ACT III
THE PARVIAN MESS
As the mother and daughter stepped into the familiar embrace of their home, Delimira realised the true intentions of her mother's decision to associate her with Sierra. It wasn't just about learning the Krosh Art, but a shield of protection that came with the connection. Her new teacher was this close to snapping at Clandor, and the elves knew better not to disturb this ticking bomb.
When she was in thought her mother's voice came, pulling her back to reality as she heard her asking,
"I presume you are happy, Deli?"
She just stared at her mother's face, filled with concern and expectations. The affection, she wanted in her earlier days from her mother finally came, however, she had already forsaken those thoughts. There was an estranged feeling between them, but she held great respect for her. In her eyes, Aredhel Winters was a woman who had built a successful business empire on her own, breaking the world's prejudice that a man is necessary for a woman to succeed. a tenacious and powerful woman in short. Yet, Aredhel's only weakness was she herself, who lived as a ward of the elven king.
Although the royal family did not mistreat her, she still found herself in a hostile environment, suffering numerous betrayals and attempts on her life from a young age. As a result, she stopped trusting anyone and developed an irritating personality, forcing herself to keep everyone at arm's length. Chris was the only one who managed to break through her walls. They shared the same fate of being unwelcomed and unwanted in Clandor, with Chris facing assassins even more than her.
She found comfort in his company and began to grow stronger together, yearning for strength for obvious reasons. However, at a certain point in her life, Chris moved forward and left her behind. He broke through the elven prejudice and proved his worth, ultimately being accepted as a member of Clandor, a feat that Delimira could not achieve. Unfortunately, not all elves sought Chris's genuine friendship. Many had ulterior motives, seeking to exploit his happy-go-lucky nature. This was the point where she began to bully him and his new so-called friends, becoming a barrier for anyone seeking his company, whether genuine or fake.
Although Concordia provided her with a new opportunity, and when she almost had forgotten, she was abducted by the most dangerous man in the land. She shivered, thinking it again and as these thoughts were making a home in her mind, her mother weaved a perfect net of protection for her this time, not from all but at least from the Clandorians. In response to her mother's anticipated question, Delimira replied,
"Yes, mother. I am happy."
Aredhel felt relieved, "I wish I could do better." she said, an emotion of helplessness flushing to her face as she apologised, " I'm sorry that you have an incompetent mother, Deli."
If she were any other daughter, she may have burst into tears too, but feeling sorry for others was a thing of the past for her. Instead, she simply embraced her mother and allowed her to wail. After some time, when the river in her mother's eyes dried out completely. Aredhel said to her daughter, patting her head
"You have to suffer a bit, I know you don't like the boy, yet I kept pushing you into his company."
Initially, Aredhel did not want her daughter to get involved in Samson's business any further. However, because of the deal, she made with him in exchange for glimpsing her husband's demise, compelled, she allowed Delimira to get involved in his second coming or whatever key he referred to. She yearned for nothing more than to see her daughter live a life of peace and security, free from the dangers and chaos that had plagued her childhood. For this reason, she searched tirelessly for Theodred, a powerful high elf with the skills and strength to protect Delimira. But no matter how hard she tried, he seemed to slip every time, like sand through her fingers.
His prowess was not the thing she desired but her daughter's happiness that she foresaw in that glimpse. Her daughter, wearing a genuine smile, one she had yet to see till now. And to shorten their fateful time of the meeting, Winter's company made finding that elvish man their top priority.
She still remembered the day when her daughter had wailed in her arms, asking for a life that was at least not full of dread and loneliness. The reason she disclosed Theodred to her daughter was so she could hope that her future was not so bleak. That's how Thoedred became a source of hope in Delimira's tough times.
Lost in her thoughts, Aredhel was pulled back to reality by Delimira's words, as she spoke,
"Dealing with Hans is far better than being in Clandor, mother."
Aredhel spoke, "But you have to be - " only to be cut off in the middle by her daughter. "At least I will get stronger, and now I could even learn krosh arts. That was a wise decision," she said nodding in affirmation.
Aredhel looked at her daughter, feeling sorry again that she had to grow up fast, "I should not have asked her to teach you that...," she said continuing, " but you have the talent and physique that the original maker, Queen Arahan, lacked. So her methods seemed wasted just lying around...but Lady Sierra was not exaggerating about the pain - "
Delmira concluded, interrupting her in the middle,
"As long as it makes me stronger, I don't mind even being a disciple of a red demon, mother."
She went to their study to research everything about Dead Gorge, a four-star danger-level beast zone. After all, she could not allow Hans to boss her around.
Simultaneously, a heated argument was unfolding between Hans and Rudolf. With a raised voice,
"Why Dead Gorge though?" Hans demanded.
"Because the glory Wars might happen there?" said Rudolf with a sharp and curt tone
"And where did you get that info?"
"Your HouseMaster, Walter got that for you,"
Rudolf's words, caused Hans to bristle with anger. The mere mention of Walter's name brought back memories of his carelessness and loss. His voice raised to an even higher pitch "ooh! That man is very.. reliable." he spat out his words full of sarcasm.
Rudolf sighed and continued,
"Even without Winter's child, I was planning to send you there."
"Mh..mh..mh" Hans whined, "Can't you change the location?"
"No, I already prepared it a week ago. Now, a quick test on your memory." said Ruodlf throwing a glimmer of hope for his stupid grandson, "If you can tell me everything correctly, hm... I might think of changing the location - "
He wasn't even finished when Hans started speaking like a record, queued to play.
"Dead Gorge, located a few hundred kilometres to the east of Grimgar, is mainly inhabited by reptiles, and home to Lizardians, a native race of intelligence capable of conversing in the common tongue and habitat building. And it is freaking hot and humid there."
Amused hearing the ranting, Rudolf replied with a smirk
"See? I know you are prepared for the place."
"What about changing the location?" Hans interjected.
"I said I think about it and I did, 'NO'."
"I can recite all the other locations." said Hans, attempting to change his gramps mind, "How about 'Frozen Tooth,' similar to its level - "
Before Hans could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by his grandfather.
"Do not kill any Lizardians unless they attack you first. You just need to hide and survive there for a month."
Hans winced at Rudolf's determination to not change the location and stomped off to his room. The day had been long and frustrating, so the sleep fairy pulled his eyelids without any resistance. However, suddenly he opened his eyes because of the cold and weightlessness he felt as he found himself in the sky, falling from a great height. He bellowed with all his might, "Ah! NOT ANOTHER FRICKIN' DREAM," but this time he heard a response.
"It's not a dream, you stupid descendant. Try surviving the fall."
Hans jolted back to reality as he heard that voice. As he saw the ground rushing towards him, he tried to generate as much fauna as he could cushion his fall. Flexible vines kept coming from the ground, catching him, slowing his fall, and with many of them, he found himself on the ground, covered with the vines, and a frustrating look towards the man who let him in this unasked adventurous fall.
"Who are you? You fu...," he shouted but abruptly stopped seeing the change in the environment.
The levitating figure at the front had done something, causing him to shut his mouth abruptly. The place, which was full of mana until now, was now empty like a void had swept every ounce of it. The situation was not something trivial, without mana around, Hans was toast. As he looked up, he found the man smirking back at him. Hans winced at that smile; he had just faced Xandor a few days back, and now another powerful person was in front of him.
"Hmm... so that's how you function," responded the man.
He remained silent, so the man continued,
"But this is a fatal weakness."
Being powerless right now had made Hans come to his senses, and he asked politely,
"Sir, whatever you seek, I don't have it."
"Do you mean this? " The man took something out from his storage ring and flashed it before Hans, adding "Your father left you something quite odd."
As Hans cried internally when he looked at his beloved legacy in the hands of a man he could not touch, a feeling of resignation washed over him,
"Can you give that back?" he pleaded.
The man was surprised and asked,
"I thought you were willful, not this docile."
"I know when to submit, sir," Hans replied, his hand still hanging in the air, asking for the book.
"Here, take this," the man threw the book back into Hans's embrace and added, "You need to do something about your flaw, kid. None can control the mana of the surroundings like you, but many can eliminate the mana from around." Seeing Hans confused, the man added, "And stop peeking at the past. I told you not to share it with others, but you sang like a canary."
Hans was startled. These words meant only one thing: before him was an inheritor like him, but that also meant the man also carried the Parvian royal blood. Still confused, he asked him again, more politely than ever, "Who are you, sir?"
"I thought I was your idol... but I can't blame you for not recognising me."
Hans took another glance at him. The person was not as bulky as Rudolf but felt like a chiselled and lean body was hiding under those loose clothes that made him appear harmless. An expression of calm on his face, but also one that conveyed weathered years of harshness. In short, the man emanated a peaceful vibe.
As Hans observed him, the man did the same and finally spoke,
"I am Dietrich Parv, your first ancestor and the founder of Concordia."
"And I am GOD OSIRIS," Hans objected instantly, "Who are you duping -". He closed his mouth with both of his hands, "SIR" he added for politeness, his quick-to-refute habit had ignored the fact that this man made him powerless with a glance, voiding all mana from around like nothing.
Seeing him respond like his usual self, the man chuckled and said,
"I'm what you people call an Ancient, young one. The name you have given us defines itself. We live so long, practically forever, earning that name from the Genas."
Hans was startled once again. He did not know much about the Ancients, but they were super powerful, as Delimira had once described them to him. Hans focused on the words that the man had said: "DIERICH PARV, FOUNDER OF CONCORDIA, ANCIENT"
Realising something, Hans pointed at the man and confirmed,
"You...you are the Chairman. You fought Xandor - "
"Fought, as if" the man refuted, "It was just beating an insolent child."
His words felt like he was jesting, Hans didn't know anyone who would consider Xandor an insolent child, but the man claiming to be Dietrich had so much confidence in his words and charisma dripping like honey from a comb that Hans couldn't deny it. He asked again to confirm,
"Are you really Dietrich Parv of the legends?"
"I'm not sure about the legends, but I was the first king of Parv who united all human territories under one flag - "
"To defeat the mage king, right?" Hans interrupted him in excitement, fully believing him.
The response through the man's expression was lukewarm as if Hans had said something wrong. It was the first time Hans had seen something falter in the charismatic face of this self-proclaimed Dietrich. The man remained silent but did not take long before speaking again.
"As an Inheritor, you will see the past yourself but Im not here for that, I just want to ask you, why did you lose to her? I was enjoying the duel but you had many chances, you could have won easily, you don't seem to have a soft spot for her, so why do you lose?"
***
proxybaba
I am participating in the Royal road Writathon so there will be no break till 5 May, unless it's gravely necessary. So enjoy and keep suggesting to me what to improve.
NEXT : THE CHAIRMAN
ACT III
THE PARVIAN MESS
As the mother and daughter stepped into the familiar embrace of their home, Delimira realised the true intentions of her mother's decision to associate her with Sierra. It wasn't just about learning the Krosh Art, but a shield of protection that came with the connection. Her new teacher was this close to snapping at Clandor, and the elves knew better not to disturb this ticking bomb.
When she was in thought her mother's voice came, pulling her back to reality as she heard her asking,
"I presume you are happy, Deli?"
She just stared at her mother's face, filled with concern and expectations. The affection, she wanted in her earlier days from her mother finally came, however, she had already forsaken those thoughts. There was an estranged feeling between them, but she held great respect for her. In her eyes, Aredhel Winters was a woman who had built a successful business empire on her own, breaking the world's prejudice that a man is necessary for a woman to succeed. a tenacious and powerful woman in short. Yet, Aredhel's only weakness was she herself, who lived as a ward of the elven king.
Although the royal family did not mistreat her, she still found herself in a hostile environment, suffering numerous betrayals and attempts on her life from a young age. As a result, she stopped trusting anyone and developed an irritating personality, forcing herself to keep everyone at arm's length. Chris was the only one who managed to break through her walls. They shared the same fate of being unwelcomed and unwanted in Clandor, with Chris facing assassins even more than her.
She found comfort in his company and began to grow stronger together, yearning for strength for obvious reasons. However, at a certain point in her life, Chris moved forward and left her behind. He broke through the elven prejudice and proved his worth, ultimately being accepted as a member of Clandor, a feat that Delimira could not achieve. Unfortunately, not all elves sought Chris's genuine friendship. Many had ulterior motives, seeking to exploit his happy-go-lucky nature. This was the point where she began to bully him and his new so-called friends, becoming a barrier for anyone seeking his company, whether genuine or fake.
Although Concordia provided her with a new opportunity, and when she almost had forgotten, she was abducted by the most dangerous man in the land. She shivered, thinking it again and as these thoughts were making a home in her mind, her mother weaved a perfect net of protection for her this time, not from all but at least from the Clandorians. In response to her mother's anticipated question, Delimira replied,
"Yes, mother. I am happy."
Aredhel felt relieved, "I wish I could do better." she said, an emotion of helplessness flushing to her face as she apologised, " I'm sorry that you have an incompetent mother, Deli."
If she were any other daughter, she may have burst into tears too, but feeling sorry for others was a thing of the past for her. Instead, she simply embraced her mother and allowed her to wail. After some time, when the river in her mother's eyes dried out completely. Aredhel said to her daughter, patting her head
"You have to suffer a bit, I know you don't like the boy, yet I kept pushing you into his company."
Initially, Aredhel did not want her daughter to get involved in Samson's business any further. However, because of the deal, she made with him in exchange for glimpsing her husband's demise, compelled, she allowed Delimira to get involved in his second coming or whatever key he referred to. She yearned for nothing more than to see her daughter live a life of peace and security, free from the dangers and chaos that had plagued her childhood. For this reason, she searched tirelessly for Theodred, a powerful high elf with the skills and strength to protect Delimira. But no matter how hard she tried, he seemed to slip every time, like sand through her fingers.
His prowess was not the thing she desired but her daughter's happiness that she foresaw in that glimpse. Her daughter, wearing a genuine smile, one she had yet to see till now. And to shorten their fateful time of the meeting, Winter's company made finding that elvish man their top priority.
She still remembered the day when her daughter had wailed in her arms, asking for a life that was at least not full of dread and loneliness. The reason she disclosed Theodred to her daughter was so she could hope that her future was not so bleak. That's how Thoedred became a source of hope in Delimira's tough times.
Lost in her thoughts, Aredhel was pulled back to reality by Delimira's words, as she spoke,
"Dealing with Hans is far better than being in Clandor, mother."
Aredhel spoke, "But you have to be - " only to be cut off in the middle by her daughter. "At least I will get stronger, and now I could even learn krosh arts. That was a wise decision," she said nodding in affirmation.
Aredhel looked at her daughter, feeling sorry again that she had to grow up fast, "I should not have asked her to teach you that...," she said continuing, " but you have the talent and physique that the original maker, Queen Arahan, lacked. So her methods seemed wasted just lying around...but Lady Sierra was not exaggerating about the pain - "
Delmira concluded, interrupting her in the middle,
"As long as it makes me stronger, I don't mind even being a disciple of a red demon, mother."
She went to their study to research everything about Dead Gorge, a four-star danger-level beast zone. After all, she could not allow Hans to boss her around.
Simultaneously, a heated argument was unfolding between Hans and Rudolf. With a raised voice,
"Why Dead Gorge though?" Hans demanded.
"Because the glory Wars might happen there?" said Rudolf with a sharp and curt tone
"And where did you get that info?"
"Your HouseMaster, Walter got that for you,"
Rudolf's words, caused Hans to bristle with anger. The mere mention of Walter's name brought back memories of his carelessness and loss. His voice raised to an even higher pitch "ooh! That man is very.. reliable." he spat out his words full of sarcasm.
Rudolf sighed and continued,
"Even without Winter's child, I was planning to send you there."
"Mh..mh..mh" Hans whined, "Can't you change the location?"
"No, I already prepared it a week ago. Now, a quick test on your memory." said Ruodlf throwing a glimmer of hope for his stupid grandson, "If you can tell me everything correctly, hm... I might think of changing the location - "
He wasn't even finished when Hans started speaking like a record, queued to play.
"Dead Gorge, located a few hundred kilometres to the east of Grimgar, is mainly inhabited by reptiles, and home to Lizardians, a native race of intelligence capable of conversing in the common tongue and habitat building. And it is freaking hot and humid there."
Amused hearing the ranting, Rudolf replied with a smirk
"See? I know you are prepared for the place."
"What about changing the location?" Hans interjected.
"I said I think about it and I did, 'NO'."
"I can recite all the other locations." said Hans, attempting to change his gramps mind, "How about 'Frozen Tooth,' similar to its level - "
Before Hans could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by his grandfather.
"Do not kill any Lizardians unless they attack you first. You just need to hide and survive there for a month."
Hans winced at Rudolf's determination to not change the location and stomped off to his room. The day had been long and frustrating, so the sleep fairy pulled his eyelids without any resistance. However, suddenly he opened his eyes because of the cold and weightlessness he felt as he found himself in the sky, falling from a great height. He bellowed with all his might, "Ah! NOT ANOTHER FRICKIN' DREAM," but this time he heard a response.
"It's not a dream, you stupid descendant. Try surviving the fall."
Hans jolted back to reality as he heard that voice. As he saw the ground rushing towards him, he tried to generate as much fauna as he could cushion his fall. Flexible vines kept coming from the ground, catching him, slowing his fall, and with many of them, he found himself on the ground, covered with the vines, and a frustrating look towards the man who let him in this unasked adventurous fall.
"Who are you? You fu...," he shouted but abruptly stopped seeing the change in the environment.
The levitating figure at the front had done something, causing him to shut his mouth abruptly. The place, which was full of mana until now, was now empty like a void had swept every ounce of it. The situation was not something trivial, without mana around, Hans was toast. As he looked up, he found the man smirking back at him. Hans winced at that smile; he had just faced Xandor a few days back, and now another powerful person was in front of him.
"Hmm... so that's how you function," responded the man.
He remained silent, so the man continued,
"But this is a fatal weakness."
Being powerless right now had made Hans come to his senses, and he asked politely,
"Sir, whatever you seek, I don't have it."
"Do you mean this? " The man took something out from his storage ring and flashed it before Hans, adding "Your father left you something quite odd."
As Hans cried internally when he looked at his beloved legacy in the hands of a man he could not touch, a feeling of resignation washed over him,
"Can you give that back?" he pleaded.
The man was surprised and asked,
"I thought you were willful, not this docile."
"I know when to submit, sir," Hans replied, his hand still hanging in the air, asking for the book.
"Here, take this," the man threw the book back into Hans's embrace and added, "You need to do something about your flaw, kid. None can control the mana of the surroundings like you, but many can eliminate the mana from around." Seeing Hans confused, the man added, "And stop peeking at the past. I told you not to share it with others, but you sang like a canary."
Hans was startled. These words meant only one thing: before him was an inheritor like him, but that also meant the man also carried the Parvian royal blood. Still confused, he asked him again, more politely than ever, "Who are you, sir?"
"I thought I was your idol... but I can't blame you for not recognising me."
Hans took another glance at him. The person was not as bulky as Rudolf but felt like a chiselled and lean body was hiding under those loose clothes that made him appear harmless. An expression of calm on his face, but also one that conveyed weathered years of harshness. In short, the man emanated a peaceful vibe.
As Hans observed him, the man did the same and finally spoke,
"I am Dietrich Parv, your first ancestor and the founder of Concordia."
"And I am GOD OSIRIS," Hans objected instantly, "Who are you duping -". He closed his mouth with both of his hands, "SIR" he added for politeness, his quick-to-refute habit had ignored the fact that this man made him powerless with a glance, voiding all mana from around like nothing.
Seeing him respond like his usual self, the man chuckled and said,
"I'm what you people call an Ancient, young one. The name you have given us defines itself. We live so long, practically forever, earning that name from the Genas."
Hans was startled once again. He did not know much about the Ancients, but they were super powerful, as Delimira had once described them to him. Hans focused on the words that the man had said: "DIERICH PARV, FOUNDER OF CONCORDIA, ANCIENT"
Realising something, Hans pointed at the man and confirmed,
"You...you are the Chairman. You fought Xandor - "
"Fought, as if" the man refuted, "It was just beating an insolent child."
His words felt like he was jesting, Hans didn't know anyone who would consider Xandor an insolent child, but the man claiming to be Dietrich had so much confidence in his words and charisma dripping like honey from a comb that Hans couldn't deny it. He asked again to confirm,
"Are you really Dietrich Parv of the legends?"
"I'm not sure about the legends, but I was the first king of Parv who united all human territories under one flag - "
"To defeat the mage king, right?" Hans interrupted him in excitement, fully believing him.
The response through the man's expression was lukewarm as if Hans had said something wrong. It was the first time Hans had seen something falter in the charismatic face of this self-proclaimed Dietrich. The man remained silent but did not take long before speaking again.
"As an Inheritor, you will see the past yourself but Im not here for that, I just want to ask you, why did you lose to her? I was enjoying the duel but you had many chances, you could have won easily, you don't seem to have a soft spot for her, so why do you lose?"
***
proxybaba
I am participating in the Royal road Writathon so there will be no break till 5 May, unless it's gravely necessary. So enjoy and keep suggesting to me what to improve.
NEXT : THE CHAIRMAN
