"Prince Louen Leoncoeur," the Fey Enchantress announced. "You have been judged by the Lady as fit to serve the realm, king, and Lady. Drink now from this sacred Grail, and let the blessings that fill that cup flow through you!" As Louen was handed the Grail, the choir and organ filled the air with hymn, praising the immortal Lady. The wine that passed his lips was immaculate, sweet and rich. The Fey Enchantress took the Grail from his hands and placed it on the altar for all to see. The Fey's hands took up the sword that Louen held before him, and kissed each of his shoulders with the flat face.
"Prince Louen, of House Leoncoeur. I pronounce that you are now a knight of the realm. Rise now and live your life in service to your Royarch and the Lady!" Louen looked up at the old woman, who gave him a slight grin. The prince turned, greeted by a thunderous applause from all present. Estella ran to glomp her brother, but Baudouin, who hoisted her into his meaty arms, caught her. Royarch Charlemagne nodded at his son, smiling at Louen's achievement. Victor gave his protégé a sly wink as he walked down the isle. His older brother slapped Louen on the shoulder, and Estella hugged onto his cape. The knights and nobles of the Inner Ring, and the citizenry from the other Rings gave their prince respectful cheers and applause. Outside the cathedral was a line of carriages, surrounded by an ocean of peasants and citizens. A line of the palace guard held the rabble back from the Royarch and his entourage. The Damsels and Estella entered one carriage, Baudouin, Maester Lupine, and Victor the second carriage.
"Come, my son." Royarch Charlemagne beckoned his youngest son to a carriage. "There is much to discuss." It was not since he was a child that Louen had spent alone time with is father. To have a private carriage ride must have meant that today was truly an important day. The pair sat themselves in the box and the door was closed. Soon the carriage rumbled out of the tied square and made its way through the streets towards the conglomerate of buildings made from marble and white stone, built in the centre of parks and gardens. Neither king nor prince spoke, choosing instead to watch the crowds and city. Louen wanted to talk to his father. Embrace him, ask him why all these years he has ignored his youngest son and only daughter! Did he not care for them like he cared far Baudouin? What kind of parent would forsake his children? The thought of how the Royarch had mistreated him angered Louen. Part of him wanted to grab him by the lapels and shake the ageing man.
"Today is an important day," Royarch Charlemagne eventually spoke up, making Louen snap to attention. "The day a boy becomes a man."
"It is a momentous occasion, my lord!" Louen agreed. Baudouin spoke familiarly to the king, as did Estella, but only because she was just a child. Louen was unsure how he was to address the king. On one hand, he was his father. On the other, the Royarch. The Black Pegasus. The Flame of the West. The latter two were titles that Charlemagne had received in his younger days. The Black Pegasus was because he had found and tamed a beast that had only been seen once every generation, a black pegasus, the steed that the Lady is said to ride in the End Days. "The Lady was ever-benevolent to see me as worthy."
"Of course you're worthy. You're my son." Louen was almost flattered to be complimented by the king, but it left a sour taste in his mouth.
"Am I not worthy by my own accomplishments?" The Royarch turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"We shall see how you serve the realm."
The Palace was ablaze with festivities. Lords and Ladies from all across Bretonnia had flocked to join the festivities. Feasts were had, jesters preformed, minstrels sung, all in honour to the prince. Louen sat in the centre of the table where people would, as tradition dictates, shower him with gifts.
"Congratulations, my lord!" Maestro Lupine wheezed, placing a huge book upon the table in front of him. "A momentous occasion indeed. I present my gift to you: the written history of Bretonnia, all in one volume!" Louen's eye widened at the massive tome, so large it took one man's entire effort to lift. A key sat upon the cover to open the rusted lock on the side.
"Knowledge is found in both triumphs and failures of those who came before," Louen said. "No doubt that there is much knowledge in these pages. Thank you. I shall learn what I can to best serve my House and kingdom." The old man seemed delighted that the book was so graciously accepted, and gave Louen his squat-like bow before moving on for the next person. Several people gave him expensive treasures that were honestly frivolous to him. Jewels from across the sea, pelts of dire wolves, one Lord even offered his daughter's hand in marriage. Louen respectfully declined, as he would marry for love, not because she was handed to him.
"Where is Ser Victor?" Louen asked.
"Victor Saltzpyre is unable to attend," Baudouin answered in between a mouthful of pie. "The Witch Hunters are providing security for this event." Louen had noticed an unusual amount of them around the palace. Despite the city guard and the Royarch's entourage of bodyguards patrolling, the occasional capotain drifted through the crowd, or watched from the rooftop. Victor was spotted, and the prince beckoned him over. Victor shook his head, declining the offer. "Why do you like him so?"
"Because he is my mentor and friend!" Louen answered, taking a sip from the ornate cup of wine. "Do you distrust the Witch Hunters, dear brother?"
"I trust a Witch Hunter as much as I trust a Lannister!" the older brother joked, toasting his own cup. The brother stood and hoisted his drink to the air. "My good people, let us celebrate this day. The day when my baby brother becomes a man!" The crowd cheered, toasting their own cups. "Life is good for each and every one of us, the Lady blesses you all!" The Fey Enchantress, who sat nearest to the table of Louen's family, nodded in approval.
"Let Louen speak!" a drunken lord shouted, much to the approval of the crowd. Soon they were raucous for the younger prince. Baudouin shrugged, sitting himself down. Though Louen was the smarted of the two, he was timid. Public performances frightened him.
"Thank you," Louen eventually croaked, standing. "I look forward to serving each and every one of you in the realm!" The crowd gave a polite applause, clearly hanging on his every word. "Let us remember days like this when the future gets dark. Look back on this occasion as a fond memory. A time of peace, prosperity, and love." Louen sat back down and the crown toasted to him for the umpteenth time.
It was that evening, the guest of honour had slipped away from the festivities. Louen walked the halls alone, stopping to eye the murals on the wall. They depicted many scenes. The Lady bringing life to Bretonnia, Royarch Arno, Louen's forefather, flying into battle on an armoured griffin. By his side was Aegon Targaryen atop a mighty dragon, belching an inferno. Three hundred years in the future and Louen could almost feel the heat from the painted fire. Along the halls he could still hear the music and shouting. Most likely it would go long into the night. But the prince was happy to stare at paintings, watching how too much wine and ale made them move in his head. The next picture along depicted another Leoncoeur of the past, wrestling with a demigryph.
"It is impolite of the guest of honour to leave their seat." A familiar voice said behind him. Louen jumped to see Victor standing behind him, his hand never far from his rapier.
"I have been sitting in that chair for hours," Louen countered. "I needed some quiet. And a shit." Victor grinned, shaking his head.
"You're now a knight and serving the realm. Sitting at tables for long periods should be considered a holiday!" The pair walked in quiet chatter, observing the many historical scenes.
"Thank you for making a declaration," Louen looked at his teacher. "I truly appreciate it."
"You are more than many who have knelt before the Fey. If death itself was the price I paid, I would have given my life to praise you." The prince was gobsmacked at the Witch Hunter's loyalty. Truly he was blessed to know this man. "Come, embrace me!" This caught Louen off guard. Not once in the many years he had known Victor had they embraced, never going farther then a handshake. Louen walked into his open arms, embracing him tightly. Partway through the hug he felt something tighten around his waist and tighten. Upon separating Louen found that Victor had fastened a belt similar to his. Upon it was several pouches and vials of different ingredients, as well as a beautiful rapier.
"A sword?" Louen asked, drawing the blade. It was thin and shone brightly.
"The sword I used when I was Second Sword." Louen gasped. For Victor to gift him such a kingly gift truly showed how highly he thought of Louen.
"I cannot accept such a gift," Louen shook his head. "I thank you anyway."
"Louen, my boy. There is one thing you must know about the world. Nowhere is safe. Every person you meet could stab you in the back. Since I won't be able to be by your side to protect you, I'd be honoured if my sword would be there in my place." Again, Louen was speechless. Did Victor's generosity to his student know no bounds?
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
"If you ever tire of the life of nobility, put down the crown and take up the capotain, I promise that you will always have a place among the Witch Hunters."
Louen rose early the next morning. No doubt his father would send one of his subjects with orders for him. Why not simply speak to him himself? The king was not busy at such a time. Dressing in a red vest and black pants, the prince descended the stairs to the garden. It was quiet, as always. The fountains bubbled, the gardeners worked, and the Damsels strolled about, caring for the animals in the palace. The dew soaked into his boots as he walked across the lawn, the cold air sinking into his skin.
"Your majesty?" A servant approached him.
"What is it?"
"Prince Baudouin requests your presence at the front courtyard." Baudouin rarely sought after his younger brother via another person, unless something was wrong. And to meet at the front of the castle? That was strange. Perhaps he wished to hunt, or travel the streets of the Middle Ring. Either way, he did not want to keep him waiting. Moving through the White Palace of Couronne was easy for him, knowing almost every shortcut and path. Once there, Louen saw Baudouin waiting with a small host of men.
"Ah, the brave knight approaches!" the heir beamed. "I trust your slumber was adequate?"
"Most adequate," Louen answered. "To what do I owe the honour of this summons?" Baudouin waved the men away, who moved towards the stables.
"Now that you are a knight, you must serve the realm," Baudouin began, taking his younger brother under his arm and leading him around the courtyard. "This you know. But Bretonnia is a vast land, often you must travel fast and with haste."
"I will travel by horse." Louen shrugged.
"Horse!" Baudouin laughed, slapping his brother on the chest. "The prince of Bretonnia on a horse? Oh, my dearest brother. You are too humble. Only yeomen and squires travel on horseback. You are a prince! So you shall travel like one." The older brother turned his sibling to the direction of the stables. The group of men brought before them a snow-white mare. She stood taller than most horses, and her feet were covered in feathers.
"Lady…" Louen gasped, reaching out for the winged horse. She twitched her head back, but let the man rub her face. "Baudouin, thank you! This is truly a wonderful gift." Louen put one boot into the stirrup and lifted himself onto the pegasus' back. The beast shifted, but did not try to buck or thrown him off, clearly she had been trained by a professional.
"A pegasus!" shrieked a voice. All turned to see Leila coming down the stairs towards them. "What a beautiful creature." The beast seemed drawn to her, dropping her head so that the Damsel could reach the mane. The Leoncoeur brothers exchanged raised eyebrows, but let it pass.
"Louen here was just about to have his first flight," Baudouin explained. "You have experience with pegasi, do you not?"
"Yes my lord." Leila answered, the beast nuzzling against her. "All Damsels are trained to ride a pegasus."
"Maybe then she can teach you!" Baudouin beamed, helping the Damsel onto the steed. "He needs a teacher."
"Oh, I don't think that-" Louen started. Baudouin had seen these two fumble around each other for years. It was obvious that they had feelings for one another, so let them have some time together!
"Hold onto those reigns tight, boy," Baudouin gripped his brother's wrist. "It's not like any other horse."
As soon as Baudouin slapped the horse's rear, she began to thunder down the road. Louen was a skilled horseman, but as soon as the pegasus thrust out her wings, he knew he was in for a bad time. Great wing beats sent the three soaring into the air. Leila squealed lightly, holding onto Louen's waist tightly. The prince paid little attention to it, as his focus was on the flying horse. The pegasus cleared the forest and graced over the Upper Ring. It was not uncommon to see men riding pegasi in the Upper Ring, but with such recklessness was not. Louen and Leila struggled to hold onto the thrashing steed as she kicked the air, trying to assert dominance.
"Pull up!" Leila shrieked, pointing ahead. Louen jerked on the reigns, They just managed to avoid crashing into somebody's residence. The horse galloped across the roof, shattering and dislodging several tiles in the process. "Where are you going?" The pegasus continued upwards, whinnying as they went higher and higher. Louen thought the wind was intense flying horizontally, but vertically was another matter entirely. The pressure of higher pressurised air and the pull of gravity made the blood drain from his head.
"Be assertive!" Leila managed to shout over the noise. "You must show that you're dominant!" Louen understood what she meant. When training an animal, one of the first things that you taught them was that you were the alpha. You are in charge and they are to obey you. Even though this pegasus had been trained and broken, she, like all animals, would try to dominate over a new creature, it was only nature after all. Louen used what fleeting strength he had before blacking out to push on the stirrups. The horse responded instantly, levelling out. As the pressures left them, both managed to catch their breath. Up in the air all seemed calm. The wind was non-existent, and the morning sun warmed them.
"This is much better," Louen smiled, looking back at his passenger. Leila smiled back, before they both laughed.
"I must admit, you had me very worried," Leila held herself against him. "Had we gone any further, I'd have fallen!"
"I would never let you come to any harm, my lady." Louen beamed, adjusting to the way that the winged horse's body shifted with each beat of her wings. Louen's stomach heaved when he looked down, seeing the city, port, and walls of the Upper and Middle Rings. "How high do you think we are?"
"A mile?" Leila guessed. "Probably more." From up here, the world looked so peaceful. Ships rolled through the waves, and people, no larger than ants, scurried across the city. Louen tapped the flying horse's sides, gearing her to start moving. Damsel Leila gave him instruction as they flew such as how to ascend and descend, change speed mid flight, among many things. Louen was a fast learner, absorbing her every word. For him, it was a time to create the bond with his steed, a crucial part of any partnership with a beast of the air. If there was no bond, what reason did the beast have not to buck you mid-flight and let you fall to your death? Pegasi, like the mighty griffin and demigryph, were fiercely loyal to their masters, but only once the bond was made.
"It is good I have a passenger who knows how to fly." Louen tried to look cack at her, but his saddle forbade it.
"You pegasus is waiting to see if you are a capable rider," Leila stroked it's side. "Fly wherever your heart takes you." Louen nodded, tugging on the reigns. The pegasus drifted downwards, over the Middle Ring. Soon they were gliding over the winding streets of the Middle Ring. The smells the city drifted up to them, making them both cringe. They flew on, descending to fly where the people could see their prince. Over the market district and down Cobbler's Lane, a street home to shoemakers, and they were in sight of the wall that separated the Middle and Lower Rings. The wall was several metres tall, and just as thick as it was high. The pegasus could sense Louen's direction, and ascended as soon as Louen gave direction. Leila gasped, holding on to Louen tightly. The pegasus' hooves clipped the wall, startling the bored guards. Leila laughed, their curses growing fainter as they shrank away in the distance. Using the sun as his compass, Louen steered the pegasus north, where they followed the coast. They flew for two hours more, drinking in the scenery and the touch of clouds. The beast soon tired, and they took refuge in a small, secluded bay.
"That was a most incredible experience," Leila smiled, dismounting with the help of the prince. "I cannot thank you enough for this chance."
"The pleasure is all mine," Louen replied, tying up his steed to a tree. "Were it not for you, I would have never gained control!" Leila smiled, pushing her hair behind her ear.
"I am just glad that I was of some assistance." The prince walked to the water's edge, breathing in the salty air.
"Have you been to a beach like this before, my lord?" Leila asked, joining him.
"Several years ago," Louen answered. "When me and my brother were children. Before…Orléans."
"I am so sorry." Leila sighed. She was oblivious to that sad fact, and it no doubt was a repressed memory for him. How the Damsel wanted to comfort him, and take away his pain. Leila and Louen had known each other since they were children, and she always thought the world of him. Her teachers often caught her spying on him at all times of the day, from his lessons with Maestro Lupine, to training with Grandmaster Victor.
"You know what, let's go swimming!" she announced, taking off her shoes and hair ties.
"What?" Louen gasped. "G-go for a swim?"
"Of course! It's been years since I've had the opportunity to!"
"But what if we are seen?" Louen objected. "It would not be right for-"
"Who cares what other people think?" Leila was dangerously close to him; she could see the pink growing on his cheeks. "Let's have fun like we used to when we were children!" Leila took started to untie the laces on her dress.
"Uh?" Louen grunted, in pure shock. Here was the young woman that he'd known since they were children, undressing before him. How many nights had he fantasised about this? Too many.
"No peeking," Leila giggled, her dress now around her shoulders. Louen snapped out of his trance and spun around, giving the Damsel privacy. Louen tried to distract himself from the noises of clothes rustling, jewellery clinking, and feet wading into the water.
"Most steeds have a name, don't they?" Leila asked. "Have you thought of one?"
"I have," the prince replied, stroking the winged horses' mane. "I think I shall name her-" Leila moaned as she fell into the water, breaking his train of thought. Louen stiffened up, in more ways than one. "I will name her Allura."
"Cliché name, isn't it?" Leila grinned from the water. "The name of the pegasus that will carry the Lady to the heavens in the End Times?" Louen kicked off his boots and coat, hanging them over the tree where Allura sheltered.
"I like the name," Louen replied, taking the thin cotton shirt off his shoulders. He turned to see Leila staring at his exposed chest, her face flushing. "Might I have the privacy I gave you, Madame Leila?"
"Oh! O-of course." Leila covered her eyes, though it was quite obvious that she still stared through the gap in her fingers. Louen did not mind at all, it was only for respect did he ask her to look avert her vision. Were they in private, he would let her stare at him all she wanted. Stripping down to his loincloth, the prince joined her in the water. Relishing as the cold against his cold skin, he waded up to his waist.
"I heard the strangest thing from the Maestro the other day," Louen started. "Maester Lupine told me that now that you are fifteen, you will start to learn magic! I could hardly believe it myself, there's no such thing as-"
"The Maester is correct," Leila said seriously, her shoulders bobbing above the waterline. "Would you like me to show you a spell?"
"You can't be serious," Louen scoffed as the young woman waded towards him. "There's no way that magic exis-"
"Close your eyes," Leila instructed, standing in front of him. Her hands touched his as she walked around him. "Focus on the sounds around you."
"Leila, please."
"Shush," the Damsel almost hissed, pressing a finger to his lips. "I must concentrate. Louen sighed, closing his eyes as instructed. The prince could hear her walking around him, mumbling a hex of some kind. Leila stopped behind him, reaching up and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Do you trust me?" she whispered, sending shivers up his spine.
"I do," Louen answered, gulping the lump of excitement and nervousness down.
"Good!" She grinned, jumping onto his shoulders with all her weight. Louen, not expecting the attack, dropped into the water like a rock. Leila burst into laughter as the prince burst from underneath the water, gaping for air.
"Treason!" he cried, glaring at her. "To attack me in such a way is punishable by one hundred splashings!" Louen's muscular arms pushed great waves of water onto the Damsel, who squealed as her hair became soaked. She retaliated, fighting back. The two laughed as they did battle with water, soaking the other as best they could.
"For Bretonnia!" Louen cried as he leaped out of the water and belly flopped right next to her. Leila shrieked as the impact sent her under. Allura opened one eye, watching the teenagers splash around like children. Leila emerged some seconds later, squirting Louen with water in her mouth.
"Gross," he laughed, turning over so that he floated looking at the sky. Leila joined him, and they both drifted around along the shore, occasionally bumping against each other or against the rocks.
"How long has it been since we played like this?" Leila asked, bobbing up and down with the movement of the water.
"Years," Louen answered. "Before you were sent to the Sanctuary to be trained as a Damsel. You were eight, if my memory serves correctly."
"That would mean you were only six," Leila nodded. "How those years have flown by. I used to be taller than you!" Leila chuckled, she could not help but smile at the memories of how she teased the prince. Louen pouted, remembering her treatment.
"And now I tower over you, how the tables have turned!" Louen reached for her hand, their fingers interlocking.
"How you enjoyed today, my lord?" Leila asked as the pair stood up, their feet touching the rocks.
"Today has been one I shall cherish for all my days," Louen smiled, looking at her sincerely. "Thank you." Their other hand connected as the pair drew close. Her hazel eyes flickered, observing how the sky and water made his blue eyes shine radiantly. Foreheads touched, hearts quickened. Louen could feel her shaky breath against him, their bodies touching. The damp cloth that covered her breasts pressed against his own chest. Louen looked into her eyes, begging for a sign. He knew his feelings for her, but did she feel the same? Looking into her eyes only made him drown in the abyss of her pupils.
"Louen…" she whispered, Their lips inching towards connection.
'Thank you, benevolent Lady for what I am about to experience.' Louen thought, puckering his lips. Just as they were about to kiss, the blare of a horn shocked their world.
"What was that?" Louen shot away, looking in all directions. Another horn responded, followed by several others.
"Look!" Leila pointed out towards the open ocean. "Ships." A fleet of waterborne vessels was traveling at speed, heading north. "Traders?"
"They aren't traders," Louen mumbled, wading deeper so he could see the ships better. "There are too many, and traders don't sail in a flying wedge." Louen counted at least fifteen ships, each big enough for a crew of thirty.
"Perhaps one of the Royarch's fleets?" Leila suggested, wringing her hair dry.
"Look at the sails. Bretonnian ships always have blue sails, not black." A fleet of foreign military ships moving at speed, a troubling sight."
"That sigil…" the Damsel gasped. Louen's eyes flared at the sight. A golden kraken. "They're Greyjoy!"