The Duke of Maltana

Very early in the morning, a page in blue clothing runs down a hallway of the royal palace of Alda, escorted by two armored guards. When he arrives at the throne room, Her Majesty Queen Kelphy is standing by the throne, drowsy and confused. That morning, Mysteria would awake to shocking news.

Queen Kelphy: <Wh-What happened?>

*The young man bows to her and takes a scroll out of his leather bag. He opens it, clears his throat, and reads it out loud.*

Page: <"I inform Her Majesty Queen Kelphy of Alda and Sephira that last night, when King David and Queen Lavinia of Toros, and their daughter, the princess, were flying back to the capital after a visit to a coastal town, the royal airship exploded above the desert lands due to an unknown malfunction. Soon afterwards, conflicts arose in the capital as a coup d'état led by the King's nephew, the Duke of Maltana, took over the royal palace and captured the King's granddaughter. He later gave a public speech to the Capital, in which he announced that he will be taking the throne as the new king shortly, with the intention of 'pulling the kingdom of Toros out of the Aldo-Sephiran's Alliance's shadow'. He furthermore announced that the yearly Toran battle tournament remains to be held next week with no alterations. The royal guard has since been searching the Capital for the remaining members of the popular force that attempted to stop the overthrowal.">

---

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Sephira

*Tempe is in his bedroom aboard an Aldanian royal airship en route to Capital Sephira. He heard the news about Toros shortly before leaving Capital Alda, and was given a letter by his mother to deliver to his father. This is otherwise just another of many trips between the two kingdoms for the young prince.*

=====

*Someone knocks on the door. The old elf smiles and stands up, heading for the door. He's wearing red robes with golden details and a matching gnome hat. He is very short, walking hunched over, and has long white hairs, tied near the bottom with a red ribbon, wrinkled yellow skin, kind green eyes and the pointy ears characteristic of the elven race. He opens the door and opens it to see an attractive middle-aged woman with waist-length blond hair, big blue eyes and light skin, wearing a white cloak over a simple pink dress. She smiles.*

Allina: <Hi there, Fahren! Why did you as-->

*She widens her eyes in shock and muffles a shriek with both hands as she looks past Fahren, noticing that a young boy with messy silver hairs and green eyes, Grayson, sits on the edge of Fahren's bed, staring straight at her.*

Allina: <He's... You're awake!>

=====

*Thiera finally arrives at the main gate through the capital walls, and is greeted by the gate guards. It is a majestic city, built in gray and white bricks, of both tall mansions and narrow streets crammed with sweet humble houses, the roofs ranging from red to blue or green in color. The large stone palace towers over the city, its emerald green and golden flags waving in the wind.*

---

Alda

*Cello is packing, preparing to leave to Toros by airship within the hour. The door is knocked on and Queen Kelphy walks in with Vesper.*

Queen Kelphy: <Cello?>

---

Toros

*Alto and Oriens are in the bazaar. It's quieter and less crowded than usual, the tension in the air almost palpable as the royal guards walk up and down searching the city. Though most of the Toran population supported the coup d'état, there are still divided opinions and the intimidation that seems to spray the atmosphere from the palace can't be denied.*

=====

*Aegis is in his house, studying alchemy by the fireplace. The cloud of tension left looming over the entire capital by the coup d'état seems to be keeping most people from leaving their houses today. Someone knocks on his door.*

=====

*James is crossing the desert when, in the distance, he sees someone lying on the sand atop one of the countless dunes, in the scorching sun.*

---

Ars Isle

*Sorelyn is sitting aboard a wooden fishing ship, waiting for it to set sail. It is to sail to the mainland and arrive at Toran shore sometime during the afternoon. A young man approaches and sits down next to her. Gaius, a childhood friend of hers. He takes off his helmet and looks at her, smirking.*

Gaius: <Guess what? You've gotten yourself some company for the trip!>

Cello's mostly still getting dressed since he had just gotten out of the shower. His hair was still wet and he turned to face the door when it opened and he finished getting his pants.

"I heard... I... I still have to go to Toros. Please don't try to stop me."

---

"Oriens~ Loooook I can balance ten apples on my nose!" Alto was standing in front the fruit stand of an absolutely mortified fruit vendor with ten apples stacked and balanced on nose.

Oriens facepalmed, "Alto. Please. We're here on business not for you to make an ass of yourself!"

Alto sighed as he flipped his head forward and caught the apples in his arms before returning them to the vendor who was catatonic with shock at this point.

*James lifts his hood a bit to get a better view of the figure as he walks over to them.*

=====

Aegis: <Coming.>

*He walks over to the door and opens it.*

*Thiera begins mechanically reciting the same question she asks all of the guards in every city she goes to.*

"Hi there. Have you seen a woman in her 20's with red hair & pointy ears?"

*At "pointy ears," she puts her fingers on either side of her head.*

"Might also look a bit like me?"

*Sorelyn looks slightly angry*

Sorelyn:< Oh come on. This was supposed to be MY adventure.>

*Tempe is busy working on what he believes are badass poses as he looks in the mirror, the letter entrusted to him on the dresser behind him. Sloan is standing behind his master, arms folded behind his back.*

Tempe: <Hey, Sloan, how about this one?>

*He crosses his pistols and gives a hilarious attempt at a battle face.*

Sloan: <Absolutely terrifying, milord.>

Tempe: <Rockin'.>

Sephira

*The door is knocked on and someone speaks from outside.*

Knight: <Your Highness, we'll be landing shortly.>

=====

*Allina and Fahren sit at his table, drinking a cup of tea. The woman can't help but to constantly look at Grayson.*

Allina: <When did this happen?>

Fahren: <At dawn, but he's been restless for several months. I was expecting him to wake soon.>

Allina: <Months...? Wow, I guess it's been a while since I last visited.>

Fahren: <Don't worry. Everyone's busy with their lives. You're running the cathedral, and you have your children.>

*Allina smiles and nods before looking over to Grayson once again.*

Allina: <I'm Allina. I'm your brother's friend.>

Grayson: <Y-Yes, Master Fahren told me everything.>

=====

*One of the guards narrows his eyes and steps forward, observing her closely. After a few seconds, he shrugs and looks over to the other one.*

Guard: <Have you seen anyone like that?>

Guard2: <Can't say I have...>

Guard: <Yeah. Well, I'm sorry we can't help...>

---

Alda

*Vesper's face turns red and she turns her back on Cello.*

Vesper: <What are you doing!?>

Queen Kelphy: <Finish putting your clothes on, we'll wait.>

*Queen Kelphy chuckles and motions Vesper to step outside before following her out and closing the door.*

---

Toros

*One of the royal guards notices them and walks up to them.*

Guard: <Greetings. You're warriors, aren't you?>

=====

*As soon as he opens the door, two royal guards waltz in, looking around, examining the house. One of them speaks without even bothering to look at Aegis.*

Guard: <What do you know about the resistance that tried to attack His Lordship, the Duke of Maltana last night?>

=====

*He finds that the unconscious person is a blonde young woman, clearly dehydrated and on the brink of death.*

---

Ars Isle

*Gaius laughs and gives her a pat on the shoulder.*

Gaius: <Harsh! What, you don't want my company?>

*James picks her up and lifts her over his shoulder, then keeps moving.*

=====

Aegis: <Not one single thing. Now if you would care to get out of my house so that I may get back to my research, it would VERY much be appreciated. Or, as it is now, preferred. No offense, but your odor is quite... detestable. And look at that, your shoes just brought dirt to my beautifully clean carpet!>

*He pulls out a pure white cloth and starts to scrub up the dirt.*

Sorelyn:< Who set this up? My parents?>

*Sorelyn shakes her head*

"Indeed we are. We're here to fight in arena matches before the tournament" Oriens says with quite a formal tone.

Alto is busy flirting with some random young ladies.

---

"Oh... OH... uh heh" Cello turns several shades of red when he notices Vesper.

After they walk out he finishes getting dressed. "O-okay you can come back in now."

Sephira

Allina: <Are you going to tell Crone?>

Fahren: <I've tried contacting him, but he appears to be away from home. I'll write him a letter.>

Allina: <Maybe Kelphy could help? Anyway, I need to get going! Everyone's pretty worried about this whole Toros deal, and Vesper will be returning home soon. Grayson, you're coming with me to get to know the city, all right?>

*The boy nods and smiles to Fahren before following Allina out of the room and down the stairwell to the bottom of the tower.*

Fahren: <See you both soon then. Take care, Grayson.>

---

Alda

*They walk back inside and the queen sighs, smiling.*

Queen Kelphy: <As I was saying, I know you are still going and don't intend to try to stop you. As you know, Vesper's been visiting for a couple days, and when she heard the news, she came to me.>

*Vesper nods and steps forward, her cheeks only now returning to their usual color.*

Vesper: <Cello... I heard you were going to Toros. Oriens is there. I'm just really worried with all of this mess going on over there. Would you mind if I accompanied you?>

---

Toros

Guard: <Very well. What do you know about the force that attacked the Duke's army last night?>

=====

*The guards give him a quick glare and continue searching the place. One of them opens the wardrobe and yanks out some of its content, while the other one just goes around looking for anything suspicious.*

=====

*He soon arrives at the halfway oasis he was heading towards. There's a medium-sized lake of fresh limpid water, green grass and bushes, colorful flowers and plenty of palm trees to provide shade. It's really hot and he's probably tired and thirsty. The girl is barely breathing.*

---

Ars Isle

Gaius: <Haha. The world doesn't revolve around you, "princess". In all seriousness, your parents didn't object, but I have my own reasons to accompany you. I'm really curious about this whole revolution thing. Did ya hear?>

*As he finishes his question, the ship shakes as it begins to sail away from shore, from which some scattered elves wave them goodbye.*

*He sighs and walks over to the edge of the lake. He puts her by the side and then pulls out a circular canteen. He drinks the last of the rather warm water, grimaces, and then fills it up with water from the lake.*

James: <...Better than nothing, I guess.>

*He stuffs the canteen into the girl's mouth and pretty much forces her to drink it.*

=====

Aegis: <Stop that! Oh my, you're ruining EVERYTHING! Stop this madness! Stop it, damn you!>

Cello snaps his fingers and the water is drawn from his hair in such a way as to also brush it. He then push the water orb into his forehead and his body absorbs it.

"O-oh... I-I'd be happy if you came" he blushed and scratched the side of his head with one finger.

---

"We just arrived in Toros this morning. The duke was attacked? This is the first I'm hearing of it" Oriens says.

One of the girls slaps Alto and the they all storm off. He returns to Oriens side looking like a kicked puppy with a red handprint mark on the side of his face.

---

Leaning against the tower was an elven man. who appeared to be in his mid-late twenties. He wore a long regal great coat that was an elegant purple-blue color and had red tassels hanging from the shoulders. His pants were cream colored and tucked into black boots. He had on a rather impressive hat not unlike the kind a musketeer would wear. His hair was a deep, almost black, blue color and went past his rear and well kept but left untied.

"Sorry it took me so long to catch up Ally" Lucien waved.

"Well, it was worth a shot. Do you mind if I enter the city to look for her?"

Sorelyn:< Me, Princess? Anyway, I did here about that. Maybe we should get out of Toros as fast as we can.>

*Sorelyn's face reddens*

Sorelyn:< I mean I should.>

Tempe: <Alright. I'll be ready to head off in just a minute.>

*He turns to face Sloan.*

Tempe: <Alright, I'm gonna need you to figure out a reason for me to avoid going to the palace right away.>

Sloan: *rolls his eyes* <Your Majesty, you should give your father a chance. I have been in his service for quite some time, and I know he->

Tempe: <I've got it! I'll tell him I met a girl. He's always blabbering about how it's never too early to start looking for a wife.>

Sloan: <Whatever Your Majesty wishes... ugh...>

*The two head for the bridge of the ship.*

Sephira

*Soon, the ship is landing in the Sephiran aerodrome. They stand on the large teleport pod inside, and are teleported outside, beneath the ship. 20 years prior, this was a mechanism found only in the Garuda, but it has now become common airship technology.*

Guard: <Your Highness, we have specific orders from Her Majesty Queen Kelphy not to follow you around too much, but please, take caution.>

=====

Allina: <Creepy stalker!>

Grayson: <Wh-What?!>

*Allina laughs and walks over to Lucien, turning to face Grayson.*

Allina: <Grayson, this is my husband, Lucien.>

Grayson: <Oh, I heard about you too... N-Nice to meet you!>

*Grayson smiles and bows respectfully.*

=====

*The guard smiles and motions her to proceed.*

Gate Guard: <Sure, go ahead. If you need help finding your way around, we're here to help.>

---

Alda

Vesper: <Thank you! It's gonna be fun. Hum, aunt Kelphy...>

Queen Kelphy: <Yes, I will see that your parents are informed of this, don't worry.>

Vesper: <Thanks!>

*Kelphy smiles and nods before preparing to head out.*

Queen Kelphy: <The airship will be departing from the aerodrome soon. I'm sending someone to watch over you, but still, be very careful.>

---

Toros

Guard: <Fine then. You should know the Duke has replaced the previous monarchs as the ruler of this kingdom. Make sure to behave.>

*The guard grins before running off.*

=====

Guard: <Nothing here.>

Guard2: <Yeah. I guess you're clear.>

*The two head out, slamming the door behind them.*

=====

*The girl coughs some of the water out as he is doing so, but otherwise remains in the same condition. He hears distant yelling. If looks out to the desert, he can barely see four or five people riding horses in the horizon, shouting. He can't make out what they're saying at all.*

---

Ars Isle

Gaius: <Relax, we aren't even in Toros yet and you're already worried about getting out? You have to be at least a little curious too.>

"I... uh... my name's Cello" he extends his hand to her.

---

"Alto"

"Yes?" Alto responds though he's still downcast from rejection.

"Let's get a move on" Oriens heads for the arena.

"Okay" Alto drags him himself along slumped over in woe.

---

"It is nice to meet you too Grayson" Lucien also bows in kind.

"So as Crone's brother you must be pretty strong yourself. What kind of magic do you use? I'd love to see you demonstrate" Lucien's eyes were suddenly sparkly with interest.

Sorelyn:< Sure I am. I'd just rather not get involved in that whole mess.>

"I'll be alright, thanks for the offer..."

*Thiera is wandering aimlessly through the streets.*

"...Is what I said, but I don't have a clue where anything is."

Tempe: <Yeah yeah, whatever.>

*He exits the aerodome and looks around.*

Tempe: <Still the same as ever.>

Sloan: <To be fair, Your Majesty, you haven't been gone long. I sincerely doubt that a new building would be erected to commemorate your return.>

Sephira

*People slowly begin to stare at him, and gather around. Most of them bow respectfully, while a few just scowl and stay in the back.*

=====

Grayson: <Oh, I'm not as strong as my brother, but thank you, sir.>

*Grayson swings his fingers down the strings of the white ukulele hanging from his belt, and they emanate a blow of green energy that flies to a flower bud nearby and causes it to blossom into a beautiful blue flower.*

=====

*A soldier in silver armor with messy blond hair, white skin and bright blue eyes that looks like he's in his late twenties walks up to her, smiling.*

Soldier: <Hello. Do you need help? You look kind of... lost.>

---

Alda

Vesper: <I know... are you feverish?>

*Vesper giggles and turns around.*

Vesper: <C'mon, the airship's waiting.>

---

Toros

*The arena's booth lady is tripping with some brave kids wanting to go in as Alto and Oriens arrive nearby.*

---

Ars Isle

Gaius: <I guess you have a point. We'll see when we get there, right? So what's your plan for when we get there? Beyond the shore, the continent's mostly arid. Even the capital's a desert away from the port.>

*Sorelyn shrugs*

Sorelyn: To be honest, I was just going to wing it once I got there. In retrospect, I REALLY should have come up with something.>

Lucien claps, "An excellent display Grayson. Well done. Would you like to see Allina's and my magic per chance?"

---

"N-no. B-but this is the f-first time we've m-met" Cello's face turns red from embarrassment.

---

Oriens and Alto stroll right up, "We're here to fight" Oriens says and grabs Alto's jaw before he can start flirting with the ticket booth lady.

*Tempe grumbles and quickens his pace.*

Tempe: <Sloan, quickest way out of the main streets?>

Sloan: <Make a right into that alleyway, my lord.>

Tempe: <Thanks.>

*He turns right into that alleyway and walks through it, ending up in a less populated area of town.*