A loud bang echoed through the private training room as Khione's spear clattered against the wooden floor, sliding to a stop by the door. She exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples as frustration settled in.
"Time magic is impossible to control," she muttered, glaring at the spear as if it had personally wronged her.
She had been at this for hours, attempting to coat her weapon with her magic, to bind time to her strikes. But every time she made the slightest movement, the delicate aura surrounding the spear flickered and faded. If she couldn't even maintain the enchantment during training, how could she ever hope to apply it in battle? The realization gnawed at her, filling her with irritation.
With a deep breath, she picked up the spear once more, forcing herself to calm down. Sitting cross-legged, she placed the weapon in front of her, hands hovering just above the shaft. A faint blue hue shimmered around her fingers, tendrils of magic coiling toward the tip of the spear. Slowly, the energy spread, thin and barely perceptible. It was there—but weak.
Khione clenched her jaw, shifting her grip as she rose to her feet. The moment she began moving, however, the magic flickered. She tightened her hold and attempted a simple strike. Mid-swing, the aura dissipated entirely. She stopped, staring at the now-ordinary spear in her hands.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath.
Even after an entire morning of practice, she hadn't progressed. All she could manage was a thin veil of magic that disappeared the moment she exerted herself. She ran a hand through her silver hair, sighing. She knew time magic was rare, but was it supposed to be this unstable?
Refusing to let the failure get to her, she took a moment to center herself. There was no point in dwelling on it now. Her journey was far from over, and there would be plenty of time to figure it out. With that in mind, she placed the spear back onto the weapon rack and left the training room.
She needed to prepare—there was only an hour left until they reached the Isles.
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After freshening up in her quarters, Khione made her way to the deck, where she sought out Bella Wright. The vice-captain was near the helm, overseeing the final preparations for their arrival.
"Vice-Captain Wright," Khione called, stepping up beside her.
Bella turned with a nod. "You're ready?"
"As much as I can be," Khione said. "Is there anything specific I should do when we meet the representatives?"
Bella crossed her arms, gazing toward the horizon where the faint outline of land had begun to take shape. "I'll handle most of the introductions and discussions," she explained. "You don't need to say much unless you're spoken to directly. That said, if you feel like there's something worth mentioning, you're more than welcome to speak up."
Khione nodded, processing the information. "Understood."
Bella glanced at her, a small smirk forming. "Nervous?"
Khione hesitated before answering. "Not really." It wasn't a lie—she wasn't nervous, but she wasn't exactly at ease either. There was too much uncertainty ahead to feel anything definitive.
Bella chuckled. "You'll be fine. This is just the beginning, anyway."
Just as their conversation ended, a sailor approached, saluting briefly. "Vice-Captain, we're about to dock."
Bella straightened, offering Khione a knowing look. "Well then," she said, "time to start the long diplomatic process."
The ship slowed as it neared the harbor, the crew working efficiently to ensure a smooth docking. As the ramp was lowered onto the stone pier, Khione took her first step onto foreign soil. The air was different here—saltier, heavier with the scent of the ocean. The sky above was a brilliant shade of blue, the morning sun casting shimmering reflections over the vast waters surrounding the Isles.
Waiting for them at the dock were two individuals, a man and a woman dressed in formal attire. Their presence was refined, exuding the grace and poise expected of high-ranking representatives.
As Khione and Bella approached, the woman stepped forward first, offering a polite smile. "Welcome to the Isles of Azeroth," she greeted. "I am Lady Evelyne Caster, and this is Lord Aldric Voss. We have been sent on behalf of Her Majesty to receive you."
Bella returned the greeting with a respectful nod. "Vice-Captain Bella Wright of the Asterios Empire. This is Lady Khione Briston, daughter of Duke Lorian Briston."
Khione met their gazes and dipped her head in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you both."
"The pleasure is ours," Lord Aldric said smoothly. "Her Majesty has been anticipating your arrival. We have arranged transportation to take you to the capital immediately."
At his signal, a carriage rolled forward, the crest of the Isles of Azeroth emblazoned on its side. It was an elegant design—crafted from dark, polished wood with deep blue and silver accents, reminiscent of the sea.
Without further delay, Khione and Bella stepped inside, settling into the plush seats as the carriage began its journey toward the capital.
As the docks faded from view, Khione leaned slightly toward the window, watching the unfamiliar scenery unfold before her. Lush, vibrant greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by rolling hills and crystal-clear streams. The Isles were beautiful, yet there was an underlying wildness to the landscape, a sense of untamed nature lurking beneath the surface.
She had finally arrived.