Burden of the Monarch: The Scorned Season

By Josh Perry

Sequel to 'Burden of the Monarch: Blade of Rails'

In the peace following the conclusion of a five hundred year war. An existential threat creeps.

Heroes in the new age, a one armed Queen and an order of those devoted to unilateral safety will be confronted by the end of all that is.

Individuals fight against inevitability, the ambiguity of reality and the horror of an oncoming end.

The Scorned Season beckons and devastation looms in the void of silent space.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JoshReadsBooks
• Release date: Jun 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777032456

Book preview

Introduction

The Events of Blade of Rails

The Five Hundred Year War; fought between The Citizenry and the Selemian Empire concluded with the absolute end of the Selemian people. Following the end of the war a powerful special operations officer Bell was transferred onto the Tristram: a hovering war-train powered by a magical artifact generator known as an astaria essence engine. There he joined Howarth the sergeant in charge of the Tristram; alongside his wife Mel, daughter Ylinia and allies: Alim, his husband Lance and their daughter Courtney. The crew travelled across Rion for weeks following the end of the war; aiding the total recovery effort wherever they could.

Upon being called in to free the town of Gelghen from bandits; Bell discovered a large nest of ghouls residing in the mines underneath the town. The monsters were agitated into taking a large amount of territory and corrupting nearly the whole population of the town. Due to the damage many of the remaining citizens joined in a caravan alongside the crew so that they could move to the Great City of Neitheim. On their travels they again encountered beasts and monsters filled with an unnatural rage whom had all began to stampede across the wide plains; destroying anything in their path.

While the Tristram and its crew provided slight aid against the herd of monsters. It was ultimately the Royal Mounted Cavalry led by one of their brightest commanders Nuinez whom destroyed them. While Nuinez and her cavalry completed the escort of the citizens from Gelghen; the crew were requested to investigate continuing seismic activity which was believed to be caused by the herd of monsters. The activity is tracked to a nearby mountain range where Bell is forced to slay a great beast which emerges from the mountain side. The great beast is known as an Erkdwu. Following the battle the crew intend to travel to Neitheim themselves; seeking the comfort and stability of the city.

While in Neitheim Ylinia is brought alongside Bell to an academy for those studying martial skill with a sword. She has one of the blades forged for her by Titus; using her own blood in the creation. After watching Bell engage in a friendly duel known as a prayer with his previous teachers; Ylinia formally begins on the path to becoming a Blade-Master herself.

During a dinner with Cavalry Master Nuinez it is revealed that Bell has become the owner of the slain Erkdwu due to legislation regarding great beasts. This information comes alongside an offer to trade the corpse of the great beast with the Maxicilius Orthodox Casino; a religious and sovereign faction. The crew leave Neitheim to visit the casino; despite Bell initially loathing the option. Upon arrival a group of loan collectors make an attempt on the crew’s life due to a past debt owed by Bell’s wife Temple. Bell quickly handles the collectors and, following the completion of the trade, takes Ylinia with him to investigate their headquarters based out of an urban garden.

Within the headquarters are sixty corpses; hidden within the thick bushes and brambles of the garden. Before Bell can investigate further he is interrupted by the unhinged Caesar: a traitor to The Citizenry. Caesar brutally amputates Ylinia’s arm and makes an attempt on Bell’s life with planted explosives. Bell recovers in a haze and manages to recover Ylinia; returning her to the crew. Mel, as a trained medic, was able to save Ylinia’s life but not her arm.

The crew leave the casino following the crisis. Bell is met by Izelle; the chief spy-master of the king and director of special operations for The Citizenry. Known for her tactical capabilities she reveals to Bell that with his consent she has poisoned the king Richard Nio so that it appears he has suffered a natural death. With his death the Clash of the Crown begins. Eight champions throughout Rion are summoned to the Great City of Caelzun; where they will each compete as potential heirs to become monarch.

Using the Clash of the Crown as a net to catch Caesar. Izelle sets a trap prior to the first challenge of the event. The trap is successful and allows Saranias, one of the heirs, to capture Caesar with the aid of Bell. They return him to Caelzun and formally sentence him to execution. The sentence is carried out personally by Izelle but Caesar’s skill with deception allows him one final escape; holding onto his life in secret.

The Clash of the Crown moves forward following the supposed execution of Caesar. The clash consists primarily of multiple battles between the heirs. The first combat is fought in single match-ups to an obvious victory, the second consists of a free-for-all between the victors of the first battle. Prior to the completion of the conflicts Caesar makes the preservation of his life known. Revealing to Bell that he forged his ancestry to obscure the truth that he is of Selemian origin. Caesar seems to be aware of some greater truth before he kills himself with Bell as the witness. Bell recommends burning the body and encasing it in concrete deep below the earth.

The final combat, reserved only for the remaining heir, has the heir battle an imprisoned monster from The Citizenry’s past. Bell emerges as the victor of all three battles but once he is given the right to take the monarchy for himself, he instead bequeaths it to Ylinia. Placing himself as her general. Ylinia becomes privy to various truths including the existence of the Chief Arcanist Aizenel; one of very few humans capable of producing magic. As well as the predictive literature of Mr.Poet. Mr.Poet had authored five thousand scrolls of poetry during a transcendent trance; he died instantly following their completion.

Bell, serving his role as general and advisor to the new Queen. Brought Ylinia to the centre of an inactive volcano where they used the natural flow of energy as a catalyst to access a realm other then their own: Varyia. Here, they met Bell’s sister and revealed his origin  as a dragon with reality warping abilities. Bell, alongside his late wife Temple had both shed their scales and immortality to join the mortals in their world and end the war which had caused so much atrocity.

Upon their return to their world, Bell and Ylinia had it brought to their attention that the five thousand scrolls of poetry, which previously had be discerned to predict great tragedy in seventy years; instead warned of calamity in just seven months. Ylinia has decided to heed the warning of the poetry and prepare for war. She assembles a force of volunteers which become known as the Artexian Order: an anti-prophecy organization.

Following the formation of the Artexian Order, Ylinia has travelled across the country; visiting each of the Great Cities. During her travels she trains with both Bell and her official mentor; Dii. Six months have passed since she left the capital of Caelzun. Ylinia is now completing the last leg of her tour in the city of Arthen.

Chapter One

At Pace

Morning in Arthen is known more for its smell then anything else. While it is cold, and damp. As well, yes, the birds do sleep during extraordinarily odd hours. It is also well known that the wind is still so long as the sun isn’t in the sky. Despite all of this. It is the sweet smell of the Arthen forests people remember the most. As the dew of a new day forms and kilometres of pine trees awaken; a soft floral fragrance emerges in undeniable thickness. It spreads everywhere and is nearly impossible to escape.

Is this how a stroke begins? Bell asks himself as he awakens; sniffing the air. He attempts to smile a bit and stretches his arms upwards; aligning them straight with the walls of his cabin inside the Tristram. He sighs, then sits up on the edge of his bed; ruffling his nostrils as he takes in the invisible flowers.

Bell quickly shoots to his feet, saunters over to his dresser and pulls on flowing trousers and a long hooded wool robe. He takes his blade Ehre and straps it around his back; utilizing a newly crafted sheath. Tied to the handle of the blade is a perfectly white, form fitting mask; which Bell quickly adorns himself with. The mask covers everything from the bridge of his nose down; and features complex mechanisms so that it can move with his jaw as he speaks or eats.

Without making a noise as he carefully pulls the door open; Bell leaves his cabin in the Tristram and walks down to the main living area. He quickly begins preparing a large portion of coffee. Almost as if a presence in the common room is a trigger; two of the other cabin doors down the hallway open up. From them emerge Ylinia and her father Howarth.

Morning. Howarth greets his daughter and smiles towards Bell.

Bell nods.

Morning! Ylinia chimes gleefully. Her hair is in a tight bun and she is already dressed for the day in armour. Her plate-armour covers nearly all of her frame now; as her musculature has grown noticeably. The cape of steel covering her amputated arm trails down nearly to her hip and features intricate chain-mail details on the exterior. Bumble, her silver handled blade, rests at her side in a black sheath. She has clearly been awake for some time.

"You know eventually Bell you’re going to have to get over this whole I don’t talk before my coffee thing." Howarth jests as he quickly searches through a cabinet and begins opening a few cans of fruit preserves. He hasn’t changed his outfit in weeks. The same brown leather jacket, loose turtleneck and denim pants.

Bell grumbles. I do, talking things. He stares down at the coffee machine as it bumbles productively. "Just less."

Howarth smiles then turns to Ylinia. This will be the last speech you’ll have to give for awhile isn’t it Ylinia? Are you looking forwards to all this talking being done with?

I doubt this is the final act of my career in public speaking. She chuckles. "I am a monarch after all. I don’t imagine folks would take extraordinarily well to me shrugging like Mr. Caffeine-Addict over here." She motions the tip of her head to Bell; who is already pouring himself a large cup of black brew.

Ah you’re probably right. Howarth agrees, distributing the preserves into a few different small bowls. He then mixes in oats and a few fresh berries.

You know you could be eating along with the other nobles in the city? The court of Arthen has surely prepared for the visit of the Monarch. Bell makes note.

Ylinia shrugs. "Not for the first meal in a day. The others, maybe. But having just woken up. I want to be around family. Not...people. She shivers; wavering her cape. Plus my room is just right over there. I like being close to my stuff."

Howarth laughs out loud. They showed me the room they would of given you had you not preferred your cabin. Five suites, a king sized bed in half of them, a pool of warmed water in the centre just for your recreation. Yet you pick the train.

The train is nice, we had it brought back into service for a reason. Ylinia remarks with a soft smile. It feels safe.

Of course. Howarth nods. He takes a few bites of the food and receives a coffee as Bell passes one to him.

How do you want your coffee today Ylinia? Bell asks inquisitively.

Ylinia stares at Bell and scrunches up her forehead. "What do you mean, today?"

Bell and Howarth chuckle together. "Well yesterday you wanted it black, the day before three sugars, the day before that it was basically a dessert and each day preceding that one you specified exactly and exclusively a dash of cream."

Ylinia rolls her eyes. "Okay, whatever. She dismisses the investigation. I’ll take it the normal way then."

"Nope. Bell denies. There is no normal. Maybe, the most common. But no normal. You gotta decide. It’s the fact that you don’t seem to that is the most odd."

Well, how do you take it?

However it is handed to me.

Well that’s no different! Ylinia argues.

Bell laughs. It’s a philosophical difference. I don’t decide that it’s different, I decide that I want coffee. When I get coffee, I have had the sort I want. Whereas if you get anything but what you wanted that particular day, it won’t be your preference.

Ylinia makes her own cup of coffee and takes it with both cream and sugar. "I like duelling with you more then debating." She remarks.

I don’t think anyone likes debating me. Bell admits freely. He quickly downs the entirety of his cup of coffee, pours another, then begins eating his breakfast alongside the others.

Is mom sleeping in? Ylinia questions while looking up at Howarth.

Howarth nods. She was out like a rock when I got up, didn’t even stir when I started getting dressed or turned on the lights.

Ylinia smirks. That’s good. I know that the trek between Tael and here took a bit. She doesn’t sleep well when we’re on the move.

That’s exactly it. Howarth interjects. Your mom could sleep through an earthquake in a firestorm if I was next to her. But when I’m piloting the Tristram, your mom doesn’t want to stay in bed by herself. So she sits up with me in the co-pilots seat. Half the time she ends up asleep, leaning her head against the wall. She doesn’t sleep well, but there’s no point telling her to go somewhere comfier. That’s how she is.

"Awe." The sentiment escapes Ylinia almost unintentionally.

Bell looks over to the door. Is there anything you want to do before we meet up with Izelle?

Ylinia looks upwards, humming a consistent tone for a few moments. I wish Courtney had joined us. She’d enjoy the clothing they wear here. Fur collars, well tailored leathers. I wouldn’t mind getting something to give her when we return to Caelzun.

I’ll visit the tailors with you. Bell responds with a soft smile; his brow relaxes as the coffee in his gut begins to work.

"Not that you need anything. Howarth jokes. Any opportunity you’ve had to wear the armour you were given back in Wilfaress you’ve taken up. I think I even saw you wear it out to dinner once!"

Bell rolls his eyes. "It’s very good armour. The scales, the fit. They even thought of making it resistant to flame in consideration of Ehre."

And it’s pretty. Ylinia adds on.

It is pretty. Bell agrees. He straightens his back and looks down towards the door that leads to the onboard armoury. I’ll get ready, if you’ll give me a moment. Bell heads off down towards the last car in the train; leaving Ylinia to chat with Howarth.

The operations room of the train has been redesigned in consideration of the current operational requirements. While the primary storage of ammunition for the train’s cannon is still here, alongside weapons and survival equipment. There are more locked boxes and cabinets. There are medical supplies lining the wall, alongside rifles in locked cages for emergencies. Bell walks up to a tall metal cabinet and unlocks it using a silver key tucked away inside his sleeve.

The cabinet opens from the centre; expanding outwards with a single hiss of released pressure. Revealing inside prestigious, bright white modular plate armour. Each individual component of the armour is held apart from one another; with each plate and joint having been disassembled and held in a mechanical grip. Bell takes a step forwards into the cabinet and presses his chest against the centre plate of steel; it reverberates as if held in place by a spring.

In a split second each of the other components of the armour snap into place as the entire suit begins to assemble around Bell; in just a few moments he is entirely covered in the white plate armour.

The armour has crisp edges and pitch black gilding. The rest is a bright stainless white. Each of the plates resemble a long diamond with a slight incline in the centre of each; mimicking the scale of a dragon. There is a fierce helmet with an animistic form that can be separated in the centre and folded down like a cloth hood; with each of the plates and aspects of the form compressing or folding neatly alongside one another. Upon Bell’s back the steel slides and articulates as a shoulder blade would; offering a complex and alluring spectacle alongside unhindered movement. There is a small gap at his hip where the sheathe for Ehre pops out from underneath perfectly in place.

Bell pulls the helmet down, rolls his shoulders and smiles to himself; closing his eyes for just a moment.

╫╪╫

The markets of Arthen are orderly; spread through the trees of a great forest. The trees in this depth of the wood have grown for thousands of years and have never stopped growing. Even as the settlers of the city cut into their husks and formed their buildings and homes; the trees continued to grow. The city has been woven from trees growing in such a manner; with each pathway and connecting city block having grown from the same expansion of a massive tree. Half of the leaves of these trees are a bright green; the other a dull silver.

Each of the shops in the markets occupies a single floor, in an ascension of many, within a single tree. Some trees can host up to ten different vendors; some as few as three or four. Between each of the floors, and many of the stores; are bridges that connect directly. The bridges are made from milled wood and steel cables; with tall railings and tidy nets in-between. In a few select spots are zip-lines which descend from the tallest of perches to the ground again. The people of the city fling down fearlessly from the tree-tops, holding onto only a steel bar, connected to safety by a single corded harness.

Bell and Ylinia walk through the streets of the markets. People roam fearlessly here, passing through with their families and loved ones, few clad in armour. Many people carry weapons, even some of the children; but much of the steel they wear is decorative. There is the acknowledgement of war, with old wounds upon the trees and bits of shrapnel dispersed among the bark. Much of it has been cleaned, returned to the earth and wilfully forgotten.

It almost always feels cold here. Ylinia notes as the pair walk around the area; passing through and into every available opening in the crowds of people. I like it.

Bell smirks. It’s the shade. He points out around them. Just enough light gets through the leaves for us not to be in the dark, but that’s it. He chuckles to himself quietly. I imagine with overcast it would be like looking through smoke.

"That’s nice though, in a way. Consistent." Ylinia admits.

It is. Bell nods as he agrees. The pair take a step into a tailor’s shop per Ylinia’s lead.

As they enter the shop Ylinia nods towards the shop-keeper. She is a young woman, barely twenty, with a few bright green piercings through her ears. She has bright blue eyes and nods back at Ylinia. Can I help you find anything? The shop-keeper asks.

Ylinia shrugs her shoulders then smiles playfully. "Well, maybe. She responds with great finality. I’m shopping for someone who isn’t myself."

Ah what great dread! The shop-keep replies. Do you have their size at least?

That I have! Ylinia shares with glee. But I have to ask, and I understand if you don’t do this.

The shop-keeper raises one of her eyebrows; her widened eye focusing in an inquisitive manner. Mhmm? She hums.

Do any of your designs utilize armouring? She questions while motioning her hands out to the store.

There are various displays; all of them constructed by hand from pine. The racks aren’t much taller then the average person and hold a few items each. There are two thicker tree trunks that have been hollowed and used for additional display. Most of the stock are leather jackets, fur jackets and denim pants. There are a handful of quality socks, undergarments and wool hats available in an accessories section near the back.

The shop-keeper smiles and nods with most of her body. "We do offer such a thing! Definitely a favourite of the hunters here in Arthen. A good looking leather jacket that keeps you warm and prevents a seven inch dire bear claw from penetrating your lungs? She giggles a bit. Win win, right? She collects herself for a second then smiles politely. She points over to a few jacket styles all hung on black hangers. Anything there, we can insert plates of steel into the chest and back. The plates are made from high quality ballistic steel and have been covered with a binding agent that prevents fragmentation in the event of severe trauma."

Bell nods silently with approval. He begins looking over a few of the jackets himself. Ylinia joins, but only takes a few seconds to search. She quickly produces a tan, leather jacket from the rack. It is simple, with a thick iron zipper descending the centre. Instead of a simple collar there is a fine fur insert; which rests regally along the shoulders when worn. The sleeves feature a few bits of tied leather lace that fasten through steel rivets.

This is it. Ylinia declares as she produces the jacket and places it carefully on the shop-keepers counter. I’ll take exactly this one size up! If you have it in stock. She begins to reach into the satchel on her hip before the shop-keeper speaks up.

"No need to prove you’re a citizen Ylinia. I know who the Monarch is! She looks over to Bell. I know you as well. You’re the champion of the Clash of the Crown!"

"Uh. Bell freezes a bit. Yea."

Ylinia laughs. I guess I’m still getting used to that. Thank you. She sincerely offers the response.

Of course! The shop-keeper remarks with a sweet inflection. Please, let me get the next size up from the back. I’ll return in just a moment! She turns to leave, pauses, then turns back around almost as if she is embarrassed. "Will this be for a man or women? She poses the statement as a question. It determines the shape of insert I’ll use".

A young woman. Ylinia requests kindly with a soft smile.

The tailor nods politely then excuses herself and darts through the back door without a seconds delay.

You didn’t want to look at anything else? Bell inquires, making eye-contact with the wall.

Ylinia sways her head side to side. Nope. She looks over at the jacket placed on top of the table. "That’s what Courtney would like. I can just, feel it. You know?"

Bell laughs. I guess I understand that. He peers over towards the display jacket. You miss her, don’t you?

Of course. Ylinia remarks as if it is a silly question. She’s like my sister. She thinks on it for a second. "She is my sister. Of course I miss her."

My apologies. Bell quickly responds. At least she’s enjoying the academy. She’s a good fit for high standards.

Ylinia smiles. High standards are a good fit for her. She takes a deep breath. "You know, I know she loves us. Zero doubt in my mind. We’re her family. But folks like her, bright young people. They’re held back by their family."

Bell nods in understanding.

Do you disagree? She quickly follows up.

Bell shakes his head. "No, you’re just right. He waves his hand a bit. Her service to the people she loves takes away her ability to fully devote her life to her pursuits and interests. There will always be a portion of herself that is spent on something other then her exact dream."

"It makes me feel guilty. In a way. For caring about her at all. She lets out a deep breath. But I do, and I don’t think I could leave her for that reason alone."

Bell shrugs. And I don’t believe the world expects you to. He closes his eyes; his posture becoming casual like a cat in the perfect ray of sun. "People are, all of themselves. Right? She is her intelligence, and work ethic. But she is your sister as well, a daughter. As long as those things have value, as long as they are truly good things. I don’t think she would be any better without them. Extra free time or not."

"Maybe. Ylinia responds quietly. I’ll have to hope so."

A few moments pass before the tailor returns. She bursts out of the backroom doors, holding in her hands a wooden box with two steel latches on either side; keeping it sealed tightly. Here you go Ylinia. I hope your friend enjoys it! She smiles, then speaks quieter. And never needs the armour.

Gleefully Ylinia steps forwards towards the box, balances it on her palm, then quickly tucks it against her side under her singular arm; securing it. She smiles at the tailor. Thank you very much for your contribution. Your shop is wonderful.

Because of the Monarch. The tailor states confidently. "Even before you, King Nio. He witnessed the Selemians go through three full shifts of government. Between two different juntas and a dictatorship. All of them opposed to us mind. But he wasn’t blind to the possibility of change, nor would I imagine any of his predecessors. She takes a short breath. Do you know how many merchants there are, even in this city, that secretly admire the currency system the Selemians used? For them, it would be a way to the top. You could take a cut of it all, just because you are the Queen. You could live in an excess of privilege, without ever having to take a step in these streets. She pauses for a moment and smiles at Ylinia proudly. Yet, no Monarch ever has. Not a single one has revoked our rulings, or decided to abandon the people. Generation after generation. It is why shops like mine can exist at all. It is why I get to eat every day, and that my family now lives in safety. So, thank you."

I’ll do everything I can not to let you down. Ylinia promises; whether it is intentional or not is impossible to discern; but it flows from her without hesitation.

╫╪╫

Returning to the market with the package tucked under her arm. Ylinia twirls a bit in the street and travels a short distance ahead of Bell. From out between two trees a thick black cloak is thrown up into the air; a bright illumination rushes out from the figure it previously obscured.

Dii glows a bright white, as she always does. Her hands, eyes, nails and even tongue are an even brighter white then the rest of her. She wears a touch of black eye-liner and a soft pink hue of lip shade. Her hair has grown long and is braided tightly. She wears regal armour with long spiked pauldrons. Her heavy armour only diminishes the size of her fierce gauntlets slightly. If it weren’t for the white and steel blue of her colour scheme she would give off the appearance of a tyrannical general. Dii winks at Ylinia; then charges at her.

Ylinia’s eyes widen, she takes a deep breath, ducks down low and tosses the package towards Bell.

Bell catches the package, takes a step back and speaks softly to some of the concerned people passing by. "They’re just training. Don’t worry".

Dii pushes her shoulder towards Ylinia but misses as the young Queen dodges easily.

Ylinia rolls between Dii’s legs, draws her yellow steel blade Bumble and attempts to smack out at Dii with the broad side of the steel.

THWINK. With a simple flick of her wrist Dii deflects the blade against the side of her gauntlet, takes a step towards Ylinia and pushes her down to the ground with her other hand. She prepares to drop the weight of her fist down on Ylinia and does so without hesitating for a second; striking faster then most people can take a sudden breath.

A small crater forms next to Ylinia’s head as she tucks herself to the side of Dii’s glowing gauntlet. She grabs Dii by the elbow, pulls herself up, kicks off the ground and throws her knee into Dii’s eye. Retaliating instantly Dii grabs Ylinia by the ankle and throws her down the street. Ylinia tumbles once, catches herself quickly and then reaches underneath her armoured cape; she produces three throwing knives and launches each of them at Dii.

Dii catches one of the knives, dodges another and catches the third in her stomach. She drops to one knee, pulls the blade out and smiles widely; all the while blood pours out of the wound and dribbles down her armour. You’re such a little bitch. Dii teases then smiles brighter. Her entire body pulses with white light and in short of a few moments all of her wounds are healed. I couldn’t be more proud of you.

"Our Monarch has come far from just being a girl on a train. A coy voice adds to the conversation. Izelle drops down from the side of a tree; having watched the sparring match from above. She wears an entirely black tailored suit with padded shoulders and multiple metal cords wrapped around her wrists, neck and waist. She’s wearing thick black leather boots with simple half inch heels. Her hair has been cut short to a few inches and styled with a bit of gel; giving it an upward volume. Attached to her wrist with a heavy duty handcuff is a completely steel briefcase. At each corner the briefcase has a bit of leather padding. Yet I admit I’m not entirely surprised."

Ylinia smiles, then swirls her eyes around in her head; almost as if disappointed. "It was a lot of work to learn as much as I have so far. Let’s not mitigate that with all the ‘I always knew you were amazing’ bullshit."

Izelle and Dii both laugh together. Izelle smiles. "Of course. That makes perfect sense. She chuckles a bit to herself. Before all of this, had you picked up a fork, you very well could of killed us all as a result of your treacherous lack of skill. She smiles again teasingly. Better?"

"Much Ylinia admits honestly. Bell approaches her and hands back to her the package. He nods towards her with silent approval. Now I imagine you’re here for a reason." Ylinia adds; looking over towards Izelle.

"I’m not. Dii admits freely. I was literally just sitting around, I finished eating just moments prior. I figured it might be worthwhile to see how you reacted. Chances are it would be good for your training, but that was a loose justification. I just wanted something fun to start the day off with. Given, how that may become a limited resource sooner then later."

"So you just happened to arrive when I did?" Izelle questions.

Dii nods. Yea I just walked over. I heard they were shopping, so She shrugs. "Yea."

Your timing is impeccable then. I came here with a purpose, I figured you two would of trained last night. Izelle admits.

Ylinia rotates her shoulders and pushes two of her fingers into her neck to massage out a bit of soreness; her face creaks and contracts as she pushes into more exhausted muscle. "Oh we did."

Dii laughs. "She trains every night, most mornings. But whatever Mr.Poet was talking about in his Great Warning. I doubt it’s going to attack- She adopts a bit of a mocking, delicate voice. Right after dinner, with a few moments of rest in between, after dessert has digested, and you get to have some time to just, like, relax, you know? She rolls her eyes, smirks a bit then becomes more stern. The fight for your life could arrive at any moment. A quick trill of energy trickles across her back as she jolts a little bit. She yawns, then smiles. Why did you follow me?" She jests towards Izelle.

I wanted to speak with the Monarch, prior to her announcement. Izelle explains with a calm inflection.

"Is someone going to try