[ON HOLD] Shadows of the Blessed | #Countryhumans AUOriginals

00: Visions [Pt. 1]

Recap...

The wars had been bloody; many, many had perished. Accursedly, a mysterious illness like none other began spreading across the land, irrepressible, like the embers of savage wildfire. The warring kingdoms were forced into a temporary truce.

However, brutal skirmishes continue out of cruel, relentless hatred. And all the while, more and more innocents succumb to the disease. What is most feared about this illness is the way and nature of how it spreads.

Victims do not die. They become undead; by then, these living corpses desire only to feed, to create more of its kind.

Blind accusations launch back and forth between the kingdoms. Violence does not cease; hatred only grows. Trust and forgiveness, coveted illusions.

Although the smallest in proportion to its neighbors, Aulope is the most developed among the Four Cardinal Nations. Many provinces within have already given up; a dark fate looms above the once-prospering kingdom.

Under such grave circumstances, the Aulopian king resorts to mystical solutions in a desperate attempt to turn the tides.

What message will the Great Oracle bring?

——————

"Hope...
...is nothing.
Just a pathetic delusion."

"And yet, it's all we have."

——————

Palais de Lemaitre, Aulope

In the grand throne room of the kingdom Aulope's grandest castle, all was hushed, drowned under a heavy gloom. The braziers dared not crackle, the gold-lined sapphire floors wallowed in dull listlessness; even the tall, protective pillars that supported the room seemed to loom threateningly.

A middle-aged man of royal blue coloration was perched in a slumped position upon the cushioned throne, eyes pulled shut in fatigue. Above his head hovered a glowing halo— the crown of Aulope— from which twelve shimmering stars of pure gold hung on silken threads. Even they, that usually shifted elegantly to reflect the light of the braziers, appeared dim and muted. Royal guards stood at attention on either side of him, their faces stoic, their postures rigid.

Nearby was another, much younger aristocrat. Settled at his place beside the throne's dais, he remained quiet as he utilized a quill with clear precision. Clean scrolls sat in a neat pile on his elaborately crafted desk, waiting to be used.

It wasn't just his daunting scarlet eyes and severe demeanor that made his presence unnerving to many of the other courtiers in the room; this young man was the feared Descendant, rumored to be one of the two damned children— born by a demon whose name must not be spoken. Despite this, King EU named him his closest friend and most trusted subordinate during a commemorative meal mid-spring. He— Germany— was thus entrusted with the duties of head scribe and head physician, positions that held both great power and influence.

Presently, he and the Aulopian king await an important visitor.

——————

Just as the tip of the sun could be seen peeking over the horizon, the entrance doors opened; the guards stationed there stepped aside to allow passage. Every spectator's eyes veered to whomever just entered.

The newcomer was stooped of shoulder and walked forward at a slow gait. They wielded an intricately adorned staff that also seemed to function as a walking stick; a large hood secluded their features. They appeared to be a divine mage or, perhaps, a priest—

It is he.

"Your Majesty," the Oracle uttered with a low, constrained bow, his voice surprisingly clear for a man so far into his years, "please, forgive me for intruding so suddenly."

"Surely, your Majesty understands my urgency to deliver the message at your request."

EU diverted his full attention onto the Oracle, who'd somehow already made his way to the front of the dais; the ancient seer paid no mind to the royal guards' unyielding stares as he waited intently for the king's response. EU was already aware of the risks brought to him by accepting the services of a prophet from the depths of Aulope. He would not neglect the slightest chance at preserving his kingdom, nor would he back out now and forsake his honor.

"I understand completely, Lord Switzerland," EU managed to say with all due formality, motioning for him to rise.

"Proceed with your duties."

The Oracle— Switzerland— bowed once again to the prescribed degree before obliging. He gripped his now glowing staff in both hands and began muttering a low chant.

A disquieting silence filled the rest of the room; the courtiers had not the slightest idea of what was going to happen. Only Germany maintained his composure, for he recognized the spells being casted

and knew what to do next.

The chant went from a mere whispering to a powerful thundering that echoed throughout the chamber. The air within stirred, eventually creating a whirlwind, scattering papers and overturning small objects. Switzerland's cloak billowed, drawing back the hood to reveal his hair drifting about his face in a wispy storm.

Some spectators hid behind their desks, some abandoned all rules of etiquette and bolted for the doors. A few stayed frozen, out of fear, in their seats.

The chanting stopped. Switzerland opened his eyes. An eerie glow poured forth from his orbs, illuminating the white cross on his face.

"Come with me..." he enunciated.

"...and all will be revealed..."

——————
word count: 863

好。今天就这样了。^ - ^

同志们下次见！

❄️❄️❄️