Author's notes: Here's what will probably be this fic's shortest chapter. I thought it was a fun way of introducing the second main character and I wish I could've done more with it, but I didn't have a lot of material to work with here. Apologies if this part feels rushed; I did my best to prevent that in subsequent chapters. Due to its relatively short length, I'm also releasing this one early. I'm not going to submit any lists since it's against the rules; go to my profile if you want to know about updates and what have you.
Chapter 2 – Ilia, the Lord Protector! – "This is the Next True Monarch?!"
What's that look? Hmm, you thought our hero was alone on his journey? I'd surely hope not! LoveGame is well-intentioned, but his naïveté could impede his progress, and he seems to lack sufficient combat experience. At the very least, he's a quick learner! If you recall, I mentioned that he'd meet other wandering souls along the way, and this was only the first of many! Who was this enigmatic lady knight who appeared before LoveGame? To answer this, let's take a look into the past, on a continent far away from Drangleic…
20th of Rain's Hand
Three hours before Knight LoveGame's departure
Continent of Tamriel
Blackmarsh
Deep within the southern swamps of Tamriel lied the land of Blackmarsh. There, a humanoid lizard race known as the Argonians thrived in exile. Even further south was the land's subsidiary, the unfortunately-named Buttmarsh. As the name implied, this community had an even worse stench than the one it neighbored. Many years ago, an aspiring sorcerer calling himself Xoxar (which might be pronounced 'Sho-shar', but only if you grew up watching Xuxa, and if so, I can't help but feel sorry for you) had taken up residence in the marsh's most lively pub. Still only an intermediate sorcerer, he took every opportunity to hone his skill with destruction magic. One rainy night, the hist wizard's flame spell misfired, causing the entire pub to burn to the ground until only ashes and memories remained.
In what can only be described as a miracle from the divines, the pub's inhabitants were able to evacuate with only minor injuries. However, Xoxar discovered one other thing amidst the smoke as it cleared: a small female child. With a sorrowed look on his draconian visage and immeasurable guilt in his heart, he took it upon himself to raise her as his own. Historically, the Argonians had extremely rocky relationships with the human race. Often, the Argonians were forbidden from entering human strongholds, and the few that were allowed in were typically met with racial slurs. Even their homeland had been established in the remote swamplands for the sole purpose of shutting themselves off from the rest of the world. However, Xoxar's immeasurable care for all life outweighed any prejudice he might have held onto in the past. This child would be named Ilia, a name derived from the arcing pelvic bone of a female's skeleton. He sent prayers to the divines for her to be blessed with strength and favor.
Over twenty years had passed since that day. Xoxar had mastered nearly every sorcery in Tamriel, but still was not satisfied with his learnings. He would not rest until he had claimed the title of a master wizard for his own. Ilia, however, had little interest in the magical arts. Though he felt slight disappointment at the thought of not being able to pass down his teachings, Xoxar supported her still, and she became versed in the ways of a knight. In her homeland, her skill as a swordswoman was unmatched. Heavy steel armor did nothing to impede her blinding movement, and she had even acquired a powerful longsword wrought of dragon metal, obtained from her adventures in Gielinor, with a kiteshield to form a matching set.
Today, however, Ilia's daily routine would be shattered, and she would answer her highest calling.
"..lia! Ilia, my dear! Could I see you for a moment?" Ilia half-heard a voice calling out to her as she leaned against the wall of the barracks, nearly asleep from sheer boredom. The past few days had been largely uneventful, and the knightess had begun to crave some sort of fulfillment. The voice was one Ilia would know from a mile away, that of her master Xoxar. She knew that any time he called her in, it was something of great interest. The thought alone excited her as she trudged happily over to the entrance.
The Argonian barracks was a sad, shoddy looking outfit, rigged up from collected wood shavings, leather, metal mesh, and such. It was unlike the pristine stone barracks that the humans of regions like Skyrim and Ylisse took for granted. The leather curtains that sufficed as a door folded away stiffly as Ilia entered to greet her father figure. Her form-fitting armor made her movement appear liquid, and brought out her strong, defined features and well-toned body. "Whatcha need Xoxar?" She inquired as she flipped her light blonde, layered straight hair out of her eyes, hoping to the divines it was just some trivial request.
"Ahem!" he cleared his throat as his long neck contorted slightly, putting away a book, one of the countless stacks he kept everywhere including the barracks. "Today I am going to grant you your final task as my apprentice." Noticing Ilia's sudden change in expression, Xoxar continued, "Please, stay calm, Ilia! This, of all occasions, is not the time to lose your focus! You see, I am on the verge of a breakthrough. My goal of becoming a true master of sorcery may yet be within reach!" With that declaration, the old Argonian produced a small, black sorcery catalyst from his work desk.
Ilia's eyes widened as her focus shifted entirely to the ebony catalyst, its length about halfway between a wand and a staff. Marveling at its intricate, swirly design, she asked, "Dude! Where'd you find this?! I've never seen that kinda craftsmanship!" The aging hist corrected her. "That's just it, I didn't find it at all. It is my creation, the apex of all my years of effort."
"And what an effort it is!" exclaimed the knightess, leaning in for a closer look. Xoxar snatched it close to his body. "Calm yourself! You don't even know what it's capable of yet." Ilia held out one hand. "Well, what's it for? Spill, will you?"
"It's a far stretch, but with this catalyst… I believe I've unlocked the secret to some form of interdimensional travel. If someone could harness it properly, magic would advance further than anyone's ever documented. That's why I'm bestowing it to you." he explained, to Ilia's delighted surprise. As she reached out to touch it, Xoxar jerked it back once again, prompting Ilia to groan and roll her eyes. "Come, now. I wouldn't just give this to someone carelessly. Not even my daughter! This is my life's work. You may have it, provided you'd be willing to accept one final quest from your old master.
Expecting something like this from the start, Ilia exhaled and asked "Aaalright, who or what's ass do I have to kick this time, old hist?"
Xoxar put his hand on his eyes, shaking his head. "Oh, Ilia… look at you, always thinking with your sword arm. It isn't that simple. Lately, I've been having some very vivid dreams. No, not just dreams; premonitions about the fate of our world and others. Even as we speak, a brave, wayward knight seeks to cure a horrible undead curse and fight a veritable army of powerful souls. I have seen it clearer than day; he is called LoveGame. Though indeed brave, he is inexperienced. He won't fare too well on his own, but he is meant to succeed on all fronts. You see, he is the next true monarch!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down, friend! This is quite a bit to take in! I have to- Wait, what? Can't I just-" Ilia tried to interrupt, but was cut off once more.
"Do not question my premonition, Ilia. You must bear this task upon yourself, as it has already been foretold. Journey to the kingdom of Drangleic, locate Knight LoveGame, and ensure his survival! Besides, did you not have a thirst for action of late? Such a quest will give you ample opportunity to, erm, kick ass." Xoxar said, his reptilian lips curling over his many rows of fangs.
Ilia was never one to believe in premonitions, fate, or any of those old lord's tales that had been timelessly passed down, but she had unexplainable faith in Xoxar's words. She took a deep breath and composed herself. "Very well. I Ilia, accept your final quest. You won't be disappointed, I promise." She bowed toward her former master.
As she prepared to leave, Xoxar stopped her. "One final thing, Ilia. For this mission, I shall grant you a title of the highest honor." Ilia took a knee and Xoxar took an old ceremonial blade from the wall on his right and held it out. "As you will be the steadfast guardian of a noble knight, I hereby christen you, Ilia the Lord Protector." he said, tapping the young knightess on each shoulder with the blade. "That name is the highest of honors. I implore you to wear it with pride."
With her mission clear, Ilia sprinted out of the room to her dwelling and prepared for her journey. She gathered only minimal supplies to keep herself light, as she was confident her weapons would serve her well enough. Bidding farewell to Blackmarsh, her home, and Xoxar, Ilia headed out to the edge of the swamplands where the open sea could be accessed. Luckily, a ferry was already there for her. She paid the toll, climbed aboard, and dozed off to await her fate. She concluded that she'd need all the rest she could get to be in optimal condition.
Things Betwixt
Ilia, the Lord Protector was woken by the bell of the ferry, signifying that it had reached its intended destination. In this case, that meant the gates of Drangleic. She disembarked and thanked the ferryman for agreeing to take her to a place with such a terrible reputation. After only a short stroll, she reached a path overgrown with gray archtrees. Stopping to look around, she said to herself, "Drangleic, huh? I mean, I've seen worse. Something doesn't feel right, though… It's as if I sense an ancient energy about to awaken. Ugh, no time to dwell on it! I hope this 'LoveGame' fellow hasn't gone too far yet… Hear that, LoveGame?! I'm coming! You won't last without my help, so you'd best stay put!"
Ilia searched through the small system of caves that made up Things Betwixt, but to no avail. Just then, she heard the distinct rustling of grass. She looked over to the left of the exit cave and sure enough, crouched against a wall in the final cave was a knight, or at least something vaguely fitting the description. He wore crimson armor and brandished a broadsword in both hands. He was posed in a defensive position and shaking very slightly, trying to mask his breath. Ilia rolled her eyes at the pathetic sight and thought to herself, "No way… This is the guy?! The next true monarch?! If I didn't trust Xoxar so much I'd… Rrghh! Let me teach you how to fight, LoveGame!"
Ilia sprung from her hiding spot and dashed into the cave with her sword, rushing the knight's targets; three hollow humans. In the blink of an eye, the knightess slashed down every hollow in a single fluid strike, and appeared next to the wayward knight's position. She twirled her sword before sheathing it and addressed him with a smirk. "'Sup? LoveGame, is it?"
