Distantly Close (Fuscontidox & peach tea!)

[Fuscontidox]

(100% gotta love her x'D omg shes so biased haha! shes great <3 A++ princess, and yee Leal i dont consider to be one to make it to the end, i mean he escaped from that last one out of sheer instinct and witt, ive got a few ideas... lets see where this leads... owo cause i seriously dont know what will end up flowing best haha.

OMG I ALMOST LOST MY POST MY TAB CLOSED OUT AND IT ALMOST GOT DELETED AAAAAAA!! )

Leal's knee bounced as he sat by the arena's high risen wall, beneath the royal balcony, and watched match after match, observing each of the men closely, he gathered what he could, this event had more skilled swordsmen than he anticipated, the highest rank to participate being the groundsmen who patrolled about the castle from the outside, at the doors, in the gardens, and around the maid quarters. They were close range wielders by nature, and had become one of the most prominent groups to reside in the barracks for combat training. He worried the most about them, as they tended to lean more towards reality of strategy than the long range marksman of the wall.

"Quite a vigorous battle wouldn't you say?" Leal jumped, and looked to his left to find Jennet (yep :>), adorned in maid's attire and holding some cloth of which he suspected had at one point been hanging on a clothing line somewhere. The thought made him wonder who she could have possible mugged to get that outfit.

"Jennet, what are you doing here?"

"Well someone had to come cheer you on, besides, you wouldn't believe how many secret passageways exist in just about every building of this palace." her voice trailed and she looked about the arena as if she was scanning for another way to exit.

"You have to stop doing things like this, you're going to get into trouble for stepping foot into the wrong place at the wrong time someday." (couldntve said it better myself)

Jennet shrugged and settled in, watching the match at hand, "I'll leave after this upcoming match, I stopped by to warn you, you know." she squinted and scooted closer, her voice dropping a significant amount. "See that man in the dull blue? The one with the strawberry blonde hair and clean cut?" she paused, taking the chance to get into Leal's line of vision and point him out with her extended arm and single index finger, "That's Methuselah, rumor has it he's seen real battles before, cut throat stuff."

They watched as he entered the ring next, his footwork wasn't exactly clean, but then again, he didn't move all that much to begin with, he was a lean, but there was power in his frame, and his senses seemed to be top notch, his upper body movement was magnificent, and he used tactics that were more brute force than sparring. It made Leal wonder, why was a person of this magnitude here in these ranks? he furrowed his brow while he watched, and often cringed at the sight of the poor lad he was up against, tossed and beaten like a wave on a rock. The man had hardly used his sword, and the beaten man could barely move by the end, exhausted and sore, he was towered over by Methuselah with the tip of his sword tapping on the chest plate above the lad's heart, and the match was over. Chills ran down Leal's spine, and he couldn't help but give a hard swallow.

"If ever you have a chance to face him, toss out those thoughts regarding allies, right now, for all you know, one of your opponents could very well be an imposter." Jennet stood, and scooted off and out to who knows where. (good job scaring him Jennet A++)

Leal sighed deeply, and ran a hand through his hair, proceeding to fiddle with the bronze bands that clung to the longer strands on either side. He didn't want to give up, that would be out right cowardice, if he made it to that point where he was placed in the ring with Methuselah, he was sure it would be the last match for him, and he didn't know how the ranking worked exactly, so making it to the top was all he could aim for.

He laughed to himself and rubbed a hand down his face, that princess really did spark a change, his thought process had leaped from the next painting he was inspired to do, to the likelihood of making it to the top in a rigorous knighthood event of tiered matches.

"I want a long break with tons of paint and canvas after this is over" He grumbled under his breath, what in the world had he stepped up to do?


Soon, it came time for him to enter the ring once more, the second match was easier than the first, as he was given a chance to observe his competition, the taking of the match wasn't easy, but he pulled through. With half the contestants already out of luck, in the first tier, the tiers seemed to climb quickly, which meant that Leal's stamina was beginning to have less recovery time than the last.

It came to the fourth tier match, Leal was beginning to feel slower in his movements, and tried his best to hide it, he stepped out into the ring once again, and his opponent appeared also, four tiers, and he still had yet to face Methuselah. He scanned the crowd before making his way towards his opponent, they locked eyes, and bowed, drawing their swords once more, they began again. This opponent he knew to be the kind to jump right into the attack, he used this chance to save what he had left of his stamina, and avoided many of his swings. He ducked and moved about more, catching on the to timing and rhythm of his opponent's movements. He adapted his own movements to mirror the man before him, and stayed out of his sword's radius as much as possible, but his opponent wasn't tiring as fast as he was, even without swinging his own sword. He needed to think of a new strategy, fast. He could see the frustration in the eyes of his opponent, relentless and hungry for the claim. Leal took action, and on the next swing, he rolled himself behind the man and aimed for a fatal to the spine, but the man whipped around coherently to Leal's tactic, and in a split moment, Leal held out his right palm, a holler of agony rumbled and through a deep growl of pain, he tapped the tip of his blade the his opponent's chest. Match taken.

The stadium fell silent, Leal pulled away, the blood pooling from his hand as a lone doctor rushed forth and lead him away quickly, hollering for nurses to assist him immediately. He was taken up and out to the medical hall, where his hand was cleaned, stitched, and bandaged as best as possible, he knew it would leave a nasty scar, and somehow, he found himself chuckling over that idea, at least this scar was a battle scar of some kind, unlike the one over his brow.

Boots fell heavy on the stone floor, and Leal watched as the captain of the wall burst into the medical unit, fuming, "What were you thinking?" he seethed, "You took on a wound that could be labeled as major."

"But I won the match, Sir." Leal replied with sincerity, "It wasn't my dominant hand, and I don't use it for much outside of strength for blocking anyway."

The captain groaned, "I understand your spirits boy, (almost spelled it with an i) but a wound this severe just cost you your place in the next tier, they can't have you bleeding out regardless of the fact that it's your lesser hand." he paused and Leal feel back against the pillow provided for him, and just listened to the white noise of his surroundings, namely, the captains shuffling from foot to foot. "You know, you were halfway son, out of eight tiers you got pretty far, well there's always next time, you're strong, I don't doubt you'll at least move up a rank or two, best to learn from mistakes early on though right?"

The captain began to walk away, and Leal rubbed the gauze over his throbbing hand, "Captain," he called once more, and listened to him stop in his tracks and turn, "what if it wasn't a mistake?" he said, he lifted his eyes, and matched them to the wall's captain, who seemed dumbfounded at such a statement, he shook his head and began to walk back out.

"Come out and watch the rest of the matches when you feel up to it." He called out, before shutting the door behind him.

[quit-cs]

(I think i know where you're going with the impostor thing :eyes looking sideways emoji:) (also about his injury were you planning on actually not having him move on or?? cos i had an idea that maybe Angelina has some secret lil magic potion that heals wounds? or something?)

Angelina couldn't help but listen to what Jennet was saying. After hearing that one could be an impostor, she watched carefully. She didn't know everyone in the kingdom's force of knights, but she could recognize these men. She had watched them slog their way up the ranks to make it here to this tournament. Angelina kept a sharp eye on all competitors and smiled again when Leal entered the arena. While he and his opponent fought, she noticed something about the opponent.

The opponent's name was Bosphorous. She had met Bosphorous a few times, a pleasant man who wanted nothing more then to care for his family. He was kind hearted and a strong knight, who always fought valiantly. While she didn't know him well, she knew he would never move like this in a one on one battle. Bosphorous' movements were usually swift and fast and not patterned the way this man was fighting, while today he appeared to be almost clumsy and, well, patterned in his attacks.

And then it hit her. The closer she looked at Leal's opponent, she knew. He was an impostor. It was a bit hard to tell because of the helmet he wore, but Angelina only knew one man that had a scar as nasty as that on his face. The man who initially attempted to kidnap her months ago.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a cry of pain was heard and the silence of the arena was the loudest sound you could hear.
Leal was hurt. Angelina watched as the blood dripped from Leal's hand. And then she swore his opponent made eye contact with her and gave her a wicked smile. She gasped quietly, and watched as Leal was forced away by one of the doctors nearby. She knew what she had to do. Sitting next to her throne was a gong and a drumstick like object (ya know the ones with the round cloth thinger at the end??) she could hit it with, should she need to pause the matches at any time.

She picked up the stick and hit the gong, the sound ringing out. Again, the arena fell silent. All eyes were on her. She stood and took a moment to look about at the crowd. She took a breath and then spoke.

"It appears their is an impostor in our midst." she said, using the most regal voice she could muster.

A wave of gasps flooded the arena.

"Bosphorous, please step into the arena." she said, watching as he did as he was told.

"Remove your helmet at once!" she said, eyeing him. He swallowed and complied, revealing that Angelina's suspicions were correct. The scar on his face revealed all. Now she knew his filthy plan. He probably thought he would make his way to the 8th tier and she would choose him.

(oof idea!)

"You are not Bosphorous. Why are you here at these events? Where is Bosphorous?" Angelina questioned. Her face was calm but their was fury in her eyes.

"If you will not asnwer me, I will have my guards arrest you." she warned, looking at her kidnapper. "Or I could spoil our little secret to the kingdom," she leaned down and whispered to him from her balcony. She grinned wildly. Judging by the look on his face he was suprised, but still didn't speak.

"Fine. Don't asnwer me. Guards!! Seize him at once! He is not only an impostor but also a man who attempted to kidnap me a few months ago." Angelina shouted to her guards, spilling her kidnapping secret to the entire kingdom, as she threatened.

"Secondary guards, go and look for the real Bosphorous! Make sure he is unharmed, and if he is harmed, you will take Bosphorous to one of the palace doctors immediately!" Angelina ordered, losing a bit of her calm composure. She took in a breath and watched as the guards seized the impostor. "Good luck trying to kidnap me from prison," she thought to herself.

"Now, in light of this impostor, the events will be taking a 20 minute break." Angelina said, stepping out of her balcony and down to where the other knights are. As she stepped away form her throne she listened to the murmur of the arena, sighing. Why did being a princess have to be so damn stressful??

She approached Leal. "You did very well today," she said with a light smile. "And I hope your hand gets better quickly. That was very bold of you to do." Angelina lowered her voice. "Your cousin was right about the impostor. I heard your conversation, so I watched.
I also threatened to spill the little kidnapping secret if he refused to speak. He will be on trial soon enough. If you don't want to be involved in his trial then that's fine." she said, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

After speaking to Leal, she went to speak to the others knights who were felled and those who moved on, giving them all encouraging words to fight their hardest.

(I have never written this much holy crap)

[Fuscontidox]

(Waaaa what a turn of events :0c I just thought of another idea but I'll be tucking it away for now.

I also feel super proud *claps* your long reply surprised me tbh--the length as well as your plans lol-- x'D but even your normal replies surprise me with what you bring to light <3 so much fun ^^ i think battles and fight scenes just take a lot of writing :'D otherwise i would also have shorter replies.

also the gong pallet part had me rolling LOL

and healing his hand would be interesting, but i think people would get too curious after seeing it back to normal?? possibly?? and regardless, technically Leal was the one who broke the rule by willingly sacrificing his hand in order to keep his opponent from scoring at his throat, he could have dodged it and tried again and i would think the court would conclude that this type of move is uncalled for in a match, even if the other party was an impostor, so i think this is where Leal ends :'> unless you have another idea??)

Leal sat up once more in the cot, and debated if he should go watch or not, he would be getting nothing out of doing so, by the time the next knight's event came around, he would probably be in new ranking, the opponents would be different, and the likelihood of those who were familiar having the same fighting style as before was slim. As he pondered these things, the door opened once again, and in walked the princess herself, Leal grew questionable to her presence, and her words alarmed him even more, he wanted to smack himself in the face for sitting so close to the balcony, but he kept as much composure as he could, and reminded himself it was probably best that they be in a spot where the princess was not in Jennet's line of sight. The news of the imposter made him wonder just where Jennet could have possibly heard all this, and the fact that she could be heard on the balcony made him worry she would be mistaken as some sort of threat. There was no way he could enter the court about this matter, he couldn't possibly bring Jennet into such a tedious thing, from what she had expressed through his pestering, she hates nosy people the most (double standard brat). He worried for the princess, if impostors were making it so easily into the ranks, how safe was she really?

As the princess left the room, Leal furrowed his brow, something about this situation didn't sit right with him. He stood, and hurried out of the room towards where she had left, but he was stopped by a figure, and it gave him chills, he looked up to meet the gaze of Methuselah, who raised a brow, "Shouldn't you be resting boy?" his voice was gruff, but something about it was more inquisitive than the powerful like that which had been radiating off him in the ring earlier. But the comment he made had Leal biting his tongue.

"Sometimes, there's greater things than injuries, sir." Leal pulled himself away, and walked around Methuselah a few steps before turning his back and running after the princess. He rounded a corner, and caught sight of her as she stood at the mouth of the balcony. "Princess," he called evenly, walking towards her, "the day when you were nearly kidnapped, wasn't there a second man in town?" he whispered.

[quit-cs]

(Well, that would be a bit strange to see that all of a sudden he's healed. I still might just make it that she has a few magical items. I just got another idea but it's mainly to make her Queen so i dont think it'd have much to do with these two rip)

Angelina nodded. "Two others, actually. But I don't remember their faces as well as the main guy who carried me over his shoulder."
she said, sighing. "But your cousin will be rewarded for the warning. If anything, it's as simple as saying you alerted me after she told you, and I kept watch, not only to protect myself but my future subjects as well. And after this man's trial, you will most likely be the one named my personal guard." Angelina kept her voice hushed.

Soon the 20 minutes were up. The events of the day continued, and finally, hours later, they were over. It was time for her to discuss with her fellow spectators, whom of which were lords and nobles, who would be the best fit to be the Princess' personal knight.

She sighed as she was escorted back to the palace and entered a large hall in which a table sat in the middle. Her chair was the largest, where she sat and began to discuss everything. Angelina sat quietly while the Nobles and Lords argued, thinking of her choice in the end.

[Fuscontidox]

(*uses quick reply: sits for a good 5 mins just staring at the pooh gif* oml shes such a giving and gracious princess, x'D i mean Jennet just wanders where she pleases with alarming information and Angelina isnt.even.phased. i just wonder how much more she will be like as a queen lol! shes like denying it, but shes such a good royal... i swear her kingdom would fall apart if she up and decided one day that the pressure was just too much and renounced her title, or just completely vanished as a whole oml

Is the choice made in one day or over the span of multiple days? owo)

Leal watched as she was swept back up to the balcony, utterly shocked, she always seemed to know just what to do and say to put him at ease and on edge at the same time. His worry changed from his cousin's odd habits, to the safety of the princess, to have possibly two more threats on the loose had him shivering and nervous.

For the rest of the tournament, he sat scanning the crowd, but he would become restless and get up to move about, patrolling on his own. His mock armor had been put back in the armory long ago, all that remained on his persons was his sword, as he walked freely about the arena and the surrounding area. He hated feeling so uneasy, and his hand throbbed relentlessly. The matches ended without any further trouble, the search party (as he had learned was issued) didn't return until nightfall when the matches were through, and even then, not a soul spoke of what became of the missing man, good or bad.

News of the new rankings went unspoken longer than necessary, with the word spreading of the princess' near kidnapping, Leal could only imagine what could be rolling through the minds of the councilmen and nobles. Leal had been put off duty until his hand was healed, and no matter where he was, there was always a nurse who was able to find him, and tow him back to the medical hall, where his bandage was changed and wound was cleaned, multiple times in even a single day. The fact that the water could drip through his palm had him disgusted, and so he refused to look while a bandage was off.

He hated sitting still in a time as such, but he could never get far before he was herded back to the barracks to do nothing but wait. Eventually, he was greeted by the wall's captain, and lead out to hear the listing among the billows of people who had taken part in the event.

[quit-cs]

Angelina sighed, waiting for the nobles and lords to quit arguing. for a while it didn't cease. finally she spoke up, tired of their pointless bickering.

"If we're all done arguing, it is time I said a few words." Angelina said, glaring at those sat at the table. They immediately quieted and swallowed, watching her. She rubbed her temples and sighed again.

"I know who my chosen knight is. I didn't listen to you fools as you were simply bickering and arguing. My appointed knight shall be Leal." she said, looking down at them.

"With all do respect, you Highness, but Leal did not make it past the 4th teir of competition and broke several rules, and those are the facts!" he said, trying to suade her otherwise.

"Those are useless facts." Angelina's voice boomed. "Do you not recall what I said during the tournament about that impostor?"
she asked, glaring down at those sat at the table. "If you don't recall, that impostor was my alleged kidnapper. Leal was the one who rescued me. But he is not to be mentioned at that man's trial. The total truth will be revealed once the impostor is imprisoned." she said, scoffing and turning to leave. All nights who made it past tier six will be upranked one rank from their original rank. Anyone who made it to tier seven will move up a two ranks. And anyone who made it to the final tier will move up three ranks. I will go an announce that now." Angelina said.

---

Angelina changed and hurried to the knight's chambers, where they were all waiting to be addressed. She stood at the podium and cleared her throat. The murmur in the hall silenced.

"I have chosen my personal knight and who will be moving on to higher ranks. Anyone who made it to tier 6 will move up one rank.
Those of you who made it to tier 7 will move up two ranks. Those of you who made it to the final tier will move up 3 ranks. And finally, my personal guard will be..." she paused, looking around the room to ensure he was their. "Leal." she said after a moment.

She looked to him with a warm look. "You have proven you are deserving of being my personal knight." she said, pulling a sword from her side, preparing to knight him. She couldn't do so until he approached, however. He just looked at her shocked.

[Fuscontidox]

The waiting for the princess' arrival wasn't very long when he had gotten to the place of gathering for the announcements. He watched in relaxed silence as she spoke, despite her composure, she had a slight kick in her voice, like she was impatient for something, and it only made Leal's palms sweaty, in-turn, beginning a slight sting to persist in his right palm.

She paused for her personal guard announcement, and looked about until their eyes locked, and he knew before she said it, "Leal." The world began to turn slower, and he swallowed hard, feeling the intense stares of others beginning to look at him. She proceeded to speak more things, and pulled the sword at her side from its sheath, but it wasn't until the wall captain gave him a gentle shove forward.

"Go on, lad, it's really not that scary." Leal shot him a glance before moving on his own towards the front, weaving through people, of which most towered him in size, and he suddenly wondered just what about that day was he heroic and made him worthy, and what about the tournament pray tell, answered that same question as well.

As he stood before princess Angelina, he looked to her warm expression once more, and somehow, the questions of "why" weren't as important as the "what now" and he was reminded again of the reason he joined the tournament to begin with. He took a reassuring breath, and knelt with his right hand softly hovering close to his heart.

[quit-cs]

Angelina rose the sword over her head, and in her most regal tone said, "I, Princess Angelina, heir to the throne of the Hukuya Empire and D'lladro dynasty, hereby knight thee: Sir Leal of the Huyuka Empire! You now outrank all of these men, as you are now my personal guard." she said, tapping the sword to each of his shoulders and placing it back in it's sheath.

She smiled at him, finally, the uprank he deserved.

[Fuscontidox]

(pffff hahahaha! if Leal heard that, he was still be like "What do you mean deserve????!" x'D poor kid)

He was knighted, and it felt.... Odd. He stood, and met Angelina's gaze, offering as much of a smile as he could muster.

Awkward? Probably.

He wasn't sure what to really do with himself, nor did he understand what was next. As the room cleared, and people took off to celebrate and be merry for the rest of the evening, a man came before Leal and Angelina, a rather expressionless look on his face as he greeted them.

"Your highness," He offered a deep bow as he first addressed the princess, before turning his attention to the newly knighted figure beside her. "Congratulations on your achievement of rank, Sir Leal." He offered a half bow, and furthered his introduction. "I am Sir McOllen, a member of the royal knighthood. Think of me more as a mentor than anything. Being the Princess' personal guard comes with much responsibility, it is a practice with a whole new set of skills to learn. Starting tomorrow, your training will begin, dont worry about bringing a sword, we will work with defense until your hand is no longer a problem."

He walked away as soon as he came, and left Leal and Angelina on the steps, with a handful of the others still making their way out the room or rough housing with all the sudden pent up excitement that they felt the need to use "like men". Part of Leal wanted to laugh, and part of him wanted to cringe in hopes that they wouldn't break anything in the presence of the princess.

[quit-cs]

(I FINALLY REMEMBERED MY IDEA FOR THIS AKLDJKLSGADSJKL)


Months had passed. And Angelina's time as a princess would not last forever.

She had finally come of age.

And her father was eager to leave the throne to her. Angelina sighed as she prayed at the Moonpool, her guard, Leal, standing guard at the temple's entrance. Well, it wasn't really a temple. It was more just tall white pillars and an arch that opened to a pathway that led to the Moonpool.

She stood and took a step into the Moonpool. Another step, and she was ankle deep. She had to wade in the pool further to receive some heirloom ... or something? She wasn't sure, but tomorrow was her coronation day and she had to go and get it. Plus fill it partially with the light of the setting moon and rising sun. Or whatever her father had said. She highly doubted she would be able to unlock this power.

With a huffy sigh she said, "What a way to spend my birthday. Kneel in some sacred pool of water, get a staff stick thing, and fill it with magic to show my subjects how great I am at being their Queen - just what I wanted ..." she said loudly and sarcastically.
She never thought that as soon as she turned 18 her father would give up the throne. But she couldn't protest, if she did, she would face her father's wrath. As does everyone else who disobeys or simply disagrees with him. She knew she would rule differently.
Her father was never very nice. But she knew that.

She let out another sigh and waded into the Moonpool. She thought of what she was told to do.

"Offer this necklace to the moonpool," her father said, looking at her, pride in his eyes. He held out a necklace of gold to her, a sapphire in the middle."And you must wear the ceremonial Moonpool dress. If you are to get the Staff of Sunshard and Moonshard, the two greatest wizard brothers who ever lived, you must wade in the pool until you are waist deep. Take a moment to pray, ask the wizards for their guidance during your time as Queen. Then take off your necklace of gold when the moon has reached it's highest point. Only then will the staff be given to you. Once you have the staff, you will return to the castle to rest before the ceremony of Sun and Moon."

Her father's words echoed in her head. The gold of the necklace was cold, and she shivered.
Her shoulders were exposed by the white dress she wore. Part of her chest was too. The sleeves began halfway down her biceps,
and flowed down her arms, to form sleeve's like that of a woman's kimono. The dress what tight in the torso area, the family crest woven into the upper part. From the waist, it was loose fitted and flowing, like silk. She wore bracelets similar to the necklace,
but they did not need to be offered.

Further into the pool she waded, and when she felt the water lap at her waist, she folded her hands together and closed her eyes in prayer. "Sunshard and Moonshard, I ask you for your blessing and to watch over me during my time as Queen. I ask that you grant me the power I will need to protect and serve my subjects." she said in a quiet, but regal tone. She opened her eyes and looked up at the moon. It was at it's highest point. She reached behind her neck and unhooked the necklace, taking it her hands and raising it up, offering it to the moon.

For a moment nothing happened. She was about to put her arms down when the sapphire began to glow, and the necklace itself levitated. It hovered above her hands for a moment. She watched in amazement as it began to spin and become a pure white and shift into the shape of a staff. Eventually, the light became too bright, and she had to shut her eyes, but she left her hands open.

When the light had dimmed down, she felt something lay in her hands, and she wrapped her fingers around it. When she opened her eyes, their it was. The Staff of Sunshiko and Moonshiko. She could sense that right now, in it's current state, it was powerless,
and had to be powered by the sun and moon, as the rose and fell beyond and above the horizon at the same time. But for now,
she could go back to the castle and rest.