their strikes.] (Orta)

[Why wasn't I told, Mother?] (Aurora)

[Do you want to feed from by breasts as well, baby daughter of mine?] (Orta)

*red face* (Aurora)

I feel such shame.

Of course I need to prove my independence and wits if I am to become Queen!

I'm so stupid. I wish I could take my stupid words back.

[!!! My apologies, Mother. I'll find out myself if it's something that I need.] (Aurora)

[Of course you will. Goodbye, and good luck with your healing.] (Orta)

(Orta)

*inhale* *exhale* (Aurora)

Deep breaths.

Calm down.

What's done is done.

I must work to undo my childish mistake.

*inhale* *exhale* (Aurora)

Three locations at once... The church must be borrowing heavily from Mother. They must really want the culprits dead to set an example.

This is also a chance for Mother to warm our mutually beneficial relationship and buy time, at least until we can come up with a plan to contain the Beast.

No. Until I come up with a strategy. It falls upon my shoulders. I guess Mother sent here for this reason alone. If the beast is left unchecked, she'll be the end of the Kingdom as we know it.

The only place I call home will be destroyed.

*shivers* (Aurora)

I won't let that happen!

I'll find a way to stop you, wretched Beast!

I swear upon my position as Princess of the Kingdom!!!

*clench fists* (Aurora)

Baby Enchantress

Location: Alba / Underground Vault

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Evening

POV: Liara

The vault of Alba. A safe made from black gold where the most powerful artifact are kept. The metal alone is worth a small city on its own. The artifacts here are probably worth just as much, like that Elven healing staff.

One would think Mother would be enough as guardian, but Priestess Mera has someone spying on us from the shadows. Apparently.

[It's not 'apparently'. We are being watched from a safe distance. And he is good.] (Soldier Me)

I believe you, it's just I can't feel them. Your instinct is something else.

“Liara, it's about time we get back. Dinner will be ready soon.” *pat head* (Serina, Head Healer)

It's late, already? I got sidetracked again.

“Just one more try, Mother! Pleeeease!” (Liara)

~Alright, but this is the last one.” (Serina)

[You got better at your puppy eyes.] (Gamer Me)

I sure did, he he he. She was melting away because of my cuteness!

Now to work!

There are many powerful artifacts here, today I focused on the piece of armor that big lady used against us when we moved to Alba.

It's a golden armor with fine cravings showing lions from various perspectives. Great effort went into fix it, but is still battered and bruised. And big. It's so big I could fit my whole body inside, with room to spare! She really was a big lady.

[I wanted to examine , Meridia's self proclaimed masterpiece... But it's not here...] (Science Me)

[Don't sulk. We have plenty of awesome artifacts to choose from.] (Bookworm Me)

Hush! I need to focus.

(Liara)

I focus and weave my analysis spell with the help of Science Me. Thin tendrils of refined aether leave my fingers and penetrate the metal of the armor. I feel their shape and build the enchantments in my mind.

I can't really explain it, but by doing that, the thought engraved inside the artifacts becomes clearer and clearer until I understand what the enchantment is supposed to do.

[Yet! I'll figure it out.] (Science Me)

I'm sure you will. You can't stand not knowing how the world works.

[Uhm... Most of those enchantments are inferior versions of our own barrier spells. Disappointing.] (Gamer Me)

[Don't dismiss them. They are weaker for sure, but seems to work with little aether. Liara's abundance of aether made efficiency seems secondary, but the limits became obvious when we tried to make something for Feldris. And failed.] (Explorer Me)

I can't be always near the people I love. This is a dangerous world, the best way to protect them is to give them~

[The spell is fading away! Focus!] (Science Me)

My bad. I'm really bad at multitasking. And you don't make it any easier, you are always distracting me!

[There it is! That's the enchantment I was after!] (Science Me)

Uhm... The thought behind it is garbled. I can't understand it. What does it do?

[It's the enchantment that draw, collimate and weave ambient aether to power the armor.] (Science Me)

[With this, we could give Feldris something even he can use!] (Gamer Me)

And why is it garbled? It's like the one who engraved it was thinking of gibberish!

[The most likely reason? The engraver of this enchantment used knowledge we do not possess about magic. You can't form a thought if the experiences behind it are missing.] (Explorer Me)

I see... Like if I were to think about replicating a car's engine with magic, no one would understand it because they do not know what a car is.

[It's humbling that they know things beyond Science Me knowledge~ (Bookworm Me)

[Shut up! The aether field wasn't part of the laws of our universe! Even troglodytes figure things out if you give them aeons to try random things! It's been just three years! Give me a few more and I'll have the basis of a new Standard Model for magic down! You'll see!] (Science Me)

Whoa, take it easy! This is hard, I get it. Just~

[Focus?] (Gamer Me)

Yes, focus on the task at hand and~

[No, focus! The spell is fading away!] (Gamer Me)

...

Just be quiet until we are done, okay?

**giggle** (Others Me)

[Everything you say, boss! Hi hi hi.] (Gamer Me)

A Crusade for Change

Location: Victoria / Main Street

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Evening

A father and a child were travelling through the main street of Victoria, by their side the walls of the Royal Palace. The duo was wearing regular clothes, neither too cheap, nor too expensive. They didn't have any peculiar feature that would make them stand out.

“Just around the corner get inside that alley.” (Boy)

“I find hard to believe he would hide in here. If you are trying to trick me~ (Undercover Inquisitor Kaven)

“If you can't trust me, trust my ambitions, Inquisitor. It is the best interests of the both of us to get him out of the picture.” (Boy)

Father and son walked amidst the crowd, busy returning their home after a long day of work. They made a sharp turn and disappeared inside an alley.

It was a narrow corridor that lead to a dead end. There was nothing out of the ordinary there. But Kaven's eyes were no so easily fooled.

*touch walls* (Kaven)

“You noticed. My agents witnessed this wall sliding open. We just have to find the mechanism. Be ready for heavy resistance, inside.” (Boy)

“Don't you want to step away?” (Kaven)

“I think the safest spot is by your side, Inquisitor. And even if this young body dies, I can just find another. I only ask that you recover the medallion this boy is wearing and deliver it to me.” (Boy)

“That won't be a problem.” (Kaven)

As the two were talking, Kaven kept examining his surroundings, searching for clues. The inquisitor leaned toward the wall with his hear, trying to detect any activity. He touched the stones that made up the walls, searching for an unsteady one.

[Something hidden enough. Where is the last place one would look for?] (Kaven)

Kaven turned on his left. On the bottom there was a grate. With a stick that was littering the floor, he poked the small crevice.

*click* (Lever)

*clunk* (Wall)

Kaven let a grin slip through his usually stern expression.

“Come close to me.” (Kaven)

(Kaven)

“A barrier? It's easy to move around. It's a well made spell.” (Boy)

“Why didn't you take over a grown up body? You are nearly defenseless in that form.” (Kaven)

“I tried, but it couldn't be helped. Adults tend to break when I try this medallion on them. Children have a more flexible mind and don't break as nearly easily.” (Boy)

“Make sense. Get ready, this won't be a simple stroll.” (Kaven)

“I know. Again, it can't be helped. I have to see the deed with my own two eyes.” (Boy)

The irony of the sentence didn't escape the weathered inquisitor, but Kaven paid no heed and pushed forward. Without taking out the head, the snake would not die.

*push wall* *enter*

Location: Victoria / Silence Hideout / Entrance

*enter*

*clack* *fire bolts* (Crossbow trap)

*ping* *ping* (Arrows)

“Not bad. Your barrier just shrugged off those bolts. I feel safer, already.” (Boy)

“This much is child's play. Don't lower your guard. I expect they put real obstacles ahead.” (Kaven)

The inquisitors dropped his clothes and donned his black cloak from his backpack. The tunic had powerful enchantments laid on it that would aid in the raid.

*close* *clunk* (Wall)

(Kaven)

Kaven summoned a magic light that hovered above his shoulder. The place looked like a dungeon. A narrow corridor of mouldy stones, just tall enough for Kaven to stand. The air was humid, and noise of water droplets could be heard in the distance. There were no outer sources of light.

“Let's go.” *walk* (Kaven)

“Old man first.” *bow* (Boy)

The boy made an elaborate gesture, inviting the inquisitor to go ahead. Without wasting time, Kaven took the lead and the two walked down the narrow tunnel, until their light disappeared in the distance.

Location: Victoria / Silence Hideout / Corridor

*drip* *drip*

*whisper* “We are heading north and down. We must be below the Royal palace, by now. Are you sure this is the hideout of the Silence? Looks more like a trap from Kingdom forces to me.” *glare* (Kaven)

*whisper* “I thought so when I first heard of it, but it actually makes sense. The head of the Silence is hiding in the last place anyone would search for him. Right below the Royal Palace. It's also allows to infiltrate the Kingdom from the inside. I'm envious I didn't think of it myself.” (Boy)

The two had been walking for over ten minutes. Kaven moved slowly and deliberately.

*raise fist* *stop* (Kaven)

The boy had an inquisitory look on his face, but he knew better than to voice his concerns. He was better off letting the pro do his things.

*whisper* “A wire trap. Take care not to trip it.” (Kaven)

*whisper* “I'm impressed. I grew complacent with boredom and would have missed that. The safest place really is by your side.” (Boy)

*whisper* “We must be getting close. No more talking from here on out.” (Kaven)

*nod* (Boy)

After more wire traps, and moving stone tiles, the duo finally reached the end of the tunnel. The tunnel was open ended, and faced a deep well, delving below into darkness. The top was covered by a lid, probably.

The boy would really have wanted to ask “what now?”, but took the inquisitor's warning to the heart and stayed silent.

(Kaven)

While not proficient in any particular school of magic, Kaven trained hard to be able to use as many spells as he could. In term of adaptability and diversity, Kaven wouldn't lose to anyone.

Many minutes passed in complete silence. Satisfied, the inquisitor increased the intensity of his magic light to confirm his theory.

(Kaven)

[That's a lift! Of course. Make sense that it can only be activated from down below. If it was me, I would have someone throw a pebble... No, a few pebbles to have a code.] (Kaven)

*embrace boy* (Kaven)

(Kaven)

*jump* *fall* (Duo)

Kaven skills was not enough to fly, or even float, but his magic allowed him to reduce his weight enough that he could jump from any height and reach the bottom unharmed.

*thump* *splash* (Kaven)

*umph* (Boy)

A few meters above them, there was a closed wooden door. The lift would not have reached rock bottom, so it made sense for the door to be higher. The well was filled with water, how deep, the inquisitor didn't know.

*sign* (Kaven)

*climb* (Boy)

With the boy on his back, Kaven climbed the uneven and wet walls of the well, reaching the bottom of the door.

*tap* (Kaven)

By tapping it, Kaven realized that surprisingly, the door wasn't locked. He had a plan for getting past it either way, but the noise might have warned the guard laying in wait nearby.

*slam* *jump* (Kaven)

*hit* *fall* (Guard)

Kaven knew that a guard was sitting by door side. He jumped through the door, and with a quick manoeuvre turned around and lodged his knife in the neck of his victim, covering his mouth with his free hand.

The guard had his eyes barred open in surprise, just before dying. Kaven accompanied the fresh corpse to the floor. He wouldn't want to risk the effect of surprise.

Location: Victoria / Silence Hideout / Moria's Lair

Only an handful of guards were present in the lair, facilitating Kaven's job. Weirdly, the guards moved sluggishly, like they were intoxicated.

[Suggestion? Moria was the one that employed that body control medallion in the first place. He must be even more paranoid than Lesto described. Well, it turned against him this time. Guard this dazed off are nearly useless. He put too much trust in secrecy and had no real defense.] (Kaven)

After clearing the room of all the puppets, only one life remained in the whole lair, with only one room left to explore.

*nod* (Kaven)

*nod* (Boy)

Understanding the signal, the boy took a step back as Kaven slammed the final door open.

*pull door* (Kaven)

(Artifact)

A fiery flame engulfed the door. It dissipated just after a second, leaving it charred black.

*weak trembling voice* “Who goes there?!? Guards!!!” (Moria)

Unfazed by the old voice, the duo crossed the threshold of the door, and were greeted by a fatuous looking room. Paintings, crystal lights, expensive tapestry and a golden bed right in the middle with embroiled sheets. Between the bed and the intruders, two maids with empty eyes barred the way.

*ragged breath* "Have you any idea who I am? My underlings will~ (Moria)

“Is this really the ruler of the Silence?” (Kaven)

“... They would have used a more believable doppleganger had this been a ruse. I suspected he would be old by now, but this is... unexpected.” (Boy)

*slash* slash* *fall* (Maids)

Kaven approached the bed, as casually as he would take a stroll. The maids mindlessly charged forward like robots, and Kaven put them down with a single long slash of his knife.

The old man gripped his bed sheets with all his strength, pitifully trying to inch away from the looming treath. Long ago he might have been a fearsome crime lord, but today, he couldn't even mutter in the face of death.

*stab* *exhale* (Moria)

Uncerimoniously, Kaven stabbed the terrified old man lying in the bed, snuffing the last of his life.

*clap* *clap* "Well done, Inquisitor. You successfully dispatched the feared ruler of the Silence! The bards would sing songs of you, if they ever knew of your deed, that is." (Boy)

"I don't care for the approval of lesser people. And to the world, Moria will still be alive." (Kaven)

"Indeed. Allow me to renew my committment, Inquisitor. I shall take upon this burden and assume control of the Silence, Calmia, and all their possessions. In turn, I will ensure the Silence takes a more... rightful approach when it comes to the Church of Gloria." *bow* (Boy)

Without looking back, the Inquisitor left the boy behind, heading for the exit.

[One more pawn is in place, as per Gloria's will. By the time the Gifted One becomes of age, this world will be free of cold and sins. We are almost finished.] *smirk* (Kaven)

Buried

Location: Calmia / Collapsed Mines / Collapsed Escape Tunnel

Time: Y1503 / 27th day of the Wither Moon / Noon

POV: Codename Eye

*short breath* (Eye)

It's cold.

I can't feel my legs anymore.

My faded a while ago. It's pitch black.

I'm buried under fifty meters of rocks, with no hope of rescue.

*short breath* (Eye)

The air is getting thin. We are running out of air.

The others were crushed by rocks and died on the spot. They were the lucky ones. Our section of the tunnel didn't collapse. Now I'm just sitting here, awaiting death. It's consuming my sanity. Maybe I should just end~

"Are you in pain?" *caress* (Claw)

"... It's more bearable, now." (Eye)

Claw survived. He is so dependable. We escaped the inquisitors together, if only for a short while. Earlier, he blocked the bleeding and allowed me to rest my head on his lap.

His warmth and strong voice are of great comfort.

I'm glad that in my last moments, I'm at his side.

"You know, it was only for a short time, but for a moment, I was truly happy." (Claw)

"Belkire. Our simple life there was not... that bad." (Eye)

Claw was imposing enough to keep away troublemakers without trying. It was a simple life, living day by day. Without killing. Without the feeling of power I used to enjoy. Without the money or the power of our order.

I was happy with just that.

"It's when almost lost you that I realized what truly mattered." *caress* (Claw)

"We really got everything wrong, didn't we?" (Eye)

"Yes. We did." *caress* (Claw)

Dummy. It's too late.

"Don't waste breath. There is so little air left." (Eye)

"It's the last air. The last moment. The last chance. And I'm going to use it for what truly matters to me. Eye, I love you." (Claw)

"Eye is dead. The Silence is dead. It's just me, now. My name is Dana." (Dana)

"Nice to meet you, Dana. I'm Kreon. And I love you." *kiss* (Kreon)