Various youtube playlist writings: The Guard Series

Guard Series Prelude: The Ballroom

Audio by Oliviaalee, story by Myself. This is a very short (and unpolished!) Royalty Core story. Many celebrations, masquerades, and other social events are the subject of much political intrigue. Mystique, beauty, and danger all coalesce into a beautiful splash of color and passion. However, these events must always be guarded by someone. You are now one such conscript.

The ball was a sight to behold. Gallant suits and flowing dresses mixing into a cascade of color, like peacocks of many feathers looking to be the most impressive among them. A crowd of suitors, ladies, and royalty whose beautiful features and exquisite regalia hid the most tainted, abhorrent spirits the world could possibly muster. I knew nothing of what was hidden, however. I was only mesmerized by the sight of so many. I simply clenched at my spear, standing in perfect attention and letting my kettle helm sit just above my eyes. Beside me was another man in the same mail as I, thin plate greaves and a cheap breastplate.

"Tell me..." I inquired of him. "Why is it that we must stay here? I understand guarding the outside, but inside the room? They seem relatively well-behaved, don't they...?"He only let out a chuckle, not even moving an inch. Then, he turned his head toward me, flashing a quick sidelong glare toward the swirl of colors that moved like a fanciful jellyfish across the ballroom."No." He said, his laughter dying as I watched the aristocracy whirl about the floor.

"They are a fair sight more dangerous than you believe them to be, brother. In fact, I'd say our post is the most important." His voice held an ironic nonchalant tone, in spite of how dire his proposition was."They are some of the most dangerous people in the kingdom. You're a soldier, yes? You've gone to battle?"I shook my head, and he shrugged, smiling a bit so to reassure me, I assumed."Well, I have. While I was there, I killed a man in five seconds."

"Your point being...?" Considering his countenance, scarred and wrinkled, I was not surprised of such a detail coming from his mouth, whether or not it was a mere jest. His relaxed stance and poised grip on his spear surely suggested the latter, I would take his word for it, especially when considering the condition of his armor sometimes. A mere patrol would not constitute the dents from warpicks and maces. Still, my brows furrowed in confusion and slight concern. A matter such as death in this lively of an occasion? Surely he didn't mean...

"I might be able to end a life in seconds. But brother, an aristocrat can end thousands in just as timely a manner. All it takes is one levy, one law, and an entire shanty town can starve, wither, and die. Furthermore, I feel for that man I killed. He surely had a family, much unlike myself or you. A lovely partner, and perhaps children. That weighs on my conscience, my friend. I watched in silent horror as I ended his life, but was spared the sight of his withering family in his absence." He continued, and in morbid intrigue, I continued to listen."However, I doubt these power-hungry filth feel for all those that they condemn to starvation. Would that they did, we might see less peasantry. And better wages." He sighed, turning back to watch them. They ignored our words, not being able to hear over the swelling music.

"Does that answer your question?" He asked me, returning to his calm tone."I'd prefer to be quiet, now..." My stomach turned at the thought. My pay had been docked recently, only proving his points with an empty sting more. I could not bear to look at them any longer, so I stared through them, focusing on the wine glasses and finger foods arranged so daintily. Things I could never afford, because of them, all out of my grasp.

"As would I, brother." He said to me, turning back to his original position, his face turning back to his usual confident, attentive stare coupled with relaxed shoulders and a wide stance. And I returned to perfect attention, hiding the quivering of my knees and subconsciously shrinking myself, practically grafted to the spear I held so lovingly-- and fearfully.

I hated guarding the ballroom ever since.