Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 5 - Revision history

Aorii at 12:10, 29 January 2022

2022-01-29T12:10:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 29 January 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	But today reminded Kaede once again that in the eyes of society and everyone else, she was still just a servant.		But today reminded Kaede once again that in the eyes of society and everyone else, she was still just a servant.

	The war council was her first experience in being seen but not heard, as she spent the whole time standing still and silent. It was understandable though, as just like Cecylia --who stood silent behind the ambassador through the whole meeting-- Kaede was far too inconsequential to speak out in a gathering of Empire-ranking bigwigs. Even Sylviane and Pascal barely had any opportunity. The two of them only sat at the same table due to their position as heirs. Meanwhile the other attendees were either lifelong career officials or seasoned political leaders with an established power base.		The war council was her first experience in being seen but not heard, as she spent the whole time standing still and silent. It was understandable though, as just like Cecylia -- who stood silent behind the ambassador through the whole meeting -- Kaede was far too inconsequential to speak out in a gathering of Empire-ranking bigwigs. Even Sylviane and Pascal barely had any opportunity. The two of them only sat at the same table due to their position as heirs. Meanwhile the other attendees were either lifelong career officials or seasoned political leaders with an established power base.

	However, Kaede did not extend the same understanding to her exclusion from Pascal's meeting with Sylviane and Emperor Geoffroi. She might have promised Pascal on the roof last night that she would always be family to him. Yet a real family member would not have been kept outside the doors like she was now...		However, Kaede did not extend the same understanding to her exclusion from Pascal's meeting with Sylviane and Emperor Geoffroi. She might have promised Pascal on the roof last night that she would always be family to him. Yet a real family member would not have been kept outside the doors like she was now...

Aorii at 16:17, 4 July 2021

2021-07-04T16:17:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 4 July 2021
Line 399:		Line 399:
	Pascal's fuming voice made it clear that he found the demands downright offensive. It wasn't even a surprise for Kaede. Pascal had always been someone who believed that responsibility and power should be given based on professional merit.		Pascal's fuming voice made it clear that he found the demands downright offensive. It wasn't even a surprise for Kaede. Pascal had always been someone who believed that responsibility and power should be given based on professional merit.

	Meanwhile, Sylviane sighed with a wry, little smile, as though she expected this from him as well. She leaned away from Kaede ~~once more~~ and began to brush the familiar's snowy hair once more.		Meanwhile, Sylviane sighed with a wry, little smile, as though she expected this from him as well. She leaned away from Kaede and began to brush the familiar's snowy hair once more.

	"I know you felt strongly about the 'Trial by Jury' part. And the taxation point is just..."		"I know you felt strongly about the 'Trial by Jury' part. And the taxation point is just..."
Line 477:		Line 477:
	"Yes." Sylviane nodded. "I did promise Duke Kenneth to seriously consider its contents. It was a promise made in good faith and I intend to keep it."		"Yes." Sylviane nodded. "I did promise Duke Kenneth to seriously consider its contents. It was a promise made in good faith and I intend to keep it."

	''Devious to her foes, yet honest to her allies,'' Kaede reflected. ''She really does have great potential as a leader.''		''Devious to her foes, yet honest to her allies,'' Kaede reflected. ''She really does have great potential as a leader. If only I could find a way to earn her respect...''

	The conversation was then interrupted as several taps came from the window.		The conversation was then interrupted as several taps came from the window.

Aorii at 16:10, 4 July 2021

2021-07-04T16:10:17Z

Aorii at 01:48, 9 June 2021

2021-06-09T01:48:05Z

Aorii at 02:59, 17 May 2021

2021-05-17T02:59:42Z

Aorii at 17:40, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:40:43Z

Show changes

Aorii at 18:40, 14 November 2020

2020-11-14T18:40:30Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-11-14T18:24:57Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

Show changes

Aorii at 12:54, 18 April 2017

2017-04-18T12:54:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 18 April 2017
Line 5:		Line 5:
	But that was exactly what it felt like to Kaede, as she crouched low enough in her saddle to hug the insubstantial 'mane'. Her ''Phantom Steed'' galloped among over a hundred other riders. Yet aside from the blue-white Oriflamme leading the formation, she could only see glowing red orbs hanging off dark silhouettes -- as though guidance lights on the wings of modern aircraft.		But that was exactly what it felt like to Kaede, as she crouched low enough in her saddle to hug the insubstantial 'mane'. Her ''Phantom Steed'' galloped among over a hundred other riders. Yet aside from the blue-white Oriflamme leading the formation, she could only see glowing red orbs hanging off dark silhouettes -- as though guidance lights on the wings of modern aircraft.

	In addition to his own staff, bodyguards, and Princess Sylviane's armigers, General von Manteuffel also brought along three dozen other officers to organize the operation. Given the importance of the entourage, the entire ''Black Lancers'' company of the Knights Phantom rode escort in a massive ~~combat box~~ formation.		In addition to his own staff, bodyguards, and Princess Sylviane's armigers, General von Manteuffel also brought along three dozen other officers to organize the operation. Given the importance of the entourage, the entire ''Black Lancers'' company of the Knights Phantom rode escort in a massive Combat Box formation.

	Of course, Pascal had dragged Kaede in. She had packed the black pseudo-uniform in her bag as a possible overnight change of clothes, and it came in handy for blending in amongst the officers. No one had objected so far, but she earned plenty of curious stares.		Of course, Pascal had dragged Kaede in. She had packed the black pseudo-uniform in her bag as a possible overnight change of clothes, and it came in handy for blending in amongst the officers. No one had objected so far, but she earned plenty of curious stares.
Line 13:		Line 13:
	In the darkness of a cloudy night, the massive squadron dashed through bone-chilling winds and a thin flurry of snow. Were it not for the magical temperature control built into her undergarments, Kaede was certain her joints would have frozen stiff by now.		In the darkness of a cloudy night, the massive squadron dashed through bone-chilling winds and a thin flurry of snow. Were it not for the magical temperature control built into her undergarments, Kaede was certain her joints would have frozen stiff by now.

	Despite its availability to Hyperien magic, ''Teleport'' was not an efficient spell for long-distance travel. ~~Amusingly~~ enough, its developers considered 'folding space' the easier part of the spell. Target verification ~~procedures~~ built into the magic were far more complex and limited its operational range.		Despite its availability to Hyperien magic, ''Teleport'' was not an efficient spell for long-distance travel. Interestingly enough, its developers considered 'folding space' the easier part of the spell. Target verification and accurate projection of the wormhole over long distances built into the magic were far more complex and limited its operational range.

	After all, maps were misleading; the world was round, and far from perfectly spherical. Finding oneself ~~a kilopace~~ above or below ground held deadly consequences.		After all, maps were misleading; the world was round, and far from perfectly spherical. Finding oneself fifty paces above or below ground held deadly consequences.

	Therefore, ''Phantom Steed'' remained the primary means of long-distance travel for most Hyperien mages. The spell had many forms, including the ''Overlay'' variants for creating shadowy barding for real mounts. But its basic version conjured a pseudo-physical 'horse' that held good weight and knew no fatigue.		Therefore, ''Phantom Steed'' remained the primary means of long-distance travel for most Hyperien mages. The spell had many forms, including the ''Overlay'' variants for creating shadowy barding for real mounts. But its basic version conjured a pseudo-physical 'horse' that held good weight and knew no fatigue.
Line 131:		Line 131:
	As though on cue, a deep, soothing mew echoed across the open skies. The overhead clouds parted just enough for some illumination by pale, 'lunar' light, revealing the creature that provoked the gryphons' senses.		As though on cue, a deep, soothing mew echoed across the open skies. The overhead clouds parted just enough for some illumination by pale, 'lunar' light, revealing the creature that provoked the gryphons' senses.

	The sperm whale hovered in midair a good distance away, casting a shadow that obscured an entire farmhouse barn under it. The beast was even more colossal than its Earth equivalent, and would need a clearing the size of an ice hockey rink to land. It also had tentacle-like appendages extending out from ~~underneath the small side-flippers~~, and the huge, block-shaped head glistened a metallic shine.		The sperm whale hovered in midair a good distance away, casting a shadow that obscured an entire farmhouse barn under it. The beast was even more colossal than its Earth equivalent, and would need a clearing the size of an ice hockey rink to land. It also had tentacle-like appendages extending out from their jaws like some long mustache, and the huge, block-shaped head glistened a metallic shine.

	But the most interesting detail was the steel gondola strapped beneath the belly. Behind it dangled massive cargo nets, although they were mostly empty at the moment. In the shadows of the night, Kaede thought the skywhale appeared similar to fantasy concepts of a dirigible airship.		But the most interesting detail was the steel gondola strapped beneath the belly. Behind it dangled massive cargo nets, although they were mostly empty at the moment. In the shadows of the night, Kaede thought the skywhale appeared similar to fantasy concepts of a dirigible airship.

Aorii at 17:24, 1 March 2015

2015-03-01T17:24:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 4 July 2021
Line 73:		Line 73:
	A silent moment of eye contact soon followed. Yet as uncomfortable as the air grew, Kaede did not shy away from Sylviane's steady gaze. In a situation where she had nothing to be guilty about, weakness would only mislead the other's judgment to worse ends. All she could do was wait patiently for her turn to speak: a courtesy appropriate for differences in social rank, as Pascal reminded her this morning.		A silent moment of eye contact soon followed. Yet as uncomfortable as the air grew, Kaede did not shy away from Sylviane's steady gaze. In a situation where she had nothing to be guilty about, weakness would only mislead the other's judgment to worse ends. All she could do was wait patiently for her turn to speak: a courtesy appropriate for differences in social rank, as Pascal reminded her this morning.

	''She isn't just some noble from the academy either.'' Kaede reminded herself as she tried not to fidget in her small heels. ''She's Pascal's dear fiancée, someone I ~~have~~ to ~~get along with.''~~		''She isn't just some noble from the academy either.'' Kaede reminded herself as she tried not to fidget in her small heels. ''She's Pascal's dear fiancée, someone I MUST try to stay cordial with...''

	~~Considering Pascal's sense of duty to Weichsel and his childhood bond with Sylviane, there's no guarantee that even he would protect Kaede should she engage in a conflict~~ with ~~Sylviane~~. ~~And with the Emperor's recent warning in mind, Kaede realized that virtually everyone else would side against her~~...

	~~''I MUST remain cordial, no matter what, to make this work~~.'' ~~The Samaran girl thought as she steeled her nerves.~~

	After what seemed an eternity, Sylviane finally bestowed upon Kaede the grace of a gentle smile. Her hands, which were clad in long, periwinkle gloves, left the armchair's sides and folded on top of her lap. Her violet, mid-calf skirt had clearly been smoothed out after she sat, as it did not show even a single wrinkle over her legs.		After what seemed an eternity, Sylviane finally bestowed upon Kaede the grace of a gentle smile. Her hands, which were clad in long, periwinkle gloves, left the armchair's sides and folded on top of her lap. Her violet, mid-calf skirt had clearly been smoothed out after she sat, as it did not show even a single wrinkle over her legs.
Line 225:		Line 221:
	"Could you promise me that you will not develop romantic relations with my husband-to-be then?"		"Could you promise me that you will not develop romantic relations with my husband-to-be then?"

	"Of course!" Kaede rushed to answer. ''I ~~am, or was,~~ a ~~guy after all~~!''		"Of course!" Kaede rushed to answer. ''It's not like I've ever felt attraction towards a man before!''

	Yet even as she said that, she felt something uneasy deep within: was this really something she could promise? When she could be spending untold years in this body?		Yet even as she said that, she felt something uneasy deep within: was this really something she could promise? When she could be spending untold years in this body?
Line 251:		Line 247:
	"I guess it must have been a shock, suddenly finding yourself like this."		"I guess it must have been a shock, suddenly finding yourself like this."

	Kaede nodded back as images of that fateful first night flashed through her mind:		Kaede nodded back as images of that fateful first night flashed through her mind:

	"Waking up in some stranger's bed and finding myself stripped and dressed in 'bridal lingerie' was... not exactly pleasant."		"Waking up in some stranger's bed and finding myself stripped and dressed in 'bridal lingerie' was... not exactly pleasant."

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:48, 9 June 2021
Line 73:		Line 73:
	A silent moment of eye contact soon followed. Yet as uncomfortable as the air grew, Kaede did not shy away from Sylviane's steady gaze. In a situation where she had nothing to be guilty about, weakness would only mislead the other's judgment to worse ends. All she could do was wait patiently for her turn to speak: a courtesy appropriate for differences in social rank, as Pascal reminded her this morning.		A silent moment of eye contact soon followed. Yet as uncomfortable as the air grew, Kaede did not shy away from Sylviane's steady gaze. In a situation where she had nothing to be guilty about, weakness would only mislead the other's judgment to worse ends. All she could do was wait patiently for her turn to speak: a courtesy appropriate for differences in social rank, as Pascal reminded her this morning.

	''She isn't just some noble from the academy either.'' Kaede reminded herself as she tried not to fidget in her small heels. ''She's Pascal's dear fiancée, someone I ~~MUST~~ get along with.''		''She isn't just some noble from the academy either.'' Kaede reminded herself as she tried not to fidget in her small heels. ''She's Pascal's dear fiancée, someone I have to get along with.''

	After what seemed an eternity, Sylviane finally bestowed upon Kaede the grace of a gentle smile. Her hands, which were clad in long, periwinkle gloves, left the armchair's sides and folded on top of her lap. Her violet mid-calf skirt had clearly been smoothed out after she sat, as it did not show even a single wrinkle over her legs.		Considering Pascal's sense of duty to Weichsel and his childhood bond with Sylviane, there's no guarantee that even he would protect Kaede should she engage in a conflict with Sylviane. And with the Emperor's recent warning in mind, Kaede realized that virtually everyone else would side against her...

			''I MUST remain cordial, no matter what, to make this work.'' The Samaran girl thought as she steeled her nerves.

			After what seemed an eternity, Sylviane finally bestowed upon Kaede the grace of a gentle smile. Her hands, which were clad in long, periwinkle gloves, left the armchair's sides and folded on top of her lap. Her violet, mid-calf skirt had clearly been smoothed out after she sat, as it did not show even a single wrinkle over her legs.

	Her actions were straight and simple, yet they exemplified the Princess' behavior. Sylviane's movements held neither natural grace nor crudeness. However they were all taken with a delicate touch, as though she concentrated upon her image with every step.		Her actions were straight and simple, yet they exemplified the Princess' behavior. Sylviane's movements held neither natural grace nor crudeness. However they were all taken with a delicate touch, as though she concentrated upon her image with every step.
Line 117:		Line 121:
	"In other words," Kaede moodily interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."		"In other words," Kaede moodily interjected, "you would have the same problem with a sister, if Pascal had one."

	She heard a groan from Pascal~~, and~~ then did Kaede realize that she just completely tore up his request of "''speak only when you are asked.''".		She heard a groan from Pascal. Only then did Kaede realize that she just completely tore up his request of "''speak only when you are asked.''".

	"Apologies, Your Highness." She hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."		"Apologies, Your Highness." She hurriedly added, finally breaking eye contact to glance down. "That was inappropriate of me."
Line 197:		Line 201:
	"How could one travel to celestial bodies without magic...?"		"How could one travel to celestial bodies without magic...?"

	Kaede's eyebrows shot up instantly. ''Did that mean mages figured out space travel ~~without advanced sciences~~?''		Kaede's eyebrows shot up instantly. ''Did that mean mages figured out space travel?''

	Nevertheless the Princess puzzled for merely a brief second, before her eyes soon refocused upon Kaede. Sylviane would not be side-tracked easily, a sign of mental discipline as expected from someone whom Pascal deeply respects.		Nevertheless the Princess puzzled for merely a brief second, before her eyes soon refocused upon Kaede. Sylviane would not be side-tracked easily, a sign of mental discipline as expected from someone whom Pascal deeply respects.
Line 371:		Line 375:
	The weight atop Kaede's head increased as it was turned into a royal headrest. She rather doubted that the slim-waisted Princess was heavy, but her own body was smaller and hardly built for strength.		The weight atop Kaede's head increased as it was turned into a royal headrest. She rather doubted that the slim-waisted Princess was heavy, but her own body was smaller and hardly built for strength.

	''Apparently I'm a large teddy bear,'' Kaede thought ~~as she strained to keep her back straight beneath~~ the ~~weight~~.		''Apparently I'm a large teddy bear,'' Kaede thought.

			Still, being treated like an oversized ornament wasn't that bad of price if it meant earning the Princess' trust over time. The real question that troubled Kaede was: ''where does this go?''

	"Edith took Vivi south with her, so I haven't even had any chances to relax like this in the past few weeks," Sylviane complained as she crossed her hands over Kaede's chest. Meanwhile she continued to rub her cheeks against Kaede's silky hair. "And you weren't around to help either."		"Edith took Vivi south with her, so I haven't even had any chances to relax like this in the past few weeks," Sylviane complained as she crossed her hands over Kaede's chest. Meanwhile she continued to rub her cheeks against Kaede's silky hair. "And you weren't around to help either."
Line 381:		Line 387:
	Kaede could not fathom why one of Rhin-Lotharingie's most notable individuals would allow themselves to be treated like... well, a stuffed animal.		Kaede could not fathom why one of Rhin-Lotharingie's most notable individuals would allow themselves to be treated like... well, a stuffed animal.

	In the meantime, ~~Kaede~~ could almost feel Sylviane's pout press into the top of her head. Compared to the poised and careful princess, this was Sylviane's true, relaxed form.		In the meantime, the familiar could almost feel Sylviane's pout press into the top of her head. Compared to the poised and careful princess, this was Sylviane's true, relaxed form.

	"I kept calling though," Pascal kept his voice neutral as he defended himself. "You never accepted the ''Farspeak''..."		"I kept calling though," Pascal kept his voice neutral as he defended himself. "You never accepted the ''Farspeak''..."
Line 397:		Line 403:
	Pascal's fuming voice made it clear that he found the demands downright offensive. It wasn't even a surprise for Kaede. Pascal had always been someone who believed that responsibility and power should be given based on professional merit.		Pascal's fuming voice made it clear that he found the demands downright offensive. It wasn't even a surprise for Kaede. Pascal had always been someone who believed that responsibility and power should be given based on professional merit.

	Meanwhile, Sylviane sighed with a wry, little smile, as though she expected this from him as well.		Meanwhile, Sylviane sighed with a wry, little smile, as though she expected this from him as well. She leaned away from Kaede once more and began to brush the familiar's snowy hair once more.

	"I know you felt strongly about the 'Trial by Jury' part. And the taxation point is just..."		"I know you felt strongly about the 'Trial by Jury' part. And the taxation point is just..."
Line 475:		Line 481:
	"Yes." Sylviane nodded. "I did promise Duke Kenneth to seriously consider its contents. It was a promise made in good faith and I intend to keep it."		"Yes." Sylviane nodded. "I did promise Duke Kenneth to seriously consider its contents. It was a promise made in good faith and I intend to keep it."

	''Devious to her foes, yet honest to her allies,'' Kaede reflected. ''She really does have potential ~~to be~~ a ~~great~~ leader.''		''Devious to her foes, yet honest to her allies,'' Kaede reflected. ''She really does have great potential as a leader.''

	The conversation was then interrupted as several taps came from the window.		The conversation was then interrupted as several taps came from the window.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:59, 17 May 2021
Line 249:		Line 249:
	Kaede nodded back as images of that fateful first night flashed through her mind:		Kaede nodded back as images of that fateful first night flashed through her mind:

	"Waking up in some stranger's bed and finding myself stripped and dressed in bridal lingerie was... not exactly pleasant."		"Waking up in some stranger's bed and finding myself stripped and dressed in 'bridal lingerie' was... not exactly pleasant."

	"<Did you have to...>"		"<Did you have to...>"
Line 305:		Line 305:
	"And you will not object or interfere in any way. Is that acceptable?"		"And you will not object or interfere in any way. Is that acceptable?"

	''She's a natural dictator,'' Kaede thought. Still, a part of her did have to ~~admire~~: ''this is quite mature for her age.''		''She's a natural dictator,'' Kaede thought. Still, a part of her did have to admit: ''this is quite mature for her age.''

	It was an old trick in the book, especially in cultures that once practiced polygamy. When a husband of authority grew interested in another female, a shrewd wife would often seek to establish dominance over the new girl, and therefore control any budding relationship. Although there was usually far more subtlety and less... tyranny.		It was an old trick in the book, especially in cultures that once practiced polygamy. When a husband of authority grew interested in another female, a shrewd wife would often seek to establish dominance over the new girl, and therefore control any budding relationship. Although there was usually far more subtlety and less... tyranny.

	Furthermore, none of the authorities Sylviane demanded was unusual when Kaede thought about old aristocratic sensibilities. A lady of the house easily held all of that, and more, over her maid servants. It was simply part of how noble households used to be run, even back on Earth a century or two ago.		Furthermore, none of the authorities Sylviane demanded was unusual when Kaede thought about old aristocratic sensibilities. A lady of the house easily held all of that, and more, over her maid servants. It was simply part of how noble households used to be run, even back on Earth a century or two ago.

			''I just need to play along for now until I can get on her good side first, then maybe we can renegotiate.'' Kaede thought of the warning that Pascal gave before setting out.

	Meanwhile, Pascal's first response was a deep frown.		Meanwhile, Pascal's first response was a deep frown.
Line 327:		Line 329:
	Her royal gaze then bore down upon Kaede in expectation of a response. Though there was a hint of light within them that was already admiring a newly-acquired possession.		Her royal gaze then bore down upon Kaede in expectation of a response. Though there was a hint of light within them that was already admiring a newly-acquired possession.

	"Of course..." Kaede answered~~, not~~ that she had any other realistic choice. Then, as nonchalantly as she could: "should I address Your Highness any differently then?"		"Of course..." Kaede answered. Not that she had any other realistic choice but to play along for now. Then, as nonchalantly as she could: "should I address Your Highness any differently then?"

	She honestly wasn't sure this time. Historical events were one thing, but details like the evolving etiquette of different time periods confused her, even if Hyperion followed similar trends to Earth.		She honestly wasn't sure this time. Historical events were one thing, but details like the evolving etiquette of different time periods confused her, even if Hyperion followed similar trends to Earth.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 1 March 2015
Line 11:		Line 11:
	Reynald, on the other hand, had returned to the academy. The General had taken advantage of his trip and sent along orders for the battalions rallying there.		Reynald, on the other hand, had returned to the academy. The General had taken advantage of his trip and sent along orders for the battalions rallying there.

	In the darkness of a cloudy night, the massive squadron dashed through bone-chilling winds and a thin flurry of snow. Were it not for the magical temperature control built into her undergarments, Kaede was certain her joints would be frozen stiff by now.		In the darkness of a cloudy night, the massive squadron dashed through bone-chilling winds and a thin flurry of snow. Were it not for the magical temperature control built into her undergarments, Kaede was certain her joints would have frozen stiff by now.

	Despite its availability to Hyperien magic, ''Teleport'' was not an efficient spell for long-distance travel. Amusingly enough, its developers considered 'folding space' the easier part of the spell. Target verification procedures built into the magic were far more complex and limited its operational range.		Despite its availability to Hyperien magic, ''Teleport'' was not an efficient spell for long-distance travel. Amusingly enough, its developers considered 'folding space' the easier part of the spell. Target verification procedures built into the magic were far more complex and limited its operational range.
Line 19:		Line 19:
	Therefore, ''Phantom Steed'' remained the primary means of long-distance travel for most Hyperien mages. The spell had many forms, including the ''Overlay'' variants for creating shadowy barding for real mounts. But its basic version conjured a pseudo-physical 'horse' that held good weight and knew no fatigue.		Therefore, ''Phantom Steed'' remained the primary means of long-distance travel for most Hyperien mages. The spell had many forms, including the ''Overlay'' variants for creating shadowy barding for real mounts. But its basic version conjured a pseudo-physical 'horse' that held good weight and knew no fatigue.

	Kaede's only problem had been that the mount and saddle looked insubstantial, as though she sat atop a sculpted cloud of dense black smoke. Given that the magical steeds ~~could gallop~~ five stories above ground at over eighty kilopaces per hour, it easily summoned a mild case of acrophobia for those unused to such means of travel.		Kaede's only problem had been that the mount and saddle looked insubstantial, as though she sat atop a sculpted cloud of dense black smoke. Given that the magical steeds galloped five stories above ground at over eighty kilopaces per hour, it easily summoned a mild case of acrophobia for those unused to such means of travel.

	She had actually thanked the darkness for obscuring her view of the ground below.		She had actually thanked the darkness for obscuring her view of the ground below.
Line 49:		Line 49:
	"<u>When did that happen?</u>" She glanced over to Pascal's figure, whose own smoky mount galloped across the air no more than ten paces away. "<u>Wonder if you at least got a raised eyebrow out of that, given he's about as expressive as a rock.</u>"		"<u>When did that happen?</u>" She glanced over to Pascal's figure, whose own smoky mount galloped across the air no more than ten paces away. "<u>Wonder if you at least got a raised eyebrow out of that, given he's about as expressive as a rock.</u>"

	"<u>A very ambitious rock, seeing as he brought me onto his staff because he took the opportunity to station his own ~~protégé~~ in the optimal command positions.</u>"		"<u>A very ambitious rock, seeing as he brought me onto his staff because he took the opportunity to station his own protégés in the optimal command positions.</u>"

	Uneasiness permeated Pascal's mental voice as he went on:		Uneasiness permeated Pascal's mental voice as he went on:
Line 133:		Line 133:
	The sperm whale hovered in midair a good distance away, casting a shadow that obscured an entire farmhouse barn under it. The beast was even more colossal than its Earth equivalent, and would need a clearing the size of an ice hockey rink to land. It also had tentacle-like appendages extending out from underneath the small side-flippers, and the huge, block-shaped head glistened a metallic shine.		The sperm whale hovered in midair a good distance away, casting a shadow that obscured an entire farmhouse barn under it. The beast was even more colossal than its Earth equivalent, and would need a clearing the size of an ice hockey rink to land. It also had tentacle-like appendages extending out from underneath the small side-flippers, and the huge, block-shaped head glistened a metallic shine.

	But the most interesting detail was the steel ~~vehicular compartment~~ strapped beneath the belly. Behind it dangled massive cargo nets, although they were mostly empty at the moment. In the shadows of the night, Kaede thought the skywhale appeared similar to fantasy concepts of a dirigible airship.		But the most interesting detail was the steel gondola strapped beneath the belly. Behind it dangled massive cargo nets, although they were mostly empty at the moment. In the shadows of the night, Kaede thought the skywhale appeared similar to fantasy concepts of a dirigible airship.

			''Well, it's not sentient tofu,'' Kaede thought. Her logic still lay bloated with incredulity, but at least it didn't require emergency resuscitation.

	She had read about them after Parzifal spoke of Reynald's familiar. Wild skywhales traveled across the northern skies in tight-knit, highly-protective groups. Adults were too powerful and intelligent to tame, therefore the only skywhales that worked with humans were those summoned as a familiar during early childhood and brought up over the course of a decade. They were easily the strongest beast of burden on Hyperion, but only for the lucky few who had one for a partner.		She had read about them after Parzifal spoke of Reynald's familiar. Wild skywhales traveled across the northern skies in tight-knit, highly-protective groups. Adults were too powerful and intelligent to tame, therefore the only skywhales that worked with humans were those summoned as a familiar during early childhood and brought up over the course of a decade. They were easily the strongest beast of burden on Hyperion, but only for the lucky few who had one for a partner.
Line 150:		Line 152:

	Kaede could imagine. These floating leviathans could use war elephant tusks for toothpicks.		Kaede could imagine. These floating leviathans could use war elephant tusks for toothpicks.

	~~''Well, it's not sentient tofu,'' Kaede thought. Her logic still lay bloated with incredulity, but at least it didn't require emergency resuscitation.~~

	"<u>How do they stay afloat?</u>"		"<u>How do they stay afloat?</u>"
Line 161:		Line 161:
	"<u>Large animals, anything from sharks to mammoths,</u>" he explained this time. "<u>Cattle and reindeer herders treat them like a roaming natural disaster, since it takes an army -- and willingness to take massive casualties -- to take down a pod of skywhales. For that reason, commandeered skywhales are usually thrown at the enemy as shock units to break battle lines. Works splendidly, except their massive size attracts so much fire that the whales are usually maimed or killed. We reimburse their owners for the loss, of course, but...</u>"		"<u>Large animals, anything from sharks to mammoths,</u>" he explained this time. "<u>Cattle and reindeer herders treat them like a roaming natural disaster, since it takes an army -- and willingness to take massive casualties -- to take down a pod of skywhales. For that reason, commandeered skywhales are usually thrown at the enemy as shock units to break battle lines. Works splendidly, except their massive size attracts so much fire that the whales are usually maimed or killed. We reimburse their owners for the loss, of course, but...</u>"

	"<u>--Not enough to replace something invaluable to their lives.</u>" Kaede finished for him before finally peeling her eyes away. She managed to leave the rest of her thoughts unsaid: 'just like all the other husbands and sons in the army'.		"<u>--Not enough to replace something invaluable to their lives.</u>" Kaede finished for him before finally peeling her eyes away. She managed to leave the rest of her thoughts unsaid: 'just like all the other husbands and sons in the army.'

	The existence of magic changed many aspects of Hyperion, but it did nothing to erase the fundamental flaws of human societies. Wars were still provoked by the ambition of statesmen, while its cost was paid for by the working masses.		The existence of magic changed many aspects of Hyperion, but it did nothing to erase the fundamental flaws of human societies. Wars were still provoked by the ambition of statesmen, while its cost was paid for by the working masses.
Line 183:		Line 183:
	After hours of riding across the flat coastal lands of Weichsel -- a fortified frontier with few towns lighting the darkness -- Kaede finally felt her return to civilization.		After hours of riding across the flat coastal lands of Weichsel -- a fortified frontier with few towns lighting the darkness -- Kaede finally felt her return to civilization.

	The ~~Knight Phantoms~~ escorted the officers all the way to Nordkreuz's Keep before departing to their own encampment. The shell keep actually extended out from the city's northern fortifications by bridge, built atop a motte raised from an artificial lakeside island. The construction was quite militaristic for a Landgrave's estate, but it did offer peace and quiet from the urban quarters, as well as an excellent scenic view of the lake and countryside.		The Knights Phantom escorted the officers all the way to Nordkreuz's Keep before departing for their own encampment. The cylindrical shell keep actually extended out from the city's northern fortifications by bridge, built atop a motte raised from an artificial lakeside island. The construction was quite militaristic for a Landgrave's estate, but it did offer peace and quiet from the urban quarters, as well as an excellent scenic view of the lake and countryside.

	It was also Kaede's official place of residence as a member of the Landgrave's household, even if stone keeps felt as displaced from 'home' as it went.		It was also Kaede's official place of residence as a member of the Landgrave's household, even if stone keeps felt as displaced from 'home' as it went.
Line 193:		Line 193:
	"Welcome home, Your Grace," the Majordomo began as he led the footmen to a simultaneous bow while the maids curtsied.		"Welcome home, Your Grace," the Majordomo began as he led the footmen to a simultaneous bow while the maids curtsied.

	"Thank you, Karsten. Although I am still the man who left for academy months ago."		"Thank you, Karsten. Although I am still the man who left for the academy months ago."

	Pascal's reply came a bit sheepish, which was most unlike his usual 'rightfully noble' self. Prodigy or not, the young man simply wasn't emotionally ready to step into his father's shoes.		Pascal's reply came a bit sheepish, which was most unlike his usual 'rightfully noble' self. Prodigy or not, the young man simply wasn't emotionally ready to step into his father's shoes.
Line 203:		Line 203:
	The Princess had yet to break the unison link with her phoenix, and her flame-feathered wings merely transformed into a billowing cape of cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, bathing the entire courtyard in warm luminescence as twelve armigers' torchlight capes surrounded her pillar of flame. Her usual wisteria eyes were alight in bright cerulean, while her dark-plum hair burned electric blue. Even the waist-hugging steel breastplate, skirting, and lightweight spaulders that covered her battledress emanated blue flames as though freshly hammered by a sacred blacksmith.		The Princess had yet to break the unison link with her phoenix, and her flame-feathered wings merely transformed into a billowing cape of cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, bathing the entire courtyard in warm luminescence as twelve armigers' torchlight capes surrounded her pillar of flame. Her usual wisteria eyes were alight in bright cerulean, while her dark-plum hair burned electric blue. Even the waist-hugging steel breastplate, skirting, and lightweight spaulders that covered her battledress emanated blue flames as though freshly hammered by a sacred blacksmith.

	The entire ensemble reminded Kaede of a fire burning on pure oxygen. It formed a stark contrast between radiating presence -- which the normal Sylviane rather lacked -- and the cool gentleness of ~~the~~ her calm, appreciating smile.		The entire ensemble reminded Kaede of a fire burning on pure oxygen. It formed a stark contrast between radiating presence -- which the normal Sylviane rather lacked -- and the cool gentleness of her calm, appreciating smile.

	Meanwhile, General von Manteuffel's face seemed even more stony than usual as he went straight into business:		Meanwhile, General von Manteuffel's face seemed even more stony than usual as he went straight into business:
Line 291:		Line 291:
	"Don't even need to..."		"Don't even need to..."

	The maid's tone stayed bland even as she pulled up one sleeve and revealed tattooed black script that spelled '~~Justice~~'.		The maid's tone stayed bland even as she pulled up one sleeve and revealed tattooed black script that spelled 'law'.

	"--it's a ''G-geas Brand''," her eyes teared as she explained in a whisper, as though her dry words might set it off had they rang any louder. "It'll activate if I violate my oath of service. So you can rest assured that I can't even take any actions intended to harm you without suffering its curse."		"--it's a ''G-geas Brand''," her eyes teared as she explained in a whisper, as though her dry words might set it off had they rang any louder. "It'll activate if I violate my oath of service. So you can rest assured that I can't even take any actions intended to harm you without suffering its curse."
Line 307:		Line 307:
	Just forcing out those two words burned Kaede's tongue. It might be common in the traditional, eye-for-an-eye system of punishment, being synonymous to slavery still gave it a barbaric edge.		Just forcing out those two words burned Kaede's tongue. It might be common in the traditional, eye-for-an-eye system of punishment, being synonymous to slavery still gave it a barbaric edge.

	"For assisting the attempted murder of a high noble? Life for a life."		"For assisting the attempted murder of a high noble? Life for a life."

	Then, Marina's finally unveiled her acidic disdain:		Then, Marina's finally unveiled her acidic disdain:
Line 401:		Line 401:
	"You are being way too easy on her."		"You are being way too easy on her."

	"In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity... doubly so since she did help me," Kaede stated with a faint grin. "Besides, I still like her."		"'In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity'... doubly so since she did help me," Kaede stated with a faint grin. "Besides, I still like her."

	Pascal looked thoughtful for a moment, then:		Pascal looked thoughtful for a moment, then:
Line 407:		Line 407:
	"Quote from some dead man in your world?"		"Quote from some dead man in your world?"

	"Great leader," she corrected him. "But also a warmongerer. Nevertheless, kindness is universal."		"Great leader," she corrected him. "But also a racist, imperialistic warmongerer. Nevertheless, kindness is universal."