Tales from the Former Universe

43. Peluncuran

It was their day, their chance—Royyega nervously looked out from behind the curtain, her heart beating fast like a trapped bird wanting to fly away. She could hear the loud, excited buzz of the audience, which made her both excited and scared. The huge number of people made her shiver, and she felt a wave of worry that made her doubt herself. Next to her was Arlaion, who felt like a steady anchor in her nervousness. He gently squeezed her hand, silently telling her he was there for her, his eyes full of strong support.

"We can do this," Arlaion comforted.

"I know," Royyega accepted. "I never expected the vale to attend this big."

"Many miracles, there are in the vale," Arlaion charmed.

Royyega reflected to him, "We've told, we've shared, we've longed so much for this very moment."

"And for both of us, I am with you... all the way," Arlaion promised.

Right then, she felt comfort in his steadfast and longlasting companionship, knowing that whatever happened, they would go through it as a team. They nodded to each other, a silent promise of courage, and then walked out into the bright lights, ready to share their stories with everyone, together in their bravery and strength.

"And now, for the next contestant," said the host. "Arlaion and Royyega, will be presenting their story: The Cave's Test—sounds like a specter indeed," she stated. "The stage js yours, is here to speak for a few minutes, not too long, Doctor, on the subject of our new purchase.

As both were ready, Arlaion and Royyega looked and confirmed their readiness and their trust—with the smiles of Grandpa Walbode and Arlaion's family and butlers—for that chance they have.

Arlaion & Royyega's Tale: The Cave's Test

In Medieval Chester, a cruel combustion factory there was, where orphans, lost their parents, their purpose in life they did. Horrendous labor and work, they were subjected to, from pouring coal to managing pipes, on different levels. Feerst, a teenage worker, at her station, worked, but leave, she did. Her overalls and helmet she removed, and to the surface she ascended, her three friends Sicend, Throdd, and Firth she met.

Sicend inquired of Feerst's intentions. With a determined gaze, she declared her resolve to depart from their current permanent confines. Throdd, intrigued, inquired of their destination. Feerst's response was succinct yet laden with purpose: Cursed Reach awaited her arrival. Legends rumored by Firth spoke of warriors born there, never to be seen again.

Royyega stared right above, into the stage's light, showing a determined Feerst.

Relentless, Feerst was, to leave the factory, and enter the empty roads, a shortcut she sought. Eager and determined, even alone she ventured towards the caves. But Sicend warned, haunted it was. Stick together, they must, he said. Friendship mattered most, through all obstacles they would remain together.

Break time they took, escaping factory curfew they did, caught by the masters.

ARLAION ATTEMPTS TO TRAMPLE ROYYEGA, Royyega rushes, downing and surrounding herself in stage.

The masters swept around the open fields, with their undeniable burst of speed to catch any escapong orphan who had deemed for freedom. Into the cold forest, they fled instead. Lost sight of by the masters, but severely costed by the curfew sweep, their journey was. Shelter in the cold forest they found.

Sicend told a scary story about the Ghost of Cursed Reach. Throdd vowed their group would be the first. Brave enough to enter the cave and face the sound, Sicend asked. Just stories, Firth wondered. Feerst replied, the ghost something they couldn't touch but manifested in their minds. Throdd vowed to kick the ghost in the backside. Firth, playful, kicked Throdd before a chase ensued. Hopeful for a better life, Feerst held a golden amulet, dreaming of escaping their situation. Despite doubts from Sicend, they pressed on, Feerst leading the way.