Settling in

Location: Alba / Tower of Gifts / Gifted One's Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 44th day of the Harvest Moon

Back in Victoria I lived in mother's room. And that didn't even have windows.

"Wow." (Liara)

The view from up here is amazing! I was given a personal room near Mother, in the second to last level of the tallest tower of this temple.

The temple is built on a cliff, giving a vantage point of view of the entire valley. But from up here the sight is breathtaking.

"Are you liking your new room, Liara?" (Serina)

"It's amazing, Mother! Is that really alright for me to have such a room?" (Liara)

"Brother and Sisters renounce to their old names when they join the Church. We are all equal before Gloria. The Church rewards people based on their accomplishments. You earned this room, my sweet child." *hug* (Serina)

Well, I am having quite an impact alright. It feels good to have my accomplishments acknowledged.

[Don't let it get to your head. You might go mad with power!] (Gamer me)

I don't want to hear that from you, Gamer me.

[You are young. And successful. It's ok to brag about it, but don't overdo it. Nobody likes that. You don't want to end up alone, don't you?] (Science me)

I guess you are right. I'll try to contain myself.

[A lot of people died, yesterday. Are you ok with it?] (Bookworm Me)

Not completely, but those people wanted me dead. They even called me ! I'm getting tired of being targeted. It's like... what? The third attempt on my life?

[Feeling guilt for the death of others is what make us humans. If you kill too much and lose that... Just... Be careful, Liara.] (Soldier Me)

"Mother. Why those people wanted to harm me?" (Liara)

"That's... You are very talented, Liara. Some people are afraid of those with talent." (Serina)

"Is it bad that I'm talented, then?" (Liara)

"Bad people with talent do mean things. Good people with talent makes the world better. What do you want to do with your talents, Liara?" (Serina)

"I want to keep Mother safe!" (Liara)

"You already have, my sweet child." *hug* (Serina)

It's true. I really want Mother to be safe above all else. I'll need to learn more about the world before I decide what to do. I'm still a child. I have my whole life ahead of me.

[Unless we discover an immortality enchantment!] (Gamer me)

I can't believe you actually lectured me about not going mad with power!

Council

Location: Mera's Chamber

Time: Y1503 - 44th day of the Harvest Moon

"You mean to say that you defeated the enemy force without the direct intervention of either the Gifted One or the Head Healer?" (Vaerminia)

Vaerminia's voice came from a sphere of glass, half a metre in diameter, resting on a glorious golden support.

"Yes." (Steffen)

The enemy force didn't deploy Magi, and the Gifted One used a barrier to protect from an ambush in the pass, as Steffen planned for. Still, to defeat a more numerous force despite the being at a strategical disadvantage was no small feat.

"What you know about the enemy leader?" (Pernida)

"Her and her unit were very well equipped. She was a comrade of mine during the war. She was strong willed and extremely skilled. Lord Teoren knows her well." (Steffen)

"Can it be... Leonora?" (Teoren)

"Yes." (Steffen)

A few seconds of heavy silence followed as Teoren collected himself.

"I heard rumors about her. She... She was leading a mercenary warband." (Teoren)

"That was more than a warband, Lord Teoren. Someone very wealthy had to be providing them with heavy coins and equipment." (Steffen)

"I examined her armor. While not quite at Meridia's level, it's enchanter had to be extremely skilled. But I can't see Faber's insignia on it. My guess is that this is the work of a Royal Enchanter." (Priestess Mera)

"We should have Sister Meridia examine it, then." (Pernida)

From the sphere it could be seen that glances were exchanged. Some members of the council didn't take well that Meridia was becoming important once more. After her monumental failure as High Priestess she was meant to be marginalized and scorned. To live in atonement for her sins.. But the situation was such that they could not do without her expertise.

"Have the head of the enemy leader delivered to Victoria. She will decorate the walls of the temple." (Vaerminia)

"Blessed One!" (Steffen)

"That's going too far! It will not happen while I have a seat in the council!" (Teoren)

Having an old comrade disgraced is not something anyone would want. The two soldiers voiced their disapproval. Still...

"Vaerminia is right. Her death will serve a grater propose." (Pernida)

Coming from Vaerminia's mouth, this would seem nothing more then petty revenge. But Teoren and Steffen know Pernida. She take no pleasure in such things.

No organization, however big, however well organized, can survive a repeated series of failures and massive setbacks. Once the heart of the faithful breaks, the church crumble.

They needed a win. And they needed that win to become propaganda.

A statement saying: "The Church of Gloria is not to be trifled with."

"..." (Steffen and Teoren)

The two of them hardened their hearts. More matters needed to be discussed.

Late Bird

Location: Alba / Order Dormitory

Time: Y1503 - 44th day of the Harvest Moon

*yawn* (Mage Knight Stella)

I feel so rested!

Isn't the sun a bit too high?

...

"Damn it! I overslept!!!" (Stella)

How could this have happened!!! I mean, I was really tired, but to miss the morning drill means that I will be given punishment!!!

The dormitory is empty. I quickly put on my uniform and armor.

*run* (Stella)

--------------------------------

Location: Alba / Courtyard

*clang* *chatter*

I rally overslept. I'd better steel myself.

"Leader Steffen! Mage Knight Stella reporting for duty!" (Stella)

"You are up already? Well, since you are so energetic, join the others in the drills." (Steffen)

"Don't tell me you thought you were late! After the spell you weaved yesterday it's only natural you would be given time to rest. Ah ah ah!!! Your expression is priceless! Wait until the other soldiers know of this!" *run* (Feldris)

"You little!! Don't you dare say a word!!" (Stella)

[A victory does make all the difference in the world.] *grin* (Steffen)

"You! What are you doing staring?!? Resume your training! Double time!" (Steffen)

Mass Graves

Location: Royal Road near Alba

Time: Y1503 - 45th day of the Harvest Moon

"Just our luck! We were sent to clean up after the battle." (Soldier Feron)

"Stop complaining." (Soldier Talasia)

"The rain is annoying enough without your whining!" (Soldier Yastalia)

Just the day before a large battle occurred at the mouth of Alba's Pass. Hundreds died. And someone had to clean up the road. The standing unit of the temple got the unfortunate task. Magi will take care of the landslide.

It was raining, albeit not heavily. The road was muddy, and the cart advanced slowly. The Royal Road was not paved in this region.

--------------------------------

"Why are you standing like that? What do you see?" (Talasia)

Feron went ahead to scout from the top of the hill. The mist thinned as the unit got closer. He had heard the reports, but still was not prepared for the sight before him.

The top of the coming hill was charred black. Indistinguishable remains could be seen. He knew exactly what those remains were.

*vomit* (Feron)

Feron was not an hardened soldier. The temple of Alba had been in a state of near abandonment for many years. It was hard to reach, and nothing of value was stored there. One wonders why a fortification that had nothing to watch over was even built.

Needlessly to say, Feron never saw death before.

--------------------------------

Twenty soldiers advanced slowly, the short grass leaving place to black cinders and grey ashes. In the field before them there were hundreds of corpses. Most too charred to even make up their gender. The biggest carcasses were horses. And all the bodies were curled in agonizing postures.

*whisper* "Is this the doing of the Gifted One? That girl is terrifying!" (Talasia)

*whisper* "I heard the escort, yesterday night. It was Sera who weaved this spell." (Soldier)

*whisper* "I had no idea we had such a powerful Magi in our ranks!" (Talasia)

*whisper* "Neither did I. I just hope I won't get caught in her magic." (Soldier)

During the last war, a tactic had been to use foot soldiers to bait larger forces. The Magi then burned everyone. Friend or foe.

*clench fist* "My father died at the hand of a Royal Magician." (Yastalia)

With the husbands gone, mothers could not feed their children, and many had to be given away to whomever took them. Most were left in the streets, begging for food, and died. The darkest moments of last war left deep scars in the hearts of those who survived.

"Come one! Ten of you take the shovels and start digging! The others start gathering the corpses! Move!" (Leader Teram)

The soldiers quit their whispering, and begun their duty. This will be a long day.

Princesses

Location: Victoria / Royal Palace

Time: Y1503 - 45h day of the Harvest Moon

Inside the inner wall of the Royal Palace, one of the training grounds was being used by a fair skin girl, no more than fifteen years in age. She had long flowing platinum hairs and pleasant features. Her eyes were closed and she was in a meditating position, preparing to weave a great magic.

(Princess Aurora)

At the behest of the princess, an invisible light fell from the skies. A bright flash followed, making the depression in the centre of the training ground slightly deeper.

*clap* *clap* "Well done, sister. That's a beautiful spell." (Princess Beata)

An even younger girl, wearing an elaborate gown graciously walked closer to the princess.

"Thank you, sister. Receiving your honest praise never fails to brighten my days." (Aurora)

"Today Mother was restless! She called the ministers. What I would give to know what happened, dear sister!" (Beata)

All princesses were adopted as child because of their potential. All had different families, and only the most adept amongst them rose to become official princesses. The competition amongst them was fierce. Only the best of them would be selected to become queen, one day.

"I have attentive ears, beloved sister. If you ask nicely, I might tell you." *smile* (Aurora)

"It's alright, sister. I'm not that curious. Please, keep training hard!" *bow* *walks away* (Beata)

"Thanks for cheering on me! Have a good day, Beata!" (Aurora)

Queen

Location: Victoria / Royal Palace / Hall of the Ancients

Time: Y1503 - 45h day of the Harvest Moon

Inside a closed room, protected by powerful enchantments, the ruling class of the Kingdom was in session. The King was present of course, but he held no real power.

"Can it be traced back to us?" (Queen Orta)

"Not beyond reasonable doubt. And they already had their suspicions anyway." (Minister of Magic)

"Even if they had definite proof, it's against their interest to openly move against us." (Minister of Life)

Leonora had made killing all Magi her own personal crusade. The Crown secretly financed her activities through the Cult of Fertility. An exorbitant expense, and sometimes she turned her sword against the kingdom itself. But you can't make an omelette without braking some eggs.

"I'd say we got our value for money, but this was meant to be the coup de grace. The Church of Gloria may yet recover if left to their own advices. Any suggestions?" (Orta)

"At this point it would take a full scale deployment from the army to take them out. They tightened their operation and entrenched themselves inside their temples." (Minister of War)

"We are bleeding them of resources, sowing the seed of discontent, but, optimistically, it will take years for them to collapse." (Minister of Information)

The Kingdom seized on the fall of Meridia to reduce the influence of the Church of Gloria, but a wounded animal is more dangerous then an healthy one. They hoped to replace the Church of Gloria with less influential cults loyal to the crown.

[If we force a move, we might risk a civil war, defeating the whole point.] (Orta)

"Let's leave the Church of Gloria alone for now. Any news about the treaty?" (King Neode)

"It was rejected, your grace." (Minister of Life)

Dame in Green

Location: Victoria / Green Sanctuary

Time: Y1503 - 46th day of the Harvest Moon

"I have an Urgent Report! Let me pass!" (Cultist Shannon)

A messenger arrived to one of the largest sanctuary, but the doors were closed.

"The Green Fairy is busy." (Cultist B)

"This can't wait!" (Shannon)

"The Green Fairy is "Busy"..." (Cultist B)

The messenger understood what that meant the first time. She didn't want to be disturbed during her "prayers". But the message couldn't wait any longer.

As he was thinking of a way to deliver the message, the door opened.

*pant* "It's fine. I needed some air anyway. Tell me what happened." (Green Fairy)

The messenger wasn't sure how the Green Fairy knew of his presence. Probably someone informed her? Whatever. He shouldn't question a stroke of good luck.

"The Church of Gloria defeated a large force at the Pass of Alba without suffering casualties. They claim their faith in Gloria gave them the strength to smite their enemies." (Shannon)

"..." (Green Fairy)

As far as the world is concerned, the Cult of Fertility had nothing to do with this. For a second the guru of the cult mused on the implication of Leonora's failure. Only for a moment.

"Come inside. Your work should be rewarded properly." *wink* (Green Fairy)

Shannon was tired, but it's not wise to refuse the Green Fairy offer. He heard stories about people who refused. But probably those are just stories, and it's not like Shannon was against it. He followed the Green Fairy inside.

Disembodied Head

Location: Victoria / Merchant District

Time: Y1503 - 47th day of the Harvest Moon

"Seven light coins." (Merchant Maurine)

"That's a rip off. I'm giving you no more than four." (Citizen)

"That's how much I paid the fisherman to have it! No less then six!" (Maurine)

"I'll give you six light coins if you put in a piece of firewood." (Citizen)

*people run*

"Come! Everyone!" (Boy)

*grab the boy by his rags* "Hey! What's going on Yoren?" (Maurine)

"The church of Gloria! They killed a devil!" (Yoren)

A devil? Nobody is going to buy anything at this rate anyway. I'll close early and see what the ruckus is all about.

--------------------------------

Location: Victoria / Great Street

*hit shoulder*

Damn it! People are packed tighter that fisherman's net! The main road of that lead to the Temple of Gloria is completely blocked off. I'll use the sideways and get to the the temple from the west.

I hope whatever is going on is worth it!

--------------------------------

Location: Victoria / Walls of the Temple of Gloria

*knock* (Maurine)

"Go away!!!" (Neumon)

"It's me! Maurine! Let me see from your roof!" (Maurine)

*open door*

My grandfather sure is grumpy. I'm just borrowing your window for a while! Can't you do even that without making noises?

... There! From here I can see well.

Soldiers of Gloria are protecting a sister. Is that the High Priestess? And what's with all those heads on a spike?

Oh. That overly confident lady is about to speak.

"Victoria! The Church of Gloria has smitten a devil!" (High Priestess Amigarde)

*loud cheers*

"A Devil that has been tormenting many for a long time, bringing despair wherever it went! Burning your homes! Taking your gold! Killing your children!" (Amigarde)

*boooooo*

She has to be more specific. It's full of people that do that. It's dangerous to even move in the Royal Road those days. is this really enough to be called a devil?

"The Devil's head, and the head of the demon that followed it will now adorn the walls of the great Temple of Gloria in our beautiful city. Victoria!!!" (Amigarde)

*loud cheers*

"Let this be a reminder for every would-be-devil. Gloria is always watching. And her patience is running thin." (Amigarde)

(Amigarde)

Wow. That image is much bigger than last year! The high Priestess has gotten strong!!!

"That's more like it! Show it to them devil, Gloria!" (Neumon)

My grampa has always been a faithful worshipper of Gloria.

Now that I think of it, a few moons back a gigantic image of Gloria was weaved in the temple. They must have gotten hold of some pretty dope magician. Rumors were that they were done, but that doesn't seems to be the case at all!

I had paid my respect to the Cult of Fertility for protection until now, but maybe it's time I switch side.