Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 19 - Revision history

Aorii at 14:11, 17 August 2023

2023-08-17T14:11:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 17 August 2023
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	''Should have expected this from a springborn.'' Sylviane sighed before forcing a slight smile. "Of course not."		''Should have expected this from a springborn.'' Sylviane sighed before forcing a slight smile. "Of course not."

	Gwendolen should be over three centuries old, yet the woman standing before Sylviane still had the appearance of a commoner in her late-thirties. She stood at around the same height, with long brown locks flowing freely down thin shoulders. Her face was a bit long to fit the conventional standards of beauty. But her skin was fair, her eyes a bright spring-green, and her thin lips naturally curled in a teasing smile. Her ankle-length dress seemed too simple -- green and white with only ~~golden strings embroidered~~ near the edges. However there was no doubt of its fabric quality or that of her shawl.		Gwendolen should be over three centuries old, yet the woman standing before Sylviane still had the appearance of a commoner in her late-thirties. She stood at around the same height, with long brown locks flowing freely down thin shoulders. Her face was a bit long to fit the conventional standards of beauty. But her skin was fair, her eyes a bright spring-green, and her thin lips naturally curled in a teasing smile. Her ankle-length dress seemed too simple -- green and white with only floral embroidery near the edges. However there was no doubt of its fabric quality or that of her shawl.

	"I thought you were dead?" Sylviane spoke as she kept her distance. Even from several paces away, the Princess could feel her nose itching as fresh pollen drifted through the air between them.		"I thought you were dead?" Sylviane spoke as she kept her distance. Even from several paces away, the Princess could feel her nose itching as fresh pollen drifted through the air between them.

Aorii at 23:38, 16 August 2023

2023-08-16T23:38:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 16 August 2023
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	Sylviane's temple twitched as her irritation rose: "Then why did you not help us? You're an Oriflamme sworn to the defense of Rhin-Lotharingie, are you not? How could you just forsake your vows and desert your country like that? Vanish for entire centuries?"		Sylviane's temple twitched as her irritation rose: "Then why did you not help us? You're an Oriflamme sworn to the defense of Rhin-Lotharingie, are you not? How could you just forsake your vows and desert your country like that? Vanish for entire centuries?"

	Her demanding tone ~~soon~~ escalated into anguish. Fury blazed in the Princess' gaze as she realized just how differently events could have unfolded, if only this woman had returned sooner. "Why couldn't you have returned at the start of the war? Why couldn't you have done so a month, or even a week ago? You could have saved tens of thousands of lives!"		Her demanding tone quickly escalated into anguish. Fury blazed in the Princess' gaze as she realized just how differently events could have unfolded, if only this woman had returned sooner. "Why couldn't you have returned at the start of the war? Why couldn't you have done so a month, or even a week ago? You could have saved tens of ''thousands'' of lives!"

	''...Pascal, Robert, Mari, and maybe even Lindsay and Father!'' Tears pooled into the Princess' eyes once more as she thought of all the loved ones who had been burned by the callous flames of war. "''Why now!?''"		''...Pascal, Robert, Mari, and maybe even Lindsay and Father!'' Tears pooled into the Princess' eyes once more as she thought of all the loved ones who had been burned by the callous flames of war. "''Why now!?''"
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	"I'm no longer just a Queen or a Paladin. Those days are forever gone," she explained with a sad nostalgia in her soft meadow gaze. "I'm a Worldwalker now. And unless I wish to plunge the world into further chaos, I must follow the rules of being one."		"I'm no longer just a Queen or a Paladin. Those days are forever gone," she explained with a sad nostalgia in her soft meadow gaze. "I'm a Worldwalker now. And unless I wish to plunge the world into further chaos, I must follow the rules of being one."

	"Stop talking in riddles! You're not making any sense!" The Princess almost yelled ~~as warm tears began to slip down her cheeks~~.		"Stop talking in riddles! You're not making any sense!" The Princess almost yelled.

	''Your Highness, you should consider taking a rest. You're emotionally exhausted.''		''Your Highness, you should consider taking a rest. You're emotionally exhausted.''
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	Even now, Sylviane could almost still hear Mari's telepathic voice. Like any good lady's maid, Mari knew how to blend into the background and thus rarely spoke. But when she did, she always gave her advice deftly like the older sister that Sylviane never had.		Even now, Sylviane could almost still hear Mari's telepathic voice. Like any good lady's maid, Mari knew how to blend into the background and thus rarely spoke. But when she did, she always gave her advice deftly like the older sister that Sylviane never had.

	~~Meanwhile, Gwendolen~~ closed the distance between them ~~in swift steps~~. ~~She wrapped her arm around the younger girl and pulled her into a tight embrace~~. ~~For~~ a ~~moment Sylviane struggled. Yet as the grip grew tighter~~, ~~the Princess remembered that Gwendolen was also once~~ a ~~sovereign who lost family and loved ones on~~ the ~~battlefield.~~		"A mother may slap a neighbor for bullying her children. But a Queen who retaliates could bring war upon her entire realm." The older woman explained as she closed the distance between them. "You saw what I did today, Sylv. What do you think would happen if a group of immortal archmages, many of whom even more powerful than myself, began a war over their respective homelands across the world?"

	~~"A mother may slap~~ a ~~neighbor for bullying her children~~. But a Queen ~~who retaliates~~ could ~~bring war upon~~ her ~~entire realm~~," the ~~older woman explained~~. "~~You saw what~~ I ~~did today~~, ~~Sylv~~. ~~What do you think would happen if~~ a ~~group~~ of ~~immortal archmages~~, ~~many~~ of ~~whom even more powerful than myself~~, ~~began~~ a ~~war over their respective homelands across~~ the ~~world?"~~		The first thought that came to Sylviane's mind was the massive fireball that covered a quarter of the morning skies, except multiplied a thousand-fold and stretching across the world. Such a conflict would have left entire nations as lifeless as the wasteland that now stretched across the battlefield north of Glywysing.

			"But you entered the fray in the end anyway! Why couldn't you have done that just ''one hour earlier!?''"

			The Princess felt the warm streaks of tears sliding down her cheeks as she grabbed the former Queen by the shoulders and shook. The thought of how much difference even one hour could have made on the battlefield made her chest constrict in pain. Her mind replayed the moment when she saw Mari being sliced almost in two, when Robert begged her to leave as blood gushed from his lips after his chest had been crushed.

			"Because the Worldwalker's Treaty has strict rules."

			Sympathy filled Gwendolen's soft gaze as she looked upon the young lady whose lips trembled without end. It was apparent that Sylviane was one second away from an emotional meltdown as the Princess was hung onto her composure by a thread.

			"But--!"

			"I cannot intervene so long as your army still had a sliver of chance in achieving victory, of stopping the Caliphate's advance into my homeland." The former Queen said as she wrapped her arms around her younger counterpart and pulled her into an embrace.

			"I'm sorry."

			For a moment, the younger royal struggled and tried to push her senior away. Sylviane had been raised to never show such emotions in front of other political players, to always stand strong regardless of the emotional anguish she felt within. She had allowed her mask to slip in her moment of weakness, but she refused to throw it away.

			"I'm so sorry."

			Yet, as Gwendolen's grip grew tighter and her voice sounded like it was about to break, the Princess remembered that her senior was also once a sovereign -- a Queen who fought in the bloodbath of the Rhin-Lotharingie Independence War, who undoubtedly lost family and loved ones of her own.

			''She understands.''

			The Princess' body shook as she clenched the loose ends of Gwendolen's shawl. She bit down on her lips to keep the floodgate shut on the immense pain and loss that she felt.

			But in this moment, and just this once, Sylviane allowed her tears to flow as she borrowed the Queen's shoulder and began to weep.

	The first thought that came to Sylviane's mind was the massive fireball that covered a quarter of the morning skies, except multiplied a thousand-fold and stretching across the world. Such a conflict would have left entire nations as lifeless as the wasteland that now stretched across the battlefield north of Glywysing.

	~~"Ah--ahh--"~~		...

	Gwendolen must have thought she was wailing, as the older woman began rubbing the back of her head. However as the itch in Sylviane's nose grew past her limit, she couldn't help but sneeze into the former queen's bosom.

	~~Thankfully, the centuries-old ruler released her and cleaned them both~~. ~~Otherwise the~~ Princess ~~would have had~~ her ~~face pressed into her own snot~~.		"Then... how long will you be allowed to remain?" The Princess rubbed her eyes and nose several minutes later as she slowly calmed down.

	~~"Then... how long will you be allowed to remain?" The Princess rubbed~~ her ~~nose as she slowly calmed down~~.		She ended up doing more sneezing than crying in the end, as the springborn pollen that came from Gwendolen naturally triggered her allergies.

	"I have one day, during which I can only meet like this with five people, and I must stay within a hundred kilopaces of my birth land." Gwendolen said with a wry smile. "The rules are very clearly defined. And I'm afraid you will never be able to tell anyone else about me. A vow of secrecy has been placed upon you ever since you crossed the illusion's edge."		"I have one day, during which I can only meet like this with five people, and I must stay within a hundred kilopaces of my birth land." Gwendolen said with a wry smile. "The rules are very clearly defined. And I'm afraid you will never be able to tell anyone else about me. A vow of secrecy has been placed upon you ever since you crossed the illusion's edge."
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	"Please tell me you have more of a plan than just annihilating one army," she pleaded. And Gwendolen, for the first time, returned a broad, unrestrained smile.		"Please tell me you have more of a plan than just annihilating one army," she pleaded. And Gwendolen, for the first time, returned a broad, unrestrained smile.

	"Your father has taught you well," ~~the~~ older woman's eyes flickered with approval. "You see, I had begun research into this spell back when I was still Queen of Ceredigion. Your Great-Great-Grandfather had always said that I would be remembered as an artificer long after people forgot that I was a queen. However, I wasn't satisfied just to leave behind the Burning Throne and some trinkets. I wanted to create something that would last time immemorial, something that would always protect Rhin-Lotharingie -- even far into the future and long after I was gone." She added with a knowing smile as though everything that had happened today had been foreseen long ago.		"Your father has taught you well." The older woman's eyes flickered with approval. "You see, I had begun research into this spell back when I was still Queen of Ceredigion. Your Great-Great-Grandfather had always said that I would be remembered as an artificer long after people forgot that I was a queen.

			"However, I wasn't satisfied just to leave behind the Burning Throne and some trinkets. I wanted to create something that would last time immemorial, something that would always protect Rhin-Lotharingie -- even far into the future and long after I was gone." She added with a knowing smile as though everything that had happened today had been foreseen long ago.

	"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"		"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"

Aorii at 05:41, 3 February 2022

2022-02-03T05:41:57Z

Aorii at 16:04, 15 January 2022

2022-01-15T16:04:51Z

Aorii at 15:35, 4 January 2022

2022-01-04T15:35:55Z

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Aorii at 22:39, 1 January 2022

2022-01-01T22:39:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 1 January 2022
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	Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the boundaries of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-age lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.		Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the boundaries of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-age lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.

	''~~Veillantif~~, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''		''Courtain, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''

	This was clearly the individual who sent Sylviane the ''Farspeak'' message. She had claimed responsibility for the spell that transformed the forests, before demanding to meet in private with only Elspeth allowed as a bodyguard.		This was clearly the individual who sent Sylviane the ''Farspeak'' message. She had claimed responsibility for the spell that transformed the forests, before demanding to meet in private with only Elspeth allowed as a bodyguard.

	As a young girl being groomed to be a princess, Sylviane had to memorize the lineages of all five royal families in the Empire, as well as the succession lines of all twelve Oriflamme Paladins. Unlike the other phoenixes, ~~Veillantif~~ had only been summoned once in all of Rhin-Lotharingie's history.		As a young girl being groomed to be a princess, Sylviane had to memorize the lineages of all five royal families in the Empire, as well as the succession lines of all twelve Oriflamme Paladins. Unlike the other phoenixes, Courtain had only been summoned once in all of Rhin-Lotharingie's history.

	Her master was Gwendolyn -- the Princess-Consort who deposed her Imperial-puppet husband, joined the rebellion to become the first Queen of a new Ceredigion, and later abdicated in favor of her son. Family legend had it that she and the first Emperor, Charles the Bold, had also been lovers. However, it remained a secret because Gwendolyn... was a heathen, a believer of the druidic Old Gods.		Her master was Gwendolyn -- the Princess-Consort who deposed her Imperial-puppet husband, joined the rebellion to become the first Queen of a new Ceredigion, and later abdicated in favor of her son. Family legend had it that she and the first Emperor, Charles the Bold, had also been lovers. However, it remained a secret because Gwendolyn... was a heathen, a believer of the druidic Old Gods.

Aorii at 22:35, 1 January 2022

2022-01-01T22:35:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 1 January 2022
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	Try as she might, Kaede couldn't remember saying anything that would have led down this horrifying path. Sure, she had mentioned the atomic bombs to Pascal. She even gave him a shorthand description of the thermonuclear chain reaction in passing conversation. But she ''couldn't'' have given him any details about the functions of an atomic bomb!		Try as she might, Kaede couldn't remember saying anything that would have led down this horrifying path. Sure, she had mentioned the atomic bombs to Pascal. She even gave him a shorthand description of the thermonuclear chain reaction in passing conversation. But she ''couldn't'' have given him any details about the functions of an atomic bomb!

	Kaede had learned enough Social Constructionism to know that imparting technology upon a society not ready for it was an action fraught with dangers. Technological growth was often a double-edged sword, as while new developments offered solutions, they also created new ''problems''. A society that ~~uses~~ technology without grasping its full implications could often lead to disasters -- such as the role unregulated social media like ''Facebook'' played in stoking racial prejudice, tribal violence, and even ethnic cleansings in the modern world.		Kaede had learned enough Social Constructionism to know that imparting technology upon a society not ready for it was an action fraught with dangers. Technological growth was often a double-edged sword, as while new developments offered solutions, they also created new ''problems''. A society that used technology without grasping its full implications could often lead to disasters -- such as the role unregulated social media like ''Facebook'' played in stoking racial prejudice, tribal violence, and even ethnic cleansings in the modern world.

	It was part of why many of her conversations with Pascal were purely conceptual, which she considered 'safe' to share even without forethought. However, even if she had a moment of loose lips and thought it would be a good idea to tell Pascal how to build a weapon of mass destruction, it was simply impossible when she herself didn't understand the quantum mechanics necessary to produce the results.		It was part of why many of her conversations with Pascal were purely conceptual, which she considered 'safe' to share even without forethought. However, even if she had a moment of loose lips and thought it would be a good idea to tell Pascal how to build a weapon of mass destruction, it was simply impossible when she herself didn't understand the quantum mechanics necessary to produce the results.
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	Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the boundaries of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-age lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.		Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the boundaries of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-age lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.

	''~~Courtain~~, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''		''Veillantif, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''

	This was clearly the individual who sent Sylviane the ''Farspeak'' message. She had claimed responsibility for the spell that transformed the forests, before demanding to meet in private with only Elspeth allowed as a bodyguard.		This was clearly the individual who sent Sylviane the ''Farspeak'' message. She had claimed responsibility for the spell that transformed the forests, before demanding to meet in private with only Elspeth allowed as a bodyguard.

	As a young girl being groomed to be a princess, Sylviane had to memorize the lineages of all five royal families in the Empire, as well as the succession lines of all twelve Oriflamme Paladins. Unlike the other phoenixes, ~~Courtain~~ had only been summoned once in all of Rhin-Lotharingie's history.		As a young girl being groomed to be a princess, Sylviane had to memorize the lineages of all five royal families in the Empire, as well as the succession lines of all twelve Oriflamme Paladins. Unlike the other phoenixes, Veillantif had only been summoned once in all of Rhin-Lotharingie's history.

	Her master was Gwendolyn -- the Princess-Consort who deposed her Imperial-puppet husband, joined the rebellion to become the first Queen of a new Ceredigion, and later abdicated in favor of her son. Family legend had it that she and the first Emperor, Charles the Bold, had also been lovers. However, it remained a secret because Gwendolyn... was a heathen, a believer of the druidic Old Gods.		Her master was Gwendolyn -- the Princess-Consort who deposed her Imperial-puppet husband, joined the rebellion to become the first Queen of a new Ceredigion, and later abdicated in favor of her son. Family legend had it that she and the first Emperor, Charles the Bold, had also been lovers. However, it remained a secret because Gwendolyn... was a heathen, a believer of the druidic Old Gods.

Aorii at 22:24, 1 January 2022

2022-01-01T22:24:29Z

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Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2022-01-01T22:24:22Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

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Aorii: Created page with "===Epilogue - The Stage Is Set=== The weather was cloudy over Caernarfon Castle, as it often was during the winter season. Standing on a hill at the entrance to the capital'..."

2017-04-06T17:58:50Z

Created page with "===Epilogue - The Stage Is Set=== The weather was cloudy over Caernarfon Castle, as it often was during the winter season. Standing on a hill at the entrance to the capital'..."

New page

===Epilogue - The Stage Is Set===

The weather was cloudy over Caernarfon Castle, as it often was during the winter season.

Standing on a hill at the entrance to the capital's harbor, the impressive fortification featured two layers of curtain walls molded from milky-white quartz. It was the only castle of its scale cut entirely from a single stone. Its central citadel towered high above the surrounding city, a testament to just how skyscraping the crystal once was.

The Faerie Lords didn't believe in 'construction'. Instead, their magic cultivated the earth and shaped it to their will.

Today, this ancient citadel tower -- reaching over twelve stories into the air -- served as the apex of human power in Ceredigion. Home of the ''Perennial Court'', it featured lush, sprawling indoor gardens that took up the entirety of the eleventh floor, surrounded by clear-crystal windows from floor to ceiling.

A glass, ''Levitation''-powered elevator climbed straight to the gardens and opened its doors. Out stepped a lady of surprisingly common bearing, except for the phoenix standing on her shoulder.

Two squads of guards stepped aside as she strode past them like the wind. Two dozen aristocrats and courtiers bowed in a wave of motion before her approach, this despite intricate garments which put her simplistic green-and-white dress to shame.

Not even King Elisedd of Ceredigion would remain seated in her presence, as he stood from his emerald throne and descended the platform to greet her.

"Queen Mother," the youthful King spoke in awe. Though she was more like his Great-Great-Great-Grandmother.

Elisedd ap Gwladys was thin-shouldered and tall, looking no older than his late twenties at most. Fair skinned with delicate features, his appearance held an elfin quality that the elegant, flowing robes and shoulder-length hair accentuated.

"Your Majesty," Gwendolyn stopped before him and dipped a perfect curtsy.

"This is... a most unexpected event..."

The King looked speechless. He clearly hadn't recovered from when the Seneschal informed him of her arrival. Nevertheless, his political training soon kicked in and lit up a beaming smile worthy of any family reunion:

"But it is a joyous one nonetheless, Queen Mother! For after centuries, you have returned to us at last!"

The secret diary of the Rhodri royal family was the only record of her truth: that their former queen left to 'travel the worlds', promising to return only when her people needed her most.

"I wish I were as optimistic, Elisedd," the Gwendolyn's polite smile vanished. "I'm back on business, and not the most pleasant kind."

The King frowned, clearly unsure of what she spoke of.

"You allowed the Caliphate into our lands without so much as moving a single battalion to stop them," the Oriflamme Worldwalker challenged. "I demand to know why."

Elisedd sighed as though Gwendolyn had just resurrected a beaten-dead horse for discussion.

"Queen Mother, the days of the Independence War is long past us now," the King gestured as he paced back and forth. "Both the Imperium and the Caliphate seeks only peace with us. There is nothing to gain from upholding ancient, outdated promises to march to the Empire's banner -- especially when the Gaetane throne sees us as some backwater region only remembered when they are in need of us."

"You cannot ''seriously'' be that short-sighted?" Gwendolyn's brows furrowed as a shadow of contempt grew in her gaze. "The Gaetanes leave us alone because out of the four Kingdoms, we are the most geographically isolated and have the smallest population. But do you really believe that the Caliphate would just leave Ceredigion be once Avorica falls? Or have you forgotten those centuries after the First Imperator overran the Lotharins and enslaved entire tribes at his whim? When Imperial magistrates raped even the chieftain's wife and daughters with impunity?"

The King spun around, his lips pursed:

"Queen Mother, you've been gone for centuries. Do you even know what the Empire has become? For the past sixty years Emperor Geoffroi has expected us to support his wars -- to retake Lotharin lands in Avorica and Garona, to extend the Empire east until Weichsel's borders. We've paid in blood and money for his conquests, and for what? So he could dump the treasury building crown roads in the heartlands and boosting his own fame and revenues? What benefit does that serve us!?

"Meanwhile, the Caliph has not only offered us peace, but gold, and ''trade'' with the whole of the southern continent as well! He has even personally guaranteed our neutrality. And until yesterday when that exiled princess lured them into battle, the Caliph's armies have not molested a single Avorican village!"

"So tell me," King Elisedd strode back up to his throne and gracefully sat down. "Why should I risk my neck for a liege that gives me nothing, over a better man who actually respects me in return?"

Gwendolyn took a deep exhale as she nodded, slowly.

''This is your mother's fault,'' she thought. ''Always fooling around with those sweet-talking bards and never paying attention to her own child.''

"Yes, the Emperor's policies do seem biased," Gwendolyn began anew. "But the Lotharin heartlands also connect the four Kingdoms and serve as the breadbasket of the Empire. The crown's own demesne in the Southern Lotharingie Mountains is also abundant in timber and minerals. Geoffroi's investments has already driven down the price of food and materials in Rhin-Lotharingie -- conditions necessary to spur the growth of commerce and industry! And while trade with the south is tempting, it cannot possibly surpass those with our neighbors, bound not just by proximity but also a common cultural heritage!

"So even if -- and I say ''if'' -- the infidels could uphold their promises in the centuries to come when new Caliphs sit upon the throne, just how do you expect Ceredigion to prosper when rest of the Lotharin lands lay in beggary under a foreign whip?"

"I do NOT accept that," the young King pointed a gloved finger at Gwendolyn. "I will not be bound to some ''obsolete superstition'' that our fate must be tied to the rest of the Lotharins!"

"Superstition?" the former Queen's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. "Have you not checked in with reality lately? We were nothing more than an Imperial colonial protectorate before the Rhin-Lotharingie Coalition threw off the Inner Sea's yoke. Since then, only the Empire's bulk has sheltered our lands from the wars that sweep the continent! Furthermore, the major powers of Hyperion -- aside from the Grand Republic -- all practice Mercantilism. They're only interested in selling us their finished goods, not supplying us with the raw materials to develop our own economy! Because of this, over seventy percent of our needs come from within the Empire..."

"That can change!" Elisedd shot back. "Skagen did it -- apart from us and the Kingdom of Gleann Mòr, they hardly even speak with the rest of Hyperion!"

"Yes, but Skagen is a ''naval'' power! They have the world's largest merchant marine and Frontier colonies to extract their resources! Even if the Caliphate and their traders were willing to fulfill our needs, they would only do so to exert their own economic dominance. It would turn us into ''their'' vassal instead, except this time on the front lines of their religious expansion!"

"Enough! Queen Mother!" King Elisedd bolted up to declare, his eyes now ablaze. "I shall have you remember that it is ''I'' who is the King of Ceredigion, not you!"

"Then act like a King!" She hissed back. "And not some ignorant child tricked by cheap sweets and promises of more candy!"

Elisedd's nostrils fumed. His knuckles clenched and twisted at his side, struggling to suppress royal impulses. Despite his youth, it was clear that the King had not suffered an insult for decades now.

"For your information, it is precisely my ''vision'' for the future of Ceredigion that made mother choose me over my brother to succeed her!"

"Yes," his Great-Great-Great-Grandmother raised her eyebrows, unimpressed. "I can see that somehow, stupidity has managed to settle into the family."

It was the last straw as the King snapped:

"This audience is over!"

"Sit your rear back down," Gwendolyn berated, summoning the clan matron of old. "This audience is over when I say it is!"

...Though Elisedd already wasn't listening.

"Guards!" He yelled, seething. "''Kindly'' escort the Queen Mother out!"

The Oriflamme Worldwalker didn't budge a millipace. Quick glances to each side told her that even the royal armigers looked hesitant as they advanced, their faces full of doubt and uncertainty.

"You're even a greater fool than I had thought, Elisedd..."

"You will NOT address me in that way!" King Elisedd yelled as he strode down the throne's platform. "I am the King, 'Your Majesty' to you!"

"Yes, you are the King," Gwendolyn gave a tilted nod at the young man, his twisted fury barely an arm's length before her own. "But I am the mother of all true Rhodri sovereigns, which gives me the right to judge your actions and be the ''Kingmaker''."

The King's eyes suddenly bulged from their sockets. His lips quivered as a trail of blood slowly dripped out.

Looking down, he saw his ancestor's clear crystal sword buried into his chest.

The entire court was frozen in shock as his trembling gaze looked back up at his Great-Great-Great-Grandmother.

"Y-you would kill..."

"I once killed my husband to save my country," her spring-green gaze was steady and unmoving. "You're not that special."

"To the King!" Gwendolyn heard the cry emerge from the royal captain of the bodyguards, awoken from his stupor just a few seconds too late.

She pulled her translucent blade out with a splash of blood, dumping the King's body on the steps of the throne.

...And that was when the slaughter began.

Gwendolyn knew that to truly change a nation, it was not only necessary to replace the sovereign, but the entire senior administration as well. Otherwise, the interests of the old guard -- power-brokers of the crown's authority -- would simply carry over to infect the new blood.

Therefore, in her quest to Ceredigion's state policies, she saw no reason to keep any of the current court alive.

...Not even Elisedd's pregnant wife. Especially not her. The last thing Ceredigion needed was a seed that could germinate into civil war.

Before Gwendolyn departed from the citadel, she used a broadcasting spell to emit a powerful infrasound. She had kept her entrance as low key as possible, but several castle guards and staff nevertheless met her on her way in. She had planted a triggered memory manipulation spell on each of them, her magic straining but nevertheless piercing the ether resistance of mortals. Now, without their accounts, any rumors that spread could remain nothing more than mere conspiracies.

With a deep sigh, the founder of modern Ceredigion strode into a tree on the eleventh floor. Her final thought recognized that ''this'', was just another reason why the Worldwalkers have rules against interfering in the world.

<nowiki>----- * * * -----</nowiki>

Leaning over the war room table in the palace at Avis Avern, the former Duke and now Emperor Gabriel examined a map of Rhin-Lotharingie and its shifting war fronts.

The Central (Mountain) and Southern (Garona) Fronts had been deadlocked for weeks now, as exhaustion and supply problems forced both sides to encamp for the winter. Only in the Western (Avorican) Front did the Caliphate push forward and lay siege to Roazhon. The army of Saint Estelle -- no, it was Sylviane's now -- had retreated into the Ceredigion Forest. Then news arrived this morning that they had scored two costly but resounding victories.

The Caliphate's western thrust would never take the fortress of Roazhon by assault, not with their reinforcements routed and their elite troops annihilated. The city's supplies could withstand siege for two full years -- more than enough to hold out until a Lotharin counteroffensive relieved them.

In other words: the Cataliyan juggernaut that had caught the Lotharins off-guard had finally been stopped, at least until Spring when the war renewed itself. If the Empire ultimately triumphed in this Holy War, then these two battles would forever be remembered as the war's turning point.

It came as no surprise that the victorious news completely altered the political climate of Rhin-Lotharingie by evening.

Until today, only King Alistair of Gleann Mòr and Duke Raymond, Co-Regent of the Kingdom of Garona, had denounced Gabriel's worthiness as Emperor. Neither of them even mentioned Sylviane -- not even Alistair Mackay-Martel, whose clan always proved a friend to the Gaetane dynasty in times of need.

Meanwhile, the Oriflammes Cosette and Gervais, respectively in charge of the Southern and Central Front forces, had been sitting on the fence for weeks. They were neither willing to declare their allegiance for Gabriel, nor ready to denounce him and lose all future military support from the crown.

The pregnant Queen Katell of Avorica, depressed after her husband's death in the opening battles, had also dodged all political questions in the face of invasion. The Crusader Saint Edith-Estellise was no different, having announced years ago that she served only the Holy Father, and not the conflicting interests of Trinitian crowns.

Now, all six of them declared their public support for Crown Princess Sylviane's succession to the throne. That gave her backing from all of the front-line armies, plus three of the four kingdoms who paid homage to the throne.

Gabriel still retained control of the Lotharin heartlands and support from the northeastern Belgae lords. But even if his courting of Duke Hugh de La Tours -- whose family influence dominated the southeast, Haut-Rhône region -- succeeded, he would still be an emperor with only a third of his empire remaining.

In just one day's time, the balance of power had shifted against him.

''You've done well, Sylv,'' Gabriel nodded at the interactive map in solemn acknowledgment. ''Better than anyone except your father could have guessed.''

He opened the locket hanging around his neck and smiled.

People always assumed that he looked upon a shrunken painting of his wife when he did this. It certainly played into his 'devoted husband' image which earned the Church's approval. But the portrait that hung closest to his heart was not that of his devout wife whom he barely touched. Instead... it was an image of him being hugged by his little brother, both still in their late-teens.

Even back then, Geoffroi was bulky enough to dwarf him. The younger prince -- just months before summoning the phoenix Joyeuse -- had one arm around Gabriel's thin shoulders. The two of them smiled with heartfelt joy, innocent without a care in the world.

Emperor Gabriel felt his eyes moisten as he thought back to those childhood years.

''What wouldn't I give to live those days once more...''

Snapping the locket closed in his palm, Gabriel spun on his heels and strode out from the war room. There was no time for sentimentality. He still had a mission to accomplish, a continent's future to change.

It was his divine calling, even if the Devil might approve more than the Lord would.

But what about after that?

''You've proven yourself worthy, Sylv,'' the Emperor smirked. ''Now come and face me.''

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_18|Chapter 18]]
| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_4_Chapter_1|Volume 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:41, 3 February 2022
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	Kaede was aghast as she trekked into the wasteland north of town.		Kaede was aghast as she trekked into the wasteland north of town.

	She had seen the mushroom cloud on her way back. Its dispersing smoke had clouded out the afternoon sun. She had requested to scout ahead with her rangers. Yet despite her desperate pleas -- or perhaps because of it -- ~~Vivienne~~ had denied her the privilege and gave the mission to another.		She had seen the mushroom cloud on her way back. Its dispersing smoke had clouded out the afternoon sun. She had requested to scout ahead with her rangers. Yet despite her desperate pleas -- or perhaps because of it -- Ranger Commander Lynette had denied her the privilege and gave the mission to another.

	It had taken every bit of Kaede's willpower to stay with the detachment returning from Lysardh Point, to not rush ahead and verify with her own eyes just what Pascal had done this time.		It had taken every bit of Kaede's willpower to stay with the detachment returning from Lysardh Point, to not rush ahead and verify with her own eyes just what Pascal had done this time.

	She had no doubt it was Pascal, likely with help from that jewelry box of his. She hadn't forgotten his burnt hair and disheveled image from three days ago when he returned after testing some 'Wunderwaffe' spell. Given the audacity he had already shown with experimental ~~spells~~ when summoning her, this created a dangerous situation where a prodigious mage could unleash devastation far beyond his control or understanding.		She had no doubt it was Pascal, likely with help from that jewelry box of his. She hadn't forgotten his burnt hair and disheveled image from three days ago when he returned after testing some 'Wunderwaffe' spell. Given the audacity he had already shown with experimental magic when summoning her, this created a dangerous situation where a prodigious mage could unleash devastation far beyond his control or understanding.

	Kaede had to remind herself that any sufficiently large explosion could produce a mushroom cloud. Apart from a handful of utility spells passed down by the Dragonlords, Hyperion magic was largely limited to either natural phenomena that they could visualize, or science based on Newtonian physics which they actually understood. They could channel the elements and synthesize chemicals for powerful fuel-air explosions. But to cross the realm into quantum mechanics?		Kaede had to remind herself that any sufficiently large explosion could produce a mushroom cloud. Apart from a handful of utility spells passed down by the Dragonlords, Hyperion magic was largely limited to either natural phenomena that they could visualize, or science based on Newtonian physics which they actually understood. They could channel the elements and synthesize chemicals for powerful fuel-air explosions. But to cross the realm into quantum mechanics?
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	Technically, she outranked a former queen like Gwendolen. But facing a woman who should be dead centuries ago yet returned to rout an army, it was better to be respectful than to be sorry.		Technically, she outranked a former queen like Gwendolen. But facing a woman who should be dead centuries ago yet returned to rout an army, it was better to be respectful than to be sorry.

	"Hello Princess," Gwendolen pushed herself off the branch and landed with the catlike grace expected of most ~~Faekissed~~. "You don't mind if I call you Sylv, do you? I was quite close to your Great-Great-Grandfather Charles."		"Hello Princess," Gwendolen pushed herself off the branch and landed with the catlike grace expected of most faekissed. "You don't mind if I call you Sylv, do you? I was quite close to your Great-Great-Grandfather Charles."

	''Should have expected this from a springborn.'' Sylviane sighed before forcing a slight smile. "Of course not."		''Should have expected this from a springborn.'' Sylviane sighed before forcing a slight smile. "Of course not."
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	Gwendolen should be over three centuries old, yet the woman standing before Sylviane still had the appearance of a commoner in her late-thirties. She stood at around the same height, with long brown locks flowing freely down thin shoulders. Her face was a bit long to fit the conventional standards of beauty. But her skin was fair, her eyes a bright spring-green, and her thin lips naturally curled in a teasing smile. Her ankle-length dress seemed too simple -- green and white with only golden strings embroidered near the edges. However there was no doubt of its fabric quality or that of her shawl.		Gwendolen should be over three centuries old, yet the woman standing before Sylviane still had the appearance of a commoner in her late-thirties. She stood at around the same height, with long brown locks flowing freely down thin shoulders. Her face was a bit long to fit the conventional standards of beauty. But her skin was fair, her eyes a bright spring-green, and her thin lips naturally curled in a teasing smile. Her ankle-length dress seemed too simple -- green and white with only golden strings embroidered near the edges. However there was no doubt of its fabric quality or that of her shawl.

	"I thought you were dead?" Sylviane spoke as she kept her distance. Even from several paces away, the Princess could feel her nose itching as fresh pollen drifted through the air between them. ~~''I hate dealing with springborn.''~~		"I thought you were dead?" Sylviane spoke as she kept her distance. Even from several paces away, the Princess could feel her nose itching as fresh pollen drifted through the air between them.

	"The exact words in all the official records state that I... 'left this world with a broken heart' ~~after Charles' death,~~" Gwendolen's smile turned melancholic. "I would know. I cast the spell to rewrite all of them myself."		''I hate dealing with springborn.''

			"The exact words in all the official records state that after Charles' death, I... 'left this world with a broken heart'." Gwendolen's smile turned melancholic. "I would know. I cast the spell to rewrite all of them myself."

	''That has to be illegal,'' Sylviane scowled. "I don't mean to sound disrespectful. But how are you still alive?"		''That has to be illegal,'' Sylviane scowled. "I don't mean to sound disrespectful. But how are you still alive?"
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	"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"		"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"

	Sylviane pressed her curled fingers against her lips. Gwendolen's foremost nickname was the ''Faerie Sword''. She had been an exemplary swordswoman, but also said to be a ~~Faekissed~~ with so much otherworldly blood that she couldn't stand the touch of iron and steel. This drove her into excavating and studying the artifacts of the Faerie Lords. The Crysteel ''Faerie Plate'' armor that Sylviane wore right now was one of the results, along with Edith's shield and the spells used to control the Faerie Rings that had brought Weichsel's reinforcements to this front.		Sylviane pressed her curled fingers against her lips. Gwendolen's foremost nickname was the ''Faerie Sword''. She had been an exemplary swordswoman, but also said to be a faekissed with so much otherworldly blood that she couldn't stand the touch of iron and steel. This drove her into excavating and studying the artifacts of the Faerie Lords. The Crysteel ''Faerie Plate'' armor that Sylviane wore right now was one of the results, along with Edith's shield and the spells used to control the Faerie Rings that had brought Weichsel's reinforcements to this front.

	''She said 'nicknames','' the Autumnborn Princess thought. ''Were there any others?''		''She said 'nicknames','' the Autumnborn Princess thought. ''Were there any others?''

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 15 January 2022
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	There was, however, one exception...		There was, however, one exception...

	A field of broken trees laid to the northeast of town. Thousands of branchless, burned out husks ~~laid~~ swept to one side as though blown by a hurricane of flames. The damage grew steadily ~~towards~~ the northwest, with stumps vanishing into the ground until there was only a blackened, lifeless landscape.		A field of broken trees laid to the northeast of town. Thousands of branchless, burned out husks lay swept to one side as though blown by a hurricane of flames. The damage grew steadily worse to the northwest, with stumps vanishing into the ground until there was only a blackened, lifeless landscape.

	Kaede was still unable to contact Pascal through telepathy. She handed off command to Sergeant Gaspard and swiftly made her way north, around the edge of the town. The streets were awash with corpses left by the vicious urban combat. The air was saturated by the nauseous smell of blood and guts. Soldiers and residents alike worked nonstop to cart the dead off to mass burial pits dug just outside the town. However, as the skies glowed with the reddish-orange tinge of dusk, Kaede doubted they would even come close to finishing today.		Kaede was still unable to contact Pascal through telepathy. She handed off command to Sergeant Gaspard and swiftly made her way north, around the edge of the town. The streets were awash with corpses left by the vicious urban combat. The air was saturated by the nauseous smell of blood and guts. Soldiers and residents alike worked nonstop to cart the dead off to mass burial pits dug just outside the town. However, as the skies glowed with the reddish-orange tinge of dusk, Kaede doubted they would even come close to finishing today.

	Then, as she stepped beyond Glywysing's northern perimeter, ~~the terrain changed into~~ an apocalyptic wasteland.		Then, as she stepped beyond Glywysing's northern perimeter, her sight beheld an apocalyptic wasteland.

	A roughly conical swath of scorched earth stretched across the battlefield, with blackened strips of death splitting off before crashing into allied positions. The trees that once stood here had been reduced to charred stumps. The occasional building lay in ruins, identifiable only by rubble debris and hints of tumbled walls. Even the air was warm and permeated with the smell of burning dirt and flesh. Yet within this nauseating atmosphere, several banners of soldiers accompanied by medics worked tirelessly to look for survivors while bringing the dead to wagons.		A roughly conical swath of scorched earth stretched across the battlefield, with blackened strips of death splitting off before crashing into allied positions. The trees that once stood here had been reduced to charred stumps. The occasional building lay in ruins, identifiable only by rubble, debris, and hints of tumbled walls. Even the air was warm and permeated with the smell of burning dirt and flesh. Yet within this nauseating atmosphere, several banners of soldiers accompanied by medics worked tirelessly to look for survivors while bringing the dead to wagons.

	One of these wagons was nearby, and one look upon its contents left Kaede almost retching. A tangle of blackened limbs stiffened by rigor mortis protruded from the mass of burned out husks. The corpses were so disfigured that they hardly even looked 'human'.		One of these wagons was nearby, and one look upon its contents left Kaede almost retching. A tangle of blackened limbs stiffened by rigor mortis protruded from the mass of burned out husks. The corpses were so disfigured that they hardly even looked 'human'.
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	''Just what have I told you to 'inspire' this...?''		''Just what have I told you to 'inspire' this...?''

	Try as she might, Kaede couldn't remember saying anything that would have led down this horrifying path. Sure, she had mentioned the atomic bombs to Pascal. She even gave him a shorthand description of the thermonuclear chain reaction in passing conversation. But she ''couldn't'' have given him any details about the ~~functions~~ of an atomic bomb!		Try as she might, Kaede couldn't remember saying anything that would have led down this horrifying path. Sure, she had mentioned the atomic bombs to Pascal. She even gave him a shorthand description of the thermonuclear chain reaction in passing conversation. But she ''couldn't'' have given him any details about the physics of an atomic bomb!

	Kaede had learned enough Social Constructionism to know that imparting technology upon a society not ready for it was an action fraught with dangers. Technological growth was often a double-edged sword, as while new developments offered solutions, they also created new ''problems''. A society that used technology without grasping its full implications could often lead to disasters -- such as the role unregulated social media like ''Facebook'' played in stoking racial prejudice, tribal violence, and even ethnic cleansings in the modern world.		Kaede had learned enough Social Constructionism to know that imparting technology upon a society not ready for it was an action fraught with dangers. Technological growth was often a double-edged sword, as while new developments offered solutions, they also created new ''problems''. A society that used technology without grasping its full implications could often lead to disasters -- such as the role unregulated social media like ''Facebook'' played in stoking racial prejudice, tribal violence, and even ethnic cleansings in the modern world.
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	Yet the reality was undeniable. ''Somehow'' Pascal had not only made it work, but also released the explosion in a mostly conical blast. Now, Kaede stood overlooking the result -- a land of death rippling out from 'ground zero' of what was clearly a multi-kiloton detonation.		Yet the reality was undeniable. ''Somehow'' Pascal had not only made it work, but also released the explosion in a mostly conical blast. Now, Kaede stood overlooking the result -- a land of death rippling out from 'ground zero' of what was clearly a multi-kiloton detonation.

	A painful cry to the southwest fell into a gurgling sound. Kaede turned to the line of aid tents marked by crucifixes in Samaran-blood-~~red~~. She could hear the endless groaning of injured troops. Meanwhile a breeze carried over not the smell of bloody surgery, but the pungent odor of vomit.		A painful cry to the southwest fell into a gurgling sound. Kaede turned to the line of aid tents marked by crucifixes in Samaran-blood-pink. She could hear the endless groaning of injured troops. Meanwhile a breeze carried over not the smell of bloody surgery, but the pungent odor of vomit.

	''How could I have forgotten!?'' Cold sweat broke out across her trembling body as a horrifying realization dawned.		''How could I have forgotten!?'' Cold sweat broke out across her trembling body as a horrifying realization dawned.
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	''No, I need to stop thinking like that,'' Sylviane chided herself. ''It's as Pascal said -- there is no debt when we help each other, because we're family.''		''No, I need to stop thinking like that,'' Sylviane chided herself. ''It's as Pascal said -- there is no debt when we help each other, because we're family.''

	Sylviane took some deep, calming breaths as she strode across the now-empty lands west of the camp with Elspeth following close behind. The entire area was deserted as she made her way towards several great, towering trees. They were the only handful that remained in what had once been an entire forest.		Sylviane took some deep, calming breaths as she strode across the now-empty lands west of the camp with Elspeth following close behind. The entire area was deserted as she made her way towards several great, towering trees. They were the only handful that remained of what had once been an entire forest.

	Though 'remained' wasn't exactly correct. It had grown legs and walked off just like ~~its~~ other brethren, only to return after the battle and root ~~itself~~ back in. Even now, Sylviane could see their trunks' four way splits, just paces before their 'legs' vanished into the ground.		Though 'remained' wasn't exactly correct. They had grown legs and walked off just like their other brethren, only to return after the battle and root themselves back in. Even now, Sylviane could see their trunks' four way splits, just paces before their 'legs' vanished into the ground.

	Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the ~~boundaries~~ of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-aged lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.		Sylviane felt her skin tingle as she crossed the boundary of an invisible barrier. The figure of a middle-aged lady materialized before their eyes as she sat on the lowest branch of the center 'tree'. Her hands caressed a bright-blue phoenix with golden jewels on its tail.

	''Courtain, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''		''Courtain, the lost phoenix,'' Sylviane sighed. ''So much for it being lost.''
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	"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"		"Except, I accidentally reached past the boundaries of mortality before I could carry out my plans, and since then I've been subject to the Worldwalkers' laws." Gwendolen remarked ruefully. "Nevertheless, ever since I heard the story of how Tara... another Worldwalker's interference left a legacy that still protects her homeland of Samara today, I have been waiting for my own opportunity by further refining the spell. Of course, each Worldwalker has a unique set of magical expertise, so copying another's work is almost impossible. That being the case -- Sylv, do you remember what my nicknames are?"

	Sylviane pressed her curled fingers against her lips. Gwendolen's foremost nickname was the ''Faerie Sword''. She ~~was~~ an exemplary swordswoman, but also said to be a Faekissed with so much otherworldly blood that she couldn't stand the touch of iron and steel. This drove her into excavating and studying the artifacts of the Faerie Lords. The Crysteel ''Faerie Plate'' armor that Sylviane wore right now was one of the results, along with Edith's shield and the spells used to control the Faerie Rings that had brought Weichsel's reinforcements to this front.		Sylviane pressed her curled fingers against her lips. Gwendolen's foremost nickname was the ''Faerie Sword''. She had been an exemplary swordswoman, but also said to be a Faekissed with so much otherworldly blood that she couldn't stand the touch of iron and steel. This drove her into excavating and studying the artifacts of the Faerie Lords. The Crysteel ''Faerie Plate'' armor that Sylviane wore right now was one of the results, along with Edith's shield and the spells used to control the Faerie Rings that had brought Weichsel's reinforcements to this front.

	''She said 'nicknames','' the Autumnborn Princess thought. ''Were there any others?''		''She said 'nicknames','' the Autumnborn Princess thought. ''Were there any others?''