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       #Post#: 10387--------------------------------------------------
       Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 1, 2015, 5:31 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Chapter 1
       Rise of the Fall[/center]
       There are many tales of old regarding Britannia. Tales of
       bravery, tales of myth, and of course the forgotten tales. The
       story of Bournemouthshire is one of the many forgotten, simply
       because it was erased from this world by forces beyond our
       reach. This is one of those stories. I still remember it from my
       past life living in that world – the world of Chaos.
       Bournemouthshire was a peculiar area. Not many inhabited it
       despite the lands being known to be fertile and prosperous. It
       was mostly made up of thick forests and surrounded by mountains
       high. Most of the income came from the Port, yet what was famous
       in those lands was a small village surrounded by nature –
       the village of Glenton.
       Glenton can be regarded as strange by many definitions. For
       one – it is suspiciously star shaped. Nobody is quite sure
       of who the ‘genius’ architect was though since the
       village has been here for what seems like since the beginning of
       Time. Secondly, the village has five completely different tribes
       living together in it – the honourable Amber tribe, the
       mad Amethyst tribe, the adventurous Ruby tribe, the respected
       Sapphire tribe, and the deadly Topaz tribe. Despite their
       differences, they paradoxically get along well together to the
       point of living in the same area. What is also strange is that
       in this world dominated by men, it was mostly the females who
       had the leading roles in Glenton.
       My name was Marin, a humble member of the Sapphire tribe. I
       say humble, but I had big ambitions. Since I was in Sapphire, it
       was quite clear that I was as hard working as everyone else in
       the tribe. With years of hard work, I had finally achieved
       recognition and was appointed to be on the village council at
       the mere age of fifteen. It wasn’t surprising however.
       Another strange part about the village was that in a world
       dominated by adults, it were the adolescents in charge of
       Glenton. The elders and the trainers were there to guide us, but
       we mostly managed fine ourselves. Even at age fifteen I felt
       like I was behind. The Ruby tribe leader, the famous Restorer
       Ellancelot Explorer, had gained her ‘Hero’ title in
       the same year despite us being the same age. A year later, the
       one known as ‘Arthur’, had become the leader of the
       Amber tribe and had destroyed the plans of the accursed
       organisation known as the ‘Order’. This was also
       despite the fact that we were the same age of sixteen. Compared
       to them, my achievements were nothing. During those two years of
       course I strove for the top and soon my hard work paid off.
       It was on a cold autumn evening when I was seventeen, yet I
       still remember it clear as if it were yesterday. I was hurriedly
       running down the cobbled streets of Sapphire tribe’s part
       of Glenton in the West. Since winter was coming, the days had
       been getting darker much sooner than before. Despite it only
       being six in the evening, the streets were almost empty as
       everyone had already ushered home and were warming themselves by
       the fire of their fireplaces. Streetlights were igniting; they
       were sensitive to the lack of light as they were enchanted by
       the Sapphirite mages.
       My hurry was due to one reason – I had been summoned to
       the council of Elders which was called earlier than supposed to.
       This could have only meant one thing. There was a state of
       emergency which had to be discussed. If even I, a lowly council
       servant, was called, then that meant that it had to be grand.
       What excited me however was the prospect of me being able to
       prove myself and finally be promoted into a higher position.
       In what seemed like forever, I had finally arrived at the
       appointed place of the council. Before me stood the Grand
       Library of Glenton, the epicentre of Sapphire tribe. Steadying
       myself with a deep breath, I opened the large double doors with
       both hands. No matter how many times I have been here, I was
       still smitten by the sheer amount of knowledge the library
       possessed. Hundreds, if not thousands, of shelves were filled to
       the brim with books of all kinds, scrolls of any discipline. It
       was hard to believe that such a place could exist in such a
       secluded area of the world. I found myself admiring the tomes as
       I headed down the passages to the centre of the library where
       the meeting was to be held.
       In no time, I reached the round table. The Elders and the
       leaders of the tribes had already positioned themselves on the
       chairs around the table. To my surprise, only the important
       figures were there. I studied each of them in turn.
       Elder Nallen, the most respected Elder in all of Glenton. His
       brow was carved with wisdom of many years, his hair grey and
       fraying on his head. He was the representative of Glenton when
       dealing with the government officials of Britannia, usually of
       the Order For Simple Town Edict-giving and Delegation.
       The rest of the Elders held smaller responsibility and usually
       were advisers for their appointed tribe. How far their advice
       was useful was not for me to decide.
       Rita Arthurs, the leader of the Amber tribe, sat on her chair
       as if she owned the place. Her look betrayed her state of mind
       – utter disinterest. Among the leaders, she is rumoured to
       be the most powerful as she possesses the gift of the Amber
       tribe’s deity – the Sun Crystal of the Sun God. For
       reasons unknown, she hides the crystal etched into her left hand
       in a white glove. Some believe that it is because she cannot
       fully utilise its power fully. Others believe that there is a
       darker truth behind it, yet they are unsure what it is.
       Next to her sat the currently acting leader of the Amethyst
       tribe, Emily Pearson, together with her sister Kiera Pearson who
       is the rightful heir to the leadership. Kiera seems to have been
       deemed incompetent by the Elders to rule the tribe despite being
       the older sister. Emily, the more capable of the two (although
       younger), had been appointed in that position. How far the truth
       was from the official version was unknown. Whisperings in the
       dark and behind the scenes say different versions. One of them
       is that Kiera is either too mad, too powerful to control, or
       both. Another is that it was Kiera’s own plea and lack of
       interest in leadership which had led to this arrangement.
       The Ruby tribe leader, the infamous Ellancelot Explorer, had
       her feet up on a servant with a rucksack on their back. It
       seemed that the servant served as a foot chair. Many things have
       been said about the leader of Ruby. Although given the title of
       ‘Hero’ two years ago, before that she had a
       reputation as a slave driver. Her own current servant (which I
       suspect was the poor girl with the rucksack), Diddicus VII (Did
       for short), had been found by Ellancelot on one of her many
       adventures. Before that, the previous six Diddicuses had
       suffered cruel fates under the command of the devil Ellancelot.
       Her real name of course was not Ellancelot; it was a mere
       nickname she gained – Ellancelot Explorer, infamous
       Restorer. Although many have forgotten, it was in fact Elaine.
       The Sapphire tribe leader, Marketa, had a serene expression;
       it had however an eerie edge to it. Although all the other
       leaders were the same age of seventeen, Marketa’s true age
       was never mentioned. Despite her youthful looks, it was
       suspected that she was far older than one would assume. She had
       been around Glenton for a very long time. So long that in fact
       even the Elders are unsure just when it was that she appeared.
       Before being the leader, she was the Library Keeper. She still
       is. Her duties as the Sapphire tribe leader do not seem to
       interfere with her daily looking after the Library.
       The last seat was empty. Considering the absence, I assumed
       that it was meant for the leader of the Topaz tribe. Topaz tribe
       was a tricky one and nobody was quite sure who the actual
       current leader was since the tribe was far from unified. It was
       only natural as it was made up of thieves, assassins, and the
       occasional ninjas.
       This arrangement left me in a dilemma – there was no
       seat for myself. Had I been wrong and was in fact not summoned
       here? Did I read the date on the letter incorrectly? All the
       figures here were important, not a place for an underling such
       as myself. Seeing me in confusion, Elder Nallen had beckoned for
       me to come closer.
       “Ah, Marin. Welcome, child,” his smile and eyes
       were genuine and gentle, “We are sorry, but it seems that
       the necessary seating arrangements had not been adjusted in time
       for this sudden council…”
       Hearing that made me let a sigh of relief escape my lips. At
       the very least I had not just marched into an important council
       uninvited. No sooner did my worry fade before a new one emerged
       – why had I been called here? This seems to be very
       serious. Was I in trouble?
       Seeming to read my worries, the nonchalant Amber tribe leader
       tilted her head to the side as she examined her nails, “Do
       not cover that pretty face of yours with worry. You are not in
       trouble…for now.”
       That was far by reassuring, but I stiffly nodded anyway to
       acknowledge the effort.
       “I am sure you are wondering why we have summoned you
       here…” one of the Elders had said. I am pretty sure
       I have never heard anything more cliché in my life, “We
       cannot reveal the full details just yet, but… we would
       like to send you on a mission.”
       I was unsure about this proposition. I was ambitious, yes.
       Adventurous on the other hand? Not really. I was a Sapphirite
       after all. If I wanted adventure, I would have signed up for the
       Ruby tribe.
       Before I declined, I decided to listen to what this
       ‘mission’ actually involved and so have said,
       “I am in full attention.”
       “We would like to appoint you as the Glenton
       Ambassador,” Elder Nallen leaned back in his chair. This
       didn’t sound too bad. In fact, this may have just been the
       recognition I was searching for! Elder Nallen cleared his
       throat, “However…”
       With dread I awaited the next words. There is always a catch.
       This was too good to be true.
       “It would be a Foreign Affairs Ambassador,”
       another Elder finished off where Elder Nallen dared not venture.
       Foreign Affairs? That would mean I would have to leave Glenton,
       and worst of all... travel.
       “With all due respect,” I put my hand up to
       interrupt, “I am afraid I must decline. I am not the
       person you are looking for to send off on an adventure into
       foreign lands, official business or not.”
       Everyone around the table exchanged looks of doubt, disbelief
       or annoyance. It was Elder Nallen who broke the tension with his
       laughter, “Child, what is life without a little
       adventure?”
       “Safe?” I answered without thinking. This response
       received a stifled giggle. The source was none other than the
       leader of my tribe, Marketa.
       “Oh, I like this one…” she purred,
       “Elders, if the youngling is so against the idea, how
       about I take the poor soul under my wing to show the advantages
       of holding such a position?”
       #Post#: 10398--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 2, 2015, 12:55 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The Elders began murmuring among themselves. This arrangement
       however did not enthuse me in the slightest. Perhaps if it was
       about some other mentorship I would have been excited, but
       trying to become a Foreign Affairs Ambassador was not the
       position I was striving for.
       Before I could say anything however in protest the Elders with
       the rest of the leaders rose, “Very well. We entrust Marin
       in your care, Marketa. The trial period shall be a fortnight. If
       by then Marin had not agreed, we will have to find someone
       else.”
       This was not open for discussion as they had all dispersed
       immediately. In no time, it was only me and Marketa who were
       left in the silent Library.
       Unsure how to react, I turned to look at Marketa. Her lips
       were pursed into a thin line. They stretched into a smile as
       soon as she had noticed my gaze, “You have some guts to
       turn down a promotion from the High Council, kid.”
       I felt that I had to justify myself against her judgement of
       my ‘foolishness’, “You must understand my
       situation too, leader. You are a Sapphirite like myself. I
       cannot even comprehend the idea of leaving Glenton, let alone
       Britannia…”
       With a sigh Marketa gave me a look of pity. I was unsure how
       to respond to that so I avoided her gaze by focusing on the
       Library shelves.
       “There is life outside these walls, you
       know…” I heard the faint reply of Marketa. I still
       dared not look into her scrutinising eyes, “It is late and
       I am sure you are tired after a long day. Please return to your
       quarters. I shall send a summons for you tomorrow morn. Do not
       be late.”
       With those words I heard the footsteps and the drag of fabric
       of Marketa’s flowing dress on the floor fade. I remained
       on the spot, thinking of the new circumstances which had
       befallen me.
       In anyone’s eyes I’m sure I would have seemed a
       fool. Letting such an opportunity slip did seem like something
       only an illiterate idiot would do. Despite my ego and ambitions,
       I could not jump out of my comfort zone. I was not ready for the
       Outside World. It was far too much. Call me a coward if you
       must, but I was not an unnecessary risk taker.
       With that mind set, I set off on my long journey home.
       [center]○○○[/center]
       The next morning I was still preoccupied with the troublesome
       proposition. I was an early bird and had awakened at the break
       of dawn. After getting dressed and having breakfast, I checked
       whether I had any mail. No pigeons seem to have arrived as there
       were no letters. I suppose Marketa’s message would arrive
       later and perhaps at the council.
       I still had some time before the council began its daily
       labour, so had decided to take a stroll towards the centre of
       Glenton where the fountain was positioned. There was hardly a
       soul about. No surprises on that aspect as most villagers found
       it very hard to get up early in the morning. We had no farmers
       of our own and bought food from the Outside, meaning there was
       hardly any need for us to rouse early.
       I stared at the Southern gates of Glenton. That was the path
       to the Outside World. It is not like I have never left Glenton.
       I had indeed been taken out like everyone else during childhood
       into the Great Forest. Our village was a part of the Forest as
       much as any other tree. That outing was not the most pleasant
       experience and had left me traumatised. Although I cannot recall
       the events exactly, but I do remember that after that I could
       not overcome my fear of venturing Outside ever again.
       As I was recalling my sad, sad childhood, I noticed a figure
       jumping on the Glenton walls. For a second I thought I met the
       figure’s gaze. Their eyes were strange as if they pierced
       into my soul. They were sharp and had a strange mix –
       their pupil was surrounded by a ring of gold while the outer
       ring and the rest of the iris was bright green. I don’t
       think I would have been able to forget those eyes even if I
       wanted to. Before long though, the figure jumped over and
       outside of Glenton. This seemed strange considering that the
       main gates were not far. It was outright suspicious. Perhaps it
       was a thief? A spy? If I was someone brave, I may have ventured
       to find out. But I was anything but that.
       In a matter of seconds I heard a commotion, “Rangers,
       spread East! Mages, secure the barrier! Rubians, you go West!
       Everyone else follow me South!”
       It was none other than the head of the security of Glenton
       – the Amber tribe leader. She was followed my members of
       different tribes who were part of the guard. As the units she
       had ordered began filing out of Glenton and going where ordered,
       Rita seemed to notice me. Issuing some additional orders to
       those who were part of her group going South, she ran up to me
       while they left.
       “Kid, you wouldn’t happen to have seen anyone
       suspicious around, would you?” she was as sharp as
       rumoured. I tried to avoid her gaze as I knew where this was
       going.
       “Well…not really…no…” I knew
       lying was bad, but in this situation if it could save my skin, I
       wouldn’t mind telling a few while lies.
       The lies had no effect on the Amber tribe leader however as
       she grabbed me by the arm and started to drag me alongside her
       to the gates, “Liar. You wouldn’t have that
       expression on your pale face if you have seen nothing. Come
       along now, we may require your assistance.”
       I could not protest against her. Although she was quite lanky,
       the Amber tribe leader had incredible strength and was a head
       taller than me. With barely any effort she was able to drag me
       against my will and protests, “Please! I cannot leave for
       the Outside! You are mistaken, I have nothing to do with
       this!”
       But she would have none of that. It was as if once her mind
       was set, it was difficult to change it. She began to run and it
       was all my concentration would allow to keep up with her. To
       ensure that I did not escape, she held me firmly by my wrist
       with her left hand while her right held her sword Excalibur. Her
       left hand seemed rather hard than soft, even with gloves. Was it
       perhaps because of the Crystal etched into it? Even so, I have
       seen the Crystal with my own eyes before (although in a book),
       and it should not have been that large. Her entire palm felt to
       have been made of Crystal.
       “We had a little sneaking rat paying us a visit,”
       Rita finally began to explain the situation to me as she panted.
       My condition however was worse and for the first time I realised
       just how out of shape I was. Considering how I never exercise of
       leave Glenton, I believe I was doing a fine job even keeping up
       with the Amber tribe leader.
       “So why…must…I accompany you…?”
       I could barely pant out the words. It was hard enough as it is
       to breathe let alone speak. My lungs felt like they were burning
       and my feet ached and began to feel like jelly.
       “We are unsure as to who exactly it was,” Rita
       seemed to be the complete opposite to my current state of lack
       of breath, “Or what they looked like. As the only witness,
       we need you to help us track them.”
       It made sense, yet all I can recall are the eyes and I am sure
       that will not aid them in their search. Without them knowing the
       location the sneak-thief was heading, it would have been
       impossible to even find any candidates as suspects, let alone
       find the culprit. Despite all her confidence and bravery, the
       Amber tribe leader hardly seemed to know just where she was
       going. It occurred to me that she was missing a vital part of
       pursuing the spy.
       “Wait…!” I tried to stop Rita as I dug the
       soles of my feet into the ground with as much force as I could
       muster. This worked to an extent as she had slowed down and
       looked in annoyance at me.
       “What is it?! I don’t have the time for your
       whining!” she shouted at me.
       Although flinching, I cried out in protest, “How are you
       supposed to find them if you are not even tracking the person in
       question?!”
       This made Rita stop completely and I found myself flying into
       her. She caught me by the shoulders and steadied me. Her brows
       were furrowed as she was contemplating my question, “I see
       what you are saying but what kind of a spy leaves a trail
       behind?”
       I tried to catch my breath as I shook my head, “That is
       not the point. No matter how skilled, there is always something
       which you may miss in haste…”
       Rita looked at me sceptically, but let me carry on after I
       finally slowed my breathing.
       “For example, you dispersed your units to East, West and
       South. But why did you illuminate the option of North?” I
       tried to reason.
       With a ‘tsk’ Rita replied, “Isn’t it
       common sense if you are leaving by the Southern gates? Why go
       through all the effort of going through the entire village only
       to run back North again?”
       “Still…” I was unfazed, “You cannot
       eliminate that as a possibility. What if it was a red herring?
       Perhaps that is precisely what they wanted you to conclude.
       Also, think of it in geographical terms. The South has the Port.
       That Port however is only for trade so it is impossible to
       escape through there. I also doubt that the officials from the
       Port would send a spy or a thief to our village. They rely too
       heavily upon our protection to strain our relations.”
       Rita seemed to have been catching on to my thinking as she
       nodded and carried on where I left off, “East is made
       entirely of the Great Forest until it reaches the mountains. I
       doubt there are any inhabitants there, especially after I had
       destroyed the Order’s base there.”
       “That leaves us with West and North,” I nodded,
       “The nearest Western province is that of the lands of
       Popel. We have a good relationship with them. I do not see why
       they would need to severe our alliance as it is mutually
       beneficial to us and can be considered a financial suicide. This
       only leaves us with North…”
       “But that could be any part of Britannia!”
       Rita’s expression became even grimmer, if that was even
       possible, “We are a coastal shire surrounded by sea,
       mountains and forests. Although secluded, it would be difficult
       to figure out which part of the North the threat came
       from.”
       I chuckled, “Well, considering the bad blood between us
       and a certain organisation, I believe it is not that hard to
       guess where the spy is heading.”
       Rita’s eyes widened as if she had not considered the
       possibility, “Londinium? You believe the Order is behind
       this?”
       “Who else would be foolish enough to infiltrate
       Glenton?” I shrugged.
       #Post#: 10399--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 2, 2015, 4:08 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       With a grin, Rita slapped me on the back. I am sure it was
       meant to be a sign of praise, yet it knocked the breath out of
       me, “You sure put that brain of yours to good use!
       Let’s go! We have no time to regroup so we must hurriedly
       head North!”
       Before I could protest with the fact that it was all just
       speculation and theory, she once again grabbed me by the wrist
       and stormed off. I was unsure how she was even able to tell
       apart which direction was which, but I decided not to question a
       leader of a tribe. Although it bothered me how she had not
       considered the option of tracking.
       “Wait, please!” I suddenly had an idea, “I
       may be able to help you find the exact location of your
       spy!”
       At this Rita laughed, “Kid, I already figured it out.
       Don’t take me for a fool! I wasn’t made the leader
       of the Amber tribe for nothing!”
       I felt my face burn because of my stupid suggestion. Rita
       however did not seem offended as she indeed did what I wished to
       propose – tracking the magic trail. Every being has their
       own aura. It is magically infused. Some have a stronger potency
       to magic than others, thus being able to control the forces of
       nature as mages or the like. Those who are not so lucky have to
       rely on their physical body where their magic most likely is
       concentrated. Either way, it is possible to track any living
       being through their magic trail. This task however was
       difficult. Only the most able in the art of magic were able to
       do so. Rita of course, being the tribe leader, was qualified
       enough, and by the looks of it this was not the first time she
       had performed the task.
       “Hold on tight…” I heard her shout. I could
       already see the walls of Glenton, “Actually, just close
       your eyes if you’re afraid of heights!”
       Without warning, she turned mid-running and picked me up. I
       gave out a yelp as she easily and without stopping turned
       towards her destination, speeding up even with me in her arms.
       This was embarrassing to say the least. It wasn’t a matter
       of discomfort, but a matter of pride.
       Despite her warning, I forgot to close my eyes. With a
       ‘Hup!’ it seemed as though her entire body began to
       glow. If I were to guess, she may have been borrowing the power
       of the Sun Crystal. One step, two steps, and on the third she
       was soaring above Glenton. I could not help but gape. So this
       was the power of a Glenton leader…
       The houses of Glenton became smaller and smaller. Even the
       Amethyst tower seemed tiny and insignificant. I could see miles
       ahead of me full of forests and fields, as well as the
       occasional settlements. It seemed as though we were flying and
       soaring through the sky. Of course that was not the case. Rita
       merely empowered her leg muscles, allowing her to jump high.
       With the momentum of the run, she was able to jump above and
       supposedly over Glenton. A bit like a frog leap, but on a much
       grander scale. The tricky part was the actual landing. Sure,
       Rita was able to easily pick the right moment to send a surge of
       power into her muscles to allow her the jump, but landing would
       be much more difficult as it would require her to use twice as
       much power to withstand the shock of the contact.
       Just as I thought this, panic started to take over as I felt
       gravity working its magic. Looking up at Rita, I saw a confident
       grin. She was enjoying herself, damn it. Just how reckless can
       one get?! If it were just her life, I wouldn’t have cared.
       Heck, not even someone else’s! But my life was on the line
       here!
       “Woohoo!” Rita laughed after letting out a cry of
       pure glee, “Hold on tight, buddy! This will be a bumpy
       ride!”
       Just before I could ask what she meant, I nearly screamed for
       my life when she literally let go of my legs with her left hand.
       Only her right hand held me tight by the waist. I grabbed onto
       her back with both my arms in fear that she will let go of me
       with her second hand. I was just about to vent my anger, when
       Rita brought up her left hand to her mouth. With her teeth, she
       removed the white glove and shoved it into her pockets. Although
       I had my suspicions, I was still shocked to find that most of
       her hand was indeed crystallised.
       I had no time to question as she extended her hand. It glowed
       and seemed to have shot out a crystal disc large enough for one
       person to stand on. She quickly used it as a landing and jumped
       further. Not losing a moment, she kept firing out the same
       disks. It was as if she had been creating a crystal stairway.
       Momentum on her side, it allowed her to literally run through
       the sky. Looking back, I noticed that as soon as Rita stepped on
       the disks and launched herself onto the next in front of her,
       the former dissolved into nothingness.
       As amazing as the sight was, I would still prefer to have
       taken the secure route through the forest path. It seems that in
       this area, mine and the Amber tribe leader’s opinions
       diverged.
       “Why are we taking the path of the sky?!” I could
       not help it any longer and cried out.
       Thankfully keeping her eyes and focus in front of her, Rita
       hastily replied, “We lost a lot of time. I can sense the
       trail is already very far ahead of us. We would not have been
       able to track the dirty sneak on foot quick enough for them to
       realise they were being tracked and hide their trail.”
       I had not considered the possibility, honestly speaking. This
       was unlike me. This whole risky business was making my head
       spin. I was not liking any of what was going on and wished for
       it to be over as soon as possible.
       “Target sighted! …Er, felt!” Rita announced
       triumphantly. Looking down, indeed I have also spotted the same
       suspicious figure occasionally appearing as it jumped from tree
       to tree. Now that I have more time to examine it, the
       figure’s garments seemed like those of a ninja. Indeed
       this must have been a spy.
       Rita adjusted her pace to match that of the spy. She obviously
       didn’t want to overtake him or her. Rita also began to
       lower us. Each time she aimed the crystal disk a little lower
       than before and it now seemed as though she were running down a
       flight of crystal stairs. Soon enough we were on the level with
       the trees so the spy easily spotted us.
       “Wait, you!!!” Rita grumbled as the spy dodges out
       of the clutches of Rita’s left hand and jumped across to a
       tree on the left. With a grunt she lifted me up further.
       “What are you doing?!” I cried out.
       “Oh, be quiet for a second!” Rita snapped back.
       She put me over her shoulder as if I were a sack of grain. It
       was difficult to see why she needed her right hand, but soon
       enough my question was answered when multiple crystal shards
       flew at the spy as well as a rope. She clearly wished to only
       capture the spy as those shards would have wounded at most.
       The spy however was too agile for Rita even with both her
       hands preoccupied with trying to catch him. It was indeed a male
       who we were chasing on a closer inspection.
       “Damn it…!” Rita’s voice was strained
       as she was getting more frustrated with being unable to catch
       the spy, “Would you hold still for a moment?!”
       Rage overtaking, Rita’s speed became overwhelming in my
       position as a ‘sack’. I was about to fall head first
       and smash my brains out. Gulping down my fear, I clutched with
       both hands onto anything I could grab as I started to fall. It
       turned out to be the green scarf Rita was wearing.
       “U-urk!” Rita choked out as the scarf tightened
       around her neck and slowing her down in the process,
       “A-are you trying to kill me?!”
       “Excuse me!” I shouted. It was not my intention to
       choke the leader of the Amber tribe to death, but I needed
       something to hold on to. Quickly I readjusted my hold with both
       hands and feet. Now I was holding on to my dear life with a
       piggy back. Not sure how long I will be able to last, but Rita
       seemed satisfied enough to speed up once again.
       #Post#: 10401--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 2, 2015, 8:50 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The spy had decided to go from defensive to offensive as he
       realised that it would be hard to lose Rita in any other way.
       Rita was having none of that as she dodged the daggers launched
       at her.
       “You have to try harder than that, buddy!” Rita
       taunted. The spy then started to strangely run around us, as if
       deciding where to strike next. As Rita tried to move out of the
       centre of the strange orbit, a dagger was always launched a mere
       inch in front of her foot. The spy clearly wanted Rita to stay
       where she was while he kept circling around her like a predator.
       Something is not right… was the thought that passed
       through my head. A mere dagger would not have kept the Amber
       tribe leader in place unless…she could not move.
       Looking around, I noticed that Rita’s movements were
       indeed restrained by strange thin pieces of string. Whenever she
       moved, they would slow her down, not allowing her to advance on
       the enemy who moved far too fast. Yet why would such a thin
       string keep her in place? Looking up at Rita, I could tell that
       she knew she was trapped. What I did not understand was why she
       kept going along with it. The spy was wrapping the pieces of
       string around her like a spider weaving its web as a trap. It
       explained therefore his strange jumping around and ahead of us.
       “With all due respect, will you please move or do
       something about us being trapped by pieces of string?” I
       tapped Rita on the shoulder.
       “Why don’t you give it a try, huh?! What do you
       think I’ve been doing?!” Rita barked back. Her words
       were confirmed when to my surprise I also was unable to move,
       restrained by the strings. Then it dawned upon me – they
       must have been enchanted.
       “It seems we are in a dilemma…” I muttered
       while struggling to free myself.
       “Well done, genius!” Rita was in a foul mood
       indeed, “Try to get my sword, will you?”
       I struggled to reach her sword, but it was no use. I shook my
       head, “I am afraid I cannot…”
       “Tch, fine…” Rita stared after the spy still
       running around and spinning her web, “Let us see where
       this will lead us. If it’s an emergency, I have a trump up
       my sleeve…”
       Having no choice left but to observe, I watched as the spy
       finally stopped running around like a madman and held up the end
       of the string in his hand. Just what is he thinking of doing
       with that…?
       Realisation hit me as he took out a match. With no time to
       waste I started the incantation, hoping I was wrong about what
       he was about to do. My hoping did nothing to stop the spy from
       lighting the match and setting the string alight. The string
       must have been soiled at first in some sort of an oil as it was
       ablaze in seconds, the fire travelling down it fast. This was
       when I noticed the difference in the string which bound us in
       place – it was lighter. As if… it had been covered
       in powder. Explosive powder.
       “Oh boy…This will get messy…” Rita
       sighed. Before I could finish my incantation, her Sun Crystal
       shone brightly. Just then the fire reached our binds, making
       them explode. Strangely enough I did not feel anything. It was
       then that I realised that Rita and I were burning bright! It was
       as if we were the flames themselves. No longer constrained, Rita
       grabbed her Excalibur and cut through the cords. In no time we
       were out of the blazing flames, Rita’s sword aimed at the
       villainous spy with a trail of smoke behind us. Our bodies had
       cooled down, as strange as it seemed, once my spell began to
       work its magic and storm clouds gathered, rain dropping heavily.
       Although the Amber tribe leader and the spy were now engaged
       in a raging battle, I could not contain my curiosity,
       “How…how did you do that?”
       Deflecting a blow to the head, Rita roared, “The Sun
       Crystal…has many uses!”
       That was all the explanation I was going to get, it seemed. It
       was fascinating how the Crystal allowed Rita to transform into a
       living flame just like that! And not only herself, but other
       objects too as I was also unharmed.
       The spy, seeing he would not be able to gain the upper hand
       against Rita in swordsmanship, resorted to dirty tricks once
       again. Throwing smoke bombs, small knives, needles, anything to
       distract Rita, while trying to land a fatal blow. None of those
       worked. Rita was a battle hardened warrior and must have gone
       through worse if she was able to keep up with the fight in these
       conditions.
       Soon enough, she cornered the spy and kicked hard into his
       shins. He dropped to the ground with a hiss. Before he could
       react, Rita disarmed him by hitting his vital points and making
       him unable to move. He would not be using his limbs productively
       for a while.
       “Don’t make me dislocate them,” Rita
       threatened as the spy kept struggling, “It would be an
       unpleasant experience for both you and me. Now…”
       She removed the spy’s hood with the tip of her sword to
       reveal wild brown hair. The spy glared at Rita with intensity.
       “Oho…” Rita looked closer at the spy,
       “What strange eyes you have… they seem
       familiar…”
       Finally having the chance, I jumped off Rita’s back onto
       my wobbly feet. Indeed the spy had the strange unforgettable
       eyes of gold and green, yet they flared with hatred. Rita
       removed the cloth concealing the spy’s nose and mouth to
       reveal the man baring his teeth at her.
       “A wild one…” Rita murmured before clearing
       her throat, “Now, are you going to explain yourself or do
       you want me to beat it out of you?”
       The glare was answer enough. Rita’s fist made contact
       with the spy’s jaw, a loud crack filling the silent
       forest. The spy coughed and spit blood on the grass.
       “What about now?” Rita cracked her knuckles. I
       shivered and hoped I would never be in the spy’s position.
       Coughing, the spy wheezed, “Why are you on their
       side?!”
       This was not the answer Rita was expecting and was a little
       taken aback. Well, more like she only raised her brows at this
       strange question, “You are not in a position to question.
       Goodness, the manners of spies these days…”
       #Post#: 10421--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 3, 2015, 4:26 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Clearly dissatisfied with the answer she received, Rita’s fist
       as a result once again assaulted the spy. This time in the
       stomach. I squinted a little by the loud gargle the spy let out
       and the crunch of bone. The spy coughed out some more blood.
       “Perhaps you should go easy on him…” I cautiously warned, “At
       this rate you will have no one to question…”
       I was unsure what to be more afraid of – Rita’s manic grin or
       the nonchalance with which she replied, “This is hardly enough
       to kill him. Sure, he’ll be as close to death as possible and
       probably wish he was dead. Otherwise no worries!”
       Seeing as the spy still said nothing, Rita grabbed him by his
       hair and lifted his head to face her, “Have you anything to say
       yet? Useful, I mean.”
       Breathing heavily, the spy spit on Rita’s boots, “Dirty
       traitor… You are a disgrace to your race!”
       Several punches later, Rita rubbed her sore knuckles, “As far
       as I know, I have not betrayed anyone. And you speak as if I am
       some alien rather than human…”
       Believing that the spy physically could not speak by now, I
       threw myself at Rita who was about to land another blow, “He can
       hardly breathe, let alone speak! Perhaps there are some other
       clues as to his origin!”
       Scratching her head, Rita sat down, “Well I just needed an
       excuse to beat him up good for all the trouble he caused. You
       can go ahead and search him for me.”
       “But…” I protested.
       “Make yourself useful, will you?” Rita snapped and there was
       no arguing with her.
       Reluctantly I gulped and lowered myself to my knees.
       Cautiously, I began to rummage through the barely breathing
       spy’s garment. There were clearly many hidden pockets which he
       possessed. The problem was figuring out just where they were. In
       one I found the daggers, in another more explosives, in the
       third a half-eaten loaf. This guy really is bad with organising
       his stuff, huh…
       There was no sign of anything which indicated his origins. It
       is not that surprising. Spies usually received their
       instructions in notes which they memorised and later burned.
       This guy would have to be an utter moron to still have–
       “What’s this?” Rita picked up a crumpled piece of paper which
       fell out of one of the spy’s pockets. Unfolding it, Rita’s face
       contorted with disgust, “I can’t read a word of this…”
       “May I…?” I reached out my hand. With a shrug Rita handed me
       the note. Indeed the words that covered it were not of our
       language. The symbols were similar, almost identical, yet they
       made no sense in the way they were structured, “Is this a code?”
       “Doubt it,” Rita glanced at the spy, “It seems that our sneaky
       friend here has come from outside of Britannia… Makes sense why
       he kept the message – I doubt anyone would have understood it
       even if he accidentally dropped it somewhere.”
       I shoved the message into my pocket, “We must return to the
       Great Library. It has texts on just about anything. I’m sure
       we’ll find a dictionary which can translate it for us…”
       “Or…” Rita jumped onto her feet. She picked up the bloody pulp
       that was the spy and threw him over her shoulder in the same
       fashion she threw me not too long ago, “We can ask the walking
       encyclopaedia that is Marketa. Let’s go, shrimp.”
       Without further ado, I followed Rita back to Glenton. The walk
       would have taken us too long so once again I had to deal with
       the sky travel. What we found out in Glenton regarding the
       origins of the spy and the contents of the message was most
       disturbing. Mostly because it involved me untimely accepting the
       position of the Foreign Affairs Ambassador against my will.
       #Post#: 10425--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 5, 2015, 3:15 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Chapter 2
       Game of Courts[/center]
       “What makes you think I have the spare time to look
       throughout the library for a dictionary?” both Rita and
       Marketa shot me down bluntly.
       “I believe we have enough leads by knowing just what
       language it is.” Marketa concluded. Indeed she was able to
       recognise the writing in the message. She had said that it was
       the same the people of Almanny in Europa used. This was worrying
       on more level than one. Firstly, the spy was from foreign lands
       and not from the Order like we expected. This was concerning as
       it was difficult to predict the actions of an enemy we were not
       aware of. Was the Order scheming with them? Were these
       foreigners planning an invasion? It was difficult to say.
       Secondly, what mostly worried me, was the complete lack of
       interest of both Marketa and Rita to find a dictionary and
       translate the text. I understand Rita, but Marketa too?
       I was well aware of the situation outside of Glenton, even if
       I never wished to dare and venture out myself. Britannia was a
       set of small islands west of the mainland continent known as
       Europa. The most influential body was in the middle of it
       – the Almannian Empire. It would have been madness to go
       out there and search the entirety of it.
       “It hardly gives us any leads!” I attempted to
       reason with them once more, “We can’t just go in any
       part of the Almannian Empire’s three hundred and sixty
       states randomly and expect to find the enemy! What’s the
       logic in that?!”
       “Well, what’s the logic in your butt cape?”
       Rita retorted.
       “…It’s called a tailcoat…” I
       stared at her blankly. I never expected the leader of Amber
       tribe to sink so low as to comment on my fashion sense or
       perhaps lack of, in her opinion.
       “Besides that…I think we have another
       problem…” I was startled to hear a fourth voice in
       our conversation. Just then I noticed Kiera sitting cross-legged
       right in front of us on the round table, “Have you noticed
       anything strange about this Marin character, Sunbeam?”
       “Stop calling me that,” Rita glared at Kiera. It
       seems that she wasn’t surprised by the new arrival,
       “And what is there to notice about this poor excuse of a
       human being? A coward with weird blue hair!”
       Kiera nodded before jumping off the table, coming
       uncomfortably close to my side and lifting my fringe, “If
       you look closer, with a brown hair-dye, this kid would be the
       spitting image of you, Sunbeam. I am afraid…your
       doppelganger is here…”
       Kiera hurriedly released my hair to dodge the chair Rita
       launched at her, “You cretin! This is no time for your
       jokes!”
       “I would rather not be compared to her, to be
       honest…” I arranged my hair back into place before
       it was messed up.
       “Hey!” Rita turned to me. I did not like her hand
       itching in for another chair, “What’s wrong with
       being compared to me, huh?!”
       “Well…” I held my tongue before I could say
       ‘a lot of things’. Good thing I did too as before I
       could receive my portion of the library furniture, Marketa
       stepped in to calm things down.
       “Alright, kids!” she held her hands up,
       “Stop this nonsense at once. We must decide our next
       actions.”
       Seeming to agree and calm down, Rita leaned against the round
       table as her brow furrowed in thought, “It would be
       troublesome if the village found out about this. Morale has not
       been high since we learned of the Order’s plot to take
       over Glenton as Elder Nallen was planning to retire. If word got
       out that we also have enemies from abroad…”
       “The village would descent into a state of chaos,”
       Marketa nodded.
       “Is the village ever not in a state of chaos?”
       Kiera snorted. This remark was however ignored.
       “This means that we must limit the information to
       ourselves,” Rita looked at each of us, but mainly focused
       her glare on me before she continued, “I have settled the
       commotion with the guard chasing a spy this morning. If anyone
       asks, it was a petty thief from the neighbouring Northern
       Provinces. The people are more barbaric there so no one paid any
       attention. Marketa, have you managed to extract any more
       information from the spy?”
       Marketa’s face seemed to have been strangely covered in
       shadow as she smiled, “I am afraid not. But what do you
       expect from a foreigner? He hardly seemed to know a word of our
       language…”
       Strangely enough, both Kiera and Rita nodded. I understand why
       Kiera nodded, since she was unaware of the entirety of the
       situation, but Rita’s nod was what surprised me. Unless my
       memory is failing me, the spy had accused her of being a
       traitor. Had she not wanted that to be known? It couldn’t
       be… that she is involved with the enemy?
       Marketa carried on, “As for the spy and his
       silence… I have taken care of that.”
       I shivered at that last remark. Just what exactly did she do
       with him and did I really want to know? Deciding against
       questioning it, I carried on to listen attentively as I tried to
       calm my nervousness down.
       “So…” Kiera spoke up, “If only the
       four of us know–”
       “Albeit you not supposed to being here.” Rita
       glared daggers at Kiera.
       “–how are we going to investigate the
       matter?” Kiera carried on nonetheless.
       “I must say…” Rita turned to Marketa,
       “She had a good point, for once–”
       “Hey!”
       “–So what do you propose we do?”
       Marketa’s smile only grew wider as she lowered her head
       and rubbed her chin, “For that, I have a plan. The timing
       is almost perfect.”
       Getting a hunch of where this was going I started to back away
       slowly.
       “You see, we are currently in a dire situation with our
       Outside World department. We are in urgency looking for a
       Foreign Affairs Ambassador,” she carried on exactly where
       I feared she would.
       “I cannot leave my tribe behind.” Rita said
       firmly.
       “I’m not going if Emily’s not going!”
       Kiera also quickly exclaimed. I am sure I heard her also mumble
       ‘It would be boring without Arthurs around
       too…’.
       “But you see!” a hand from behind suddenly grabbed
       me by the shoulder. I gulped before sheepishly looking at
       Marketa, “We have the perfect candidate right here! Our
       dear Marin was offered the position just last night!”
       I whimpered as she dragged me back to where Rita and Kiera
       stood.
       “That is rather convenient indeed!” Rita beamed.
       Grabbing Kiera by the collar, she started to leave, “Well,
       I shall leave it to you two to figure out the plan then!
       Ta!”
       Left alone with Marketa, it seemed that my fate was sealed. I
       know she had a point, but surely she cannot act against my will?
       And why does she not take the matter in her very own capable
       hands? She was more than suited for court intrigue.
       “I suppose you are wondering why I couldn’t just
       deal with the whole thing myself…” I heard Marketa
       turn on her heel. She indicated for me to follow her down the
       maze that is the Glenton Library, “As a tribe leader, I am
       forbidden to take on any more roles. Therefore, if a tribe
       leader arrived into a rival country, would that not seem like an
       act of aggression?”
       “I understand what you are saying…” I tried
       my best to search for a way out of this mess, “But, you
       see… I cannot… well… I…”
       “You must have your reasons for not wanting to interact
       with the Outside World,” Marketa continued. She was
       leading me into a corner of the Library that I have never been
       to, “But nothing goes as you want it to go in life. You
       have to accept your role in life and stop complaining.”
       Her words were unexpectedly rather sharp. Behind them I could
       sense wisdom and experience of many years. I looked at Marketa
       closer. Her red hair and face had indicated youth. She may have
       been in her twenties, thirties at most. Yet… why does it
       seem as though her wisdom was decades, or even centuries old?
       Reaching behind a stack of books, Marketa pulled a switch. I
       jumped back in surprise as a hidden staircase appeared in the
       ground.
       “Follow me and do not ever mention this passage to a
       soul,” Marketa created a floating orb of light. With a
       warning in her eyes, she looked at me, “Understood?”
       Gulping down, I squeaked a “Y-Yes…” out.
       Nodding to herself, Marketa made her descent. I quickly hopped
       along.
       “This is a secret passage not even the Elders or the
       other leaders know about,” Marketa explained, “We
       should be safe here to scheme our secret mission.”
       I looked around cautiously. Marketa’s orb illuminated
       not much light to look around well. It mainly served as a guide
       to where to step and not fall down. What I saw of the walls I
       could not comprehend. The language seemed unearthly with
       carvings of strange creatures. It was almost as if it depicted a
       story of some sort. What I could distinguish were strange rocks
       which were supposedly glowing as indicated by the lines around
       it, strange birds which seemed to have been on fire, amphibian
       creatures and lizards. There were also the occasional humanoid
       figures, yet they had strange alterations to them. Some had
       wings, others had scales. Just how ancient is this part of the
       earth and why is it underneath Glenton, of all places? Why is
       nobody but Marketa aware of it? These questions clouded my mind,
       yet something inside of me screamed to stop thinking this over
       before I was too late. It was as if I had a small
       ‘danger’ alarm in my head.
       Before I knew it, we were at the bottom of the stairs. I
       shivered at the coolness of this place. We must have been quite
       deep underground. The room we entered was not small, but it
       wasn’t particularly big either. There were few shelves and
       even fewer books and scrolls. Marketa walked over to a study
       table in the midst of it all, sitting down on the large chair
       next to it. For me, she wiped with her long sleeve a foot chair.
       Clearly this room was not meant for guests. Hesitating, I took
       my seat on the foot chair next to Marketa.
       “The reason we needed a new Foreign Affairs
       Ambassador,” Marketa got straight down to business,
       “Was because our previous one disappeared without
       trace.”
       A shiver ran down my back, “Disappeared?”
       “Well…” Marketa, tapped her lips with her
       index finger, “More like we lost contact with
       them…”
       I was sure there was more to the story than just that,
       “Have you tried locating them?”
       Marketa pursed her lips before she answered, “Of course
       we have. What do you take us for? See… trouble is –
       we wouldn’t have thought anything of it if this was just a
       one-off.”
       “You mean there was more than one case of this?” I
       knew there must have been a reason I was so adamant against
       this. I could feel it in my bones that the entire case had
       danger written all over it.
       “You catch on fast,” Marketa chuckled, “I
       have mixed feelings on that characteristic of yours.”
       Before I could ask what she meant, she carried on, “Yes,
       indeed this is not the first time this has happened. Our
       Ambassadors over the years have been disappearing like moths. We
       just cannot replace them fast enough. This is why you were going
       to be sent with me along to investigate the case. Although it
       seems that our number of missions has increased…”
       I looked down at my clenched fists. I was getting into a lot
       of things at once and I did not like any of them. A plot against
       Glenton. Mysterious disappearances of our Ambassadors. Clearly
       there was a bigger force working behind the scenes. I am sure
       Marketa believed that all of this was tied together and I was
       the perfect scapegoat for this deadly game. Was I ready though?
       Would I be able to handle all of this and come out unscathed?
       This was what worried me most.
       “You were going to be sent to Luxurbe, the capital of
       fashion located in the lands of Liberaux,” Marketa took no
       notice of my silence, “We were invited by the Lord of
       Liberaux for their annual Celebration of Light. It seemed like
       the perfect opportunity to start our investigation. The location
       is perfect for another reason – the lands of Liberaux are
       neighbours of the Almannian Empire. One way or another, we must
       infiltrate Palferrus for the information on the spy.”
       “How can you be so sure that the Palferrus province is
       the one from where the spy was sent?” I asked.
       Marketa tilted her head, “It is the Almannian current
       capital, child. I doubt any prince of a province would bother
       with a petty village of Glenton. The Almannian Emperor Carolus
       on the other hand…”
       “May be investigating the force behind the weakness of
       Britannia’s government!” it occurred to me,
       “Is he planning an invasion?”
       Marketa scratched her head at this, “It is all mere
       speculation for now… But it is all we have so far.”
       She rose from her chair, picked up the scrolls on the table
       and went to put them in what I presumed was their respective
       place on the shelves.
       Daring to speak, I asked, “What is this place?”
       Marketa’s hand stopped mid-air. Her face was concealed
       by the shadows as the orb of light was hovering near the table.
       This therefore made her expression difficult to read as she
       answered, “It is best that you do not know. For your own
       safety, I mean.”
       Shivering, I turned my gaze elsewhere, anywhere but Marketa. I
       knew a threat when I heard one. Point taken, I was not meant to
       poke my nose into this.
       I noticed something strange. Sneaking a glance, I made sure
       that Marketa wasn’t looking while being preoccupied with
       putting the scrolls back. Scooting a little closer, I looked at
       the weird engraving on the table. There were two figures
       depicted, embracing like a couple. One had wild hair and a
       strong build. The lack of coverage for the chest indicated that
       it was a male. The second, a female as it was wearing a dress,
       had a strange necklace of a large shining rock. There was some
       colour to the engraving. The hair of the female was smudged red
       in places, while the male had smudges of golden brown. It
       couldn’t have been Marketa, could it? Although the girl
       had similarly red hair, it was hardly curled. Instead it was
       long and straight. Who were these two? Marketa’s parents,
       perhaps? Yet why would she keep them hidden underground?
       And… just where were all our parents, come to think of it?
       Before I could contemplate on that further, I noticed from the
       corner of my eye that Marketa was turning around and returning
       to the table. I hurriedly averted my gaze to hide the fact that
       I have been looking at the engraving.
       “I am done with my business here,” Marketa’s
       tone did not show any change, “Let us leave now.”
       I stood up, making the effort not to look too eager to get out
       of here. Marketa headed for the stairs, the orb of light
       trailing behind her. I quickly did the same and soon we were
       climbing the stairs once more.
       “We will be leaving early tomorrow morn,” Marketa
       announced, “It is best if you prepare your luggage tonight
       and get to bed early.”
       Speaking of mornings… There has been something I have
       not asked Marketa yet, “How come you did not send for me
       this morning as you promised?”
       Marketa turned her head slightly my way. Her brows were
       raised, “I have. You never showed up…”
       I gasped as I realised that I have in fact never returned to
       my house after my morning walk. Well, what should have been a
       morning walk, anyway. Too ashamed to speak any more, I trotted
       along after Marketa back to the upper Library. After Marketa
       sealed the hidden passage, she accompanied me towards the
       entrance before wishing me a good night.
       Indeed it was already dark once I stepped outside. Did it take
       us that long to go up and down those stairs? When we were back
       in Glenton with the spy, it was only midday. Time really does
       pass quickly, huh.
       #Post#: 10429--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 6, 2015, 6:33 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Rightly so, I decided not to waste another minute and
       hurriedly started my journey home. There was a lot of packing to
       do.
       While Library grew smaller the further I walked, I turned to
       look back at it. I was sure I almost sensed someone looking at
       me from afar. As soon as I did so, however, the flicker of light
       in the upper levels of the library disappeared completely, along
       with my late night observer.
       Arriving home, I have indeed seem to have received the summons
       of Marketa. The envelope’s exquisite cursive could have
       only belonged to the leader of the Sapphire tribe. What was
       strange though was that the letter inside was completely blank.
       No words, no numbers, nothing. What did this mean? Surely
       Marketa could not have been playing a jest most insulting. After
       trying out the various techniques of reading hidden messages, it
       seemed that the paper was indeed just blank.
       Putting the paper aside, I began to pack and ponder on the
       matter. How had Marketa expected me to show up? Was it meant to
       imply that it was up to me when I turned up? And how exactly was
       Marketa going to ‘convince’ me to take on the job?
       Surely, knowing my nature, she would have known that the chances
       of that were slim unless… I had no choice… Had the
       events of today been a mere coincidence? It was impossible that
       Marketa had organised all this. Yet it was indeed too much of a
       ‘convenient’ coincidence, as Marketa had put it. Her
       plan also seemed to have been pretty solid when she explained to
       me the situation. Was I overthinking this or was there something
       vital I was missing?
       My head beginning to spin from fatigue, I decided it was time
       to call it a night. My speculations were growing wilder by the
       minute and I wished for it all just to stop. I felt that if I
       had not stopped myself from wandering into this, it would be too
       late for me later. Perhaps this is what they call the instinct
       of self-preservation.
       My dreams were restless. I never remembered any of them, yet
       that night I saw a recollection of a memory from long ago. The
       thickness of the forest surrounded my vision on all sides. I was
       alone, crying out to something. No, not something. Someone. Dark
       shadows began to appear. Right ahead, I saw myself. It was as if
       I was watching my body as an onlooker. The shadows encircled my
       small body, for I was still a child.
       You have to run!
       Run? Run where? What about you?
       Fool! Fret not for me! Have you forgotten our duty?!
       But… I can’t… No… Wait!!!
       Gasping, I awoke with an outstretched hand. My body was
       trembling and covered in sweat. A nightmare. I have not had one
       of those in a while. Sitting up and trying to calm my breathing,
       I combed through my hair with my fingers.
       Just what was it that scared me? The nightmare was already
       fading from me and all I could recall was the despair and the
       thickness of a forest. It felt important, yet why could I not
       recall it?
       Letting out an annoyed sigh, I checked the clock. It was
       midnight. Despite this not being the best time for walks, I had
       to clear my head. Sluggishly getting up, I dressed into my
       normal attire.
       The night was chilly, no surprises there at least. I have
       gotten tired of so many surprises in one day. I just hoped that
       at least this walk would go peacefully uneventful.
       The wind gently swayed the crystal wind chimes that were
       attached to many of the houses of Sapphire. The streets were
       empty, the street lights dim. Not a soul around. This was the
       usual around Sapphire’s part of Glenton. I was sure that
       other parts were not as peaceful as it was here.
       Whenever I needed time to myself to think, I headed to one
       particular place. Finally reaching the Amber part of Glenton, I
       headed for the Gardens of Eden. That was one of the few parts of
       Glenton where I could be at peace and fully relaxed. I suppose
       the Gardens were not famous for no reason. Entrance to them was
       restricted, yet I knew a small break in the walls of the thick,
       high bushes. Some may call it trespassing, I call it ‘what
       has no barrier, is not off limits’. This is likely the
       only kind of risk I dared to ever take. The power of this place
       however was just too irresistible.
       Breathing in the scent of the Gardens, I flopped onto the
       grass with a satisfied sigh. At night, the crystals of the
       Garden glowed the same dim light as the streetlights, only their
       hovering at different heights certainly had a charm. To add to
       that, no matter what time of the year, fireflies circled the air
       for further illumination. I believe they may have been creatures
       of the energy residing here rather than real fireflies. Either
       way, it was fun to always raise my hand up into the air and
       slowly glide it around, causing the fireflies to disperse and
       reform.
       “What do you think you’re doing here?”
       I jumped up at the sudden interruption of my haven. I had to
       stretch my neck when looking up to discover the figure towering
       over me was none other than the owner of the Gardens – the
       leader of the Amber tribe.
       “Ah…well…” I began to mumble. I had no
       excuse and I was caught on another tribe’s territory. It
       seemed that I was getting into trouble far too often recently.
       “You know…I’m a little
       impressed…” I was surprised to hear Rita say that
       smugly as she flopped down next to me, “I never would have
       thought that you would do something so daring as to sneak into
       private territory…”
       Of course I didn’t do that all the time. Who did she
       take me for? Noticing the strange robes on Rita, I had instead
       decided to divert the attention from myself to another subject,
       “And what are you doing here at this hour in those
       very… interesting robes?”
       Rita looked down at the robes of pure white and gold. She
       shrugged when she looked up again, “These are my
       ceremonial robes. Being the leader of a zealous tribe has its
       drawbacks. Thankfully the prayer meeting had ended. I always
       come down here after that. You know…to cool
       down…”
       I understood what she meant. After all, I was doing the exact
       same thing here. Not knowing what else to say, I looked up at
       the sky.
       “Do you ever…” I heard Rita’s voice
       say faintly, “Do you ever feel… in a way…
       incomplete?”
       At this, I paused. I was unsure what she meant, “You
       mean like something is missing?”
       “Kind of…” Rita sighed, “I know this
       probably sounds stupid to you, but… You know… I just
       sometimes get this feeling… Like I am missing
       something… Something important…”
       I decided against hastily answering ‘no’ after
       looking at Rita’s serious expression as she also looked up
       into the stars, as if searching for answers. Missing something
       important? Well… the only times I felt like this was when
       I had dreams or nightmares. They were not frequent, but they
       were there. I never had dreams usually, yet the ones I did have
       always left me hollow. That hollowness almost screamed at me and
       begged to recall whatever it was that I was missing. To perhaps
       find it, whatever it was.
       “I suppose… I do know what you mean…”
       I mumbled. At this, Rita looked at me with curiosity, “I
       sometimes have dreams… which feel like memories I should
       remember…”
       Rita hummed, “Memories, huh… Can’t say I
       have that many of those, I’m afraid.”
       Puzzled by this answer, I did not have time to ask before Rita
       rose to her feet, “Well… I better be off. You get
       some sleep too. I heard from Marketa that you begin your journey
       tomorrow.”
       With those words, she left as hastily as she had appeared. I
       sighed as I began to rise as well. She was right. I needed to
       get some sleep before the long journey ahead of me, as taunting
       as that sounded. What have I gotten myself into…?
       Crawling through the secret opening, I began my walk back
       towards my home. Along the way, I sometimes glanced back at the
       Gardens.
       …Something that is missing, huh. I suppose I was indeed
       missing something important, as Rita had mentioned. There was no
       way though that I would reveal that. It was hard enough to hide
       it over all these years just to be revealed with a slip of the
       tongue. It is amazing, yet almost scary how a few words have so
       much power.
       Deep in thought, I barely noticed when I had reached my home.
       Fatigue overtaking me, I quickly once again undressed and fell
       asleep like a log.
       #Post#: 10432--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 8, 2015, 2:26 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]○○○[/center]
       The morning was rather uneventful, despite our departure. It
       was done secretly and in a hurry without much of a ruckus.
       Leaving Glenton gave me unease, but I was fine even as we left
       the gates. The carriage we used was humble so as not to draw any
       attention to ourselves. One may have thought by its appearance
       that it was a travelling merchant caravan with goods.
       Despite her regal appearance, Marketa did not seem out of
       place even while sitting on a wooden crate. I, on the other
       hand, hardly could balance on mine as the wooden wheels yet
       again bumped into some pebble on the road and causing a slight
       stir inside the carriage.
       “You have terrible balance, it seems.” Marketa carelessly
       commented as I rubbed my sore back while getting up.
       “I’m not a moving-about type of person, I admit…” I sat down
       only to fall off once again as we made a sharp turn on the road.
       This time, one of the luggage cases fell and landed right on my
       head, making me see stars for a minute.
       Marketa stifled a laugh, “I’m not sure if you will survive in
       one piece on the way to the port of Dubris, let alone on the
       ship transporting us to Liberaux.”
       With irritation, I pushed the luggage case off of me as I
       snapped, “I’ll manage.”
       I just hoped that we would reach it soon. Despite our carriage
       being the most suitable for travel, not many roads led from
       Bournemouthshire to Dubris. Mostly because they were both lands
       possessing strategically important ports.
       “Remind me why had we not used the port of Bournemouthshire
       instead again?” although I was told before, I just couldn’t help
       but sulk.
       “I told you…” Marketa shut her fan with a loud click, “Our
       port is for trade only. It does not support transportation
       vessels.”
       This was however not always so, “And why is that? I recall
       that just two years ago the infamous ship Titunac had taken the
       Ruby tribe leader on a grand adventure from which she earned her
       fame.”
       Opening her fan again, Marketa hid half her face as she looked
       down on me from her sitting position which was at considerably
       higher than mine, “After the ship never returned, our port had
       been considered bad luck. This was especially so since Titunac
       was the first vessel of transporting humans. You can only
       imagine how superstitious the people are in these lands…”
       So it seems. The long awaited new ship Titunac represented
       everything that was the modern technology of ship building. It
       was a magnificent vessel which had an engine to enable the ship
       to still move even when there was no wind for the sails. It was
       humanity’s great loss once the ship had not returned as it took
       years to build such a wonder. After two years and the return of
       Ellancelot, it was concluded that the ship had sunk. Ellancelot
       however seemed to have been confused about a lot of things. She
       could not recall many of the events on her journey or what had
       happened to the great ship. It seems that there was no choice
       but for this mystery to fade away as time passed.
       Having nothing better to do, I rummaged through one of my
       luggage cases to find something myself to occupy with. Taking
       out the book I was looking for, I carried on to read from the
       place I left off. Marketa looking down at the cover of the book
       expressed her surprise, “I never would have taken you to read
       those sorts of books!”
       I looked up at her, “The way you say it makes it sound like
       I’m reading something wholly inappropriate…”
       The book I was reading was merely about the customs of foreign
       countries. The parts I was particularly studying were on
       Liberaux and the Almannian cultures. I obviously would still
       have to conduct myself properly so as not to offend the people
       of those lands.
       “I’ll tell you now – it is useless to study such things,”
       Marketa gently fanned her fan, “When it comes to socialising,
       books cannot help you.”
       Closing my book with a huff, I stared up at Marketa, “And pray
       tell what will help? If you have any better ideas, I’m all
       ears!”
       The way I was speaking to my elder and tribe leader was beyond
       disrespectful, yet I could help it. It was as if a small flame
       was kindled in me. Marketa, taking no notice, made elaborate
       hand gestures, “Why, socialise of course!”
       After blankly staring at her for a while, I returned to my
       reading, “That advice is beyond useless. Learn social skills
       through socialisation? I’m sure even a donkey would figure that
       out.”
       I was interrupted when a fan was launched at my head. Rubbing
       my head and looking up, I noticed Marketa’s body trebling from
       either anger or embarrassment. I have after all pointed out the
       error in her advice.
       “Your manners are absolutely terrible!” she exclaimed, turning
       her face away, “I will have to teach you the proper etiquette,
       it seems!”
       Sighing, I replied, “No need. I am well learned in that area.
       I do work in the council, after all.”
       Of course I had to learn it. I still shiver as I recall the
       Spartan training I had to undergo before I was deemed to
       conducting myself properly in a civilised society. I have no
       memories before the training, but apparently I was quite a wild
       child, as hard as it was to believe. Apparently I had a bad
       influence… or did they say that I was the bad influence? To whom
       though…?
       “Oh, but I doubt you are aware of the rules of the court, my
       dearest assistant.” Marketa made sure to point out my place,
       “The game of courts is not to be taken lightly!”
       “What’s so hard about it?” I dismissed her warning, “It’s the
       same, is it not? All you do is smile and wave, and say
       pleasantries until your tongue feels stiff with all the false
       flattery.”
       “It is so much more than that…” Marketa’s features became
       darker, “If you get too careless, you may even lose your life.”
       I shivered at the thought. I had often read about the court
       intrigue being a dangerous ‘game’ to play, but I had never
       imagined it to be true in real life. Considering that we have an
       ulterior motive for going as Ambassadors, perhaps it really was
       not an exaggeration. Even if we were not foreign spies, we would
       still be lurking around where we shouldn’t be.
       “And how exactly do I survive the court intrigue?” I focused
       my attention on Marketa again.
       “You have to sharpen your wits and not lose them on the arena
       that is the court!” Marketa proudly announced.
       With another blank stare, I said in a monotone, “Thank you
       kindly for your humble advice. I am sure it will come in handy.”
       “Hey!” Marketa once again seemed to be angry, “Do take me
       seriously, will you?! Fine, I will try to teach you, but it is
       useless in hypothetical situations. As practice, we shall attend
       a ball held by the local lord of Dubris.”
       I let out a deep sigh, “If we must…”
       While Marketa began lecturing me on my manners, I drifted off
       into my thoughts. There were still so many things bothering me.
       The nightmare from last night would not let me calm down even as
       the day progressed. Reading was a distraction, yet it seemed
       that Marketa insisted that I have to listen to her. She had
       wisdom, yes, but I doubt that social skills is something you
       just pick up. You are either born with them, or end up like me.
       I had no desire to even look at people, let alone speak with
       them. As long as I can remember, I was surrounded by books. It
       was in them that I could find salvation. And when that did not
       help, I could have always sneaked into the Gardens of Eden.
       This made me recall the encounter of last night and the
       conversation I had with the leader of the Amber tribe. It was
       like she wanted to say much more with those words than it seemed
       on the surface. Something was also haunting her, and it was
       visible that night. It was unlikely she had shown it in public
       or in broad daylight, but there was likely an inner turmoil she
       could not deal with. Well… don’t we all have those types of
       things? Yet… why is does it bother me? Is it because of what she
       said about emptiness or… about memories?
       “–rin! Marin!” I snapped out of my thoughts to discover that I
       had fallen asleep. Marketa was pulling my hair to get my
       attention, “Falling asleep while someone is talking to you is no
       proper way to behave!”
       “Pardon me…” I rubbed my eyes, trying to rouse myself from the
       land of dreams.
       “Seeing as we shall be travelling together for a while,”
       Marketa had somehow in the meantime I was asleep gotten a hold
       of her fan again, “Tell me more about yourself, child.”
       I was silent for a while. Seeing Marketa eye me with
       expectation made me start talking, “Well… There is not much to
       know about me… I am just your typical Sapphirite, secluded with
       books as company…”
       “Do you have any family?” Marketa carried on to pry into
       things I would rather not talk about.
       “Well… I… I believe so…” I averted my gaze.
       “You believe?” Marketa’s voice rose a little in surprise, “You
       mean you are not certain?”
       “I believe I had a sibling…” I still could not look Marketa in
       the eye, “But truth be told, I remember nothing of my
       childhood…”
       Hoping that this would suffice, I pretended to drift off into
       sleep again. Marketa however still murmured, “So you have lost
       your memories…”
       I wished to protest, to deny. This has, after all, been one of
       the things I have been hiding all this time. If the people of
       Glenton had found out that I had lost my memories a few years
       ago, I feared of the consequences. I couldn’t find the words,
       especially while I was pretending to be asleep again. This of
       course paid off as Marketa had also gone silent, letting me have
       my rest.
       Afterwards, I had indeed once again drifted off. By the time I
       awakened, we had already arrived at Dubris. We had an unexpected
       surprise there, however.
       #Post#: 10440--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 9, 2015, 4:12 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]Chapter 3
       Play by the Rule[/center]
       Dubris was a humble coastal town. The port was where the focus
       was. It was a strategical defence against any enemies from
       Europa. Although the port was used as a defence mechanism and
       transportation port, it was also used for trade. Of course since
       the main eastern port for trade was Londinium, the trade in
       Dubris was on a much smaller scale compared to its northern
       neighbour.
       The night we have arrived, just as Marketa had said, the local
       lord had invited us to his grand ball. The cause for celebration
       was limited as an announcement – a new big deal has been
       agreed upon with Liberaux. What the trade was of course was not
       revealed. Trade secrets and all that.
       Coincidentally, a festival was soon to take place at the time.
       The streets were merry and decorated with all sorts of lights
       and lanterns. Pumpkins were in place as it seemed to be a
       festival of the dead. No doubt Glenton was also busy with its
       own preparations. The festival however was still a fortnight
       away. That of course did not stop the townspeople from getting
       ready. It was often that preparations were done somewhere
       between a month of a few weeks in advance. It was understandable
       as they still had to carry on with their daily businesses so the
       festival preparations were done slowly whenever time was spare.
       After leaving our luggage in a local inn, Marketa had brought
       me outside for a walk. Or so it seemed.
       “I hope you put to good use that brain and figured out
       that this is not some jolly stroll down the Dubris
       coastline,” Marketa looked at me sideways meaningfully.
       “Of course,” I nodded, “I figured as
       much.”
       More like I had a hunch, but there is no need for such
       information to be disclosed.
       “Good. I need you to keep your wits about you
       tonight,” Marketa unfolded her fan and gently flapped it
       in elegant movements, “The ball is tonight and I need to
       disclose to you as much information as possible so that you will
       not make a fool of yourself tonight. Remember – first and
       foremost you are a representative of Glenton.”
       Pursing my lips, I nodded. It was ridiculous how she treated
       me like a child. I was not foolish enough to disgrace our
       village at such an event.
       “The host is the local lord of Dubris, obviously,”
       Marketa carried on. It was understandable now why she had taken
       a liking to carrying around a fan. It hid her lip movements so
       that no spy would be able to read what she is saying. Her tone
       was also carefully levelled so that it would only reach my ears,
       “His name is Lord Bradshall. Do not forget it if you wish
       to keep your tongue.”
       “Y-you don’t mean that he would cut it?” I
       was horrified by the notion.
       “No, I will.” something about the sharp look
       Marketa had in her eyes told me that she was not joking,
       “I will not permit such disgrace as not even knowing the
       name of your host. Of course I will introduce you to the people
       once we get there, but for now I will have to give you
       information on them.”
       “No need,” I interrupted her, “I am well
       learned in the politics of Britannia, at least. Lord Bradshall
       is a man in his middle forties. Has recently taken a third young
       wife. His business is mainly to look after the port of Dubris,
       yet rumours has it that he is involved with the local underworld
       and smuggles a new drug on the black market.”
       Marketa looked at me from the corner of her eye,
       “I’m impressed, kid. You do seem to know your stuff.
       Well, I would expect nothing less from my assistant. I take it
       you are also well learned of the Europa politics, particularly
       of Liberaux and Almannian Empire? That is what you truly would
       need to know.”
       I swallowed before answering, “I… I am in the
       process of acquainting myself with that. I believe I mostly have
       learned of Liberaux, but Almannian Empire is quite vast so I
       have yet to memorise all the princes of the
       provinces…”
       “I leave that to you then,” Marketa nodded in
       satisfaction, “However, although you know about them, does
       not mean you know the current relations and intrigue in the
       process.”
       “Your speculation is correct…” I lowered my
       head, “What I learn is merely from the books while the
       things you speak of can only be learned through gossip.”
       “Or a good network of espionage, which is more common.
       Especially if it is the juicy information that you want.”
       the corner of Marketa’s lips lifted slightly, “There
       is not much conflict between the local lords of Britannia. At
       least it seems so. Recently, however, there has been some bad
       blood between Londinium and Dubris. The deal which Lord
       Bradshall had made is rumoured to be a large trade deal.”
       “And that means serious competition for Londinium, if
       the scale of the deal is as large as it is
       rumoured…” I nodded in understanding, “And
       Londinium… is under the rule of the Order.”
       “So we have a chance to form an alliance with the local
       lord,” Marketa finished for me, “You see now the
       importance of tonight’s success?”
       For a while we silently walked past the bustling townspeople.
       Eventually, I nodded, “I will be on my best
       behaviour.”
       “Good.” Marketa folded her fan. Clearly this
       conversation was over.
       [center]○○○[/center]
       After the ‘stroll’, we had returned to our inn to
       prepare for the evening ball. Marketa picked her best dress
       while I chose my finest suit. A carriage from Lord Bradshall was
       waiting for us when we came down, dressed suitably for a
       masquerade.
       Marketa wore a dress of flowing, fine velvet silks. Her mask,
       contrary to the colour scheme, was that of a fox, covering her
       eyes and nose. It suited her finely, decorated finely with
       sapphire jewels. I, on the other hand, wore a suit which was
       similar to the one I usually wore. The difference being that the
       tailcoat was embroidered with swirling patterns. My mask was
       more modest, a plain white one covering my eyes. Of course I had
       to add a touch of feathers here in there so as not to have it
       look too plain for such an occasion.
       The carriage was not too flashy and not too plain either. We
       were guests of importance, yet not the top priority of the host
       tonight. The carriage did not hurry. We were not early, yet not
       exactly on time. As they say, we were slightly
       ‘fashionably’ late.
       The passing streets revealed the true Dubris as it was in the
       evening when the townspeople went out as themselves rather than
       merchants with a mask. Ironically enough, we of the political
       world were the ones who gathered at night with our masks still
       on. Then again, they were never taken off in the arena of the
       court.
       Singing could be heard from the local taverns. From some of
       the windows we passed, I could see the townspeople merrily
       drinking ale; some were even dancing on the table. There were
       some who were still on the streets, mostly in groups. They
       either chattered away their daily worries or were prepared to go
       to the next tavern round the corner. What an easy-going life
       they had… Their worries were mostly insignificant –
       where to get another cup of ale, how to get home without their
       wives knowing they have been out drinking, and so on. Sometimes
       I wondered whether it would be easier to live a simpler life,
       like they did.
       “Do not envy the peasants, child.” Marketa
       interrupted my thoughts. She must have guessed what I was
       thinking from my expression, “They have more serious
       worries than they let on. Feeding the family and themselves from
       day to day, paying the taxes and taking care of their trade.
       It’s not all easy business and ale drinking.”
       I suppose she was right. Everyone does have their worries. Yet
       the world of politics was still such a tricky place. Your
       decisions and actions could have such dire consequences which
       could affect not only you, but the fate of many other people.
       Soon enough, we turned a corner and the streets changed to the
       more grandeur and fashionable accommodations. We must have
       entered the nobility area of Dubris. Our carriage took us up a
       hill until we were in front of a grandiose mansion full of
       light. Many other carriages were lined up before us so we had to
       await our turn before we could be let inside.
       Going down the corridors full of pottery and fine art, I
       couldn’t help but let my eyes wander. I still paid
       attention to what was in front of me, while stealing glances at
       the various pieces of art. Never had I seen such a vast
       collection. The marble floors were well polished, reflecting our
       shapes as we walked down the corridor. Reaching the double
       doors, the two butlers in charge of them opened the doors to let
       us in. The light from the ballroom blinded me slightly for a few
       moments.
       “Lady Marketa of the Sapphire tribe, and Ambassador
       Marin of Glenton.” we were announced as we stepped inside
       the large ballroom. Not many paid attention to these
       announcements, however.
       Some couples were already spinning to the gentle flow of the
       music. The rest of the businessmen stood by the large buffet
       table. A man in his middle years had looked at us from the crowd
       surrounding him, his expression changing to that of familiarity.
       “Lady Marketa! Welcome! Welcome!” the man
       approached us and bowed politely.
       “The pleasure is mine, Lord Bradshall.” Marketa
       curtsied and offered her hand. Lord Bradshall took it and
       politely planted a quick kiss. I quickly also made a bow to the
       host who dismissed me as Marketa’s valet.
       “Please, come on through and enjoy!” Lord
       Bradshall gestured towards the rest of his guests, “Let me
       introduce you to a few associates of mine.”
       Leading us through the chattering and sometimes giggle
       aristocrats, he stopped at the small crowd which he had left to
       greet us.
       “This,” Lord Bradshall indicated to the gentleman
       with curiously blonde hair which seemed to sparkle, “Is
       Monsieur Mertiere. He is the gentleman with whom I had the
       pleasure to agree upon a large deal for trade between Liberaux
       and Dubris.”
       So our suspicions were indeed correct. This of course was good
       for us and explained the hospitality to us, enemies of the
       Order. Yet it also meant that they were in danger of the
       Order’s anger, and therefore were likely seeking to use us
       as a shield.
       “Charmed.” Marketa offered her hand. Monsieur
       Mertiere smiled and with a bow took her hand to similarly plant
       a quick kiss on Marketa’s knuckles.
       “As am I, Mademoiselle.” Monsieur Mertiere replied
       with a sickeningly silky and charming voice. His accent as well
       as his name confirmed him being a man of Liberaux. This man was
       likely a fearsome merchant who was responsible for many a
       downfall of his competitors.
       “Lord Randell, whom I am sure you have heard of at least
       once,” Lord Bradshall carried on to introduce his guests
       in the same manner.
       Lord Randell, the lord of Cantia, a neighbouring northern
       cathedral city. As suggested by his presence as the close
       associate of Lord Bradshall, he too was not on good terms with
       Londinium. A few years ago, acres of land had been disputed over
       that were de jure Cantian. Londinium however found a way to
       build yet another Order base there.
       Before I was introduced to the rest, I quickly recalled the
       structure of Britannia’s land ownership. The country was
       made up of shires or ‘counties’ which were under the
       rule of Dukes and Duchesses. They often had a relation to the
       royal family. Below them were the Marquis and Marchioness who
       were in charge of the divided areas of the shires. They did not
       legally own the land (as it belonged to the Dukes and
       Duchesses), but were in charge of making sure that no disaster
       had befallen them. For example, the shire in which Dubris
       resided was of Kantershire, which was divided into thirteen
       regions – land given to the largest and most influential
       towns and cities; Dubris was one of them. While the town was
       ruled by someone different from the Marquis or Marchioness, they
       were in charge of everything around the town in the area such as
       the fields and small villages. Often, they were placed on the
       borders of the countries so as to fortify them from invasions
       and thus were above Earls and Countesses, who had the same job,
       but in the regions which were not on the borders. The Viscounts
       and Viscountesses had more of a judicial importance rather than
       land owning and defending responsibility. And last but not least
       came the Barons and Baronesses, otherwise known as Lords or
       Ladies of the towns and cities. Those who were elected were
       known as Mayors. They were responsible for the actual immediate
       lands they resided in, such as a town or a city. Small villages
       like ours had the alternative of Chieftains which we called
       ‘leaders’.
       The Duchess of Kantershire, the lady who was in charge of the
       entire county in which both Dubris and Cantia lands resided. As
       suggested by her title and the lands she owned, she was related
       to royalty. As the second cousin of the current Queen, she was
       something to be feared and not to be messed with. This was one
       of the reasons the Order had not attempted anymore land
       ‘grabs’ after the Cantia incident, which had soured
       the relations between the Duchess and the High Priest.
       The Marquis of Dubris, the lord in charge of the lands
       belonging to the town of Dubris, albeit not the town itself
       (which belonged to Lord Bradshall, the Baron of the town). He
       was on good relations with both the Order and Lord Bradshall,
       which was slightly odd. While he was pleased with the prosperity
       Dubris would experience with the new trade deal, he did not wish
       to sour the relations with the government of Britannia. It is
       rumoured that he is also involved in the underworld with Lord
       Bradshall. His forte however being the brothels rather than
       drugs.
       The Earl of Gildas, the lord in charge of the lands belonging
       to the city of Gildas, one of the thirteen areas of
       Surteirshire. Rumours had reached even Glenton of his rebellious
       nature. The Order often kept a good eye on the lands of Gildas,
       especially so as they bordered the shire of Londinium.
       Many more were introduced. Most of them were important local
       lords and ladies. What piqued my interest though was their
       rumoured bad relations with the Order. Clearly the dear Lord
       Bradshall was not introducing us for no reason. These were our
       potential allies. No wonder Marketa had stressed the importance
       of this ball. I had thought that perhaps it was just because of
       the potential alliance between Dubris and Glenton, but now it
       seemed like the majority of Britannia’s south-eastern
       lands. Such an opportunity could not be missed.
       #Post#: 10444--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Adagio Farce
   DIR By: Rita Arthurs
       Date: July 10, 2015, 2:48 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       “I do hope you will all become very good friends.” Lord
       Bradshall’s smile had another intention hidden behind it as he
       said that.
       “I am sure we will.” Marketa similarly hid her smile behind
       her fan. I shivered at the prospect of such alliances being
       formed. If they were formed, it meant that it was a preventative
       measure. As we all had the common enemy, the Order, it must have
       meant that Marketa and the other lords were expecting an assault
       from the Order, and soon.
       Marketa carried on chattering with the aristocrats as I looked
       around myself. I noticed that there were a few curious glances
       as well as a good share of sneers, quickly hidden either by a
       fan or a hand. I felt a little uncomfortable here, to say the
       least. Excusing myself, I hurried to the balcony to get some
       fresh air.
       I was not alone in the notion, it seemed. Another lady wearing
       a dress of black lace and silks, decorated by pearls of gold,
       had followed in my stead.
       Unsure as to what to make of this, I quickly bowed and said,
       “Good evening, milady.”
       “Good evening to me indeed.” the arrogant woman unfolded her
       fan of black feathers. It seemed like she was looking for a
       battle of wits.
       “You are enjoying yourself, milady?” I tried to ignore my
       irritation at such a rude response.
       “It is so-so. A mediocre party, at best,” she replied,
       “Although I do not understand why lowly peasants such as
       yourself were invited here.”
       Oh, she definitely was looking for a fight. She wasn’t even
       hiding it.
       “With all due respect, I do insist that you do not insult my
       people so arrogantly.” I could have sworn that my left eye was
       twitching.
       “Indeed I am worthy of respect, unlike you,” she giggled. What
       a disgusting sound, “Although it seems like you could not even
       afford a dress and come as a proper lady!”
       It seems that I was beginning to understand her misconception,
       “I am wearing the proper attire of a suit and have never worn a
       dress in my life. Unless you are suggesting–”
       “That your dress is any better? Please. It has been out of
       fashion for at least a week!” I heard a familiar voice as the
       balcony doors had opened and shut. Marketa came to stand next to
       me.
       “Ah, so the petty chieftain comes to defend her little
       servant,” the woman laughed, “How sweet.”
       “It is interesting that you belittle us,” Marketa answered,
       “After your disgrace and demotion, Marchioness. Oh, I’m sorry…
       Isn’t it Viscountess of Orengton now?”
       Orengton was one of the thirty two regions of Londinium. This
       was the disputed land between Londinium and Kantershire.
       The said Viscountess I have heard of before. It seems that she
       had been part of a scandal after having an affair of sorts with
       a visiting ambassador from Liberaux. Although I have heard that
       the people of Liberaux are smooth talkers who could seduce you
       in no time, it was surprising to see that someone of high
       position as the Viscountess would fall for that. It led to an
       outrage and having her lands confiscated, demoted to being a
       judiciary of one of the capital’s regions where they could keep
       an eye on her.
       Although she hurriedly tried to cover her face with her fan,
       it was obvious that her face was burning in shame of such a
       revelation. I suppose she was enjoying herself picking on
       someone who was unaware who was who when it comes to seeing them
       face to face. Once her identity had been revealed, she could do
       nothing but flee back inside to the ballroom.
       “Marin,” I had a bad feeling as Marketa turned to me with a
       brilliant smile. That kind of smile could only have meant that
       she was angry, “I told you to keep your wits about you, not use
       them!”
       I chewed on my lip and looked away. Suddenly, I noticed
       something odd, “Hey, what is that?”
       “Don’t change the topic with me, young–!” Marketa began to
       scold me but was interrupted by a huge explosion. The windows
       shattered and were flying at us. Just in time before we could be
       cut to pieces, Marketa quickly put up a magical barrier around
       us.
       Screams filled the ballroom as flames began to engulf it. A
       myriad of nobles began scattering around, trying to save
       themselves.
       “Just what is going on?!” I shouted as I contributed my own
       powers to Marketa’s shield. We formed it to fit tightly around
       our bodies, allowing us to move around, and were soon enough
       back inside to see the chaos.
       Not only were the flames spreading, but the ceiling had fallen
       in, forming a lot of rubble under which no doubt there were some
       unconscious and unlucky aristocrats. Hopefully their injuries
       were not fatal and they could still be rescued.
       “I doubt many possess magic in here,” Marketa pushed me
       towards the doors, “Escort them out and keep them safe. I will
       try to save whoever is trapped under the rubble.”
       Without arguing, I nodded and ran down the corridor. I tried
       to direct the flow of panicking aristocrats, yet even my powers
       were not enough to keep them from pushing, rushing and tripping.
       Once we were outside, I left it to the servants of the mansion
       to make sure that they were all alright. I myself stormed off to
       the ports where it was that I saw something strange. I had a bad
       premonition that something even bigger was going to happen
       there.
       This was really unlike me, running to the rescue, I mused as
       my body began to tire. Yet this adrenalin had left some
       excitement alongside the terror I was experiencing. Well… if my
       hunch was correct, then this would cause us trouble in the near
       future too. The ports had our means of transportation to
       Liberaux. Besides, it would help to form an alliance with the
       lord of Dubris if he were indebted to Glenton.
       Running down a hill may have been easy, but running to the
       port was not. I could barely breathe by the time I reached it
       and saw a curious sight before my eyes.
       Numerous people in dark robes surrounded my vision. Their
       robes were similar to the spy we had caught back at
       Bournemouthshire. I hid behind some of the large crates of the
       port as I scanned around. The spies were carrying barrels and
       were placing them on the docks and the ships. Judging by what
       happened back at the mansion, those barrels were likely filled
       with explosive powder. So Almannian Empire was indeed planning
       something against Britannia. The port of Dubris was a strategic
       stronghold against enemies from the sea. They must have wanted
       to weaken us as a pre-emptive strike.
       Luckily, my strongest element was water, as my Sapphirite
       tribe membership suggested. All I had to do was find all the
       barrels and neutralise them… As if that would be easy! There had
       to be hundreds of them! I doubt they would want a small
       explosion!
       I suppose I had to try and summon a storm cloud again… That
       would require concentration, meaning I have to stay hidden.
       “Is it just me… or do I sense an unwanted presence?” I
       flinched as I started my incantation. The voice was not far from
       me.
       A hand landed on my shoulder. My head shot up to find one of
       the spies staring down at me. Just like the one we have caught
       before, everything but his eyes was covered. His eyes were
       similarly strange, with ring of gold and green around his
       pupils.
       “I believe,” the spy quickly released me as he avoided a sharp
       pin launched at his hand. Marketa stepped out, looking as
       unperturbed as ever, “Your opponent is me.”
       I quickly scattered away from the spies and towards Marketa.
       She gave me a quick sidelong glance as she whispered, “You carry
       on with what you were doing. I will try to distract them as long
       as I can. I hope I don’t have to stress the importance of having
       our ship in one piece.”
       I nodded and carried on to concentrate on my spell. To make
       sure I was able to reach every bit of gunpowder, I had to summon
       a typhoon that would leave no part of the port area dry. I could
       feel Marketa’s barrier around me once again as she approached
       the spies.
       “So you are the vermin who had been sneaking into Glenton,
       hmm?” her voice had a cruel note to it. The spies took up their
       weapons and were in their battle stance, “How rude. Is that how
       you greet a lady?”
       As she said this, hundreds of lightning bolts left her body as
       they shot at her opponents. Marketa was a master of all
       elements, making her a fearsome opponent in battle.
       The spies were able to dodge them and had already began their
       counterattack. One of them attack Marketa from the right, the
       other from the left.
       “Don’t talk much, do you?” Marketa sighed. She cast an ice
       spell on the spy on the left, his body enwrapped in a glacier in
       seconds, disabling him. The other spy’s blade met resistance
       against her folded fan. Jumping back, her glared at Marketa.
       “Ah, there is no need to stare like that,” Marketa smiled
       sweetly, “Or did you expect me to just die that easily?”
       The spy began to tremble. At first I thought it was in rage,
       but then his body began to let off steam. My eyes widened when
       bits of his robes began to burn, as if the fire was coming off
       of his skin. Indeed soon enough he was surrounded by flames!
       “I was afraid you pests would show up sooner or later…”
       Marketa’s tone seemed to have become graver.
       Just then the spy, who was burning brightly, let out a
       piercing screech that no human could manage. In no time, the
       rest of the spies who were there surrounded Marketa, their robes
       also starting to burn away.
       “They cannot be human!” I gasped. I recall myself and Rita
       being able to become the flames themselves, but that was only
       when Rita used her Sun Crystal’s powers. There was no way mere
       humans were able to turn into living flames just like that!
       “This is getting interesting…” Marketa did not seem frightened
       at all. Rather, she seemed to be excited at having to face such
       opponents.
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