Vayne: Okay here it is, Iron Faith. This is going to be a big one, and the story itself is split into three sections (Who can guess the pairs? :P) Anyway, I'm hoping to make this as long as possible, so it will be some time before I work on a new story. I may or may not be taking breaks between the sections, I don't know. I might have some elements from other stories (Thanks to Ephemeral Sanity for allowing me to look over her stories for inspiration! She's an amazing author, so check out her stories. She's way better than I, let me tell you.) Anyway, let's get started, and hope for the best!
Chung: Iron Paladin (18)
Eve: Code: Empress (?)
Elsword: Lord Knight (28)
Aisha: Elemental Master (26)
Raven: Blade Master (30)
Rena: Night Watcher (?)
Iron Faith
Chapter One: Cold Water
The sea flowed silently, calm and uncontaminated from the woes of life. The cold water rushed forward, and collided against the strong marble wall. It shot upwards, barely reaching the ramparts of the white city of Hamel. The guards patrolled in the cold, winter morning air. Hamel was truly a marvel in the winter, as the massive moats, filled to the brim with water, were frozen solid. Sculptors roamed the frozen moats, choosing the best place to begin their works of art. Children sat on the walls of the moat, watching intently as the craftsman before them molded the ice into a figure that seemed to spring forth with life. The streets were full, as families wandered and searched stores for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. The city was not silent, friends energetically greeting one another as they passed by. The main plaza was surprisingly empty, only a few browsing the stores there. Many preferred to shop elsewhere, as the more unknown shops had the best merchandise. Suddenly, the plaza was silent, as all sunk to one knee and bowed their heads as three figures approached. It was the prince himself, and his faithful bodyguards, better known as The Claws of The White Wolf. Chung walked, and sighed as he motioned for his people to rise. He had always told the citizens to not be so formal to him when he entered town, but they never listened. Elsword, The White Wolf's Right Claw, stood at attention on Chung's right shoulder. Elsword was widely looked up to by the children of Hamel. All knew of how he came to prove himself in life. Long ago, a small army assaulted the castle. Elsword, but an initiate of the age of eighteen at the time, stood alone against fifty assailants, the young prince, only eight years old, cowered behind him. When the guards found him, he was sitting pleasantly on the fountain in the courtyard, the corpses of his attackers laying on the floor, and not a scratch on him. On Chung's left shoulder, was Raven, The White Wolf's Left Claw. Raven was admired by the young girls of Hamel, and many men aspired to be him. He was kind, caring, and fought only for the right cause. It has been said that Raven has disobeyed direct orders from the queen herself, risking his own life to make the right decision. Raven was widely known for his brilliant swordsmanship, no one could keep pace with him. He gave birth to many admirers when he slew an assassin, who was after Chung, at a Royal ball. Raven cut off his head, but his strike was so fast and clean, the wound never appeared and the culprit fell to the floor, dead in an instant. The three stopped moving as two young girls approached both Raven and Elsword, offering them each a small box of candy.
"Please...for you." They muttered to each of them, sure they would be turned down.
"Why thank you." Elsword gently took the box, and popped a chocolate into his mouth, "Mmm...delicious." The young girl blushed, and rushed off holding her face in her hands. At the same time, Raven took his gift from the young girl who approached him.
"It's nothing much...I can't cook well." The girl sheepishly admitted, confused and not sure of what she was saying. Raven smiled at her.
"Anything made by a lovely maiden like yourself is but a fragment of heaven. Thank you." She blushed, and ran off in the same manner as the other girl. Chung chuckled.
"You two are such flatterers." Chung loved how they were both so kind to those around them. Elsword shrugged.
"Eh, I just do it for the laughs." They continued walking, Chung and Elsword talking freely while Raven remained silent. Raven was constantly absorbed in his duties, seeing any as a potential threat and monitoring their surroundings at all times. Elsword however, was Chung's best friend, and constantly talked to him whenever Chung or he had something to say. They entered a local restaurant that overlooked the sea. They had come here numerous times, as Chung loved to watch the ocean as he ate, but the waitresses and owner always jumped when they entered. They were seated on the balcony, which was level with the water. Occasionally, sea life would crawl onto the platform, and currently a group of dolphins played in the shallow water.
"W-What shall it be your highness?" The waitress, a young girl with short black hair, asked nervously. Chung sighed, she sounded as if her life was at stake.
"Please, relax. Tell the chef we'll have our usual." The waitress nodded, and curtsied awkwardly before hurrying back inside. Chung stared out so sea, and sighed. Elsword began to speak.
"So Chung, you looking forward to the party tonight?" Chung shook his head.
"No. It's a special meeting with the royal family of Altera, so mother will want me to be all professional and fancy." Chung's face became contorted, shifting from a relaxed expression, to being filled with distaste for the coming festivities.
"May I ask as to what this meeting is about?" Raven did not expect an answer, as it was not any of his business.
"Altera suddenly has been becoming much more stronger. More El comes from the mines, their military has become more trained, their science is on par with ours, and their technology has become more advance than before." Chung explained, and Elsword sighed.
"So the queen wants to make a treaty, maybe an alliance?" Elsword pondered this eventuality, "Well, she'll do something." Chung nodded.
"She most definitely will, and I have to play along with it." He sighed, resting his forehead on the table, "So stupid..." They heard a gasp as the waitress returned at that time with the food. She stood there, wanting to ask if Chung was alright, but feeling she would be punished for asking a personal question to a member of the royal family. Chung stood up and looked at her, his eyes calm and serene, "It's alright." He said simply. The waitress served their food and left, and they ate quickly.
"How much time we got?" Chung asked Elsword, who closed his eyes to think as he swallowed a mouthful of lobster.
"Um...I think about-ow!" Elsword jumped up suddenly, holding his leg. Chung began to laugh as he saw the large crab that had taken hold of his leg. Elsword shook his foot, and flung the crab back into the sea. He sat down, rubbing the spot the crab had pinched him, "I think, as I was saying, that we got about an hour." Chung sighed.
"Well, guess we better hurry home." They got up, and Raven paid for the food as Chung and Elsword began to walk back to the castle. As they walked, Elsword and Raven were repeatedly approached by girls and young children. By the time they reached the castle, they each had an armful of sweets and love letters. Elsword had so many letters from young girls, that it obscured his sight to the point that Chung had to relieve him of some of his burden. Raven left their company, heading to his quarters to prepare for the party. Meanwhile, Elsword and Chung put Elsword's gifts in his room, and ascended the stairs of the northern tower to Chung's room. His room was filled with all manner of things. Three giant bookshelves lined the wall, filled with books spanning from fantasy, to history, to romance. In the corner, next to the balcony window, was a large piano; white and smooth, and seemed to shine in the morning light. His bed was large enough for four people, and surrounded by thick curtains. Chung sat down in front of his large dresser, a massive mirror perched atop it, while Elsword entered the closet to find Chung's royal garments. Chung ran a brush through his unusually long hair, which trailed town to his knee. Elsword left the closet, and placed the suit the queen had requested on the bed, and left the room to get ready. Chung sighed, continued to brush his hair; his mother was almost insane when it came to looking the part. He braided his hair, a single large braid with a flower placed at the bottom. The braid was above the rest of his hair, just how his mother always did it. He got up, and began to get changed into his suit.
Altera, the royal castle
Altera was a marvel to behold. Vast plains spanned as far as the eye could see, and one could occasionally see small patches of trees across the landscape. Nestled between the mountains, where a specialized cave system circulated the waterfall back to its origin point, never running dry, was the castle. The castle was truly a spectacle, as it seemed more like a tremendous, black cathedral rather than a castle. It was made long ago not from stone or metal, but black El crystals. The sleek walls reflected the bright morning light off each other. The walls reflected the light through various prisms in the castle walls, lighting the inside with brilliant colors. Inside, servants ran to and fro, a clear voice echoing through the halls. Seraph, the queen of Altera, was frantic. They were behind schedule, and would be late for the party. Nemesis, Seraph's sister, was with Eve, Seraph's daughter and princess of Altera. Eve sat on the chair in front of her dresser, Nemesis brushing her hair.
"Auntie, do I have to go?" Eve whined, not feeling like traveling. Nemesis sighed.
"Yes my dear, you have to. You know how your mother gets when it's a formal party, and a meeting for negotiations." Nemesis raised her brow as Eve scoffed.
"Why do we have to even bother with...Hamel." Eve spoke the name with distaste, as if it was a dirty word, "We're above them."
"Eve, I know you don't want to have to be interacting with men, but it's a part of life." Seraph had a plan, in which she would have Eve socialize with Chung. Eve however, detested the idea.
"I don't care. I hate men." Eve looked out the window, "Especially him."
"Eve." Nemesis spoke coldly, "You cannot judge an entire gender based on the actions of your father." Eve said nothing, simply glanced over her shoulder and scoffed.
"Say what you will auntie, it doesn't matter."
"You act like Seraph has ordered you to marry him. Don't worry, you'll find that special girl sometime in the future. Now, let's just try to do your mother a favor, okay?" Eve smiled.
"Okay auntie." Nemesis handed Eve her dress. The smooth, white silk was soft to the touch, as if it was crafted from the clouds. The neck, belt, and cuffs were decorated with special amber gemstones, curtsy of the Elven kingdom after a special treaty, that matched Eve's eyes remarkably. The dress was long, and trailed on the floor after Eve put it on, with Nemesis's help. They left Eve's room, and headed down the stairs.
"Auntie?" Eve called out as Nemesis began to walk off. She turned, "Aren't you coming?"
"No, someone has to watch over the castle while you are gone."
"Okay." Nemesis walked up to her, and smiled.
"Have fun, okay Eve? And be safe, the prince of Hamel seems to always be subject to assassination attempts." Eve smiled, nodded her head, then turned as she heard her name.
"Eve! We're late, hurry up!" They both sighed as Seraph's voice echoed through the castle. Just in time, Eve's pet drones, Remy and Moby, finally found her, and after saying farewell to Nemesis, she ran to the front gates. As she reached the carriage, Rena and Aisha stood at attention, waiting patiently with their armor and weapons. Rena opened the door, and Aisha helped Eve inside. Seraph was in a separate carriage, which would be in front of them. Rena and Aisha sat on either side of Eve, and Oberon and Ophelia, Eve's servants, sat in the driver's seat.
"So Eve." Eve turned as Aisha spoke. She was cheery as ever, "Looking forward to the party?"
"No. Mother wants me to be social with...the prince." Eve sounded like she was choking as she said 'prince'.
"Well Milady, at least it won't be for a prolonged period of time." Rena spoke up, "Your mother informed me that you only have to be around him for the negotiation. The rest of the party is your own time." Eve sighed.
"Thank god." Eve smiled, and looked at Aisha, "I wonder if there are any cute girls there."
"I bet there will be. The queen also invited other nobles from Elder and even Velder." Aisha smirked, "You planning on hitting on someone?"
"Maybe." Rena sighed. Lady Eve never acts like who she actually is. It makes me worried on occasions like this. Eve and Aisha continued to chat for the rest of the journey to Hamel.
The night of the party, 8:30 PM The main hall
The queen stood by the front gates of the castle, welcoming the quests who arrived while she awaited for the Royal family of Altera to arrive. Delilah was nervous, as Seraph was late. I hope they didn't change their minds. Chung, along with his guards, stood beside her, welcoming the quests as they walked by. Chung shied away from the numerous glances of the young women who passed by, their dresses elaborate and adorned with numerous gems. Some of their dresses seemed to glow in the moonlight. The flow of nobles began to die down, and the queen was becoming more frantic.
"Oh no...they must have decided not to come." Delilah paced back and forth.
"Mom, Altera is a long ways away. Maybe they're just late." Chung reassured her, and she calmed down slighty. Raven looked down the road, and smiled.
"They're here majesty." Delilah spun around, overjoyed as two black, elegantly decorated carriages stopped in front of them. The front carriage opened, and the queen of Altera stepped out.
"Greetings Seraph, it is a pleasure to see you." Delilah held the sides of her dress, and curtsied. Chung bowed, as it was expected of him. Seraph smiled, and returned the gesture.
"Likewise Delilah." Seraph turned to the other carriage, "Eve, don't keep the queen waiting." With that, the door opened. Rena stepped out, and held out her hand. Chung stared as a young girl, her dress shining in the pale light, cautiously stepped out of the carriage. She walked up to Seraph, and curtsied to the queen. Chung and his mother returned the gesture, then Chung noticed the girl shoot a hateful glare in his direction. Seraph placed her hand on the girl's shoulder, "Delilah, this is my daughter, Evelyn Anstasha." Eve curtsied again.
"It's an honor to meet you, majesty."
"The pleasure is mine my dear. Seraph, shall we begin negotiations?"
"I believe that would be best. Eve, come."
"Yes mother." Both families, and their guardians, proceeded into the main hall. Delilah hurriedly began the festivities, and dismissed Raven and Elsword. Seraph did the same for Rena and Aisha. Seraph and Delilah talked as they moved to the library, and Chung felt awkward as Eve was silent. He decided to try start a conversation.
"So...how was the trip here?" Eve stared at him, her amber eyes a glacier.
"I am only here to accompany my mother for negotiations. I have no interest making pleasantries with a...man like you." Chung remained silent. Maybe she has had a bad past with men. As they entered the library, Seraph told Eve to stay next to Chung. Chung, knowing Eve obviously didn't like him, looked over the nearby shelf, and took out a large, somewhat dusty tome. He sat down, and read silently. Eve was somewhat surprised. It seems he has some sense of right and wrong. Good. Seraph and Delilah were elsewhere in the library, talking in private.
"So, your letter never specified the purpose of this meeting." Seraph said, and eyebrow raised in suspicion.
"I wish to make a peace treaty, or better yet, an alliance." Seraph closed her eyes. Hamel is a strong kingdom, and has significantly better trade than us. An alliance would help both our kingdoms prosper, and we'd have a reliable ally. And, this would be the perfect opportunity for...yes, yes this will work.
"Very well. I will form an alliance with you," Seraph held up her finger as Delilah began to speak, "on one condition."
"And that is?"
"I wish for my daughter to marry your son." Delilah stared at her, "Eve is a good girl, and very respectable. I have been searching for a good man for her, and Chung seems very respectable. This is my only condition." Delilah rose.
"I suppose we should inform them of their new found engagement." Seraph smiled, and Delilah put out her hand. Seraph shook it strongly, and they walked through the giant library to Chung and Eve.
"Hello mother, are we done here? I want to go to the party." Eve didn't want to be around Chung anymore, silent and considerate or not.
"One final thing my dear." Seraph smiled, "I've waited a long time to say this." Delilah smiled at Chung.
"Mother, what is going on?" He was very confused, and closed the book he was reading.
"You and Evelyn are now engaged to be married to concrete the alliance between our kingdoms." Eve shot up at Delilah's words, staring at her mother.
"Mom! I don't want to!" Eve complained. Seraph did not know of Eve's true love affections, and Eve knew she must never let Seraph know of them, or else she would pay the price.
"Eve, you have been alone for far too long. Chung is a lovely boy, and you two will be a lovely pair. You will do this for your kingdom." Eve slowly sunk into her chair, a tear rolling down her face.
"Very...well." Seraph smiled.
"Perfect! Now, you two go and enjoy the party. Delilah, do you have any tea?"
"Of course Seraph. Come, let's retire to my room, the view of the sea in the winter moon is positively breathtaking." Seraph and Delilah left the room, and Chung stared at Eve.
"Eve...I'm sorry."
"Shut up, you won't make this any better." Eve stood up, and began to leave when Chung grabbed her arm, "Let me go!"
"Eve, I don't know why you hate men, but I promise that I will do all I can to leave you to yourself." Eve glared at him, and he released her, "That was all I wished to say. Please, enjoy the party. I will stay here to ensure I don't get in the way." With that, Chung sat back down, and continued reading his book. Eve turned on her heel, and left the library.
Meanwhile, the party was proceeding extraordinarily well. However, not all the party-goers were happy. Elsword stood by a pillar, leaning against it, with a glass of sherry. He stared at the pairs dancing to the musicians, and sighed.
"Maybe I should dance? No, I don't really feel like it." Elsword felt someone walking up to him.
"Well, something wrong Righty?" He turned to see Aisha beside him, sipping on a glass of red wine. His eyebrow twitched.
"What?"
"Is something wrong...Righty?" Aisha smirked, "I know all about you, The Right Claw of the White Wolf."
"My name is Elsword."
"Oh? I thought it was Righty."
"No it-"
"So tell me Righty, how goes the party?" Elsword closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and walked away. Aisha followed on his heels, "Is little Righty nervous?"
"Shut, up." Elsword growled, and glared at her. Aisha simply smiled, "An annoying purple fairy is the least interesting thing I could think of right now." Aisha glared at him.
"What did you call me?"
"An annoying purple fairy. Oh I'm sorry, did I offend you?" Elsword smirked.
"I'd watch your mouth Righty."
"I'd watch your tone fairy." Elsword retorted, and walked off. Aisha huffed, took a large gulp of her wine, and walked in the other direction. On the other side of the party, Raven walked out of the hall and onto a balcony overlooking the garden. He sat down on a chair, legs crossed, and sighed. He looked as a tall elf approached him. Rena, one of Eve's guardians.
"Can I help you?" Rena smiled, and sat down.
"So, you're the legendary Left Claw of the White Wolf?" Rena looked him up and down, and sighed, "Not much to you."
"If you've only come to insult me, you're wasting your time."
"Oh, this is almost a part of my job." Rena smiled, "So Left, how's it going?" Raven stared at her. She's only been here for a few seconds and she's already annoying.
"You know, one would think having long ears would improve one's hearing. But I suppose those ears really are just knifes." Rena stiffened.
"What?"
"Just like a knife. Thick and not a hole to let sound through." Raven cast his gaze up to the moon. Rena noticed his left arm, and found her way to retaliate.
"Says the one with a cutlery rack for an arm." Raven shot her an icy glare, but Rena nonchalantly looked to the garden.
"Pardon me?"
"Are you sure you're the prince's guard with that thing and not the royal chef? It must be so easy to cut carrots when your arm is a knife rack." Raven's eye twitched slightly.
"At least I always have a weapon on my person, whore." Rena shot up.
"What did you call me?!"
"A whore, one who partakes of sexual pleasure to make a profit. Just look at you, showing off your body like a prize watermelon with those tights." Raven gestured to Rena's chest, "Did you fuck the queen to get your position?"
"You will soon be eating those words if you don't shut up!" Rena began to draw her sword, but Raven leapt from his chair and pinned Rena to the balcony wall with his claw, his other arm forcing her sword back into the sheath. His sharp claw was tightly wrapped around her neck, cutting off air.
"Like I was saying, I always have a weapon at the ready." Raven pulled Rena forward and pushed her back against the wall, then released her. Raven leapt off the balcony as Rena recovered, as Eve was walking towards them with Aisha. Rena coughed as she began to breath normally again.
"Rena? Are you alright?" Aisha looked at her closely, not noticing anything out of the ordinary.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Rena watched as Raven walked away through the garden. She could hear him laughing quietly. Asshole, you'll get what's coming to you. Rena notice Eve sitting, hands covering her face, "Milady? What's wrong?"
"I...have to...marry...the prince." She choked out before sobbing. Rena and Aisha looked at each other, then gently held Eve in their arms, "My dreams...my hopes...my life! All gone!" Eve wailed, not caring if anyone heard her. Luckily, the music within was too loud for any to hear. Rena heard something, and looked up to the balcony across from then. She saw Chung staring at them, then noticed a slight shine on his cheek, he was crying. Then, she heard him say something.
"I can't let it be like this." With that, Chung disappeared back into the castle. Rena noticed something then. His voice...there's something about it.
"Mother!" Chung knocked on his mother's bedroom door. It opened, and Delilah was not pleased.
"May I ask for the meaning of this interruption?"
"I want to talk to Seraph, alone." Chung stood strong, his voice clear. Delilah stared at him, then sighed.
"Very well, but make it fast." Delilah stepped out into the hall, and let Chung inside. As he stepped onto the balcony, Seraph looked at him.
"And what do you wish to speak to me about?"
"Why are you forcing Eve to marry me? She's miserable right now!" Seraph just smiled.
"Eve is just taking the sudden news badly. She'll adjust soon enough. Now be gone young one, I did not travel miles from my kingdom to listen to a runt like you yell at me for doing him a favor." Chung's hands balled into tight fists, and he left the room, almost running down the stairs. As he walked down the hall, he saw Elsword.
"Is something up Elsword?" Elsword sighed.
"Aisha is bloody annoying, that's what." Elsword looked at him then, "What's wrong man? I noticed Eve crying on the balcony, and you definitely seem in a sour mood."
"I'm being forced to marry Eve, and she hates men." Elsword gasped. Not as learning Eve hates men, but the subject of marriage.
"Chung what about-"
"That's just it! I don't know what to do, and mother doesn't even seem to care about this!"
"This is really bad."
"Tell me about it." They both turned as they heard footsteps, and saw Seraph and Delilah come down the stairs.
"Seraph must leave now. Eve and her guards will be remaining here with us from now on, and her things will be sent here soon." Delilah explained as Seraph silently walked off, her long white hair flowing in the breeze from the nearby open window.
"Mother, does it have to be this way?" Chung pleaded, and Delilah sighed.
"Yes Chung. This is how it has to be. You will just have to play along with the cards you have been dealt. Now, it's late, and I want you to get to bed. I'll help get Eve's room set up."
"Very well mom." Chung left for his room then. Delilah and Eve said farewell to Seraph, and Eve was taken to her new room. Delilah instructed Elsword and Raven to help Rena and Aisha get settled in, much to each other's dismay. Chung laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling. I just hope...things don't go wrong.
Vayne: Okay, the biggie story has begun! Also, check out DevilWolf641's profile to check out our collab story! Remember, check the post and give me your thoughts on the story thus far. Also, this story will probably be updated pretty slowly, as I'm trying to make it awesome, and I have other fanfiction things to attend to.