Ranni has never been one who has a taste for battle. Knowledge fits her best. Studying spells that could help innovate their way of living is something to strive for, not skull- bashing violence. Right now, no one seems to be in their right state of mind, or they never were to begin with.
The spectators looked more like rabid dogs than compassionate citizens. Eager to spill blood and watch flesh getting ripped off. It disgusts her.
What is there to gain by watching two individuals hurt each other? More so if the individuals are people you care for.
So far Vaughn has not unsheathed his Zweihander and remains passive, her brother on the other hand…
She hears the splitting of the ground below. Radahn has decided to rain the power of the stars and gravity upon Vaughn. Wonderful. Just wonderful.
Her woodsman does not look worried at all, but the princess wants to tear her red mane at the scene before her, when she can only watch.
Radahn wastes no time hurling four boulders at Vaughn, the other vanishes in a cloud of dirt. Her brother readies his blades, imbued with lightning and gravity. Then hacks at the sea of smoke.
General Radahn. An honor, he thinks. If the venue wasn't so full of innocent bystanders, the Carian would not hold himself back. The far east of Caelid would be a better battlefield.
He has heard much of the General's prowess with magic, like his sister and mother. A touching tale he heard not too long ago that Radahn loved his gangly horse too much that he studied gravity magic, so he won't part with his companion and his colossal frame won't crush the steed. The deed wasily earned his respect for the demigod.
In any case Vaughn is still thinking. A way not to hurt his beloved's brother. He won't be able to live with himself if his Lady would hate him but he does not want to lose in front of her.
Don't you want to impress her. Your Beau. The Queen had said before their battle. You must beat him.
Ah! The smoke of dirt covers his frame as he dodges the boulders. Perfect.
He ducks into a low stance, waiting for the blade to connect.
"Dear," Radagon says sardonically, "You may need a new knight after this. Our Radahn must've turned him into minced meat by now."
Marika hums dismissively, "I've told you a year ago and I'll say it again."
The Queen then looks at Ranni straight in the eye, "Your daughter."
She hears her brother grunt in pain and the clear sound of his swords clatter on the ground.
"Chose the better warrior."
She breaks eye contact with the Queen to see her brother on his back, disarmed and staring in disbelief at the winner standing above him.
If the sweet smile her Vaughn sends her way make her heart flutter, she tries not to show it. Tries.
"Lady Ranni, good eve..mphh!"
In the past year, his Lady has developed a habit of kissing him. It's not bad per se, heavenly even, but after every kiss his Lady looks at him like she's expecting something and he can't understand.
"Thou's not hurt?" The princess pushes herself off him then pulls his face to hers once again. A few lesions and bruises but nothing too serious.
Her touches turn cold and the broken skin on his face stitches itself together, "Rejecting them should've been easy. But thou could never say 'nay' to the Queen canst thee?"
She pinches his cheek but not too hard, "Such an unfaithful man."
"With no regard for himself or the feelings of others. Look at thou," Sometimes, they'd kiss for hours and she'd laugh at how full their lips look. Other times, the Lunar Princess would tell her stories of the past.
Vaughn looks down at his armor then back at her.
Ranni sighs, "Of course." The way the princess says it shows that a similar situation like what happened hours ago has happened too many times.
The light weight of the ring makes itself known on his pouch, even inside, it produces a bewitching shine just like the shards.
The princess eyes the pouch on his belt curiously, she must've felt the pull of the ring on her magic.
It wasn't as romantic as he'd expected and it was sudden but he could not back down now.
"P-Princess Ranni… No, Lunar Princess Ranni." He fumbles with his words and with the ring.
"I know this is not the most opportune time. But, I would like you to know," He presents the ring on his palm. Its iridescent glow, mesmerizing. "Truly, it's only you and no one else."
He closes his eyes, expecting the rejection he has imagined so many times.
"My Dear," her tone was soft, she strokes his cheeks to coax him to open his eyes, "Is thou truly afraid right now? After going toe to toe with my father and brother, the second Elden Lord and the famed General Radahn, you fear me?"
Vaughn opens his eyes, "Fear you, no. I adore you."