Chapter Text
Have you ever wondered what was over the distant hills? Where the wind blows wild, and the sky touches the earth? Beyond the great wall, over the next ridge through the purple mist and into the north country? If anyone said that there was a great secret to be found there, would a brave adventurer travel there to find it? What if there was a great mystery to unravel, a legend in itself that held a Princess in invisible chains and a kingdom in its icy grip? Would a brave soul dare to step to the challenge?
In the kingdom of Grundo there was a proclamation of a celebration. The Royal family of Nogburt was to honor the heros that rescued the fair Princess Aruzia from the evil Gutangs. A great feast was held in the royal hall and long into the night the celebrations and cheers echoed in the hallowed stone halls. It was somewhere amidst the crowds that a stranger entered the castle. She looked like any other illiper besides her strange clothing. She wore no crest on her tunic, but it was of fine satin trimmed in gold thread. Under it she wore a shirt of the most intricate chain mail and at her side was a hand and a half sword of simple design. She slipped past the guards and quietly joined the line of guests waiting to greet the royal family.
She was caught by surprise when she saw the heros of Grundo. Surely this was not right? Yet there they were, a rag tag band of an Octopede, Perloon, and Illiop. By the gods, what a strange scene. Yet, this was just the beginning. Beside them sat a rather large and very purple creature. The Princess seemed rather attached to it, as one would be to a large dog. A joke was said, and the room reverberated with the laughter of the creature who seemed to drown out the noise of the crowd around them. Then she found her hand being shaken, she looked up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Her mouth went dry as she tried to find the words to say. Everything she had practiced, was gone. She drew a blank and could only mutter, "Nice weather for this time of year."
"I guess," came a bored reply.
It shook her from her stupor.
"You guess?" She replied.
"Normally it's cooler, or raining.... are you from here?" He asked.
She looked behind her, the grunge gave her a glare.
"I am a visitor." She said.
"Welcome to Grundo." He replied.
She found herself pushed along into the dining hall. Tables were set with the finest buffet in all of Grundo. At the head table sat the royal family and their guests of honor.
Our hero or should I say, heroine, was never one for fancy parties, in fact, this was her first. Where she was from, such a thing was unheard of. It was not that there was nothing to celebrate, but such a thing had been forgotten. So with all forgotten things, it never happened.
She joined the others feasting and listening as stories were swapped, and tales told. She heard about the great treasure of Grundo, and the battle with the deadly aerial Gutangs over the Hard to Find City. Then, once sated and satisfied, the musicians assembled in the gallery. Soon tables were shoved aside as the dancing began. What grand dancing there was, from all corners of Grundo they came and brought with them a dance and a story. From the deep forest the fae joined in the celebration and gave the Prince and Princess magical gifts. From the wild lands the Grunges danced, joked, and swapped stories.
Our heroine did not notice she was being watched. In all the commotion, one set of eyes did not leave her. They followed her as she moved through the crowds. Observing as she did, the courtly scene being played out. Perhaps it was that she did not dance, but observed that set her apart, or maybe it was her attire. She smiled and spoke quietly with the court doctor, and Newton Gimmick. A conversation about optics left Gimmick twittering with ideas and his sweetheart nodding with approval.
A touch on her shoulder caused her to stiffen slightly. She turned unsure if it was another grunge asking for directions to the bathroom. Her mouth open ready for an answer she turned to address the interrupter.
"For the last time, the bathroom is ON YOUR L...." she froze.
The Doctor and Gimmick bowed low.
"Your Highness, eh..eh have you met Marwynn?" Gimmick chirped.
"No, I'm afraid I have not made a proper acquaintance. Please excuse me, I...that is, how do you do?" He replied, his tone betrayed his nervousness. He offered her a gloved hand, and appeared relieved when she accepted it.
"I am well. Thank you, your Majesty." Marwynn replied shaking his hand.
It is a strange thing, when two people meet. Two polar opposites, and should be enemies meet. Neither knows the other well enough to understand the role that they would play in their lives together. Yet, in a single instant, a connection is made. The wheels of fate begin to turn and one can only guess at the games the gods are playing with foolish mortals such as these.
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The evening came and went, as the best evenings often do. In the course of the events that followed the King was poisoned, by a rogue Gutang. An assault was made upon the castle, but thwarted in time by the brave efforts of the heros of Grundo. As all historians would recall that event, would start a new era. A young Prince would begin his training towards knighthood, and a Princess would become a lady.
Yet, every Princess needs a teacher. One skilled in the fine arts, who would teach her the skills she would need to protect and defend her home. As was the tradition in Grundo. Each child of the royal family was to be given fair and equal training until the "calling". Wherein their true gifts were revealed by the "Old Ones" and they would see their future. It was at this time when Marwynn found herself working as a stable hand in the royal livery. There she became fast friends with the young Princess, often accompanying her for rides out through the countryside.
It was on such a ride, that they found themselves caught out in a rainstorm. As you know, when it rains, it gets muddy, and there was one creature in Grundo who loved the mud. They were made from the stuff, and would take advantage of those times to cause havoc on the kingdom by running amok. Aruzia and Marwynn found themselves surrounded and outnumbered.
"We need to send for help!" cried Aruzia panicking as the creatures surrounded her.
"There is no time!" Marwynn huffed as she reached over and pulled Aruzia off her mount and onto the back of her own. Then, she jumped off and smacked the back of the creature with the flat of her sword.
"Run and whatever you do, do not look back!" Marwynn called as the Princess disappeared into the distance. She turned and faced the creatures. Her eyes glowed softly and the amulet that hung about her neck glowed. The creatures backed away raising their hands to cover their eyes from the light, but it was no use. That light pierced their muddy hides and shattered them as broken pottery. Rank after rank fell before her, as she swung her blade now burning white hot. The rain sizzled on her shoulders, evaporating as the ground below her began to glow sand turning to glass, and grass charring under her feet. Then as soon as it began it was over. What remained looked like the sculptures of a madman.
The sound of galloping shook Marwynn from her reflection. She sheathed her sword and climbed the hill. There, she was met by the Prince and a squad of his elite guards.
"Aruzia said you encountered Mudblups." He said peering down at her from atop his steed.
"We did." Marwynn replied, sheathing her sword. "They are taken care of. The Princess is safe on my watch." She looked at him, her golden eyes met his and for a moment volumes were said in the silence between them.
He looked down into the valley and his expression grew dark.
"I see." He said sternly. "Ride with me back to the castle."
It was not a request, nor a command.
"I'd rather walk sire." She replied.
"As you wish." He answered.
The trip back to the castle was a quiet one. Save for the whispers of the soldiers they had seen the obvious. They saw and they knew what they saw. The question on everyone's mind was...
"How?" asked the King.
Marwynn knelt before him then raised her eyes to meet his.
"I have a gift sire. When those who are under my protection are in danger, I am bound to protect them by any means necessary. It is my path." She replied.
"You single handedly incinerated a legion of mudblups, a feat not easily done without some sort of aid. What is this gift you speak of?" the King pressed.
"It is from my home, in the North country."
A gasp and a hushed whisper echoed through the hall. North Country! She is from the wild North Country! Of COURSE the Mad Country where the barbarians live! Who is to say SHE is not in legion with THEM! Gutang sympathizers!
Marwynn felt the weight of their accusations upon her. She knew about the Gutangs, but she was not in alliance with them. She hunted them, as did her people. Surely, they would understand that she had no such connection. Yet, when her eyes met the Kings, the accusations of his court seemed to weigh heavy on his ear. Marwynn felt a knot in the pit of her stomach, she had told the truth, but they would not believe her. Quietly, she prayed for some sort of sign.
"Father please, Marwynn saved my life! I know her father! I know she would never let harm come to me or to anyone here! I know her heart Father! I know she is from the North Country, but she fights them as we do! Father please show mercy and wisdom!" Aruzia's voice echoed in the hall. She ran forward holding the crystal of truth in her hands. "I have proof she is good, see the crystal shows it as so!" Aruzia cried out, her voice raised over the noise of the courtiers and onlookers.
The room felt electric as whispers and surprise shook the walls. Crystal of truth! The Princess will speak the Truth! The Princess can see into the hearts and motivations of those who come before the King!
The King shifted in his seat. Then looking at his daughter, and at Marwynn, he raised his hand. The room fell to a dull hum, then to silence. A pause then he turned to address Marwynn directly.
"You speak the truth Marwynn of the North. My daughter has raised her voice in favor of your character. As you have shown your loyalty to my family such a thing is worthy of reward." He said rising from the throne.
Marwynn looked up at the King, then around at the room. She felt small, and insignificant before them. Quietly she replied, "Nothing sire. You have given me shelter, bread on my table, and safety. I wish for nothing more."
The King raised a brow at this answer.
"Your humbleness becomes you, but it would honor me to award you with the position of Calvary Dragoon. Your skill with the horse and with the blade outshines my finest commanders. I will have you as my right hand and you shall be in charge of the instruction and care of my only daughter, the Princess Aruzia of Grundo." Announced the King.
There was a roar of outrage and surprise at this revelation. Arin barked orders to the guards to hold back the protesting courtiers while giving a confused look at his father and sister.
Well, this certainly changed things.