p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6f7f01dec5e539e02b22d2473f20faea"Sparring and losing seemed to do something to my ego. It was like I was being skinned alive, metaphorically of course./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="25cc42b62bbb2ed80b9ecb1a43d60886"How was I going to get better at this? It isn't like I could just go up to the knights at the duchy and ask them to practice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1df411b4be652cc0737fc66e9d3571ee"Mera and the Queen were already waiting for me at the gazebo, and as I sit next to Mera, they both regard my sour face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a89d7521c40274f887350d4a6a03405d""Did you have some trouble with training?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87220ef918bba953c59318e4e25df82a"The Queen looked like she related to the feeling. I glanced at her trident before dejectedly laying back in my chair./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c2faf5ab9f3d4244f1c92206c3485fa""I'm sure anyone would be frustrated while learning to use legs for the first time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d64811824ef0d3feaaca846d23f940d8"Mera defended me and subtly gave me a nod. I let out a sigh, ready to vent out all of my frustrations./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e36e37d243f0ee036696183af87341c4""I don't know what to do. I keep losing matches cause of my lack of experience. The result is always the same no matter what I put in..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5fa2c9e51178774f80b3674eb04066e6"The Queen nods./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="935c332c964695edf821262601bef865""I expected something like this to happen. "She says bluntly and the comment is enough for me to waver, scoffing. The Queen looks at me as-a-matter-of-factly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db6af27cbf42399b87dd69fa3288c872""No offense to you, Leora. Knightly training is taken very seriously. Only a select few are able to do so."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f37b1f9eb380c679a5aaf1c99a46c7ae""Is that why I'm failing then? Because I was never chosen to do this? Because I'm not span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"qualified/span?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4301a50bb594d5226e47295f44d45cc"My voice raises slightly and the Queen raises her hand to calm me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5a5e59e03ab47332061852e5a9338eb4""Leora, these recruits have been trained prior to entering the palace; whether it was by attending the academy or training in their respective houses. They've trained their entire lives for this. This isn't only cause of experience. What you need to do is ask yourself if you really want to do this or if this is only done on a whim."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ecdb43c1244d87f8d8f0c52d560a0b93"I bit my tongue before answering her. "I've been living at my estate for years, confined to attending social gathering and studying..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dbf9af3d692d3e107ac8a3a880f807e6"Mera and the Queen look at me sympathetically. "The day I saw the two recruits spar was the day, I knew what I wanted to be in life. I wanted to learn how to defend myself and the people around me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b42e03523b659876b3326abffcce1fb2"I clenched my jaw before continuing. "...But I need guidance."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="181137a9d96d1b047421f5cc83734c34""Maybe the knights of Lazurin would be willing to help?" Mera suggests which I vehemently declined./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="88acda3b97090427ee03f0dc67c92d28""They would quickly rat me out to mother the first chance they get. Mother only thinks that I'm learning sorcery at the palace and even then, she has a problem with me learning here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f5698e587f52fdb20c3e6960263f285"I glance at the Queen before lowering my gaze at the floor./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96bfe3b544ca878b28290dd25f4ad0d2""Vulko can help you. You need only ask."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b3b7f156ac2820795907fc34f516decd""No offense, my Queen, but Vulko is the Vizier of Atlantis. I highly doubt that he has time for one recruit."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="68d24b3d52e941bf5f6539867ef285d9"The queen shakes her head. "You are more than a recruit, Leora."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="54d499b97c945847c07b513ee2b8158c"She says, and my brow creases./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="838a31a9d051ebfa8b47a897876efe25""He has even less time for a noble, Your Majesty." She rests a hand on my shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="aa4b2804d7a7c1a01d6753b3a0f28883""Just try and talk to him. You'll be surprised."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f91edf8d9988fe8ecb339010b3b164c"My lips thin as I consider the Queen's advice. Of the two weeks I've known Vulko, he's changed from that strange man I met to someone who is dignified and intimidating./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bd07ba29cb9a449e89bdaff115a69c6a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Would he really go out of his way to help me?/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3887fbdd3357b5d138073e4643925b32"There was only one way to find out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3dab441569c4ff004842b8f41fd0eced"After classes with the Queen, I waited for training sessions to finish before heading inside the empty room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fd869d1b8209beafb30e71baa3097e45"Vulko was just about to head out before noticing me by the entrance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6dc5d87715f865d1ceb8f5579d306727""Leora, what-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2988bf96b86346573d8dceec40a63c58""I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. It won't happen again."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ce09b1485e64ef6ea392c1d9fb889ce0"Vulko nods however his face still seemed unbothered. "It's okay. You only recently gained legs, so of course it would be difficult to adjust."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="900c2065bd8cd91e3d2690e2418962cf""That doesn't matter. Even before I got legs, I was struggling to keep up which is the other reason I'm here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="62bd46d5dc263a9eabaee1ef45af244b"I kneel down on one leg, bowing my head and wobbling from the foreign action./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1f3dccbe28991e45522cc78f9a18a9e6""Please teach me! I know you're busy with other tasks, but I won't disappoint you. Not anymore. Just give me this chance and I'll-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="169d216ea61a2f5b006b40532ce1d933"I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up. Vulko looks down at me with the widest grin I've seen from him. He offers his hand helping me up from the floor./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="67214aa27f83e9f88c4220be4c735d7d""It takes a strong sense of responsibility to be able to ask for help, Leora. I appreciate it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af9a2693af722069c5271b19ed7116b7""So what's your answer?" He looks over to the clock on the wall and then at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0cb0be2a5f4ac6e852c61d604d7eb57a""I have other tasks that can't be held back today."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5094468288598a3aaab2a77fdcb212ce"I look away, shoulders lowered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="759d003a2808920bdda2b51c1021f96d""I see then..." "However, I can make time for tomorrow, before training hours."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="abf9071baef8f66d86742bf15ce29964"My eyes shoot towards him and I hug him from overflowing excitement./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e979c258a611034e82bd04ef3ec5db54""Thank you! I won't let you down!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="daf1cc8a907cd5a23db999874d40ecd4"I step away from him and see his wide-eyed stare. He was shocked from the sudden hug and I awkwardly rub the back of my neck./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4aa965c59ce58807cf9e769ec0098b0""span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"Ahem/span, well then, we'l meet here 2 hours before training starts."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bfb729b7f0fa1e45106f03e118c5bc8a""Understood, Master."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ce7cd8aa0d3ff30d80e6d27f154e449e"I say as I bow once more, a weight lifted from my shoulders./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8c36ed4a30e5702f262567d8159e165"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"*Three Years Later*/span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4fcb1fc749812b5e66173578958b2962"Mera and Queen Atlanna were already at the gazebo, waiting for me to arrive before starting today's lesson./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f1f18466cc5febd3c5301accc6bd374f"I drop my things next to my chair and take a seat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cc850666052bf0c5838829ffd7f269a3""Something wrong again, Ora? You seem out of it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6f2ae870890bdf9bbfe0c017a566dcd8""My...mother decided to schedule a play date with one of my suitors...We can talk about it later. The both of you have been waiting long enough."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c8de3fd9df9cacfbcfd82ce599ba867f"I turn to wait for the lesson to start and the Queen looks worriedly at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ddeba2b8dd17a177a6c66a45164e65bd""If there is a problem I'd be happy to be your confidant."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9887d00d22c5b41d40d4903dc1440e87""I'm fine, Your Majesty. Nothing a little hard-pressed sobbing can't handle."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="beb0105b51ff6cad8142f3a8a3e2a715""Are you certain? You seem a little over exerted."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="37dd089499db836260c626f0f76a117f"Mera chimes in, and just as I'm about to deflect their questions, the garden gates slam open, a group of Atlantean knights approaching the gazebo./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="217ffde74f3bd960e98710b39528297b""Queen Atlanna, you are hereby arrested on the charges of treason against the crown."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b385b6a382934b6786908c72219cb4fa"Mera and I glanced at each other before rising from our respective seats and materializing our magic./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c6ebda4119a4797edcc04f3bd0a1852"The knights aimed their guns at us, and as we stood against each other, the Queen orders Mera and I to stand down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c8a21780742211e78e1aa59f0d387a7""What?" I shout./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f269055fc602d642c040785797f8e1c3""My Queen, we can't-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a12c1545b58aa954b56f8330e1f1ce7b"Queen Atlanna raises her hand while keeping her composure./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23d050182b5991c0f04fea7ff350c482""It's okay...I was expecting this for quite some time." She says as she walks in front of us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="36d7278029c3b0bc9568d52b46256313"Before turning herself over to the knight's custody, she brings Mera and me into a tight hug./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21506642f0f0d661726fe4b4c6574e4f""Promise me you'll help him when the time comes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fdd6989217f726e29ad8b0a89026e2ce""What do you mean? Help who?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b99fd277e493db262fc1ed43ca846d45"Mera asks and the Queen only smiles before leaving to go with the knights./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="117da6f266ece553801e1312a6f76b4d""Your Majesty!...Your Majesty!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="499ba5ff6df19512488787f10e6d6da8"No matter how much I call, she doesn't turn around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="25cc42b62bbb2ed80b9ecb1a43d60886"How was I going to get better at this? It isn't like I could just go up to the knights at the duchy and ask them to practice./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1df411b4be652cc0737fc66e9d3571ee"Mera and the Queen were already waiting for me at the gazebo, and as I sit next to Mera, they both regard my sour face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a89d7521c40274f887350d4a6a03405d""Did you have some trouble with training?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87220ef918bba953c59318e4e25df82a"The Queen looked like she related to the feeling. I glanced at her trident before dejectedly laying back in my chair./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c2faf5ab9f3d4244f1c92206c3485fa""I'm sure anyone would be frustrated while learning to use legs for the first time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d64811824ef0d3feaaca846d23f940d8"Mera defended me and subtly gave me a nod. I let out a sigh, ready to vent out all of my frustrations./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e36e37d243f0ee036696183af87341c4""I don't know what to do. I keep losing matches cause of my lack of experience. The result is always the same no matter what I put in..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5fa2c9e51178774f80b3674eb04066e6"The Queen nods./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="935c332c964695edf821262601bef865""I expected something like this to happen. "She says bluntly and the comment is enough for me to waver, scoffing. The Queen looks at me as-a-matter-of-factly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="db6af27cbf42399b87dd69fa3288c872""No offense to you, Leora. Knightly training is taken very seriously. Only a select few are able to do so."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f37b1f9eb380c679a5aaf1c99a46c7ae""Is that why I'm failing then? Because I was never chosen to do this? Because I'm not span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"qualified/span?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4301a50bb594d5226e47295f44d45cc"My voice raises slightly and the Queen raises her hand to calm me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5a5e59e03ab47332061852e5a9338eb4""Leora, these recruits have been trained prior to entering the palace; whether it was by attending the academy or training in their respective houses. They've trained their entire lives for this. This isn't only cause of experience. What you need to do is ask yourself if you really want to do this or if this is only done on a whim."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ecdb43c1244d87f8d8f0c52d560a0b93"I bit my tongue before answering her. "I've been living at my estate for years, confined to attending social gathering and studying..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dbf9af3d692d3e107ac8a3a880f807e6"Mera and the Queen look at me sympathetically. "The day I saw the two recruits spar was the day, I knew what I wanted to be in life. I wanted to learn how to defend myself and the people around me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b42e03523b659876b3326abffcce1fb2"I clenched my jaw before continuing. "...But I need guidance."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="181137a9d96d1b047421f5cc83734c34""Maybe the knights of Lazurin would be willing to help?" Mera suggests which I vehemently declined./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="88acda3b97090427ee03f0dc67c92d28""They would quickly rat me out to mother the first chance they get. Mother only thinks that I'm learning sorcery at the palace and even then, she has a problem with me learning here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f5698e587f52fdb20c3e6960263f285"I glance at the Queen before lowering my gaze at the floor./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96bfe3b544ca878b28290dd25f4ad0d2""Vulko can help you. You need only ask."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b3b7f156ac2820795907fc34f516decd""No offense, my Queen, but Vulko is the Vizier of Atlantis. I highly doubt that he has time for one recruit."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="68d24b3d52e941bf5f6539867ef285d9"The queen shakes her head. "You are more than a recruit, Leora."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="54d499b97c945847c07b513ee2b8158c"She says, and my brow creases./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="838a31a9d051ebfa8b47a897876efe25""He has even less time for a noble, Your Majesty." She rests a hand on my shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="aa4b2804d7a7c1a01d6753b3a0f28883""Just try and talk to him. You'll be surprised."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f91edf8d9988fe8ecb339010b3b164c"My lips thin as I consider the Queen's advice. Of the two weeks I've known Vulko, he's changed from that strange man I met to someone who is dignified and intimidating./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bd07ba29cb9a449e89bdaff115a69c6a"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Would he really go out of his way to help me?/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3887fbdd3357b5d138073e4643925b32"There was only one way to find out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3dab441569c4ff004842b8f41fd0eced"After classes with the Queen, I waited for training sessions to finish before heading inside the empty room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fd869d1b8209beafb30e71baa3097e45"Vulko was just about to head out before noticing me by the entrance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6dc5d87715f865d1ceb8f5579d306727""Leora, what-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2988bf96b86346573d8dceec40a63c58""I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. It won't happen again."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ce09b1485e64ef6ea392c1d9fb889ce0"Vulko nods however his face still seemed unbothered. "It's okay. You only recently gained legs, so of course it would be difficult to adjust."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="900c2065bd8cd91e3d2690e2418962cf""That doesn't matter. Even before I got legs, I was struggling to keep up which is the other reason I'm here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="62bd46d5dc263a9eabaee1ef45af244b"I kneel down on one leg, bowing my head and wobbling from the foreign action./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1f3dccbe28991e45522cc78f9a18a9e6""Please teach me! I know you're busy with other tasks, but I won't disappoint you. Not anymore. Just give me this chance and I'll-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="169d216ea61a2f5b006b40532ce1d933"I feel a hand on my shoulder and look up. Vulko looks down at me with the widest grin I've seen from him. He offers his hand helping me up from the floor./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="67214aa27f83e9f88c4220be4c735d7d""It takes a strong sense of responsibility to be able to ask for help, Leora. I appreciate it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af9a2693af722069c5271b19ed7116b7""So what's your answer?" He looks over to the clock on the wall and then at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0cb0be2a5f4ac6e852c61d604d7eb57a""I have other tasks that can't be held back today."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5094468288598a3aaab2a77fdcb212ce"I look away, shoulders lowered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="759d003a2808920bdda2b51c1021f96d""I see then..." "However, I can make time for tomorrow, before training hours."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="abf9071baef8f66d86742bf15ce29964"My eyes shoot towards him and I hug him from overflowing excitement./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e979c258a611034e82bd04ef3ec5db54""Thank you! I won't let you down!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="daf1cc8a907cd5a23db999874d40ecd4"I step away from him and see his wide-eyed stare. He was shocked from the sudden hug and I awkwardly rub the back of my neck./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4aa965c59ce58807cf9e769ec0098b0""span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"Ahem/span, well then, we'l meet here 2 hours before training starts."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bfb729b7f0fa1e45106f03e118c5bc8a""Understood, Master."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ce7cd8aa0d3ff30d80e6d27f154e449e"I say as I bow once more, a weight lifted from my shoulders./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8c36ed4a30e5702f262567d8159e165"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"*Three Years Later*/span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4fcb1fc749812b5e66173578958b2962"Mera and Queen Atlanna were already at the gazebo, waiting for me to arrive before starting today's lesson./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f1f18466cc5febd3c5301accc6bd374f"I drop my things next to my chair and take a seat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cc850666052bf0c5838829ffd7f269a3""Something wrong again, Ora? You seem out of it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6f2ae870890bdf9bbfe0c017a566dcd8""My...mother decided to schedule a play date with one of my suitors...We can talk about it later. The both of you have been waiting long enough."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c8de3fd9df9cacfbcfd82ce599ba867f"I turn to wait for the lesson to start and the Queen looks worriedly at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ddeba2b8dd17a177a6c66a45164e65bd""If there is a problem I'd be happy to be your confidant."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9887d00d22c5b41d40d4903dc1440e87""I'm fine, Your Majesty. Nothing a little hard-pressed sobbing can't handle."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="beb0105b51ff6cad8142f3a8a3e2a715""Are you certain? You seem a little over exerted."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="37dd089499db836260c626f0f76a117f"Mera chimes in, and just as I'm about to deflect their questions, the garden gates slam open, a group of Atlantean knights approaching the gazebo./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="217ffde74f3bd960e98710b39528297b""Queen Atlanna, you are hereby arrested on the charges of treason against the crown."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b385b6a382934b6786908c72219cb4fa"Mera and I glanced at each other before rising from our respective seats and materializing our magic./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c6ebda4119a4797edcc04f3bd0a1852"The knights aimed their guns at us, and as we stood against each other, the Queen orders Mera and I to stand down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c8a21780742211e78e1aa59f0d387a7""What?" I shout./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f269055fc602d642c040785797f8e1c3""My Queen, we can't-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a12c1545b58aa954b56f8330e1f1ce7b"Queen Atlanna raises her hand while keeping her composure./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23d050182b5991c0f04fea7ff350c482""It's okay...I was expecting this for quite some time." She says as she walks in front of us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="36d7278029c3b0bc9568d52b46256313"Before turning herself over to the knight's custody, she brings Mera and me into a tight hug./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="21506642f0f0d661726fe4b4c6574e4f""Promise me you'll help him when the time comes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fdd6989217f726e29ad8b0a89026e2ce""What do you mean? Help who?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b99fd277e493db262fc1ed43ca846d45"Mera asks and the Queen only smiles before leaving to go with the knights./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="117da6f266ece553801e1312a6f76b4d""Your Majesty!...Your Majesty!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="499ba5ff6df19512488787f10e6d6da8"No matter how much I call, she doesn't turn around./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p