It was already Wednesday and things went back to normal or rather the new normal. Blade was attending classes not much changed there. Yet interactions with everyone had changed drastically. The Professors all had their own thoughts and takes on their little excursion, yet it was clear all were proud of their achievements and had the utmost respect for the work they had done even if some clearly wished they had done it with them in the loop.
"Ahhh, so good to be back!" Blade stretched as she walked on with Snow, Amber and Nebula through the hallways of Alfea.
"Good morning, Blade," A random higher classman greeted her truly kindly.
"Morning?" Blade frowned. The posture, the smile, tone of voice it was the opposite of what she was used to from most people. It had gotten better after the Stella stunt but they still as Stella had put it to prove themselves.
"Are you feeling all better now? And how are you doing Lady Snow, Lady Amber, Lady Nebula? I hope all is well. If you need any help with studies feel free to ask." She blabbed on.
Blade shook her head irritated shortly, "Thanks, I'm all good." She frowned a bit more. 'Where is all that coming from now?... I'm not sure if I should feel flattered or insulted…'
"Thank you," Snow gave a bow. "We'll ask if need be, thanks for the offer." The girls gave their goodbyes and moved on. It was weird to have actual free time again.
"What the heck was that?" Blade inquired super confused as they were around the corner.
"That are the repercussions of our hard work," Nebula snorted. She found it utterly hilarious.
Amber traced the wall with her fingers, "Well, was about time… after all those cold shoulders, we deserve some recognition…" She was a bit pissed but appreciated the general change of attitude.
Outside they met up with Tasu and Sienna, who currently had Aurum's class and a few randoms in their face. It was a heated discussion by the looks and sound of it. So, they hurried to support their friends.
"You could have said something," One of the first-grade students complained. "I would have helped…"
Sienna shook her head, "I asked you for tag teams, you declined."
"Tag-teams with Witches is not even close to a Council mission that-"
"It's Sorceresses. And we didn't do it to add laurels to our resume," Tasu directly rebuked the student, "We did it because it's important and a personal cause."
"For what? Saving Blade's ass?" Aurum rolled her eyes. "You don't truly believe that 'Sorceresses' can hold up that facade, do you?" She was most furious of all. She hated Blade, there was no secret about it. Before Blade had been a nobody who couldn't do anything right, yet this had changed much to her displeasure.
"Of course, we do," Nebula crossed her arms. "WE actually TALK to them."
Angel turned around she wasn't really in the mood for this to be mauled over again and went pale, "Blade…how are you…doing…?"
"Oh, just fine, just like last week. I like, like, bought that new shirt and it is like awesome," Blade muck about around.
Angel gave her a confused stare, "Right…"
"As if anybody sounds like that!" Aurum hissed in her face. "Don't you dare think you are better than any of us? You and your stupid mission proved only that you take chances, dangerous chances. There was nothing Lady like about it." Aurum stampeded over right into Blade's face. "You liked it admit it."
"Liked what? And who said I want to be a Lady?" Blade crossed her arms as she butted heads with Aurum yet again.
"Oh, please," Aurum made a dismissing gesture. "No one would seek out such a scenario if there was no appeal to it. With that much work from the COUNCIL, they knew what would happen. You just wanted to get laid, seek the thrill. So, stop collecting laurels for some weird ass desire you tried to quench."
Everyone was lost for words. Blade stood there balling her fists yet with one deep breath she relaxed and laughed out loud amused, "Well, I did quench my thirst for justice, of course, I quenched that desire, had nothing to do with getting laid. Why would you phrase it like that? You sound a bit jealous is that by any chance one of your weird ass desires?" She grinned at her victoriously.
"You-" Aurum searched for words, "What, no of course not! Who in their right mind would want that?!"
"Hmm," Blade nodded thoughtfully, "I agree, the Council would never work with a lunatic. Or do you think otherwise?"
"Of course not! The esteemed Council is the symbol of stability, justice and peace. Don't you dare lay words in my mouth, Blade," Aurum quickly made clear.
"Are you saying I as a commoner am beating you at Court matters? Well, thank you for this compliment," Blade gave a bow as Aurum flustered stood there. "You have to excuse me. I am overdue with a paper I need to hand in before I meet up with Queen Stella, who graciously invited me to her palace today as a guest of honour. Have a wonderful day, Princess Aurum." Without waiting for another second, Blade left her standing and made her way to the teacher's lounge.
Aurum huffed and puffed, even was a bit red.
Sienna couldn't hold back and straight fell into laughter. "Oh, by the Great Dragon…Queen Stella really got to her…" She tried to get some air in.
Nebula gave a glance to Angel, "Good day, indeed." She smirked her ass off, while Tasu simply gave a bow and left with Snow who stared wide-eyed at Blade.
"Since, when does she? ..." Snow whispered to Tasu.
"Since she understood the potential. I gave her some more pointers for the low-level games," Tasu snickered proudly. This was truly a perfect day.
The three suns of Solaria shone brightly. A blue wide sky as if someone had decided today of all days there was supposed to be the most beautiful day on Solaria. From the other side of the ginormous lake, they had come by sailboat. A crystal-clear lake and even crystals growing out from the depths. It really was a sight to behold. The docks already came to sight.
"Okay, girls, now BEHAVE!" Griffin thundered at Blade's class. "YOu got INVITED don't screw us. Don't bitch around, better don't talk at all…" She sighed. She was so tense Solaria had never invited Witches not in the past. The court was extremely difficult here. And she was sure more than one noble would try to create a fuss. "Don't touch anything, don't walk off, don't glare, don't comment, don't do ANYTHING. You stick to me and…"
"Urrgh," Kitty rolled her eyes. She hated this fluffy dress Griffin had stuffed her in. This was truly getting out of hand.
Griffin instantly rebuked her, "WHAT DID I JUST SAY!" Even the captain of the boat flinched.
"We'll behave," Dusk tried to calm their Headmistress down. Her gown was truly magnificent. As a Queen herself she of course wore her crown to this occasion. She was the only one of the Sorceresses not look out of place in that kind of attire.
Blade nodded, "Yes, we can do this." She didn't like her dress at all, Stella had sent on over. It was beautiful, no doubt about that. Yet it was just so puffy. It was a bad reminder for her of the Desertia hearing. One simply could not move freely in such a thing. Yet the colour scheme reminded her so much of her Charmix. At least she had managed to slip some sneakers, which she had glamoured beneath all those layers of cloth, so she actually could walk properly. 'Why had it to be this officially and at the palace of all things…aaah.'
The group was greeted by the Former King Radius and his remarried wife Lady Luna to Griffin's surprise. "Headmistress Griffin," Luna took the word, "Welcome to Solaria, I hope the trip was pleasant." She greeted them ever so kindly and a bunch of servants behind them.
Blade noticed the amount of guards running around or rather lingering melting with the surroundings. 'This is a lot of security for a simple visit of a few students…'
Misery seemed to have the same assessment. With all their sneaking around, they had gained a keen sense for such things and all the students knew they were being watched with an eagle eye.
"Of course," Griffin gave a curtsey to the surprise of all. "Our deepest thanks for the invitation."
Radius chuckled, "Well then, give us the honour to escort you to the throne room."
The gardens before the massive palace were not only huge but also vibrant and trimmed to a tee. There was not one flower out of place here. Light magic was brought from every pore of the palace grounds. It was even stronger than Alfea or maybe that was just the heat of the suns'. Blade wasn't quite sure. Yet nothing could have prepared her for the insides of that palace. Gold intricate embroidery, filigree marble work. Red carpets golden lined. Desertia had been impressive. But this was another scale of artwork and style. This palace felt not like a bastion that could be defended but rather a vase one would store in a showcase. There was a huge discrepancy between the luxurious beauty of this palace and the kind-facade they were greeted or saluted with by every employee.
The trumpets blew as the giant doors were opened by the guards to let them in. The Master of Ceremonies began to announce the group as in a mixture of awe and shock the group was received by the Solarias Court. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are privileged to witness the arrival of the guest of honour of the Crown of Solaria." The Master paused shortly as Dusk took the lead, "Please join me in welcoming her Majesty, Queen Dusk of Eventide, Sorceress, as she graces us with her presence." He paused, Dusk steadfastly made her way in her dark bluish dress towards the thrown down the stairs along the red carpet.
Dusk took the wide space and filled it with her presence, her grace, her authority. Blade had never seen her like that. It was as if there was a different person walking there. 'Wow, she is…'
"Now, it is with great honour and respect that we introduce General Griffin of the Company of Light first to banish Valtor," The room gasped and the students nearly choked in surprise.
Griffin snorted inwardly, this list was endless and laid on thick, they basically started to name each major occasion of her Company of Light adventures. 'General of the Company of Light, where the heck did they duck that up from.' She could see Brandon smirk pleased. 'That boy, he talked to Saladin. Smart. Hmm, maybe I should use that title more often, I mean we are inactive, but Courtwise it is valid…'
The Master of Ceremony continued to list all of Griffin's achievements, "… Defender of Magix in the Trix War, and Slayer of the latest Darkar reincarnation, as well as…"
'Been running around for a while in my days, haven't I? Ah, the times…' Griffin reminisced as she walked on only to come to hold before the thrones next to Dusk. "Queen Stella, King Brandon," She gave a bow. She loved to hear all the whispers and see the salty faces, way too much.
"…, accomplished Headmistress of Cloud Tower and Sorceress." The announcer paused, "Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Blade Ashfallow, Fairy of Blades, Student of Alfea, Red Fountain and Cloud Tower…" The Master of Ceremony went on as Blade started her walk to the front. 'Eh…right, last time at Court I was announced as just a student of Alfea…' Blade tried to her best to take the limelight but still, she could not fill the space like Dusk or Griffin. Yet she was more startled and surprised as the Ceremony Master didn't yet call the next student's name.
"…Defender of Desertia, Fighter for Justice, Revealer of Truth, Cleanser of Phere-moan, Member of The Denied." A short pause again, "Ms Alyssa, Sorceress, Student of Cloud Tower, Defender of Desertia, Fighter for Justice, Revealer of Truth, Member of The Denied."
Alyssa had a hard time staying composed this was unexpected. It was cool and awesome; never had she been received like that. Even if she still could make out the glares, there were some looking kindly upon her or at least with respect.
After Gilliana and Steela who received the same titles the Master of ceremony continued the introductions, "Ms Misery, Sorceress, Student of Cloud Tower, Revealer of Truth, Member of The Denied…" She walked down the stairs with such grace. Her dress was simple, but she took the stage head held high, no doubt in her mind. She wasn't as impressive as Dusk or Griffin yet still, formidable.
'She's good…' Stella inspected the girl yet again, twice now the green short-cut which was, obviously a bad fashion choice in her eyes, had impressed her now, despite her rough and distant appearance and demeanour. Stella waited with the utmost patience till all students had arrived and lined up behind Griffin, Dusk and Blade in the three rows.
"Welcome to our Palace, I hope your visit so far has exceeded your expectations," King Brandon closed the introductions and made a smooth transition.
"But of course, I think, I speak for everyone here, not ever were Sorceresses welcomed in such a grand gesture as today. It is an honour to stand in your presence. By what means do you honour me and my fellow students with such titles?" Queen Dusk took the lead.
Griffin of course let her as Courtwise, the young girl was higher in rank, 'At it, girl,' she smiled pleased. She could see and feel the restless and whispering hushed talks on the side. Stella and Brandon had truly done her students a major favour here, by bestowing so many titles bolstering their Court significance like that.
"Glad to hear that you enjoy your time here," Stella firmly gave a nod, "And to your question. Well, in my eyes these titles were long overdue, don't you think?"
Even more gasps from the background rows from the sidelines as a few familiar faces stepped forward. Councillor Nerrocean, Councillor Aithlin, Madu and Lady Shawaka each with a Solarian servant next to them and a golden tray with stacked scrolls.
Blade's eyes widened, this was an even bigger event than she had expected. 'What's going on?' A bit confused she looked to Griffin who besides her steadfast exterior was a bit lost for words there. Blade was sure of it.
"Please, High Stewards of Desertia, the stage is yours," Stella gestured them to the front.
Shawaka and Madu stepped forward their hands slightly drifting around each other's but never truly touched. The farmer and daughter of Shabaka who indeed had been cleared by the Council of all knowledge of her father's crimes, the former Court mage.
Blade or in fact every one of the students had tried to keep updated, but they simply had been way too busy. It felt like ages ago. 'Makes sense, Shawaka was the new Leader of Fairies after Shafira's death. And Madu has and always had the support of the farmers…are they together?' Blade wasn't quite sure, but they did seem to have found some liking to each other. Much more surprising was that from behind the other highly ranked guest little Esra with the biggest grin strolled over like a princess. On her dress the crest bestowed to Madu's family, by the Council. 'Right, there was something in the pages about him being raised to a noble rank…wait…' Blade couldn't contain her joy as she saw the little girl all in high spirits.
"I present to thee, the official Titel of 'Defeder of Desertia' in the name of the High Stewards of Deserita," Esra gave a bow and handed Blade the scroll.
"Thank you," Blade smiled ever so kindly at her, to know that she was well and indeed had found a new family that made her so happy. Esra moved on to Steela, Alyssa and Gilliana to hand out their scrolls as well.
Next up was Councillor Aithlin who very pleased with them all gave first a bow, "I am honoured to bestow to you officially from the Council the title of 'Fighter for Justice'. This one was earned by your perseverance and bigger role in bringing the Coup de 'tat to light and keeping the Crown houses of Songwind, Storma and Streama safe. Be mindful of your actions as you have so far, and always remember the Council ALWAYS backs a just cause, don't fight your battles alone." He gave Blade the scroll and repeated the same to Gilliana, Steela and Alyssa same as Esra had done before him. Before he took his place on the other side with Esra, Madu and Shawaka.
Nerrocean grinned at Blade and Dusk and the rest of the pipsqueaks, 'Look at that… astonishing how much Stella made happen in such a short time for their Court status.' He hammered his scythe down at the exact moment he summoned it, which made the guards flinch there for a second not expecting a weapon to be drawn of all things.
Brandon hastily ordered them to relax and sighed behind him, 'Typical, Hunter Division shenanigans… they do that on purpose…ahhh.'
Nerrocean unphased ignored it all and let the scrolls of two trays float. "You did well, in MY task force, you like any student of The Denied gave it your all, and showed proper conduct." He added but only in his thoughts, '- most of the time. Some of those hick-ups, truly…' He continued his speech, "I am looking forward to working with you in the future, surely each single one of you will bless your kingdoms with your wisdom, abilities and courage. Therefore, for the deed to reveal the corruption inside the Police of Magix, I, as Councillor of Magix bestow the title 'Revealer of Truth' to all of you." He paused as he let the scrolls float to all of the students besides one scroll. "Be reminded, a title is in my eyes, nothing more than words, IF you don't fill it with deeds. Don't dare let it fall to ashes, it is you who will add to its weight or diminish it." His words were a bit harsh or rather a warning. Yet it sparked much stronger responses, especially from the Sorceresses who eagerly nodded a fire in their eyes.
Blade chuckled unseen, she was so overjoyed, if it were only for her and him she might have hugged him just to get scolded or declined. Nerrocean wasn't one for hugs after all. Of course, she couldn't even try in public. Yet she could feel that fire, that wild burn in her chest, as well. His speech wasn't a ceremony or flattering words, that was a call to arms - a task for a lifetime.
"And lastly," Nerrocean moved a bit from the middle to the right to stand in front of Blade, "The title of 'Cleanser of Phere-Moan'. This indeed is a task already achieved, the title will dust with time. Yet Ms Ashfallow this only was just a single war you won. It shows potential, keep adding to that list. There are many more titles to be earned in life." He handed the scroll directly to her. A firm grip.
Blade held on to the other side besides already having a lot of scrolls already floating next to her, "I will." No doubt in her mind, not an ounce of wavering.
Nerrocean nodded pleased, let go and moved on to the other grown-ups, 'Votzaak was right to keep an eye on her ever since we met her first in that hearing. He has an eye for such things.'
Stella pleased by this display gestured to Griffin, "It is your turn I believe, Headmistress."
Griffin in half a daze slightly bowed, "Indeed." She turned around to her students her thoughts were racing, this was, more than she could have ever hoped for and yet no one had told her that the awarding ceremony had so many rewards, 'Those, aahh, they didn't tell me on purpose… sneaky. Ahh, surely payback for the Destertia hearing and Faragonda's and my little charade because of Shadion...' She breathed out and summoned one huge scroll, "I have the honour to bestoy you all and all the students you already and will find fit to join you. This official authorisation," She let the scroll unravel, "sanctions your group of 'The Denied' to take missions from the Council in the capacity of the school's supervision. You also will have to create a board of student representatives to take part in any meetings concerning the schools of Magix and any matters concerning the collaboration between professions, security assessments for Magix and lastly planet-wide threat alerts. All of us will help you to establish a sound base to work with for generations to come." She rolled up the scroll and handed it to Queen Dusk.
The crowd's whispers never had ebbed down. But this scroll meant lasting power. To receive it here in Solaria who was constantly in odds with Witches was a statement in itself. Besides the actual content of the authorisation. All those nobles were more than confused, about what their Queen had in store for them, since she had not said much yet. There was an unspoken tension in the air as all gazes met their Queen eventually.
Stella stood up flicked her hair behind her shoulder and gestured majestically, "Let all be reminded in all the Kingdoms of these students deeds. The other members of The Denied will receive invitations to receive their titles from their Kings and Queens or the Council shortly. Well then, Ms Ashfallow… Blade." her voice softened. "Not only do I, along with other Kingdoms grant you a scholarship at Alfea, I also gave you three million Maggi to invest for a Sorceress cause. So, please elaborate on how did you invest the money, and what did you achieve?" She turned around and sat down on her thrown again.
Silence, eager, judging eyes, all laid upon Blade. That little investment story, just as planned, had made its rounds. Of course, everyone knew and everyone in this Court wanted to hear what a commoner, a simple girl, and Witches would squander the money on. The other girls could see people whispering to each other ever so slightly, some chuckled. Where were quiet as a mouse when Stella talked, yet as soon as someone else got the word…and with Blade now in the lead the side talks were loudest so far.
Yet Blade smiled confidently, this she had actually practised with the Princesses and Pikass in their public image class. "Yes, here is my report, Queen Stella, I, in agreement with my classes from the three schools agreed to invest the money into more bracelets." Blade paused and summoned hers to her arm, of course, it clashed with the outfit, but that wasn't the point. "These are the ones that will be handed out this summer to all of Alfea and Red Fountain. See, it doesn't sound like much, nevertheless, the equipment has a long durability. It surpasses the mission we originally bought it for. Not only that, we also secured a way for our friends and allies to take full advantage of the new security system going officially live this summer. Also, it will help to create transparency of how Sorceresses actually work. They are not the mischievous good-for-nothing people try to make them out to be. I believe wholeheartedly that they are just like any other Dark Paladin or Wizard. I personally would go even so far as to say they are the same as us Fairy," unrest grew in the rows, "if given the chance and not MET with foolish sentiments. They are part of the balance we all try to uphold. They always have been. It is long overdue that someone credits them for their work." Blade was hit with rather a cold wave of glares from the Solarian Court. They were polite clapping and smiling at the reward ceremony as it was custom, but right now that buffer was gone as it was about Blade's own choice of investment. And all that clapping before most surely did not mean acceptance. "Yes, there are bad apples, there is no denying it. Nonetheless, that is the case in every Profession, Kingdom or Court. Wouldn't you agree, Queen Stella?"
"Indeed, it is. I do have a few friends along the Sorceress community which I hold in high regards and they have proven themselves faithful allies in the past and present," Stella promptly agreed. 'Great she practised! Not a sword yet, but at least she has more than a toothpick now.'
Blade continued flatteringly, "And not to mention that through your investments and trust you have graciously put in me. All the corruption, every single mission, we did take part in Councillor Nerrocean's task force was financed by you. You, Queen Stella, made it possible to unearth the corruption within the Police of Magix. We are forever grateful," Blade and the whole class took a deep bow.
"Is that true?" Queen Stella turned to Nerrocean. 'Nice one. We can use that to gloat around basically anywhere right now as it is still a hot topic. Not that she planned on it, but, Blade, sometimes you're a genius court-wise.' Yet besides her inner joy, she stayed so far, a bit unimpressed. She had to wait for the Councillor's answer after all.
"Yes, it is. We did use the Black Magic Hunter Division as a middleman to procure the bracelets officially as it was a need-to-know taskforce. Nonetheless, Ms Ashfallow is right. Proper communications and supervision were only possible because of Solaria's Crown. Magix owes you his deepest gratitude." He laid his hand on his chest and gave a short bow as well. 'Politics always so complicated…'
Stella pretended to ponder before she looked to Brandon, who nodded in agreement, "Well, well, I am more than pleased with your report Blade. You honour us. You are indeed worthy of your scholarship. And Lady Rise who is also a member of The Denied and a classmate of yours has me already informed of the Sorceresses from Solaria who dedicatedly worked in said task force. We requested the reports of conduct the Council guard protocolled. And I have to say we were rather surprised, positively surprised." She folded her hands. And breathed in once more. "Since Solaria has a policy to finance scholarships to ALL students with a bright future. From this day forth, all Sorceress students who show their willingness to stay within the law and support their kingdom like any other magic Profession will be granted a full scholarship at Cloud Tower, as it is their right within the law of this Court, with all costs covered by the Crown."
Complete silence. Blinking eyes, even the high guests had to try hard to stay composed as the wave of half an uproar and total confusion rushed through the present crowd. Yet the Queen of Solaria was not joking. She was dead serious.
Brandon cleared his throat to calm the masses, "Settle down," He commanded and everyone followed suit. He had their respect and trust, it had taken a few years, but by now he was well-versed in handling this unruly bunch. "We like any other Kingdom stand for justice. That law was created centuries ago. Yes. Probably not with Sorceresses in mind. Yet, clearly, the goal was to strengthen and secure the prosperity of this Kingdom." He made a pause to let people catch up. "Yes, our Kingdom has been hit hard by Witches and Black Magicians. I was there, I fought it, personally." He made it very clear. Brandon offered Stella a hand to pull her from her thrown to his side.
Stella smiled victoriously at him as she gently laid her hand on his. "Yet, we do not live in the past. And Sorceresses lived and served this Kingdom in our shadows for long enough. We all know it. So, instead of letting those young impressionable girls fall into the hands of the likes of Valtor. We can help them, grow. It is our duty to secure a future for all of us. I am not just the Fairy of the Sun, but the moon as well. I want to see it shine in the brightest light. For one thing, we all know, there always will be another to try to sniff out Solaria's light. And don't forget in the darkest night the moon shines the brightest. She spoke from the heart her magic her aura flooded the room. It was warm comforting and calming. The unrest settled at least for now. "There is a new dawn upon us. And Solaria's crown will welcome it with open arms. Whatever work it may take…" Stella looked in still wondering and a few angry faces, but if she set her mind on something, they all knew, she somehow, besides some of her shortcomings, would make it happen. "Now, I believe we all have a garden party to attend to…"
"And… that's what she said…after that huge party in the garden and a lot of handshaking and well trying not to screw up from the Sorceresses and myself. Those nobles really put us through the ringer and I at least know a bit. Kitty was so short on summoning a monster if Griffin hadn't stepped in and wiped the floor with that Duke on Court level," Blade recalled the ceremony for Amal as she stirred her cool drink with ice cubes under the umbrella of the little café near one of the parks of Magix City. She propped up her head on her hand. Amal had inspected her a bit weirdly as she had recalled the whole ceremony. "Why are you so curious?" They finally after all the hectic days and recovery had found the time to mull it all over and Amal was already on the next topic as she had expected. 'What is he looking at?' She checked her shirt but there was nothing out of the ordinary.
"You got to ask why?" Amal chuckled, "Information is key in the Council you know. And you are a first-hand witness. Not to mention I want your take on it. Do you think that Queen Stella can pull it off?" He asked intrigued as he brushed away his bluish-green bangs. 'So, nothing on her neck and arms, maybe her shoulders then.' He shifted his posture to get a better angle.
Blade sighed, "Well, I am sure that she's stubborn enough to get her wish somehow. Might take a while. Whole speech was not met with a roaring applause. Yet…Rise complains of more nobles asking all kinds of questions about Sorceresses. And Stella seems to be very chatty. She got Rise's bracelet number," Blade giggled. "She called her out of bed so often Rise had to drop some breadcrumbs for Faragonda. Pretty sure the Headmistress has taken care of that problem." She looked at him pondering, 'Of course, he already moved on. He is good with that. Get a job. Do the job. Get the next one…' Yet she followed his gaze to her shoulder. 'I don't have sunburn…' She frowned shortly. 'What is he doing? Is this some experiment? Aaaah…'
"Ah, yes, Faragonda… she's a formidable force Nerrocean is ducking away like crazy from her if one is to believe Votzaak's chipper gossip. She still got a few bones to pick with him," Amal rambled off and took a sip of his glass as he leaned back to stretch his neck. 'Shoulders are clear of rashes as well…hmm,' In thoughts he rambled on, "What about other kingdoms? Did they…" Amal stopped as he noticed Blade's gaze into her beverage stirring it with her straw a bit upset, now that he finally focused on her face again, "What's wrong?"
Blade sighed as she smiled tiredly at him, "It's always work with you. We have such a nice afternoon. You do know I can come over to give an 'official' report any time." She complained a bit. 'Typical Amal business first as always at least he stopped staring.'
Amal inspected her silently for a moment, "I'm sorry, I get so easily distracted… It's just so amazing what waves all this caught, you, we, The Denied, are still the talk of the town. It's incredible! I would never have thought it to be so-," He stopped again, "Sorry. Is there something specific on your mind?" He bit his lip, 'Great job Amal, now she feels like I don't care…'
"Hm, well, … I…" Blade sat upright again and searched for words. "I hoped you could tell me… I mean…" Blade wasn't sure how to put it. "I know you had much to do…but surely Votzaak or Lord Calculus or Nerrocean would have gotten you a visiting break for Yaggdrasor. I know you were busy at the assembly you couldn't leave there, I know. Nerrocean counted on you. It's just…"
"…I know… you wanted me to be there for you, right?" Amal looked saddened. "In person…"
Blade tilted her head, "If you knew then why, Amal? What kept you?" She really wanted to know.
Amal breathed in deeply his hands slightly shaking. 'I hate hospitals…not to mention I would be no help there…' He looked her straight in the eye. "It's just. I… TMD is great and all, but I… There is no way in Magix that I would let anyone republish that footage, Blade. Those scumbags are sly. They have time to wait. There was a lot to take care of. Not to mention that we had to run down all those assholes who tried to use memory magic to recreate the footage. We got them all, not to worry, Nerrocean planned ahead. But Everyone has the right to advise and defense at their hearings. Some of those Officers are truly hardcore and are still out for blood. They have psychics in their ranks and among friends…" Amal sounded a bit distraught. 'What good would I be in a hospital?! I can do nothing there! Nothing at all. It makes no difference.' He tensed up quite a bit before he continued, "I'm no good out in the field. I can't use healing magic. I, - there was just no way I could leave my console before I was sure, that even all those loopholes were covered, Blade. If they…" He balled his fists, "Lucia deserves to walk the streets without getting…That was the BEST way I could help you." He got a bit louder and even sounded a bit defensive there.
'Is he trying to convince himself or me?' Yet despite all that Blade nodded, "So, that's what kept you…" A bit relieved she breathed out, 'So, he did worry in his own way…' The thought put a smile back on her lips. She traced the rim of her glass. Still, she hoped he had come in person to see her. Yet he already felt bad enough so instead of scolding she eased up the tension, "You should have seen the herb gardens. It's the total opposite of Zenith. You'd be amazed at the wonders nature has to offer."
'No, no, no, she is totally faking that smile or? It just looks like…' Amal a bit panicky blurted out. "I analysed the herbs they used for your recovery. You seem fine though. I have not detected any symptoms." To show he truly cared for her well-being even if it sounded a bit stiff.
"Analysed?" Balde was thrown off a bit by that, "When would you have gotten the time for that?" She was a bit confused. 'Was he there early and got denied access after all and is too shy to admit it?' She frowned at Amal trying to read his expression.
Amal cleared his throat to get his posture back and grinned, "Well, I do see a lot of reports and yours come across my desk eventually. I told you I am last to check and write the final version of the report that goes to the King, Blade." He calmly explained with a hint of authority. Before his gaze wandered yet again over her skin it showed, "You should really watch those side-effects. King's Lilligrass can lead to magic fluctuations in casting even two weeks after in rare cases, the probability of that is just three point zero, zero, five per cent… but still. That healer countered it with Marot Bark so it's down to half, yet that one can lead to rashes, fever, or dizziness." Amal held his finger high in warning, "A few pure dark magic users reported that they thought they saw dead people after getting healed by potions which mainly contain that light magic herb. Not that, that should happen, but if you see anyone dead. You really need to get to a healer quickly and don't drink water, milk on the other hand is fine, but not optimal. The only way to counter that is to…"
Blade laughed out loud and shook her head, "Amal, stop, please! Pffffff," She had a hard time stopping herself. "Did you read the worst-case reports or something?" She teared up so much her stomach even began to hurt. 'He might have sat in front of the console all these days, but he backtracked everything nonetheless? Oh, boy…'
Amal huffed as he defended himself against this onslaught of laughter, "Of course, I checked. I don't care how good that healer might be. Anyone can make mistakes. Not to mention you are, well, special," Amal got a bit red as the cafe waitress snickered to herself as she cleared a table not far from them. 'Shadion could throw everything we know of medicine out of the window!' Poutingly he crossed his arms, "Those healing herbs are nothing to joke about. Half of that stuff could kill a person if used incorrectly. If you see any silver spots on your toes, you need an ambulance ASAP. Okay?" He was dead serious and Blade laughing didn't help him calm down at all. "That's not funny!" He even growled a bit, 'Loosig loved one's sucks…' Yet he shook his head once as Balde was too busy trying to get a grip again holding her stomach, "The chances of that guy screwing up with all those herbs were higher than just letting you sleep it off and do nothing!"
Blade finally managed to get a grip and looked back at him, "And whose calculation said that?" Still, she snorted. Amal's face was priceless. He tried so hard to stay composed and hide his true feelings. 'He is so embarrassed, why though?'
Amal rumbled, "Mine, I input every possibility, you know. I'm not wrong here." He bit his tongue. '…She doesn't understand…she could have…'
"Did you factor in the competence of the healer?" Blade puffed as she finally managed to calm down.
"Yes, but no one's stats can be THAT good, I mean nighty per cent? Come one, that has to be a lie," he gestured around. "Of course, I input a margin error for those reports."
"Margin error?" Blade couldn't help but snort, "How much did you redact from the ninty per cent?"
"Fourthy…" Amal replied a bit hushed. 'They always say they know what they do. It's not the truth. How can she blindly believe that crap?'
"Fourthy? So, it was a fifty-fifty if he got his herbs right or wrong?" Blade shook her head in disbelief. "Pallagis is an Eques of the Yaggdronus Order, why shouldn't it be nighty per cent? He has a few hundred years of experience. I think he did an excellent job." Blade held against it.
"I ran all percentages okay. And to have made no mistake he had to be right at least eighty-three per cent and all of the time none of the rare side effects were to be triggered. Do you even know that you could have gone blind!?" He got a bit upset that Blade took this so lightly.
"Blind?" Blade stopped laughing, not because she thought that to be possible, but because she could feel that he wasn't flustered but suppressing anger or fear.
"Yeah, six hundred years ago a merman got healed in the field with that-" Amal stopped as her hand laid upon his gently squeezing it. "…"
Blade looked him in the eyes, "What's this about? Why are you so scared?" She could feel him tremble.
"Nothing…" Amal stonewalled her. "Calculations do not lie…"
'Amal… nothing my ass…' Blade sighed, "Amal, I always have an open ear for you. You know that, right?" She tried to console him and create room.
Amal closed his eyes, "I know…" Yet paused. Paused for a while and a while longer. "I, it's just… you can't always believe what they tell you, Blade."
"They?" Blade didn't quite understand.
"Doctors… they lie to make you feel better. Don't take everything at face value," Amal cautioned her.
"Did you lose someone to a wrong diagnosis?" Blade gently traced over his hand.
Amal looked away, "No. Not yet…" He answered ever so quietly. "Come! You said you liked the herb gardens, I know of a spot that should be brimming with light magic. You'll love it!" He stood up enthusiastically and waved the waitress over to pay up.
"Amal…" Worried Balde looked at him, 'Well, we just getting to know each other… Family matters are a private thing. It's not like I talk a lot about my heritage of Luna Steel.' She stood up and followed him off to the trail into the park. Around this time of the day, it was rather empty. "Wait a second." Blade stopped and pulled Amal closer to give him a hug, "I am here for you. Always, you just got to ask." She laid her her head onto his shoulder and didn't let go as she let a bit of Light magic flow through herself and into him.
"Blade…" Amal whispered her name but was unable to speak another word just standing there in her comfort was enough. "I'll make it up to you, I promise…" he finally uttered a certain fire in his voice.
"Don't worry, I am fine, and I'm having a great time," Just standing here was enough, what she needed, what he needed. Blade smiled to herself as an older couple walked past them all lovey-dovey themselves.