Awakening [c]

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

Now was the time. Balance has been restored, and thus the young sage must begin her journey. From the results others had gone through with their transition, Aryllia could not help but feel a bit apprehensive. She hoped she would not lose herself within the power. For now, to awaken, she would set the protection of Hyrule before anything. Should she be called upon, she is to answer.

If you would have asked several years ago, Aryllia would have been the obvious choice for valuing trust and promise. She was lacking now, unable to truly commit to much besides herself. She had things to fight for now. There was true peace, which meant there was true hope for the world.

When Zelda had entrusted Aryllia with this task, she could not decline. It was her duty, whether she chose it or not. She brought with her only those who could be trusted to guide her--at least, those who weren't already tied up with their own obligations.

She stood outside the temple walls for a moment in silence. The ruins were so different, now that everyone had returned to the city. 

Everything in her was conflicted. Parts of her urged her to press forward, while others screamed at her to turn back. To be entrusted with destiny... she could not fathom for herself. How did her brother feel? How did he handle the pressure of the world looking up to his guidance? 

She was nowhere near his level of importance--at least she tried to tell herself this. All of the lessons she learned of the sages... they were the keepers of the realm. They held balance for the hero and goddess to stride upon.

She turned her cheek to Asthar, her heart pounding through her chest as she slowly reached for the door. "Do not leave my side. But if the trials are too overwhelming, run."

Asthar

[Asthar]

Peace…

Was it truly something that they finally obtained? After the years of toil and blood spilled, it was kind of hard to believe that it was all over. Eleazar was defeated, Zelda reclaimed her throne, and Link was back in this realm with his love. Holodrum and Labrynna had finally ceased their quarrels and the three kingdoms were finally in agreement for once. The war that had started ever since Galhadion separated the princess and the hero, that chapter had come finally to a close.

The king of Holodrum was no fool to believe that things would be happily ever after now that the fight was over. There were more threats upon the horizon, more conflict that would form. It could be today, tomorrow, or even years from now, but there is always something that will destroy the balance. It was all about how one took their steps forward in dealing with this threat, preparing themselves while not being overwhelmed or obsessed by it. Now that the fight was over, what did that mean for the girl he cared for so much?

He knew how much the toils of the war had harmed the girl, something that saddened him a deal. He did his best to help her along the way, but in the end it was her fight, her struggle to deal with. No matter where she went, Asthar would follow her when she needed him. He just wanted to see her smile without fear.

Standing by her side, the blond hair male calmly walked alongside the sage with a soft smile on his face. The ruined temple was quiet, serene, and peaceful in a way. Asthar could be eccentric and rather chatty, but he knew when to keep quiet and when to appreciate a good scenery. Not only that, Asthar allowed the girl to collect her thoughts and to mentally prepare herself. Aryllia was nervous, Asthar could tell. It was hard not to be when one was going to be facing their fate head on. The two stood before the door before them and Aryllia broke the silence, causing Asthar to look down at her, causing him to smirk.

“no can do my dear” Asthar said as smiled. “I’ll always be by your side, that is something you’ll never have to worry about, but I will never run...not without you of course” Asthar said as he looked forward at the door once more. “Don’t worry about me, just focus on what you came to do. I believe in you…” Asthar said.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/d1li29i8wn/Jane_Eyre_2011_OST_-_18._Awaken.mp3[/music]
Aryllia paused for a moment, closing her eyes as she collected her thoughts and focused on what Asthar said. She nodded, before looking back at the entrance to the temple. clenching and releasing her hands several times, she felt herself wavering between stalling and stepping forward. Why was this so difficult?

Part of her was afraid of letting go of the callas persona she conditioned herself to be. If the cleansing was everything the scriptures revealed, she would become the most open version of herself. The most vulnerable version of herself.

She stepped forward slowly. The rays of the sun glistened through the broken stained glass, shimmering on the tile they stepped upon. Taking a small blade from her belt, she lifted it up, grasping the blade tightly with her hand, before swiftly pulling it back and shedding her blood across the pedestal. 

The doors began to glow, and rather than opening to the sacred realm... a new path was formed. The door seemed to evaporate in a wave of light as an entrance was made present to them.

She was supposed to bring others for aid. Her brother perhaps, or one of the royal family. She did not want to burden them with the urgency. They had others to worry about. 

She would have gone alone if she could, but she doubted Asthar would allow for it. It was comforting to have him beside her though, but she hoped that she wasn't foolish for sending him with her so ill prepared. 

"Shall we?" she said rather shaken. She took another deep breath in, stepping forward into the blinding light.

Asthar

[Asthar]

Holodrum was never really a kingdom that really held much of a strong belief of the gods. Numerous decades ruled by egotistical rulers who desired such things were nonsense tended to lead its people to sharing the same sentiment. Being a home for the outcasts who were thrown out of the other two kingdoms, it was a place that was quite hard to find those of faith, but Asthar did hear stories from his mother and a few of the sheikah he met those years ago.

Seith and Majora, two gods that threatened the world during his rule. He had never expected to be thrown into dealing with the divine and yet it happened. It was challenging to deal with, especially since the one he cared about was a holy sage, but Asthar was doing his best to get adjusted to all the craziness. When Asthar found out about Aryllia’s pilgrimage to awaken her powers, Asthar just could not let her go alone. He was just glad that it didn’t end up with their usual bickering about each other’s safety.

As the two were ready to enter, Asthar glanced down once more as he suddenly saw Aryllia pull out a blade and his heart dropped the moment he saw what she did next. As the girl clenched the blade and began to bleed, worry quickly filled him as he immediately began to reach forward to stop her, but he stopped midway and lowered his hand with a sigh. There had to be a reason she had to cut herself…unless she was a masochist…which he knew she wasn’t…he hoped….

The blood did its job and the doors opened up, leaving a blinding light for the two of them to enter. Glancing back at the girl he gave her smile and placed his hand gently on her shoulder, something to at least try and help calm her. “Lets go, milady” Asthar said as he let go and together they walked into the temple.

By the time they entered through the doorway and into the light, that very light began to fade, revealing the two the grand pristine temple, radiant and pure in comparison to the broken down and worn ruins they were just in. “We’ve been through a lot, though it still amazes me when I see things like this…” Asthar said a bit in awe all the while his arm resting upon the blade to the side of his waist should there be an attack.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/7ee24eebb58[/music]
Stepping into the light, Aryllia felt the warmth upon her skin as she dipped into the other side. What she had walked into, an ornate palace of shimmering rays through windows, decor of marble and gold in pristine condition. It was as though nothing had ever touched the temple before, and never will in the future. 

Hearing Asthar's remark as he stepped in behind her, she looked around, wondering what she must do in order to truly "awaken". There were two doors on either side of the atrium,  identical with no trace of a map in sight.

"Well... I guess we just pick a door and go," she said quietly before looking to the left. "Zelda said there may be a trial for me to go through... I'm not entirely sure what that means." 

As she walked to the door, she pressed her palm against it and watched as the engravings within it lit up and immediately the door lifted up and out of sight. Peaking her head into the room, there was a statue in the center of the room, appearing to be of a Hylian ancestor. He was holding his hand to his ear, and appeared to look distressed. 

Walking toward the marble statue, she investigated the rest of the room for any sign of what to do next. There was another door on the other side. Quickly, she approached it, but it appeared to not react the way the first door did. "Hmm..." she thought for a moment as she looked around once more.

Her eyes immediately caught gaze at writing engraved on the wall above the door they just came from. 

"Only a pure of heart and mind may pass. Confess what darkens your heart, what haunts your dreams, and what regret falters your step."

"Do we... just say what we regret...?" Aryllia wondered.

Asthar

[Asthar]

The outside ruins held a feeling of mystery and serenity, but the temple they just walked through held a majestic feeling of grandiose. The sun shining into the temple and illuminating the place that seemed almost as if nobody had even took even a single step into it. This was where Aryllia was going to awaken, but what exactly were they going to do? Aryllia herself didn’t seem to know but it looked as though that was something they would both have to figure out together.

“Great, a split” Asthar could only mutter as he glanced at the two doors. Not a single hint could be seen and the doors were quite identical. One could be a trap while the other could hold the path they needed to take. Glancing down over at Aryllia as she spoke, he couldn’t help but sigh. “I guess we’ll figure it out as we go along” Asthar said as the two decided to take the door to the left, entering the door as they were welcomed by a rather odd statue and another door, albeit this one was locked.

“Only a pure of hear…is that so…” Asthar muttered under his breath as he crossed his arms and glanced up at the words that proved to be their only hint in getting through to the next level. Crimson eyes glanced down at Aryllia, wondering if she would have to go on towards this alone. He wasn’t the most…pure…but even so, he didn’t hold any regrets really. It was worth a shot nonetheless and he couldn’t help but close his eyes. “Yeah…it looks like it…” Asthar said before looking back at the door. “I’ll go first…” Asthar said.

How much did she really know about him? How much did he hide from her? He didn’t really realize it when he thought about it. Maybe Aryllia already knew all there really was to know about him, but what if she didn’t, what if she just disliked him for it? What if he lost her?

Eyes of crimson opened, serious and firm as he glanced forward with his arms crossed. “My name is Asthar Zeltich! He who holds the title of the Holodronian King and bearer of the darkened dragon’s legacy! To reach where I stand now, I’ve stained my hands red countless times. The blood of my father was shed by my own hands…allies and foes killed by my hands…and yet…I still stand” Asthar said closing his eyes as his arms remained crossed, his hand gripping his arm tightly.

“I question if I am even worthy to hold anyone with these bloodied hands of mine” Asthar said as he looked down softly. “I guess being alone for so long can drive a person lost and confused. When the reason for your hatred and sorrows are gone…where does that leave one? Empty…and yet…I have found my purpose. There are people that I want to see smile, smile a genuine smile. Think of me as impure if you will, I will not disagree with your choice, but know I hold no regrets…” Asthar said before glancing over at the girl. It was small and almost unnoticeable, but he gave her a smile.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/b6a5fe53daf[/music]
As Asthar took the lead in speaking what weighs on his heart, Aryllia reeled back, slightly befuddled to the sudden serious note that he had taken. She knew quite a bit about the King, but she never imagined it was this chilling. Blood on his hands? But in the end, didn't everyone have blood on their hands? 

Whether the person deserved it or not was debatable, but the two of them both had blood on their hands for their own safety and survival. She stared at him for a moment as he came to a close, before turning back to the statue in apprehension.  How could she top something like that? 

"I... regret a lot," she murured as her head hung down defeatedly. "I wasn't there for my brother from the moment he was claimed as the hero. I wasn't there to hold his hand as he died. I wasn't there for Zelda when she needed us most. I wasn't there to help when she was driven out of the city. I ran from the truth of my ancestry. I ran from my brother when I found out he came back. I hid and locked myself away for so long."

She paused for a moment, swallowing hard as her hand came up to push her hair behind her ear. She could feel the sweat permeate on her face. "I'm afraid of dying. I'm afraid of failing. I'm afraid of everything."

And before she could continue, the eyes of the statue began to glisten a vibrant blue, as the door swung open to pass forward. Aryllia felt as though she was going to vomit as she rammed her staff into the ground for balance, before swiftly moving forward into the next room.

As they exited the room, the door had shut behind them. They appeared to be in a large circular room that was barely lit, except for the torches which hung from the walls. "Do you see anything..?" Aryllia asked. Asthar's vision was much better suited for the dark.

There was a chest in the center of the room with a chain wrapped around it with a padlock, but all Aryllia could make out was that something was there, but it was too dark to make out the details.

Asthar

[Asthar]

How many did he kill to reach where he was? A time in which he was wanted dead, an excuse that if the prince was gone then a new heir to the throne would be needed. He was a thorn in that man’s side all the way until he killed that man himself. He gave that man a horrid death and the people didn’t even question who did it as they were just glad he was gone. Allies he was forced to kill…just to reach the point where he stood, perhaps that was why he was so casual with women. He was a flirt, but he never formed a bond with any of those women, perhaps due to a fear of forming new bonds.

His mind was spoken and it felt a bit more clear, but it was filled with concern for the one beside him. He watched as she poured her heart out. She was afraid, filled with guilt and something Asthar wanted her to be rid of. He watched and couldn’t help but close his eyes as he listened, finding it rather hard to watch the girl speak on. "Aryll..." Asthar said saying her name softly.

With her words now at an end the two continued on, Asthar’s eyes looking at her with a frown as they head into the next room. When the time came, shiekian eyes were able to see the room quite well, the crimson eyes scanning the area until finally, they came upon a chest coated with chains and a lock.

“A chest?” Asthar said as he walked forward on guard. “Looks like we’ll need a key to get through this…” Asthar said as he glanced over his shoulder at her and grinned. “Looks like we’re treasure hunting!” Asthar said as he smiled and flicked his hair with a charming grin. “though I’m already looking at the real treasure right before me” Asthar said trying to lighten the mood even if his words were rather cheesy.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/f6962060b48[/music]
A chest? Aryllia placed a finger on her chin as she looked around the room for a moment, but eyes widened to Asthar's last remark as she darted back to him. Her cheeks flushed intensely as she retracted for a moment and looked away bashfully. "A key..." 

Pacing around the room for a moment, she pulled the torch off of the wall to illuminate her view. The room was rather empty, small urns placed around the room. On the far end, there was a pillar filled with grooves. It seemed to surpass the room, a large opening at the ceiling for it to continue. 

"I think we have to get it up there," she pointed, slowly stepping toward the pillar. As she peered into the hole that it escaped from, it was incredibly dark. At the bottom of the pillar appeared a stone tablet, which read in ancient Hylian. Kneeling down to take a closer look, she recalled her knowledge from when she would study as a kid. "It's... a little distorted," she said aloud, her fingers tracing over the symbols carefully. 

"Ascend... blood of my blood... seek what lies..." she read carefully, unable to transcribe the words between. "I think I have to climb up that pillar." Great. She was quite rusty after all, but in better shape than most. She thought about what a pity it would be if the next sage were to be out of shape. Unclasping her forest green cloak, she held it out to Asthar, "I'll be right back." 

Placing her staff on the floor, she took a deep breath before leaping forward and grabbing the grooves with her palms. Climbing upwards, she got into a rhythm as she ascended the pillar and disappeared past the ceiling.

She continued climbing up, but while she had disappeared, the circular room began to vibrate intensely--especially the chest. Pebbles and dust began to trickle from the walls and ceiling, and even the pillar began to shake. "Whats going on?" she called back down, eyes locked onto the peak of the pillar. 

The chest in the center of the room began to shake violently. A low growl could be heard as it echoed through the chamber. The pillar began to shake more intensely, and Aryllia felt her foot slip from the groove. Letting out a yelp as she became startled, the young sage clung as tightly as she could, wondering what was going on. 

At the top of the piller was a gemstone in the center of a circlet. The moment she touched it, the chains broke on the chest. The chest's lid flipped open instantaneously as black smoke began to poor out into the room. 

Asthar

[Asthar]

Those flustered bashful looks from Aryllia were always a treat to see. They were a sign that his flirting seemingly worked on the girl even if she didn’t admit it. With her attention brought to the predicament they were in, Asthar glanced around at the chest and the surroundings until finally they reached a pillar.

Eyes stared up at the opening in the ceiling. “wonder how we can get up there…” Asthar said quietly in thought before glancing down at her and the stone tablet before letting out an exasperated sigh “more riddles...” Asthar said before raising his eyebrow at her next words. It made sense for her to climb it as the riddle most likely referred to her, but…

“wait, huh?!” Asthar said instinctively holding out his arms like a butler as she placed her cloak in his arms and he watch her begin to climb. “Waitwaitwait! You’re going to climb up that thing!? You sure!?” Asthar said as a bead of sweat ran down his face as she began to climb. “Be careful! I will catch you majestically if you fall! But please don’t!” Asthar called out as he stood by the base of the pillar a bit worried as he watched her climb up, his arms held out in an attempt to catch her should the worst happen, his face showing his nervousness for the girl.

Asthar watched as she soon got out of sight and wait patiently for her, but eventually he was startled by the sudden shaking of the room and the yelp form Aryllia began to make him fear for her. “ARYLLIA!” Asthar yelled. “Damn it! Keep on going up! I’ll handle things down here!” Asthar yelled as he let out a tsk and glanced over at the chest, his arms still out just in case the girl did fall. It was stuff like this that Asthar disliked heights. The black smoke was certainly going to cause trouble and it was best that Aryllia stayed up there if she could.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/0a641683016[/music]
As the room continued to shake violently, Aryllia clung as she gripped the circlet in her hand. What was it for? What did it mean? Engraved on the back of the circlet, although hard to read while in constant motion, caused Aryllia's eyes to grow small as she looked down.

A distraction you seek, the lie you believed.

There was no time to waste. Immediately Aryllia dropped the circlet and allowed it to fall to the floor. Climbing down as much as she had to before safely being able to land if she jumped, the young sage dipped down and landed swiftly on her feet next to Asthar. Taking hold of her staff, she watched the smoke escape from the chest, a shadowy figure appearing to rise from it. 

A shadow being with a mask - one of fears. For those who looked at it would see their greatest fear in front of them.

Aryllia felt herself grow cold and stiff, the hair seeming to go straight on the back of her neck. What had stepped out of the chest was not a shadow being to her. It was the lifeless body of her brother. The lifeless body of Zelda. An illusion that kept her paralyzed for long enough to brew, as more and more bodies climbed out of the chest. 

"This can't be real, this can't be real, please tell me you're not seeing what I am," Aryllia breathed out in a choke. While only a minor illusion, it was enough to keep most in deception. The shadowed being would look straight into the eyes of Asthar, knowing of his sheikah ability. Targeting him it slowly glided from the chest. Letting out a screech, it descended back into the chest. Flames spewed out, going in every direction.

Asthar

[Asthar]

Black smoke was clearly not a good sign and adding that sudden shaking and growl made it clear that something big was going to happen. He could only hope that there was something up wherever Aryllia was. For now Asthar was ready to face off against whatever was to appear.

The male glanced over his shoulder and looked over at chest, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the smoke popping out all the while holding his arms out for Aryllia. His attention quickly looked back up the moment Aryllia was in sight and coming down. His arms were ready, but then there was a thud as Aryllia jumped off and landed beside him. His hand just remains there as his eyes were closed and a rather forced looking smile remained face. “Y-yeah sure, you can just do that instead...” Asthar said.

His mind snapping back into reality, Asthar turned around and took hold of his sheathed blade and narrowed his eyes, prepping himself for whatever resided inside the chest. A sudden surge of pressure filled his body and his grip on his blade tightened as he saw the shadow being come out. His heart began to beat faster and he clenched his teeth tightly as he prepped himself. There was something about the being before him, the sight of it sending that feeling of pressure to him, but his eyes prevented anything more than that.

It was a bit freaky, but it was something they could handle. Asthar was ready to approach, but Aryllia’s sudden words caught him off guard. She looked terrified as she looked on at the creature and it confused Asthar. “Aryllia, what are you-” Asthar began to say but immediately he realized what might be going on and he looked back at the creature and glared at it. “You bastard...” Asthar said as their eyes met each other and then he quickly looked back at Aryllia and held her shoulder.

He knew Aryllia, he knew how brave and strong she was. She was filled with fear and guilt, but he knew she was no coward and he knew if she was seeing what he did then she wouldn’t be acting like this. “Listen, what you seeing is just an illusion! Don’t let overwhelm you!” Asthar said looking into her eyes before glancing back at the chest only to see the creature return only to release a flurry of flames. “SHIT!” Asthar yelled out as he took a firm grip of Aryllia and lunged forward in an attempt to get more space away from the flames. Falling to the ground with her in his arms, Asthar quickly rose to his feet and drew his blade, standing in front of Aryllia as he attempted to slash away and bursts of flames heading their way.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/0a641683016[/music]
Still paralyzed with fear, she couldn't take her gaze from the images that presumed before her. She could barely make out what Asthar was saying--muddled by the sounds of screaming and fog--until Asthar had turned her gaze from it and into his eyes. 

The chill dispersed from her body as she felt her breath return to normal, but just as she would respond, Asthar had pulled her away and to the floor, narrowly missing blasts of fire. Immediately turning up, the view of the shadow being blocked by his figure, she wasn't sure what more she could do.

Unless...

"Asthar, I need you to keep it distracted! I think I know what I have to do..." she frantically brought her attention to the pillar once more - the circlet which she had let fall to the floor was around there. Bolting in that direction, she immediately began scanning the floor for any sign of the circlet. 

As she desperately searched around the area, she felt her heart rate increase dramatically. In a subtle panicked state, she brushed her hands over the cracks in the floor, when a gleam caught her eye. Looking up, it was directly ahead. Sprinting to grab it, she snatched it into her hands before throwing it over her head.

The circlet fit perfectly--over her eyes.

She was blinded now, but she had trained with the Gerudo, and they taught her to rely on her other senses. She couldn't see everything in reality... but she could feel the source of its power. 

The shadow began to slow its barricade of flames before lifting from the chest once more. Now, it began to teleport, displacing into separate spots every second, making it hard to keep track of. 

Circling around Asthar, it continued to merge with space, constantly changing from left to right, but getting closer as it lifted a dark, shadowy blade to the ceiling. 

Aryllia continued to focus, holding hands together in a prayer like gesture as she breathed slowly, just hoping it would relieve her; to which the shadow took an advantage. As it continued to circle Asthar, distracting to keep his attention scattered, it then appeared directly behind Aryllia, as its sword had swung down toward her head--

But in that instant, Aryllia had turned around, her hand catching the blade between two fingers as light burst from her aura. She focused the aura, building it out as it encompassed herself and Asthar, pushing the Shadow out further and further, before the force had exploded, sending the shadow out with a smite. 

The shadow grew smaller, appearing to be damaged by the daylight. It squealed and hissed as it swirled back to the chest. Aryllia lifted the circlet from her eyes, a look of determination washing over. Spreading her arms out, the holy glimmer began to take shape around the sage once more. 

Taking a step forward, she pushed out her hands as the light then shoved the shadow back into the trunk. She continued to hold it as she focused her power. "Close it!!" she yelled to Asthar. 

Asthar

[Asthar]

Aryllia seemed paralyzed by whatever she saw and Asthar knew he had to act in some way. It seemed he was able to get her to snap out of it the moment he pulled her away, but he wasn’t sure how effective he was in snapping her out of her fear. Asthar’s blade was armed and ready to begin the fight, ready to defend Aryllia should she not be able to, but his eyes widened a bit as he looked over his shoulder at her and smiled softly. “Got it, I’m counting on you!” Asthar said as he kicked off the ground.

Asthar began to sprint forward in an attempted of distracting the creature while Aryllia continued to do whatever she had in mind to deal with this beast. Stopping close to the flames, Asthar quickly reached into his cloak and began throwing some throwing knives at the chest, a means in an attempt to keep the attention on him. He could only hope that whatever Aryllia had in mind would be done rather quickly as this was going to be rather tough.

The moment that the barricade lowered Asthar quickly began to rush forward as the beast climbed out once more. If he could intercept the beast then maybe he could give Aryllia more time. The beast was in sight and Asthar was about to strike, but in a blur it disappeared and began to dart about around him. With the speed it released it was clear he couldn’t hit it and slowly the creature was getting closer and closer. Taking hold of his blade with both hands, Asthar let out a tsk as he prepared himself to strike when it got close enough. If he could predict where it would be then maybe he would be able to strike it, but he failed in his distraction.

The shadow abandoned him and appeared behind Aryllia with a sword. Fear filled his body, he was scared and completely in terror as he saw it about to strike the one he loved. “ARYLLIA!” Asthar called out helplessly as he ran forward with as much strength as he could muster, but he stopped and he was stunned as she stopped the blade with her two fingers. “Dear goddesses that's hot...” Asthar said in his stunned self. Snapping out of it, Asthar noticed the creature began to try and escape by escaping back into its chest. Upon Aryllia’s ushering, Asthar quickly darted towards the chest. “GOT IT!” Asthar yelled as he lunged towards the back of the chest and closed it down, his upper body holding it down and keeping it shut. The moment there was a lack of response, the king just rested his head ontop of the chest and groaned before glancing over at Aryllia and grinned brightly as he gave her a thumbs up.

tagged:

ulla

[Aryllia Queensguard]

[googlefont=Roboto]

I'M A NOBODY

A SHADOW ON A VEIL

A STRANGER IN THE WIND

[music]https://audio.jukehost.co.uk/edef30b14cf0152e02fe1fb768e0fa02b1efbd11/5f93c7f3c90[/music]
As Asthar bolted toward the chest, he began closing the lid over the shadow. Aryllia moved closer, pushing the shimmering light into the verry essence of the chest, before it suddenly began to glimmer and the sound of a lock snapped shut. 

That was Aryllia's queue to drop her hands as the power ceased. Letting out a sharp breath in exhaustion, she felt the fatigue take over as she stumbled forward a bit. Blood trickled from her nose as she made exasperating breaths, trying to reclaim balance over her well being. 

There was still more after this. This wasn't even a true test of her power, and yet she already felt as though she exhausted most of her mana. She had heard the horror stories of those who dabbled in magic, using more than they could bear and vanishing like ashes. Mana depletion felt nothing like she had ever truly experienced... it was cold. It was fatigue. She could feel the very life force within her waning. 

As she continued to catch her breath, she looked up to Asthar, rubbing the specs of blood that stained the top of her lip. "I think you should go back," she stated plainly, "Whatever's in that next room may not let both of us out alive. If I.. think I know what I have to do, then it's best you stay behind."

She looked toward the door which had now unlocked. Grabbing her cloak and throwing it over herself, she gripped her staff before stepping toward the door. She closed her eyes, focusing her aura to try and sense what may be ahead.

It felt like complete darkness. A vacancy in the temple which would swallow her light whole. Perhaps this was her fate? To awaken herself, she must awaken the temple. Zelda said there may be sacrifices to take... but would that mean her very essence? 

A hand lightly tapping the door as it flew up and revealed a pit of darkness. Aryllia could feel her energy being sapped by the very room itself. It was incredibly quiet, and the room felt chilled. In the center she could make out an altar with a circular center.

"The medallion goes there," she murmured, her hand taking hold of the golden disc which hung around her neck.

Asthar