A Story To Be Told (Croo short stories)

Overprotective Guardians

[Alitia again fuck you]
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Anneliese rushed out of her meeting once she heard the news that Alitia could be under attack. Her parents weren't nearly as concerned as she was; especially when Iris was in trouble. And some other people from Loduke, too.

She arrived at her chambers to see her brother, Nils, and her knight lieutenant, Gwaine, standing outside her door. Gwaine held the same position her great-grandfather, Rune, held many decades ago. He was also best friends with her brother. They grew up together, she was told.

Anneliese tilted her head. "What are you two doing here? I thought I told you-"

"We know what really happened to Jesper, Anneliese," Nils said, frowning. "You said he got sick... but he's really at Alitia, isn't he? Iris said so."

"H-He's really sick-!" she cried, stomping her feet. "I was just going to collect him! Before the attack-!"

"We, uh, both know that you're just going to help them fight," Gwaine chuckled, "You've been begging me to teach you how to fight lately. Even though you're pretty capable yourself..."

"I have to ensure that... that man doesn't hurt me again," Anneliese said sternly, gazing down at the floor. "All of what happened to Jesper is because of me... he ended up in a worse state than I did-!"

Nils bent down to Anneliese's height and shook her shoulders. "No... you're the heir to the throne. Could you imagine what our parents would do if they found what happened? Your dignity-"

"I don't care about my dignity!" Anneliese screamed, shoving her way through the two men. "Lady Satim sorted it. Jesper was targeted again because of me-"

"He'll target you as soon as you appear," Gwaine interjected, grabbing her hand. "He knows your real identity, Lady Anneliese. If you use your Illunae, people could know that you were there... you know we can't allow that to happen."

"I'm just... I'm sick and tired of being a trophy! I want to help people... not those stupid shows they do where I 'donate' to a charity," Anneliese continued, "If I can fight, I want to use that! What's the point in having an Illunae if I don't ever use it? I intend to show that man that he doesn't own me... he doesn't own anyone. Especially the royal family of Hiloft..."

"He's taken down two schools already," Gwaine noted, "You're just going to get yourself hurt going in there... at least let us come with you-"

"I'm not letting you two get harmed, too-!" she pouted, "Nils, if anything, you can heal people there. You're one of the best healers I know. And Gwaine... I know it'll make me happy to fight by your side. But I-"

Nils chucked Anneliese's 'Rune' disguise at her. "Go on... if everything goes to hell, we'll be there for you. We'll respect your wishes and hang back for now..."

Gwaine turned to him with a frown. "B-But what if he possesses her again? Nils, you can't be serious-"

Nils gestured to Anneliese, whom was already rushing away to get changed. "We can't stop her. It's been like this ever since she was little... she's pretty stubborn when she wants to be."

Anneliese was practically giggling when she returned, donning her full disguise. "You understand me by now... I promise I'll be careful."

Gwaine walked up to her and removed her mask. "I don't think this matters anymore. You might as well be able to see what you're doing..."

"Aww, she looks just like a baby knight!" teased Nils, "I'm sure if our great-grandfather was here right now, he'd be very proud of you."

"He'd be confused as to why I'm not a knight anyways," joked Anneliese, shrugging her shoulders. "My great-grandmother would be terrified, though-!"

"Don't think about that," Gwaine told her, "Get out there and save your friends. Bring Jesper if you can... I'm sure Nils will take care of him for you."

"Thank you," said Anneliese, smiling up at them. "I'll... I'll find some way to reward you both. I promise."

She waved at the two before disappearing into a portal, heading straight for Alitia.

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- hatty