Under the moonlit sky, the white strands of hair gleamed against the dark blue surface of the ocean. Standing on the prow of the ship, Ash closed her eyes, embracing the cool breeze that rushed against her face with the ship's speed. The night was filled with silence and mystery; only the gentle hum of the waves and the sound of the ship slicing through the water could be heard.
The moonlight dancing on the surface of the sea added a mystical glow to Ash's hair, creating a white line that sparkled on the dark water. The moon, journeying alone across the sky, formed a bridge between the sea and the heavens. Stars scattered above completed this magical night with their tiny glimmers.
As Ash stood at the prow of the ship, she felt the refreshing coolness of the wind against her face. With her eyes closed, she allowed the breeze to sweep her hair back. The rhythmic movements of the waves and the ship's rustling brought her a sense of peace. This moment was both exhilarating and calming.
The wooden deck of the ship gently trembled as it moved forward. Under Ash's feet, the salty scent of the sea and the humid air created by the crashing waves were palpable. The ship's sails, taut with the wind, were filled with power, and Ash relished in the strength and speed of the vessel.
This journey was a quest for Ash. When she closed her eyes, she was alone with the melody of the sea and the wind. Tonight, as she sailed across the ocean, she felt a profound connection with the magnificent power and beauty of nature.
From a distance, the ship and Ash appeared as a solitary point illuminated by the moonlight on the vast ocean. The white strands of her hair continued to shine on the surface of the water, and with each passing minute, Ash's sense of the unknown grew stronger. The magical union of the sea and sky this night touched the hearts of everyone on board, including the soldiers, Aery, and Ely.
Ely, drawn by the serene beauty of the moment, extended her hand towards Ash from behind. Just as her fingers were about to touch her sister's shoulder, she hesitated, not wanting to disturb the delicate scene. Instead, she silently watched her, Ash's arms open wide, embracing the icy air, her hair dancing in the breeze.
One of the soldiers, wanting to immortalize the moment, reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil. Amidst the astonished looks and murmurs of his comrades, he began sketching Ash's silhouette as she stood on the prow. Beneath the drawing, he carefully inscribed a few words.
When Ely noticed the situation, she quietly moved behind the soldier, peeking over his shoulder to see what he was drawing. Unable to contain herself, she began to laugh, her eyes watering from the intensity of her mirth. Her laughter echoed as she made her way toward Aery.
When Ely reached Aery, who was leaning against the wooden railings of the ship, gazing out at the sea, she spoke with a cheerful tone. "Hey, do you see this?"
"Someone is finally regaining his old popularity," she said. While talking, Ely playfully pushed Aery, causing him to lose his balance momentarily. However, Aery quickly regained his footing and turned to Ely.
"I guess you're right. I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it to be so soon," Aery sighed before walking over to the soldier who was writing, his eyes then focusing on Ash.
As Ash embraced the cold wind, her cloak and hair billowed, and the salty scent of the sea was palpable everywhere. The soldier approached Ash, feeling inspired by her resolute stance and the deep expression on her face. He reached into his chest pocket, pulling out a notebook and pen. Thoughtfully, he began to jot down Ash's image and the atmosphere around her.
Aery spent several minutes talking to the soldiers, explaining the intricacies of swordsmanship while skillfully demonstrating the moves. The soldiers watched Aery's every move intently, each of them eager to understand and replicate the techniques being shown.
On the ship's deck, another soldier was attempting to do something with gunpowder, resulting in small explosions and eliciting laughter from the others, creating an atmosphere of amusement. As the sound of the explosions echoed across the deck, Aery's strong and determined voice rose above the noise. "A warrior's sword is not just a weapon; it is a part of them. You must feel it, become one with it," he said, deftly swinging his sword.
The soldier next to Aery drew his own sword and stepped in front of him, assuming a determined stance. "One day, I will surpass you, Commander," he declared, his eyes shining with resolve. He then focused and attempted the move, but failed, losing his balance and falling to the ground. Undeterred, he got up and tried again, repeating the move hundreds of times until he was too exhausted to stand.
Aery bent down to the soldier's level and slapped him hard. "Is this all you can do? How dare you call yourself a soldier? Get up and train until you drop dead, or are you just an ordinary fool who can't handle it?" Aery's stern voice echoed across the deck, drawing the attention of the other soldiers.
The soldier, clutching his stinging cheek, stood up with fury in his eyes, locking gazes with Aery. His anger and determination were palpable. "I will be waiting for the day I kill you, Commander," he growled.
Aery rose from his crouch and began to applaud the soldier. "I'll be waiting for that. Now, show me what you can do; we're just getting started," he said.
Inspired by Aery's harsh words and slap, the soldier's determination and persistence in practicing his sword movements became a source of inspiration for the other soldiers. Motivated by this moment, the soldiers on the deck began training with renewed vigor, their dedication evident in the shocked expressions of the rebels watching them. This intense training continued until dawn, becoming a testament to the discipline and resolve aboard the ship.
Following Aery's directives, the soldiers moved in unison, practicing their sword techniques with meticulous attention to detail. Every corner of the deck resonated with the sounds of military training and preparation.
Meanwhile, Ash and Ely stood side by side at the prow of the ship, taking in the salty sea air and the cool breeze. Ely rested her head on Ash's shoulder, peacefully gazing out at the sea. Ash, drawing strength from Ely's presence, tried to quell the strange emotions stirring within him.
As the darkness of the night gradually gave way to the first light of dawn, Ash and Ely savored this tranquil moment. Ely held Ash's hand and hugged him tightly, continuing to silently gaze into the endless expanse of the ocean. This moment was a rare respite for both of them amid the uncertainties and hardships of war.
Sitting side by side at the prow, Ash and Ely brought a sense of calm to the ship's deck. Ash's gentle and protective behavior toward Ely had not gone unnoticed by the soldiers. They watched with curiosity as their typically stern and authoritative leader displayed such a soft and tender demeanor.
"How can such a strict and disciplined leader be so gentle and caring?" whispered conversations filled the air, sparking various questions in the minds of the soldiers.
Some soldiers wondered if there was another reason behind Ash's gentle behavior towards Ely. A side of Ash's character that had never been seen before was now on display, leading to curiosity and confusion among the soldiers.
However, everyone around Ash understood that this behavior revealed a unique bond he had formed. The deep trust and love he had for Ely exposed the softer side hidden behind his determined and stern exterior. The soldiers deeply trusted Ash's leadership and respected the multifaceted nature of his character.
As dawn broke, Ash and Ely sat together at the prow of the ship. The first light of the day bathed the surface of the sea in a golden glow. Ely, exhausted, had closed her eyes and rested her head on Ash's lap. Ash gently cradled Ely's head, stroking her hair and caressing her in a soothing manner. Ely's serene demeanor created a tableau of tranquility amidst the silence of the sea.
**On the Deck:**
The soldiers observed the scene with great interest. A group of them watched in astonishment as Ash, who was typically known for his stern and resolute demeanor, displayed such gentleness and softness.
"It's truly surprising to see the Princess being so tender," one soldier remarked as he saw Ely sleeping in Ash's lap. "Usually so cold and distant, but here, she shows an entirely different side."
"Yes, it's definitely odd," another soldier agreed, shaking his head. "The Princess is treating Ely with such tenderness. It's a topic that will be talked about among the soldiers. Who is Ely to bring out such a soft side of the Princess?"
Another soldier wondered what could be behind this display of softness from such a stern leader. "We don't know much about the Princess's past. But every leader has a mystery. Understanding how the leader could show such a gentle side might reveal a deep history and an internal journey."
Another soldier pondered, "In the midst of war, what does this search for comfort and tranquility mean? The Princess's inner world might carry a depth that could guide us in battle."
Aery, at the rear of the ship, was surrounded by several intriguing soldiers and agents. Reviewing their maps and tactical documents, he began to teach new techniques to the military unit. His powerful and resolute voice resonated through the training grounds.
"These techniques could determine the outcome of the war," Aery said, demonstrating with his sword. "Every move should be a response to the enemy's actions. You must be slow, deliberate, and precise."
A soldier attempted to replicate the technique Aery had demonstrated but failed. "But Commander, I couldn't get the move right," he said anxiously.
Aery approached the soldier with a calm demeanor, fixing him with a steady gaze. "Try again. Every failure is part of learning. You need to work to perfect these moves. Success is for those who do not give up."
As the first light of dawn gently touched the sea, Ely suddenly awoke, collapsing into Ash's lap. Her eyes opened wide with despair and fear within moments. It was as if she had awoken from a nightmare, her sobs quickly escalating into intense crying. Ely's small frame shook, trembling with her sobs.
Ash, deeply concerned, held Ely close and began to speak to her gently. His voice carried a profound sense of love and protective longing. Embracing her tightly, he stroked her head soothingly.
"Ely, calm down. You're here, you're safe. Everything will be alright, believe me."
Yet, Ely continued to cry through her tears. Ash's soothing words did little to alleviate her pain. Between her sobs, Ely began to recount the traumas and sorrows of her past.
"They… always left me alone… in the castle… I was left alone. They… my loved ones… they were all killed. The isolation in the castle… was an endless darkness… Every day… every night… alone, helpless… I waited for a glimmer of hope. No help… no one… came to save me…"
Ash's eyes were deeply moved by Ely's suffering. The horror of Ely's past traumas gripped Ash's heart, triggering a growing anger and desire for revenge. The weight of Ely's loneliness and pain made Ash even more resolute. Gently stroking Ely's head, he spoke with a determined voice.
"Ely, what you've endured… tells me so much. The pain you suffered in that castle… the fear and isolation they inflicted on you… It affects me deeply. I promise you, I will root out their bloodlines, their very existence. No one… no one will ever leave without paying for what you've endured."
As Ely's tears continued, the anger and determination on Ash's face became more pronounced. Holding her close, his eyes hardened with resolve. Each word reflected the fury and desire for vengeance burning within her.
"I will make them pay for the pain you endured, for the suffering you experienced. I will never forget those dark days… those moments of loneliness. I will root out every last one of them, erase them from the face of the earth. For what you've been through… I will take my revenge."
On the ship's deck, Ash's vow created a profound silence. The connection between Ely's trauma and Ash's desire for revenge permeated the entire atmosphere. The soldiers observed this emotional moment in silence, witnessing Ash's resolve in leadership and his effort to understand Ely's pain.
As the morning light gradually spread across the deck, Ely's crying began to subside, though her eyes remained filled with tears. Ash held her, trying gently to soothe her, but the deep pain and fear within Ely were too great to be easily assuaged.
As Ely's sobs intensified, Ash's eyes filled with profound compassion and sorrow. Gently stroking Ely's head, he spoke in a voice that was almost a whisper. "Ely, I understand you. I wasn't there for you in the past. I left you alone, but now I am here. I am by your side now."
Ely buried her tear-streaked face in Ash's chest. Her sobs gradually lessened. "But this pain… this loneliness… what I went through… it feels like it will never end."
Ash tightened his embrace, holding her even closer. "I know, Ely. The pain can be very deep and frightening. But I promise you, what happened in the past will not affect your future. I will avenge the suffering you've endured. No one will ever cause you such pain again."
Ely, still tearful, rested her head against Ash's chest. "But how will you do that? How will you erase such immense pain?"
Ash took a deep breath and rested his head against Ely's hair. "This is not just your battle, but mine as well. I will seek vengeance for everything. I will hold accountable all that has happened in the past, your suffering… everything. What you've endured is only the beginning. I will wipe that pain from the world and bring justice for you."
Ely felt a slight relief from Ash's resolute words, though she continued to cry. "Thank you, Ash. Being with you eases some of the pain I've endured. But this revenge… how will it come about?"
Ash gently tightened his embrace and lifted his gaze with deep determination. "This revenge will be for you and for the other victims from the past. It's not just about you, but about justice for all the suffering endured. I will eradicate their bloodlines and end your pain."
The other soldiers on the deck watched this emotional moment with their eyes. Many silently reflected on the pain Ash and Ely were experiencing. Whispers began among a group of soldiers:
The first soldier said, "Ash's vow for such deep revenge shows how profound Ely's suffering is. The dark days of the past are affecting the present situation."
Another soldier nodded, "Yes, Ash's resolve also reflects his own past traumas. This is part of the pain and struggle they've both endured."
Aery approached Ash and Ely, nodding with a supportive look. "Ash, Ely, I understand the weight of what you've endured. But these moments shape not just the past but also the future. By growing stronger together, we will illuminate these dark times. What you and Ely have faced is also part of our struggle."
Ash gave a cold glance at Aery's support but nodded in agreement. As Ely rested comfortably in Ash's arms, she saw a glimmer of hope as the dark shadows of the past slowly began to lighten. Ash embraced Ely, saying, "We will make this journey together. We will overcome the pains of the past and step into a brighter future. This is our fight, and you will not be alone in it."
Ely felt more secure with Ash's words. The anger and pain within her slowly gave way to hope and trust. Ash's strong and compassionate support filled both Ely and the other crew members with a new sense of hope for the future.
Ely felt a slight relief from Ash's resolute words, though she continued to cry. "Thank you, Ash. Being with you eases some of the pain I've endured. But this revenge… how will it come about?"
Ash gently tightened his embrace and lifted his gaze with deep determination. "This revenge will be for you and for the other victims from the past. It's not just about you, but about justice for all the suffering endured. I will eradicate their bloodlines and end your pain."
The other soldiers on the deck watched this emotional moment with their eyes. Many silently reflected on the pain Ash and Ely were experiencing. Whispers began among a group of soldiers:
The first soldier said, "Ash's vow for such deep revenge shows how profound Ely's suffering is. The dark days of the past are affecting the present situation."
Another soldier nodded, "Yes, Ash's resolve also reflects his own past traumas. This is part of the pain and struggle they've both endured."
Aery approached Ash and Ely, nodding with a supportive look. "Ash, Ely, I understand the weight of what you've endured. But these moments shape not just the past but also the future. By growing stronger together, we will illuminate these dark times. What you and Ely have faced is also part of our struggle."
Ash gave a cold glance at Aery's support but nodded in agreement. As Ely rested comfortably in Ash's arms, she saw a glimmer of hope as the dark shadows of the past slowly began to lighten. Ash embraced Ely, saying, "We will make this journey together. We will overcome the pains of the past and step into a brighter future. This is our fight, and you will not be alone in it."
Ely felt more secure with Ash's words. The anger and pain within her slowly gave way to hope and trust. Ash's strong and compassionate support filled both Ely and the other crew members with a new sense of hope for the future.
Aery overheard the soldiers' conversation and approached them, joining the discussion. "Understanding Ash's behavior isn't easy. His past, the pain he's endured, and his current tenderness towards Ely reflect a deep personal struggle that affects each of us. Ash's sudden change reveals the turmoil and emotional intensity within him. These moments are part of not only his individual struggle but also our collective fight."
One soldier, listening intently, remarked, "So, Ash's gentle demeanor is not just for Ely, but also tied to his own inner battles. His past pain may be influencing his current behavior."
Aery nodded. "Yes, past sufferings sometimes reveal themselves in the most unexpected ways. Ash's current state shows he has a complex and profound character. It opens a window into his past and helps us understand how he copes with his difficulties."
As Ely's hiccups gradually subsided, the deep compassion and support Ash showed her sparked a quiet curiosity and admiration among the soldiers. Ash's sudden shift in demeanor had stirred various emotions and thoughts among the crew, leaving a profound impact on everyone.
As Ash continued to embrace and support Ely, others reflected on how the dark shadows and emotional burdens of the past could dramatically influence the present, trying to grasp the complexity and depth of what Ash and Ely had experienced.