Siesta's goodbyes to her family were always drawn-out affairs due to their unabiding love for each other, and, of course, the abundance of family members. As the two rode away, they passed a mobilization of troops that was ready to move out to wherever the coming conflict may be. Upon returning to the academy, the couple was shocked to see the Viking in the midst of the academy grounds, with a commotion from the students surrounding it.
"What is this thing?"
"I heard it was one of the legendary dragons!"
"Doesn't really look like a dragon."
"And how many have you seen?"
"Well, Sylphid, and, uh…"
Louise and Siesta could make out some of the students' conversations, as they had their attention completely wrapped up in the starfighter and not the couple.
As they drew nearer to the Viking, they found Colbert and the rest of their group, with Osmond approaching.
"Well, I didn't expect you to actually find it," Osmond remarked as he drew next to a beaming Colbert. "I thought you'd become lost in the mountains for sure," he continued.
"Thank you for helping to transport the Sky Fury," Colbert answered, gratefully, completely unaffected by Osmond's jab at his sense of direction.
Osmond stepped closer to the starfighter, and began examining it closely, "This is truly amazing…" he remarked, scratching his beard. "I'm sure we can get the Palace to agree to us keeping it for them," Osmond said as he turned back to Colbert.
All it needs now is fuel, Siesta thought as she looked at the Sky Fury. Even a little goes a long way. She began to put pieces together that had been given to her by her power upon touching the starfighter. "That's it!" she exclaimed aloud, confusing Louise and some nearby bystanders.
She gathered Colbert and him, her, and Louise went back to Colbert's on-campus home and lab. Upon arriving, Siesta implored that he show her the gas once again. Colbert, obliging, produced the airtight sealed cylinder. "Where can we find more of this?" Siesta asked.
"Hmm, well it was very hard to find even that small amount," Colbert replied as he fell deep into thought. "But I might be able to make something similar? I've been studying this dragon's blood for years and think I can replicate an approximation of it. Probably won't be as potent though, why?"
"If you can make more, we can take the Sky Fury into flight," Siesta replied excitedly. Her excitement infected Colbert, whose eyes widened.
"I'll get on it right away!" he exclaimed as he quickly turned around, nearly tripping over the mess of papers and equipment strewn about his floor.
If this Terran can replicate vespene gas, he would be the first, even among the Koprulu Sector, Zeratul commented as Colbert began setting to work at his chemistry station.
I believe in him, Siesta replied, a smile on her face as she watched the professor work.
Leaving him to his studies, the couple left his hut, whereupon Louise looked to Siesta.
"Hey… you're not planning on leaving, like he said was possible, right?" Louise asked, her insecurity laid bare.
Siesta gave her a reassuring smile, "Of course not, Louise, I just think, what with the warlike feeling happening, it might be useful to Tristain."
Louise, reassured, smiled back as the two went back to the grounded Sky Fury, the crowd dispersed, save for Tabitha, Kirche, and Guiche, with an awestruck Montmorency now joining them.
"N-no way!" Montmorency exclaimed as she beheld the starfighter.
"Yes, my lovely Montmorency, I have sought and brought back this treasure at risk to my own life and limb in order for you to see I am, indeed, worthy of you," Guiche announced as he tossed his hair with his non-wand-holding hand and struck a pose.
"Well, it certainly is impressive…" Montmorency admitted as her voice betrayed her softening up to the philandering noble.
"Don't believe a word he says, he didn't do ANYTHING to help," Kirche stated, calling Guiche out with a hint of mischievousness in her voice.
"Is that true, Guiche?!" Montmorency demanded as she turned back to Guiche, face scrunched up in anger once more.
"O-of course not, my darling!" Guiche stammered out, "But even if you don't believe that, please believe I never cheated on you while I was away," Guiche pleaded as he got down on one knee and took his angry girlfriend's hands.
"Well, it's not for lack of trying," Siesta commented, a smug look on her face.
Guiche, his eyes wide with shock at Siesta's snitching, was met with a mighty blow from Montmorency's foot as she stomped away from him once more.
"When will my suffering end…?" Guiche lamented as he lay on the grass, defeated.
As the group laughed at his deserved pain, they were interrupted by the arrival of one of the other students, riding furiously on horseback. This portly, short young man with dirty blonde hair and an owl flying beside him stopped before the group, a look of urgency on his face.
"Malicorne? What's going on?" Kirche asked the young noble.
"We're in danger!" Malicorne shouted with urgency. The entire group snapped their attention to him, "The kingdom of Albion has fallen!"
The group gasped.
"Their government has reformed and renamed the country to Aleksandria, and now they have declared war on Tristain!" Malicorne added, urgently.
This caused the entire group to go wide-eyed with terror. They had never thought they would live to see such times.
The declaration of war had shaken everyone at the academy to their core. Panicked whispers were uttered from the lips of every noble, with servants fretting over their families and wanting to leave. An air of restlessness rocked the academy that night, as everyone worried for the future. The judgmental looks of the students that had plagued Louise and Siesta before were no more as the entire academy was now focused on the news of the war, and they were somewhat grateful for it, but were unable to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy each other's company due to the overhanging circumstances.
"I wish I knew where Julien was… and if he's okay," Siesta lamented to Louise that first evening of their return to the academy. Siesta was gently, yet absent-mindedly, brushing Louise's brilliant pink locks following her bath. Louise stopped her and turned to face her girlfriend.
"I could probably find out, you know, with my connections," Louise offered.
"I'd like that," Siesta smiled as she gave Louise a small kiss.
After a moment, and with no sense of timing, Zeratul appeared before them, causing each of the girls to jump.
The veil between this world and the Void grows thin, my disciples, Zeratul began. I sense that within the next two rotations of this world, the veil will be lifted.
"What does that mean?" Louise asked.
My senses are shrouded by a darkness from beyond, and I fear I will not be able to guide you on what is to come. However, I know it is my duty to inform you of what I can so that you may steel yourself, Void User, Zeratul stated. I told you of the peril the dark god Amon brought upon my home and my people. That peril, despite the success of the combined efforts of the sector, has not yet ceased. This burden weighs heavy on your world. The burden of the machinations of that dark god.
"You mean…" Louise began, shocked. "Amon is-?"
He has perished, Young Louise, but as his existence exists outside of our sense of space and time, he knew of his death, and planted seeds of destruction throughout other realities the Void touches, Zeratul explained. I do not know the extent of the damage, my disciples, but I do understand my purpose now in being here, in training you. Louise and Siesta looked up at the Nerazim in stunned silence. Slowly contemplating what all he said meant.
"But," Louise began as she gave him a pleading look, "I don't understand how I fit into all this."
I still cannot say, Young Louise, Zeratul replied. All I can say is: have faith that Tassadar and the Void chose correctly in gifting you with their powers.
Had this been told to Louise at any other time, she would have been completely overwhelmed, but throughout all the events that had happened since the day she summoned Zapper, she had developed a resolve that she had never known before. With this resolve, she looked to Zeratul, determination in her eyes, and said, "Then we must intensify the training, Zeratul."
Indeed.
The next day, the academy still found itself in the grip of anxiety as everyone fretted about the war. Louise and Siesta had decided to take this opportunity to train with Zeratul, as they knew the coming conflict would require them to be ready. Using what Zeratul had taught them, Louise was able to manifest larger and larger void prisons, now able to trap small animals. Siesta, meanwhile, focused on developing her psionic skills, feeling that it would be more universally useful than relying on the power of the Gandalfr. By the time night had fallen, Louise was able to almost completely imprison Siesta, and Siesta was able to manifest a small bolt of pure, kinetic and thermal energy with which she was able to blast a branch off of a tree. Pleased with their progress, they were about to make their way to bed when they were stopped by Osmond, who was working with other teachers to shepherd the students.
"Headmaster? What's going on?" Louise asked.
"All the mages must attend this meeting, by order of the crown," Osmond informed. Louise, not wanting to abandon Siesta, looked back at her with concern.
"Don't worry, I'll be alright," Siesta assured with a smile. The two embraced, and went their separate ways.
Louise followed Osmond and the other students, with murmurs among the crowd trying to discern what was happening.
"You think we're getting drafted?"
"Why? We're nobles. That's what peasants are for."
"Yeah, but our army is pretty small, they might need all the help they can get."
"We should be so honored to be able to serve our country!"
The last, pompous declaration clearly came from Guiche, who once again looked back to Montmorency for her approval, which was promptly rejected. As the students gathered in the ballroom atop the center tower of the academy, anxiety began to boil over as the rumors began to spin out of control.
"What if we already lost? What if we have to go into hiding?"
"There's no way we lost in one day!"
"I'm so scared, I want my mommy."
"Toughen up! Nobles shouldn't be so whiny…"
Louise cringed at the thought of how she used to be so prideful and callous as to think that emotions should always be shuttered away. Before long, the teachers, with Osmond front and center, gathered before the students and got their attention with Osmond loudly clearing his throat.
"As you well know, Albion, or Aleksandria, as they have named themselves, has declared war on Tristain. Led by Princess Henrietta, the army is being re-organised and assembled," he began. "
The Princess herself? Louise wondered with concern. Shuddering at the thought of her childhood friend in such peril. The murmurs once again grew and were once again silenced by Osmond.
"As of today, the Academy will be closed until further notice," Osmond declared. The students once again murmured amongst themselves, freely, this time, as Osmond dismissed them.
"What will you do?"
"Guess I'll go home…"
"Man, this sucks, but at least we're not being drafted."
"Hah! What cowards. Is there no one here willing to fight for their country?" Guiche asked pompously.
"Why? Are you serving?" Montmorency asked flippantly.
"As the son of a Marshal, I have to, for my family's honour," as Guiche elaborated, his face fell into despair. "Basically, I'm forced to…"
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Montmorency remarked as she rolled her eyes.
Louise, full of determined resolve, turned to leave the room before everyone else.
"Hey, where are you going?" Kirche asked.
"Where do you think?" Louise replied, as she walked confidently back to her room, determined resolve burning in her heart.
Siesta waited anxiously for the return of her girlfriend, seated on the bed with her hands clasped together. She did not have to wait long, however, as the door opened and Louise stepped in.
"What happened?" Siesta asked.
"They're closing the academy for the foreseeable future," Louise replied as she began removing the clothes she had been wearing all day to change into her night clothes.
"I see," Siesta replied. "What will we do then?"
Louise, after changing herself, sat on the bed beside Siesta. "The Princess herself is leading the army to engage Albion's forces." Siesta could feel that she was not going to like what Louise had to say next. "I'm going to join her," Louise stated firmly.
"What? No! That's too dangerous!" Siesta exclaimed.
"It's not up to you, Siesta," Louise declared in her formal, emotionally detached tone she had always used with those she saw as beneath her. "She's my oldest friend, this is all my fault, I have to take responsibility. If not just for her, then for my country."
"Damn this country!" Siesta burst out as she jumped to her feet, "Countries? Nobles? None of that matters! What matters is us and being there for each other!" Siesta declared, aggressively taking Louise's hands on her own.
"I AM a noble," Louise responded, taking her hands from Siesta, "and this IS my country, and I will be there to fight for it." Louise's old pride was now fully shining through, angering Siesta.
"I'm not going to just sit back and watch you die for some lines someone drew on a piece of paper hundreds of years ago!"
"Then don't!"
Siesta went silent as Louise gave her a fierce look.
"I'm not a child! You don't own me! I want to be there! I have to do this!" Louise was clenching and waving her fists furiously. A heavy silence fell over the room while the two stared at each other. Finally, Louise sighed and seemed to calm down, "If you want to be there for me, be there for me, otherwise?" Louise did not finish her thought as she blew out the room's candles and put herself to bed.
Siesta, standing and seething with frustration at Louise, gathered herself and sighed.
"Very well, Miss Valliere."
Louise heard the door open and shut shortly following that.
"You really think that was the right move, pinky?" Derflinger asked, unprompted.
"Not now, sword," Louise softly implored as she drew the covers tighter over her.
"If you only know what she's done for you…" Derflinger trailed off ominously as he silenced himself.
Louise, not having the emotional capacity to pursue that statement, simply lay there, silently, as she wept herself to sleep.
Siesta, meanwhile, stomped down the stairs of the dormitory tower, muttering to herself.
"'I'm not a child!' well you act like one!" she hissed to herself, along with other mocking statements, until she reached the academy grounds where she spied the Sky Fury. She walked over to it and once again placed her hand upon the chassis, feeling the rush of knowledge and abilities flood to her once again. In that single moment, she was tempted to try what Colbert suggested and fly through the eclipse, leaving this place, but, being mindful of her feelings, checked herself and began to calm down. Before she could soothe herself too much, Zeratul appeared before her.
"I really wish you'd warn me before you did that," Siesta chided.
Gifted Siesta, I have something for you, he reached into the folds of his cloak and produced what looked to be a human-sized version of the gauntlet presented to him at the end of his shadow walk she saw in the vision.
"Is this…?" Siesta's voice trailed off as she reached for it, hesitating to make contact.
I had asked the Inquisitive Kirche to have this made, I am no phase smith by any means, but as she had vouched for the one who made her necklace, I trusted that his skills would be sufficient to craft this for you using additional Jorium she had ordered from her homeland, Zeratul informed as he gave an inviting motion to Siesta to take the gauntlet in her hands
It was essentially a scaled-down version of the wrist blade she had seen gifted to Young Zeratul in the vision she was shown, but modified to sit better on a human wrist. Instead of bold brass, it was made of shining, silvery steel, with a tight leather interior that was meant to cling to the wearer's arm. The interior stretched out to barely cover halfway up the metacarpals, in order to ensure maximum stability in its placement. Atop the gauntlet was an inlaid, smoothed chunk of Jorium crystal that glowed faintly at her touch, and upon making contact with the gauntlet, the runes on her left hand came alight, and her mind flooded with the skills and knowledge to use this weapon.
"A warp blade," Siesta commented as she rolled up her sleeve to put the gauntlet on. Upon doing so, she could feel herself focus her energies, as if instinctively, and the blade came alight.
Fascinating, Zeratul remarked, observing the unique color of the warp blade: black, with a red, crackling outline searing the air around it. Could this be a result of the Gandalfr power? Your unique psionic signature? Or perhaps due to the use of this Jorium? Zeratul wondered. Alas, as I have said, I am no phase smith, yet, still, this mystery intrigues me.
Siesta waved the blade through the air, hearing the crackling of the air burning and smelling the resulting hint of ozone. In an instant, the gauntlet felt like a natural extension of herself, a part of her that she now felt she could never part with. Feeling satisfied with her test, she powered the blade down.
I believe you are ready, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul stated as he drew out his scythe and powered it on. Siesta, her heart racing feared what he meant. Be not afraid, I merely wish to test the limits of the Gandalfr's power. I assure you no harm will come to you, Zeratul informed as he struck an aggressive pose. Siesta, nodding, did so herself, igniting the blade once more. In an instant, Zeratul had blinked and Siesta looked around frantically to where he had gone.
Trust your senses, Gifted Siesta, not only your natural human ones, but the ones granted to you by your psionics, Zeratul advised. In that moment, Siesta instinctively turned and ducked while slashing her warp blade at Zeratul. The old Nerazim warrior expertly flipped himself in mid-air and dodged her strike as well. Feel the energy around you shift, let the flow of energy become second nature not just to manipulate, but to observe, Zeratul continued as he blinked once again. This time, without any warning, Siesta instinctively jumped atop the Sky Fury to get high ground while Zeratul appeared where she was, only to strike at air. Excellent, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul lauded as he blinked once again. Siesta once again jumped to a new location, the wall of the central academy tower. However, this time, Zeratul was where she planned to go. Seeing the flash of green of his scythe lash out at her, her body contorted itself in mid-air to avoid the strike, while she psionically bounced on the air to be above Zeratul and launched herself at him. Zeratul pushed himself from the wall, but not before Siesta's blade struck his shields causing them to flash and causing him to have to catch himself and psionically manipulate his landing to be on his feet. Siesta, the heat of combat overtaking her, pushed herself from the wall as well and went in for another strike. This time, Zeratul merely held up his hand and stopped her in a Void Prison. Your skills are impressive, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul lauded, were it not for my centuries of training, you could have slain me.
The void prison wore off soon, and Siesta fell clumsily to the ground. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me," Siesta replied, apologetically.
There is nothing to apologize for, Gifted Siesta, I sensed this new power would be difficult to control, which is why I wished to spar with you so you could become aware of its power, Zeratul informed as he deactivated his scythe and hid it away. As I told you when I first began your training, be mindful of your feelings. Let them fuel your actions, not drive them. This power you have acquired will require a greater mindfulness that you do not lose control. However, from what I have observed, I have full faith that you will be able to handle it.
Siesta smiled as she rose to her feet, but, while being praised for her control, she thought back to Wardes and felt herself shudder.
The events of Albion weigh heavy on you, Gifted Siesta, Zeratul noted.
"Yeah," she replied, unsurprised as she was used to his psionic senses mingling with hers. "I still don't know…" she began as she looked to the ground solemnly, "...if I did the right thing."
Zeratul moved closer to her and placed his massic hand on her shoulder, Gifted Siesta, in that moment, you remembered your teachings and made the decision you felt would create the least harm for the future. Even the greatest of Protoss do not fully know all the consequences of every action. Even we must make decisions blindly, in the heat of battle. However, it is important that you not dwell on whether or not what you had done was right or wrong for the future. It is important you be aware that the decision was right WITHIN that moment, and not judge your past self for what you felt was right for not only your survival, but the survival of others. Zeratul's voice betrayed understanding, and Zeratul, picking up on Siesta's sense, elaborated, One who has lived as long as I will inevitably have demons to abide. I still attempt to learn how to reconcile my actions every day.
"Does it get better?" Siesta asked desperately.
No, Zeratul said plainly. And yes.
Siesta felt slightly reassured by the old Nerazim's words, and felt she now had cooled off enough to return to Louise and make the most of what she felt could be one of their last nights.
The next morning, Louise awoke early, her sinuses still feeling pressure from her crying. She knew she had to go before Siesta tried to stop her. When she went to slip out of bed, she noticed a familiar arm around her and turned to see her girlfriend sleeping soundly, as though nothing had happened last night. Feeling unsure of what to do, she continued to lay there, staring at Siesta's peacefully sleeping face. It wasn't long before Siesta's eyes started to open as well, and met with Louise's. At that time, Siesta gave her the usual loving look and smile.
"Good morning, Louise," Siesta greeted.
"I didn't think you'd be here," Louise answered bashfully, not being able to maintain eye contact.
"I'm sorry I stormed out like that," Siesta said apologetically.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you," Louise reciprocated.
The two smiled at each other and kissed.
"I hope you know I'm still planning to join the Princess today," Louise stated nervously, unsure of what her girlfriend would say.
"I know. I know it's important to you, and I won't stop you," Siesta acknowledged.
Louise returned her eyes to her girlfriend's. She was stunned, to say the least, about this turn of events. Having lived her entire life around proud nobles who would sooner die than try and compromise or even just talk about their feelings, this was a welcome surprise.
"So, what'll we do?" Louise asked.
"C'mon," Siesta answered as she got out of bed, "I have an idea."
Siesta and Louise made their way back down to the Sky Fury.
"Lord Colbert is confident he can make more fuel for this," Siesta pointed out. "Regardless of its use to go to where Mr. Zeratul is from, it should help give us the edge against Albion. There's no way they have anything like this."
"That'd be a good idea," Louise replied with a nod, "I doubt even Albion's legendary dragon knights would be able to stand up to something that was designed to fight the things I've seen in visions of where Zeratul comes from. However, it all depends on whether or not Colbert can actually make more fuel."
"Well, let's go ask him," Siesta suggested. The couple went to his hut nearby and entered. "Sorry to intrude, Lord Colbert, but have you made any progress?"
"Ah! I'm so glad you two are here! I feel I'm already getting close!" Colbert exclaimed excitedly. Shortly after his outburst, a small pop and a breaking of glass could be heard from behind him. "I'm still working out the EXACT formula so it's more stable," Colbert elaborated with a sheepish chuckle, "but if all keeps going well, it should be ready before the solar eclipse tomorrow!"
Tomorrow? Louise thought to herself, which was only remarkable due to the fact that it lined up perfectly with Zeratul's warning of coming darkness.
"Well, we're not really trying to do that," Siesta replied with a nervous chuckle, "But that is very soon, indeed! You are impressive, Lord Colbert."
The Professor puffed out his chest with pride, "Well thank you, miss! I do pride myself on my research!" At that, another few pops and sounds of breaking glass happened behind him. "I should probably get back to that."
After leaving Colbert to his work, the girls made their way to the stables to request a horse with the intention of going to the Princess.
"Hey, are you sure you're really okay with this?" Louise asked as they both mounted the horse.
"Louise, I've always told you I'd be there for you no matter what. And now with being your Gandalfr, that goes double," Siesta replied with a reassuring smile. "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side," Siesta said comfortingly as she kissed Louise on the cheek.
Blushing, Louise nodded to Siesta as she spurred the horse onward towards town. Once there, they transferred to a carriage, and made their way to the Palace. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a furious crowd of protestors, screaming at the gates.
"Why should our children have to fight your wars?!"
"These are your problems! Not ours!"
"Make peace with Albion so our sons don't have to die!"
These were some of the sentiments Louise and Siesta overheard. Louise could not help but sympathize with them, after all she'd experienced with Siesta's family. The idea of families having to give up their children to fight the wars of those who looked down on them? It was something she didn't think twice about before. Now, however, as she looked at her lowborn girlfriend? She understood their anger, and hoped that the war could come to a speedy end. For the sake of noble and peasant alike.
The journey through the protesters was a bit frightening, as rocks and other debris were flung at the couple and the carriage was shaken a few times before soldiers beat them back, much to Louise and Siesta's discomfort. Once at the palace gates, and beyond a wall formed by yet more soldiers, they were approached by one of the officers.
"Name and business?" he demanded from behind a full face helmet with ornate plumage indicating his rank.
"Louise François le Blanc de la Vallière, childhood friend of the princess, here to see her regarding the war," Louise announced in her most declarative and authoritative noble voice.
"We will send an envoy to the Princess, should she recognize your name, you will be let through. Otherwise? You will be arrested," the officer stated, plainly.
Louise nodded in return.
As they waited, the crowd had begun to grow more restless, with more objects being hurled at them and the guards and the crowd's din growing in volume. As it seemed to be reaching a breaking point, the officer, who had been standing and watching them the whole time, looked off to see someone giving him signals, and turned back to the couple.
"You may now see the Princess," the officer declared as the carriage began to move beyond the gates. At the moment the gates began to creak open, the crowd whipped into a frenzy, with some shouting to storm the gates.
"GET BACK! GET BACK POORS!" the couple could hear the officer shout as they began to hear blows landing and screams coming from the crowd.
Shortly following that, the girls, now far enough away from the protesters that what they and the soldiers were saying was indiscernible, exited the carriage and were escorted directly to the throne room, where the Princess awaited them.
"Oh, Louise, it is good to see you again," Henrietta beamed as she briskly walked up to Louise to embrace her. "And noble Siesta," Henrietta smiled as she turned to Siesta and took her hands in her own. "I'm sorry, I wish we were meeting under better circumstances…" the Princess let go of Siesta's hands and stood before the two with a solemn look upon her face.
"I know, your majesty," Louise replied as she took a knee and bowed before her, Siesta following suit. "This is why I am here, to pledge my service to you and be by your side in these difficult times."
Henrietta looked touched by Louise's sincerity, with tears welling up in her eyes, "Thank you, Louise, you don't know how much that means to me." She then looked to Siesta, "Does she speak for you, as well?"
"No, but, yes," Siesta replied anxiously, "Where she goes," She raised her head to give Louise an affectionate look, "I go."
Henrietta gave the two a warm, approving smile, "I am so happy for you, Louise," Henrietta said, "that you have found such great love despite everything."
Louise blushed, being unable to deny the Princess' observation.
"Very well," Henrietta declared as she pointed her scepter at Louise's bowing form, "Louise François le Blanc de la Valliere," she then turned her scepter to Siesta, "and Siesta Sasaki, I hereby accept your offer of servitude and appoint you to be part of my personal escort. You may rise."
The couple did as they were ordered and stood at attention before the Princess.
"I will let my people know of this change, you will be granted full access to me and to all the high-level personnel," Henrietta informed, before taking Louise's hands once again, "I hope that, soon, we will be able to meet in more peaceful times." The two smiled at each other, as they embraced once again. "Now," Henrietta began as she moved back from Louise. "You should stay here and rest, I'll want you by my side first thing as we move out tomorrow."
"T-tomorrow?! They're attacking that soon?!" Louise burst out in shock.
"Yes," the Princess nodded in response, "Aleksandria, upon declaring war, quickly mobilised their airships and dragon knights and have already been spotted encroaching on our borders. Even now, we suspect them to be passing over Tarbes in their attempt to reach the capital."
Siesta looked gravely concerned at the mention of her village. Louise took her girlfriend's hand in an attempt to comfort her.
"We will be moving to intercept them there. Brimir willing, we will hold and push their army back," Henrietta continued.
"Your majesty," Siesta piped up. "I have a plan as well. I only ask that you trust us."
Henrietta, at first seeming confused, smiled and nodded to Siesta, "I trust you as I would trust Louise, with all my heart." The group smiled at each other, as the girls were dismissed. Siesta was offered a griffin ride back to the academy, while Louise was to remain with the Princess during her move-out the next day.
"I hope this works," Louise said anxiously as she fidgeted with her hands.
"Hey," Siesta replied in a reassuring voice, "After everything we've experienced, I know it will." Louise looked up to Siesta, and the two shared a quick, but passionate, kiss, before Siesta was helped up on the griffin of her assigned escort.
"Tomorrow, look to the sky, and I will be there," Siesta declared confidently as she waved to her girlfriend while the griffin took off. Louise continued to wave until they were completely out of sight in the growing darkness of the coming night, whereupon she dropped her hand and her face fell to worry.
"It's okay, Louise," Henrietta said in a comforting voice behind her. Louise turned to see her childhood friend now adorned in ornate, steel armor with gold trim. It was odd to see her friend like this, and fear began to well up in her once again.
No, fear is an illusion. An illusion I control, I acknowledge I feel fear, and that it is part of me, but it is not me, Louise quickly meditated.
"Hey, so you're here, too?" Louise heard a familiar, masculine, pompous voice say. She turned to see Guiche, still wearing his usual slightly modified school uniform that showed his bare chest, "Guess you got forced into this, too?" he laughed.
"No, I volunteered," Louise replied sardonically, which seemed to cut Guiche down a notch. After that jab, the Princess noticed someone, and turned to leave the two.
"T-thats-!" Guiche stammered out in disbelief.
Queen Marianne! Louise thought in surprise, as it was quite rare for the Queen to reveal herself.
"I'll reclaim Tarbes, even at the cost of my life," Henrietta declared to her mother as she bowed low.
"May the founder Brimir bless and watch over you, my daughter," the Queen replied in prayer. At that, Henrietta stood before her mother, stiff with resolve, and turned to the gathering soldiers.
"My fellow Tristainians!" Henrietta began, "This injustice by the bastardous and unlawful so-called 'country' of Aleksandria will not go unpunished! We are blessed by the founder Brimir himself, and are chosen by divine mandate to carry out his will! We will not let a single one of these invaders go without retribution for their impudence! And I will be there to ensure that this justice is meted out swiftly and without mercy!" she proclaimed as she raised her scepter. "GLORY TO TRISTAIN!"
"GLORY TO TRISTAIN!" the soldiers, Louise and Guiche included, chanted back as they resumed their preparations for the move-out tomorrow.
Siesta arrived back at the academy under cover of darkness, dropped off by the griffin rider, who returned to the garrison. She slept restlessly that night, both due to the coming battle and missing her girlfriend.