01-27-2011, 05:04 PM
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, a princess sat within a castle looking out at the land around her. Golden spun hair lifted up into the neatest of buns, while a few naughty hairs drifted down to tickle her neck. Porcelain skin was untouched by the concoctions made by the womenfolk and wizards, make-up they called it. Natural pink lips pursed together before falling apart, teeth nibbled upon the bottom, worrying the flesh. Her slender figure stood before the open slot of a window, dark maroon eyes flicking along the horizon where freedom and adventure surely awaited. Both of her toned arms were in front of her body, hands folded neatly, a lady's stance. She wore a simple gown, nothing extravagant, of white. It was tight about the torso, and fell down prettily against her legs.
“Watching the sky again, Lo'clia?” a deep rich voice asked from the far side of the tower. She turned slightly to take in the sight of her brother ascending the stairwell. Feathery handsome lochs of flaxen hung about his face, medium in length. He was several years older, much stronger, it showed in his firm jawline and the way he held himself. Brilliant gold and silver armor rested against his form, their family crest, a dragon and a knight in battle, adorning the front of his chest plate.
“Yes, brother,” she replied. Her melodic accent floating softly on the passing wind. “There's so much out there, and I want to see it all. Don't you?” Her gaze returned to the window, dark irises lit with sudden excitement.
“I've seen enough of the world. Adventure is a child's dream, and you are certainly not a child. Why do you insist on spending all of your time up here?” the prince asked, his deep azure gaze sweeping across the throw pillows stolen from one of the guest rooms, the lush carpets, books and baubles. It was a makeshift room in a place that was meant for guard duty.
Lo'clia turned to her brother, perfect in posture, hands still gently clasped in front of her. “I'm guarding the castle, and who are you to lecture me, Ah'lial? Playing king again?” her words were soft, but with a subtle edge. The princess tilted her head to one side as she often did.
“Don't start with that again.” A gauntlet clad waved at her nonchalantly. “Mother and father asked me to retrieve you for dinner, we're dining with the Grand Guke of Latlan tonight.”
“Latlan?”
“Yes, it's important that you attend.”
The young princess turned from her brother to look at the rolling hills beyond their town. The castle itself rose above the small houses made from bricks and wood. Smoke lifted up from their chimneys, signaling the many dinners that were being eaten at this time. Their kingdom was a good one, led by a strong king and an equally strong army. Rarely were the people in unrest, this was a time of peace. Her father had been making deals with the neighboring kingdom's, sealing alliances and assuring that a war would never occur again.
Lo'clia remembered the war. It was why she had picked up a sword in the first place. Under the strict tutelage of their head knight, Antoine, she had learned to fight as well as the other guards. Father had never been fond of the idea. Her argument had been sound, for, a princess should know how to protect herself. The raging battle had been close, too close for comfort, nearly knocking at their door. She had wanted to go. After learning what she had over the years as the bloodshed went on, Lo'clia ached to test her skills.
A year had passed since the Battle of Hatau. The mountain rage of Hatau had been a prime location for mining materials. It sparked the greatest war of their time, three of the main countries – Latlan, Forar, and Myrn – fought for control of the land between them. It was King Ka'than of Hal'lal, her father, that had finally brought the council of kings to reason. Now under an alliance, the mountain became a source of raw gain between the four kingdoms. It was time for a golden age, and all those within the alliance listened to and obeyed her father. His words were wise, and sound.
“Reginald is an oaf,” she muttered beneath her breath.
“That may be so, but he's still a grand duke. Since the king of Latlan passed away during the war, with no direct heir, it has been left to his cousin. If not for his support the council would have fallen apart. Father owes much to the grand duke for his support in the alliance.” Ah'lial shifted, his armor clinking gently. “I wouldn't keep them waiting, you're to meet with Margaret for preparations for dinner,” his words were firm. The older sibling eyed his sister carefully. “I don't know what's going on tonight, but father wasn't in the best of moods. Just listen to him, and to me, for once.”
“Alright,” she replied as she looked toward the sky. “I'll attend dinner promptly.”
The corset was tight against her bosom, she could barely breathe. Margaret tightened the last of the fastenings causing the princess to release a small squeak. “Must you always make it so tight?”
“A proper lady never complains, Miss Lo'clia. Now, the dress you will be wearing was a gift from the duke himself. It's spun from the silk of the Tssikia tribe. A most elegant of gifts,” the head maid said with praise as she lifted the gown from the bed. It was the most alluring of colors, shimmering from light azure to a gleaming silver. It was fitted onto her slender body, adjusted against her corset, and let to fall down around her hips. It was always such a bother, the princess had felt. She did adore these dresses but corsets and the like had never appealed to her.
“There we are, now we'll get your hair. I see it's a bit of a mess.”
“My hair is fine,” Lo'clia objected and patted a small hand upon the fallen strands. “It gives me character.”
“You look like a ruffian in the night! No, no, a lady is always well kept.”
The princess was pulled along to the vanity where she stood before the mirror. Margaret let down the girls' flowing golden lochs and began to brush them out. A soft sigh sounded in the room from the lass, but she made no more retorts. This was the life of a princess. Where she would have rather gone out and fought a dragon, she was forced to have her hair brushed and bound.
It was a small dinner, her brother wore his best doublet and took a seat on one side of the long banquet table. The King and Queen sat on the end side by side, while their guest sat on the other side, opposite of Ah'lial. Their drinks had been poured, and the king's servants played music in a jovial manner. From the end of the dining hall Lo'clia made her entrance.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” the king chimed and straightened in his seat.
“I'm hardly late, father!” the girl replied, a faint blush swirling to the surface of her cheeks. Reginald looked toward her with a raised brow. His dark raven hair had been pushed back, tucked behind ears, while he wore a loose white tunic. There was no denying that he was a handsome man, albeit twice her age, and an oaf by her words.
“Be easy on her, Ka'than, she's still young,” his wife murmured, one hand settled upon his arm. They were older, gray beginning to tie in with flaxen hair. Faint wrinkles were about her mothers' eyes, from all of her smiling and her warmth. The king had worry lines, and creases around his lips. Many times the young princess had met with his disapproving frown. She hated it...but she couldn't fight the urge to be something else.
“We were just discussing the business at hand, please, sit,” the king motioned toward the empty seat beside Reginald. With a small curtsy the princess took her place at the table. Soft light filled the room from the many torches along the walls, and a grand hearth at the end of the room. Silver glinted upon the table, along with the pristine goblets made from the most expensive of material's. This was a world beyond the reach of technology, a place that lived within a medieval era. The stars were unreachable, save to the Gods. Glass was for royalty, and dragons flew in the sky.
“I thought this was just a dinner,” she said, looking curiously at her parents as she gently opened her handkerchief.
Queen Fy'leen looked with trepidation from her husband, to her daughter. “We didn't want to spoil the surprise, now that you're a lady. Just as I was wed to your father at your age, you're not to be wed to another man of royalty.”
“Wed? I'm not ready for marriage.” The girl widened her eyes and stared at her parents.
“Lo'clia, our alliance is strong between the known kingdoms. In order to continue this age of peace we must continue to support our bonds. Reginald was placed as heir to the kingdom of Latlan, and he's in need of his own queen. We have decided to help strengthen our alliance by giving him your hand in marriage. Reginald has expressed interest in your hand for some time, even before the alliance, and I believe that this is just what you need.”
“What?!” she exclaimed, looking at everyone present. “You're doing what?” her accent pitched and she pushed back her seat.
“Lo'clia, please, this is the best for both of our kingdoms. With you by my side, Latlan will prosper, consider my offer.” Reginald stood from his seat and held out his hands, desire and ache in his eyes.
“I'm afraid that you have no choice, you'll be leaving in the morning for Latlan.” Ka'than took up his drink, his eyes avoiding the flustered princess.
“I won't, not now, not ever. You can't make me,” she held her fists at her sides. “Ah'lial, speak some sense to them.” One hand waved at the King and Queen.
“Father is right, this is the best thing for you. You should be studying the books and following in mothers' steps.” Ah'lial, also, avoided his sister's eyes.
“Mother?” she looked desperately to the Queen.
Fy'leen looked her daughter in the eyes and slowly shook her head. “It's already been decided. I worry for you, Lo'clia. You're out at night without a word, you're fighting and getting into trouble in the town. You're not behaving properly. I love you, my daughter, but I want to see you become a queen like I have. Please, don't fight for once,” there was a gleam of worry in the older woman's eyes, which had always been like the princess'. The hues which had been bright and as soft as lilacs were now deep and maroon.
“Yes, mother.” Without so much as another word, she sat down quietly and took her goblet of Latlan wine and sipped it in silence. Only to add to the wound, Reginald took his place beside her, and set a hand to her thigh with a comforting tap. As if such a thing could assure her of her new life with him...
It was easy to leave the castle. The princess knew of all the patrols, and all the hidden tunnels beneath the castle. She had spent much of her childhood traversing the depth, finding hidden passages and even following the guards as they roamed back and forth. Now she had to escape, these passages and corridors were being used for her freedom.
Princess Lo'clia had bid her mother and father goodnight, had wished her brother good luck on his duties as he left the castle with Reginald, whom she gave a modest kiss upon the cheek. Her bedroom had been where she paced, plotted, and tore off her expensive dress without so much as a care. The girl adorned herself with her armor, much more comfortable than any corset. She redid her hair into a neat bun to keep stray tresses from her face. With her sword upon her hip, a cloak over her shoulders, and her blunt short staff on the other hip she left her bedroom.
Now within the town, she walked with measured steps. Never had the girl thought to do this...she had always been good, aside from her little escapades. She was leaving for good. Lo'clia had no plans on marriage, especially not to a man twice her age! No, the youthful princess wanted to fight, to go against dragons and kingdoms, to feel glory and victory. Marriage would be prison!
It took her all night, and all day, before her wandering took her out of the boarders of the town and into the surrounding forest. Within the confines of the old trees as tall as the castle, and the wild grass with their flowers in abundance, lived the most reclusive wizard known on the land. He hated visitors, in fact, he hated people altogether. Lo'clia didn't know any other wizards, and she needed to get far from here before her father sent out the scouts.
Marriage! Of all the things! I'll show him just how much I abhor the idea. It will take him at least a week to find me, I imagine. Perhaps I'll get to visit the Forar region.
Her mind was filled with her thoughts of adventure. Lo'clia pushed onward on adrenaline alone. She was filled with hope, and although she felt guilt bubbling deep within the center of her being, she only pushed it down. Her father had to see that this was how she wanted to live her life. If this didn't prove it, then nothing would.
A knock sounded against the door, and she waited with her cloak wrapped around her figure. It was dark and chilling, evening just beginning to set in. An owl sounded in the distance beyond the clearing where the small cottage resided. Help from her friends in town had allowed her to find such a place. Now she waited, stature straight and eyes determined.
“Go away.”
Her lips parted ajar, but with new resolve, she only knocked again. “Sir William, please open the door. I'm in desperate need of your help, and I will not leave until you at least hear me out.”
“A princess?” the rough voice grumbled through the door, followed by a scoff. “What would a princess need from a wizard? Is your dress too small? Are you feeling not-so pretty today?” he spoke with venom.
“Not at all! Good wizard, open the door, and I will pay you handsomely for your aid. A simple transportation spell is all that I require,” she all but begged. Lo'clia only wondered briefly how he might have know of her royal blood.
The doorway opened ajar, the haggard man peered at her with a curious eye. She was unsure of just how old he might have been, with white hair falling from around his mouth and down from under a small cap on his head. His form was hunched over, and his eyes were milky. A twisted smile formed on his lips to show rotten teeth as he stared at her youthful features. This was the princess of Hal'lal, there were no others. There was no mistaking the lilac of her eyes, and the golden tendril of hair peaking down from the hood of her cloak.
“Where do you want to go, princess?” his words were smoother, his interest finally ensnared.
It didn't take her more than a moment to reply, her entire figure stiffening with purpose, with nobility, her words were firm, “Transport me to where there is adventure.”
The clouds parted from above, the form of a woman sailing down like a bullet from the heavens. Her cloak fluttered around her body, and a scream erupted from her throat with every foot that she fell. Golden hair flew out from the tight bun, the fasten now flying freely and away, her fingers desperately tried to catch it. Arms flailed, legs kicked, but she was not a bird! At this rate she would die, that blasted wizard!
“Well, a load of good that did,” Sophia remarked as they exited the tunnel. It was surrounded by lush vegetation, almost hidden from view, had the two not trampled the veins and leaves down. Now sunlight speared from the clouds as they drifted by, and it dipped into the dark hole.
“Hey, we did get something out of it,” her companion remarked and motioned with a hand. The device was held tightly in the woman's grasp, which she now looked down upon.
“This isn't going to help us.”
“Why not? Sure, we can't understand what they're saying, but it has to be useful to someone,” Kaden's head turned left and right as he finished talking. They had been fortunate enough to avoid the alien invaders within the town, the myriad of tunnels having taken them out toward the surrounding expanse of fields and trees. Namek's sun's fed warmth to the world, and it was ever so pretty, despite the destruction on the horizon.
An explosion filled the air and both flaxen haired warriors lifted their sights to the display. “What was that?” Sophia pointed, mouth agape. There, within the distance was a massive ship hovering within the atmosphere above the spaceport. “Where did that come from?”
“Sheesh, of all the things...” Kaden sighed and set a hand to his brow in exasperation.
“Well, let's go, if anyone can use this,” the girl lifted her hand, indicating the device, “they'll be that way.”
They two unsuspecting heroes made their journey toward the ship in the sky, and where the explosion had taken place. Sunlight glinted off the surface of what could only be drones far above. It was anyone's guess at what had happened. They were much too far away, yet, to make sense of the figures nor the noise that suddenly sounded off.
Above that noise, another familiar sound wailed from above. Both adventurer's glanced up, ignoring the glare of the sun, and watched as a small dark shape fell toward them. “Watch out-
Sophia winced and opened her eyes as the plume of smoke faded, staring in confusion. Kaden coughed and sputtered before releasing a pained groan. There on his chest was a young woman, hair frizzled and a mess, face contorted in surprise and horror.
“Get your hands off of me, you fiend!” she cried, slapping at the male beneath her.
“Hey, hey! You fell on me!” Kaden shouted. It wasn't until Sophia grabbed the frantic girl by the arms that her partner was freed.
Loch stepped away, stared at both man and woman, and took in a breath. “I apologize,” a hand modestly threaded through her hair and arranged the messy lengths over her shoulders. “I hadn't expected such an abrupt transportation, nor quite as dangerous. I'll be sure to have William reprimanded for being so careless. Although, it was my first time,” she said, shaking her head slowly. “Where are my manners?” Both Kaden, now standing, and Sophia gave the girl a raised brow.
“Princess Lo'clia Shrendar,” A dainty hand lifted from her cloak and awaited the grasp of her new acquaintances. “But you may call me Loch. Is this the Forar kingdom?”
“What...”
“I don't even...”
Sophia raised both brows, but shook the girl's hand. “My name is Sophia,” she offered. “You're on Namek.”
“Another kingdom! Well, I'll make sure to make appropriate charts during my adventure. Father will be impressed, no doubt,” she replied in her charming English accent as she shook the girl's hand firmly.
“We should keep going,” Kaden suggested, his gaze weary on the princess.
“Halt!” she cried and withdrew her sword from her hip. “An enemy is afoot. Stand back.” She lifted her other hand, and turned to face away from them, blocking their path. “There, a demon!” she pointed toward the yellow clad alien that had been spying upon them, he lifted from the rock and bush that had been his cover and ran from them. Without looking back the would-be knight charged toward the invader and lifted her sword. “For Hal'lal!”
Fortunately for Loch, her enemy was little more than a scout. She slashed toward him in what could have only been an epic battle in her eyes. Blood spilled from the target's wounds, and sweat dribbled down her brow. Before long he was upon the ground, writhing with an armored boot to his chest. The tip of her sword angled beneath this grotesque face.
“The kingdom of Namek has some formidable enemies, is there a war?” she looked away from the creature, to the two journeymen, and then toward the sky. Perfect pink lips parted into a circle in her surprise. “By the Gods...” she breathed, her violet hues staring at the monolith of metal hovering in the sky. Lo'clia had a feeling that this adventure was about to become very, very, complicated.
“Watching the sky again, Lo'clia?” a deep rich voice asked from the far side of the tower. She turned slightly to take in the sight of her brother ascending the stairwell. Feathery handsome lochs of flaxen hung about his face, medium in length. He was several years older, much stronger, it showed in his firm jawline and the way he held himself. Brilliant gold and silver armor rested against his form, their family crest, a dragon and a knight in battle, adorning the front of his chest plate.
“Yes, brother,” she replied. Her melodic accent floating softly on the passing wind. “There's so much out there, and I want to see it all. Don't you?” Her gaze returned to the window, dark irises lit with sudden excitement.
“I've seen enough of the world. Adventure is a child's dream, and you are certainly not a child. Why do you insist on spending all of your time up here?” the prince asked, his deep azure gaze sweeping across the throw pillows stolen from one of the guest rooms, the lush carpets, books and baubles. It was a makeshift room in a place that was meant for guard duty.
Lo'clia turned to her brother, perfect in posture, hands still gently clasped in front of her. “I'm guarding the castle, and who are you to lecture me, Ah'lial? Playing king again?” her words were soft, but with a subtle edge. The princess tilted her head to one side as she often did.
“Don't start with that again.” A gauntlet clad waved at her nonchalantly. “Mother and father asked me to retrieve you for dinner, we're dining with the Grand Guke of Latlan tonight.”
“Latlan?”
“Yes, it's important that you attend.”
The young princess turned from her brother to look at the rolling hills beyond their town. The castle itself rose above the small houses made from bricks and wood. Smoke lifted up from their chimneys, signaling the many dinners that were being eaten at this time. Their kingdom was a good one, led by a strong king and an equally strong army. Rarely were the people in unrest, this was a time of peace. Her father had been making deals with the neighboring kingdom's, sealing alliances and assuring that a war would never occur again.
Lo'clia remembered the war. It was why she had picked up a sword in the first place. Under the strict tutelage of their head knight, Antoine, she had learned to fight as well as the other guards. Father had never been fond of the idea. Her argument had been sound, for, a princess should know how to protect herself. The raging battle had been close, too close for comfort, nearly knocking at their door. She had wanted to go. After learning what she had over the years as the bloodshed went on, Lo'clia ached to test her skills.
A year had passed since the Battle of Hatau. The mountain rage of Hatau had been a prime location for mining materials. It sparked the greatest war of their time, three of the main countries – Latlan, Forar, and Myrn – fought for control of the land between them. It was King Ka'than of Hal'lal, her father, that had finally brought the council of kings to reason. Now under an alliance, the mountain became a source of raw gain between the four kingdoms. It was time for a golden age, and all those within the alliance listened to and obeyed her father. His words were wise, and sound.
“Reginald is an oaf,” she muttered beneath her breath.
“That may be so, but he's still a grand duke. Since the king of Latlan passed away during the war, with no direct heir, it has been left to his cousin. If not for his support the council would have fallen apart. Father owes much to the grand duke for his support in the alliance.” Ah'lial shifted, his armor clinking gently. “I wouldn't keep them waiting, you're to meet with Margaret for preparations for dinner,” his words were firm. The older sibling eyed his sister carefully. “I don't know what's going on tonight, but father wasn't in the best of moods. Just listen to him, and to me, for once.”
“Alright,” she replied as she looked toward the sky. “I'll attend dinner promptly.”
- -
The corset was tight against her bosom, she could barely breathe. Margaret tightened the last of the fastenings causing the princess to release a small squeak. “Must you always make it so tight?”
“A proper lady never complains, Miss Lo'clia. Now, the dress you will be wearing was a gift from the duke himself. It's spun from the silk of the Tssikia tribe. A most elegant of gifts,” the head maid said with praise as she lifted the gown from the bed. It was the most alluring of colors, shimmering from light azure to a gleaming silver. It was fitted onto her slender body, adjusted against her corset, and let to fall down around her hips. It was always such a bother, the princess had felt. She did adore these dresses but corsets and the like had never appealed to her.
“There we are, now we'll get your hair. I see it's a bit of a mess.”
“My hair is fine,” Lo'clia objected and patted a small hand upon the fallen strands. “It gives me character.”
“You look like a ruffian in the night! No, no, a lady is always well kept.”
The princess was pulled along to the vanity where she stood before the mirror. Margaret let down the girls' flowing golden lochs and began to brush them out. A soft sigh sounded in the room from the lass, but she made no more retorts. This was the life of a princess. Where she would have rather gone out and fought a dragon, she was forced to have her hair brushed and bound.
- -
It was a small dinner, her brother wore his best doublet and took a seat on one side of the long banquet table. The King and Queen sat on the end side by side, while their guest sat on the other side, opposite of Ah'lial. Their drinks had been poured, and the king's servants played music in a jovial manner. From the end of the dining hall Lo'clia made her entrance.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” the king chimed and straightened in his seat.
“I'm hardly late, father!” the girl replied, a faint blush swirling to the surface of her cheeks. Reginald looked toward her with a raised brow. His dark raven hair had been pushed back, tucked behind ears, while he wore a loose white tunic. There was no denying that he was a handsome man, albeit twice her age, and an oaf by her words.
“Be easy on her, Ka'than, she's still young,” his wife murmured, one hand settled upon his arm. They were older, gray beginning to tie in with flaxen hair. Faint wrinkles were about her mothers' eyes, from all of her smiling and her warmth. The king had worry lines, and creases around his lips. Many times the young princess had met with his disapproving frown. She hated it...but she couldn't fight the urge to be something else.
“We were just discussing the business at hand, please, sit,” the king motioned toward the empty seat beside Reginald. With a small curtsy the princess took her place at the table. Soft light filled the room from the many torches along the walls, and a grand hearth at the end of the room. Silver glinted upon the table, along with the pristine goblets made from the most expensive of material's. This was a world beyond the reach of technology, a place that lived within a medieval era. The stars were unreachable, save to the Gods. Glass was for royalty, and dragons flew in the sky.
“I thought this was just a dinner,” she said, looking curiously at her parents as she gently opened her handkerchief.
Queen Fy'leen looked with trepidation from her husband, to her daughter. “We didn't want to spoil the surprise, now that you're a lady. Just as I was wed to your father at your age, you're not to be wed to another man of royalty.”
“Wed? I'm not ready for marriage.” The girl widened her eyes and stared at her parents.
“Lo'clia, our alliance is strong between the known kingdoms. In order to continue this age of peace we must continue to support our bonds. Reginald was placed as heir to the kingdom of Latlan, and he's in need of his own queen. We have decided to help strengthen our alliance by giving him your hand in marriage. Reginald has expressed interest in your hand for some time, even before the alliance, and I believe that this is just what you need.”
“What?!” she exclaimed, looking at everyone present. “You're doing what?” her accent pitched and she pushed back her seat.
“Lo'clia, please, this is the best for both of our kingdoms. With you by my side, Latlan will prosper, consider my offer.” Reginald stood from his seat and held out his hands, desire and ache in his eyes.
“I'm afraid that you have no choice, you'll be leaving in the morning for Latlan.” Ka'than took up his drink, his eyes avoiding the flustered princess.
“I won't, not now, not ever. You can't make me,” she held her fists at her sides. “Ah'lial, speak some sense to them.” One hand waved at the King and Queen.
“Father is right, this is the best thing for you. You should be studying the books and following in mothers' steps.” Ah'lial, also, avoided his sister's eyes.
“Mother?” she looked desperately to the Queen.
Fy'leen looked her daughter in the eyes and slowly shook her head. “It's already been decided. I worry for you, Lo'clia. You're out at night without a word, you're fighting and getting into trouble in the town. You're not behaving properly. I love you, my daughter, but I want to see you become a queen like I have. Please, don't fight for once,” there was a gleam of worry in the older woman's eyes, which had always been like the princess'. The hues which had been bright and as soft as lilacs were now deep and maroon.
“Yes, mother.” Without so much as another word, she sat down quietly and took her goblet of Latlan wine and sipped it in silence. Only to add to the wound, Reginald took his place beside her, and set a hand to her thigh with a comforting tap. As if such a thing could assure her of her new life with him...
- -
It was easy to leave the castle. The princess knew of all the patrols, and all the hidden tunnels beneath the castle. She had spent much of her childhood traversing the depth, finding hidden passages and even following the guards as they roamed back and forth. Now she had to escape, these passages and corridors were being used for her freedom.
Princess Lo'clia had bid her mother and father goodnight, had wished her brother good luck on his duties as he left the castle with Reginald, whom she gave a modest kiss upon the cheek. Her bedroom had been where she paced, plotted, and tore off her expensive dress without so much as a care. The girl adorned herself with her armor, much more comfortable than any corset. She redid her hair into a neat bun to keep stray tresses from her face. With her sword upon her hip, a cloak over her shoulders, and her blunt short staff on the other hip she left her bedroom.
Now within the town, she walked with measured steps. Never had the girl thought to do this...she had always been good, aside from her little escapades. She was leaving for good. Lo'clia had no plans on marriage, especially not to a man twice her age! No, the youthful princess wanted to fight, to go against dragons and kingdoms, to feel glory and victory. Marriage would be prison!
It took her all night, and all day, before her wandering took her out of the boarders of the town and into the surrounding forest. Within the confines of the old trees as tall as the castle, and the wild grass with their flowers in abundance, lived the most reclusive wizard known on the land. He hated visitors, in fact, he hated people altogether. Lo'clia didn't know any other wizards, and she needed to get far from here before her father sent out the scouts.
Marriage! Of all the things! I'll show him just how much I abhor the idea. It will take him at least a week to find me, I imagine. Perhaps I'll get to visit the Forar region.
Her mind was filled with her thoughts of adventure. Lo'clia pushed onward on adrenaline alone. She was filled with hope, and although she felt guilt bubbling deep within the center of her being, she only pushed it down. Her father had to see that this was how she wanted to live her life. If this didn't prove it, then nothing would.
A knock sounded against the door, and she waited with her cloak wrapped around her figure. It was dark and chilling, evening just beginning to set in. An owl sounded in the distance beyond the clearing where the small cottage resided. Help from her friends in town had allowed her to find such a place. Now she waited, stature straight and eyes determined.
“Go away.”
Her lips parted ajar, but with new resolve, she only knocked again. “Sir William, please open the door. I'm in desperate need of your help, and I will not leave until you at least hear me out.”
“A princess?” the rough voice grumbled through the door, followed by a scoff. “What would a princess need from a wizard? Is your dress too small? Are you feeling not-so pretty today?” he spoke with venom.
“Not at all! Good wizard, open the door, and I will pay you handsomely for your aid. A simple transportation spell is all that I require,” she all but begged. Lo'clia only wondered briefly how he might have know of her royal blood.
The doorway opened ajar, the haggard man peered at her with a curious eye. She was unsure of just how old he might have been, with white hair falling from around his mouth and down from under a small cap on his head. His form was hunched over, and his eyes were milky. A twisted smile formed on his lips to show rotten teeth as he stared at her youthful features. This was the princess of Hal'lal, there were no others. There was no mistaking the lilac of her eyes, and the golden tendril of hair peaking down from the hood of her cloak.
“Where do you want to go, princess?” his words were smoother, his interest finally ensnared.
It didn't take her more than a moment to reply, her entire figure stiffening with purpose, with nobility, her words were firm, “Transport me to where there is adventure.”
- -
The clouds parted from above, the form of a woman sailing down like a bullet from the heavens. Her cloak fluttered around her body, and a scream erupted from her throat with every foot that she fell. Golden hair flew out from the tight bun, the fasten now flying freely and away, her fingers desperately tried to catch it. Arms flailed, legs kicked, but she was not a bird! At this rate she would die, that blasted wizard!
- -
“Well, a load of good that did,” Sophia remarked as they exited the tunnel. It was surrounded by lush vegetation, almost hidden from view, had the two not trampled the veins and leaves down. Now sunlight speared from the clouds as they drifted by, and it dipped into the dark hole.
“Hey, we did get something out of it,” her companion remarked and motioned with a hand. The device was held tightly in the woman's grasp, which she now looked down upon.
“This isn't going to help us.”
“Why not? Sure, we can't understand what they're saying, but it has to be useful to someone,” Kaden's head turned left and right as he finished talking. They had been fortunate enough to avoid the alien invaders within the town, the myriad of tunnels having taken them out toward the surrounding expanse of fields and trees. Namek's sun's fed warmth to the world, and it was ever so pretty, despite the destruction on the horizon.
An explosion filled the air and both flaxen haired warriors lifted their sights to the display. “What was that?” Sophia pointed, mouth agape. There, within the distance was a massive ship hovering within the atmosphere above the spaceport. “Where did that come from?”
“Sheesh, of all the things...” Kaden sighed and set a hand to his brow in exasperation.
“Well, let's go, if anyone can use this,” the girl lifted her hand, indicating the device, “they'll be that way.”
They two unsuspecting heroes made their journey toward the ship in the sky, and where the explosion had taken place. Sunlight glinted off the surface of what could only be drones far above. It was anyone's guess at what had happened. They were much too far away, yet, to make sense of the figures nor the noise that suddenly sounded off.
Above that noise, another familiar sound wailed from above. Both adventurer's glanced up, ignoring the glare of the sun, and watched as a small dark shape fell toward them. “Watch out-
Sophia winced and opened her eyes as the plume of smoke faded, staring in confusion. Kaden coughed and sputtered before releasing a pained groan. There on his chest was a young woman, hair frizzled and a mess, face contorted in surprise and horror.
“Get your hands off of me, you fiend!” she cried, slapping at the male beneath her.
“Hey, hey! You fell on me!” Kaden shouted. It wasn't until Sophia grabbed the frantic girl by the arms that her partner was freed.
Loch stepped away, stared at both man and woman, and took in a breath. “I apologize,” a hand modestly threaded through her hair and arranged the messy lengths over her shoulders. “I hadn't expected such an abrupt transportation, nor quite as dangerous. I'll be sure to have William reprimanded for being so careless. Although, it was my first time,” she said, shaking her head slowly. “Where are my manners?” Both Kaden, now standing, and Sophia gave the girl a raised brow.
“Princess Lo'clia Shrendar,” A dainty hand lifted from her cloak and awaited the grasp of her new acquaintances. “But you may call me Loch. Is this the Forar kingdom?”
“What...”
“I don't even...”
Sophia raised both brows, but shook the girl's hand. “My name is Sophia,” she offered. “You're on Namek.”
“Another kingdom! Well, I'll make sure to make appropriate charts during my adventure. Father will be impressed, no doubt,” she replied in her charming English accent as she shook the girl's hand firmly.
“We should keep going,” Kaden suggested, his gaze weary on the princess.
“Halt!” she cried and withdrew her sword from her hip. “An enemy is afoot. Stand back.” She lifted her other hand, and turned to face away from them, blocking their path. “There, a demon!” she pointed toward the yellow clad alien that had been spying upon them, he lifted from the rock and bush that had been his cover and ran from them. Without looking back the would-be knight charged toward the invader and lifted her sword. “For Hal'lal!”
Fortunately for Loch, her enemy was little more than a scout. She slashed toward him in what could have only been an epic battle in her eyes. Blood spilled from the target's wounds, and sweat dribbled down her brow. Before long he was upon the ground, writhing with an armored boot to his chest. The tip of her sword angled beneath this grotesque face.
“The kingdom of Namek has some formidable enemies, is there a war?” she looked away from the creature, to the two journeymen, and then toward the sky. Perfect pink lips parted into a circle in her surprise. “By the Gods...” she breathed, her violet hues staring at the monolith of metal hovering in the sky. Lo'clia had a feeling that this adventure was about to become very, very, complicated.
![[Image: A18Oct.jpg]](http://frozendust.com/sig/A18/A18Oct.jpg)
DA08 Winner. "Screw them, this was her show now."