Crowned Storms

1# - A Quiescent Gale

Hurried footsteps. Two rushing figures, aware they were soon to be late to such an important gathering. They should be ashamed, after all the next two weeks would change their lives forever whether they liked it or not. The two starkly contrasting siblings knew they were to be reprimanded for this behaviour, especially as it was a day before the great Uproar! They turned a corner, soon coming to a large, well-guarded door which opened upon their arrival.

Inside the room, two seemingly-impatient dragons were waiting before a table, laid upon it multiple opened scrolls had been scattered about carelessly. An angered, disappointed look made its way into the older ones face as they arrived. The other seemed unbothered and patient, turning from what they were reading to face the two. This was the meeting room, shelves of important items resting on both sides with paintings of past rulers strung up above them.

One of the two in the room spoke, wearing jewels and a cloak of scarlet that followed him as he took a step toward the newly-arrived, "Late. As expected from Cyclone, yet not from you Tempest..." Discontent flashing in his pale blue eyes as he glared at the less-strange of the bunch.

"Apologies, your majesty." A deep voice responded, her tone formal and respectful as she bowed in front of the King.
"It was my fault, sir. I asked her to help me with something." The feathered one beside her argued, her tail whipping in the air when she said it, defensive of her sister.
"I find that no reason to be late to such an important meeting. I'm sure you understand the consequences of losing the Uproar?" His tone threatening and cold, though a hint of worry was quickly dispelled before anyone could pick up on it.

Panic and nervousness stuck in her mind for months before today, Tempest knew the consequences of a loss. Even if she won, what would happen to Cyclone? What if she didn't win? Although she knew the answers she wished they weren't true. 'Only one may win, and the two losers are to be exiled and cast to the wilderness...' A horrid punishment for simply being born a princess; a deadly fight for the crown tainted by blood. King Gale was the winner of the previous Uproar, beating his own siblings in a set of 5 competitions to dictate the next ruler of the kingdom. It was awful to think about the fact her own father cared not for his own family, though it showed when he allowed his daughters to bring each other to a near-death during basic ability training. Once, he didn't even object when Cyclone put Typhoon in the hospital for weeks due to her devastating ice ability.

"We are well aware and are well-trained to deal with whatever is thrown at us, no matter who gets in our way," She returned his icy threat, though hers was more likely to be empty than his.
"I'd hope so." The conversation remained hostile as they continued.
"Can we just get on with it? I have training with Tempest next." The last dragon finally spoke up, their light blue scales shining under the dim candlelight that lit the room.
"We would've finished by now if they weren't late." Gale turned to the table, sorting through the scrolls until he found those he needed.

Cyclone and Tempest walked to the table, examining what was settled on it. It seemed most of them related to the Uproar, which made plenty of sense.
"Now, as the Uproar is tomorrow I'd like to give you one last talk," He scanned all three of his daughters, two of which he would have to condemn to exile very soon.
He sighed before continuing, "Now, this may be full of many of reminders yet they are crucial for your victory. Firstly, I have won this before meaning I know best what it is like; it would be helpful to you to remember what I say. Secondly, never forget that the Uproar is not battle-focused and, whilst it may have battles, is not restricted to them and may have many competitions of different kinds." He paused to ensure what he was saying was actually being listened to.
"May we know what kind of competitions await us?" Tempest questioned, hoping the answer was a yes.
"Unfortunately, you may not. They are a surprise to you." Gale gave a quick response.