Reflections on the Rose

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Well…first entry, so here goes.

There was little noise, save for the sound of footsteps and the awkward hum of the airship's engine. Cautiously, Beatrix -General of Alexandria- made her way across the aged, wooden bridge of the Red Rose.

Planting her hands firmly against a scarlet barrier, she leaned over the deck to watch the mist below. As her injured gaze followed the path of the smoky tendrils, she slowly outstretched her arm and dipped her fingers into the cool, watery skies.

As can be expected, the mist gave little resistance, and flowed across her like sand.

"General…" came a deep and assertive voice from behind her.

"What is it?"

"The Queen has ordered that you prepare your troops for battle by tomorrow morning. We're nearly to Burmecia."

For a moment, Beatrix gave no reply, but stared at her hand as it sliced through the cowering mist like her blade through so many souls.

"Tell her we'll be ready." She replied softly, a slight vapour escaping her chilled lips.

"Yes general." Came the soldier's confirmation.

Unwilling to leave until verbally permitted to, the soldier dwindled at his spot, shuffling nervously as he waited for some kind of dismissal.

Beatrix, unaware (or uncaring) said nothing, but continued to stare off the deck, absently trying to catch the mist in her worn hands.

So tomorrow we reach Burmecia. She thought, trying to catch sight of the city through the thick atmosphere. They won't give us much trouble.

The Queen has spoken of little else for the past month or so. She truly believes that these Burmecians…these pathetic little rats…are a threat to our kingdom.

She shook her head, still not being able to comprehend the Queen's reasoning.

What could they do to us? They wallow in a rainy city beneath the mist, and can scarcely manage their way through their everyday lives. How would they come to Alexandria? Even if they wanted to, they have no airships or boats…there'd be no way up the cliffs. And even then, the castle is well protected.

But then…

She gracefully moved her fingers through a dwindling piece of mist.

It's not my place to challenge Her Majesty. She is good and sensible…she would only attack if she knew our own safety was at risk. She is only thinking of us…

"General…?" came a timid request from the waiting soldier.

"What is it?" Beatrix asked, suddenly realizing the man was still there.

"May I- may I go?"

She turned to look at him as if coming out of a deep sleep. She took a moment to become more aware of the situation.

"Did I not dismiss you?"

"No- I mean yes…I mean…" The soldier shook his head and gave up, thinking the penalty for telling the truth would be far more injurous than telling a lie.

"Very well…" Beatrix sighed "You may go."

Not wishing to wait any longer, the soldier turned and left.

At what point does a warrior become a puppet? She thought, finally coming to terms with her true feelings. At what point does a sense of duty become nothing more than foolishness and immorality?

From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the Queen's overwhelming physique.

When does good intention become nothing more than petty greed?

"General!"

Here she comes..

"Yes, your majesty?"

"You've received news that we're nearly to our place-of-landing?"

Place-of-landing? She speaks as if she's an incompetent buffoon!

"Yes, your majesty."

"Have you spoken to your troops?"

Damn.

"No, not yet, your majesty."

"Why not?"

My army's ready at the drop of a hat. She knows that.

"Because I've just received your message, your majesty."

"Yes... well, all's good anyways. I've decided to send more able soldiers."

For a moment, Beatrix could not comprehend what the Queen had said. Trying to get a better grasp of the situation, the crest-fallen knight watched as her gluttonous monarch cocked her disgusting head.

"…but your majesty-"

"I've been wanting to test these new weapons of mine for some time now."

She didn't even hear me.

"With all due res-"

"I think they shall fair well in Burmecia. Those rats are so accustomed to the rain, they'll never expect what my mages will give them."

Hiding her anger and impatience behind a melancholy face, Beatrix tried once more to persuade her queen of her army's competence.

"With all due respect, your majesty, my troops are well trained- they're ready for anything. They can handle Burmecia... on their own."

"Are you saying that I'm an ill strateger, general?"

'Strateger…?'

"No, your majesty. I only mean that-"

"You'll do well to remember your duty and position in the future."

"Yes, your-"

"Don't interrupt me. The black mages will fight tomorrow in Burmecia and you will observe them, should anything happen. That's final."

Observe? She insults me…to my face.

"Yes, your majesty." Beatrix submitted as she tightened her grip on the deck barrier.

"And another thing."

"Yes, your majesty?"

"I've been hearing rumours."

"…about what, majesty?"

"About Captain Steiner..."