By Leitbur
Well, I guess everyone wants me to continue this story. In fact, I believe the general consensus was that the story was… well written. I'll take everyone's word for it. Just to note, this is just a secondary story, not the main story I'm writing. As a result, don't expect updates on this one as often as my main fic, which is at the moment 'A Mentor in Training'. When that one finishes next chapter, there may be a brief time when this one gets attention while I prepare to start my next primary story, most likely an Inuyasha, Ranma, or Love Hina story. Otherwise, enjoy.
Note: I'm now discontinuing my disclaimers, as I feel that there should be no reason anyone didn't read the 1st chapter, and so that disclaimer should do. Enough stalling, onto the story.
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It felt, Ramza thought as the troupe finished a turn on the road around a small grassy hill, like this trip to Goug was much quieter, safer even, then the previous one had been. Perhaps that was due to the addition of Chocobo mounts for him and his four companions. While he could have taken his entire original squad with him, it had seemed prudent to keep a less than obvious profile and presence in Goug. Thus he'd decided that along with Agrias, only three of the remaining eight would come.
While Ramza would have liked to think he'd taken those he trusted most, his best people, the truth was that it had been more a matter of who was left. Mustadio had been ruled out for obvious reasons, Rad had to stay behind and watch for trouble within the castle, and Lavian had departed with Malcolm for Zaland Fort City to secure the defenses there with two squads of temple knights. That had left him with only four choices, and Tina had volunteered to stay behind due to a sudden sickness she had felt coming on. Ramza chuckled at that thought, since her ailment had arrived moments after learning that Rad was staying behind as well. The crush she had on Rad after all had been quite obvious to everyone save Rad, much to everyone else's amusement.
"It's a beautiful morning, isn't it Ramza?" Agrias said as she glanced off towards a small stream that ran into the brush.
Looking up at the sky, white puffs of cotton clouds dotting the blue horizon, sun beginning to rise to its height as it beamed warm rays of light down on his armored body, Ramza took a deep breath of the fresh morning air and smiled. "Yes Agrias, it is a very pleasant morning. To be honest I feel much better than I did yesterday morning."
Agrias just sighed. "That's because yesterday morning we were inside Lionel Castle with the Cardinal, today we are out traveling the roads in the fresh air."
"True enough." Ramza replied, "Still, there's something more to this morning alone than just that. We were on the road for many such days before, but today feels so much better."
"Perhaps my lord, it is because for the first time in awhile, we are moving at our own pace without pursuing or being pursued."
Ramza glanced over at Carmine, a powerful monk who also had a knack for swiping things of all sorts. He wasn't quite sure how the two mixed together like that exactly, but Ramza knew that Carmine could just as easily swipe the hat off someone's head as he could punch a hole through a stone wall. "You're probably right Carmine, it has been a long time since we could just sit back and take it easy for the most part."
"Quite right Sir Ramza," the priest Fredrick added in, "Besides, now even if bandits did try to rob us, numbers as small as they are, we have two Holy Knights to protect us in this holy crusade."
That was also true. Unlike the previous journey, this time Agrias was present. Perhaps that was why it felt so much more pleasant than last time. Glancing over at Agrias, who was back in her full armor, riding her chocobo with a casual expression, Ramza smiled. Yes, she's back to the way I remember her now, the way she was meant to be. Yet, why can't I get the image of her last night in that robe out of my head?
Trying to drag himself away from the thoughts that his mind was pulling him toward, Ramza said, "So Agrias, is this your first time to Goug?"
Agrias nodded. "Yes, it is. Until recently, I had never even journeyed south of Dorter, let alone to Goug."
Ramza nodded. Of course she wouldn't have, she was part of the St. Konoe Knights, they had no business away from the Royal Family. Most likely Agrias had spent much of her time guarding the Imperial Castle, not prancing around the country. "Well you'll be in for a treat then, it's quite different than most cities. It's actually on an island that's reachable only by bridge or ship, and some of the ruins there are inspiring to say the least."
"Well then, "Agrias replied with a smile in his direction, "I can't wait until we get there. Too bad that even by chocobo, it's still a two day journey."
"Oh come now Lady Agrias," Alicia spoke up from the rear of the group, "it won't seem as long as it is. I'm sure we'll be there before you know it."
Nodding yet failing to turn her head back to look at the young fencer, Agrias replied, "Thank you Alicia, and you're probably right. What we need though is something to help us all pass the time."
"Oh, I have a suggestion!" Carmine shouted out.
Ramza rolled his eyes. "Carmine, for the last time, we are not going to try guessing what you have in your pocket."
"Aw, but Sir Ramza, it's such a beautiful thing! I plucked it off the Cardinal without him even knowing it."
"You robbed the Cardinal!?" Alicia shouted, horror in her voice.
"Please Alicia," Carmine pleaded, "don't say robbed. Robbing is for thieves, I merely 'acquired' this nice little gold ring."
"Well then," Ramza intruded, "I guess that rules out your suggestion."
The rest of the troupe burst into laughter as Carmine facepalmed, shaking his head slowly in shame. Fredrick then spoke up, "Really Carmine, how in the name of Holy St Ajora did someone like you ever become a monk?"
"Very carefully my friend, very carefully." Another round of laughs filled the air, and then died down as the troupe moved on.
"So," Alicia finally said, "Does anyone else have an idea for passing the time?"
From his spot at the head of the troupe, Fredrick raised his hand up and twisted to look back over his shoulder. "I do. How about a contest of sorts?"
Ramza cocked an eyebrow. "A contest? Just what kind of contest do you have in mind?"
"A story contest actually. We'll reach Goug late tomorrow, so I suggest that we each tell a tale, two today since the day is already beginning to wear on, and three tomorrow. Then we all vote on which we felt was the best, and that person gets to have a free meal on the rest of the party."
Ramza's face drooped. This did not sound like a very good idea to him, but as he opened his mouth to say so, from next to him he heard Agrias say, excitement in her voice, "I think that's a wonderful idea Fredrick. So, who shall go first?"
"Well I would think," Alicia poked in, "that Sir Ramza here would have to be the one."
Carmine quickly threw in, "I agree, Sir Ramza indeed."
The look on Ramza's face just then could only be described as a cross between a blush and a blanch. "What? Why me? Why do I have to go first?"
"Because," Agrias answered, "as a Beoulve you are by far the best educated amongst us, so must know plenty of good stories. We need you to inspire us and set the bar for the rest of us to aspire to." Then with a mischievous grin and wink she added, "Besides, you're the leader. It only makes sense that you'd go first."
"A-all right." The words were out of his mouth before he even realized he had spoken them. It was as if that wink had disarmed his ability to resist this foul plot for the few seconds it took him to accept, and now he was doomed. Well I'm in it now. Guess I might as well do my best. "Let's see, a good story…"
"Yes, a good one!" Carmine shouted, "Something grand and epic of battles fought long ago!"
"Forget epic," Fredrick responded, "I want a bawdy tale, about lust, love, and husbands who are tricked by other men and adulterous women!"
Carmine lowered his head slightly to stare more fixedly at his companion next to him. "And you call yourself a priest?"
"Hey," Fredrick shot back, "I'm human too. Just because I'm more spiritually pure than you are doesn't mean I don't like a good, naughty tale from time to time."
"Enough," Agrias interjected, "let's allow Ramza to pick a story he wants to tell, not what you want to hear. Save that for your own tales." Turning to look at the red-faced Holy Knight she added, "Go ahead now Ramza, we're ready."
Ramza gulped. With the sudden bombardment of requests, the story he had in mind had been lost in the confusion, and now he couldn't remember what it was. Racking his brain, Ramza placed a hand on his forehead and tried to concentrate. Nothing, in the heat of the moment with all eyes on him, his mind had gone blank.
Finally Agrias asked, "Ramza, is something the matter?"
Looking over at her and wincing in shame, he nodded. "Yeah, I um… kind of forgot the tale I was going to tell when everyone started making requests. Just give me a moment, and I'll be ready to go."
As he went back to his agonizing search of his mind, Agrias watched, her heart aching for his embarrassment. Then, smiling she said, "Tell you what, how about I go first instead, and we'll see if Ramza remembers after I'm over."
"Yes yes!" Carmine cried out, followed by more encouragement from Alicia.
Fredrick then said, "Well done, the day is saved by Lady Agrias!"
Taking a deep breath, Agrias glanced over at Ramza whose face was covered in warm gratitude. She simply gave him another wink before beginning. You're welcome Ramza.
Agrias's Tale:
Long ago in days before,
Back in the elder days of yore,
Knights roamed freely across the land,
Protecting the people with sword in hand.
At great Lesalia where the kings do rule,
Fair and just, to others never cruel;
There in those hollow halls did reside
Mighty Gladsmir and his bride.
To him she was devoted and did bear
Beautiful Ariana young and fair,
Whose beauty filled the hearts of men about the land
To true acts of bravery to win her hand.
But for all their acts it was all for naught,
For in Ariana's heart was something else that she sought.
Every night before she had gone to bed
Her dear sweet nurse to her had read
Stories to sooth her troubled mind
Choosing always stories of a certain kind.
The stories spoke of knights brave and bold
Who rode and fought for justice in times untold.
So that when the stories were done and it was time for bed
Ariana would close her eyes with images of adventure in her head.
Riding tall and fast upon her noble steed
Her armor shining as wicked men her sword did impede.
Such things were what Ariana did gleem
As she lingered within her dreams.
Thus one fine day before her father she did appear,
Leaning down by his throne Ariana spoke into his ear,
"Great father, to me you have shown nothing but love and compassion
And never have my clothes been old or my privileges rationed.
However, as I stay here in this castle with you and sweet dear mother
My heart does ache for something like no other.
So I beg thee father to hear my request
And then with your love for me decide the rest."
So listening to his daughter's whispering words,
The great king nodded to let her know she'd be heard.
However before she could he first did say,
"Why daughter dear, I see you look at me this way,
And my heart trembles to see you burdened while I rule under this sun
Thus I bid you to speak of what you desire and I will see that it is done."
Nodding her head Ariana did say while smiling with joy,
"Oh blessed father, it is not some toy.
What I ask of you is great I know, but to learn to fight and ride
Is what I desire, to know what it is like to defend at your side.
To travel the world and see all there is to see
Winning glory and being all that I can be."
To this great King Gladmir did stutter as his eyes opened wide,
Rising up with fury and raising his scepter up from his side
To point straight at his daughter whom he did revere
Yet spoke with a tongue that was quite severe.
"What is this now you say to me Ariana dear
Of riding and fighting and traveling away from here?
I'll have none of this, do you understand,
For it is not the role of women to roam the land
But to stay home and tend the house and family
Since to allow anything else would lead to calamity.
Now before me my own daughter kneels
With eyes sobbing as she clutches my heels
Asking for me to break the laws of man and decree
That a she might stand with the same rank as a he?
No dear Ariana, leave me now alone,
Go to the church to pray and atone
For you are a princess whose place is within these walls
Not off visiting and conquering another man's halls."
Though Ariana did grab and plead
Her father would pay her no heed
So that at last she did resign and depart
Leaving the hall and slamming the door with a start.
Back to her room she did go and there on her bed she wept
Until the flow of tears did empty and it looked as if she slept.
Yet truly she lied there and silently she cried,
"Dear God, but for fear of you I would have died.
Why to this wretched body to me did you render
Not that of a boy but that of the weaker gender?
To instead of ride and laugh as my sword does gleam
I must be content to wash, and clean and wean.
Oh such a vile trick fate has dealt to me in my conception
To prance and dance in gowns for parties and receptions."
It was to this that she finally reached a peaceful sleep,
And in it God on high did answer with voice strong and deep,
"Gentle Ariana, sweet child whom I love so dear,
To my voice and counsel you must now hear.
Your father, though great and powerful in battle he does shine
Master of cities, counties and men, yet nothing in a court of mine.
Know this now that I hold your gender in no ill contempt,
For it is not my doing but that of beliefs mere men have dreamt.
To me a woman is the equal of a man
And to show this I will do what I can.
Tomorrow morning when you do awake
To these steps I bid you to take:
Go to your father and beg forgiveness for your desire
And ask to travel to the great church in the neighboring shire
So that you might confess your sins to the Holy Priest and gain absolution.
In this now you will find for your heart's desire your solution.
To your father say that you will cut your hair to show your shame
As it is a humiliation and a sadness for a woman to be so maimed.
Send then for your servant the lovely Grace
Whose hair and features she shares with your face.
Bid her then to cut her hair just as you
And to the Church you must send her to
In your clothes under order of pain of death to use your name
So that in every way she is you until the day you tell her to refrain.
With this you must then go to the stables dressed in squire's clothes,
And there a knight of great skill but with no pupil yet to be chose.
You must talk to him strongly and ask to be his squire
But as God as your witness two things you must require.
By all that he is, he must never ask or know your name
Nor return to this castle until your title you do claim.
Do this, and when the time and place is right,
You will have your wish to be a noble knight."
Ariana heard Heaven's will and she did obey
Whence she awoke in her bed the next day.
Dressing fast she did hence go with all the grace she could muster to make it known
To her father knew that God demanded she go live and repent at the Church in Orbonne.
Repeating to him the punishment that was demanded
Her father wept, nodded, and then commanded,
"Ariana my dear girl so close to my heart,
It will pain me greatly for us to be so apart
Yet if God wills it I will then bear it as I must
For before God all men lie lowly in the dust.
Go now to prepare, for I give you leave,
Saddened as I am I will do my best to not grieve
As I know Heaven wills it and so you will be secure
So go now, and I will have for you mounts procured."
Hugging her father warmly and holding him close
Ariana finally released him and left as stunning as a rose.
Back to her chambers she went and called for Grace to be brought,
And upon her servant and friend's arrival she then said though distraught
Knowing what she need ask the girl to do to obey the Lord's will,
"Sweet lovely Grace I beg you to be quiet and listen to me until
I may relay to you the commands I have gained from Heaven above.
You are to cut my hair short, and then I yours though it we love
And then you must dress as me and taking my name ride to Orbonne.
In every way, both in speech and action you must be Ariana Leyrione.
There you must live and pray until the proper time
When I personally tell you that you may resign.
You will know it is I by this ring that to you I give
As its mate is on my own and shall stay as long as we live.
Fear not good friend for this is God's command
And it is on pain of death should this order you remand.
Now let us hurry before this day is too old,
And in the years to follow remember what I told."
Thus obedient Grace did nod and willingly comply
So that an hour hence on chocobo with guard she did fly.
Shortly after in the chosen male garb Ariana did arrive
At the stables in search of the knight that God would provide.
Yet search as she did there was no one else around
Which made Ariana almost weep until she heard a sound
Coming from the back inside an empty stall.
Peering in she did see a man who was lean and tall
But sprawled out on the ground, next to him a bottle and an empty glass
His clothes soiled and stained with dirt and his face covered in straw and grass.
"Surely" Ariana did say, "This cannot be the knight that God did provide
Fore as I look upon him it would seem that rather than fight he would hide."
At this the man did stir and rising with a groan did quote,
"Dearest me it would seem I survived the night but did not croak."
Pulling himself slowly to his feet as he wobbled and groaned,
Ariana did wonder if he could even remember anything he had known.
Drawing upon her courage though the answer she did dread,
"Pardon me sir, but are you by chance a knight?" she said.
Squinting at her the man did look
While Ariana prayed he was no crook.
Smiling brightly at her he did say,
"My, I have company at this time of day.
What have we here, a young short squire with a high pitched throat,
But to your question yes young boy I am indeed a knight." he did quote.
Spotting now the broad sword at his side,
Ariana felt her heart swell with pride.
"Kind and gentle sir I do implore and beg you to take me you
So I might train and learn and see what you have been through.
For you see last night I did dream that I would find you here
And to me God said that you would teach me to fight and never fear.
So again I beg you let me come with you and see,
For to go against God is truly a grave travesty."
Rubbing his brow and looking at Ariana now
The knight did stare like a grazing cow.
Finally he snorted and quote he,
"Young one what would be a travesty
Would be to put one as short and weak to fight upon the battlefield
Where men do clash and die in pools of their own blood." But he did yield,
"Still despite all that you do have the heart of a knight I can see,
And if this is truly the will of Heaven then God knows better than me.
Thus I dare say I must give you a chance
For only time will tell if you may wield a lance."
Filled with excitement as her mind did swim with the thrill of this new task
Yet then God's conditions did come to her and Ariana bowed and did ask,
"Kind knight, oh my noble and courageous liege
There are two things I must ask before we go to lay siege.
The first be that never you ask me my name
And the other that we not return until title I do claim.
For these were commanded by God above
And I dare not refuse the being of eternal love."
Blinking and then shrugging as he moved towards a cart
The knight did nod and yawn and then he did start,
"To the first the reason I cannot see,
But the other, know that I go where I please
Thus it matter not to me if we shall not return to Lesalia's walls
As in the land of Ivalice there are many inns, caves and stalls.
So to you I will call you squire or boy if you do please,
But as for myself my name is Sir Myracleas.
My family name is Atkascha so you know,
But enough of that, once we find my ride we may go."
Ariana nodded and aiding Sir Myracleas to his ride they did depart
The knight on his noble chocobo while Ariana walked beside the cart.
Thus this is how Ariana's adventure begun
So now we shall go to see what glory she won.
End Part One.
Taking a deep breath and pausing for a moment, Agrias lifted her arms up and stretched. How much time had passed since she had begun her story she didn't know, but the sun was already past its apex, so they had to be getting into the afternoon. She'd start up the story again in a moment, just as soon as she could rest her voice for a moment.
The story was an old one, reaching back to some of the earliest times of Ivalice. Of course the story wasn't exactly accurate, each teller told it slightly different, but what mattered was the feelings and points within the story. Her thoughts crept to Ovelia for a moment, wondering what it was that she was doing just now, if she was safe. Forcing the thought aside, Agrias returned to the story:
Begin Part Two
Three years did pass with blinding speed,
And in that time Ariana learned what she did need
To be a knight, and as a master squire she did learn
To throw and dash and heal in turn.
She also did add to her skills of song, and pen and dance
The ability to defend and wield both a sword and a lance.
Through Limberry, Lionel and Gallione they did travel,
Spreading good and joy as evil plots they did unravel.
In this way the noble pair became quite close and good friends
And from each other theylearned, her to fight and him to mend.
Often though he was drunk and in stalls he did hurl,
Yet in all this time he never saw that she was a girl.
Finally when the climatic day arrived
For which Ariana for so long had strived,
When great and skillful Myracleas did tell her to take a knee
And with his sword he declared that a knight she did be.
As she rose to her feet she received a shove to her breast,
Because with that she gained knighthood like all the rest.
Then with a shake and a nod Myracleas did courteously ask
If he might now know her name as she had completed her task.
Sighing greatly and shaking her head,
With a sad voice Ariana then said,
"Forgive me good friend and kind noble lord
But I fear I cannot tell you even by threat of sword.
Though knight I may be, and to this I owe you a great debt,
God did command I not tell you it, much to my regret."
Then with a smile and a nod the knight let out a great laugh
And what he spoke made Ariana feel indeed quite daft.
"I understand, and will say no more of it, as silent as the forest fauna,
So I ask that you forgive my question princess, my dear Lady Ariana."
Shock and surprise filled her shaken mind
Thus to the observer she looked deaf and blind.
"But how-" she did start, but was stopped before finished she was able,
And spoke Myracleas, "My girl I have known since we met at the stable.
As you well know I have fought in many battles and wars,
In that time I did learn that women too can still die by the sword.
If God would allow a woman to die in such a way,
Then surely he would allow her to learn swordplay.
To this theory you have proven me true,
So now go forth to do what you will do."
Hugging him warmly with a tear in her eye
Ariana vowed that for him she would try.
So away she went with gleaming sword and shining mail,
Knowing in her heart that for the sake of all she must not fail.
Upon her chocobo she rode off for the city of Dorter
Where she heard an announcement from the local rumor reporter
That the king, pressured by noble lords and courageous knights
Had agreed to have a tournament where all of them could fight
And summoned the princess from the monastery at Orbonne
So that she would then marry the last knight who stood alone
As champion of sword and lance upon the list.
At first Ariana thought it a joke without the gist
Thinking that her father would never do such a thing,
Promising the winner her hand endowed with his ring.
It repulsed her that while other men died and bled
To the culprit and slayer she would be wed.
Yet in her heart she knew it to be true
And so Ariana saw only one thing to do.
But then her heart stopped as she realized the true conundrum,
That instead of her Grace would be called home and then some
Brazened noble or knight would make her his, and a princess for life
Thinking the girl to be her, and under her name Grace would be his wife.
So Ariana mounted her chocobo and rode north to Lesalia with its high walls
To save Grace from the fate that should not have been hers by answering the king's call
For knights and nobles seeking her fair hand
And for women everywhere make her stand.
Arriving at the end of the third day's ride at Lesalia's fine front gate
Ariana was pleased she was early, having feared she'd arrive late.
There she announced herself to the herald and registered for the match
Under the name of Sir Arian, and with that the guards lifted the gate's latch
To allow her access in
Not knowing of their sin
So that Ariana entered and went to the stables where she had first met her teacher
And started her grand adventures riding and fighting knights and other creatures
From blazing Zeklaus Desert to Barius Hill
Having ridden wherever they had the will.
Leaving her ride and heading to her supplied guest room in the western tower
She passed by other knights and nobles whom in their presence men would cower.
There she saw many knights that she did remember
Such as Sir Delza who she had met last December.
Walking by she saw Sir Elmsdor, Lord of Limberry
As well as Lord Rehfrak, Sir Tollins and Sir Kerry.
Also there was a Beoulve hailing from Gallione so far away
Talking to Count Almor who Ariana had met during a stay
In distant Lionel during her travels in that land
Whose cloak still bore the stain of the desert sand.
Others were present as well for the tournament that Ariana did not know
But she was well aware that each one could deliver a winning, mortal blow.
Reaching her room she entered hastily and exhaling locked the door fast
Before she thought of removing her armor and being a woman again at last.
Winning this tournament would no doubt test her strength and guile
Still Ariana was confident in her training and in her fighting style.
Later at dinner in the great hall all the guests were gathered together
To feast and dance while the sages and prophets divined the weather
For the days and week ahead searching for the sign
To discern which day to come God would divine
That the great and epic contest take place.
Meanwhile Ariana could only watch Grace
Sitting by the king's side, nervous as could be
Leaving Ariana thinking, "That should be me."
Halfway through the dinner the seers declared that in two days time
Would be the time that God saw fit for the tournament bell to chime.
Thus in two days time the tournament did arrive with skies clear
Showing that the prophets and sages were right as God they revered.
The tournament was broken down into the categories of contest,
Lance on foot, and on chocobo and swords on foot for last lest
By that time a winner could be declared by withdrawal or victory
In the first two competitions so that there was no need for three.
For each competition on the list three rounds were given
One or two points for the front or the back and three if driven
To the ground or for disarming your opponent of their weapon
These were the rules when in round one Ariana faced Lord Telpan
Who came from Zeltennia to win the princess as his prize.
As they squared off Ariana chuckled at the thought of surprise
Lord Telpan would receive if only he knew whom he was to duel
Because then the pain of his upcoming defeat would seem truly cruel.
In her first match against the noble Duke Ariana did quite well
Disarming Lord Telpan moments after the ringing of the bell.
This of course drew cheers and much attention
For such a small knight to be in actual contention.
She continued on winning against Elmsdor, Kerry and even the Beoulve Duke Zalbier
So that in the end it was declared that on foot Sir Arian was champion of the spear.
It was thus with great pride and swagger that Ariana mounted and entered the next round
And quite the blow when in the first match against Sir Almar she was bore to the ground.
The blow was harsh, but not to her chest
For the true ache came from her left breast.
Ariana was devastated, her emotions a complete wreck,
Seeing by her name on the chart given the loser's check.
The rest of the round she spent sitting under a tall oak tree
Crying and wondering how in the name of God this could be.
How could he set in motion for her to become a knight
Only to let her fall and lose while still calling it right.
As she sat there, helmet thrown at her feet
An unexpected person she happened to meet.
Through the tears a familiar voice Ariana heard clear,
"My dear Lady Ariana, why is it that you cry here?
Is it because some knight knocked you to the ground?
Come now, stand up proud and do not make that sound."
Looking up to see who could possibly know her name
She saw that to her surprise Sir Myracleas had came
To watch her fight and now knelt at her side
Saying, "Don't fret, you still can turn the tide."
Forcing a smile Ariana answered, "Oh good sir, how can it be,
For I to be losing when God himself has made a blessed knight of me?"
To this Myracleas just smiled gently and said,
"My Lady, you truly have struck your head.
Truly God made you and all of your kind equal in his eyes,
But hardly does he love you only and the rest he does despise.
He has given you your wish, as you can gain equal glory,
Yet in this you'll have to go beyond the rest to gain victory."
Wiping her tears away to the side Ariana brightly smiled
Thanking her mentor and rising with the bounce of a child.
"Of course you are right my teacher and friend
And now that you say it I do quite comprehend
That the right to fight beside a man does not make me better than him
So winning this tournament will take concentration rather than a whim."
With those words she picked up her helmet and returned to the list
To the ovation of the crowd as she lifted high her sword and her fist.
With her confidence quite restored she fought valiantly and true
Wielding such cunning and skill that most knew not what to do.
Until in the end she stood victorious upon the ground
As attendants prepared to have her to have her crowned.
At this time the king from his seat on the list did rise
Speaking directly to Ariana having still not realized
To whom he actually did speak.
"Sir Arian, you are the man I seek,
As champion of the tournament, I will honor what I said,
To you I will give my crown and my daughter you will wed."
Bowing to her father then Arian turned to see Grace
Who looked quite worried from the look of her face.
Then Ariana spoke to her clearly while raising her hand as a sign,
"Sweet Grace, as spoken so long before by this ring I do say, 'resign'."
A bright smile crossed the young servant's face
She then rose and bowed departing without a trace.
Old Gladsmir rose as well now in shock and rage
But Ariana said, "Please dear father, do not engage
In anger at fair and loyal Grace,
Lest it be God and I you disgrace."
Then reaching back to release her hair down so it was shown
She said, "You see Father, I am the real Ariana Leyrione."
No gasps or shouts came from the crowd and anywhere around,
As the shock had been so complete to see that there was no sound.
Breaking it finally Ariana continued to say,
"Father, do not look at me in that mean way
Though I know I have deceived you and hurt you dear
It is through God's own will that has brought me here.
My gender could not do this you once decreed
But do you feel the same now that I did succeed?
If so then there is little that I can say,
For when set your mind does not sway.
Yet I will know that I am equal a man in God's eyes
And since this is true why should this be a surprise?
Thus all things come to you now father, what will you do
Since I, Ariana, have now been declared champion by you."
Silence returned as the knights watched on in shame
Knowing that they lost to a woman, regardless of name.
Then suddenly amongst the crowd one anonymous knight began to clap
Followed shortly after by other knights, and finally by every girl and chap.
So with all the people present cheering great Gladsmir saw,
Then finally quieting with his hand he said to one and all,
"Very well my daughter, since the best in the kingdom to you did lose
It is only fair that in life and marriage I give you the right to choose."
The crowd cheered once more and to her father Ariana gave a smile
Knowing that she not only had equal skill and courage, but also guile.
Though Ariana lived many years more with many enemies yet slain
This story is at a close, on how the right of knighthood women gained.
End
Taking a deep breath Agrias exhaled and sighed, happy that the tale was over with. Then from her right she heard the sound of clapping, and turning to see who it was saw Ramza smiling broadly as he patted his hands together.
"Well done Agrias, very well told." He then turned to the others, who had joined in the applause now and said, "Don't you all agree?"
"Most certainly!" Fredrick replied in earnest.
Carmine then chimed in, "Well told indeed. Very nice Lady Agrias."
Even Alicia found a kind word or two. All this brought Agrias's face to a fair cherry color. Then Ramza added in, "Thank you Agrias, you helped me to think of what tale I should tell. Now it's my turn."
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The birds chirped contently on the dew-covered branches as dawn came over Ivalice. Ramza moaned as a nudge from the beak of his chocobo mount woke him from his slumber. His dreams were still dismal and bizarre, but not as bad as they had been the first night. They had made camp the previous night around the time his story was finishing, and the two women were most likely still sleeping off on the other side of the tree ridge. He'd probably have to cover his eyes while rousing them, but it was his duty to…
"Hey, sleepyheads, time to wake up! The lark is singing and the sun is awake. Alicia is already preparing some breakfast, so you had better get dressed fast if you don't want it to be cold."
Ramza chuckled to himself as Agrias turned and walked off. He should have known better than to think she'd sleep in, especially while on the road. He didn't have much time to ponder it though, because as she had said, the food would be getting cold and breakfast certainly sounded good to him about now.
As he rose to his feet and gave Carmine a slight kick to get him up, Ramza heard the sound of a rider coming their way. Turning back towards the road that they had been traveling the previous day, he spotted the chocobo in the distance getting closer. As it did he recognized the rider, it was Rad. Grabbing his sword and moving over towards the side of the road, Ramza watched as Rad reached the camp, dismounted before his ride was even fully stopped, and bowing said, "Ramza… sir, I took off as soon as he arrived. You must come back to Lionel at once!"
"Rad," Ramza said, trying to calm his friend, "calm yourself. Who arrived? What happened?"
"It's him sir, the Heresy Examiner! He's arrived in Lionel to charge Mustadio with heresy! You must come back, or else Mustadio might be executed!"
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Author's Note:
I hope you all enjoyed the story within this story. The idea is based off Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" written in the 14th century. The story is thus written in verse, that being a rhyme sequence of aa, bb, cc, dd. Originally I had planned on putting a tale by Ramza in this chapter as well, but due to length and inspiration issues I pulled it. Note that besides telling a story, the tales in "Canterbury Tales" often gave insight into what kind of person the taleteller was as well as to say something about morals, ethics, society, and such so I tried to create a tale I thought would relate to Agrias some.
As you could see, Agrias had to jump in to save Ramza, and that's pretty much how it worked for me too. Ramza was originally going to go first, but due to aforementioned inspiration problems Agrias's replaced it, and she jumped in to save Ramza.
This idea was not planned, and came to me as I sat down trying to write this chapter. I basically began thinking about what they might do while on the road, and this came to mind. Note, I hope to have the tale that Ramza would have told appear in a later chapter. For those of you who enjoyed this change of pace, thanks. For those who didn't, don't worry, this isn't going to be happening a lot. In fact, you may have noticed that the end part seemed somewhat rushed, and that's because I reached a point where I just wanted to get this finished. Having written it, sometimes a mere two or three lines, sometimes more, I can tell you that writing one of these is most difficult. The tale probably could be improved upon, and if I put a few months of effort into it I'm sure I could do just that, but as it is, I didn't, so please bear with it.
Next chapter we return to my usual ways of writing with a little action, and a familiar face from the game. R&R people.