[In the Forest Outside the City]
The ancient forest loomed dark and foreboding, its dense canopy blotting out most of the sun. In the clearing, five powerful figures gathered, their presence making the air hum with corrupted mana. Each bore an aura that reflected their individual power and quirks, standing as Tiara's most trusted yet dangerous generals.
Darak, with his towering frame and a missing arm, stood ramrod straight like a loyal sentinel. His severed arm, wrapped in dark bandages and still oozing faint corrupted mana, didn't seem to bother him. "Lady Tiara should be here any moment," he announced stiffly, his voice gruff with unwavering reverence.
"Ugh, again with the 'Lady Tiara this' and 'Lady Tiara that,'" scoffed Velka, the young and reckless general, swinging her short battle axe onto her shoulder. She was pacing impatiently, her twin tails of silver hair swishing with each frustrated step. "She's always late! What's the point of being all-powerful if you can't even show up on time?!"
"Patience is a virtue, little one," came the calm, melodic voice of Morwenna, the wise female general. She adjusted her glasses and leaned on her ornate staff, her poised demeanor a stark contrast to Velka's frenetic energy. "Lady Tiara must have her reasons, as she always does. Unlike you, Velka, she doesn't act before thinking."
Velka spun on her heels, glaring at Morwenna with an exaggerated pout. "Are you saying I don't think before I act?! I totally think! Just… really fast!"
Morwenna sighed, rubbing her temples. "Yes, I'm sure impulsively smashing through the last council meeting's table was a deeply thought-out decision."
"IT WAS IN THE WAY!" Velka shouted, cheeks puffed out in indignation.
Meanwhile, the perverted but beautiful Lynette lounged against a tree, her long, elegant legs crossed as she toyed with a small orb of corrupted mana. Her crimson lips curled into a sultry smile as her gaze flicked to Darak. "Darak, darling, how are you still standing with just one arm? It's impressive, really. I can't stop imagining all the things you could do… if you had two."
Darak froze, his face going pale as his loyalty warred with his discomfort. "M-my loyalty to Lady Tiara is enough to sustain me!" he barked, his voice slightly shaky.
Velka snickered. "Heh, Lynette, you've got him trembling like a squirrel!"
"Of course," Lynette purred, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "But I must say, Velka, your temper is adorable. It's like a kitten trying to roar."
"KITTEN?!" Velka roared, red-faced. She charged toward Lynette, axe raised, but Morwenna deftly blocked her path with a flick of her staff, conjuring a shimmering barrier.
"Enough," Morwenna said, her tone cool but firm. "We're not here to fight amongst ourselves. We have a battle to plan."
As the tension simmered, the final general, Abigor, let out a light giggle, his delicate features and oversized hat giving him the appearance of a mischievous child. "You're all so noisy," he said in a soft, singsong voice that didn't match the cruel glint in his eyes. He twirled a small dagger idly, the blade catching the faint light that filtered through the trees. "It's almost cute how much you bicker. Almost."
"Speak for yourself, Abigor," Lynette quipped, smirking. "You've been sitting there twirling that knife like a kid with a toy. Or is it because you're still trying to look adorable while being, what, a hundred years old?"
Abigor's sweet smile didn't falter, but the corrupted mana around him darkened ominously. "At least I look adorable. You're just a walking distraction."
"Oh, you wound me," Lynette replied, clutching her chest dramatically. "But I can't deny the truth."
Darak cleared his throat loudly, trying to restore some order. "Generals! Lady Tiara expects us to be ready for her orders. We should be discussing strategy, not throwing insults."
Velka grumbled, slamming her axe into the ground. "Fine, fine! But let's get to the point—what's the plan? We've been gathering forces for days now, and I'm itching to fight!"
"Perhaps a more tactical approach is needed," Morwenna interjected, her tone measured. "Our enemies are more coordinated than expected. If we charge in recklessly—"
Velka interrupted with a loud scoff. "Tactical schmactical! We've got power. Let's just flatten the city!"
"Spoken like someone who's never led a successful battle," Morwenna retorted.
Before Velka could retort, Lynette chimed in with a dreamy sigh. "I do hope Lady Tiara arrives soon. Her presence always makes everything… more exciting." She giggled, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Don't you all agree?"
Darak snapped to attention, his voice booming. "LADY TIARA IS THE EPITOME OF PERFECTION! SHE DOESN'T EVEN NEED TO ARRIVE TO INSPIRE US!"
Velka rolled her eyes. "We get it, Darak. You'd throw yourself into a volcano if she asked."
Abigor snickered softly. "Would? He already did. Remember the time she told him to 'test his resilience'? He jumped into lava. Came back with one arm, smiling."
Darak stood tall, his chest puffed out. "And I would do it again without hesitation!"
Velka groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "I don't know whether to admire or pity you."
Morwenna's expression turned serious, and her voice cut through the banter. "Enough. Jokes aside, we need to remember the stakes here. Lady Tiara has chosen us not for our personalities but for our strength and loyalty. We must not fail her."
The clearing grew quiet as her words settled over the group. Even Velka and Lynette seemed momentarily sobered.
Suddenly, a powerful burst of energy rippled through the air, sending chills down their spines. The corrupted mana in the forest seemed to bend and twist as a dark figure emerged from the shadows.
Tiara had arrived.
Her presence was overwhelming, her piercing eyes scanning her generals with an air of quiet authority. The group fell silent, straightening instinctively as their leader approached.
Behind her vekris stood with com reaction
"Generals," Tiara said, her voice low and commanding. "It's time. The battle begins soon. I trust you're ready?"
"Yes, Lady Tiara!" they all responded in unison, the banter of moments ago replaced by unshakable resolve.
Tiara's lips curved into a faint smile, her gaze lingering on each of them. "Good. Then let's remind this city why they fear me."