"Roen, are you ready?"
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Roen felt the cold slap of the shallow stream against her cheek as she hit the pebbled ground hard, her sword clanking loudly against wet stone as she braced herself for the fall. She pushed herself up and rolled to the side, away from the thick pink tongue that shot out at her with the quickness of a snake. She snatched up her sword again from the watery floor, securing her grip around the hilt. Her grey eyes narrowed to meet the green reptilian pupils that flitted this way and that. The massive amphibian's tongue was already retracted back into his giant maw, and she could see it coil within, as if to ready itself for another strike. The giant toad looked hungry.
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"You sure you want to go through with this?"
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She could hear Natalie's words in her head even as she raised her shield. The toad's tongue thudded hard against it, rattling her arm. Roen spun as the tongue retracted, water splashing around her feet as she darted forward and slashed at the giant reptile. Her blade found its mark true, and the slick yellow-green skin split easily, but the beast seemed not at all affected by it, even as yellow blubber began to ooze out from where she had struck. It hopped into the air where it stood, although when it landed, the impact of it sent her skidding backwards, her boots scrapping against the rocks below her feet.
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"Do you think I am not ready?"
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Roen had answered to Natalie's question with one of her own. This was her final Trial. She had faced against the undead, set against them by Erik, her first mentor and the Sultansworn who would give her the Trial of Faith. Her faith was tested in that she would stand alone against whatever evils and adversaries were set before her, and her faith was answered that she would not face them alone. Erik joined her in her fight that night, smiting undead alongside her.
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Her second trial was given by Anelia, who ironically was her second mentor, and also Sultansworn. Anelia was as rigid and unforgiving as ever, just as Roen had remembered. She brought Roen and Kage -- the lalafell friend who was also undergoing the trials with her -- to Vesper Bay, to teach them the lesson of politics; the conflicts between Monetarists and Royalists, the authority of Brass Blades, and the obligation and responsibilities of a Sultansworn. There was only a battle of words in her Trial, and Roen was not sure that she had passed when Anelia dismissed them both to return home. Â
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But when Natalie led her out into the Western Thalanan, towards the bridge leading to Horizon, she was hopeful that this last trial would finalize her path to becoming Sultansworn. From Natalie's first few questions, Roen wondered if her current and third Sultansworn mentor thought she was not ready for the Trials or the mantle. "Speak your mind, Natalie. I would hear it." Roen said frankly.
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The miqo'te Sultansworn narrowed her green eyes, looking at her apprentice. "Roen, this is a hard life. You will risk your life tonight, but it will not be the last time," she said, placing her hand on her hip. "You've left your training before, for personal reasons, but should you pass... that will not be an option." Natalie met Roen's gaze and held it. "I just need to make sure you are ready."
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Roen inhaled deeply, straightening. She had chosen her family over her duties, and it had nearly cost her the chance of becoming a paladin. Ser Jenlyns was not forgiving, but Natalie had been. Perhaps this was her mentor's reminder that one only gets few second chances in life. "I know," Roen said. "But committing to this, becoming Sultansworn... I am doing it because of them. My family inspired me to do this. I want to protect them, as well as all the other people who call this place home. As I do. Is that not worth it?"
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"I can't make that decision for you." Natalie smiled. "But it was for me. I just need to make sure you're doing it for you, and for no one else."
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Roen nodded. "As a Sultansworn, I think I can do more good. For my family, and for others."
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Natalie looked at her for a long moment. "Very well," she said quietly, and led her to the edge of the cliff next to the bridge, overlooking the deep gorge below them. She pointed to the giant amphibian roaming the river bed below. The rotund, hulking toad was big enough for Roen to easily spot from where they stood.
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"That thing has eaten two patrols of brass blades, and countless caravans." Natalie said cooly. "But a Sultansworn will kill it." She turned to face Roen, crossing her arms. "You spoke of doing good for people. Slay that beast."
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Roen swallowed, but nodded. This was the Trial of Courage. She now understood why. The beast had to be at least twenty fulms high. Often a group of multiple guards were recruited to take such a thing down. This day, she would face it alone. She ignored the twisting knot in her belly as she turned and trotted across the bridge and down the wooden railing that led down to the river below.Â
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Ten yalms away, it had not spotted her yet. Roen unsheathed her sword and gripped her shield. She could see its slimy skin glistening under the Thalanan sun. Its slitted eyes darted this way and that as it roamed the river bed. Her brows bent with determination. She spun her sword once in her hand, and charged.
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"Ugh!" A grunt escaped her lips as the toad landed hard on the river again, the rippling waves its impact caused finally upsetting her balance and sending her stumbling backwards. The creature's tongue took the opportunity to wrap itself around her leg, yanking her toward it at an alarming speed. Roen's sword slipped from her hand again, clattering against the rocks behind her. She was being dragged on the wet ground by her foot like a rag-doll. Something about the slime of the giant beast's tongue made her skin turn cold, her muscles stiff. She had been fending off most of its strikes, but every time its tongue slid off her shield or gauntlet, it flicked its greenish slime onto her face and neck. She felt the tingling immediately.
Â
Without a sword in hand, she saw the beast's jaws open wide. Roen lifted her shield, still bound tight around her arm, and slammed its sharp edge against the tongue that was wrapped around her leg. The fleshy thing split easily, green slime spurting everywhere. Â The giant toad let out a deep bawling noise as it flailed its head side to side. Roen took the opportunity to skitter back, although her limbs were not moving as fast as her mind told it to. She reached into into her side pouch, drawing out a vial. She continued to skitter back further as she uncorked it with her teeth and pouring the contents into her mouth. She was not sure if it was the effect of the healing potion or the grip of urgency that warmed her limbs, but she scrambled back to her feet. She quickly retreated back, bracing herself against the unsteady waves that came rushing after her, her hand reaching into the water to retrieve her sword.
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Spinning it once more in her hand, she summoned aetheric energies to her, red and blue lightening cracking around her feet, weaving energy into her feet and arms. She charged forward, shield raised, sword singing its steel song.
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The giant toad fell limp onto the ground, its eyes lifeless, its massive form oozing yellow substances everywhere she had cut it. It took more than twenty (thirty?) slashes to bring it down finally. The layers of fat it had beneath its skin had armored it well.Â
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Roen leaned forward, her hands on her knees, her chest falling rising and falling with heavy breaths. Her red locks were slick with both slime and river water, as was her Sultansworn armor and tabard.
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"Well..." a familiar voice called from behind her. "I had no idea that would happen."
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She turned to see Natalie standing there, along with C'kayah and Kage. The miqo'te Sultansworn was grinning from ear to ear. The same expression was on her companions as well as they all looked to her. "I didn't think you could kill it. I thought to teach you courage by giving you a hopeless battle." Natalie said, clearly impressed. "Little did I know."
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"You'll have to try again, then..." C'kayah chuckled.
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Roen blinked, her eyes darting between all of them. She had no idea how long they had been in the river bed with her. Then Natalie's words finally sunk in. "That was... you what?"
Natalie shrugged, glancing to those behind her. "We were here to help you, should you be overwhelmed." She smiled. "However, I may have underestimated you."
Â
"Oh." Roen exhaled finally, a smile emerging at last. "Well, had I known, I would not have been so..." She then paused and shook her head. "But then again, that would not have tested my courage, would it?"
Â
"No," Natalie laughed heartily. "It wouldn't have."
Â
"We knew early on that you would not need us." Kage beamed at her, glancing back towards Natalie and C'kayah.Â
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"Applicants Kiryuu and Deneith." Natalie's tone sobered quickly. "Front and center!"
Â
Roen straightened, stepping forward in attention before the miqo'te Sultansworn. Kage stepped up beside her.Â
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Natalie looked to them both, her eyes narrowed, her expression intent. "By the reports of the other two knights, and my own observations, I declare you to have passed the trials. You are now for all intent and purposes, acting Sultansworn. You will be contacted within a week on the oath swearing ceremony." Natalie nodded to them both, allowing a slight smile to break her austere countenance. "Congratulations. Both of you."
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Roen could barely manage to suppress her joy, much less the smile splitting her lips. She looked to Kage who wore an irrepressible grin of his own. "Thank you," Kage said, jubilant.
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"Aye. Gratitude," Roen added.
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"I will see you at the ceremony. And then..." Natalie walked up to them both, putting her hand on their shoulders, one in turn. "I look forward to us standing together. Shield to shield."
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"As do I!" Kage was still grinning ear to ear.
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"Shield to shield," Roen said quietly, nodding to Natalie.
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Natalie walked away from them, spun around sharply with a salute. "Sultansworn!"
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Roen and Kage both answered with a crisp salute.
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"Dismissed," Natalie declared. Then another smile rose to her lips and she laughed. She stepped forward this time, as a friend, and gave them a warm embrace.
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Roen returned the embrace, closing her eyes for a moment. "Thank you," she whispered into Natalie's ear.
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Natalie leaned back. "I should be thanking you. I could not ask for better apprentices." She glanced to both of them, a look of mischief in her green eyes. "Now I should let you two celebrate." She gave them a wave and joined C'kayah who was seated quietly on a rock, watching them all with a delighted smile. Natalie began to walk away with her beau, then glanced back to Roen and Kage over her shoulder. "Just don't get so crazy that I have to pluck you from a Brass Blades jail cell!" Â
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Roen and Kage regarded each other. "Let us celebrate," Roen said boldly. "I will buy you a drink!" That statement alone was surprising, being that she herself did not drink, but if any occasion called for an exception, this would be it.
Â
"I will do the same!" Kage beamed. The lalafell eyed Roen up and down critically however looking each other over. "Perhaps we should also change."
Â
"I should get this cleaned before the ceremony." Roen made a face as she glanced at her Sultansworn armor and tabard. "That thing had a very long tongue."
"We should both get cleaned up. Then a drink! At Momodi's!" Kage grinned and waved as he trotted away.
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Roen went to the gorge and washed away what slime she could in the running water, before she too climbed up the wooden steps, her legs finally starting to grow heavy with the exhaustion earned by the day's trial.Â
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She did not see the woman waiting for her on the road from Horizon until she was nearly upon her. It was Ana Deneith, Roen's adoptive mother. And from her distraught expression, something was terribly terribly wrong.
"Ana...?" Roen called out, her chest sinking with dread.
[sub]The story continues in this post.[/sub]
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Roen felt the cold slap of the shallow stream against her cheek as she hit the pebbled ground hard, her sword clanking loudly against wet stone as she braced herself for the fall. She pushed herself up and rolled to the side, away from the thick pink tongue that shot out at her with the quickness of a snake. She snatched up her sword again from the watery floor, securing her grip around the hilt. Her grey eyes narrowed to meet the green reptilian pupils that flitted this way and that. The massive amphibian's tongue was already retracted back into his giant maw, and she could see it coil within, as if to ready itself for another strike. The giant toad looked hungry.
Â
"You sure you want to go through with this?"
Â
She could hear Natalie's words in her head even as she raised her shield. The toad's tongue thudded hard against it, rattling her arm. Roen spun as the tongue retracted, water splashing around her feet as she darted forward and slashed at the giant reptile. Her blade found its mark true, and the slick yellow-green skin split easily, but the beast seemed not at all affected by it, even as yellow blubber began to ooze out from where she had struck. It hopped into the air where it stood, although when it landed, the impact of it sent her skidding backwards, her boots scrapping against the rocks below her feet.
Â
"Do you think I am not ready?"
Â
Roen had answered to Natalie's question with one of her own. This was her final Trial. She had faced against the undead, set against them by Erik, her first mentor and the Sultansworn who would give her the Trial of Faith. Her faith was tested in that she would stand alone against whatever evils and adversaries were set before her, and her faith was answered that she would not face them alone. Erik joined her in her fight that night, smiting undead alongside her.
Â
Her second trial was given by Anelia, who ironically was her second mentor, and also Sultansworn. Anelia was as rigid and unforgiving as ever, just as Roen had remembered. She brought Roen and Kage -- the lalafell friend who was also undergoing the trials with her -- to Vesper Bay, to teach them the lesson of politics; the conflicts between Monetarists and Royalists, the authority of Brass Blades, and the obligation and responsibilities of a Sultansworn. There was only a battle of words in her Trial, and Roen was not sure that she had passed when Anelia dismissed them both to return home. Â
Â
But when Natalie led her out into the Western Thalanan, towards the bridge leading to Horizon, she was hopeful that this last trial would finalize her path to becoming Sultansworn. From Natalie's first few questions, Roen wondered if her current and third Sultansworn mentor thought she was not ready for the Trials or the mantle. "Speak your mind, Natalie. I would hear it." Roen said frankly.
Â
The miqo'te Sultansworn narrowed her green eyes, looking at her apprentice. "Roen, this is a hard life. You will risk your life tonight, but it will not be the last time," she said, placing her hand on her hip. "You've left your training before, for personal reasons, but should you pass... that will not be an option." Natalie met Roen's gaze and held it. "I just need to make sure you are ready."
Â
Roen inhaled deeply, straightening. She had chosen her family over her duties, and it had nearly cost her the chance of becoming a paladin. Ser Jenlyns was not forgiving, but Natalie had been. Perhaps this was her mentor's reminder that one only gets few second chances in life. "I know," Roen said. "But committing to this, becoming Sultansworn... I am doing it because of them. My family inspired me to do this. I want to protect them, as well as all the other people who call this place home. As I do. Is that not worth it?"
Â
"I can't make that decision for you." Natalie smiled. "But it was for me. I just need to make sure you're doing it for you, and for no one else."
Â
Roen nodded. "As a Sultansworn, I think I can do more good. For my family, and for others."
Â
Natalie looked at her for a long moment. "Very well," she said quietly, and led her to the edge of the cliff next to the bridge, overlooking the deep gorge below them. She pointed to the giant amphibian roaming the river bed below. The rotund, hulking toad was big enough for Roen to easily spot from where they stood.
Â
"That thing has eaten two patrols of brass blades, and countless caravans." Natalie said cooly. "But a Sultansworn will kill it." She turned to face Roen, crossing her arms. "You spoke of doing good for people. Slay that beast."
Â
Roen swallowed, but nodded. This was the Trial of Courage. She now understood why. The beast had to be at least twenty fulms high. Often a group of multiple guards were recruited to take such a thing down. This day, she would face it alone. She ignored the twisting knot in her belly as she turned and trotted across the bridge and down the wooden railing that led down to the river below.Â
Â
Ten yalms away, it had not spotted her yet. Roen unsheathed her sword and gripped her shield. She could see its slimy skin glistening under the Thalanan sun. Its slitted eyes darted this way and that as it roamed the river bed. Her brows bent with determination. She spun her sword once in her hand, and charged.
Â
Â
Â
Â
"Ugh!" A grunt escaped her lips as the toad landed hard on the river again, the rippling waves its impact caused finally upsetting her balance and sending her stumbling backwards. The creature's tongue took the opportunity to wrap itself around her leg, yanking her toward it at an alarming speed. Roen's sword slipped from her hand again, clattering against the rocks behind her. She was being dragged on the wet ground by her foot like a rag-doll. Something about the slime of the giant beast's tongue made her skin turn cold, her muscles stiff. She had been fending off most of its strikes, but every time its tongue slid off her shield or gauntlet, it flicked its greenish slime onto her face and neck. She felt the tingling immediately.
Â
Without a sword in hand, she saw the beast's jaws open wide. Roen lifted her shield, still bound tight around her arm, and slammed its sharp edge against the tongue that was wrapped around her leg. The fleshy thing split easily, green slime spurting everywhere. Â The giant toad let out a deep bawling noise as it flailed its head side to side. Roen took the opportunity to skitter back, although her limbs were not moving as fast as her mind told it to. She reached into into her side pouch, drawing out a vial. She continued to skitter back further as she uncorked it with her teeth and pouring the contents into her mouth. She was not sure if it was the effect of the healing potion or the grip of urgency that warmed her limbs, but she scrambled back to her feet. She quickly retreated back, bracing herself against the unsteady waves that came rushing after her, her hand reaching into the water to retrieve her sword.
Â
Spinning it once more in her hand, she summoned aetheric energies to her, red and blue lightening cracking around her feet, weaving energy into her feet and arms. She charged forward, shield raised, sword singing its steel song.
Â
Â
Â
Â
The giant toad fell limp onto the ground, its eyes lifeless, its massive form oozing yellow substances everywhere she had cut it. It took more than twenty (thirty?) slashes to bring it down finally. The layers of fat it had beneath its skin had armored it well.Â
Â
Roen leaned forward, her hands on her knees, her chest falling rising and falling with heavy breaths. Her red locks were slick with both slime and river water, as was her Sultansworn armor and tabard.
Â
"Well..." a familiar voice called from behind her. "I had no idea that would happen."
Â
She turned to see Natalie standing there, along with C'kayah and Kage. The miqo'te Sultansworn was grinning from ear to ear. The same expression was on her companions as well as they all looked to her. "I didn't think you could kill it. I thought to teach you courage by giving you a hopeless battle." Natalie said, clearly impressed. "Little did I know."
Â
"You'll have to try again, then..." C'kayah chuckled.
Â
Roen blinked, her eyes darting between all of them. She had no idea how long they had been in the river bed with her. Then Natalie's words finally sunk in. "That was... you what?"
Natalie shrugged, glancing to those behind her. "We were here to help you, should you be overwhelmed." She smiled. "However, I may have underestimated you."
Â
"Oh." Roen exhaled finally, a smile emerging at last. "Well, had I known, I would not have been so..." She then paused and shook her head. "But then again, that would not have tested my courage, would it?"
Â
"No," Natalie laughed heartily. "It wouldn't have."
Â
"We knew early on that you would not need us." Kage beamed at her, glancing back towards Natalie and C'kayah.Â
Â
"Applicants Kiryuu and Deneith." Natalie's tone sobered quickly. "Front and center!"
Â
Roen straightened, stepping forward in attention before the miqo'te Sultansworn. Kage stepped up beside her.Â
Â
Natalie looked to them both, her eyes narrowed, her expression intent. "By the reports of the other two knights, and my own observations, I declare you to have passed the trials. You are now for all intent and purposes, acting Sultansworn. You will be contacted within a week on the oath swearing ceremony." Natalie nodded to them both, allowing a slight smile to break her austere countenance. "Congratulations. Both of you."
Â
Roen could barely manage to suppress her joy, much less the smile splitting her lips. She looked to Kage who wore an irrepressible grin of his own. "Thank you," Kage said, jubilant.
Â
"Aye. Gratitude," Roen added.
Â
"I will see you at the ceremony. And then..." Natalie walked up to them both, putting her hand on their shoulders, one in turn. "I look forward to us standing together. Shield to shield."
Â
"As do I!" Kage was still grinning ear to ear.
Â
"Shield to shield," Roen said quietly, nodding to Natalie.
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Natalie walked away from them, spun around sharply with a salute. "Sultansworn!"
Â
Roen and Kage both answered with a crisp salute.
Â
"Dismissed," Natalie declared. Then another smile rose to her lips and she laughed. She stepped forward this time, as a friend, and gave them a warm embrace.
Â
Roen returned the embrace, closing her eyes for a moment. "Thank you," she whispered into Natalie's ear.
Â
Natalie leaned back. "I should be thanking you. I could not ask for better apprentices." She glanced to both of them, a look of mischief in her green eyes. "Now I should let you two celebrate." She gave them a wave and joined C'kayah who was seated quietly on a rock, watching them all with a delighted smile. Natalie began to walk away with her beau, then glanced back to Roen and Kage over her shoulder. "Just don't get so crazy that I have to pluck you from a Brass Blades jail cell!" Â
Â
Roen and Kage regarded each other. "Let us celebrate," Roen said boldly. "I will buy you a drink!" That statement alone was surprising, being that she herself did not drink, but if any occasion called for an exception, this would be it.
Â
"I will do the same!" Kage beamed. The lalafell eyed Roen up and down critically however looking each other over. "Perhaps we should also change."
Â
"I should get this cleaned before the ceremony." Roen made a face as she glanced at her Sultansworn armor and tabard. "That thing had a very long tongue."
"We should both get cleaned up. Then a drink! At Momodi's!" Kage grinned and waved as he trotted away.
Â
Roen went to the gorge and washed away what slime she could in the running water, before she too climbed up the wooden steps, her legs finally starting to grow heavy with the exhaustion earned by the day's trial.Â
Â
She did not see the woman waiting for her on the road from Horizon until she was nearly upon her. It was Ana Deneith, Roen's adoptive mother. And from her distraught expression, something was terribly terribly wrong.
"Ana...?" Roen called out, her chest sinking with dread.
[sub]The story continues in this post.[/sub]
