Disclaimer: No I don't own any of the suikoden 3 characters, though I wish
I did :D. Please Review this, Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
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Suikoden3 Fanfic Conflicts from Within Ch1:
Hero of Zexen
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"This is preposterous!"
A great crash echoed throughout the great council chamber of Vinay de Zexay as steel gauntlets descended to meet fine cedar wood. The owner of the aforementioned gauntlets glared from under her silvery bangs at each of those sitting at the large conference table in front of her.
"What you are proposing is madness!" Her voice, though pleasant at any other time, quivered with outrage.
"Now you are exaggerating, Lady Chris. This arrangement is merely a diplomatic maneuver aimed for the best interest of Zexen." The councilor sitting directly across from Chris tried in what he believed to be a diplomatic tone, only it sounded more like an admonishment.
"Pardon my skepticism, First Councilor Lorn. But, this 'arrangement' of yours has the potential to start an all out war with the grasslands! Mobilizing the knights and moving into what suppose to be neutral territory is not an act of diplomacy, councilor. It's an act of aggression!" The first councilor, a man in his middle ages, with neatly combed back black hair and thin moustaches raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
" That is certainly not so, Lady Chris." In that same admonishing tone, the first councilor continued in what appeared to be a futile attempt to placate the current head of Lightfellow family. "We will merely demonstrate to them the might of Zexens and to remind those barbarians that they are negotiating with a party of strength. Certainly you can see that for you to provide escort to our ambassador in the oncoming trade talk would put us into a position of strength."
" Those Barbarians are ridiculous, do you realize how much of our profits has been lost providing taxes to those savages in order to maintain a steady trade route with Caleria?! I wont stand for such an outrageous arrangement!" Another councilor, sitting to the left of Chris, broke in suddenly.
" The same arrangement that you agreed and signed a treaty on." Chris countered sharply.
" The same treaty that you signed for us." Councilor Lorn corrected, "However, we are not here to assign blames, Lady Chris, but to attempt to correct what seems to be an erroneous situation."
" I do not believe this." Her tone a mixture of incredulity and anger, "Do you have any idea how the grasslanders will react? They wont back down from such an obvious challenge, you will have a full fledged war in no time!"
" Regardless of what your personal opinion might be, Lady Chris. Such is the will of the council and it is up to you to carry out its execution."
Slowly the silvery hair commander of Zexen knights looked down into her lap, and for a few moments appeared to be deep in thought. When she looked up, her blue grey eyes were smoldering embers.
" No, I will not allow my knights to participate in this. Our duty is to protect Zexen from her enemies, not to start wars. Find your own knights to do your own dirty work." With that said, Chris Lightfellow, Silver Maiden of the Zexen lands, and Leader of the Zexen knights, stormed out the council chamber without so much as a backward glance.
Dead silence reigned over the council chamber, shock and disbelief at the audacity that was shown here, and then, as if on some hidden signal, the room exploded into a flurry of outraged cries.
"How could SHE!"
The audacity of that woman!"
"Ungrateful wench."
"We should never have made her captain!"
"Silence!" The shout from the first councilor quieted the various outbursts and quickly brought a semblance of order into the otherwise chaotic room." As you are all aware of it by now, ever since the incident involving the Firebringers 5 years ago, Ms. Lighfellow has been gaining support from the commoners rapidly. Today is just a show of how the balances of power have changed. We dare not take any action against her for the public will never allow us to reprimand her for her actions. This poses a serious threat for us as she has the backing of not only the public but also the military. I suggest each one of you to go home and think hard about how to rectify the current situation. This meeting is adjourned."
'How could we, the most powerful men of Zexen, be powerless before a mere woman?' First councilor Lorn thought gloomily to himself as the other councilors filed out of the chamber. 'How could we let things slid this far out of our control?' The entrance of another though interrupted his train of thought.
"Well what a mess we have here." A man who appeared to be in his early 30s commented idly as he slowly walks into the room. He is dressed in a fine embroidered shirt that is common to the upper echelon of the Zexen society.
"If you have nothing constructive to say, Damien, then don't bother saying anything."
"But of course, that is what you are paying me for, to advise you, dear councilor." Making an elaborate bow, Damien continues in an amused tone of voice. "You see councilor, your problem here is that while a hero who gains immortality through his death is fine and dandy. An immortal hero is something that no one needs."
"What are you suggesting, Damien?"
"Merely to express what a glorious occasion it would be to immortalize Lady Chris's name in the histories of Zexen. Specifically under the section of ...has been, of course." Damien said, drawing out the words as if savoring them.
"Can it be done? We are talking about the bearer of True Water rune here."
"Even true rune bearer has their limits. And accidents, my lord, do happen."
"See that you do it with discretion, failure is not an option here." Deep in thought, Councilor Lorn walked to the window and stared out onto the streets of Vinay de Zexay.
"Yes, an Immortal hero is something that Zexen does not need..."
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"Get my horse ready Louis, we are leaving for Brass Castle right now."
"So soon Milady? We have just arrived here yesterday." The young squire raised an eyebrow at the order of his captain.
"I know, but its just..." Closing her eyes, She searched for the right words for her feeling. "It just feels too overbearing here."
"Yes I understand what you mean." Nodding to himself, he dashed away and with practiced ease saddled both of their horses and led them back to Chris.
"Let us be on our way then."
Slowly they rode out of the iron gates of vinay de zexay and into the Zexen forest en route to the Brass castle. For the first part of the journey they rode in comfortable silence, enjoying the warm sun and peacefulness of the forest.
"Sorry to drag you around like this Louis. I know you have your knighthood exam to worry about, so I shouldn't be wasting your time like this." Chris said suddenly, breaking the silence.
"It is okay, milady. It is always a pleasure to serve." With some hesitancy in his voice, Louis continued on. " By the way milady, what did the council said? You seem agitated."
"The usual rubbish they always say, I will tell you in more detail when we get everyone together." Letting out a sigh Chris adjusted her grip on the rein. " I wish that they would just quit, but that seems to be too much to hope for."
"I am sure everything will turn out for the best, Lady Chris. Whatever happens you can handle it, I have faith in you."
"Thank you Louis, I will do my best."
"I am sure you will!" Louis beamed at his mentor and commander. " Hey look we are here, Brass Castle!"
The fortress that serves as the front line between Zexen and grasslands slowly rose into view. Its iron gate has served many times in the past to keep Zexen safe from the reach of her enemies. Though battered at some parts, the famed castle stood regal and proud even after decades of service. The guards guarding the drawbridge snap to attention as she approaches.
"Lady Chris!" They salute as one.
Nodding slightly, Chris gives the proper response in acknowledgment.
"See I told you guys that I saw her coming in."
"Indeed you have, Percival." Salome, followed by Percival, Borus and Leo, walked out to greet their captain. " Welcome back Lady Chris, I hope you had a safe journey."
"Thank you Salome." In one smooth motion she dismounted from her white mare, slipping down from the saddle with practiced grace." By the way, where is Roland?"
"Probably off somewhere writing love letters to his sweetheart. Honestly, who would have thought the guy had it in him?"
"If you have the time to talk about my personal life Percival, perhaps you should take more time to worry about yours." Roland retorts as he approached the group from the castle, a thoughtful expression on his face. " Come to think of it I believe there is quite the disturbance at east gate. Apparently 2 ladies, Jane and Mary I believe their name was, is having an argument about who should have 'Sir Percival' over for dinner. When I left their arguments have gotten.... how should I put it, physical."
"Sweet goddess, No!" Percival groaned to himself and turns to leave with the heroic intention of preventing further injuries to his ladies. Before he has taken another step though he froze dead in his tracks. " Wait a minute, there are no Jane and Mary here in Br... I mean I don't know any Jane and Mary!"
"Ha Ha Ha, that is a good one Roland." Leo tilts back his head and roared with laughter.
"Yeah he got you good Percival." Borus snickered at his friends plight.
"Oh, Shut up."
"Now now, everyone " Chris couldn't help but grin at her knights' antique. "Stop picking on poor Percy here."
"Lady Chris!" Percival spluttered indignantly at his captains' backhand comment.
As the various snickers die down Salome tried to school his expression back into seriousness and somewhat succeeding. "Milady, what word from the council?"
"Salome, She just got here let her have some rest ok. Its getting late, maybe we should wait until after the dinner to talk business." Borus interjected.
"Yes, perhaps that will be for the best, is it alright with you Milady?"
Nodding, Chris gives her consent "Sounds fine with me."
"I'll go get your room ready, Lady Chris."
"No Louis, I have taken too much of your time already. You should go back to your own studies."
"But..."
"No buts, I'll have a maid take care of it."
"Alright." Louis sighed dejectedly.
"Ok then, with that settled, let's see whats cooking in the kitchen. Gentlemen, shall we go?"
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Dinner passed companionably and now the 6 knights of Zexen plus Louis, gathers in Salomes room to hear Chris recounts what has occurred during the council meeting.
"This is indeed a serious matter milady. Though I support your decision, I must caution you that there might be certain consequences due to this." Salome said gravely after hearing her description of the council meeting.
"What do those buffoons at the council think they are doing?" Borus said heatedly, anger clear in his voice. " I say we all go to Vinay de Zexay and give them a piece of our minds."
"Calm yourself Borus, I believe our captain has already made clear of our intentions. All we have to do as knights is to show our support in her decision." Turning his head, Salome swept his gaze across the room at everyone present, "I believe we all agree on this?"
Various agreement echoed around the table, as the knights' voice their support for their captain.
"Thank you, it is good to know that I have the support of my knights in this." Chris looked at each present gratefully.
"Milady, no one here wants a meaningless war. Least of all the people in this room, we all have our own encounter with the grasslanders. We fought against them and with them on the battlefield, I don't think anyone here would want the meaningless conflict from 5 years ago to occur again."
" Yes, I agree with Percival." Leo boomed in his deep voice, " We can not let the council bully us, now or ever."
" The council will definitely be in an upheaval because of this." Rolands adds" There will of course be further summons though I can not see what else they can do to affect us if we all stick together."
"Yes, I concur, especially not with all the support you have been gaining since the Firebringer incident milady. You are practically a legend amongst the people. The council will not want to go against that."
"I wish you would stop embarrass me like that, Salome. I am no legend."
"If you say so milady," Salome assented, letting a slight smile cross his lips at his captains' modesty. "If there are nothing else I suggest we all go to take some rest, I suspect that tomorrow will be a long day."
As the knights exit the room one by one, Chris held out a hand to stop Louis.
"Louis would you mind brining a cup of tea to my room? I am feeling kind of exhausted."
"Certainly, I'll get to it right away."
Up returning to her room, Chris locked her the door and took off her armor to dress herself in a more casual and comfortable ensemble. With that done she sat down on her reading desk to look through some of the report that has been piled up while she was away. It wasn't long before someone knocked on the door.
"Hold on a sec I'll get it." Standing up she walks toward the locked door and unbolts it, expecting it to be Louis returning with her tea. To her surprise, it was one of the castle maids holding a plate and a cup of steaming tea.
"Umm excuse me Lady Chris, master Louis said that he suddenly remembers an errand that he has to run so he asked me to bring you this." The young maid said timidly.
"Thank you." Taking the cup and placing it on the desk, Chris sits back down and starts to go through the reports again. It was a few minutes later that she noticed the young maid is still in the room.
"May I help you?"
"Well ummm." Flushing with embarrassment she quickly replied, "I just want to say that it is an honor to serve you lady Chris, and please keep up the good work!"
Overcame by embarrassment the maid made a hasty curtsy and fled from the room.
Shaking her head and smiling to herself in amusement she went back to her reading. Over the years she have had many similar instances. Though she should be use to it by now, she sometimes still feel uncomfortable at how some people looked up to her. Absentmindedly she took a few sip of the tea, the taste surprised her though and she stared at the teacup in wonder.
"I never knew we have Karayan tea, I wonder where Louis got it?" Drinking this tea made her remember the time she spent with the Firebringers. 'Geddoe and Hugo, I wonder how they are doing right now?'
Her nostalgia was shattered when her danger sense, honed to a fine edge in combat through the years, warns her of the oncoming danger. Reflexively she dove for her sword as the door slams open. A black clad man, his face hidden behind a black mask, and in his right hand wields a curved copper blade stepped in. With out another word the man slashed down at the kneeling Chris with deadly precision. Knowing she wont be able to draw her sword in time, Chris held up her sword to block, still fully sheathed, and drew out just enough of her own blade to block the deadly strike. Sparks fly as the twin blade met, pushing the descending blade aside and moving along with the motion Chris pushed aside her enemies' blade and with her left hand slamed the sheath into the attackers face. The masked man stumble back from the hit and Chris, now with her sword fully drawn, slowly stood up with her sword at the ready.
"Who are you?" Chris demanded and inwardly she was surprised at the weapon the man is holding. 'A Karayan blade? Why?'
Her attacker replied by making a backhand slash towards her, which she knocked away with a downward swing of her blade. Before the man could make another attack Chris retaliated with a stab of her sword to the mans' chest, forcing him on the defensive as he hastily brought his own blade back to block the attack. Chris continued her attack using her superior speed by slashing at the man's throat with a backhand, which he took a step back to avoid. Taking a step forward, Chris fainted a stab to the mans chest, tricking him to lift up his blade to block an empty strike. The mans eyes widens as he sensed his mistake, but it was too late, the move has left him complete open, though he tried his best to twist out of the way and at same time bringing his sword back down to block, he knew that he would never make it in time. As Chris prepared to ran home her sword though, a wrecking pain flared suddenly throughout her body and involuntarily she flinched. Losing her aim with the sword due to the sudden pain, she struck thin air as the man twists out of the way of her stab. Her momentum carried her past the man, leaving her flanks open to attack. Burning pain flares in her arm and only her quick reflex saved her arm from being severed as she rolls to the side. Black spot danced within her vision as she tried to force herself to get up but only to collapse to her knees again when her strength gave out. Barely holding herself up with her hands and knees, she gasped for breath and tried to suppress the burning pain that is in her arm and deep within her guts. Though she tried to focus her thoughts she could feel herself blacking out. Dimly she became aware of the distant shouting and the last thing she saw was the man, black clad like death, advanced to finish her off. Desperately she tried to summon the power from her true water rune to heal herself, but the energy fizzled and vanished as if never existed.
Then there was only darkness, and pain.
to be continued...
Up next: What?? Chris is dead!? Salome delivers his Eulogy at her funeral!? And why is Borus going to the grasslands??
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Suikoden3 Fanfic Conflicts from Within Ch1:
Hero of Zexen
**************************************************************************** ***
"This is preposterous!"
A great crash echoed throughout the great council chamber of Vinay de Zexay as steel gauntlets descended to meet fine cedar wood. The owner of the aforementioned gauntlets glared from under her silvery bangs at each of those sitting at the large conference table in front of her.
"What you are proposing is madness!" Her voice, though pleasant at any other time, quivered with outrage.
"Now you are exaggerating, Lady Chris. This arrangement is merely a diplomatic maneuver aimed for the best interest of Zexen." The councilor sitting directly across from Chris tried in what he believed to be a diplomatic tone, only it sounded more like an admonishment.
"Pardon my skepticism, First Councilor Lorn. But, this 'arrangement' of yours has the potential to start an all out war with the grasslands! Mobilizing the knights and moving into what suppose to be neutral territory is not an act of diplomacy, councilor. It's an act of aggression!" The first councilor, a man in his middle ages, with neatly combed back black hair and thin moustaches raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
" That is certainly not so, Lady Chris." In that same admonishing tone, the first councilor continued in what appeared to be a futile attempt to placate the current head of Lightfellow family. "We will merely demonstrate to them the might of Zexens and to remind those barbarians that they are negotiating with a party of strength. Certainly you can see that for you to provide escort to our ambassador in the oncoming trade talk would put us into a position of strength."
" Those Barbarians are ridiculous, do you realize how much of our profits has been lost providing taxes to those savages in order to maintain a steady trade route with Caleria?! I wont stand for such an outrageous arrangement!" Another councilor, sitting to the left of Chris, broke in suddenly.
" The same arrangement that you agreed and signed a treaty on." Chris countered sharply.
" The same treaty that you signed for us." Councilor Lorn corrected, "However, we are not here to assign blames, Lady Chris, but to attempt to correct what seems to be an erroneous situation."
" I do not believe this." Her tone a mixture of incredulity and anger, "Do you have any idea how the grasslanders will react? They wont back down from such an obvious challenge, you will have a full fledged war in no time!"
" Regardless of what your personal opinion might be, Lady Chris. Such is the will of the council and it is up to you to carry out its execution."
Slowly the silvery hair commander of Zexen knights looked down into her lap, and for a few moments appeared to be deep in thought. When she looked up, her blue grey eyes were smoldering embers.
" No, I will not allow my knights to participate in this. Our duty is to protect Zexen from her enemies, not to start wars. Find your own knights to do your own dirty work." With that said, Chris Lightfellow, Silver Maiden of the Zexen lands, and Leader of the Zexen knights, stormed out the council chamber without so much as a backward glance.
Dead silence reigned over the council chamber, shock and disbelief at the audacity that was shown here, and then, as if on some hidden signal, the room exploded into a flurry of outraged cries.
"How could SHE!"
The audacity of that woman!"
"Ungrateful wench."
"We should never have made her captain!"
"Silence!" The shout from the first councilor quieted the various outbursts and quickly brought a semblance of order into the otherwise chaotic room." As you are all aware of it by now, ever since the incident involving the Firebringers 5 years ago, Ms. Lighfellow has been gaining support from the commoners rapidly. Today is just a show of how the balances of power have changed. We dare not take any action against her for the public will never allow us to reprimand her for her actions. This poses a serious threat for us as she has the backing of not only the public but also the military. I suggest each one of you to go home and think hard about how to rectify the current situation. This meeting is adjourned."
'How could we, the most powerful men of Zexen, be powerless before a mere woman?' First councilor Lorn thought gloomily to himself as the other councilors filed out of the chamber. 'How could we let things slid this far out of our control?' The entrance of another though interrupted his train of thought.
"Well what a mess we have here." A man who appeared to be in his early 30s commented idly as he slowly walks into the room. He is dressed in a fine embroidered shirt that is common to the upper echelon of the Zexen society.
"If you have nothing constructive to say, Damien, then don't bother saying anything."
"But of course, that is what you are paying me for, to advise you, dear councilor." Making an elaborate bow, Damien continues in an amused tone of voice. "You see councilor, your problem here is that while a hero who gains immortality through his death is fine and dandy. An immortal hero is something that no one needs."
"What are you suggesting, Damien?"
"Merely to express what a glorious occasion it would be to immortalize Lady Chris's name in the histories of Zexen. Specifically under the section of ...has been, of course." Damien said, drawing out the words as if savoring them.
"Can it be done? We are talking about the bearer of True Water rune here."
"Even true rune bearer has their limits. And accidents, my lord, do happen."
"See that you do it with discretion, failure is not an option here." Deep in thought, Councilor Lorn walked to the window and stared out onto the streets of Vinay de Zexay.
"Yes, an Immortal hero is something that Zexen does not need..."
**************************************************************************** **************
"Get my horse ready Louis, we are leaving for Brass Castle right now."
"So soon Milady? We have just arrived here yesterday." The young squire raised an eyebrow at the order of his captain.
"I know, but its just..." Closing her eyes, She searched for the right words for her feeling. "It just feels too overbearing here."
"Yes I understand what you mean." Nodding to himself, he dashed away and with practiced ease saddled both of their horses and led them back to Chris.
"Let us be on our way then."
Slowly they rode out of the iron gates of vinay de zexay and into the Zexen forest en route to the Brass castle. For the first part of the journey they rode in comfortable silence, enjoying the warm sun and peacefulness of the forest.
"Sorry to drag you around like this Louis. I know you have your knighthood exam to worry about, so I shouldn't be wasting your time like this." Chris said suddenly, breaking the silence.
"It is okay, milady. It is always a pleasure to serve." With some hesitancy in his voice, Louis continued on. " By the way milady, what did the council said? You seem agitated."
"The usual rubbish they always say, I will tell you in more detail when we get everyone together." Letting out a sigh Chris adjusted her grip on the rein. " I wish that they would just quit, but that seems to be too much to hope for."
"I am sure everything will turn out for the best, Lady Chris. Whatever happens you can handle it, I have faith in you."
"Thank you Louis, I will do my best."
"I am sure you will!" Louis beamed at his mentor and commander. " Hey look we are here, Brass Castle!"
The fortress that serves as the front line between Zexen and grasslands slowly rose into view. Its iron gate has served many times in the past to keep Zexen safe from the reach of her enemies. Though battered at some parts, the famed castle stood regal and proud even after decades of service. The guards guarding the drawbridge snap to attention as she approaches.
"Lady Chris!" They salute as one.
Nodding slightly, Chris gives the proper response in acknowledgment.
"See I told you guys that I saw her coming in."
"Indeed you have, Percival." Salome, followed by Percival, Borus and Leo, walked out to greet their captain. " Welcome back Lady Chris, I hope you had a safe journey."
"Thank you Salome." In one smooth motion she dismounted from her white mare, slipping down from the saddle with practiced grace." By the way, where is Roland?"
"Probably off somewhere writing love letters to his sweetheart. Honestly, who would have thought the guy had it in him?"
"If you have the time to talk about my personal life Percival, perhaps you should take more time to worry about yours." Roland retorts as he approached the group from the castle, a thoughtful expression on his face. " Come to think of it I believe there is quite the disturbance at east gate. Apparently 2 ladies, Jane and Mary I believe their name was, is having an argument about who should have 'Sir Percival' over for dinner. When I left their arguments have gotten.... how should I put it, physical."
"Sweet goddess, No!" Percival groaned to himself and turns to leave with the heroic intention of preventing further injuries to his ladies. Before he has taken another step though he froze dead in his tracks. " Wait a minute, there are no Jane and Mary here in Br... I mean I don't know any Jane and Mary!"
"Ha Ha Ha, that is a good one Roland." Leo tilts back his head and roared with laughter.
"Yeah he got you good Percival." Borus snickered at his friends plight.
"Oh, Shut up."
"Now now, everyone " Chris couldn't help but grin at her knights' antique. "Stop picking on poor Percy here."
"Lady Chris!" Percival spluttered indignantly at his captains' backhand comment.
As the various snickers die down Salome tried to school his expression back into seriousness and somewhat succeeding. "Milady, what word from the council?"
"Salome, She just got here let her have some rest ok. Its getting late, maybe we should wait until after the dinner to talk business." Borus interjected.
"Yes, perhaps that will be for the best, is it alright with you Milady?"
Nodding, Chris gives her consent "Sounds fine with me."
"I'll go get your room ready, Lady Chris."
"No Louis, I have taken too much of your time already. You should go back to your own studies."
"But..."
"No buts, I'll have a maid take care of it."
"Alright." Louis sighed dejectedly.
"Ok then, with that settled, let's see whats cooking in the kitchen. Gentlemen, shall we go?"
**************************************************************************** *******
Dinner passed companionably and now the 6 knights of Zexen plus Louis, gathers in Salomes room to hear Chris recounts what has occurred during the council meeting.
"This is indeed a serious matter milady. Though I support your decision, I must caution you that there might be certain consequences due to this." Salome said gravely after hearing her description of the council meeting.
"What do those buffoons at the council think they are doing?" Borus said heatedly, anger clear in his voice. " I say we all go to Vinay de Zexay and give them a piece of our minds."
"Calm yourself Borus, I believe our captain has already made clear of our intentions. All we have to do as knights is to show our support in her decision." Turning his head, Salome swept his gaze across the room at everyone present, "I believe we all agree on this?"
Various agreement echoed around the table, as the knights' voice their support for their captain.
"Thank you, it is good to know that I have the support of my knights in this." Chris looked at each present gratefully.
"Milady, no one here wants a meaningless war. Least of all the people in this room, we all have our own encounter with the grasslanders. We fought against them and with them on the battlefield, I don't think anyone here would want the meaningless conflict from 5 years ago to occur again."
" Yes, I agree with Percival." Leo boomed in his deep voice, " We can not let the council bully us, now or ever."
" The council will definitely be in an upheaval because of this." Rolands adds" There will of course be further summons though I can not see what else they can do to affect us if we all stick together."
"Yes, I concur, especially not with all the support you have been gaining since the Firebringer incident milady. You are practically a legend amongst the people. The council will not want to go against that."
"I wish you would stop embarrass me like that, Salome. I am no legend."
"If you say so milady," Salome assented, letting a slight smile cross his lips at his captains' modesty. "If there are nothing else I suggest we all go to take some rest, I suspect that tomorrow will be a long day."
As the knights exit the room one by one, Chris held out a hand to stop Louis.
"Louis would you mind brining a cup of tea to my room? I am feeling kind of exhausted."
"Certainly, I'll get to it right away."
Up returning to her room, Chris locked her the door and took off her armor to dress herself in a more casual and comfortable ensemble. With that done she sat down on her reading desk to look through some of the report that has been piled up while she was away. It wasn't long before someone knocked on the door.
"Hold on a sec I'll get it." Standing up she walks toward the locked door and unbolts it, expecting it to be Louis returning with her tea. To her surprise, it was one of the castle maids holding a plate and a cup of steaming tea.
"Umm excuse me Lady Chris, master Louis said that he suddenly remembers an errand that he has to run so he asked me to bring you this." The young maid said timidly.
"Thank you." Taking the cup and placing it on the desk, Chris sits back down and starts to go through the reports again. It was a few minutes later that she noticed the young maid is still in the room.
"May I help you?"
"Well ummm." Flushing with embarrassment she quickly replied, "I just want to say that it is an honor to serve you lady Chris, and please keep up the good work!"
Overcame by embarrassment the maid made a hasty curtsy and fled from the room.
Shaking her head and smiling to herself in amusement she went back to her reading. Over the years she have had many similar instances. Though she should be use to it by now, she sometimes still feel uncomfortable at how some people looked up to her. Absentmindedly she took a few sip of the tea, the taste surprised her though and she stared at the teacup in wonder.
"I never knew we have Karayan tea, I wonder where Louis got it?" Drinking this tea made her remember the time she spent with the Firebringers. 'Geddoe and Hugo, I wonder how they are doing right now?'
Her nostalgia was shattered when her danger sense, honed to a fine edge in combat through the years, warns her of the oncoming danger. Reflexively she dove for her sword as the door slams open. A black clad man, his face hidden behind a black mask, and in his right hand wields a curved copper blade stepped in. With out another word the man slashed down at the kneeling Chris with deadly precision. Knowing she wont be able to draw her sword in time, Chris held up her sword to block, still fully sheathed, and drew out just enough of her own blade to block the deadly strike. Sparks fly as the twin blade met, pushing the descending blade aside and moving along with the motion Chris pushed aside her enemies' blade and with her left hand slamed the sheath into the attackers face. The masked man stumble back from the hit and Chris, now with her sword fully drawn, slowly stood up with her sword at the ready.
"Who are you?" Chris demanded and inwardly she was surprised at the weapon the man is holding. 'A Karayan blade? Why?'
Her attacker replied by making a backhand slash towards her, which she knocked away with a downward swing of her blade. Before the man could make another attack Chris retaliated with a stab of her sword to the mans' chest, forcing him on the defensive as he hastily brought his own blade back to block the attack. Chris continued her attack using her superior speed by slashing at the man's throat with a backhand, which he took a step back to avoid. Taking a step forward, Chris fainted a stab to the mans chest, tricking him to lift up his blade to block an empty strike. The mans eyes widens as he sensed his mistake, but it was too late, the move has left him complete open, though he tried his best to twist out of the way and at same time bringing his sword back down to block, he knew that he would never make it in time. As Chris prepared to ran home her sword though, a wrecking pain flared suddenly throughout her body and involuntarily she flinched. Losing her aim with the sword due to the sudden pain, she struck thin air as the man twists out of the way of her stab. Her momentum carried her past the man, leaving her flanks open to attack. Burning pain flares in her arm and only her quick reflex saved her arm from being severed as she rolls to the side. Black spot danced within her vision as she tried to force herself to get up but only to collapse to her knees again when her strength gave out. Barely holding herself up with her hands and knees, she gasped for breath and tried to suppress the burning pain that is in her arm and deep within her guts. Though she tried to focus her thoughts she could feel herself blacking out. Dimly she became aware of the distant shouting and the last thing she saw was the man, black clad like death, advanced to finish her off. Desperately she tried to summon the power from her true water rune to heal herself, but the energy fizzled and vanished as if never existed.
Then there was only darkness, and pain.
to be continued...
Up next: What?? Chris is dead!? Salome delivers his Eulogy at her funeral!? And why is Borus going to the grasslands??