Plays before the game when Therius was doing the Tower of Trials. I'm taking what the wikia tells me as Therius doing the tower as a last test or so on Asthar's order? And since it really didn't sound like Therius did the tower during the game timeline, I believe that would be the time Asthar was still Supreme Commander. I don't know, it's not clear when Asthar gave up that position/ title. I'm mostly using it as an in-story timeline hint. '

Written for fic_promptly on dreamwidth: they have to work out or they get really jittery.


Supreme Commander Asthar couldn't say that his room in Lazulis Castle didn't have everything one would need for a restorative sleep, but he still found something lacking – probably tiredness. After staring at the ceiling for a long while, he decided to roam about the castle and wait until his body commanded him to lie down. On his way through the corridors, he managed to surprise almost all the guards he met, which was slightly worrying to him. Lazulis might've seen no fighting for many years, but this lack of dedication was certainly not only the result of a too-long peace.

When he stepped out into the gardens and walked under the stone archway, he saw that he was not the only one who couldn't sleep. In the forecourt of the gate leading to the cliff, he saw a white figure move to and fro, a sword dancing and cutting through the air. Asthar smiled to himself and walked down the stairs. He should've expected to see him here.

"Therius," he called when the knight made a short pause. The young man stiffened slightly and turned around quickly. His expression wavered only for a second before it grew stony – in embarrassment. Asthar ambled over to the knight, who sheathed his sword before bowing slightly.

"Good evening, sir."

Smiling, Asthar came to a stop next to his pupil and let his gaze travel around before addressing Therius. "If you haven't learnt it by now, one night won't change anything." He crossed his arms and threw a short glance at Therius; he had lowered his eyes. "Therius, the only reason for a failure tomorrow will be lack of sleep."

"Yes, sir," Therius answered, curiously weakly.

"Therius, nervousness might save yourself from making hasty decisions," Asthar said and turned to his pupil.

"I'm not nervous," Therius protested and obviously regretted his outburst immediately. "I'm sorry, sir, for interrupting you." He lowered his gaze in shame. Asthar chuckled.

"Ah, yes, I remember. You were only preparing for the worst case when you 'trained' before the nomination celebration. Those hundreds of knights who wanted to celebrate your promotion were certainly a menace."

"Sir!" Therius' face seemed to darken, though it was hard to tell in this cloudy night.

"Maybe that was a bit harsh," Asthar admitted, tilting his head to the side. "But you should rest now, Therius. The Tower of Trials should not be underestimated." Asthar smiled encouragingly.

Therius straightened and nodded sharply. "Yes, sir, I will do as you say." Asthar inwardly sighed at Therius' formality, but he was certainly feeling hard-pressed at the moment; Asthar would ignore it for now.

"Good night." Therius just bowed sharply and walked quickly up into the castle. When he was out of sight, Asthar chuckled and sighed simultaneously. Give him some time, he said to himself as he slowly ascended the stairs. He lingered for a moment in the castle garden and watched the moonlight that managed to break through the clouds dance over the plants – living plants with lush, green foliage and not the grey, dead, always dull leaves hurled around by the air.

He sighed sadly and turned away, following Therius into the castle.