4. Tradition

Summary: Callista explains to Zael the history and importance of the festival between Melodia and Lazulis, just as the Countess of Melodia arrives, with Sir Therius accompanying her.

Characters: Zael, Callista, Therius, Tahirah, Arlynne, Nuriel

Pairings: implied Zaelista, implied ArlynnexNuriel

"Callista? What is the importance of this festival, anyway?" Zael asked as he and Callista walked through the streets of Lazulis City. Both the Count and Countess needed a break from the work, and they figured a quick walk would do them good, as well as some fresh air.

"Oh, I haven't explained it to you?" Callista paused, pushing a lock of hair from behind her ear before continuing. "Well, I suppose we've been so busy that I haven't talked to you about it yet. You see, many years ago, Melodia and Lazulis used to be at war with each other, mostly for territorial reasons. My father and Melodia's queen at the time signed a peace treaty and split the land as equally as they could between the two kingdoms, and we haven't been warring with them since. Now, to remember the peace treaty made between the kingdoms, this festival occurs every year, in which the ruler of Melodia or the ruler of Lazulis visits the other kingdom and stays for a week of celebration. This year, Countess Tahirah Zakiyaa of Melodia is visiting Lazulis, but next year, you and I will be visiting Melodia."

"Well, I'm sure it'll be lovely when we go see Melodia, mi'lady." Zael responded, and Callista couldn't help but smile a bit. "And I'm also excited to finally meet Countess Tahirah face-to-face as well."

Before Callista could respond, the two heard voices coming from the market.

"Those stupid guards again...Thinking that they can take whatever they want because they have some status!"

"Hey, who's that masked man!? He's-"

"He punched him!"

Both Callista and Zael exchanged glances, before rushing to the location where the scene took place.

As soon as they arrived, they saw a Lazulis guard, having just been punched in the face and sent tumbling to the ground. Two masked people, a man and a woman, stood in front of him.

"I thought you were going to punch lightly, Nuriel! That's why I stopped restraining you just now!" The masked woman groaned, shaking her head. "What will Lord Zael and Lady Callista think when they hear of this? And Lady Tahirah will be disappointed of our behaviour, too!"

"What? I did punch lighter than usual, Arlynne. Had I given the man a complete punch like usual, he would be out like a light, and things would get worse." The masked man protested. "Besides, he deserved it for acting like such an imbecile when he should be respectful to others, whether he has such status or not, right? I'm sure Lady Callista and Lord Zael would be alright as soon as they hear our explanation."

"I believe the explanation would be fine, if it is true." Zael spoke up, and everyone turned to face him and Callista. "Is it true that our guard here was stealing from the people, and that this man here was merely trying to defend the people's rights?" There were murmurs of 'yes' among the crowd, and Zael gave an affirmative nod. "That settles it, then." He turned to the guard, who just got up. "Pay the man and go. And next time I see you attempt such a thing, you will have a greater chance of being removed from your position. Understood?" The Lazulis guard nodded, paying the merchant quickly before rushing off.

Callista approached the masked duo. "And you two...As much as you were trying to defend the people's rights, please, try not to implement violence when unnecessary." She told them. The masked man just simply let out a sigh and nodded, while the woman gave the man a quick nudge on the arm with an elbow.

"Ow! What was that for!?" Nuriel asked Arlynne, who just smirked.

"I told you that implementing violence would get us at least a talking-to, Nuriel." Arlynne responded, before turning towards Callista. "I apologize for Nuriel's behaviour. He can be a bit, well, fiery at times. My name is Arlynne, and I am an Advisor and personal bodyguard of Lady Tahirah Zakiyaa. It is an honour to see you again, Lady Callista, and an honour to finally grace your presence, Lord Zael." She spoke, curtseying politely as Nuriel bowed slightly.

"Ah, Nuriel, Arlynne, there you two are!" The four turned to see a black-haired woman, wearing a mask of violet, approach them, accompanied by Therius. "Please, don't go rushing off wherever you want so suddenly, unless I've given you both permission to roam the city."

"My apologies, my lady." Nuriel responded quietly, looking downwards as he bowed to her while Arlynne gave a quick nod. "Sir Therius, Lady Tahirah, may I introduce Lord Zael and Lady Callista Arganan?"

"Of course." Tahirah responded, turning to Zael. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Zael."

"The same goes for me, Lady Tahirah." Zael responded, before turning to Therius. "Therius, it's good to see you back."

"Thank you." Therius responded, before gesturing to the knights with him. "I have brought these knights here to be of service to you, as they have proven themselves to be true knights. I do hope that they will be of use to you."

"Thank you, Therius." Zael responded, nodding once. "We are still suffering shortages of people in terms of the military, and the knights you brought with you will be of good service, I'm sure."

"Also, we have a duel we must fight. Lady Tahirah has requested to join this time, however, and it was due to an agreement she and I made during the way here, once she helped me get past some...Trees..." The white-haired soldier trailed off lamely.

"Trees?" Zael asked, confused.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you about it later."

"Oh, alright..." Zael paused, before continuing. "Well, I guess I wouldn't mind her joining in. The more the merrier, people say."

"Thank you." Tahirah spoke up, smiling. "Don't worry. I guarantee that I won't be a disappointing in the sparring session. I'm a lot tougher than most people think."

Zael smiled back. "I don't think Therius or I will be dissapointed at all."