Manifest War: The Weapons Within

Later that afternoon, Caleb was standing on the rear balcony of Castle de Belouis, minding his business as usual. He looked out over the courtyard and noticed Sarah walking towards the training facilities beyond the garden below. His curiosity got the best of him and he decided to head down as well, wondering what Sarah was getting up to.

He entered the large dome structure and made his way to the innermost arena, hoping to find her there. As he went up the small set of steps leading to the arena, he saw Sarah at the center of the field alone, holding out her right arm. She was breathing heavily and looked as though she were struggling with something.

“Hey, you alright?” He asked as he approached her from the side, making his presence fully known. Sarah quickly glanced over her shoulder with a startled expression, surprised to see him standing there.

“Oh, hi Caleb! And yeah, I’m fine..” She replied with a long face. Moments of silence went by until she rescinded her previous statement.

“Actually.. No, I’m not fine..” Sarah kicked the ground, revealing that she was frustrated about something.

“The doc said that my Strand was damaged beyond repair and that I probably won’t ever be able to summon my Manifest again… I know I should be grateful that I'm still alive, but... I don’t know... Not being able to fight and use my abilities anymore hurts even worse, ya know?” Sarah’s voice began to get shaky as a single tear streamed down her face. Caleb quickly sprung into action and tried his best to comfort her.

“Hey, don’t let this get you down. It’s not 100% assured that you won’t be able to use your abilities again. There have been plenty of stories just like yours where, after a while, people get them back. You just need to keep pushing and training even harder!” Caleb replied while placing his hand on her shoulder gently. Before Sarah could reply, the two heard someone else approaching them from the rear.

“Prince Ravenfell is right. There’s no need to get discouraged so early on in the recovery process. Stop crying like a child, Sarah.” The individual said with a stern and matter of fact tone. They quickly turned around and were surprised by who they saw.

“Jorah!? What are you doing here??” Sarah asked with great shock.

“I was helping with the relief efforts outside of the city. I had planned on heading back to Melspire today, but it seems there is something else that requires my attention.” Jorah looked at her with intention filled eyes, insinuating that Sarah was who she was referring to.

“Let me guess, my father roped you into coming down here with our forces? You know, you’re not obligated to answer his calls anymore.” Caleb said, also not understanding why she was here.

“It’s fine, I don’t mind helping out those in need. Besides, I’ve been pretty bored during my retirement.” Jorah replied with a hearty chuckle as she lit up a cigarette, taking a heavy puff in the process.

“How do you guys know each other?” Sarah questioned, growing more curious about their relationship.

“I used to be a member of Enclave, Melspire’s Elite guard, many years ago. I served under King Ravenfell for almost a decade before retiring from my post. During my time there, I watched Caleb here grow up into the young man you see before you. Long story short, me and the Ravenfell’s go way back.” Jorah took another puff of her cigarette, tapping the ashes off with her middle finger.

“Oh wow! I had no idea you were part of that group. I guess it makes sense though, considering how strong you are.” Sarah replied, wanting to learn more about her.

“Yeah, yeah.. Anyways, about your abilities.. It’s very much possible to build them back up, but it won’t be easy. It’ll take a lot of hard work, the hardest work you’ve ever experienced in your life. Are you willing to put your body through that kind of effort?” Jorah looked at Sarah with a serious expression, making sure she understood the gravity of what she would have to do.

“You bet your ass I’m willing! I don’t care how hard it is, I want them back! I’ll do whatever it takes.” Sarah had a fire in her eye and the most determination she could possibly muster up. Jorah stared directly in her eyes and smirked, feeling greatly pleased by the answer.

“Alright kid, I’ll be in charge of your training from today on. Stick with me and follow all of my instructions. Within a year’s time, I guarantee you’ll have your Manifest back and more.” Sarah gave Jorah a hearty nod before leaping into the air with joy, excited to start this new journey. The trio had a few more conversations before heading back to the castle, the mood now significantly more pleasant than before.

A few days went by and inside of the Queen’s bedroom, Azhane was being tended to by Nadine.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, My Lady?” She asked, retrieving an empty tea cup from her bedside table.

“Ah yes, please have Graymoor come to my room. I have a favor to ask of him.” Azhane replied, swinging her legs over to the edge of the bed.

“Right away, Miss.” Nadine bowed as she left the room, gently closing the door behind her. Shortly after, Graymoor walked into the room, eager to be of service.

“You called for me, Your Majesty?” He asked with his deep voice, giving the Queen a respectful bow.

“Yes, I’ve been stuck in this bed for far too long. Would you escort me to the garden? I want to walk around and get some fresh air for a bit.” Azhane sent him a warm smile, hoping that he would help her out. Graymoor hesitated for a second, feeling unsure of what to say.

“Ah, are you sure, Your Majesty? Are you strong enough to walk on your own yet?” Azhane nodded as she slid out of bed, placing her feet softly on the cool, tile floors. Graymoor walked over to her vanity table and grabbed the shawl draped over the chair, bringing it to the Queen. She gently put it on over her gown and slowly began to stand up, slightly shaking in the process.

Graymoor held out his hand and she quickly grabbed it, stabilizing herself as she took a couple steps forward. Her progress was good until they reached the door. Azhane stumbled and just before she fell, Graymoor swiftly grabbed her by the waist with his free hand, catching her.

“Thank you!” Azhane chuckled at her weak clumsiness, making light of the blunder. She then stood up fully and decided to link her right arm with Graymoor’s left arm, holding on tightly with her chest pressed up against him.

“Alright, let’s go.” Azhane said as she looked up at him with a warm smile. Graymoor cleared his throat and slightly blushed as he felt her softness. He eventually composed himself and they began to slowly make their way to the garden, walking down the hall step by step. Not too far behind them, Felicity of Six and Jordan of Five rounded the corner and saw the two walking closely.

"Tch, see! I told you Graymoor always got special treatment. Like c’mon, how much more obvious can Her Majesty be??” She said, trying to get Jordan to understand her reasoning. Jordan chuckled at Felicity’s annoyance and began to give her a little clarity on the situation.

“Well you see, those two go way way back. Graymoor used to be her personal knight before he was inducted into The Six. With Her Majesty having such dangerous abilities, King Allen didn’t want his eldest daughter doing any kind of fighting. So, he appointed a young knight to accompany and protect her. Graymoor was chosen for the task and even though he was only sixteen at the time, he was more than capable of keeping thirteen year old Azhane on task.” Jordan explained, stroking his beard gently. Felicity looked surprised to hear this information, having had no idea this happened.

“Huh.. I guess that makes sense then. I always wondered why Her Majesty took such a liking to him. But, how did you know that?” She questioned with great curiosity.

“I’ve been in The Six for almost thirty years, dear. You come to know and see a lot of things when you get to be my age! If only you youngin’s knew all the things i’ve seen and heard.” Jordan added with a hefty laugh. Felicity shook her head, feeling annoyed by this old man’s banter and wanting him to stop talking.

Graymoor and Azhane arrived at the garden, shuffling slowly through the large entryway. The sun was beaming brightly and the air was incredibly crisp for this time of year. Despite it still being winter, the bushes and trees in the garden were still well kept. Azhane let go of Graymoor’s arm and braced herself against the banister of the balcony.

The balcony overlooked the fields of flora that extended as far as the eye could see, putting together a breathtaking view.

“Look at that view..” Azhane softly whispered as she admired the garden from a far.

“To think that this could’ve been taken away from us just a few weeks ago.. The thought pains me.” She added, gripping the banister tightly.

“Yes, you and everyone else fought valiantly to preserve it though. I'm sure the people of Volaire are thankful.” Graymoor responded warmly. Azhane didn't give him an immediate reply as she continued to look out in the distance.

“Graymoor, I heard that you stayed with me the whole time I was unconscious.” She said with a soft and appreciative tone.

“Ah yes, Your Majesty. I just did my duty as a knight. I refuse to let anyone bring harm to you.” He quickly replied.

“Just because it was your duty?... Disappointing..” Azhane sighed and muttered under her breath incredibly softly, not wanting to be heard.

“What was that, Your Majesty?” Graymoor asked, hoping she would speak up next time. Azhane turned around and gave Graymoor another smile.

“It’s nothing. I just want to thank you for everything, that’s all.” The wind blew in that moment and her short silver hair flowed to the side, showing both of her vibrant red eyes as her bangs danced in the air. Graymoor marveled at her beauty as he swiftly got on one knee, bowing his head to her.

“Your thanks is highly appreciated, Your Majesty!” He said loudly, showing the utmost respect to his Queen. She smiled and turned back around, admiring the view again while slowly gripping together a fist.

“When I get my power back, we’ll deal with Lumen and Arista. Their actions will not go unpunished..” She said after a brief silence, now sounding colder and changing the mood.

“What are you planning?” Graymoor asked with a curious tone, standing up from his knelt position.

“Oh, I have a few ideas. However, I definitely want to take a different approach this time. I just need the right personnel to get it done..” Graymoor looked confused by this statement as Azhane wore a slightly devious grin.

"The right personnel?" He questioned while she continued to look out in the distance.

"Yes. With 80% of the council abandoning me, it'll be difficult to take the steps necessary to retaliate. What I need is a personal aide of some sort. Someone that is loyal and capable enough to replace those that I've lost…"

"Hmm, I see. Do you have anyone in mind for such a position?" Graymoor tried to think of potential candidates, but to no avail he kept drawing a blank.

"Nope… not at all. That'll be a discussion for another day." After a brief pause, Azhane stepped back from the banister and walked towards Graymoor, slightly stumbling before he stabilized her.

“In the meantime, I want to hold a banquet to give thanks and celebrate all those that assisted in the war. Please inform Omar of my decision.” She said as she linked her arm with his again.

“Of course, Your majesty. I will do so after escorting you to your room.” Azhane nodded and the two carefully made their way out of the garden.