feral | sting eucliffe

LIX | RT

Episode 59: Retrieving Tensō!

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"IT'S A RARE TYPE OF LACRIMA," Porlyusica said, a grim tone in her voice as the quad's hopes dropped. Levy, Rufus, Freed, and Minerva stood inside of her little medicinal hut and for once, she didn't kick either of them out. "However," She started, their heads tilting up at her next statement. "It's commonly found in Bosco and the King certainly owes me a favor."

Her head dipped at that in a sort of bow, "I saved his wife's life through my medicinal practice and as far as I know, I still have yet to use that favor. That's why—for once—I'm granting it onto you stupid kids to use. It's called a tensō lacrima. We would have it here in Fiore, but we don't trade lacrimas, we mainly trade foods and other necessities."

She waved her hand from under her cloak, the sleeve lightly billowing in the wind. "Now, go. Take this with you and be sure to return in time, your friends can only hold them off for so long." The old woman handed them a small red note. It seemed to be old and showed extreme significance in their side quest, little words faded onto the paper.

Levy took it, stashing it into her bag quickly. "Thank you, Porlyusica," She gave a respective bow as the four began to sparkle and waver, suddenly disappearing in a flash before reappearing in a vivid marketplace. People bustled down the streets, talking to vendors and putting fruits into their baskets as they scurried around.

Minerva looked up, seeing tiny red flags hanging up from a black string. "Must be some sort of festival," She mumbled, hand on her hip as she studied her surroundings. A little girl cheered, twirling as she past them. "Mommy, mommy! Look! There are some more candies over there!" The little girl ran off, her mother chasing after her. 

Rufus muttered, "From the look of the festivities and ornaments, I wouldn't doubt that." Suddenly, a range of trumpets sounded out, followed by some of the King's most royal guards. A few assistants bustled down the same pathway, yelling. "The King is here! The King is here!" A few white horses passed by, armor-clad knights sitting on top of them.

All the horses led to a black one specifically, the King sitting on top of it. He had messy black hair, bright green eyes, and a beaming smile as he waved to his crowd of onlookers. "That's the King, Ecrin Royard, I believe." Not long after, a pretty brown horse strode at his side. A girl with wavy brown locks and ebony eyes copying her husband's actions.

Minerva bit the tip of her thumb, "And his wife, Vivian Royard." Levy looked around awkwardly before taking out the note and dashing forward, ultimately taking the King's hand and setting the red note inside of it. Instantly, the man became alert and looked her way. Knights dashed towards her, their weapons at the ready in a defensive manner.

The Queen gave her husband a bewildered look, wondering what was inside his enclosed fist. The man opened his fist, recognizing the deep red paper in a second before turning his head towards them. "Rest easy, guards. Lead these children into the sitting area, I will meet with them there. Follow me, Vivian," He nodded at his wife.

Throwing a swift apology to the slightly upset crowd, the two rode back to their castle, a stampede of knights following after them. "Let's go," A tall, muscular man that towered over all four of them spoke in a gruff voice, ushering them towards the castle. His armor clanked as Levy shivered, Rufus and Freed watching with wide eyes as Minerva smirked.

"Y-Yes, sir!" 

Soon enough, the four had arrived in the royal throne room. Rufus was gushing over the expensive material, touching and poking at the leather and silk as Levy busied herself by looking out the window and admiring the plush nature. Freed looked around the bookcases, finding ancient books and humming to himself as Minerva merely relaxed.

The ebony grand doors, a short young man yelling loudly before attempting to blow a trumpet. As he raised the instrument to his lips and the mages gave him an incredulous look, a hand landed on top of his head. It belonged to the King, Ecrin. He smiled warmly and stared at the boy, "Thank you, Piper, but I don't believe your musical skills are needed here."

He looked towards him, "How about you go take a break? I believe the maids are making some pastries right now." He informed as the boy quickly bowed, flustered as he scurried out of the grand room. The King turned his attention to the mages, his wife coming up at his side with an equally warm smile. "I sense this has to do with the favor I owe?"

It was odd to see royalty like this. Ecrin's wild, shoulder-length black hair was pulled into a low ponytail. He wore a long-sleeved black shirt and what looked like expensive white pajama pants. His wife wore a comfortable white dress with lace designs, her slightly curled hair pinned up on her head with a white scrunchie. 

She clung onto her husband's arm, seeming wary of the others as he put on a welcoming front. "Y-Yes, actually. We need a good amount of tensō lacrimas." Ecrin nodded, heading across the room as his wife let go of his arm. Opening a drawer, he knelt down and pulled a small box. "I'm assuming this has to do with the trouble brewing in Joya?" He questioned.

Levy nodded, Minerva agreeing along with her. Rufus tipped his hat upwards, eyes glinting. "Quick question, why doesn't the Kingdom of Bosco get involved? Bosco has quite the armada compared to Stella, so I figured that you would." Ecrin turned his head, a small sigh leaving his lips along with a light chuckle of his own.

"Although Joya is unclaimed land and remains that way under the decree of the council, it's closest to Stella. With an armada like ours, it could put their very kingdom in harm's way. In order for us to infiltrate like that, we'd need a royal decree of war towards Stella. Risking a kingdom as essential as that is a fool's move." He said, his voice rough.

Vivian nodded, mustering up some courage, spoke up. "Not only that, but the financial cost is something to consider. If we destroy a land such as Joya, it'll be in our hands to pay for it. It's much better if a kingdom doesn't get involved. The last occurrence at Joya was an action by light guilds originally, therefore the cost of repairs fell on the council."

The mages nodded, understanding as Minerva took the lacrimas from Ecrin. "Beware," He spoke, looking into her eyes. "Once they are used, whatever magic energy that was harnessed must be either destroyed or absorbed." Minerva nodded, a cocky smirk on her face as she winked. "Don't worry about it, Your Majesty."

In an instant, they were gone.