Magnificent Bastard

Location: Alba / Courtyard

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Wither Moon / Morning

POV: Narrator

Soldiers and sisters alike were puzzled when the Gifted One begun closing in to the defeated Princess lying helpless on the ground. Feeling no ill intent from her, the servants of Gloria realized the kind Liara was going to spare her challenger.

Their uneasiness was dispelled by a spear raining down from the skies.

The spear impaled Aurora in the back, on the lower right side, passing all the way through her body and embedding itself in the ground below. The Princess fell unconscious after the blow and she was now laying in a puddle of her own blood.

**cheers** (Crowd)

"That's what you get for challenging Gloria!" (Guard)

“Royalty means nothing in the face of the Daughter of Gloria!” (Sister)

“The challenger is dead! Give the spearbearer a medal!” (Knight)

Not everyone was happy by this turns of events. Princess Sistina lost consciousness. This ordeal was just too much for her. Lying down in the midst of an unruly mob would have led to her being trampled, and being a Princess in this situation wouldn't have helped either.

*drag Sistina* “I'll be right back for you, Liara.” *cry* *look away* (Serina)

Recognizing the danger of the situation, Serina who was just beside her, caught Sistina in her fall and decided to carry her away.

Serina was dead worried about Liara, of course, but Sistina was in more immediate danger right now. Liara couldn't shoulder losing a friend on top of everything else that had happened.

One step at a time, the mob was closing in inside the ring, both to congratulate on Liara and defile the remains of the challenger.

*look around* “...” (Liara)

Liara seemed to be the only calm soul in all that chaos. So much that it seemed out of place. She seemed neither angry nor tense, the only emotion one could glean from looking at her was disappointment.

Puzzling given that she just washed away the serious accusations of the deranged Princess Aurora.

(Liara)

Still wielding the magic she stole from Princess and without saying any words, Liara focused.

From many points in mid-air just above the boundaries of the arena, many glass like walls started bleeding into reality, expanding like an oil spill. The walls quickly overlapped, forming together a large dome enclosing both Liara and her challenger.

The noises made by the mob quickly died down until they finally settled down. Liara and her audience were now separated by a thin but unbreakable veil.

**murmur** (Crowd)

“What is she doing?” (Sister)

“... I don't know.” (Sister)

Judging from the pool of blood and taking in account the magic backlash she endured, it was obvious Aurora was at the end of her ropes. Many sisters well versed in healing, looking at her, were doubtful anyone there had the skills to save the Princess.

*shake head* (Liara)

Seemingly not caring about that, Liara walked closer to her challenger and knelt, imposing her little hands over the large wounds surrounding the mighty spear.

(Liara)

(Liara)

Those gifted with a sharp enough magic sight would be able to see fine tendrils of aether leaving Liara's fingers, moving like small rivers along the path of least resistance, finding their way inside Aurora's body.

**murmur**

*whisper* “The Gifted One is healing her!” (Sister)

*whisper* “I can see that. But why? That woman is Evil!” (Knight)

The servants of Gloria were stunned. They did not understand, and surely did not agree. One thing they did understand was that if the Gifted One wished to save her challenger, staying quiet and let her focus was the least they could do.

“Find whomever did this.” (Leader Steffen)

“Yes, Leader!” *leave* (Knight Joren)

*touch* *ripples* “... Just like back then.” (Leader Steffen)

It was not the first time Liara had closed herself inside a barrier. It was common knowledge already amongst the followers of Gloria that the Gifted One's barriers could not be broken by mortal means.

*touch* “So, this is the barrier only Serina can dispel.” (Priestess Mera)

*nod* (Steffen)

While the Priestess was briefed about past events, it was the first time seeing it in person.

Every time Liara erected a barrier like this, it was Serina who finally got Liara to unravel it and allow others inside. Mera knew that it would be a waste of energy trying to order Liara around.

Mera mused on the difficulties the Church faced. How do one control a little Goddess?

*calm voice* “I don't know why you are trying to heal Princess Aurora, but if you need anything, Liara, we are here for you.” (Mage Knight Stella)

“You can count on us!” *thumb up* (Scout Feldris)

*glance* *smile* (Liara)

Those who knew Liara better understood that despite her extreme powers, she was forgiving and compassionate. Rather than question her actions, they merely gave her few words of comfort. Liara felt those were the only reasonable words she heard all day.

“Brothers! Sisters! The duel is over! Liara won! Leave her space, now! Return to your duties!” (Mera)

“I beg to differ! The duel is to the death by tradition! And Aurora is still breathing!” (Prince Riccardo)

**everyone turns around**

*facepalm* (Mera)

*glare* (Liara)

The loud voice of Prince Riccardo was easily heard by everyone in the courtyard not that things settled down. Everyone turned their heads at the Prince who was leisurely walking toward the arena accompanied by his retainers.

The Priestess was at a loss for words. It was truly disheartening for her just how little control she was able to exert. The situation was slowly de-escalating without neither contestants dying or collateral damage, and someone had the nerves to barge in, throwing new fire to the flames.

“I knew it. It is you who threw that threw that spear! Only another member of the Royal Family or someone really stupid would even think of doing something like this!” (Steffen)

The fact the culprit was the prince, was the only reason Steffen didn't order every able soldier to hunt the assassin down, and, needless to say, Steffen believed Riccardo to fit both descriptions.

“I was merely putting a suffering soul out of her misery. Nothing grandiose about that~ (Riccardo)

The Prince was walking in large steps and speaking loudly and clearly, so that everyone would hear him. The crowd parted ways before him, making it seem that the Prince carried the heavy aura of a ruler.

~for taking lives is not a burden my beloved Liara is meant to carry. It was my duty to take that burden in her place.” *grin* (Riccardo)

**dead silence**

*eyes wide* (Liara)

*fizzle* (Magic)

[Damn it! Focus!] (Liara)

The explosive declaration of the Prince yielded two type of reactions.

The first group, mostly Sisters, counted those who had long realized the Prince's obvious advances to Liara. They were waiting for Liara's answer to the Prince feelings

The second group, the most numerous, were simply shocked by the revelation.

And neither group cared particularly about Aurora's fate and role in all this.

The Prince proved his skills during his sparring matches and training sessions, going as far as defeating the Scout of the Fourth Unit in single combat. He was powerful and rich, and the crown prince of the Kingdom.

By contrast, Aurora was a loner, and her few interactions left the other party almost disgusted with her manners. And after what she did to the Gifted One, there was not a single soul in Alba who would willingly take her side.

About the declaration of love, the difference in age between Liara and Riccardo wasn't really a problem. Nobles often announced engagement deals very early on, as a way to cement alliances between families. There was nothing strange in Riccardo proposing to Liara at this time.

“That's far enough.” (Feldris)

The Prince had made his way through the crowd. He planned to stay within an arm's length of Liara's barrier, but three members of the Fourth Unit barred the way.

The Prince yielded to Steffen, Stella and Feldris, taking his place in front of them, with his two attendants by his side.

With the barrier in place, it was pointless to make enemy of people who are already close to Liara anyway. And Riccardo was in no rush. His love wouldn't go anywhere.

Many minutes went by. Liara was doing her best to ignore the Prince, distracting herself with the task at hand. The Prince hoped that by staring at her in awkward silence Liara would have been finally forced to answer, but things weren't going his way.

[Just what's inside that brat's head?!? I never had this much trouble making someone fall for me! Uhm... What was it again? Nothing that's worth having comes easy in life... My Old Man was right after all.] *grin* (Riccardo)

The Prince couldn't help but notice that Aurora's complexion was getting slightly better. She was still impaled by his spear, but if things went on, Aurora may yet survive. And an angry Princess is not something many can deal with.

“My beloved! Your compassion is such that you would even try to save a soul as lost as hers. But enough is enough! Life is but torment for her! Let her go! Gloria will cleanse her souls, giving her solace, at last!” (Prince)

**murmur**

*nod* (Knight)

*whisper* “Let her die.” (Sister)

*disgust* (Liara)

The words of the Prince stroke a cord with many onlookers. Despite the Gifted One's actions, they believed Aurora deserved capital punishment for her crimes.

“That's not your decision to make young Prince. The Gifted One wants that girl to live, therefore that girl will live. This is all there is to it.” (Steffen)

*nod* *nod* (Stella)

“Be quiet, Steffen. It is not the place for old soldiers like us to interfere.” (Guard Amerio)

“I answer to Gloria. Not you.” *glare* (Steffen)

Sparks where flying between the two soldiers, just as cold gazes were being exchanged by Feldris and the Prince. The two had an history together. Stella and Hanna while facing each others were chill in comparison.

[I do not understand. Aurora did everything humanly possible to make an enemy of my beloved. I destroyed Aurora! Why is Liara still healing her despite my pleas?!?] (Riccardo)

The atmosphere was shifting as Riccardo started to feel the pressure mounting.

Earlier, time was at his side, but if Liara truly had the strength of spirit to attend to the wounds her mortal enemy rather than paying attention to him, it meant that Riccardo chances were grim.

The Prince mask was still hiding his worries, but cracks were beginning to show. Sweat and the smallest hint of a frown were leaking through the radiant smile he was wearing for Liara.

“My Love! Even if you heal that... thing. It will live in agony, powerless and broken. It will be cast down from Princesshood to commoner. Wouldn't it be better to end it? Let the world remember Aurora as a powerful Princess, the herald of our union?” (Prince)

*disgust* *glare* (Liara)

*turn* *inhale* (Liara)

Seemingly having had enough of the nonsense spouted by her stalker, Liara was ready to put the Prince in his place.

“Please, make way” (Serina)

“Mother!” *teary eyes* (Liara)

*whisper* “Head Healer.” *move* (Sister)

**crowd part ways**

The crowd made way for Serina who returned in just time to save the Prince. Serina was welcomed by longing eyes from Liara and her arrival allowed the Priestess to take some respite. With her here, the matter could finally be resolved.

*calm voice* “Sistina is fine, Liara. She is resting now. She wanted to get back here, but I told her you were going to take care of Aurora.” (Serina)

“Thank you, Mother.” *focus back on healing* (Liara)

Having stopped just before the barrier, Serina took her time to bring good news first.

*turn around* “Esteemed Prince. The last few days have been weighing heavily on Liara's shoulders. I know it's not your intention, but your presence here is only making her burden heavier. I'd like you to leave. Now.” (Serina)

With the important matter out of the way, Serina turned to the Prince. His presence was causing Liara growing levels of distress. If things got out of hands, Riccardo would suffer the consequences.

Serina didn't want Liara to do things she might regret later on.

“Am I being imprisoned? Is this how you treat Royal guests in your Temple?” (Prince)

“Listen, shorty. The Head Healer gave you an advice. I would follow it if I were you.” (Feldris)

“Feldris!!!” (Stella)

“But I'm not you, Scout. Thanks the Queen I'm not a weakling nor a nameless foot soldier. The standards of combat for the scouts sure seem lacking.” (Prince)

“Boy. Watch your words. A guest should not insults his hosts.” *glare* (Steffen)

“You dare speak this way with Royalty?!? I could have your tongue for what you said!!!” *grab sword handle* (Amerio)

“Please!!! There is no need to escalate the situation further!!! We'll overlook your interference in the duel, Prince Riccardo. Just leave the courtyard for now!” (Priestess Mera)

*bow* “My Prince. Let them be. There is no need to lower ourselves to their levels. You already punished the rogue Princess Aurora for her actions. You did it out of love, we have no need for a reward, therefore we can safely leave.” (Hanna)

The different parties had different objectives. On one side, those near Liara wanted her to get a break. On the other, the Prince clearly wanted for more. In the end, it was the Prince's decision.

“... Very well. I can see my lady is tired. Feel free to use what's left of that thing to hone your healing arts, but please, don't wear yourself too thin. You need rest.” *grin* *bow* (Prince)

*whisper* “Oh. So that's why Liara is trying to heal her challenger.” (Knight)

*whisper* “Make sense. She doesn't have many chances to see treat serious wounds.” (Sister)

*whisper* “It's not like anyone would miss that rude girl. Why can't everyone be as dependable as the Prince?” (Sister)

In his stay, the Prince made sure to behave in a matter befitting Royalty. His demeanour and social status earned him the respect and sometimes the envy of many inhabitants of Alba.

Words were the Prince's weapons, he was a natural when it came to politics and the Royal Palace had allowed him to hone his abilities. Abilities he has been using to sway the opinions of those around Liara to his advantage.

*grind teeth* (Liara)

On the inside, Liara was furious at the spin the Prince was giving to her actions, but she resolved herself not to trade words with him. She had her hands full with keeping Aurora from dying right there. She could not afford being distracted by such a polarizing topic, and she felt the Prince would right out defeat her in a war of words.

“Hanna, Amerio. Our job is done. Let's go!” *leave* (Prince)

““Yes, My prince!”” (Amerio, Hanna)

In another theatrical movement, the Prince turned around, leaving in large steps. Once again the crowd parted before him allowing him passage.

“Brothers and Sisters! Leave the premises! Return to your duties!” (Mera)

**look around** **slowly leave** (Crowd)

Finally, the inhabitants of Alba started strolling away from the courtyard. For the duration of the duel they had been watching, the everyday duties needed to keep Alba running still needed to be done.

*exhale* (Liara)

“Will you let me in, Liara?” *smile* (Serina)

*nod* *nod* (Liara)

The blue tinted walls of the barrier started melting away, leaving an hole with rounded but irregular borders about two meters in height

It was tall enough for the Head Healer to pass through without trouble, allowing Serina to sit right next to Liara, beside the mortally wounded Aurora. The hole in the barrier than quickly closed up like it was trying to heal itself.

“Liara. I didn't say anything before, but the Princess caused you lot of troubles. If you just leave her be, no one will blame you.” (Steffen)

“That's cruel...” (Stella)

“The Princess brought it upon herself. Second chances don't come often, and she sure as hell did nothing to deserve one.” (Feldris)

*look down* (Liara)

Life was harsh, everyone there had lost many comrades in arduous situations. To them, the Princess seemed irredeemable, and seeing her receiving the cares of the Gifted One left a bad taste in their mouth.

Why the Princess her and not dutiful Knights and Sisters of Gloria who were good and just persons and true believers on top?

“Liara. You want to help her, that's okay. That is the only reason one ever needs to help someone. I fully support you in your decision. Can I help?” *kiss forehead* (Serina)

*nod* *nod* *teary eyes* (Liara)

“Good. Let's save Aurora, shall we?” *smile* (Serina)

Tutors

Location: Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 29th Day of the Wither Moon / Late Morning

POV: Sabrina Torva, Tutor of First Princess Aurora

*wakes up* (Tutor Sabrina)

What's going on?

Ugh... Can't move.

*mppghhh* (Sabrina)

I'm gagged! Bound to a chair!

Oh.

Aurora.

Now I remember.

She assaulted me and put me to sleep, yesterday.

*sigh* *look down* (Sabrina)

Poor Aurora.

She never was the most stable Princess to begin with.

Hunted by nightmares.

Hunted by her sisters.

Living in the shadows of her Queen with the threat of being discarded just hanging over her head at all times.

Even so... I'm your Tutor, Aurora!

If you fail, I fail with you! No excuse will save me! We are in this together!

Why would you go as far as to push me away?

Why would you push away Sistina?

It's not like that girl has the power or the will to really oppose you.

Without us you'll be alone. Truly alone.

What hopes do you think you have, walking alone in this world?

*tears drip down* (Sabrina)

I had hopes, coming here.

Hope that their healers would make you better.

Hope that you would gain confidence and solace, being far away from the Queen's influence for the first time in your life.

I was wrong.

It was just one mistake after another.

Setback after setback.

Your growing paranoia.

Your irrational fear of us.

They healed your arm only to inform you that you cannot bear children.

...

Now you are out there. Alone.

And if you fail, I fail with you.

I cannot help you, bound to a chair.

I cannot help myself.

*creak* *open* *close* *clack* (Door)

Uh?

The door moved by itself?

*whisper* "Hello Sabrina." (Tutor Hanna)

*MMMGHHH* (Sabrina)

The Prince's Tutor!!!

Camouflage magic!!!

Damn it! This is bad!

I need to gather aether!

Fast!

I can still defend myself!

*whisper* "Don't bother." (Hanna)

*choke* (Sabrina)

Invisible. Hands.

Strangling. Me.

Can't.

Weave.

*whisper* "They'll found you dead, strangled by small hands of a woman. Aurora's." (Hanna)

Wha. T. ?

*whisper* "In her rage and madness, Aurora killed you, challenged the Beast and lost.” (Hanna)

No!

*whisper* “She moved exactly as I predicted. I don't even have to fake her assault on you! Everything turned out even better than I hoped!

N. O.

*whisper* “You see... Unlike you, I care about my pupil. I never could have allowed Aurora to become Riccardo's legal wife, you know? That girl was nothing but trouble." (Hanna)

...

*whisper* "And the Queen knows it all. Aurora has been officially discarded. This leaves only disposing of her Tutor. You." *tighten grip* (Hanna)

*turn purple* (Sabrina)

*whisper* "It's sad it had to end this way. I enjoyed our rivalry back than, when the two of us were competing for the throne ourselves. I always considered you to be my equal. Too bad they paired you with such a hopeless candidate." (Hanna)

*close eyes* *consciousness fades away* (Sabrina)

*near the ears* *whisper* "Goodbye, Sabrina." (Hanna)

Still Alive

Location: Alba / Aurora's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 38th day of the Wither Moon / Night

POV: Aurora, Former Princess of the Kingdom

*wakes up* *nnggggg* (Aurora)

My body...

Everything hurts~

I feel like a rag doll.

I can move. Just barely.

I try to open my eyes...

Nothing.

I'm wrapped in bandages?

*ngggg* (Aurora)

With extreme effort I move my left arm.

My fingers are free.

*touch* (Aurora)

I need to find out my condition first. It's hard, but I try to feel my body.

Everything hurts. It's like having needles piercing me all over. I can somewhat stand the pain, but it's really taxing.

Everywhere I touch I feel fabric wrapped tightly around my body.

It really hurts.

Especially when I try to press a little.

*touch face* (Aurora)

Oh. My face is wrapped up in bandages too.

*nnnngggg* (Aurora)

My right arm moves as well. Good.

I bring both my arms up to my face and try to unwrap some of of the fabric.

*strap* (Bandages)

*muffled scream* (Aurora)

*striiiiip* (Bandages)

*short breaths* (Aurora)

Uff... Uff...

The bandages were glued to my skin by dried blood.

It was really, really painful.

I was about to lose consciousness again.

*touch* (Aurora)

Ouch...

My eyes are still here, good!

My face is warm and wet.

It's not serious, but some of my wounds opened up.

I have to try and open my eyes.

Open...

Open!

*open eyes* (Aurora)

*muffled scream* (Aurora)

...

...

Uff... Uff...

My eyelids were bound together.

This was really painful. There must have been a wound on my right eyelid.

I just have to deal with the pain.

I can move my neck a little.

I look around.

It's dark. I can barely make up the outline of the room.

Looking at my left I can see a window.

It's dark tonight.

Either we are near the end of the moon, or the night sky is clouded.

Well, I can see.

That's the first bit of good news since my awakening.

...

Wait. Awakening from what?

What am I doing here? Where am I?

The pain is really distracting. I have to focus to maintain my every line of thought against the screaming signals of pain my body sends me.

I really could use one of Sabrina's spells right about now.

Focus!

I try to dig inside my memories for answers.

I remember.

The duel.

I lost.

The Beast defeated me in single combat.

...

Okay.

I'm fine with that.

I knew it was a long shot anyway, but I had no other options.

I had to try and defeat her while her mind control~

...

Wait a minute.

This doesn't make any sense!

I still hate the Beast!!! I still want to oppose her!!!

I was at her mercy, who knows for how long, and her mind control still hasn't taken hold on my mind?!?

Sabrina and Sistina fell for it like flies in a spider net, why not me?

Maybe I have to be conscious for her mind control to take hold?

Things just don't add up here.

*stand straight* *muffled scream* *hold belly* (Aurora)

Uff...

Uff...

That. Really. Hurt.

I succeeded in standing straight with my upper body, but I feel my insides and skin pulling against my scars and wounds.

It hurts like hell.

The Beast must have defiled my body while I was unconscious.

I'm not surprised. She must enjoy the feeling of dominating her fallen enemies, showing off her powers and ruthlessness to her mind controlled pawns.

This place is little more than a diorama in which everyone is a puppet whose strings are pulled by the Beast. pathetic.

I was thinking of escaping... But I'm in no condition to walk or run, and I doubt I actually need to. If the Beast wanted me dead, I would be dead already.

She must have horrible plans in store for me. She probably plans to use me either as a pawn against the kingdom or as a toy for her to break and fix as she pleases.

I have but one advantage.

I am immune to her mind control and she didn't realize!

I can fake being in her thrall, bid my time and strike at her when she least expects it!

Yes!

There are things I still can do!

*groan* *hold belly* (Aurora)

Uff... Uff...

Better.

Uff... Uff...

The pain is a bit more bearable now.

I'm used to suffering, but if this is going to be the new normal it might drive me mad...

I'll have to ask Sabrina to weave some~

My Tutor! I left her bound to a chair!

...

It's okay.

She is resourceful.

Being the Beast's pawn they must have freed her by now.

I'll convince the beast her mind control took hold, and have Sabrina help me with the pain.

I probably can continue my healing sessions as well.

If the beast believes I'm her pawn, she'll want to restore me to full health to make use of me. I have to prove I'm more useful healthy than sick. It won't be hard.

Yes, this plan can work! She'll never know what hit her!

*grin* (Aurora)

Uhm... I hate the darkness, I want to see.

Since there is no advantage in hiding my awakening I might as well shed some light.

The pain is really distracting, but not to the point I can't weave a simple light magic.

(Aurora)

...

Nothing?

I can't feel the magic at all.

Is there no aether in this room?

Maybe the Beast wanted to prevent me from~

No.

My magic is no threat to her.

*look down* (Aurora)

It's me.

Magic backlash. My magic channels have ruptured.

This is bad.

I always prided myself with being the most adept Princess, but now I'm powerless.

Is this the end for me?

I was freaking out, but I finally calmed down.

I remember the reports. There is a way.

Meridia, the former High Priestess too suffered from a magic backlash at the hands of the Beast when she was still a baby. And Meridia recovered her aptitude.

The Church has a special healing technique for that.

If the Beast want to use me as a Princess, she has to restore my magic.

She has to restore my body as well

*clench fist* (Aurora)

Yes. I'll fake being her thrall and use the Beast to recover.

I'll return to the Palace with this intel and organize her suppression.

After that, Mother will announce my victory, and I will become Queen!

*lay down* *groan* (Aurora)

I need to let my body heal some more.

I doubt I will be able to sleep, between the pain and my nightmares, but I have to try.

My comeback begins now.

Discarded

Location: Alba / Aurora's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 39th day of the Wither Moon / Dawn

POV: Aurora, Former Princess of the Kingdom

*first light*

*open eyes* (Aurora)

The sun took its sweet time to come up.

A feel like garbage.

I wasn't able to sleep at all, and the recent events have been weighting heavily on me. And that's despite the meditation techniques Sabrina taught me in order to overcome my sleepless nights and my nightmares...

It's still early, most inhabitants are still asleep.

*turn left* *groan* (Aurora)

My body is stiff. I feel the skin pulling the scars below the bandages.

It stings, but it's nothing I can't take.

I look at my left.

My window. My bookshelf. This is my room, alright.

I'm not locked in a cell or something.

The Beast lowered her guard.

Good.

She probably believes her mind control is in full effect.

*turn right* *eyes wide* (Aurora)

Sistina.

There is a comfortable looking padded chair at the side of my bed.

The lowest ranked princess sits there, resting her head on the right side. The dark bags below her eyes tell me she hasn't gotten much sleep lately.

Her presence is really thin, and because of the bandages around my ears I can't hear all that well. I haven't noticed her at all. I'm in worse shape than I thought.

Uhm...

Atop of the bed table there is a piece of paper. A letter. It's within my reach.

*extend arm* *groan* (Aurora)

Stretching my arm really hurts.

I grab the letter.

*straighten up* *groan* *read* (Aurora)

This is an official edict from Queen Orta, rightful Ruler of the Kingdom.

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against the Royal Family,

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against the Crown Prince,

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against Princess Sistina,

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against the Church of Gloria,

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against the Gifted One,

Because of Former Princess Aurora actions against the Order of the Knights of Gloria,

Because of Former Princess Aurora inability to bear an heir to the Royal Bloodline,

Because of Former Princess Aurora charges of murder of her own tutor, Sabrina Torva

Because of Former Princess Aurora aptitude, or lack of thereof

For all reasons stated above, and more, Queen Orta hereby strips Former Princess Aurora of her titles and possessions. This individual is now nameless and forbidden to claim any relationships with the Kingdom or the Royal family.

The penalty for breaching this edict is death.

Queen Orta also sentences Tutor Sabrina Torva to death for the failures of her assigned pupil, Former First Princess Aurora. This sentence is null and suspended as it has has been carried out as crime by Former First Princess Aurora herself prior to this edict being issued.

Queen Orta declares that the nameless individual formerly known as Princess Aurora now belongs to the Church of Gloria, as partial payment for her crimes.

This letter has been received and written down as dictated by her majesty, Queen Orta by Hanna Ganimede, Tutor of Prince Riccardo, Crown Prince to the Kingdom.

-Alba, 29th day of the Wither Moon. Year 1503 since the Cataclysm.

Long way down

Location: Alba / Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 38th day of the Harvest Moon / Dawn

POV: Princess Sistina

*yawn* (Sistina)

I finally got some sleep last night.

Liara said Aurora was out of danger, lets hope she wakes~

Her bed is empty!

She is sitting on the window!

"Aurora! What are you doing?!?" (Sistina)

*hoarse voice* "I have been discarded." (Aurora)

The letter!

I left it on her bed table!

I'm such an idiot!

I meant to give her the bad news when she was better.

Do she really mean to kill herself?

*walk closer* ~I'm sorry!" (Sistina)

There are so many things I want to say, but those are the only words that came out.

"Where is Sabrina?" (Aurora)

*stop* (Sistina)

What does she means? Sabrina is dead! And Aurora is the one that killed her. It made it really hard to take Aurora's side. If not for Liara, Aurora would face execution. The Prince was furious about this.

The way Aurora said this... Maybe she wasn't the one to do it?

*hopeful voice* "Sabrina... Is gone... So you weren't the one~ (Sistina)

*look down* "... It's true then... Yes. I'm the one who killed Sabrina." *turn* (Aurora)

*gulp* *look down* (Sistina)

Aurora turns her head a little. Some of her scars reopened, there are red marks dotting the bandages still wrapping her body. She undid some of her bandages to free her eyes and is looking at me with the corner of her sight.

Her eyes look empty, like she no longer has the will to live.

I can't stand seeing her like this!

"I don't care! Please, climb down from the window! Lay in bed, so that you can heal!" (Sistina)

"Why do you care? I wouldn't think twice about killing you too, you know? It wouldn't be the first time I kill a sister either." (Aurora)

The words Liara said return to my mind.

But is she that doesn't understand.

“I... don't care! Please, just get down. We can fix everything!” (Sistina)

“Just. Forget about me. It's better this way, really.” *push* (Aurora)

*dash* (Sistina)

Aurora slide her weight forward and is pivoting on her hands.

I run like never before in my life. Aurora is just steps away from me, and in her state it takes effort to even shift her weight.

*catch* (Sistina)

*groan* (Aurora)

**fall backward** (Aurora and Sistina)

I easily make it in time, and when I reach her, wrap my arms around her belly from behind and throw myself backward.

The two of us fall on the wooden floor.

*ouch* (Sistina)

*heavy breath* (Aurora)

Slippery...

I look at my hands.

Blood!

My hands are red with Aurora's blood!

Calm down! Calm down...

*short breaths* *weak voice* “Why... Do...” (Aurora)

“You were my first friend, Aurora! My only friend! For a long time! I know you deserve better! You can be better! Don't die, Aurora! Don't leave me! Please!” *cry* (Sistina)

*close eyes* (Aurora)

No!

Don't die!

I need to call the Head Healer!

*stand up* *rush out* (Sistina)

Treatment

Location: Gloria's Temple / Serina's Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 39th day of the Harvest Moon / Morning

POV: Sistina

I'm in the weaving chambers.

I restlessly walk in circles near the entrance.

The Head Healer was quick. She performed emergency treatment on Aurora right there, than had her brought up here. With the Serina can treat her better.

Liara joined Serina not long after, and they have been weaving their powerful healing magic for half an hour.

Aurora's bandages have been removed for the treatment. They needed to be replaced with clean ones anyway.

Her body is scarred head to toe by deep but shallow scars. The scars branches like trees with big scars leading into smaller scars. On and on, drawing lines of a red black hue on her pale skin. Most of her magic channels ruptured when she overused her magic against Liara.

On her belly there is a different scar from the others. It's much larger and more irregular. it was caused by Riccardo's spear, piercing her from side to side. It's been sewed after treatment and is still bleeding.

I grabbed her in the wrong spot apparently.

Liara and Serina have been silent, saying nothing for almost half an hour. I'm starting to fear the worst.

“I can take it from here, Liara. You can rest a little.” *smile* (Head Healer Serina)

*nod* *exhale* (Liara)

(Liara)

(Liara)

Liara stand up from her kneeling position and walks toward me. It never fails to impress me that she can weave healing magic magic with her clothes on.

*fidget* “Uhm... How is...” (Sistina)

*wipe sweat* “She is out of danger. Again.” (Liara)

She is angry! I'm relying so much on her. If only I knew healing magic!

“I'm sorry!!!” (Sistina)

“Whoa... Calm down. It's okay. I kinda expected Aurora would hurt herself once she woke up. I heard she wanted to jump from the window and you stopped her? Well done, Sistina!” *smile* (Liara)

How can one person be so forgiving of everything?

I don't deserve her friendship.

*tears up* (Sistina)

“Sistina, you made the decision to help Aurora, no matter what. I'll support you to the best of my abilities because that was my decision. Don't think to much about it, okay?” (Liara)

*nod* *nod* (Sistina)

“You know this already, but healing Aurora won't be an easy matter. We might be able to heal her body, but her mind will be a lot harder. And the scars on the inside will never heal at all. She'll have to learn to live with them. She'll need you if she is ever to overcome this hurdle. It'll take years.” (Liara)

I can't get used to being lectured by such a small girl. It's really out of place for her to speak with such wisdom.

But I decided.

Aurora was there for me when I needed her.

I can't abandon her now that she needs me.

*resolute* “I'll do whatever it takes!” (Sistina)

Yes!

Aurora doesn't need her magic to be happy.

She just need friends that won't stab her in the back.

Like a family!

*look down* (Sistina)

A family...

Isn't that all we all really need?