"So, what happened?" Marshy said, sitting with her legs crossed in a chair, and Kael alongside Ryne stood side by side in front of her.
Kael said, "I fought a mythic bear."
"Lies."
Ryne thought, 'After I saved Lila, Jorin, and the other kids and took them back, I forgot I had to come up with an excuse just in case Marshy saw something suspicious, and I should've had Kael wash up from all the blood stains!'
Marshy pulled out Shadowren, pointing it at Ryne, saying, "What happened?"
Ryne squealed, hiding behind Kael.
Marshy exclaimed, "DON'T BE SUCH A WIMP NOW!" She then continued, "I can smell it on Kael. He's been fighting, and there's another odd scent."
Kael replied, "I fought a bear in a mushroom field."
"Mind showing me where it is?" Marshy smiled in a scary way, making Kael and Ryne think at the same time, 'She's scary..'
Ryne then said, "Do not worry, Marshy. Kael enjoyed himself, and saved a couple of new friends from a weak wild bear."
Marshy looked at Ryne, then back at Kael, then back at Ryne, then back at Kael, then over and over she repeated this process until she sighed.
"Did you really have fun, Kael?"
Kael grinned, "I did."
"Fuck. Alright. I know how much all of this means to you, we haven't had a good break in 2 years, so consider this vacation." Marshy then looked at Ryne fast, making him hide behind Kael again.
Marshy said, "Thank you for taking him around. Even though I shall give you nothing as a reward."
"YOU SNAKE!"
"HAHAHA!"
"But, my duty is to uphold the tranquility of this kingdom. And as a knight captain, a role I yearned for since I was a child, I must honor the covenant I made with my parents."
"How sweet. Anyways—."
"AT LEAST ACT LIKE IT WAS HEARTWARMING!"
"Nah, I'm not sentimental like that. Anyways, we'll get dressed into these odd garments you've given us."
"These are not ODD garments, they're tailor made by the finest tailors of the lands."
"Mhm mhm sure."
"I'll come back in a few, and I'll guide you to the palace."
"Thank you, servant."
"I'M NOT YOUR SERVANT!"
"Mhm mhm sure."
After Ryne left, it was just Kael and Marshy together.
Marshy asked Kael, "Nothing happened, right?"
Kael nodded up and down slowly.
Marshy continued, taking her clothes off as her back was to Kael, and his back was pointed towards her, "You don't have to be scared to tell me anything, you know that right?"
"Yeah I know."
"What are you afraid of?"
Kael thought, 'Losing what makes me happy I guess.'
But out his mouth spoke, "I'm not afraid of anything."
'I don't want to be pitied.' His thoughts continued.
Marshy had thoughts of when she was with her old family, how she would talk to her son the same way, and he always smiled and said nothing was wrong, and that he wasn't afraid of anything. She often thought of what she could say to make them really speak their mind, but it was a difficult task.
As they were getting dressed, Marshy asked, "So you like this place?"
Kael responded with a smile, "I do. It's amazing."
"Hope you know what they want from us right? You can see it?"
"They want to use our power."
"Good, you're on the right track."
"Does that mean…we'll have to leave?"
"….I haven't come to that decision yet. But there's many reasons why that decision would be on the table."
'Fuck. What am I saying? If I plant that seed in his head that we won't stay here…then..'
Kael replied, "It's fine, Marshy. Duty calls, as you always say."
Marshy thought, 'This kid…even at the age of 14, he's very aware. He's trying to hold in his disappointment.'
At that moment, a piece of paper hit the back of Kael's head, and Marshy said, "Don't be so down, we won't be leaving for a while. Only because I think these people can get me closer to the Dark Trio. We've been running in circles for the past 2 years,"
Kael smiled, turning around, "You mean that?"
"Hell yeah. Since when have I lied?"
"Well..you won't tell me what you did for everyone to call you a villain."
"It's better that way, brat. And it's too long of a story and I'll get lazy just trying to talk about it."
Marshy walked over to Kael, seeing he was fully dressed nicely, and she fixed his collar, saying. "You look great, pup. Used to seeing you all bloody and clothes ripped to shreds."
"You too."
"Let's go then, let's get this out of the way. Ryne should be outside."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the kingdom of Gloomhaven, the air crackled with anticipation for the evening's grand banquet. Kael and Marshy, dressed for the occasion, awaited their carriage outside the quaint lodging that Ryne had arranged for them.
The carriage, drawn by a pair of majestic silver horses, arrived with Ryne at the reins. He wore a uniform that was a sharp contrast to his usual attire, looking every bit the part of a distinguished coachman.
"Okay let's go." Ryne said.
Kael was the picture of youthful exuberance, his outfit meticulously chosen for this special night. He donned a midnight blue velvet jacket over a crisp white shirt, the collar embroidered subtly with silver threads. His trousers matched the dark tones of his jacket, and polished black boots completed his ensemble. His eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting his eagerness for the evening ahead.
Marshy, in contrast, exuded a serene elegance, her gown flowing around her in waves of deep emerald. The dress cinched at her waist before cascading to the ground in soft folds, catching the light with every step she took. Her hair was pulled back in a sophisticated updo, a few curls artfully framing her face. Despite her outward appearance, her eyes held a touch of reluctance, a subtle hint to her dislike for these social gatherings.
Ryne saw Marshy, and said, "You look…"
Marshy tilted her head, "What? Ugly?"
"No. You look amazing."
Marshy looked away, "W-Well of course I do!"
'If he compliments me out of nowhere like that I'll kill him easily.'
As the carriage rolled through the cobblestone streets towards the palace, the city of Gloomhaven unfolded in celebration. Lanterns hung from the balconies, and the air was filled with the melodious sounds of night minstrels.
The palace itself was a vision, lit from grounds to gables, with vibrant banners of Gloomhaven and their allies from the Kingdom of Solthra hung in solidarity. The entrance was a flurry of activity as nobles from both kingdoms mingled, their voices a pleasant hum of various accents and languages.
Kael stepped out of the carriage first, offering his hand to assist Marshy. His face lit up with awe as he took in the sight of the palace. Ryne followed, securing the carriage before joining them.
The trio made their way to the grand hall, where the banquet was to be held. Voices filled the air, the clinking of glasses punctuating the symphony of greetings and laughter. Kael's enthusiasm seemed to only grow, and he occasionally tugged at Marshy's arm, pointing at the lavish decorations and the array of guests.
Marshy maintained a poised facade, her smile practiced yet charming. As they walked, they passed groups of nobles engaged in conversation. One such group consisted of the Duke of Easthollow and his family, discussing recent trade agreements with a family from Solthra.
"The silks from Solthra have never been finer," one noble was overheard commenting, "and with the new trade routes, the quality and quantity have increased twofold."
Another group conversed about the latest technological advances in mining from the Cliffs of Tarn. "The gem extraction has become less perilous with the introduction of the Gilden drills," a gentleman explained to a captive audience.
Marshy and Kael found themselves momentarily alone as Ryne excused himself to speak with a fellow servant. Kael's eyes were wide with wonder, taking everything in. "Imagine the adventures these people must have, Marshy! Just listening to them makes me want to explore every corner of the world!"
Marshy nodded, her expression unchanged but her mind racing to keep up with the diplomatic nuances being exchanged around her. "Pretty cool right?"
"Yeah!"
As they ventured deeper into the banquet hall, a noble from the northern territories of Windmoor approached them, intrigued by the stories of Kael and Marshy's recent exploits. "Ah, the young heroes who faced the vicious tribe!" he exclaimed with a booming voice. "What tales you must have!"
Marshy forced a smile, her laughter strained as she recounted their adventure, glossing over the grim details and focusing on their victory. Kael, on the other hand, delivered a dramatic retelling, his hands animatedly punctuating each phase of their journey.
"Our strength comes from unity," Marshy added, a rehearsed line that seemed to satisfy the noble, who nodded appreciatively and raised his glass to them. "Then, we brutally slaughtered them and their god into a grotesque plate of shit."
The group laughed, and Marshy laughed awkwardly, saying to Kael, "They actually laughed at that?"
Kael shrugged.
Marshy looked away, and she saw princess Elara, she was leaning against the stand outside on the balcony, just looking out in the distance, saying to herself, "This is so boring."
At that moment, a boy her age with blonde hair and dark green eyes walked up and asked her, "Good evening my beautiful future wife! How has your day been going?"
"Fuck off."
"Ohhh, playing hard to get, huh? You know we're destined to be after your father made a deal with my father, king Xeander."
"Yeah without my permission. I don't like you prince Erren, or anyone. You're stuck up, arrogant, and prideful. I see how you talk about everyone."
"Hey..quit with that. If we're gonna be together forever, we have to get along."
"No."
At that moment, Kael walked past them, and Elara's attention went directly towards him, her eyes lighting up. She immediately got away from Prince Erren, and went to Kael.
"Kid." She said to Kael, and Kael stopped, turning all the way around.
Elara checked out Kael, seeing he was dressed nice, a complete contrast of when she saw him covered in blood and dirt.
Prince Erren walked to them, his eye twitching with a smile, "W-What's this?" His two goons came behind him, saying:
"She's talking to another boy?"
"Oh that's taboo."
Elara responded, "Hop off." She then turned back to Kael, saying, "You look…neat."
Kael looked at Marshy, and Marshy gave him a thumbs up. Kael looked back at Elara, saying, "You look stunning."
Elara, becoming flustered with her cheeks red, said, "Tch! Do you even mean that?"
Kael nodded up and down, "Mhm."
Erren scoffed, "HOW COME WHEN SHE GOT A COMPLIMENT FROM HIM, SHE SUDDENLY SEEMS INTERESTED?!"
His goons added:
"Yeah!"
"She's siding with a Viking…disgusting."
Elara said to Kael, "Ignore them. They're annoying."
Kael asked, "Do you have to marry him?"
"Sadly yes when I'm 18, but until then I'm gonna be working my ass off to not let that happen. Even if I have to run away as a last resort."
"I'm…I'm counting on you! You can do it!" Kael smiled nervously.
Then he thought, 'Did I say that right?'
Elara froze, she couldn't say anything, she didn't know what to say.
Erren scoffed, "He left her speechless?! I'll kill this Viking brat!"
Kael looked at Erren and his goons, giving a menacing stare, "What happened?"
Erren stood back, saying, "Haha…haha…you don't scare me. I challenge you to a duel!"
Kael replied, "No."
"You said no to me? Royalty? You're a mere Viking."
"A viking who can kill you."
Elara grabbed Kael's wrist, leading him outside, saying, "Come on. Let's go outside."
"Okay."
Erren and his goons followed, "I'm coming too!"
Even as the banquet gradually continued not everyone was engrossed in the festivities. Tucked away in a quieter corner of the opulent hall, three distinct figures stood in sharp contrast to the revelry around them. These were captains of the Gloomhaven army battalions, each marked by their peculiar personalities and unique styles.
Captain Chaos of the magic weapon battalion leaned against the wall, his posture relaxed yet his eyes sharp, scanning the crowd through a sleek, obsidian mask that covered half his face. His dark hair flowed back from his forehead in a sleek wave, and the subtle gleam in his eye matched the silver embroidery on his midnight black uniform. A cunning smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he observed the nobles, calculating and scheming silently.
Beside him, Captain Helmut of the summoning battalion seemed almost out of place with his sleepy demeanor. He was bundled up in a large, cozy blanket that clashed with the formal attire of those around him. His raccoon fur hat sat askew on his head, covering droopy eyes that often fluttered closed. Yet, there was a certain lazy confidence about him, his casual indifference serving as his armor against the world's demands. His hair was dark orange, and his eyes a dark red with red vine tattoos under his eyes.
Standing slightly apart from them was Captain Belle, the proud leader of the healers' battalion. She was a striking figure; her armor was less militaristic and more regal, fitted perfectly to her form and gleaming with hues of royal blue and gold. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, swaying gently as she moved. Her chin was perpetually tilted upwards, a clear reflection of her arrogance and pride.
"Observing your prey, Chaos?" Belle's voice cut through the low hum of the banquet, sharp and clear.
Chaos's smirk widened as he turned towards her, his voice muffled slightly by his mask. "Merely admiring the... landscape of potential that unfolds before us. Tell me, Belle, does your esteemed healing touch extend to curing the disease of stupidity among these aristocrats?"
Belle snorted, her eyes narrowing. "If that were the case, I would have started with you long ago," she shot back, her tone dripping with disdain.
Helmut, roused slightly from his half-slumber, chuckled lowly. "Children….children," he drawled, his voice lazy yet carrying an underlying strength. "Must we always spar like cats and dogs? Tonight is a feast…after all. Even warriors can enjoy the spoils of….peace."
"Helmut, your idea of enjoying the spoils is sleeping through them," Chaos retorted, his gaze never leaving the crowd. His eyes flicked over to Kael and Marshy, noting their interactions. "Take the young heroes, for instance. Marshy carries shadows in her smile—doesn't trust easily, very interesting. And the boy, Kael, his eyes are alive with the hunger for adventure. He's strong."
Belle followed his gaze, her lips curling slightly. "Amateurs," she scoffed. "Although, their raw talent is...unrefined but potent. From what I've heard. I wanna see more of their power."
Helmut yawned, adjusting his hat. "Potency is nothing without control. But what do I know? I'm just the sleepy…summoner."
"As if your beasts didn't nearly trample the kings gardens last summer," Belle quipped.
Helmut's response was a mischievous grin. "A…perfect example of controlled chaos."
"Speaking of chaos—" Chaos started, but was suddenly interrupted by Belle.
"Save your plots for another day, snake," she warned, her tone playful yet threaded with seriousness. "Tonight, we dance the dance of diplomacy and dullness."
"Awww, always so serious."
At that moment, Ryne approached them, saying, "Guys."
"Ohhh, look who showed up…the bearer of bad newsss."
"As a knight captain, it is my duty to deliver any news."
Belle replied, "It is good that you are serious about your duty. As I am."
Helmut yawned, "I mean…do you two ever have fun…? Act like that kid Kael…"
Belle then asked, "Yeah, you were with him and his mother. What are they like?"
Ryne responded, "They are not related. Also, Marshy is the cold one, she doesn't care about what you have to say she'll just curbstomp you, but she's caring for the boy. And Kael…he's like new when I was a kid. Always wanting adventure and something to make us a little happy."
Chaos smirked, "Tch. If that's the case, if he grows up like you, then that's bad. But still…I wanna test his power to the fullest…it's been awhile since I've been this excited."
Belle said to Chaos, "Do not be mean, Chaos."
Helmut said, "Are they hunting…the Dark Trio: The Judge, Jury, and Executioner..?"
Ryne nodded, "So you've heard then."
Chaos chuckled, "That's impossible. There've been many mages who tried to attack them for revenge on their judged loved ones, but they've all failed. Even though I was on the path of vengeance, seeing how impossible it was…I gave up. I wonder what they're story is."
Helmut raised his hand in a tired way, "All in favor…of testing the boy Kael raise your hand.."
Chaos and Belle raised their hands.
Ryne said, "Most likely the king and queen would want to have them on our side during the war, so testing them on the training ground would be good."
Ryne thought, 'I also want to see the limit of Kael and Marshy's magic.'
Chaos said to Ryne with a cunning smile, "About those things you encountered earlier, the Myconid Revenants. After you brought me a sample of their blood, I got everything I needed. They adapt to their enemies, and if they're killed by them, they develop an enhancement that can counter what killed them before. That's all the Blood Orb revealed, nothing else. Oh wait..they can turn invisible as well, and if what you said about them was true about what they said to you, then if they're with Dungr, that's an issue."
Among the illustrious crowd, diplomats from the allied kingdom of Solthra mingled with Gloomhaven's elite. Their conversation was a soft hum, punctuated by the occasional hearty laugh or the clink of a toast. News of skirmishes on the borders, trade agreements, and harvest yields wove through the chatter, all overshadowed by the impending threat from the kingdom of Dungr.
At the head table, King Aldred of Gloomhaven, a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence, adjusted his heavy gold crown. Beside him, Queen Seraphine, known for her sharp intellect and striking beauty, listened intently as their guest, King Xeander of Solthra, spoke.
"King Aldred, Queen Seraphine," began King Xeander, his voice tinged with urgency, "the reports are growing dire. Dungr: they've laid waste to Callandra and Vortigen in the past three moons alone. Their method is monstrous – they exploit each realm's unique vulnerabilities mercilessly. But it is a pleasure to be with you all during this banquet."
Aldred grinned, "The pleasure is ours."
Seraphine added, "Same here."
Aldred nodded solemnly. "Callandra was known for its vast libraries and scholars. Dungr burned the libraries, sowed confusion and ignorance, then struck hard. And in Vortigen, famed for its spiritual sanctuaries, they desecrated the shrines, breaking the spirit of the people before their armies even arrived."
King Xeander leaned forward, his voice lowering. "And now, their eyes are set on the Divine Tree your forefathers protected. Believing if they conquest their enemies, the god they want to create would manifest faster."
Queen Seraphine's eyes hardened. "It's a dangerous myth to pursue, and even riskier in the hands of a warmonger like Elgard of Dungr. But why such haste? Something must be pressuring him to accelerate his conquests."
Aldred's face darkened at the mention of King Elgard. "Elgard and I were once as close as brothers. But power, when it whispers promises of godhood, can corrupt the best of us. He's no longer the man I knew. His ambition to ascend through the Divine Tree's grace... it's madness. I would go deeper into our relationship, but we'd be here all night."
The conversation paused as a servant topped their glasses with a dark, aromatic wine from Solthra's vineyards. Aldred took a sip, his thoughts heavy, then spoke again. "We need a strategy that pre-empts Elgard's moves."
Seraphine interjected, "Then we must dispel this myth. We need to send emissaries to the other kingdoms Dungr has threatened or conquered. If we unite them, we may stand a chance."
Xeander nodded in agreement. "Unity is our strength. Solthra stands with Gloomhaven. We'll need to fortify our defenses."
"Furthermore," Seraphine continued, "I propose a council meeting here, in Gloomhaven. Bring together the leaders from the Free Cities of Orial and the naval lords of Belmare. Their fleets could be crucial."
Aldred's eyes sparkled with a renewed fire. "Yes, and let's not forget the mountain tribes of Kharun. Their warriors are unmatched in rugged terrain."
As plans were laid and strategies formed, the weight of the upcoming conflict pressed down on the royal gathering. Dungr's shadow loomed large, but in the united front of Gloomhaven and its allies, there flickered a spark of hope, ready to ignite into the blaze of war that might finally quell the threat to their world.
King Aldred stood up, saying, "Then it is settled. Tomorrow we will begin to rally potential allies. And now…"
Xeander said, "Hm?"
Queen Seraphine pointed at Marshy, saying, "Marshy! We would love to—."
Marshy rolled her eyes, "Yeah sure, if it gets me closer to the Dark Trio."
The comments amongst the crowd said:
"Is that really Marshy..?"
"I thought she was dead.."
"I heard about her story."
"Shhh! Don't speak on it! She might get angry."
Marshy walked forward, and placed her foot on a table, saying, "I'll kick ass if the Dark Trio is even somewhat related to any of you. And In this case, Solthra, you've had business with them."
Xeander nodded, "Yeah, we have."
"Are you a servant of them? Ever been judged by them? Servants of the Dark Trio can easily hide in plain sight, they usually act as the eyes of the Trio."
"No! Preposterous!"
"Haha, relaxxx I'm kidding."
King Aldred then spoke, "Tomorrow, while everything is being handled, training will be happening. Kael and Marshy are now officially our allies, with them, they will be a big help!"
Walking in, Elara said, "What about me?"
Everyone looked at her.
Chaos mentioned, "Hehe…ah hell…here she goes.."
Helmut sighed, "She's gonna…be pissed."
Belle added, "What a stubborn girl."
Queen Seraphine said, "Elara, you'll be safe within the palace, we predict the battle will happen in two days. And there are also other factors that are taking place."
'The Myconids. With them now a potential competitor or ally of Dungr, Elara is more at risk outside. She's not strong enough.'
Elara scoffed, "No! I've trained every single night, even trained with Belle over and over, but you both act stingy and overprotective! I don't wanna sit in the palace forever! I don't wanna be the princess who just sits around! I wanna leave my mark."
Marshy nodded, "Hell yeah, give her a chance!"
Kael walked in, alongside Erren who was pestering him.
'What's happening?'
King Aldred commented, "No! I hate to say it like that, but you're not ready. You're not ready for war."
Elara clenched her fists, and a blasting wind surrounded her, and she pointed at Kael, exclaiming, "Kael, duel me outside in front of everyone! I'm gonna show them I'm ready!"
Kael said, "Elara.."
"Please…and don't hold back!"
Aldred said, "That's unnecessary!"
Marshy said to the king and queen, "Let them duel. If you do, I'll show you more how Swordrenneorks."
"But she's not ready for war."
"There's ways she can help without going directly into combat, she just needs to be strong enough to fight, and not be alone."
'Seeing this makes me realize Kael was close to turning out like Elara if I kept him away from all this around him, the things that make him happy. Fuck.' Marshy thought.
King Aldred and Queen Seraphine looked at each other.
"We can't." They said together.
Elara calmed down, saying, "Fine. Whatever."
She turned around, and said, "I'm going back to the Palace."
As she was walking outside, Kael stopped her, slightly grabbing her arm, and he looked at the king and queen, saying, "Can I say something…?"
"Kael…?" Elara murmured, everyone was focused on what was going on.