«...who knows, the same kiss that halts the curse, may make our love bloom...»
A cozy and sweet sapphic romance between a young princess and the powerful witch entrusted with curing her from a dark curse.
A soft, medieval-fantasy slice-of-life... wi...
Headmaster Turio's voice was grave and solemn, magically enhanced to reach even the furthest of the shocked presents, covering the whispers and the cries of his audience with a warm voice and a cold speech.
Despite being among the best magic users of their century, most of those standing in front of the old mentor were shivering in fear. The palpable atmosphere was more akin to a funeral's, than a war council's.
«I have no authority over you, more than any other man. I can't order you to face death itself by my side. But I hope you'll understand what needs to be done.»
The white, circular room kept its dreadful animosity. Some people had already started leaving, some scared or crying, some trying their best not to be recognized while they fled the scene, keeping their heads low and walking fast towards the exit. Of those remaining, only a couple didn't flinch at the ominous news delivered. A pair of fiery eyes among those, were those of Verina.
«Prepare yourself. Get whatever you need from the stores, in my name, free of charge. Say your goodbyes and send your letters. We'll leave when the sun sets.»
Verina left without a word, following the flow of taciturn magicians that hastily reached for the exit.
«Teri, Etek, Grandma... Gloria... four letters will do. Who should I give them to, to be sure they are delivered?»
Traveling on horseback all night, the few dozen of brave warriors from the University reached Elisia's plains by sunrise. The air was crisp, filled with distant painful smoke. The whole group cast their protections, and forced their horses onward, using a spell to avoid them running away in fear; they were so close they could feel them.
The joined forces of Elisia and Romiria had gathered outside of the smoking remains of Vinoges, to briefly organize their forces for the assault. More than 15000 common men saw those 43 strange figures appear from the top of a hill, and their hearts felt renewed despair.
«I don't want to sound... ungrateful, Master Turio, but...»
The words of the young King Jaster, meeting his allies on his horse, wearing full-plate armor and his distinctive crown, perfectly expressed the doubts of the many behind him. The Headmaster put up his hand, to stop that sad sentence from being completed «I know, Your Majesty. This is the best we have. We can't wait any longer for reinforcements, if we want to avoid the worst.»
«We count on you, Master Turio.» King Leris, at the side of his ancient ally, looked at the strange assembly of magicians in front of him, knowing full well that the fate of Elisia, of Irmevia, was probably in their hands alone, and that his men were just meat for slaughter, in comparison.
Verina looked at the fellow companions she was sharing destiny with. She knew many of them: some, friends from her studies; others, her mentors and teachers; a few, faces she had never seen before, but whose names were widely known by everyone. Some had their face covered by masks or long hats, while others threw modesty out of the window and presented themselves with wings, tails and many other unusual attributes; that sight alone made the two Kings seriously doubt the strength of their forces.
The Kings retreated, ready to lead their forces, leaving the magicians alone. Turio gave a look at his comrades, trying to keep his head up and lead them without fear.
«It is time to split. Remember the plan. We only have one chance: may the Gods lead us.»
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