the devils games

if you love something...

After those events I continued my tasks as normal, I was capable of facing both the Knights and the Fallen ones again, though some seemed Suprised to see Arthur standing nearby, well alive and stronger than ever, able to combat even some of the most experienced Knights and fallen. I've honestly grown rather attached to the young lad, he's a good child, though he was greatly misled, betrayed by his own kind, I know that feeling all too well.

Things were going well honestly, but something was still bothering me, that cursed sword. It was still out there, waiting, not one knight had come welding it, though I would not show it, I was becoming more and more worried about it, when would it return? who would it harm first? how should I stop it? It's in these moments where I see just how lost I am. When a man prays to their god who out there can a monster pray to, for some closer, what can a creature such as myself turn to for guidance if lost. I'm what my people turn to in those moments, but where do we turn to? Their god, myself, where can we turn for aid, if not each other. To bare these burdens on our own, his plan to keep himself higher than the rest, leaving himself alone, and myself to rule the land he's forsaking.

Yet when I turn around, I see my family standing behind me, to support me, I am what allows for their freedom. But there is one who's freedom I can not guaranty, not as long as she is where she is. When this all started several months ago, I did not think I would feel this way about her, yet now I know, I wish to see her free as well, for this I give her the chance, but the choice has to be her own.

Before the thrones I stand, my thoughts my only company. My throne stood, worn through the ages, what was once bright and vivid colours now faded and darker with time, besides it the throne sat untouched, it ones belonged to my first and second wife, now no one sits there if my sister needs to she chooses to sit in mine for the memories are too painful, even for her. Gently a run my clawed hand down the arm of the chair recalling our time together. The chair had been covered with a white sheet, not a speck of dust sat on it.

Finally, I was brought out of my mind by movement behind me. With a sigh, I once more cover the thrown with the sheet and turn to face the young woman before me. She was calm but underneath she looked worried, she could see no knight, no fallen, no challenger trying to claim her only the servants and knights of my home, this being the most likely reason for her worry.

Allia: "why is it you called me here? It doesn't look like anyone's here,"

Elgremor: " and there won't be anymore."

I could see this confused her so I continued.

Elgremor: "this test was so you're father could find a proper heir, it was never really about you, you've been trapped your whole life, and I'm tired of these games,"

Allia: "what do you mean? What are you planning?"

Elgremor: "I'm letting you go, return to you're kingdom, or wander and explore the world to your hearts desires, the choice is yours but you have no need to stay any longer,"

she looked at me with such surprise, as though she couldn't believe the words I've said. she then looked down before speaking quietly. 

Allia: "is that a choice you are allowed to make for me?"

Elgremor: "you are in my domine, your father has no say in what happens here,"

she gave me a soft smile before saying in a soft voice.

Allia: "well what if I choose something else?"

this caught my attention,

Elgremor: " and what might that be, now you have me curious."

Allia: "what if I wanted to stay here?"

my heart skipped a beat when she said those words, to think when she first arrived she only wanted to leave, now she wants to stay here, with us. I offered her my most sincere smile, and with a bow, I spoke.

Elgermor: "if that's what you want, then who am I to stop you?"

she offers me a smile that could light up the world, at least it could light up my own. Walking up to her I carefully take her hand in my own, and gingerly kissing the back of hers. I lifted my gaze to meet her golden/brown eyes, before Addressing her once more.

Elgremor: "has anyone ever told you you have a beautiful smile"

Allia looked off to the side with a soft shy smile with a sweet quiet giggle, a soft pink dusted her cheeks. A sound so beautiful, it truly fits her. I smile softly seeing how I had affected her, though I did have to wonder if this meant that no one has ever truly told her how beautiful she is.

This soft quiet moment was unfortunately ruined by the untimely arrival of yet another challenger along with the fallen that follows them. To my luck Senron was also entering the hall alongside Arthur, both stop, seeing the knight and angel, along with Allia and myself. Allia seeing my attention drawn behind her turned to face the knight from here I could not see her face. Though she had brought her arms up to her chest, covering her mouth with her hands. I realize at this moment this battle will not end well for myself, no matter the victor.

Allia: "Eric? Why are you here?"

Eric: "isn't it obvious, you've been here for almost a year now, and not one person could bring you back to me, so I'm taking matters into my own hands"

Elgremor: " you know this knight than?"

Allia: "he was my friend"

She turned to face me once more, her eyes pleading me, she didn't want me to fight him.

Eric: "was you friend? Was that all I ever was to you? Honestly, I'm glad the others failed, that way I could have you and not them"

I look back towards the knight carefully stepping around Allia before speaking to this Eric, myself.

Elgremor: "stop this, none of you have ever stopped to ask if this is what she wanted?"

Eric: "what do you care monster?"

I looked back towards Allia yet said no words, I couldn't find it in me to say anything, yet my eye gave way to my thoughts. Though it seems she was not the only one who could see it.

Eric: "don't tell me you actually care for her? Your nothing but a monster! How can you care about anything?!"