The Princess Ascends

It took a long time for peace to return to the the world shard of Medrica. But with the king’s support gone, and Iuria’s ascent to the throne, many demons were driven off the shard. People found their lost hope, and in many places, life bloomed once more. Much of that was thanks to Iuria, who buried herself in her duties.

So much that Berus and Mikkah didn’t see her for many days at a time. But that was alright with them, for they had to take care of their own wounds as well. During their stay in the castle, Mikkah could work on his body as best as she could, getting him back together in one piece. Of course, his body still didn’t look brand-new, with some parts missing and others deformed just so the functions remained. But that was alright with him. After all, he had gone through so much, so why shouldn’t his body show that?

He felt brand new, like the holy knight he should be. And for that reason, Mikkah had also changed a few things about his design. With his lore-accurate input, of course.

She stepped back, apparently happy with her work.

“How do you like it?” she asked him.

He turned around, looking at himself in the mirror. Most of his hulking body was hidden beneath a heavy blue cape, decorated with white and golden stripes at the trim. His helmet now had a visor that hid the red jewel in his head, and in general, his head looked less like a bucket and more like an actual helmet. His metal was coated in a light blue color, with the brass coming out only in decorative ways at the edges, mingling with the silver of the rest of his armor. He definitely looked more like a Child of Lucine, now, and very knightly.

“I like it,” he said, truthfully. “But what about the second pair of arms? I think…”

“Not without more material,” she sighed. “We went over this a thousand times. You can be happy you have two working arms right now.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to search for said material, huh?”

She crossed her arms. “We’re going to fulfill the prophecy, not your desire for a ton of modifications,” she clarified.

But she was still smiling. Her own way of dress had gotten an upgrade as well. Her hair was a darker blue, and her new elven ears pointed downwards, as they should. Even her dress looked more like a High Elf’s than it did before.

By now, they fell easily into their role. Here in the castle, most people addressed them as the priestess and the holy knight, with all due respect. Berus didn’t know how many people knew what they actually were, but that didn’t really matter. What was more important was them giving the people hope, and if it took a disguise as cool as this for it, he wouldn’t complain. Still, they were an odd pair.

“We look good,” he said.

“Of course we do,” Mikkah said, but a light blush crept over her face. “But…”

Someone knocked at the door. A maid opened the door and smiled at them.

“The banquet will start soon,” she said with a smile. “Please come down soon.”

“Finally! I’m starving,” Mikkah answered with big, sparkling eyes. But she quickly went back to her role. “I mean, thank you. We look forward to it.”

Berus barely suppressed his laugh.

“You’re so funny,” Ki-Rai said as well.

She floated around more. Even though they hadn’t found a way for her to get her own body yet, it was still on their mind. At least she was now free of the combat menu, and a constant companion to them. Mikkah had managed to make a little earpiece so she could hear her as well.

“I’m not funny, I’m an elf,” she grumbled back. “I’m not getting laughed at by a curse.”

That only made Ki-Rai giggle more.

“We should go,” Berus said. “We don’t want to make our new Queen wait, do we?”

***

It was a magnificent banquet. Iruia really had a knack for organizing things.

The throne room was filled with the laughter of people, with sparkling drinks and colorful dishes. The people sang, laughed, and danced. And those who didn’t, were busy eating.

Iuria looked at them all with kind, yet watchful eyes. Her hair had grown longer in the time that they spent here, and now it fell past her chin, the color a deep, shiny gold. She was constantly talking to people, forming new alliances and strengthening the bonds she had already formed. And despite it all, she never seemed to tire of her work.

Together with Mikkah, he got himself a plate of food (all stuff he could sneak onto her plate later on) and watched the festivities. But before they could really participate, Iuria spotted them and waved them over to her.

“I’m so happy to see you here,” she said with her brightest smile. “This is your celebration, as well. Do you like it?”

“It’s wonderful,” Mikkah said.

“I’m happy to hear that. But… you seem restless.”
Mikkah exchanged a glance with Berus. “I mean… we’re all rested up. And really, we’ve been here in the castle for long enough.”

Iuria laughed at her words. “I figured. You wore the same kind of expression back when you crashed in our little garden.” As she remembered that memory, her gaze grew fonder. “A lot has happened since then.”

“That’s right. Look at you now, a real queen,” Berus said.

“Oh, you don’t have to flatter me!” She giggled. “But there is someone I wanted to introduce to you.”
She gestured to a man who came right over. He wore expensive clothes, with many jewels and trinkets dangling from his arms and chest. He held a flute in his left hand with a sparkling liquid, and his smile under his impressive mustache was bright and truthful. His right hand held an unlit pipe, which still gave off a pleasant aroma.

“This here is Ennik,” Iuria said. “He is a merchant from another shard. We’re still establishing our trade routes, but he was kind enough to remain here for the banquet.”
“I would never miss a feast as grand as this,” he laughed.

Then, he winked at Berus and Mikkah. “A pleasure making your acquaintance.”

“Likewise,” Mikkah said.

“He’s going to fly back to his own shard tonight,” Iuria continued. “If you want, you might travel with him.”

He nodded at her words. “I would love to help the heroes of prophecy, and friends of the most wonderful Queen Iuria.”

“Well, then we gladly take you up on that offer,” Mikkah said. “Right, my holy knight?”

Berus nodded, and was glad no one could see the grin his soul bore.

“Wonderful, then it is settled. I hope you will stay for a few hours more, my friends,” she said warmly. “I wish I could join you on your adventures, but I have a job to do here.”

“We understand.” Mikkah said. “And it’s not like we’re gone. We’ll come back to visit.”

“I sure hope so!” Iuria laughed. “I will miss you both, still. And I’ll never forget what you did for me.”

With that, she raised her glass.

“To the heroes of prophecy!”