The White Darkness

By Helbaworshipper

False Treaty Arc: Seno Kingdom Preparation Part 1

It was… It was almost burned to the ground. The entire castle had been destroyed. One hand shakily moved to touch one of the once strong stones. Ingrained in each had been Lotis drawn from the existing monarchs over time. The stone meant to protect all of the worlds… It was starting to crumble inside the hand.

Her body felt weak as she tried to grasp the stone and keep it together. Her voice was calling out something, but even her hands could not catch all the dust now falling from her fingers. Each movement was grasping another, trying to save another each time. Her body felt weaker and almost faint each time.

There had to be something she could do. She couldn't see any light beyond the stones. She could feel tears but did not want to let them loose from her eyes. There was no reason for her to… For her to feel the weakness of the darkness. She had to do something before the people realized it was crumbling away.

She reached for the last one, almost unable to even move her fingers. She found her mouth hard to even put energy into. Even her heart was almost gone. What had happened here? Why was the world in a mess? Her body felt like it was falling. Still, why has she not hit the ground? A smile was the last thing she could tell before she could only hear words.

"It is time, is it not…" She heard the words more so because she felt like she was close to something. Something warm yet ice cold. She tried to move her fingers, but even her pinky felt the effort of having tried to reconstruct the destroyed castle. "It is indeed time to see if they can change what is meant to be. How sad that you must weather such a trial when you are not meant to decide a thing."

"Who..." Her mouth found the slightest bit of energy. Still, the figure seemed to be undisturbed by her ability to speak.

"Rajika," the voice spoke and the energy she had left started to drain. She attempted to see who it was that was possibly carrying her or whatever it was. She could barely feel anything. As she attempted to keep her eyes open just to see the person one more time, the word took effect and she started to feel as if she was falling...

The morning sun burned the curtains that tried to block out the light. Blinking, the brown-haired woman rubbed at her green eyes. She had been studying the last she remembered. Considering the failing state of the candle she had lit, considering her lack of the ability to continue to control the Lotis word for light. She knew what the word was, but she couldn't be nearly as talented in using words while concentrating on her own studying. She blew the remaining flame out and stood up, looking at the state of the books. When had she had the time to put the books in a neat pile? Still, she couldn't quite argue she hadn't…

The knocking brought her out of her concentration. "Princess Alice? Your tutoring session is in five minutes."

She had missed breakfast, hadn't she? She blinked, realizing she'd be late if she waited any longer. She threw her nightgown onto the bed, quickly pulling out one of her gowns and placing it over her body. A light blue gown with green stitching with a few symbols she hadn't quite studied yet. Still, it would do as she splashed her face and wiped it off. Normally, one would call the maids in. She, however… Didn't like hearing the conversation from them. Every day she had allowed the maids into her own weakness, it was mostly pity talk.

She could hear the chatter as she tried to tame her hair. Each strand did fight to remain sticking up. The maid was most likely waiting for more because she was obligated. Still, she didn't even want to be a minute later. She pushed herself through the door with her books in hand. The maid simply looked confused as she ran, the heels required causing a rather large amount of noise.

"She's late again for her own tutoring." She heard one voice as she continued down the maze of halls.

"Doesn't she realize that she's going to lose to Princess Mayura more simply by attempting to take her own test?"

"Perhaps she doesn't know her place?"

"She has the power, so she is obligated, is she not?"

"Still, the fact she even slept through breakfast."

"She isn't putting enough effort in."

"Sleeping in and not studying enough to show her support..."

She did her best to get rid of the voices like usual. Being the second child and not in comparison to her own sister was taking a toll on her, but not enough for her to show it outwardly. She knew well enough she wasn't a prodigy. Still, it didn't feel right to even think of such things when she simply wanted to be able to learn and take her test. She did feel some worry over not being able to be strong enough, but she had to take the test to know. To understand what limits she still had to reach.

Finally away from the from the crowds that were rather bleak in their own outlooks, she found herself stopping sharply in front of an older wooden door. She could see the power that had been put into keeping anyone unsavory out. The barrier on the door was strong, even to her own eyes. She grasped the doorknob and pulled it back.

Every time she walked into the Lotsuan library, she wondered if the books were really as old as they looked. The library glowed with the multiple lamps lit by the lotis word for light. Now she remembered, it was "Raje." She walked as respectfully as she could towards the desk. She could see the figure of her tutor, currently writing in fluent, practiced hand for a report.

His brown hair was well groomed. She could see the glasses currently perched on his nose, magnifying his blue irises. His hand continued to write, perhaps about her current progress in learning Lotis properly. One hand touched the table closest to the desk, placing the books down as quietly as possible.

"You're late and not dressed for the occasion." His voice sounded somewhat sharp, but compared to the others… It was almost a gentle wind of praise. "Are you certain you can take your test at this rate?"

"If I don't try eventually, Mayura will have to take the burden all on her own. Even if talented, I have to be there to help her in some way. She spoke softly, sitting down in the wooden chair. She could feel the cushion beneath her. It surprised her every time Eric was capable of knowing when and where she would be sitting each day. She wasn't sure what else to say as she saw his form get up from the desk. He moved around, making her wary as she saw his hand move up. Without a word, it landed on her head, adjusting a few hairs.

"Your sister may make it look effortless, but the talent is no substitute for hard work." He spoke, moving the chair across from her. "When you get back from the event at the Wakamiya Kingdom, I will make sure you get your test started."

"I still need a lot more studying. I've yet to understand so many of the words."

"That is rather silly. You already understand them. You simply need to feel them in your heart." His gaze was so gentle, lowering his hand from her head. "Your sister may be a prodigy, but the words she says have to have a meaning. Once you find the meaning, you will be ready for your test."

"Are you sure?" She asked, her gaze more wary as she looked towards him. His nod did a little to soothe her mind, but not enough.

"I am sure that you have the potential." He lifted one hand to the book and opened it. "We must simply learn."