With the sun disappearing behind the kingdom walls, and below the horizon. Gwayn sat naked surrounded by several Blesseds. Even with several Blessed brands, nothing soothed, his wounded pride. Yamada didn't just win, he did so without any help. All the while testing his abilities. Gwayn made a fist, his face twisting into a furious scowl. How weak have I become? How reliant have I become on others to help fight my battles? Symtic and Surce paced nervously back and forth in the room. She chewed on her thumb nail. "How could you lose? You are the best! You're a Lockhart!" Symtic snapped. "The Islander was cheating. He's a Forsaken Knight." Surce said. "The wager is null." Gwayn spotted the Blesseds fidgeting uncomfortably around the conversation. He quickly dismissed them, and got dressed. "He beat me. There's no denying it." He said glumly. "NO!" Symtic shouted.
"We will not give up our damn positions, because that stupid boy was a monster. I will-" The door creaked open behind them. "You'll do what Commoner?" Irina asked. A smug smile stretched across her face. Symtic and Surce created a brand in each hand, scowling at her. She raised her hands into the air. "You really shouldn't be threatening, your new Queen." She chuckled. "You cheated! He cheated!" Surce yelled. Irina took a seat, crossing her legs. Leaning onto her palm, she let out an exasperated sigh. "I counted over ten Wind mages, and several Earth mages aiding in that little match. If anything you should be angry, at why Gwayn lost with so much help." Gwayn looked away, clenching his teeth. "IT doesn't matter. We're not giving up our positions as Monarchs." Symtic declared, sticking his chest out.
Irina tossed them their signet rings. It pinged off the ground, bouncing towards them. "If I wanted your positions. I would have taken them a long time ago. And decorated the front gate, by mounting both your heads." Irina snarled. An icy shiver ran down their spines, and a chill filled the room. She had never once spoken like this to them. "I want something else from you two. And if you want to keep your positions as Monarchs. You will take it." She said, leaning back. "What do you want?" Symtic asked. "Tomorrow at midday. In front of everyone. You will tell everyone the truth." She said walking to the door. "And what 'Truth' would that be?" Surce asked. "How you two have been, allied with Kal'Nar in destroying the Citadel, for over two decades." Irina said slamming the door behind her.
Gwayn's eyes bulged, his fists shaking. Rage, confusion, betrayal erupted inside of him. "Gwayn-" Surce said. "Is that true?" He growled, glaring up at them. "Irina doesn't-" Gwayn took a step forward. The two of them stumbled back. "We didn't kill anyone." Symtic said, raising his hands up. "We only sent Kal'Nar resources. I swear it." He reassured. Gwayn clasped his hand around Symtic's throat, raising him into the air. "The Silver City is to remain neutral and not take any sides! THAT IS THE LAW! Now you're aiding those who seek to harm my sister." Gwayn tossed him aside, storming out of the room. He jogged after Irina, strolling through the corridor. He spun her around, pinning her to the wall. "How long have you known?" Irina glanced up, taking a moment to ponder. "I would say from the beginning, but if you wanted a more exact time frame. It would be the moment Encara started to court the whore."
"Why haven't you done anything? You knew this whole time." He said glaring down at her. She gazed at him appalled, hand over her heart. "Why you make it sound like, I haven't done anything to help." "Have you?" He growled. "Follow me and find out." Gwayn hesitantly followed Irina down the tower of Asklepios. "Why are you bringing me down here? Just tell me what you've done to help." Irina sucked on her teeth, as they reached the stairwell. "You know, for all your talk of honour and being knightly. Yamada, the Forsaken Knight was never this rude or annoying." She said folding her arms. "My sister's life is in danger, and I'm wasting time with your flair for the dramatic." He growled. "She's been impaled repeatedly by Yamada. She'll live." Gwayn glared at her, letting out a low rumble. "If you insist on ruining my fun. I'll ruin your day further. Now, do you mind?" She asked, staring down at the pit. "This better be worth it, Irina. I am not fond of seeing where our kingdom's trash resides."
He created a Wind gate, and the two of them stepped on the gate, acting as a platform. They slowly descended further into the darkness. Gwayn scanned in the darkness, noticing there was no stench. Surely a place like this would have a putrid stench. Irina illuminated the darkness, with a small gate of Fire. "Where is all the waste?" Gwayn asked following Irina. She raised a finger to her lips. "Don't wake them. It's a hassle to put them to sleep." Gwayn anxiously followed Irina to the ledge, as she hurled her fireball into the air. It expanded into a bright flare, and the sight made Gwayn leap back. The den of drakens coiled upon each other, and the Silver Dragon sleeping upon its own platform. "What is this?" He hissed. "Those two created their army. I created mine." "How long have they been down here! Why wasn't I notified!" He shouted. The Silver Dragon perked up, letting out a low growl.
Gwayn took a step back creating a large Wind gate beneath him. The large beast, crawled towards them. Irina held her hand out. "He's not a threat." "It most certainly is!" Irina glared at him over her shoulder. "I wasn't speaking to you." Gwayn watched on confused and shocked, as the Silver Dragon, sat before her. "Did the stupid knight wake you?" Irina asked, imitating an infant. Gwayn let out an annoyed sigh. "Go back to sleep." She said softly. The Silver Dragon slithered back to its spot, and curled up. "What are you planning to do with this...army?" Gwayn quietly whispered. Scared to awaken the Silver Dragon. "As of right now, they're awaiting their alpha to give a order. So long as they hibernate, they don't need to eat. Nor do I have to worry about their defecation."
"Their alpha?" A sly grin stretched from ear to ear on Irina. "Yamada can control them? How?" He hissed. "The same way, he tamed you. Through raw dominance and power." He shot her a glower expression. She gently reached up, pinching his cheek. "Don't pout Gwayn. He'll be leaving tomorrow." He swatted away her hand. "To where? My sister sent him here to be safe. He can have anything he wants here. Men and women would kill to be in his position." "Why don't you ask. What would compel someone to undergo that ritual?" Gwayn went silent, pondering, what exactly would compel someone to doom themselves? Irina strolled back to the stairwell. "He seeks to destroy the man, who destroyed his life." "And who would that be?" "Begron Argul." Gwayn cackled. "Forsaken Knight or not. He won't defeat Begron. No one has come close to challenging him in decades." "Remind me, how were you introduced into your battle again?" Gwayn pursed his lips. "The Halcyon days are over Gwayn. Jux is changing, cogs have been set into motion, and Yamada is a force of nature that will reshape the world."
Yamada awoke in his room, to the sound of an incessant banging. He groaned, sitting up wincing at each bang. Yamada couldn't remember the last time he felt this exhausted. Even after drills with Harbinger, his body never ached like this before. "Yamada! Wake up!" Jacara called out. Why didn't he just open the door like everyone else. It's not like any of them had any boundaries. Yamada pulled off his blanket, hearing the fabric rip and tear across his body. He glanced to his body, hearing the peculiar noise. His eyes widened with fear, seeing his ribcage covered in slick scales, caught in the fabric. Yamada took a deep breath and calmed himself, forcing the scales to disappear. "YAMADA!" Jacara shouted through the door. "I'm coming!" Yamada called out, wiping his sweat and getting dressed. He opened the door forcing a calm smile. Ul'lanna and Jacara glared at him. "Did you not hear us?" They asked, making themselves comfortable.
"I was tired after the fight. Unless you forgot, I fought Gwyneth's brother." He said taking a seat. "Oh we didn't forget. Especially what you did afterwards." Ul'lanna said, smiling. Yamada shot her a confused glance. "I told you he wouldn't remember." Jacara said, sneering at Ul'lanna "Remember what?" Yamada said frowning. "What did I do?" "You seriously don't remember?" Ul'lanna asked. Yamada shook his head. "After you won. You stripped Gwayn naked, in front of everyone, and flew it towards Saira's workshop." Yamada instantly became flushed. Jacara covered his laugh. "Why don't I have any memory of doing that!?" He exclaimed, face red and body hot. The two of them shrugged at him, both at a loss for his actions. Yamada cringed, and shrunk in his chair. "You know, when most people want to sleep with twins. They're normally of the same gender." Jacara said, giggling to himself. Yamada shot him a scowl. "But I guess, you're into different things." "Shut up." He snapped.
Jacara reeled back in his seat, covering himself. "Such ferocity. Please don't ravage me Forsaken Knight." He said mimicking an effeminate voice. Ul'lanna giggled, as Yamada was egged on. Why couldn't he remember, what happened? What was the last memory he had? I threw him into the ground, and then?' The handmaidens brought in a lavish meal, of grilled meats, toasted breads and assorted fruits. Ul'lanna nibbled on each one and stuck with her eighth glass of shaved ice. Yamada was reserved as he ate, not his usual ravenous self. It concerned the two of them deeply. Something was bothering him. "Is everything okay?" Ul'lanna asked. He shook his head, snapping out of the daze. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired..." He trailed off, taking another bite. Yamada's mind was racing with another thought. How to say goodbye to these two, and Saira.
The doors creaking open caught their attention. Gwayn stood next to Irina, clad in a different set of armour. One that was rusted and dented in multiple places. "Forsaken Knight." He growled. "You should start calling me by name. We might be a family soon." Yamada jabbed. Ul'lanna and Jacara spat, and quickly covered their mouths. "Ha!" Irina cackled, slapping Gwayn's back. He let out a low growl, taking a seat and removing his helmet. "Enough of this. I'm here to discuss the safety of my sister. Elf woman!" His bark sent a jolt through Ul'lanna and she stood at attention. Everyone cocked an eyebrow at her. She went red and sat back down. A habit from her time in Kal'Nar's army. "How big is the army attacking the Citadel?" "One million soldiers, comprised up of Kal'Nar, Artaraxus and Tuskdran soldiers. They co-ordinated a joint attack, to slowly drain the Citadel of all its resources." Gwayn reeled back in his seat.
The room went quiet. Jacara and Yamada hadn't spoken of how they felt leaving the Citadel. "It's too late to help her." Yamada stood up and yanking Gwayn into the air, by his gorget. "If you think she's that weak. You should know, that you're a hundred times weaker than her." He growled. "My father and the other grand mages won't fall. He won't ever lose a fight." Jacara said standing up as well. Yamada tossed Gwayn back into his seat. "I never beat her once, in our sparring sessions. And if you really cared about her. You wouldn't be here." "By the time I march an army to the Citadel, months will have passed." "Then you should already be moving, and not whining to me." Yamada snapped.
Irina spotted the scales forming on the nape of Yamada's neck. "He's right Gwayn. Go mobilize the army. I need to speak with Yamada anyway. Let the Prince and Ul'lanna rest." "There's no point-" Irina shot him a smile, with terrifying presence behind it. "That was not a suggestion Gwayn. That was an order." She said politely. Her eerie smile made Gwayn slunk away. "If you two will excuse me, I must speak with Yamada." "Auntie Iri, we were kind of hoping to have Yamada around with us tonight. At least before the big banquet tomorrow night." Jacara said, bowing his head slightly. "I apologize my dear, but I will not keep him for long. I am simply giving him his reward, for winning my wager against your grandparents." She apologized pouting at him. As Yamada closed the doors on them, Ul'lanna opened her mouth to take another spoonful of her dessert.
She froze, eavesdropping on Irina and Yamada outside the door. "I had everything packed for your journey. Are you sure that you don't want me, to have someone join you?" "No, thank you. I'll be fine on my own." Yamada said. Their voices grew faint. "Are you alright?" Jacara asked. Ul'lanna noticed she had been frozen with her mouth ajar. "Yep, just fine. If you excuse me, I'll be right back." Ul'lanna rushed off. Jacara sat alone in the room, scanning the area, before pursing his lips to a line. Ul'lanna followed behind Irina and Yamada, keeping at least twenty metres between them. Enough distance to comfortably eavesdrop on them. "Are you sure there is nothing else I can do for you?" Irina asked. "There is something-" "What are you doing?" Gwayn asked from behind. "KYAH!" Ul'lanna leapt to her feet squealing. She quickly covered her mouth.
"Don't you know, you shouldn't sneak up on people like that." "Don't you know that you shouldn't be snooping on people like that?" Ul'lanna frowned at him. "I wasn't snooping." He gave her an incredulous glare. "Alright fine, I was snooping, but that's none of your business." "I'm the Monarch's guard. It is my business. Now go back." He ordered. "Fine, but you should know one thing. I've been with Yamada. Gwyneth definitely got impaled good." Gwayn raised his fists, and Ul'lanna scurried off. He sucked on his teeth. "You better be alive Gwyneth, when I get there." Yamada entered into Irina's room. She revealed a large throbbing scaled heart. Nearly the size of Yamada's torso. "Please help yourself. You've earned your reward." "I don't need it." "Have you been transforming without remembering?" Yamada froze.
Irina placed a hand over his heart. "You are at war with yourself Yamada. I see it inside of you." She took a seat in front of the large heart, gesturing for him to sit. "I don't know what you're talking about." He said shying away. "Jacara told me, that you become 'different' when you enjoy a fight." Yamada clenched his jaw. "But that's not true is it? You don't like being knightly do you?" Yamada was quiet. Irina smirked. "You aren't on Yamata anymore. You are not a knight sworn to protect others. You are the Serpent Knight. A Forsaken Knight born from hatred and vengeance. Stop lying about what you are Yamada, and be what you are." Yamada shot Irina a glance. "And what am I?" He asked. "What do you think you are?" She asked. Yamada stared at the thick scars on his knuckles.
Kapuna spent years instilling virtues into him. Treat others, the way they treated him. Respect those who you can learn from. Use your strength to protect, those who cannot. But to Yamada, nothing in this world, brought him more delight than winning a fight. The vibrations through his body with each strike, the taste of blood in his mouth, and the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. They made him feel alive. However his heart always sank and churned, whenever he saw, how Kapuna looked at him. That look of fear and unease, whenever he acted like himself. They way everyone scowled at his presence on Yamata. He looked up to Irina awaiting his answer. Yamada transformed his upper body, and shoved the scaled heart down his gullet. A surge of Arcane Energy rushed through his body, as a raging storm. He reverted back, losing his balance.
Yamada cracked a smile at Irina, and wiped his mouth of the blood. "I am Yamada Ken." He said confidently rising to his feet. "And it doesn't matter what I think I am. Or what others think I am. All that matters, is that I kill Begron." Irina gave him a proud smile. "Well then Serpent Knight. Shall I send the message?" Yamada gave her a sinister smile in response. "Kal'Nar will soon know what is coming for them." She said standing up. "Or rather, who is coming for them." As Yamada left to return to his room, Irina called out to him. He spun around to meet her warm smile. "I almost forgot my dear. Please have Gianni and Ambrose, fix you up before the banquet tomorrow." His joy disappeared instantly, and became mortified. "And before you say anything. You can either have them dress you. Or you can go naked." Yamada swore under his breath stomping off.
Ul'lanna stormed back into the room in a huff, slamming the door behind her. Saira and Jacara cocked an eyebrow at her. "Is something wrong?" Saira asked. Ul'lanna sat down frowning, crossing her arms. "Did Yamada say anything strange to you?" She asked. The two of them squinted at her. Ul'lanna realized her line of questioning was pointless. Yamada was always a strange one. "I mean, we don't really talk..." She trailed off, blushing as remembered Jacara sat across from her. "I mean, he's been MORE strange since we got here. If that's what you mean." Ul'lanna sucked on her teeth, pursing her lips to a line. "I mean even his armour changed. Which, I didn't even know was a thing." "Depictions of Forsaken Knights change all the time. The biggest theory from philosopher Sokra Pendragon, is that unlike us they never stopped evolving." Saira said casually sipping her drink.
Ul'lanna and Jacara shared a glance. "What?" Saira asked. "It had information about Forsaken Knight armour and weaponry." The two of them gave her a incredulous glare. "I was curious...I wanted to learn more about Yamada." She said glumly, dropping her head in defeat. The door swung open with Yamada, wearing a frown. He let out a sigh. "Alright, fine. Let's get this stupid thing over with." "Perfect." Jacara said leaping to his feet. "What's happening?" Saira asked. "Well as you know Saira. It's customary for knights to know how to dance with a lady. And with his victory of Gwayn-" "You're teaching him, how to dance!" Saira said filled with joy. Yamada let out a low growl, folding his arms. "Gwyneth already taught me how to dance." He pouted. "But she didn't teach you a banquet dance. Now Saira, if you wouldn't mind being his dance partner." Saira quickly rushed to Yamada, standing by his side with a big smile.
"Now, place your hand around her waist, and get ready to walk to my rhythm." Yamada followed his steps, and followed along perfectly. Everyone gave Yamada an impressed head nod. "I told you, she already taught me how to dance. Move your body to the rhythm, it's not hard." He sat himself down. Jacara held his hand out to Ul'lanna. "What?" she asked. "Well, you need to learn to." She giggled, and waved his hand away. "I already know how to dance." Ul'lanna lied through her teeth. She hoped that no one could feel the heat rising from her body. Ul'lanna knew she was hopeless, when it came to dancing or rhythm. It took her weeks to master basic marching drills. Months to learn basic formations. Dancing was a distant thought, and one, that she'd believe would never happen. "Yeah, I'm sure they were weird southern Elf dances." Jacara sniped. "Now, come on. Take my side." Ul'lanna held her head up high and proudly.
She took her a place next to Jacara, placing her hand over his back, grabbing his shoulder. Jacara wrapped his arm around her waist. And with great anxiety and stress, she head Yamada begin to clap the rhythm. The first step to dance was simple. Kick your leg out in sync, and simply walk forward. How hard could that be, she thought. Taking their first step, Ul'lanna swung her leg out too wide, sweeping Jacara off balance. He fell back cracking his head on the tiles, instantly curling into a ball, writhing in pain. Yamada broke out into his first genuine chortle, as Saira let out a yelp, and Ul'lanna winced. "That was amazing!" He bellowed, slapping his knee. Jacara sat up, rubbing the back of his sore head. "Was that a weird Elf dance move?" "Yes?" Ul'lanna lied, with a nervous smile. "You can't dance can you?" He asked. "I can dance...in my mind..." She trailed off. Jacara let out a sigh, rising to his feet. "Well, follow me. You're going to need a lot of work. And there's no point in learning in front of the prodigy of everything."
As soon as the doors shut behind Jacara and Ul'lanna. Saira planted a kiss on Yamada, surprising him. "Thank you." She said embracing him. "Oh, um..." "I would have liked to have raw materials to work with, but a girl can't complain." Saira snuggled closer to him. "I would have been here earlier, but I had to go visit a Blessed." She winced, massaging her arms. He looked at her puzzled. "Why? Did you cut yourself?" Yamada asked, inspecting Saira's body. She giggled, and pinched his cheek. "No silly, my arms and back ached." "But, everything should hurt." Saira gave him a incredulous stare. Yamada stood up, and carried Harbinger over to Saira. "When you move Arcane energy through your body. Start from your toes, all the way to your head. So you'll get stronger everywhere." He said waving Harbinger effortlessly.
"Then, after that you, surround the thing with your Arcane energy, which will naturally lift the metal." Yamada said momentarily making Harbinger float. He glanced back at Saira with her jaw gaping. "What?" She threw her hands into air confused. Did Yamada seriously not comprehend how much skill that would take? How many months. No years of practice it would take, to naturally manipulate Arcane energy flow through your body like that? She glanced at his scarred knuckles. 'Just how long did he train for?' Yamada gently planted Harbinger down and let out a yawn. "I'm going to go to sleep. Did you want me to walk you to your house?" Saira threw her hands up into the air frustrated, and leapt onto Yamada.
Under the bright moonlight, and dancing stars, Ul'lanna followed Jacara, to the top of Asklepios tower. She was enamoured by the breathtaking sight. The shadows of the mountain side, the twinkling candle lit streets. "Welcome to the head of Asklepios." Jacara said bowing to her. Ul'lanna nodded, finally understanding what they meant earlier. Ul'lanna noticed even with the dizzying height, the wind up here was so gentle. Her dress fluttered with the soft breeze. Jacara held out his hand. She kept her hand to herself. "Are you seriously, going to keep trying to teach me how to dance? After what I just did?" Jacara slapped a feather card onto himself. "Now, I won't fall instantly." He said with a smile. Jacara reached out his hand. Ul'lanna reached out to grab his hand. He took her hand, and wrapped the other around her waist. "I thought we were learning group dancing?" He shrugged. "We can do that later. I get the feeling you wanted to learn this kind of dance more." She smiled at him. He had completely read her mind.
"I don't know the steps to dance." She blushed. "Here rest your feet on top of mine, I'll leadAHH!" He shouted, feeling her toes dig into his feet. "Sorry!" She winced leaping back. He took a deep breath through his nose, and let out a long sigh. "It's fine. I should probably do this as well." He said, creating another feather card. Jacara planted it on Ul'lanna's arm. Her weight halved instantly. "Now, let's try that again." The two of started to rock and sway under the moonlight. Jacara jolted, as Ul'lanna rested her head onto his chest. "This is a better look for you." She said. "What do you mean?" He blushed. Ul'lanna could feel his heart pounding against his chest. "You were...you are an idiot." Jacara looked to sky in disbelief and confusion. "But, that's when you're not being yourself." She smiled, embracing him tighter. "I'm sorry for what I said to you. I was wrong about you. Please forgive me." "Um-uh-I-" Jacara stammered. "I'm so happy, I have you two in my life." She wept. Jacara felt his shirt becoming wet.
Jacara awkwardly reached his arm around, and patted Ul'lanna's head. She broke away, turning her back to him, quickly wiping her tears. "Sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me." She sobbed. The Silver City became a blur through her tears. "I didn't mean to make you cry." Jacara quickly apologized. She giggled, and sniffled. How could she explain to these two, what being here meant to her? A low born Elf, dancing with Prince Cagim, atop the throne of the Silver City. Befriending, the son of Encara, a prince of two kingdoms. An Islander that became the first Forsaken Knight to grace Jux in over eight millennia. How could anyone explain how overwhelming this all was? Jacara continued to stammer and fidget behind her. "Did you want me to get you a glass of shaved ice? I'll go wake the chef up. He has to listen to me." Ul'lanna shook her head, wiping her tears frantically. "I'll go get you a glass. What flavour? You know what? I'll get you all of them." Ul'lanna grabbed his sleeve as he tried to leave. "Stay." She whispered.
Jacara stepped in closer, wiping Ul'lanna's tears, with his thumb. He gazed into her emerald eyes glistening in the moonlight. Jacara's eyes shone even in the darkness. The two of them slowly started to learn into each other. Feeling each other's hot breath touch their skin. Ul'lanna felt like her heart was going to leap out of her chest. Jacara could feel his heart about to explode. His lungs had stopped. Both of them closed their eyes leaning in closer. A bright flash engulfed the night sky. Jacara quickly pulled away, covering Ul'lanna's ears. She pulled back looking at him baffled, as he winced shrugging his shoulders up. A deafening boom rung out, and Ul'lanna winced, quickly covering her ears. The Storm was approaching. Jacara pulled away, clutching his ears. He had pulled away to protect her sensitive ears to the Storm. "WE SHOULD GO BACK DOWN!" He shouted, startling her. His ears were clearly ringing, as he vigorously rubbed his ears.
Gwayn met Irina outside the Silver City. "What are you planning to show me?" He asked with a glower expression. "Must you be so curt? Can you not simply, indulge my whims once?" Gwayn rolled his eyes. "I need help, and I bet no 'one' could help me. Not even the great Irina Ishva." He said sarcastically. "Hmpf. You're grovelling could use some work." The two of them approached one of the Forks, gentle and calm. Gwayn was puzzled by the sight. "What happened to the Fork?" Irina smiled at him. "A peculiar thing happened a few days ago. A hunter and his wife, came running into the throne room, yelling a storm. Said someone fucked in his cabin, then destroyed it with Earth magic." Gwayn cocked an eyebrow at her. "He followed three sets of footprints leading to us, but lost them in the refuges." "Are you saying Yamada did this?"
"If the rumours from the Citadel are to believed. He has quelled the Maelstrom. To quell one of the Forks, does not seem out of the question." "Why are you showing me this?" Irina bent down and picked up two stones, handing one to Gwayn. She strolled over to the Fork, dropping her stone, with a gentle plop. "Now you do it." Gwayn hesitated. She was planning something, but it was best to not push it. He stood of the river, ready to drop his stone. "Stand in the Fork, and fill it with your Arcane Energy, as you do it." He squinted at her. She was definitely up to something. However she would not have brought him out here for no reason. Gwayn obliged wading out into the Fork, treading in the centre. He raised the stone high above his head, and gave her a sarcastic smile. What would filling the Fork with Arcane energy even do? Except for making a splash.
Gwayn was instantly whipped with the torrent of the Fork, returning to its normal speed. Irina broke out into a cackle, slapping her knee. Gwayn quickly leapt out of the Fork and crashed beside Irina. As he left, the Fork calmed again. "WHAT THE FUCK!?" He shouted, rising to his feet. "Why wouldn't you just tell me it did that!?" "Not as funny!" He growled at her, whipping water into her face. Her joy turned to annoyance in an instant. "What are you six?" "48 actually." He snapped. "Well since you want to go and ruin all my fun. This is the answer to your problem." "What do you mean?" Irina dipped her toe into the edge of the Fork, and filled it with her Arcane energy. The Fork returned to its raging state for a second and calmed as she removed her foot. "Yamada has unknowingly opened the fastest and greatest trade route, between the Silver City and the Citadel ever."
Gwayn felt his skin bump. "The Forks have long since been obstacles throughout Jux. Separating kingdoms and their armies. But now, the Silver City has access to the only direct trade route to the Citadel." "Please don't tell me, you're suggesting that-" "Prepare your best men, and your stomach Gwayn. You will be the first men and women to sail a Fork." "Don't be ridiculous!" He bellowed, raising his arms into the air. "If the mathematicians are correct, and you paced your Arcane energy accordingly. You could reach the Citadel in a week." Gwayn froze, staring back at the tranquil Fork. "What if we didn't pace ourselves?" Irina smirked. "About two days. Although I can't guarantee, you'll be in fighting shape." "I'll be ready to fight. How long till the ship is made?" Irina tossed a fireball into air, revealing thirty men, dragging a large sailing ship towards the Fork. "You just wanted to see me scared in the Fork, didn't you?" Irina snickered. "If I could use Enk magic, I would frame that face you made. You looked like a child being scolded for the first time." Gwayn let out low growl, as she walked away giggling.