A Ballad for Icarus - A Historical Pokemon Quest

SeekerofDreams · Oct 31, 2024

[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.
[X] Authority.
[X] —a string for her sword.

Andrensath · Oct 31, 2024

[X] Authority.
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
[X] a string for her sword.

Reji8627 · Oct 31, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
[X] —a string for her sword.

Walker · Oct 31, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.
[X] —a necklace.

Axel Fones · Oct 31, 2024

[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.
[X] Authority.
[X] —some armor.

Wobblegonnabe · Nov 1, 2024

[X] Authority.

[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.

[X] —a string for her sword.
For some reason you can only find purple ones.

Dragonlord Seth · Nov 1, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
I'm choosing this over Authority as a (very minor) revolt against the lacking Skiddle content.

[X] … with the seal of the Gilderan people. It depicts a tree with golden lines running up the crown.
[X] —some armor.

Dubious Wisdom · Nov 1, 2024

Lugia's armpits Aria how are you such a useless lesbian. You take her on a date, get the couple food, try to feed her, and then she proposes to you. All seen impossibly as platonic.
Is the Wisdom/Aware skill even real?

[X] Authority.
Something about you draws people in. You find the words on your tongue as useful as the sword in your hand. While some fights are unavoidable, those you can't avoid are won not alone but with the help of others.

While Aria could definitely do with some more smarts after this, I'd like to move Authority forward first. We have Sophia as a follower now, and are gaining allies. It also works with Inana's progress, while Skiddle is absent.

[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.

Yes, lets go into battle reminding people of the nations first king and hero. However could this influence perceptions? /s

[X] —a necklace.
It reminds you of Sophia's eyes. Of Capella's hair. You should buy two, and save the other for your return.

While I think Sophia deserves the knight in shining armour suit, the necklace doubles up on the yuri, so its a win. Also, what kind of economy is this?? A piece of string and a suit of armour, same value.

Half Moon · Nov 1, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
[X] —some armor.

Lyosha · Nov 1, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.
[X] —a necklace.

SaberFail · Nov 1, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
[X] —a necklace.

Elpis · Nov 1, 2024

Illunima · Nov 2, 2024

[X] Wisdom.
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
[X] —a necklace.

Also holy shit, this chapter was so yuri Elpis. You outdid yourself.
🍰Have a cake for your words.

AmberGimlet · Nov 2, 2024

Alright is has been a harrowing week for me, but I have clawed some time to read the latest chapter. Let's go!

Elpis said:
Winning Vote:

[X] Wit.

[X] The farmers.

So this is our vote! I certainly don't mind the Wisdom focus winning, and yay survival knowledge! Very helpful to have.

Elpis said:
Though the setup is much the same, rather than a Chansey running around and making sure that all the injured and sick are taken care of, there's a pair of Blissey with electric blue eyes.

Elpis said:
Everyone you have overheard just calls her the Nurse. Capital N.

"Your injuries are healin'," she says, chewing on something while giving you the diagnosis. You remember some older knights had something similar on them, wasn't it burning at the tip? It looks similar, at least.

Oh The Nurse looks SO cool. This art is incredible, the pose and colors are really clean. Love the blue lipstick to match the blue eyes. A chansey huh... Makes sense.

Elpis said:
"Still, quite some scars for a village girl, swingin' a sword and allofthat."

I love how she talks, also yet again people poking at the loud red flags surrounding Aria jfdjksgkj. CANNOT catch a break.

Elpis said:
You blink, tilting your head. Who would ask for you, really? Leif isn't injured whatsoever, though from the look on his face when he found you with all of Sophia's blood on your hands and in the snow, he did look sick.

"It's the lass, girly," the Nurse says. "The lass you saved."

"Oh, right, Leif said something about that," you say, blinking again.

Oh you know, that small little detail. The fact that she remembers saving Sophia as part of this train of thought but it still doesn't occur to her that Sophie might want to talk about that. It is just very funny, and os very Aria of her.

Elpis said:
Though Sophia's injuries were severe, the Revival Stone, as you were informed, had sent her expected recovery time from 'possibly months' to 'a good week of bedrest.'.

Apparently those were not just rare and expensive, they were practically impossible to get without connections to the Mountain Tribes that Ruby descends from. You know they'd never criticize a use like this, yet it pains you that one of those gifts you received is no longer in your hands.

Better to use an item when you need it than not, but yeah off. That thing was STRONG, goodness. Ruby went all out getting that, I hope Aria gets to thank them for it.

Elpis said:
Sophia is in the bed at the window, laughing so hard that her shoulders are shaking. She truly puts the motion into emotion, slamming her fist into the bed as the knight across the room continues his story. You don't know what the story is about, but 'and his mother was a Drifloon' sounds like a punchline you need a lot of context for.

'Motion into emotion' is such a good turn of phrase. I love that she's like this! Smacking the nearest surface while she laughs like those siblings in Ace Attorney. Also Aria thinking she'd need context for the joke is a nice touch.

Elpis said:
"Aria," she says in greeting. You flinch, of course, you did shout your name at Wilhelm before you beat the shit out of him. "Come in, please."

Elpis said:
"Hello, Sophia," you say. The discomfort at your fake name is already gone, and you suppose it'd be less confusing to just be Aria now, even if that name could draw attention of the Glastrier Order again. Right now you're in Wallburg, and you've done a great deed, which means even if they decide to accuse you of Drake's murder you know at least Leif will give you the benefit of the doubt. "Are you well?"

Interesting interesting, so we're not really going with Sofia at this point. I kinda like that. Also aww, she's able to admit that people would support her. That's good.

Elpis said:
"Better than well," she says, her fist against her chest. "You saved my life."
You open your mouth to say you did no such thing, that she saved yours by protecting you from that Tauros, that all you did was return the favor.

But she does not let you. There's tears in the corners of her eyes as she bows her head. "Thank you, Aria."

You bite your tongue and put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back onto the bed to lie down. "Thank you, too. For protecting me."

The smile she offers is worth it. It's so easy to dismiss people's gratitude, to say that it was nothing, or that it was simply the circumstances in which you find yourself in. You saved each other, and that is worth mutual appreciation.

AWWW! This is so sweet. Yeah Sophie would feel a certain way about being pulled back from the brink of death, huh? Aria learning to accept gratitude is a good sign.

Elpis said:
The other knights are clearly listening, remaining quiet to not disturb your conversation. At one point you swear you could see the men grin at each other.

Which could mean nothing.

Elpis said:
"No," you say, avoiding her gaze. "It's from… from the Duchy. I—"

"You don't need to explain yourself," Sophia says quickly. You blink. "You've got your reasons, so just talk about it when you feel like it. I owe you that much. If Leif lets you enter the city, you belong here either way. No way he'd have given you one of the Spectrier Pokeballs if that wasn't the case."

What a simple way to make decisions. No doubts that even Leif could make the wrong choice, or that you're a deserter of some sort.

Aria really underestimating how big a deal "I came to your rescue then saved your life with an incredibly rare gemstone" is huh? Not giving herself enough credit for her own kindness. I do like this hint at general Spectrier Knight dynamics here too, Leif is clearly very well respected. Which does make sense, he seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. Betting on Aria was a gamble, but not as much of one as Aria thinks it is. Also, the Spectrier Pokeball explicitly confirmed as a way of showing his trust.

Elpis said:
No you realize more than ever, your future has never been in the confines of some Duke's army. That you do not seek the glory of men like Achilles, who smile when they are faced with impossible odds.

(checks quest title) is that so

Elpis said:
Your fists clench at your sides, still unable to look at her face. Sophia is the one who reaches out this time, putting a hand on your shoulder as she no doubt notices the whirlwind of emotions inside of you.

Why are you trying to convince others that you're a bad person? That you have reason for shame?

ARIA...!!! Agony.

Elpis said:
"My time in the Duchy ended abruptly," you say, feeling another kind of relief at being able to be at least somewhat honest. "It's not something I like to talk about, please don't misunderstand."

"It's fine," she says. "I want you to feel comfortable here."

"No," you say, shaking your head. "It's fine, Leif has already made it clear he knows more about me than I dared admit. I am Aria, I used to be an Aspirant for the Glastrier Knights."
You salute again, the way you've learned it, with your fingers at your shoulder and bowing slightly. Your fingers brush against hers.

'I want you to feel comfortable here' is definitely a very particular way you chose to word that, Sophia! Their fingers brushing against each other, huh...
Also, wow, she just said it. Very cool, Aria! Genuinely. Being able to say her actual name and titles has to be be some kind of closure, hopefully.

Elpis said:
Her fingers grip into your shirt, so softly you barely notice the touch, but still straining against the idea of letting go.

"I've gotten paid for the arrest," you say, pointing at the bag of coins at your hips. Gold is the universal language, it's true, and even after telling Leif to give some to the villager quarter you should be able to actually stock up on some necessities without having to worry. "So how about we meet up at a restaurant after you're released. I've heard there's some good ones in Wallburg."

She lights up like the Atlas star, her face once again turning slightly red as she lets go of you. "That'd be great!"

Her voice is loud enough to make you flinch back, and the other knights start laughing at the scene for some reason. You don't know what else there is to say, so you say goodbye.

fekwjkwlsk oh my god okay, so I am reading into that in the intended way, okay okay. Excellent. I would say that Aria is microwaving Sophia but honestly she's doing this to herself, at least for now. Though, admittedly, having her savior show up to her bedside, confide her true self, and then ask for a dinner date is certainly A Lot. But in all seriousness, this is very sweet. A very nice little moment after that very hectic fight

Elpis said:
Nobody can deny you.

To choose your own name is not a simple matter, it is a declaration to the world. It is a declaration to yourself. You will not hide away from those who would do you and yours harm by changing who you are. They are not worth half the blood that has been spilled to shape [Aria].

You are Aria, Revolutionary. Your name is the song that blows those cold winds of Gildera onto the rest of the continent. One of your skills improves from Competent to Adept. You have to choose which.

[X] Authority.
Something about you draws people in. You find the words on your tongue as useful as the sword in your hand. While some fights are unavoidable, those you can't avoid are won not alone but with the help of others.

Elpis said:
"Still, a festival," you say, unsure about your place in all of this. "It feels so jovial compared to the usual mood in winter."

"One cannot let circumstance ruin the joy of living. Though days can be hard, and sometimes one's heart is not in it, we cannot let ourselves be crushed by dark emotions."

A warm sentiment, one I'm quite happy to read after the week I've had.

Elpis said:
"But this reminds me, you were asking me about edible things in the wild, right? Didn't they teach you that?"

"Survivalism was never really the focus there, no," you say, shaking your head. "We were always grouped up, there were well-prepared rations, and some expectation to help each other."

It's a different way of life, of course. While the villagers live exactly that kind of way as well, they also know how to take care of themselves. While knights have a certain degree of independence and knowledge of how to keep going even in the most dire of circumstances, there was a certain dependence beaten into them.

Look to your comrade, and if you cannot find him, look for your Duke.

You are never alone. In blue and white, all of them are your brothers and sisters.

Until they are not. Well at least now the Meowth is out of the bag and everyone knows, though some of the kids are still stuck with Sofia.

A lot to chew on here. The fact that survivalism isn't even taught despite the very outdoorsy nature of their profession is curious, now that it has been highlighted. Emphasizing the dependence of knights one each other and their authority. And also that conversation from earlier about swords and armor. Can definitely feel the tension building up to boil over. Also, wow she really is just going openly by Aria now, huh? Feels very 'the exiled noble reestablishes themselves elsewhere only to one day return as someone who their old tormentors have no choice by to respect'. Which I love!

Elpis said:
You sigh. "Well, can you teach me something now? Or are you too busy?"

"I've got something really nice for you," she says, moving around the table. "Look, what can you tell me about these two here?"

She points at two completely different roots that look like they've been grabbed out of the ground, some specks of dirt still on them. "I have no idea, that's just two different roots, isn't it?"

She laughs, putting her hands on her hips.

"These are the same root," Penelope says, clearly too proud that you fell for the most obvious trick question.

Elpis said:
"This one came from Sol."

The other one looks thin and brittle, the skin amber and glossy.

"Despite these differences, they're both 'dragon's root'. They're both edible, though the Gilderan one is obviously harder to prepare due to its thick skin. If you manage to get through the skin however…"

Elpis said:
On the inside, both of them look identical. Slightly orange, very fibrous, and despite the fact that they came from such dry looking roots there is some juices flowing out.

"If you know where to find them, they're the easiest way to feed yourself while on the road."

Elpis said:
You can't help but give some applause at the demonstration. You saw some of those in the kitchens and occasionally they were served, but you imagine the amount of mouths to feed made it hard to focus entirely on wild roots. Still, something that can be useful regardless of which continent you're on would've been nice to know. Perhaps if you ever do deign the thought of returning to the Caer you can ask for these things to be added to the lesson plan.

This is critical knowledge!

Oh this is very cool worldbuilding. Same on the inside despite the fact they're from different continents. I'm sure that is only about the roots and not anything else. But also, really cool demonstration of how the regional climate differences shape the wildlife.
Also, Aria wanting to add this to the lesson plan of the place she got framed for murder at and had to flee is just... I love her.

Elpis said:
You nod, making a note to get a book like that soon.

She shoves the book into your hands.

Okay, well, no note then.

HAHAHAHAA.
Oh I love that. She's such a dork. But wow, a book, those are pretty valuable. Aria really made an impression on these people.

Elpis said:
The villagers are the best kind of people. And in their winter joy, they made you a gift: a shield, so the other half of your weapon is finally back where it belongs. Made from the Mamoswine Trees, it is something that will stand the test of time for sure.

As long as you don't lose it again.

The shield is engraved…

Hmm all of these options are really cool, and I don't particularly have a preference, so I'll stay out of this one. She's got her full fighting kit back though, which is cause for celebration.

Elpis said:
The meeting with Sophia does not take long to organize. Though she's still out of breath after only a few minutes of walking, the Nurse released her back into the city with a stern 'do not attempt anything dangerous'

I'm going to make a wild guess and say that The Nurse has had to say that to a lot of knights leaving the infirmary.

Elpis said:
In the inner city, where the ring-road formed around the first watchtower that ever stood here, the biggest and most popular shops have made their mark.

Elpis said:
The snow is not high here, trampled down by the hundreds of people who walk up and down the street the entire day. It's slippery here and there, but you manage to regain your balance after only two near-death experiences.

Really, really cool scene setting, Elpis. Easy to picture in my head.

Elpis said:
Sophia is dressed casually, a purple scarf around her neck and a long brown coat that makes her look very mysterious. She stands at the watchtower gate, looking around until she sees you approach.

.... Aren't Aria's eyes purple...?

Elpis said:
"Good evening," you greet. She takes a moment before responding.

"Good evening, Aria," she says. Somehow your actual name coming out grants you relief in a way you cannot put into words. A sort of pleasure that comes from being acknowledged as you are. You dare not ask for more.

Elpis said:
Sophia is quite easy to get along with, you think. She does not actually hide her emotions, at least, not in the way you're used to by others. She reaches out, grabbing your hand and pulling you along. "Come."

You can only see her back now. She's slightly taller than you, her grip tight but not painfully so, and though she is already running out of breath just walking those few meters to the shop she picked, you can tell that she's dependable and strong.

It's chance and circumstance that made you, well, acquaintances? It's hard to say friends, but who would you share a slice of cake with if not a friend?

Aw, this is nice. Aria happy to be known by her name is always a treat. Sophia dragging her behind her even though she's injured is very telling of her. 'But who would you share a slice of cake with if not a friend?' is a fun line. Enjoying the yuri of it all for sure.

Elpis said:
The candles on the table make for a fun mood, enough to ignore the rather rude stares by some of the richer customers toward you.

Attacking them with hammers though.

Elpis said:
"What's the matter?" she asks when she sees you look around like a child in a new place. "Never been in a restaurant before?"

"No," you say, unable to lie. "It really is something! The people, the view out of the window. It's so much more comfortable than a dining hall." Or a dining room in a mansion. It reminds you more of teatime outside in the summer, all warm and cozy.

Elpis said:
Sophia is just looking at you, leaning back into her chair. A man approaches, and you tense for just a moment before Sophia turns to him in greeting. "Hello, my friend here hasn't eaten anything like this before, could you recommend something?"

He does not hesitate for a moment before listing off a ton of things of which you had no idea how to parse. You do know some of the terms, you know of course what a cake is, you've had quite a lot with your grandmother back in the day.

But some of the terms sound, well, foreign. Solian, in some ways. They mention the sun and the moon, and somehow you find yourself interested. "That one," you say. "The sun and moon cake."

Huh, I guess Aria went from being a noble that went to basically just garden parties to being a knight aspirant out in the wilderness, so she literally leapfrogged over the life circumstances that would have let her have this experience. Glad she's having fun though. Maybe a little out of her depth here, but Sophia is there so I'm sure it'll be fine.

Elpis said:
The man raises a finger, then squints before looking between the two of you. He leaves after nodding, forgetting to take Sophia's order.

"That was abrupt," you say, tilting your head toward him. "Do they not have time to take everyone's orders?"

"No, it's just," she starts, her ears slightly red. "The sun and moon cake is, well, it's-"

Wait. Wait. No way she just--

Elpis said:
You get the answer quite fast. It's not one cake, but two. Not slices, but whole ones, though obviously small enough for a single person to eat it. The waiter puts it on the table and lets you enjoy the sight of it before taking a large knife and cutting both cakes in half, giving each plate half of each—

Ah.

Ah.

You slam your fist into the palm of your hand. It makes sense, of course! It's a way for someone to enjoy two kinds of cakes! How ingenious!

In my infinite wisdom, I was drinking tea when I read this. An awful mistake on my part. But in all seriousness, this made me cackle. Two cakes! How ingenious!

Elpis said:
Sophia is a much slower eater than you, it seems. Or perhaps her injury is still giving her some pain, as her hand keeps shaking and her face stays red when she lifts some of the cake to her mouth. You try to help her, but it seems that the color of her skin becomes even worse when you hold the spoon up. In the end, the cake is an experience you definitely want to repeat.

GHGAGHFDHG PUTTING HER IN THE YURI MICROWAVE

Elpis said:
In the end you have some tea to finish the evening of. You talk, and talk, and talk. Some secrets spill from loose lips, but you feel much more free. If the Glastrier Knights want you back, they can come and try, but right now you will enjoy life as Old Bea told you to.

You don't notice how you feel until you notice that stinging in your eyes.

"It's been a while since I shared sweets," you admit. Almost eleven years now since your grandmother has passed away. "I'm just reminded of how much has happened since then."

Elpis said:
"Well, if there's a time to be sad, it'd be this week," she says. You blink the tears out of your eyes, raising your head to meet her eyes. "Solians are mourning the Empress' death, she died today, all those years back."

Elpis said:
Her words reach your ears but your mind is occupied. Something in it makes you wonder, makes you feel, think, respond differently. You see her, but your eyes are unfocused. Was there something in the tea? Sophia doesn't seem to notice, and you try, try not to let her. You want to enjoy this evening.

Ah. All starting to hit, or rather, she's finally safe enough to let it hit.

Elpis said:
"How old are you anyway?" she asks. You smile like a puppet, ready to answer, but the number on the tip of your tongue sounds wrong. It leaves your entire mouth numb, and you flinch as you bite on your lip so hard it draws blood. "Aria?"

"I… I think I'm seventeen?" you say, your voice wavering. Why seventeen? What did you miss? You think, you count the days since you left the Caer Rivenhold, you count the time when you would have been back to celebrate with Drake and Capella, with Lissy and Ruby.

Remember, Aria. You celebrate before they mourn, never on the day after.

"I'm seventeen," you say, quieter and more certain than before. "My birthday was yesterday."

"Ah," Sophia says. And though you want her to see nothing of that sadness you know is reflected on your face, she does not need to read your face like Capella to understand how you're feeling. "I suppose a late celebration is better than none, is it?"

You missed your own birthday.

Oh... oof..

Hurts just a bit!

So much has been going on, and the people she would usually celebrate it with are all gone, so it is understandable. But that just makes it hurt all the more, I'd imagine.

Elpis said:
Is this really where you find your barriers falling? With a spoonful of sugar and a warm fruit tea? When you finally realize just how much of your childhood has been stolen from you by Marchioness Flamberg, by the heavy weight on your soul?

In front of a stranger?

You're stronger than that.

But what if you don't want to be strong today?

"The man who adopted me was killed," you say, your fingers clenching over the fork that you forgot you were holding. "I ran. Because people thought I did it."

Elpis said:
"I kept running. And I forgot my birthday. And today I was enjoying myself so much, I almost forgot the people who are still waiting for me to come back. And for a moment—"

You swallow the words, but they have to come out, because you cannot imagine how painful they will be if you try to keep them down.

"—for a moment I wondered if I even want to go back to them. If they're not better off without me there."

Sophia does not know what to say, so she says nothing. Instead, she moves around the table and puts a hand on your shoulder. It's a gesture both of you seem to be fond of.

"I do not know your friends," she says, "but I know that no one who'd call you one would ever think their life better without you in it. Doubts like these should not be what stops you from thinking that those you love want you back."

"I know," you say, your voice breaking slightly.

Oh this is so good. I am drinking this catharsis like fine wine, this rules. 'but what if you don't want to be strong today' yessssss yes, ahahah yes!
Also Sophiiiiiiiiia, good friend, really good friend. I'm glad she said that to Aria.

Elpis said:
"It's inappropriate to bring it up now, so please forgive me," Sophia says. "My time with the Spectrier Guard has ended just as abruptly. There is something I must do that is more important to me, and though I know that I will miss my comrades and they will miss me, please listen to what I'm saying."

Her words have the desired effect, your emotions muting themselves to hear what a woman, who had just days ago revealed herself to be the very model of a knight, has to say about her own abandonment of that path.

"I pledged my sword to protect my people," she says, her grip on your shoulder loosening. "But the more I stayed, the more that armor dug itself into my skin, the more I yearned for something else."

You clench your teeth. You understand it, of course. That desire for the sky, for the part of the horizon where the sun touches the mountaintop.

"I can see that freedom in you, Aria. My doubts were simply waiting for another push, and you gave it to me. Though it pains me to give up this path, I know whatever the future holds, I will never regret these days."

Oh?? She's leaving?? Because of Aria?

Elpis said:
"And I know that no matter what, whenever I return to them, they will greet me with the same warm smiles, and embrace me with those same warm arms. I know they will do the same for you."

She's on her knees, her sword at her side. Her one hand cups yours, and though you wish to pull away you cannot deny a knight, someone who like you has fought and bled for their rank. Sophia kisses your hand, and you try to ignore the heat that crawls up your neck.

"I owe you a debt I cannot repay in one lifetime," she says, her forehead pressed against the back of your hand. "Let me stay at your side."

I-
YEAH???

Elpis said:
"You barely know me."

"And I barely know the Marquis. Is my heart wrong to tell me that now I must go a different path?"

"You are a knight of the Marquisate," you say, frowning at her words. "There are others worthy of such loyalty. I'm… I'm not a noble either.."

The problem with facts and arguments, no matter how logical and reasonable they are, they cannot win against the most powerful emotion. The way her face brightens when she looks into your eyes already tells you everything you need to know. That her words earlier were not something she said just to cheer you up.

"I have already resigned," she says, her hand tightening around your fingers. "If you reject me now, I'll have nowhere else to go."

You do not know what to say.

So you say nothing.

YEAH?!

Elpis said:
You've acquired a follower. Someone who will go with you through hell or high water, whose trust in you is so unshakeable, it makes you uncomfortable with how much power you have over them.

You cannot deny her purpose, and you cannot deny that you seek companionship. The coldness of the world is weathered much easier with a hand on your back. All you can do now is to become someone worthy of that loyalty.

She is Sophia, once Spectrier Knight. Though she resigned during a difficult time for the Order, nobody seemed to mind. Though she had to give up her armor, she was allowed to keep her sword. Leif is the one who came to collect these things, not dismissing her as a weakling, but smiling at her, and saying goodbye to an old friend.

Sophia's smile is radiant as she joins you in the villager's quarter. Her words grant you wings, and the sky suddenly no longer looks like a cage after all.

Inana looks like a bundle of joy. It seems she's become good friends with Spring.

You find a letter, somewhere in the snow. It melts the world around it and warms your heart. [A]. Imp al.

You still have money left over. After buying a Pokeball, you decide to buy a gift for Sophia. Now that she's part of whatever you have going on—

I... Wow. Alright. So, in the interest of transparency, any amount of dignity or restraint in my writing is completely feigned, this made me jump up and down from glee. This is so incredibly indulgent and chivalrous, absolutely lifted my mood. I definitely was not expecting this, and I am delighted. I would love to have said more about it honestly but I am still pretty out of it. Suffice to say, this was an excellent chapter, greatly enjoyed reading it.

I was going to go for vote for armor, just because Aria feeling weird seeing Sophie without any was cute to me. However-

sheep-dodger said:
Anyone know what the connotation of the purple string is? I assume it's a reference of some sort, but idk to what.

Elpis said:
Aria is purple.

-This is too funny not to.

[X] —a string for her sword.
For some reason you can only find purple ones.

Elpis said:

Also, WOW!!! He looks great.

Elpis · Nov 3, 2024

Scheduled vote count started by Elpis on Oct 31, 2024 at 8:51 AM, finished with 24 posts and 19 votes.

11 people have voted
[X] Wisdom.
- barty
- NemoMarx
- sheep-dodger
- Euclaid Galieane
- SaberFail
- Illunima
- Reji8627
- Walker
- Lyosha
- Dragonlord Seth
- Half Moon
9 people have voted
[X] —a necklace.
8 people have voted
[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.
- barty
- Teocraso
- SeekerofDreams
- Wobblegonnabe
- Walker
- Lyosha
- Axel Fones
- Dubious Wisdom
7 people have voted
[X] Authority.
6 people have voted
[X] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.
5 people have voted
[X] —some armor.
5 people have voted
[X] —a string for her sword.
4 people have voted
[X] … with the seal of the Gilderan people. It depicts a tree with golden lines running up the crown.

RiceRockRekt · Nov 5, 2024

Alrighty, got too busy this weekend to avoid missing the vote, but this is often the case, let's get rocking on a chapter very very interestingly called "The Sun and Moon Cake", don't know if that's a very subtle doublemeaning on the legend of Kael and Inana or if we're just at the bakery episode.

Elpis said:
The medical wing of the Wallburg Knight's Quarter is not too dissimilar to the Glastrier one. Though the setup is much the same, rather than a Chansey running around and making sure that all the injured and sick are taken care of, there's a pair of Blissey with electric blue eyes.

Currently they're busy holding down a man who keeps shouting about an attack. His body seems fine, but there's a bandage wrapped around one eye and his forehead. That's too fresh to be from the group of knights that went missing, he arrived later.

You turn to the woman in charge, dressed in a long white coat and glaring at a piece of parchment through glasses, eyebags that tell you of many restless nights sitting framed in between dark red hair.

Everyone you have overheard just calls her the Nurse. Capital N.

"Your injuries are healin'," she says, chewing on something while giving you the diagnosis. You remember some older knights had something similar on them, wasn't it burning at the tip? It looks similar, at least. "Still, quite some scars for a village girl, swingin' a sword and allofthat."

Incredible amount of data in this opening. I barely know where to start.

Can't believe this historical fantasy fic has a bad bitch Nurse Joy they invented marlboro cigarettes for.

Think it's funny that the description has her wearing glasses, but they aren't in the art because you didn't want to distract from how completely sleep deprived she looks Elpis (also Aria why are you saying "dark red" that's the most dead inside the color pink has ever been).

The medical wing of the Wallburg Knight's Quarter is not too dissimilar to the Glastrier one. Though the setup is much the same, rather than a Chansey running around and making sure that all the injured and sick are taken care of, there's a pair of Blissey with electric blue eyes.

Love the casual hospital power leveling here. "No this isn't your old weakshit medical wing, there are three medical professionals now, you are looking at a bitch with two fully evolved friendship evo pokemon."

This is like the Villain Boss Having A Crobat of Medical Practitioners.

Currently they're busy holding down a man who keeps shouting about an attack. His body seems fine, but there's a bandage wrapped around one eye and his forehead. That's too fresh to be from the group of knights that went missing, he arrived later.

Shit is Going On in Wallburg. When it rains.

"Your injuries are healin'," she says, chewing on something while giving you the diagnosis. You remember some older knights had something similar on them, wasn't it burning at the tip? It looks similar, at least. "Still, quite some scars for a village girl, swingin' a sword and allofthat."

"[Exaggerated Cockney Accent] I knowwatcha are."

Elpis said:
You have to strain your ears to really hear what she's saying. "Does that mean I can go?"

"Sure, but you mighta wanna swing around the private rooms," she says, pointing at a door toward the end of the big room. "Someone wants to see you."

You blink, tilting your head. Who would ask for you, really? Leif isn't injured whatsoever, though from the look on his face when he found you with all of Sophia's blood on your hands and in the snow, he did look sick.

"It's the lass, girly," the Nurse says. "The lass you saved."

She also knows she's an idiot ghwhjhahahahahaha.

Aria: Oh, my friend Leif? My friend Leif who likes to chat with me? That Leif?

Elpis said:
"Oh, right, Leif said something about that," you say, blinking again. Though Sophia's injuries were severe, the Revival Stone, as you were informed, had sent her expected recovery time from 'possibly months' to 'a good week of bedrest.'.

Apparently those were not just rare and expensive, they were practically impossible to get without connections to the Mountain Tribes that Ruby descends from. You know they'd never criticize a use like this, yet it pains you that one of those gifts you received is no longer in your hands.

Insane to me that Marchioness "That Bitch" Flamberg probably spilled coffers and fresh blood to get a Max Revive, but then Aria made a friend for like a week and it was like "Hello Ruby my friend : ) " "Hey Aria : ) Take this bag and don't ask what's in it" "Huh okay" and it was The Cure For Death.

The Spectrier Knights really have to be asking themselves "Who the fuck is this...?" and never saying that out loud because snitches get stiches.

Elpis said:
You clench a fist at your side and nod to the Nurse, moving toward the door. Inside you can hear some laughter, the other injured knights are also inside from the sound of it. You open the door to find those four knights. Sophia is in the bed at the window, laughing so hard that her shoulders are shaking. She truly puts the motion into emotion, slamming her fist into the bed as the knight across the room continues his story. You don't know what the story is about, but 'and his mother was a Drifloon' sounds like a punchline you need a lot of context for.

Awwwwww, Sophia's having a good one with her buddies : )

Drifloon because she was the size of a blimp, or Drifloon because she's a terrifying specter who shouldn't be trusted with kids...

Elpis said:
The laughter starts to get more quiet as they notice you, and you have time to take in the rest of the group. Two men and another woman, no longer dressed in armor but in simple clothes that do nothing to hide the sheer amount of bandages underneath. Sophia is the last to notice you, her eyes widening when she spots you. She must be running a fever after those injuries, her face is all red.

Girl. Come on.

Elpis said:
"Aria," she says in greeting. You flinch, of course, you did shout your name at Wilhelm before you beat the shit out of him. "Come in, please."

GIRL. COME ON.

I love how Aria described that. "That wasn't an even fight between equals, I damn straight brutalized a bitch."

At some point she's gonna have to start using INT in fights again and I'm not sure she'll remember how.

Elpis said:
"Hello, Sophia," you say. The discomfort at your fake name is already gone, and you suppose it'd be less confusing to just be Aria now, even if that name could draw attention of the Glastrier Order again. Right now you're in Wallburg, and you've done a great deed, which means even if they decide to accuse you of Drake's murder you know at least Leif will give you the benefit of the doubt. "Are you well?"

Aria about her homeboy Leif:

Elpis said:
"Better than well," she says, her fist against her chest. "You saved my life."
You open your mouth to say you did no such thing, that she saved yours by protecting you from that Tauros, that all you did was return the favor.

But she does not let you. There's tears in the corners of her eyes as she bows her head. "Thank you, Aria."

You bite your tongue and put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her back onto the bed to lie down. "Thank you, too. For protecting me."

The smile she offers is worth it. It's so easy to dismiss people's gratitude, to say that it was nothing, or that it was simply the circumstances in which you find yourself in. You saved each other, and that is worth mutual appreciation.

Aria! You didn't fumble the bag being self-effacing! Well done!

I feel like Sophia would file for internship as Aria's liege knight if she had the excuse (Aria's heritage is probably the excuse).

Elpis said:
The other knights are clearly listening, remaining quiet to not disturb your conversation. At one point you swear you could see the men grin at each other.

Sophia's squadmates slapping each other on the backs, confident that their girl is gonna Get It, blissfully unaware of the looming Capella Event.

Elpis said:
"Leif says you came here with the villagers from Traviolle," she says when she finds her voice again. "Though you're from further away, right? That sword of yours couldn't have been forged in the Marquisate."

"No," you say, avoiding her gaze. "It's from… from the Duchy. I—"

"You don't need to explain yourself," Sophia says quickly. You blink. "You've got your reasons, so just talk about it when you feel like it. I owe you that much. If Leif lets you enter the city, you belong here either way. No way he'd have given you one of the Spectrier Pokeballs if that wasn't the case."

What a simple way to make decisions. No doubts that even Leif could make the wrong choice, or that you're a deserter of some sort.

"Hey if you were running from murder charges I totally wouldn't snitch."
"I didn't murder anyone."
"Yeah that's good we should get the story straight first thing."

Love how it's Known™ that Leif is a profoundly good judge of character and if you're tight with him you're tight fr.

Honestly when people here find out about Skiddle they're really gonna be like "Ohhhhhh of COURSE Aria and Leif get along, they both have friendship cows, totally makes sense."

Elpis said:
You think back to Old Bea's words about van Kesteren and the Marquess Reichert. About the different kinds of governing, and reasons for knighthood. Are these people really that much more trusting? Or are they so much better at telling when someone is lying?

If nothing else, the suspicion inside of you that you're not being hunted by the knights makes you think of different questions, some you really wish you never find the answer for.

Would the captains have protected you? Should you have reached out to Capella after all?

No.

No you realize more than ever, your future has never been in the confines of some Duke's army. That you do not seek the glory of men like Achilles, who smile when they are faced with impossible odds.

I feel like Aria maybe feels hella bitter that she's having this realization now and not like.

Elpis said:
"Do you want to stop here?" he asks.

"No," you say so fast that he can't even follow up. You squeeze his hands. "I don't know if I can give the same answer in a year or two, if I will still be the same person I am now when I have another ten or twenty or a hundred fights. But right now, I want to make you proud. I want to become a knight of the Order."

"You've already made me proud, Aria." Drake smiles, and you find yourself smiling back. "Whether you're a knight or a merchant, whether you decide to live as a farmer or make your money by raising Pokemon instead. There's no shame in being who you are."

Just a bit further back.

Okay but Aria it is like a Separate Matter that you wouldn't want to serve the Duke, literally you could've given your loved ones and yourself much less grief if you like, got exonerated, knew you could visit and say hi even if you very reasonably decided to quit.

Admittedly would she have the brainspace to self-actualize to this degree if her and Capella were still microwaving each other in the same dorm? Doubtful.

Elpis said:
Your fists clench at your sides, still unable to look at her face. Sophia is the one who reaches out this time, putting a hand on your shoulder as she no doubt notices the whirlwind of emotions inside of you.

Why are you trying to convince others that you're a bad person? That you have reason for shame?

Well I mean you DO have a terrible mother we're going to beat to death with bricks and chains and baseball bats. That tends to do this.

Thinking about the three separate people in this same room desperately making charades at Sophia about how she can clinch this.

Elpis said:
"My time in the Duchy ended abruptly," you say, feeling another kind of relief at being able to be at least somewhat honest. "It's not something I like to talk about, please don't misunderstand."

"It's fine," she says. "I want you to feel comfortable here."

"No," you say, shaking your head. "It's fine, Leif has already made it clear he knows more about me than I dared admit. I am Aria, I used to be an Aspirant for the Glastrier Knights."
You salute again, the way you've learned it, with your fingers at your shoulder and bowing slightly. Your fingers brush against hers.

"Once again, I am Sophia. Those three people who cannot pretend to be deaf are Maurits, Lena, and Garry."

The three knights greet you with their own salutes, sitting in the beds and glancing at each other.

This is so funn—

"Once again, I am Sophia. Those three people who cannot pretend to be deaf are Maurits, Lena, and Garry."

—GARY. YOU SON OF A BITCH.

I SEE YOU'VE SNUCK INTO THIS MEDIEVAL YURI FANFIC, WHERE YOUR SPORTS CAR AND CHEERLEADERS WON'T DELIVER YOU FROM MY WRATH.

Can't believe Aria's "Fuck it. I was never gonna manage a 007 life", giving up the grand game of Among Us before Leif even called an emergency meeting, that's just discourteous.

Maurits, Lena, and Garry: Are we gonna get a good grade in wingmen, which is possible and reasonable to achieve?

Elpis said:
"I wanted to speak with you in private," Sophia says, glancing at the others. "But that won't be possible here, could we meet after the Nurse lets me out?"

"Of course," you say. There's little else you can do besides stay in Wallburg, of course, and you did promise the children another story from Lissy's book at bedtime so there's no way you're going to run away. That'd be rude.

Aria I think that one inside thought would make Capella choke on blood and start attacking you with spoons.

Sophia: No you did not get a good grade in wingmen, you're ruining the mood I can't go into insane lesbian devotion with an audience.
Lena: You probably could if you got into exhibitionism or something.
Sophia: SHUT UP. ARIA IS CLASSY. SHE ONLY GOT A LITTLE BLOOD ON HER BREAKING ALL OF THAT ONE GUY'S BONES.

Elpis said:
"Still, I'm glad you're doing well, though. It was quite a grim sight."

Sophia tries to laugh it off, but you can see the strain on her face, the weight of her experience. It feels so familiar to you, like looking into a mirror at that young girl who shed her blood and name to keep moving. Who gave up hope and faith until Drake dragged her back.

"Sorry," you find yourself saying. "It's not good bedside manners."

Girl who's having an itsy bitsy PTSD episode because she's so normal about her dad being dead.

Funny how much this scene is a deliberate foil of Literally half the quest ago.

Elpis said:
"You don't need to apologize," she says. "When I became a knight, I always knew a day like this could come. But knowing and experiencing it are too different. It's one of the reasons… Nevermind that, ignore me."

"Nothing prepares you for the possibility of death," you say, nodding. She nods back, and a comfortable silence blankets you. Her hand is still on your shoulder, you notice, even as she is lying in that bed and staring at the ceiling. Her fingers grip into your shirt, so softly you barely notice the touch, but still straining against the idea of letting go.

The way women go at Aria like koalas do to trees is incredible, especially since Aria is only as tall as a sapling.

"Shoot your shot, shoot your shot, shoot your shot, shoot your shot..." "STOP. WHISPERING. THIS IS WHY I WANTED THIS TO BE PRIVATE."

Elpis said:
"I've gotten paid for the arrest," you say, pointing at the bag of coins at your hips. Gold is the universal language, it's true, and even after telling Leif to give some to the villager quarter you should be able to actually stock up on some necessities without having to worry. "So how about we meet up at a restaurant after you're released. I've heard there's some good ones in Wallburg."

She lights up like the Atlas star, her face once again turning slightly red as she lets go of you. "That'd be great!"

Her voice is loud enough to make you flinch back, and the other knights start laughing at the scene for some reason. You don't know what else there is to say, so you say goodbye.

Sophia down bad in a way that will have profound consequences later in the timeline, but for the time being it's just really funny.

Aria continues to deadass never have a clue.

Elpis said:
Nobody can deny you.

To choose your own name is not a simple matter, it is a declaration to the world. It is a declaration to yourself. You will not hide away from those who would do you and yours harm by changing who you are. They are not worth half the blood that has been spilled to shape [Aria].

You are Aria, Revolutionary. Your name is the song that blows those cold winds of Gildera onto the rest of the continent. One of your skills improves from Competent to Adept. You have to choose which.

[ ] Authority.
Something about you draws people in. You find the words on your tongue as useful as the sword in your hand. While some fights are unavoidable, those you can't avoid are won not alone but with the help of others.

[ ] Wisdom.
You know how little you truly know. Surface knowledge in a hundred different categories makes you seem intelligent to the average person, but wisdom is not intelligence. Using what you know makes you a force to be reckoned with.

I really do love the poetic digressions you do for vote set ups Elpis.

Elpis said:
The villagers gather together in peaceful unity in the middle of the quarter, creating what Old Bea describes as 'a winter festival'. They build stalls, create beautiful lights using fire and thunder stones, as well as fabrics made from the wool of many different Pokemon.

The way Evolution Stones are used for damn near everything in Gildera is fun. "What's the level of technology if they have christmas lights?" "Thunder Stones, I don't gotta explain shit." "What's the level of technology if they have automatic electrical net—" "Thunder Stones, I don't gotta explain shit."

Elpis said:
"It's cultural exchange," Old Bea explains. "Though we are all of Gildera, and all of the Marquisate, all villages are quite different. This is the only time in the year where you can find most of us in one place."

"Still, a festival," you say, unsure about your place in all of this. "It feels so jovial compared to the usual mood in winter."

"One cannot let circumstance ruin the joy of living. Though days can be hard, and sometimes one's heart is not in it, we cannot let ourselves be crushed by dark emotions."

Old Bea reminds you of your grandmother in more ways than just her age, though their circumstances could not be more different. Is that the wisdom that comes with age? Or are their experiences more similar than you can imagine?

You wonder if one day you will be able to ease someone's heart with words alone.

Sad Grandma Hours.

Okay but I do like the way the winter evacuations create this kind of consistent melting pot of tradition, gives you a feeling for how long this has been a thing and the degree people continue to be people.

Elpis said:
You smile at her, looking around toward the crowd and spotting the people who have been keeping you company whenever Old Bea is too busy.

The farmer family consists of Penelope and her six children. Her husband passed away years ago, and though you know that kind of tragedy can break many, this woman's strength fills you with awe.

Not just the mental one, of course, you've seen her carry five of her children, aged four to ten, all to drag them to a bathtub. The oldest son, Fabian, is fourteen and somewhat rebellious, though he still clearly loves his family and does not stray too far.

"Some moms have STR Builds" "Why are you saying that with such admiration..."

Elpis said:
You approach after bidding goodbye to Old Bea, preparing to help Penelope with her own stand. Her table is full of… roots? Various roots, some dirty and brown, some look like they were polished and reflect the sunlight back into your eyes. Besides those there are a lot of vegetables, those you know can persevere even multiple months simply by being cold.

It's time to learn about VEGGIES.

If Gildera got any colder we'd just be in Poke Antarctica.

Elpis said:
"Penelope," you say. She turns to you, grinning widely. "Can I help you?"

"No, we're almost done," she says, pointing at Fabian. The boy is slamming a hammer down on a wooden stake that will become the roof of the farmer's stand. "But this reminds me, you were asking me about edible things in the wild, right? Didn't they teach you that?"

"Survivalism was never really the focus there, no," you say, shaking your head. "We were always grouped up, there were well-prepared rations, and some expectation to help each other."

It's a different way of life, of course. While the villagers live exactly that kind of way as well, they also know how to take care of themselves. While knights have a certain degree of independence and knowledge of how to keep going even in the most dire of circumstances, there was a certain dependence beaten into them.

Look to your comrade, and if you cannot find him, look for your Duke.

You are never alone. In blue and white, all of them are your brothers and sisters.

Until they are not. Well at least now the Meowth is out of the bag and everyone knows, though some of the kids are still stuck with Sofia.

Depressing!

The structure of the Glastrier Knights...It's interesting to talk about how thin a line between "You can't expect to everything yourself, learning how to rely on other people is essential" and "You can't rely on yourself, staying malleable is expected" is, we're continually asked to interrogate Aria's disillusionment with the Order and the exact politics surrounding a number of positions she's only now questioning.

Elpis said:
You sigh. "Well, can you teach me something now? Or are you too busy?"

"I've got something really nice for you," she says, moving around the table. "Look, what can you tell me about these two here?"

She points at two completely different roots that look like they've been grabbed out of the ground, some specks of dirt still on them. "I have no idea, that's just two different roots, isn't it?"

She laughs, putting her hands on her hips.

"These are the same root," Penelope says, clearly too proud that you fell for the most obvious trick question. You squint, trying to find any similarities. Not skin or color make it look anywhere close to each other. "The difference is the environment. Whereas this one was harvested in the woods of Gildera—" She points at the one that looks like it has a hard outer shell, largely devoid of color. "This one came from Sol."

The other one looks thin and brittle, the skin amber and glossy.

"Despite these differences, they're both 'dragon's root'. They're both edible, though the Gilderan one is obviously harder to prepare due to its thick skin. If you manage to get through the skin however…"

She takes a giant cleaver from somewhere and slams it over the root, startling you. As if nothing had happened, she puts the cleaver aside and takes the Solian root before snapping it with her bare hands. Nobody even watches the scene with you as this woman is clearly proving a point.

On the inside, both of them look identical. Slightly orange, very fibrous, and despite the fact that they came from such dry looking roots there is some juices flowing out.

"If you know where to find them, they're the easiest way to feed yourself while on the road."

Farmer owning a ~~princess~~ knight, that's what we call class praxis.

Penelope is joining the long list of people who make their fun by dunking on Aria, but that aside, Dragon's Root is interesting, the change with the environment suggests that temperature or nutrition determines whether the shell toughens up, hm hm.

Elpis said:
You can't help but give some applause at the demonstration. You saw some of those in the kitchens and occasionally they were served, but you imagine the amount of mouths to feed made it hard to focus entirely on wild roots. Still, something that can be useful regardless of which continent you're on would've been nice to know. Perhaps if you ever do deign the thought of returning to the Caer you can ask for these things to be added to the lesson plan.

This is critical knowledge!

The fact that Aria is all but doing this:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69AyYUJUBTg

Over getting basic agricultural knowledge is very funny.

"Maybe if I go back to the Glastrier Knights I can make this part of the curriculum?" <-- Girl who literally got blasted off Team Rocket style over her mentor's murder conspiracy.

Elpis said:
"They're quite readily available if you know what the plant looks like, it grows everywhere and in every season, though in winter you might not be able to tell without the leaves."

She grabs something from her pocket, a small book, then goes through it until she gets to a page in the middle, holding it up for you to see. "Here."

A drawing of a plant, with a person next to it for scale. It would reach about your hip and has thick, heavy leaves that shrivel at the tip, some up and some down. If you squint, it does look like the maw of a serpent, or a dragon, whenever two leaves curl towards each other.

"In Sol, the leaves are bright, in Gildera they're usually darker or have blue highlights, even in summer."

You nod, making a note to get a book like that soon.

She shoves the book into your hands.

Okay, well, no note then.

"Okay, well, no note then." You are sooooooooooo.

If you set foot in Gildera you're expected to get a blue color scheme. It's part of the branding.

I like the implicit clarification on why Dragon's Root is the name, and wow Penelope up and decided Lissy wasn't allowed to be the only person who ever gave Aria a plot relevant book.

Elpis said:
"Is it fine to just give this to me?" you ask. Books are a commodity, something expensive and useful. Though some are mass produced, often religious texts or fables, the truly useful books are those with knowledge of the world. "It must've been expensive."

"I've memorized it up and down, I could write my own," Penelope says, her smile still in place. "You look like you'll need it more than me, little one."

You want to say you're not that little, but that woman towers over you in a way that only Redwood could imitate. Even her son, two years your junior, is equal to your size.

"I am going to adopt you. Be ready." said every adult whoever ever interacted with Aria. Ever.

(Besides the people who literally adopted her, somehow)

Also, confirmation that Aria is 16, and a shortass (that was already confirmed but it's always funny to say so again).

Elpis said:
The villagers are the best kind of people. And in their winter joy, they made you a gift: a shield, so the other half of your weapon is finally back where it belongs. Made from the Mamoswine Trees, it is something that will stand the test of time for sure.

As long as you don't lose it again.

The shield is engraved…

[ ] … with the seal of the Gilderan people. It depicts a tree with golden lines running up the crown.

[ ] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.

[ ] … with Inana, glaring at you. She looks menacing on the wood, much more than in reality.

So this is the "Sun and Moon"! Really charming, Traviolle is a bunch of sweethearts.

"As long as you don't lose it again" you're really mean to yourself you know that.

I wonder what ended up winning, it's either "The Ol' Marika Special", "~~Your To The Nth Degree Grandpa~~ The First Emperor Of The Country Yours Is About To Go To War With", or "Tha Fucking Weasel You're Tsundere About", all incredible.

Elpis said:
The meeting with Sophia does not take long to organize. Though she's still out of breath after only a few minutes of walking, the Nurse released her back into the city with a stern 'do not attempt anything dangerous', which means you're free to enjoy a good meal with her. She came personally to the villager's quarter to tell you where to meet in the evening. A few hours later, after reading to the children one more time, you make your way there.

I feel like the Ten Stage Boss Rush Sophia about to go through (Getting an incredibly dense girl to notice her, and then surviving the green girl who will drop on her like a continental cruise missile) is kinda crossing Nurse's advice on the word go.

Elpis said:
In the inner city, where the ring-road formed around the first watchtower that ever stood here, the biggest and most popular shops have made their mark. They surround that tower with beautiful lights and smells that make your stomach growl. The snow is not high here, trampled down by the hundreds of people who walk up and down the street the entire day. It's slippery here and there, but you manage to regain your balance after only two near-death experiences.

. Apparently the road is Stage 1 and 2 of the boss rush!

Love the way the set design is conveyed, it's all artistic and old timey and lived in and then Aria brushes off almost dying.

Elpis said:
Sophia is dressed casually, a purple scarf around her neck and a long brown coat that makes her look very mysterious. She stands at the watchtower gate, looking around until she sees you approach. The snow under your foot makes a crunch as you step up to her.

Purple, huh. I see no statement of abject thirst in a desert, no.

"oh that coat has Mystique" I can't say Aria can claim better, since she's just. A nerd.

Elpis said:
"Good evening," you greet. She takes a moment before responding.

"Good evening, Aria," she says. Somehow your actual name coming out grants you relief in a way you cannot put into words. A sort of pleasure that comes from being acknowledged as you are. You dare not ask for more. "Have you picked a place yet?"

Why are you getting affirmation euphoria after a. Week? Using a pseudonym? Girl?

Sophia is having the exact same beat in her internal monologue but apparently that's just because you said hi.

Elpis said:
"No," you say, shaking your head. "I don't really know the city, so I'd like it if you could pick one "

"There's a pastry restaurant," she says. A sweet-tooth, then. Sophia is quite easy to get along with, you think. She does not actually hide her emotions, at least, not in the way you're used to by others. She reaches out, grabbing your hand and pulling you along. "Come."

You can only see her back now. She's slightly taller than you, her grip tight but not painfully so, and though she is already running out of breath just walking those few meters to the shop she picked, you can tell that she's dependable and strong.

It's chance and circumstance that made you, well, acquaintances? It's hard to say friends, but who would you share a slice of cake with if not a friend?

Sophia you're getting WASTED in the replies (the brain of the girl you were trying to land a date with).

Thinking about the Grip comments.

Elpis said:
Capella rolls around, sitting up and raising her hand. You grab it, helping her up before accepting the just punishment of her fingernails digging into your skin. Her grip becomes uncomfortably tight as she ponders your words. "Weeks?"

The verrrrrrrrrrrrrrry particular emphasis on Grip.

Elpis said:
The candles on the table make for a fun mood, enough to ignore the rather rude stares by some of the richer customers toward you.

"What's the matter?" she asks when she sees you look around like a child in a new place. "Never been in a restaurant before?"

"No," you say, unable to lie. "It really is something! The people, the view out of the window. It's so much more comfortable than a dining hall." Or a dining room in a mansion. It reminds you more of teatime outside in the summer, all warm and cozy.

It feels like sitting with the villagers, though somewhat less personal.

Sophia is just looking at you, leaning back into her chair.

"Ohhhhhhh, you're like, cute to go with the gallantry. I think I'm gonna die."

Pay no attention to how used to ignoring rude stares from rich people Aria is, definitely not sharpening a stake rn.

Elpis said:
A man approaches, and you tense for just a moment before Sophia turns to him in greeting. "Hello, my friend here hasn't eaten anything like this before, could you recommend something?"

He does not hesitate for a moment before listing off a ton of things of which you had no idea how to parse. You do know some of the terms, you know of course what a cake is, you've had quite a lot with your grandmother back in the day.

But some of the terms sound, well, foreign. Solian, in some ways. They mention the sun and the moon, and somehow you find yourself interested. "That one," you say. "The sun and moon cake."

Oh, the sun and moon cake! Finally finding out what that is!

Also pay no attention to how Aria's first reaction to a stranger walking up to her table is tensing up for reasons that have no implication to the stake I definitely am not sharpening this very instant.

Elpis said:
The man raises a finger, then squints before looking between the two of you. He leaves after nodding, forgetting to take Sophia's order.

"That was abrupt," you say, tilting your head toward him. "Do they not have time to take everyone's orders?"

"No, it's just," she starts, her ears slightly red. "The sun and moon cake is, well, it's-"

OH, LOL, IT'S A COUPLE'S DESSERT.

Love how this waiter just Assessed, Considered, and went "Okay yeah this does seem like a date."

This is more awareness of gay flirtation than Aria has demonstrated in her entire life.

Elpis said:
You get the answer quite fast. It's not one cake, but two. Not slices, but whole ones, though obviously small enough for a single person to eat it. The waiter puts it on the table and lets you enjoy the sight of it before taking a large knife and cutting both cakes in half, giving each plate half of each—

Ah.

Ah.

You slam your fist into the palm of your hand. It makes sense, of course! It's a way for someone to enjoy two kinds of cakes! How ingenious!

.

Case in point.

Aria is SO stupid. I love her dorkass she did the Eureka Gesture when she absolutely did not Eureka shit.

You know I've been making dumb jokes about Capella vaulting half a country to suplex Sophia for even looking at her situationship but I think she'd actually feel genuine compassion for the one person who's had to experience what Aria does to women. Before she kills her.

Elpis said:
Sophia is a much slower eater than you, it seems. Or perhaps her injury is still giving her some pain, as her hand keeps shaking and her face stays red when she lifts some of the cake to her mouth. You try to help her, but it seems that the color of her skin becomes even worse when you hold the spoon up. In the end, the cake is an experience you definitely want to repeat.

You don't know what that dark cream is, but it's very nice.

Aria. I think you're living down to Skiddle's example very badly. Even though she's a baby goat who probably doesn't know the word lesbian.

Also fascinating she doesn't know what chocolate is.

Capella after she finds this damn girlfriend stealing son of gun: Any last words?
Sophia: Honestly I was starting to think Aria would give me a heart attack obliviously so this is probably a better way to go.
Capella: Ugh, I KNOW, shouldn't know what she does to us? It's a crime to be that pretty and sweet and use it so carelessly.
Sophia: Okay I agree with you to a degree that concerns me but before we get too deep are we having a bonding thing here or are you still gonna kill me?
Capella: Still gonna kill you.
Sophia: See that's what I thought.

Elpis said:
In the end you have some tea to finish the evening of. You talk, and talk, and talk. Some secrets spill from loose lips, but you feel much more free. If the Glastrier Knights want you back, they can come and try, but right now you will enjoy life as Old Bea told you to.

You don't notice how you feel until you notice that stinging in your eyes.

"It's been a while since I shared sweets," you admit. Almost eleven years now since your grandmother has passed away. "I'm just reminded of how much has happened since then."

"Well, if there's a time to be sad, it'd be this week," she says. You blink the tears out of your eyes, raising your head to meet her eyes. "Solians are mourning the Empress' death, she died today, all those years back."

Her words reach your ears but your mind is occupied. Something in it makes you wonder, makes you feel, think, respond differently. You see her, but your eyes are unfocused. Was there something in the tea? Sophia doesn't seem to notice, and you try, try not to let her. You want to enjoy this evening.

. Hm!

You know this is more PTSD than we've seen in—Hang on.

Elpis said:
"So the Emperor's love for his late wife stays his hand at the border, because her sister reigns there—" you try to summarize everything, though it still eludes you just how ridiculous this situation must've become in a mere sixteen years since the assassination of the Empress.

RiceRockRekt said:
AND THIS WAS AN ASSASSINATION. OKAY.

...16 years.

Hey what had Aria's age range been again?

Elpis you sly son of a bitch.

Elpis said:
"How old are you anyway?" she asks. You smile like a puppet, ready to answer, but the number on the tip of your tongue sounds wrong. It leaves your entire mouth numb, and you flinch as you bite on your lip so hard it draws blood. "Aria?"

"I… I think I'm seventeen?" you say, your voice wavering. Why seventeen? What did you miss? You think, you count the days since you left the Caer Rivenhold, you count the time when you would have been back to celebrate with Drake and Capella, with Lissy and Ruby.

Remember, Aria. You celebrate before they mourn, never on the day after.

ELPIS!!! YOU SLY SON OF A BITCH!!!

Also Sophia you maybe picked the worst time to ask that. Like literally the worst time.

Damn though people killed Isabella the day of her daughter was born. That's fucked up.

Elpis said:
"I'm seventeen," you say, quieter and more certain than before. "My birthday was yesterday."

"Ah," Sophia says. And though you want her to see nothing of that sadness you know is reflected on your face, she does not need to read your face like Capella to understand how you're feeling. "I suppose a late celebration is better than none, is it?"

You missed your own birthday.

Man this is fucked up. "My grandma said I had to do these things in order and I didn't, I'm a failure."

Elpis said:
"I've spent so long trying to live my life according to other people's ideals," you say, finding your voice again. "I don't even know what I am doing anymore."

Is this really where you find your barriers falling? With a spoonful of sugar and a warm fruit tea? When you finally realize just how much of your childhood has been stolen from you by Marchioness Flamberg, by the heavy weight on your soul?

In front of a stranger?

You're stronger than that.

But what if you don't want to be strong today?

Babygirl...

Wow Sophia has tripped face first into emotional transparency Capella would actually kill people for, riiiiiiiiip.

Elpis said:
"The man who adopted me was killed," you say, your fingers clenching over the fork that you forgot you were holding. "I ran. Because people thought I did it."

"I'm sorry," Sophia says. You just nod. You're sorry too. "I can't imagine what that is like, that's not something you should have to bear by yourself."

"I kept running. And I forgot my birthday. And today I was enjoying myself so much, I almost forgot the people who are still waiting for me to come back. And for a moment—"

You swallow the words, but they have to come out, because you cannot imagine how painful they will be if you try to keep them down.

"—for a moment I wondered if I even want to go back to them. If they're not better off without me there."

BABYGIRL...

Can't fucking believe she's finally gotten the relief of baring her godforsaken soul and it was on her mom's deathiversary.

Elpis said:
Sophia does not know what to say, so she says nothing. Instead, she moves around the table and puts a hand on your shoulder. It's a gesture both of you seem to be fond of.

"I do not know your friends," she says, "but I know that no one who'd call you one would ever think their life better without you in it. Doubts like these should not be what stops you from thinking that those you love want you back."

"I know," you say, your voice breaking slightly.

Capella I'm sorry Sophia has just zoomed past you on The Bachelorette: Gildera for being able to talk about Aria liking people besides her in a positive and sincerely encouraging way, you're gonna have to level up hard to make up for that lead.

Putting aside the jokes now, this is sweet, aww.

Elpis said:
"It's inappropriate to bring it up now, so please forgive me," Sophia says. "My time with the Spectrier Guard has ended just as abruptly. There is something I must do that is more important to me, and though I know that I will miss my comrades and they will miss me, please listen to what I'm saying."

Her words have the desired effect, your emotions muting themselves to hear what a woman, who had just days ago revealed herself to be the very model of a knight, has to say about her own abandonment of that path.

"I pledged my sword to protect my people," she says, her grip on your shoulder loosening. "But the more I stayed, the more that armor dug itself into my skin, the more I yearned for something else."

You clench your teeth. You understand it, of course. That desire for the sky, for the part of the horizon where the sun touches the mountaintop.

"I can see that freedom in you, Aria. My doubts were simply waiting for another push, and you gave it to me. Though it pains me to give up this path, I know whatever the future holds, I will never regret these days."

You nod, unable to say a word. The crowd around you has become quieter, somehow you feel like everyone's staring at you. It becomes uncomfortable, the sight and warmth suddenly too much, sweat gathering on the top of your brow. Her hand comes down from your shoulder and grabs your hand instead.

"And I know that no matter what, whenever I return to them, they will greet me with the same warm smiles, and embrace me with those same warm arms. I know they will do the same for you."

She's on her knees, her sword at her side. Her one hand cups yours, and though you wish to pull away you cannot deny a knight, someone who like you has fought and bled for their rank. Sophia kisses your hand, and you try to ignore the heat that crawls up your neck.

. Deadass??? Shooting your fucking shot to hell and back???

I can't believe it. You judged Maurits Lena and Garry for having an active interest in you landing a girl and then you do this on the first date in front of an entire café you PDA freak???

I'm kinda just sitting here clapping. Literally went turbo chivalry for a princess the day of her mom's death and neither of them know that.

Insane that Sophia has apparently been having some kind of crisis of conscience buildup for however long and then Aria swings in with nothing but sheer deranged hands and a literal second lease on life and suddenly she has the ultimate chivalric romance here.

Elpis said:
"I owe you a debt I cannot repay in one lifetime," she says, her forehead pressed against the back of your hand. "Let me stay at your side."

"You barely know me."

"And I barely know the Marquis. Is my heart wrong to tell me that now I must go a different path?"

"You are a knight of the Marquisate," you say, frowning at her words. "There are others worthy of such loyalty. I'm… I'm not a noble either.."

The problem with facts and arguments, no matter how logical and reasonable they are, they cannot win against the most powerful emotion. The way her face brightens when she looks into your eyes already tells you everything you need to know. That her words earlier were not something she said just to cheer you up.

"I have already resigned," she says, her hand tightening around your fingers. "If you reject me now, I'll have nowhere else to go."

You do not know what to say.

So you say nothing.

Insane to me.

Insane to me.

She literally skipped the internship wadda hell.

Elpis said:
You've acquired a follower. Someone who will go with you through hell or high water, whose trust in you is so unshakeable, it makes you uncomfortable with how much power you have over them.

You cannot deny her purpose, and you cannot deny that you seek companionship. The coldness of the world is weathered much easier with a hand on your back. All you can do now is to become someone worthy of that loyalty.

She is Sophia, once Spectrier Knight. Though she resigned during a difficult time for the Order, nobody seemed to mind. Though she had to give up her armor, she was allowed to keep her sword. Leif is the one who came to collect these things, not dismissing her as a weakling, but smiling at her, and saying goodbye to an old friend.

Sophia's smile is radiant as she joins you in the villager's quarter. Her words grant you wings, and the sky suddenly no longer looks like a cage after all.

Inana looks like a bundle of joy. It seems she's become good friends with Spring.

You find a letter, somewhere in the snow. It melts the world around it and warms your heart. [A]. Imp al.

I deadass don't know what to say.

You got out-knighted Aria.

You'll never get to call yourself some girlboss's humble servant, you got beaten to the goon spot.

Anyway I love the pals. The amigos. The idiot crew and Leif and Inana and Spring.

Yet another letter on the road to [Imperial]...

[ ] —a string for her sword.
For some reason you can only find purple ones.

[ ] —some armor.
You've never had any and don't feel comfortable in it, but she looks wrong without one.

[ ] —a necklace.
It reminds you of Sophia's eyes. Of Capella's hair. You should buy two, and save the other for your return.

.

[ ] —a necklace.
It reminds you of Sophia's eyes. Of Capella's hair. You should buy two, and save the other for your return.

Poly Option???

You know I've been talking about the looming yandere love triangle but I think this is like "actually set someone on fire with it" vote.

And FINALLY done.

God. What a week.

Elpis said:
Aria, the Aspirant Knight

Aria, the Runaway Knight

Art by Me

Your Pokemon and your Skills share the same slot. As one grows in power, the other will too. Aspects are combinations of Skills, representing the content of your character and choices, not necessarily the things you can bring to the table.

They're graded loosely adapted from We Stand In Awe's and But Not Forgotten's skill levels. Everything runs purely on a narrative basis, with your capability in a skill deciding the paths that become available to you rather than rolls which decide their outcomes.

Aspects and Skills

Aspect: Imp‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎al (Wisdom + Authority)

This is an Aspect of your Character. Something that you ARE, not something that you CAN DO. Wisdom and Authority make for a better noble that most. If you hone this aspect, perhaps you can forge it into a blade that can carve borders. It is missing a few letters, though. You should go find those.

Skill: Wisdom [Competent]

There are many ways of persuasion. Knowing when to apply the right kind of force, knowing when to ease up, such is the way of a Knight. During lessons, the stories of those generals who set enemies up to fail with strategy and wit were always much more interesting to you. You are Aware. You notice things that you might not usually, you make connections that make no sense sometimes because of details you picked up but might not quite have the context for yet.

Skill: Authority [Competent]

Your voice commands respect. Your deeds will make people think twice before starting a fight with you. It is easier to convince others to follow you. These are all aspects of Authority, something you have inside of you whether you want it or not.

Aria's Pokemon

~~The Flamberg Growlithe~~

?: ??? the Growlithe: Love. You are someone capable of great empathy and affection.

~~Skiddle, the Runaway Knight's Regret~~

1: Skiddle the Skiddo: Wisdom [Competent]:
Skiddle is your first partner as a Glastrier Knight. She's kind and happy, always ready to cheer you up and keep you company when you're down. She will keep you upright if you can barely walk, and she will warm you up at night if you're cold. That's the kind of Pokemon she is.

Or was.

Inana the Sneasel

A proud Sneasel of Northern Gildera. She knows she's adorable and will let everyone know. Her biggest goal seems to be proving herself as strong and dependable.

Important Characters and Friends

Sophia, Aria's Knight

A former knight of the Spectrier Order. You saved her life. She has sworn loyalty to you, and your cause, whichever cause that is or will be.

Capella, your precious friend.

Capella is a year younger than you. She has spent a lot of time with Drake before he returned to the Caer after picking you up. She is your best friend. The only one who truly understands you.

Drake, your adoptive father.

The man who took you in. A bald Commander whose name makes many tremble in fear. To you, he's your savior and mentor. His trusty Partner is a Dragonite named Typhon as scarred as him.

Lissy, the Future Legend

A girl who wants to become a hero. She knows all the tales and stories of those who now dwell in the Elysian fields. Her ability to fight in close combat is enough to make even some older knights cower. Her Scraggy is named Perseus.

Ruby, the Mountain Child

A member of the last natives in Western Gildera. They hail from Regis' Pass, a village where the last survivors do not know what their future looks like. Ruby wishes to become a noble to protect their people. Their Bunneary is called Opal.

Leif, Spectrier Knight

A man who knows more than he lets on. Leif is a Spectrier Knight who used to be a villager in the Reichert Marquisate. He is easy to get along with and quite perceptive. He gifted you a Pokeball.

Minor Characters and Acquaintances

Silvia, the Lightning Blade

Silvia is a Captain of the Glastrier Order. Despite using a long sword, she is said to be the fastest swordswoman on the continent. Her partner, Bolt, is a Raichu with a darker fur than usual.

Redwood, the Scholar

A man who towers over everyone in the Caer. Redwood is a teacher at heart, though his own skill with the blade is not to be taken lightly. His partner is an Ursaluna named Princess. She wears a crown.

The Murkrow Squad of the Northern Woods

Led by Thalia the Murkrow, these four Murkow were your first battle, and rivals for berries. They're not that bad, though. They did save your life. Maybe one day you can come back for them.

Alright, there have been new updates to the character sheet!

A former knight of the Spectrier Order. You saved her life. She has sworn loyalty to you, and your cause, whichever cause that is or will be.

Firstly, Sophia is Aria's Knight!

I'd say she's in for a Scott Pilgrim vs the World arc but Capella's only the one Evil Ex.

My homeboy Leif's gotten art too!

Love this. Iai ass stance. The gentle water blue of his hair contrasting the fucking obscene gnarly scar. The fact this skin tone is the range of brown we've been told is common for the border region because people from Gildera and Sol have been intermingling, reminds you he's a local country boy.

NemoMarx said:
the necklace would have insane vibes imagine telling capella we got a romantic gift for her and also another girl

Literally this is either the path to the harem ending or she's gonna actually kill someone.

AmberGimlet said:
(checks quest title) is that so

Yeah uh definitely Aria's totally a normal one who wouldn't beat fate to death with her bare hands.

Don't worry about those men she nearly beat to death, you don't have to ask their opinions.

AmberGimlet said:
.... Aren't Aria's eyes purple...?

Literally all of Aria is purple.

It's kinda her thing.

Alright! I'm done! Gonna go fucking cease to be now!

Elpis · Nov 9, 2024

No drawing this update, unable to put pen to paper.

Thank you to all my friends.

Winning Vote:

[X] Wisdom.
[X] —a necklace.
[X] … with a depiction of Kael, wielding his blade. It's symmetrical and stylized, quite beautiful.

###

Nobody in the villager quarter makes a comment about Sophia moving in with you. In the end it happens so quickly you don't even have time to really process the idea that there is a person who has sworn to follow you.

You do have time to establish boundaries, however. You do establish, quite clearly, that you're not interested in being idolized. In the same vein, the relationship between you and Sophia is not that of a lady and her knight, but of two friends who have, at this junction, decided to walk their future path together.

It does not help, however, to see the joy in her eyes at your gift. You didn't think too much when you bought it, but somehow it seems to have invigorated her. The necklace you gave her hangs around her neck, shining in the sunlight reflected on top of the omnipresent snow. The one you bought for Capella hangs around your neck, until it's time to meet again.

You do not feel guilt anymore over the joy that you have when Sophia is with you.

Today you're trying to take it slow. Sophia and you have found yourself in a park, sitting and watching some of the children play in the snow, making sure nobody gets lost.

She looks much better already, though you can still see the way her hand crawls to her belly whenever she thinks you're not watching, her breath growing shallow whenever the thought of her injury and near-death returns.

It's the first time you truly feel like you can relax, though the dinner at the pastry restaurant was already a solid step in the right direction. Unwinding always feels like a bad idea, hoping for a better time is usually met with some form of approaching conflict.

Let it come, you say.

You will not cower from adversary.

The big ball of snow that Lisa is holding in her hands though, you might cower a bit from that.

"Do not," you say, trying to sound stern. Unfortunately she does not seem willing to listen, as whatever authority you have is challenged by the desire to throw frozen water. "Lisa, you will regret this."

She smiles so wide it might as well split her face in half. "Regrets are for old people!"

You don't have time to wonder where a girl this young learned to say something like this, because the ball of snow was thrown with all the power of a small child on a mission. Fortunately, Sophia steps between you and the vicious attack.

Unfortunately there was an attack from the back! One of the boys had his own snowball ready and hit your back, causing you to jump up and forward, slamming into Sophia and falling on top of her into the snow.

Now you're both freezing.

"Well," you say, slamming both fists into the ground and shoving off it, righting yourself up. You grab Sophia's arm, helping her up, and give the children a stare.

Some of them do notice that they have gone too far. Some don't. One of them throws another snowball, which you slap out of the air with your palm, then bend down to gather your own weapon. The girl that threw the ball looks a little concerned before trying to run.

You don't let her, your snowball thrown with all the precision of a true knight. It hits her square in the back, shattering into dust and sending her face first into the snow.

The war is on.

What happens next is not something one can put into words. Battles fought over the border could not compare to the viciousness of two trained knights having a fight with a dozen children in the snow, the sheer destruction wrought inside Wallburg is akin to the scars left by Drake's own destruction of Kael's Stand.

Unfortunately, it was treachery that did you in. Sophia, realizing that there is no worthy adversary among the children, decided to challenge you instead.

You lost in five seconds flat when she grabbed you from behind and threw you into the snow.

It ends up with laughter and joy. Everyone is soaked and shivering, but that is nothing a warm bath will not be able to fix. Sophia, the only one that has taken very few actual hits, ends up joining you in the snow by lying down next to you.

The children go their own ways back home, and you decide to take a minute to catch your breath before joining them.

"Why did you want to become a knight?" Sophia asks. Her injury forgotten, the girl next to you is badly out of breath and clearly unable to stand up by herself.

"I don't know anymore," you answer, your breath visible in the air as you sigh. "At first it was so I could make Drake proud, then to stand side by side with Capella, my best friend. Then… then I wanted to stand side by side with my other friends, too, with the captains that helped and taught me."

"You no longer want that?"

"I do," you say, shaking your head. "But I don't know if I want it in the way the Glastrier Order wanted it from me. Now that Drake is dead, it feels like I've lost my home. Even with my friends there, I don't want to dedicate my life in service of the Duke to be with them, I want our friendship to go beyond such borders."

"It's admirable," Sophia says. You notice your eyes, your stupid, stupid eyes, losing focus again as they start stinging. They blur because of the winter air and nothing else, you tell yourself. "I understand why you are full of hurt being apart from them, it'd be lovely to meet them one day."

"You'd get along with them for sure," you say. Well, maybe not Capella. But then again, that girl doesn't get along with anyone that isn't you. "What about you?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Why did you become a knight?"

She looks a bit lost at the question, not in the way someone without a proper answer does, but in a way that someone who is unsure just what the answer is. The conflict in her eyes makes you hesitant to continue, but before you find the courage to tell her that it's fine, she does give you an answer.

"Money," she says, her voice a bit low. "To be honest with you, it was always money."

She looks embarrassed of all things. Sophia's face is slightly red from the cold, and the way her eyes move away from yours you know for sure she is ashamed. Despite the heaviness of the conversation, you can't help but laugh.

When she starts pouting, you laugh even harder.

"It's not very noble, I know!" she says. "But my family grew up poor, and I wanted to have something for myself in the future. The knights pay better than anyone else!"

"It's not that," you say, your shoulders still shaking in joyful laughter. "With how you hesitated I thought it'd be something weird, but money's probably the least weird thing there is."

"Whenever I told anyone else, they mocked me," she admits, her hands balling into fists in her lap. "They said without a proper reason, I could not be a proper knight."

"Well screw them," you say, putting an arm around her shoulders. She goes rigid, but does not push you away. "There's no such thing as a wrong way to be a knight, if there's one thing I learned over the years with the Glastrier Order is that as long as your actions speak for themselves, nobody may criticize you."

You stand up again, once more reaching out to Sophia to help her up. You pull her from the snow and give her a smile.

"You still helped people," you say. "Your reasons for doing so are your own, but the effect you've had on others will remain the same."

One cannot eat honor, or live on fame alone. Your own reason to join the patrol was money, and in the end you've succeeded in not just earning that coin, but also saving a life.

And then she looks at you, and you see in her eyes those were words she clearly never heard before but always wanted to hear.

"Now let's get ourselves warmed up," you say at the same time as she makes a noise to speak. She does not continue, her mouth closing. She just nods, holding your hand on the way back to the villager quarter.

###

It is Leif that ends up breaking your routine at the quarter. He appears like usual, in full armor and on top of his Rapidash, though this time he looks slightly less upbeat than usual. You know that the past few days, he's been taking more and more responsibility on. Sophia is getting her affairs in order, so you're alone when he asks to meet you.

"Hop on," he says, without much of an option to say no. While you're the last person to just accept a demand, you know that this man has helped you more than enough to get the benefit of the doubt. You take his hand and he swings you upward, letting you settle down behind him on the Rapidash.

Rapidash says something that you can't quite make out, and he laughs as if his Pokemon just told a joke. "I guess it's a bit late for introductions, but what's his name?"

Leif hums. "Right, I knew there was something I forgot. This is Bernard, softest mount in all of Gildera."

You can't disagree. Though the saddle under you is somewhat solid, there's a feeling of lightness that surrounds you.

"So where are we going?"

He tilts his head toward the castle. You frown.

"We're not visiting the Marquess, right?" you say. You have the letter on you at all times, but there's no way you have enough clout with them to actually meet the nobility that governs these lands and this city. Especially not during such a difficult time, in a harsh winter, while there's conflicts at the border.

"No, no," he says, shaking his head. "The Knight's Quarters. You're invited to a meal today, our treat."

Well, you can't say no to a good meal. While you love the villagers' foods and ingredients, they don't have much in terms of variety. After seven kinds of bean soup, you do feel like you could eat something else today.

The rest of the trip is quite quick and quiet. You don't see much that you haven't seen before, passing by the first watchtower and then toward the main road that leads up all the way to the castle itself, built into the mountains. Calling it a castle feels wrong when you're this close, staring up at it. A fortress, maybe. A Wall.

The knight's quarters aren't inside the castle itself, but to the right of the gate and further towards the end of the edge of the city. It does look similar to what you're used to, at least. You can immediately tell where the barracks are, what places are there for Pokemon, and what places are there for feeding the poor and downtrodden aspirants ready to prove themselves.

You dismount next to the dining hall, and Leif gives Bernard a nod, sending him off toward the stalls instead of using his Pokeball. You enter mostly unseen, finding yourself staring back at a few curious knights who are clearly wondering about the civilian that just came with one of their knights.

It's still a mystery to you just what rank Leif actually has. While ranks in the Glastrier Order are depicted by stripes and symbols, the Spectrier Knights have their armor in lieu of a uniform. You can tell the difference in some armors, but Leif is wearing the same that Sophia wore. He's wearing different ones from the lightly armored young men and women who must be aspirants, so—

You don't have time to ask any questions before you're seated. The hall itself is quite warm and cozy, the candles everywhere give a warm red glow to your surroundings.

"Wait here," he says, moving toward the kitchen window. You don't need to be told twice, sitting down on a bench. The table is empty, while the hall itself is filled with a good two dozen knights and aspirants, as well as some older men and women in the back, there's enough space so you don't have to share or meet anyone new.

That's good, you're not really in the mood to meet anyone new.

Leif returns with two plates full of grub, balanced on his forearms, and two mugs full of… well, something. You're not sure what he gave you, but whatever he has is alcoholic for sure. The plates on the table, he sits down across from you, the bench under him creaking. It really can't be comfortable to always walk around in that armor, but considering Corviknight flies with it, it can't be that heavy either.

It's hard to miss once you spot it, but you can certainly tell the Marquess is proud of his order by the massive painting of him in the hall. The man is sitting, fully armored, in a rather simple chair. Next to him is the Marchioness, a woman with pale blue hair and deep purple eyes, dressed in such a simple dress it would be easy to forget she once was a princess.

If not for her smile. You don't know why it feels so familiar to you, but though her appearance is royal and dignified, the way she smiles just feels warm and welcoming for some reason.

"Comparing it to your old place?" he asks. You roll your eyes.

"A bit," you say. "You know we had something good here, right? I pretend to be some villager girl and you don't reveal my darkest secrets? Whatever happened to that?"

"Well, you happened," he says, his hand reaching up to his hair. He loosens the string around his ponytail, clearly bothered by how it pulls on his hair as he raises his glass with the other hand. "It's easy to play pretend until you start swinging around Skarmory steel weapons and declaring your name in front of poor Sophia."

You groan, your fingers tracing over the hard wooden table. "You knew from the very start, you don't need to pretend."

"This is this and that is that," he says, shrugging his shoulders again. You bite into the… cob of sorts. You don't actually know what it is, but it does taste sweet. Perhaps not knowing is better considering it looks like it came from a very questionable plant. "I'm sorry to tell you, but you're the worst actress I have ever seen. Hell the way you talk already tells me you've had some noble upbringing."

You try to resist the urge to flinch at the abrupt reminder of your past and succeed in part only by hiding your face in the giant mug of— apple juice? Does this man think you're a toddler?

"You… Can you tell?" you ask, your voice quivering slightly. Wait, if he can tell… did people in the Caer know? Were you always this obvious?

"Little bits," he says, smiling softly. "It's some stuff you just pick up after a while, you know? People usually prefer one leg or another when they stand, but nobles are used to standing straight so they use both feet. Sometimes you use words I know a villager would never use, even knights would be hard pressed to add them to their vocabulary."

"And the fact that you probably know most villagers if you lead the evacuation efforts," you say.

"And that." He nods. "In part that's courtesy, Old Bea isn't someone you really try to challenge when she's made a choice. I let you go, then observed, and realized you're not a threat. If anything, I'm glad that you've joined up with the patrol. Sophia would be dead if it wasn't for you."

"The fact that Sophia could just leave makes me wonder," you say. He tilts his head. "About loyalty, about duty. A knight whose heart is not in it surely does deserve no place, but one whose heart bleeds with her people, would you not try to keep her with you?"

"The Marchioness Reichert has a good heart," Leif says, nodding at the painting in the hall. "'Knights are not pawns,' she once said in an argument with some other nobility. 'If one is forced to fight when their heart is no longer in it, surely the time arguing about right and wrong can be spent better by refitting their armor on someone else.'"

"Nobles and pragmatism," you murmur. "I suppose it's better than the alternative."

"Well, I do know that your former order thinks differently," Leif says. You sigh, of course they do, to him there was power in numbers, after all. "What we grant you in the Marquisate is not quite amnesty, of course if you were truly guilty of a crime against the crown, then we'd have to arrest you. The joys of borders between landed nobility is that jurisdictions become more complicated."

"Do the Marquess and Marchioness know I am here?"

"Not in detail," he says, shrugging. "In essence you're just a number on a list of refugees, with the special note on it that you're a former knight. Where you came from, what you do, it's largely irrelevant as long as you behave appropriately and don't cause trouble for our people."

"Knights and pragmatism," you say, slightly louder. "Thank you, Leif. For giving me the benefit of the doubt."

"It's my privilege to aid a lost child," he says. You purse your lips. You're practically an adult, there's no need to make fun of your size. "I'd like for you to tell me your story one day, but I'm not really so curious I'd force you to. If nothing else, that benefit of the doubt has extended into unconditional trust."

"I've spoken with Sophia about it, and the more I think on it the less sense it makes for me to really hide it," you say. In the end, the more people know your story, the more people will help you if you're still charged for that crime. "Commander Drake's death, I was the one who… who found him. The guards thought I did it."

"Oh," he says, and you do see the way he tries to process the information by drinking more of that beverage. It gives him time to think, for sure, and in the end his response is as short as you expect from him. "That's messed up."

Well, the second worst day of your life being summarized in three words might be slightly less than stellar, but it's not wrong. It is messed up.

"Typhon, that's Drake's Dragonite, got me away," you explain further. "Then I traveled, nearly froze to death, and the villagers saved my life."

Leif is uncharacteristically silent for a good minute, and you wonder for a moment if your decision to share your situation is wrong.

Then you give him the benefit of the doubt, and wait for that extra minute he takes to formulate his own response.

"They've not sent out information about the assailant, and there is no bounty with your description," he says. You nod. The recruitment center was devoid of anything that could lead to you. "This means they either have the true assassin, or you have people who don't want this information to leak."

That's about where you are, yes. You nod again, happy that someone else has come to the same conclusion. "The trust between me and them, it's not going to be restored so easily. There's no way I can return to where I was, even if I miss my friends. I know I will meet them again, just not now, or maybe not even for a long while."

"I suppose your approach here also has a purpose," he says. You hesitate for a moment before you nod. Though you can give him the benefit of the doubt, that letter is something you cannot share with anyone. Even Sophia, as much as you can trust a girl who seems even worse at lying than you, cannot know. "I won't pry, as I said. If you are willing to share, I will be here to listen."

He takes another swig.

"So as for this dinner here, it's obviously not only about food," he says. You nod, the cob forgotten on the plate. Without any appetite, it's hard to swallow.

"Is it about the thief?"

"Okay, then let me explain," he says. "Wilhelm used to be an entertainer. He traveled through the continent, earning money with his shows, but somewhere along the way something happened. Wherever he had a show, things went missing. Minor trinkets at first, then major treasures."

"What happened? That just sounds like a long con."

"No, it's more than that," Leif says, shaking his head. "At the same time we had reports of some strange happenings, initially thought unrelated. A magician who appeared in towns where kidnappings happened, a priestess who healed people who got sicker after she left. While we still don't know how they connect, we know that they're all part of one group."

"Do they have a name?" you ask. Information like this no doubt has reached the ears of the Duke, so why weren't the knights of the Glastrier order involved? Why did nobody know about these happenings?

"No, and worst of all is that every time we capture one of them, they find their way out of prison," he says, shrugging his shoulders as he takes another swig of his drink. "Wilhelm broke out four times, though the fifth will be hard considering what you did to him."

You open your mouth to defend yourself, but somehow it feels childish to argue about how badly you injured a thief and would-be murderer. "And none of them have been killed either?"
"We don't try to kill on our lands. That is not justice. Executions may only happen after the approval of the Marquess, and for those who haven't really committed crimes that warrant such, the prison is all we truly have to deter them."

You suppose that is the way of fairness, and though you do wish that some could be dealt with easier, as someone who has already felt the blade on the neck for a crime, true or false, it is not hard to approach this situation with the idea that even criminal life is sacred until their acts grow beyond the pale.

"Now I know that after whatever happened at the Glastrier order, you won't join up with us, no matter how much we would want you to," Leif begins again, changing topics with only a slight bit of hesitation in his voice. "But right now the situation in the city is quite challenging, and you've been such a great help that the upper ranks want me to ask anyway."

"No," you say, not hesitating in the slightest. "I've realized that there's no life for me in the hierarchy of knights, I'm sorry, Leif."

"Ah, to be so young and know what one wants," he says, leaning back into his chair. "You're truly one of a kind, Aria of Rivenhold. What a life you must have lived."

"Not one I can recommend, Leif," you say, "but one I do not dare regret."

"Aye, what a good attitude!" His voice echoes over the hall. He stands up, the bench under him falling over as he raises his glass. You can see he's barely drunken anything, so either he's playing the fool or is a lightweight. "Hear me, Spectrier Knights!"

The people pay attention. You can even see some of their captains, people with much more imposing armor and aged faces, turn to you.

"The world of knights is too small for this one, but in her I see a good friend!" His words are met with cheers. You try to make yourself small, but there's nowhere to hide here. "So it is my honor, in service to Wallburg and the Marquess, to offer this!"

He pulls something out of his pocket. It's… an emblem, of sorts. It looks like the Spectrier emblem, but in the middle there is a small gemstone embedded.

"Where the Spectrier Order walks, you will never need to fear solitude, Aria," he says, handing you the emblem. "From this day onward, as approved by our Commander, you are an honorary knight."

"I can't accept this," you whisper. He grins at you, forcing your hands closed around the emblem.

You know the meaning, the presentation, the importance. You know that the Glastrier Order itself has only five honorary knights in its history, only one walking around right now. While the Spectrier Order is slightly more liberal with these, you also understand that the privilege of holding this emblem comes with certain conditions.

Catching one thief, saving one life, that's not— wait.

"The flute," you say. That bastard's grin widens.

"For securing the Marchioness' beloved flute, gifted to her by the late princess Isabella!" he calls out. "Thank you, Honorary Knight Aria. The Spectrier Order will forever be in your debt."

"You bastard," you whisper, your grip around the emblem tightening. You can't say no anymore, not when your entire plan to meet the Marchioness is tied to your good standing in Wallburg and the Order. Not when he drags you across the city to make the award a public matter in front of dozens of knights.

While this isn't enough to ask for an audience, it's essentially a free pass through the Marquisate and a promise to help you if you're troubled as long as it's within their jurisdiction.

It can be taken away if you abuse it, but Leif knows you're not the kind of person to do it.

The crowd around you cheers so loudly, you go deaf.

###

The bulk of that warm bread you were just holding rolls over the ground, trampled by the heavy crowd that surrounds you as your entire body coils like a spring. You're ready to maul that man in front of you in broad daylight, but you're uncertain just how much collateral damage you could bear.

The name he called you by is known to only three people, including you. Your hand is twitching toward the sword on your hip, your eyes narrowing at the bastard across you.

The man stands out, yet people seem to ignore him as they pass him by. His stature is not very tall, but the air around him makes the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention. He is not a noble, the way he leans and the way he gestures have none of that grace you've started to look for after Leif mentioned it to you. Though he's very close to it. Someone who stands with nobility, whose very presence commands respect.

He stands like Drake.

"Aria, Deserter of the Glastrier Order," the man says, as if using your chosen name is meant to calm you down. If anything, it makes you even more willing to risk everything to drive that sword into his throat and stop him from speaking. "Your sentence has been deferred. I am not here to take you in."

This does not calm you any. You already knew something was wrong when no word of Drake's alleged assassin had reached the border, but to hear it spoken out loud just makes your suspicion even greater.

"The men who framed me are dead," you say, frowning. "Are you responsible?"

"We are not executioners, all our deeds are in the name of the Duke van Kesteren," he says. His voice does not rise at all, and though there is a sizable distance between you his every word is so clear it might as well be a whisper next to your ear. "Our lord requires your presence at his castle. You are invited to attend."

"And if I say no?" you ask. Inana is angry, wiggling around in her ball at your hip. Despite that strong emotion she does not come out, knowing that it would just make this situation worse. The man himself has six Pokeballs at his hip, not that you'd risk a battle in the busy street.

"Then we will have to aid your way."

The threat hangs in the air.

It is four weeks now since you've entered Wallburg. Since you joined the patrol, since you saved Sophia and captured Wilhelm the Fool. Leif mentions that the man had accomplices, that in Gildera there's a group of people causing chaos everywhere, each stronger and more capable than Wilhelm himself.

While the Border Guard is occupied keeping the peace in the buffer zone between Sol and Gildera, these people have started to spread their influence across the kingdom, and now that you're aware, your ears are honed to listen and react to rumors about them. Fortunately it seems Wilhlem's injuries remain too severe for him to break out or receive help from his allies.

"How much time do I have?"

"Little," he says. He does not sound like someone who bluffs. "One week from now, we will receive you at the gates. If you're not there, we will find you."

Your hand moves toward the emblem in your pocket. For one moment, you think about calling for Leif. To tell him what happened, to ask him for protection. But the way he says your name, the certainty in his voice, the ridiculous way he holds himself.

"If you think about calling your new allies, I will have to move earlier," he says. "And though I find it beneath me, you will see that in the name of the Duke, even these borders will not protect you, or those people who have taken you in, Sofia of Traviole."

The noise that comes from your throat is nowhere near human. As the crowd starts to become even more busy, he vanishes between them, simply walking away.

Your fist lets go of the sword hilt.

The threat of the Glastrier Order hangs over you like the Sword of Damocles. You are not someone to run from your troubles, but you are also not someone who would ever bend the knee to someone for no reason other than their title.

For some reason the Duke van Kesteren wants to see you. He sent an operative so skilled, he managed to sneak into the city without anyone raising any flags, so if he truly wanted to take you by force he wouldn't have taken the time to introduce himself.

In the end, the choice is yours. You…

~~[ ] … follow the Glastrier Knight back to the Duchy.~~
There is no world in which you will entertain the idea of service under that man's banner again. Not until you know who killed Drake, and even then, that newfound freedom will never be easy to let go of.

~~[ ] … ask Leif for help.~~
The Spectrier Order is stretched thin. Whatever the Duke's men have planned, it'll become worse when you involve the knights that are currently fighting at the border. Wilhelm alone was almost too much, you can't imagine what they could do.

[X] … you refuse to kneel.

You shake your head.

What a foolish notion. While your feet moved away from the Caer due to the accusations, now that you've seen the world outside you cannot simply forget just what happened. You cannot forgive the Order that could not protect your father, and whose inability to choose proper aspirants has led to those conspirators pointing their fingers at you.

And now that you know just what the state of the rest of the country is, how can you truly believe that you can make such a difference in the service of a lord like van Kesteren?

No.

You are not going to be anyone's knight anymore. You're going to be a knight of the people.

You have to go where the Duke can't reach you. Where your mere presence will not cause conflict in Gildera.

You have to go to Sol.

Oh you anguished traveler.

The way east is treacherous, and where the snow starts to melt, the sun will be harsher than you've ever felt.

But this is the path you have chosen, rebellious dame.

Toward Sol there are three cities, built in the faith of three loyal beasts. Your status as Honorary Knight means nothing to the people of Sol, but your deeds reach across the continent. If you become someone whose name is in everyone's mouth, whose deeds aid those downtrodden and too powerless to aid themselves, then even the Duke cannot touch you.

The cities you can reach just across the border are named after the types of Pokemon that surround them.

You go…

[ ] … towards the city of Fire, past Kael's Stand, Mallus.

[ ] … towards the city of Water, near the northern sea, Siren's Call.

[ ] … towards the city of Lightning, southbound near the mountains, Olympia.

sickdoc4452 · Nov 9, 2024

[X] … towards the city of Lightning, southbound near the mountains, Olympia.

WaterWorld · Nov 9, 2024

Poor Aria's gonna be on the run for a long while it seems.

[X] … towards the city of Fire, past Kael's Stand, Mallus.

We have a long lost Growlithe somewhere out there with our Love. I'm curious what direction this brush with fire will push Aria.

Who? · Nov 9, 2024

Elpis said:
Nobody in the villager quarter makes a comment about Sophia moving in with you.

After the first date? Good lord.

Elpis said:
~~[ ] … follow the Glastrier Knight back to the Duchy.~~

I'm a real sucker for using metanarrative devices like strikethroughs in votes. 10/10.

[X] … towards the city of Fire, past Kael's Stand, Mallus.

We have a shield with Kael on it, and Aria does have an old connection with Fire-types. So that seems interesting to me as a beat.

...Even if Inana is an Ice-type.

Axel Fones · Nov 9, 2024

[X] … towards the city of Water, near the northern sea, Siren's Call.

Water types are fun.

[X] … towards the city of Lightning, southbound near the mountains, Olympia.

Homestuckian · Nov 9, 2024

Are we going to be telling Leif why we're leaving? It kinda seems like a dick move to not warn him that someone in the Duke's employ threatened to harm anyone who helps Aria, plus he really has helped us out a lot.

Dragonlord Seth · Nov 9, 2024

[X] … towards the city of Fire, past Kael's Stand, Mallus.

SeekerofDreams · Nov 9, 2024

[X] … towards the city of Water, near the northern sea, Siren's Call.

Homestuckian · Nov 9, 2024

[X] … towards the city of Lightning, southbound near the mountains, Olympia.

I don't think we should go somewhere we might get a fire type, what if we run into our old growlithe and we already have a fire type on our team? Plus electric types are awesome!

A Ballad for Icarus - A Historical Pokemon Quest

Aspiring Farmer

[INSUFFICIENT SECURITY CLEARANCE]

In the end, there is no end.

All Ideas. No Skills. a bit hungry

Ostensibly Hope

Ostensibly Hope

Ostensibly Hope

Aspiring Farmer