Chapter Text
*CLIP-CLOP CLIP-CLOP* The sound of the horse's hooves thudded softly against the damp Earth as Amicia, Lord de Rune and Esmée traveled through the forest, accompanied by Amicia’s furry companion, Lion. The sight before them was truly magical. Light filtered in through the leaves of the trees that caved in almost protectively. The scent in the air was calm and organically earthy. And the birds littered the air with chirps and songs. They’d risen early for the chance to make this journey into the forest together. Well mostly Amicia and her father. Esmée was simply along for the ride.
The young girl had been the younger de Rune's attendant since she was just 8 winters old. They were roughly the same age, so they basically grew up together. Esmée's father, Sir de Vaillant, had been a trusted knight under Lord de Rune, known for his exceptional skill and loyalty. He had married Esmée's mother, a diplomat from a distant land, in a political alliance that served to strengthen the ties between their two families. However, she had perished in travail, leaving Esmee in the sole care of her father.
Esmée had inherited her mother's darker complexion, which had already set her apart from most of the people in the French court. But she’d also grown up under her father’s tutelage, learning the ways of the sword and the importance of loyalty and courage before she knew how to walk. Esmée's father had loved her fiercely, even if he had initially hoped for a son. Alongside his informal training, he ensured Esmée was educated in the etiquette befitting a young noble of her status and additional convent education to secure her a brighter future.
It was this unconventional upbringing that led Esmée to where she was now. When tragedy struck, Lord de Rune had taken the uncustomary step of bestowing her father's title upon Esmée, promising her a future as a knight in her own right.
Esmée and Amicia were roughly the same age, and they had grown up together within the domain. While Esmée trained in the ways of knighthood, honing her skills in swordsmanship and tactics, she also served as a companion and attendant to the young Lady Amicia. With Amicia's mother, Lady Béatrice, often absorbed in her alchemical studies, and Lord de Rune constantly occupied with the management of the land and people, Amicia found great comfort and friendship in Esmée's presence.
As the group made their way through the forest, they came across the small clearing they’d seen many times before. Lord de Rune was the first to dismount his horse, followed shortly by Esmée and finally Amicia. While the first two made quick work of tying their horses' reins to the hitching post that stood hidden under the shade of a particularly large tree, Amicia took her time to pet her horse's snout and run her fingers through its mane.
“You are dawdling Amicia!” Lord De Rune called out as he began to make his way further into the forest by foot. “How will you be able to follow the lords at hunt?”
Esmée stood her place, waiting for Amicia to begin walking before she could follow behind. She couldn’t help the smile that graced her lips at the playful banter between the father and daughter duo. The lightheartedness of it all reminded her of her own father. She’d have to visit him soon.
“Is that your only ambition for me? To follow?” Amicia let out a little chuckle before continuing. “I will beat them, and I will watch them eat my dust as I forge ahead! But for that, I shall need a good horse.” This time, the chuckle fell from Esmée's lips. Amicia turned her head, her gaze landing upon the young girl. “Is that funny to you?”
Esmée shook her head, reaching to stifle a giggle that fell from her lips. “It is not the horse that I question, but rather the rider." Amicia let out a sound of mock offense before continuing on the path after her father, Esmée following suit.
“You’ve been going on about this walk for ages. Why here?” Lord de Rune asks, as he continues treading forward. Esmée looked to Amicia, almost as though she too sought an answer.
“The tree.” That's all Amicia responds with. Lord de Rune pauses, taking a moment to look upon his daughter. A puzzled look behind his eyes. “Which tree?” He asks, seeking more clarity. Amicia is quick to respond as she continues to make her way towards her father. “The apple tree, Father! I want to take the Knight’s challenge once more!” She says, enthusiastically.
Lord de Rune looks upon his daughter in amused confusion. “The Knights challenge?” He asks rhetorically. Amicia falls to one knee as she approaches Lion, petting the top of his coat. “But you’re not ten years old anymore, you know.” As Amicia rises back to her feet, she pleads with her father. “Oh please Father! I’ve trained hard for this!” Lord de Rune gives in with a sigh before responding, “Alright, lets go!” And with that, he continues on his path through the forest, Amicia and Esmée following behind.
Lion wastes no time, running ahead of the party of three, his barks reverberating throughout the forest. Amicia chuckles. “Look at Lion! The Guyenne beast is in a hurry to fight it out!” She narrates as Lion continues to bark ahead. A chortle leaves Lord de Rune’s lips as he responds to his daughter's antics. “Ha ha! Your beast thinks with its stomach, as usual...” Without missing a beat, Amicia counters, “Well there’s something you both have in common!” Laughter falls from the lips of both Esmée and Lord de Rune. “Well that's harsh.” Lord de Rune responds.
As Lion treads ahead, Amicia cups her hands around her mouth to project her voice towards her furry companion. “Go on boy! You’ll find a prey! I believe in you!” Lord de Rune sighs. “Don’t get your hopes up…Let’s keep going!”
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Amicia and Esmée fell into step beside each other. Lion bounded ahead, his tail wagging with unbridled excitement as he explored the new scents and sights of the forest.
"Do you remember the first time we came here?" Amicia asked, her voice soft with nostalgia. "We were so young, and everything seemed so big and magical."
Esmée smiled, the memory warming her heart. "You were determined to climb the tallest tree and declared yourself the queen of the forest."
Amicia laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "And you insisted on being my loyal knight, ready to defend me from any imaginary foes."
Esmée's eyes softened as she watched Amicia laugh, a warmth spreading through her chest that had little to do with the exertion of their walk. She had always loved making Amicia laugh, even if it meant playing the fool or indulging in her whims. There was something about the way Amicia's eyes crinkled at the corners and the melodic sound of her laughter that made Esmée feel like everything was right in the world, if only for a moment.
"I took my role very seriously," Esmée said, a playful glint in her eye. "I even fashioned a sword out of a stick and made you a crown of wildflowers."
As they walked, the sun danced through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was rich with the earthy scent of moss and wildflowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves whispered in their ears.
"I remember," Amicia said, her smile softening. "You've always been there for me, Esmée. Even when I dragged you into my silly adventures. I couldn't ask for a better Knight." Esmée's heart swelled as her smile widened. "And I couldn't ask for a better queen to serve," she said, bumping her shoulder against Amicia's.
Suddenly, Lord de Rune called out, his voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. “Look… Your mother’s ribbon is still here!” Amicia and Esmée redirect their attention to the tree the Lord pointed out. The tree was nothing special. Its height was average, and the leaves were the same beautiful auburn color that colored most others this time of year. The ribbon in question was a green piece of fabric that looked as though it's been worn to battle. It’s definitely been tethered through time. “This is where I courted her, you know.” Lord de Rune continues before he’s cut off by Amicia.
“Yes Father, I know.” There was a brief pause, and Esmée could see the shift in Amicia’s face as her voice turned somber. “If only she could come with us.” Lord de Rune seems to notice the shift as well as he pauses in his tracks, taking a moment to turn back to his daughter. He reaches for the nape of his neck before he begins, “We all have obligations Amicia. You..” He pauses, seeming to look for the next words that’ll fall from his lips. Lion makes his way back to the group, running through the bushes. His barks echoing through the forest. “You know, in a family.”
Lion’s barks continue, cutting him off. “Hey! I’m trying to tell her something!” The lord yells, obviously frustrated at the mutt. This elicits a giggle from Amicia. One she does little to hide as she covers her lips. “Such authority, Knight de Rune,” she mocks her father as he picks up a stick. Lord de Rune throws it, sending Lion back into the forest. “Go!” he yells, “And bring something back for once!” They watch as the dog runs back off, his barks fading as he gets deeper into the forest.
Lord de Rune turns to face Amicia once more. “Right. As I was saying…” Esmée had since taken a step back, as to not stand between the two. “We all have obligations,’ the Lord continues. “I have to manage these lands, your mother has to take care of your brother, and you..” He pauses again.
Amicia finishes the sentence for him, a soft hurt grazing her face. “And I hardly ever see you!” Her voice softens before she adds, “I see Mother even less…” The Lord seems at a loss for a brief moment, but regains his composure before responding. “Listen…We are here for you now, so..’ He extends his hand before continuing. “Follow me, daughter!” He runs off ahead as Amicia calls out for him to wait. She dashes after him, Esmée following close behind.
“I hope you have your sling,” the Lord calls out, approaching a fallen tree trunk that blocks off an open clearing. “Of course!” Amicia calls back her pace, slowing as she sees him do the same. “Come on then,” the lord calls out, reaching the fallen tree trunk that stood between them and the small clearing where the apple tree stood.
It doesn’t take long for Amicia and Esmée to catch up, trailing up to the trunk side by side. Lord de Rune lifts the trunk, motioning for the two girls to go under. “Do you dare to enter the Trial’s gate?” He inquires, narratively, before joining the girls on the other side of the trunk. Looking out into the open area Amicia responds, “Amecia de Rune fears nothing!”
“Except spiders,” Esmée chimes in, grasping Amicia’s attention. A snarky grin makes its way across the young knight's face as she continues towards the apple tree. Amicia lowers her head momentarily as an ebullient laugh erupts from her father. She continues up the slope towards the tree, her father catching up to her easily.
“This apple tree was planted when you were born. It will prove your worth!” He says, gesturing towards the tree ripe with apples. “Sir Knight! What are the terms of the Test?” Lord de Rune pauses, just before the tree. “The sacred apples of the… er… Sacred Apple Tree, have been corrupted by a Great Evil! If you destroy six of these rotten apples by the time I count to ten, I will make you a knight!” Amecia turns to her father, rolling her shoulders. “I accept your challenge!”
“There are some stones over here,” Esmée calls out, standing near another fallen tree trunk. Amicia wastes no time, making her way over. She reaches for the rocks, placing them in the pouch that hung from her waist. “Ready! I’ll show you I’m not a child anymore.” She calls back to her father. “All right, come back!” He responds. “Stand behind this trunk. You’ll shoot from here.” He points to the trunk a ways distance from the apple tree. “It shall be done, “ Amicia states, taking her place behind the trunk. “So here we go!” Amicia wastes no time shooting the apple from the tree, getting the sixth just before the lord reaches number 8.
“There!” she calls out, lowering her sling. “Well well… I must say I’m impressed!” Lord de Rune congratulates her. “But your sling is frightfully noisy.” Amicia turns to face her father once more, her victory ever present on her face. “It was a present… from you.” She reminds her father. “Oh yes, I’d quite forgotten.”
Shallow growls make their way into the air as Lion makes his presence known once more. The father and daughter turn to the dog, finding Esmée on her knees as she runs her fingers through his fur, a confused look plastered on her face. “Goodness, what's up with him?” Lord de Rune asks, as Esmée rises once more to her feet. “I’m not sure, my Lord.” She says, just as Lion runs off. Amicia wastes no time following him, as she calls back to the two now behind her. “He must have smelled a rabbit! Come on, quickly!”
She makes her way around the tree and under a trunk, Esmée and Lord de Rune left behind puzzled. Esmée looks towards her lord, seeking permission to follow suit. “You go ahead! I’ll catch up with you two. You are much faster than I am…” A chuckle slips through his lips as Esmée makes her way under the trunk.
It doesn’t take long for her to catch up to Amicia, her steps fairly easy to track through the forest. “Amicia, slow down!” She calls out once the girl is within her sights. But it’s in vain as Amicia runs faster, jumping over another fallen trunk. She keeps her eyes set on Lion, who is far ahead of her. “Lion!” She calls out, taking a breath as she continues running. “A hunting dog is not supposed to lose its Hunter!”
Soon Lions barks grow sparse and Amicia loses sight of him, finally slowing down. Esmée took full advantage of the brief moment of confusion, finally catching up to Amicia. “Lion!” She calls out, the worry adamant in her voice. “Where did he go?”
Esmée paused, straining her ears for any sound of the dog. But the forest remained eerily silent. A sense of unease prickled at the back of her neck, and she allowed her hand to travel to the hilt of the sword that stayed strapped to her side at all times. Her attention is caught by a small elevation off the left. “Amicia, over here!” She calls out, climbing up. “Ahh, there you are!” Amicia sighs, relaxing as she catches sight of the mutt standing behind a plot of tall grass.
“What did you smell?” She asks, looking towards the land before her. It’s a ravine, with small plots of tall grass littered about. The sun hits the water just right, and the sparkles almost take her breath away. It was beautiful. Truly.
“It’s a wild boar.” Esmée says, interrupting Amicia’s trance. She bows, running her palm across Lion’s head to give the dog a quick pet. “What a good dog,” she whispers, reaching behind his ears.
“Amicia, did he find something?” Lord de Rune asks, sounding slightly out of breath. He catches up with the girls and Amicia is quick to shush him, pointing at the boar. “Some game,” the Lord says, crouching behind a boulder. “This’ll do nicely for a little feast.”
Esmée’s eyes drift to the little stones that litter the area, picking one up. “You could use your sling, Lady Amicia.” She says, offering the stone to her. “That might work, but you’ll need to get closer.” “The grass,” Esmée points towards the plot of tall grass directly before them. “If you stay low, it may help.” Amicia nods, grabbing a few more stones before she crouches into the grass.
“It’s drinking, time to make my move.” She readies her sling before she lets go of the elastic, sending the stone propelling forwards, but misses. The boar, startled, runs off across the ravine causing Amicia to let out a small huff.
“Find a way to sneak up! You have to hit the head!” Lord de Rune calls out to his daughter. Amicia nods, taking a moment for the boar to calm down before she makes her way over to another plot of tall grass. “Careful! You have to aim for the head!” The Lord calls out once more. “I’m doing my best. I want that feast.” Amicia mumbles under her breath.
She makes her way closer towards the boar, careful to stay covered. Readying her sling, she fires, landing the hit to the boar’s head. “Nice shot!” Lord de Rune congratulates her, making his way out of a nearby plot of grass. “Does hunger always make you this accurate?”
Esmée makes her way out of another plot, Lion tagging behind her. Her eyes drift to the boar as it begins to make its way back onto its legs. “But the feast isn’t on your plate quite yet!” She calls out pointing towards the boar as it sprints away. “Oh no! No no no!” Amecia calls out, sprinting after it. “Go Lion, don’t lose the scent!”
The chase continued for a brief moment. The boar was followed by Lion, who was being followed by Amecia and Esmée, and Lord de Rune tagging behind. Lion and the boar disappear from sight briefly as they jump down a slope, forcing Esmée to slow her pace. Amicia, extends her legs, sliding down as she uses her hands to hold her balance. As she reaches the bottom, she looks back up at her father and her knight, the biggest smile plastered across her face. “I promise you, tonight we shall dine like kings!” She calls out, before returning to the chase.
Esmée couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at her lips, even as her Lord made his way towards her. “I’m sure we will,” she mutters as Lord de Rune finally catches up to her. She wastes no more time, sliding down the slope, to join Amicia in her chase.
They come across a trail of blood, splattered just before another elevation. “The boar… It’s bleeding.” Amicia notes, taking a second to look at the puddles before climbing up the rocks.
Amicia and Esmée picked their way carefully through the undergrowth, following the trail of blood left by the wounded boar. Esmée kept one hand on the hilt of her sword, a precaution drilled into her by her knightly training. Amicia, for her part, seemed wholly focused on the hunt, her brow furrowing in concentration as she scanned the ground for signs of their prey.
The two girls continued through the forest, following the sound of Lion’s barks. As they ventured deeper, the landscape began to change. The sun struggled to pierce through the dense canopy, and the earth beneath their feet grew damper with each step. The trees here seemed weaker, their trunks twisted and gnarled. An unnatural stillness hung in the air, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves or the distant cry of a bird.
“He’s stopped barking! He must have found it!” Amicia calls out, jumping over another fallen tree. Esmée follows right behind her, her hand unconsciously tightening on the hilt of her sword.
Amecia rounds a corner before she pauses, dropping into a small swamp. “Amicia!” Her name slips from Esmée lips as she too jumped into the swamp. “Those breeches were almost new!” She scolded. Amicia continues on, making her way through the swamp. “Yes. Someone’s not going to be happy.”
As the girls make their way out, they crawl beneath another fallen tree only to reveal several more. “The trees, what did that?” Almost all the trees looked as though they'd been knocked over. Eaten from the inside out. Esmée’s hand clasps the hilt of her sword, as an unnerving feeling travels up her spine. Amicia's pace slows, as she calls out for Lion to return.
As they continued on, tensions high, they came upon a small clearing. And there, lying in the center, was the boar. But it was not the triumphant scene they had hoped for.
The animal lay on its side, its flesh torn and bloodied, its ribs exposed to the open air. It had been savaged by some creature, far more brutal than Lion's jaws. Amicia let out a gasp, her hands flying to her mouth in horror. “But how..? Lion couldn’t have done that” Amecia whispers, her hands clasping over her mouth.
“Amicia, stay close.” Esmée orders, making her way around the boar and moving to take the lead. She swallowed hard, forcing down the bile that rose in her throat. She scanned the edges of the clearing, every muscle tensed for signs of danger. But the forest remained still, save for the gentle swaying of the trees."We must find Lion and leave.” She adds, drawing her sword from its sheath.
They pressed on, Amicia's calls for Lion growing more and more desperate with each passing moment. Esmée held her sword at the ready, nerves steeled. And then, at last, they heard it. A low, pitiful whimper, coming from somewhere up ahead.
“Lion! I’m here! I’m coming!” Amicia cried, surging forward, ignoring Esmée’s earlier order. Esmée followed close behind, calling after Amicia to be careful. But nothing could have prepared her for the sight that awaited them.
There, lying half-submerged in a dark, brackish hole, was Lion. His once-proud form was twisted and broken, his fur matted with blood. He let out another weak whimper as Amicia fell to her knees beside him, gathering his head into her lap. “My dog… who… who did this?” More whimpers fell from his lips as Amicia held him closer, the tears beginning to swell in her ducts.
She sobbed, her tears falling onto his muzzle. "Lion...my darling dog…" But even as she spoke, the ground beneath them began to shift and churn. Tendrils of darkness snaked out from the hole, wrapping themselves around Lion's body. And then, with a sickening lurch, he was gone. Disappearing into the murky depths despite his futile attempts to claw his way out.
“No! Lion! No!” Amicia screamed, lunging forward. But Esmée was there, wrapping her arms around the girl and dragging her back. Lord de Rune, who the girls hadn’t realized had caught up, unsheathed his sword. He held it towards the hole, as he pushed his way in front of them.
“Amicia! You can't!” Esmée cried, struggling to keep her grip. She tightens her hold on her young lady, holding her close as she fights to reach towards her lost companion. The tears stream down her cheeks as her father backs away from the site, pushing the children behind him.
“What devilry is this?” There’s a chill in his voice, stern and unnerving. “We must go.” He turns towards the girls, pushing them farther away. “Immediately” Amicia’s cries echo through the air as Esmée helps her to her feet, pulling the girl away from the scene. She whispers soft apologies as she tries her best to keep up with her Lord.
“Lion! Noo!”