Chapter Text
The sun shone down on the beautiful Kingdom of Akivili.The nation renowned for its extensive inter-nation transport network was in full swing internally for once. The flowers bloomed in a myriad of colors, as they were carefully selected to frame a large swath of royal land. The air was buzzing with the chatter of excited people as they walked the fairgrounds, opened to noble and commoner alike. Central to the whole area, in a magnificent clearing, was the setting for the Grand Tournament. Dignitaries and nobles from all nations sat and whispered amongst themselves as they took in the sights and incredible feats of their Kingdom’s chosen warriors who did their best to prove themselves worthy.
The fast thwip of arrows unleashed into targets could be heard alongside the clanging of sword to shield, as well as the galloping of horses as they charge. The preliminary round had seen a larger than expected turnout as they all competed for both the honor of their nation and the more important singular purpose: The acknowledgement and grace of the crown princess, Stelle, on her day of birth today.
Said crown princess, who was staring at the Tournament of Knights COMPLETELY bored.
Unlike her other peers who sat with her in the observation platform exclusive for the crown heirs, Stelle was in a military uniform. While the other ladies and gentlemen of kingdoms draped themselves in finery and silks, long dresses and fancy tunics, Stelle herself was dressed in white trousers, and a black overcoat adorned with gold epaulets and aiguillettes. Her trusty sabre, sheathed and in arms reach, was similarly well maintained and well used. It was common knowledge that Stelle was one of THE strongest single combat duelists in all the many kingdoms. A rarity for the noble courts.
It was one of the many reasons every knight fought to gain her recognition.
Unfortunately for all of them so far, Stelle was incredibly unimpressed so far.
With a roar from the crowd, the victor of the preliminary melee rounds holds up their hands in triumph, the evidence of their success shown in the many battered forms of armored knights and bloodied infantry alike on the ground around them. A knight from the Kingdom of Qilpoth it seemed. Or, maybe one of their many mercenaries. As they played to the crowd, doing their best to draw in all sorts of favor, Stelle could hear some of her male and female peers behind her swoon in adoration. It was all she could do not to sneer.
Finally, the knight turned their body towards Stelle and the other members of royalty, before giving a salute and shouting out, “My lady Stelle! I offer this victory in your name, and pledge that I will be victorious in all future rounds for your sake. May all I do bring honor to your throne.”
The giddy sounds behind her intensified as the other royals turned to her in anticipation. It was her duty as the Maiden of Honor - to grace the victor and their pledge with the due appreciation of a royal. As Stelle sat on her throne, elbow on the arm of it, head resting on her fist, she did what was TRULY expected of her, at least by those that knew her well.
With a roll of her eyes and quite an unladylike snort, she dismissed the knight with a wave. “Get to the final round and win, and maybe I’ll remember your name Ser Knight. Maybe improve your footwork a bit before the next round.” Murmurs turned to laughs as the crowd turned on the victorious knight, who slumped slightly before calling out.
“As you say, Milady.” Before they turned and walked away back to the staging tent for the Qilpoth knights.
“Now, Stelle, they’re trying the best they can. Maybe show them a LITTLE grace or appreciation for their efforts.” To her right, the current Queen of the Kingdom of Akivili, Himeko, spoke to her in amused tones. “I’m not saying you should give them full approval, but humor them a little. It might make things more exciting if they’re all eager.”
“Hah, as if I would lower my standards THAT much. I may not be the most ladylike when it comes to normal court matters, but when it comes to combat, they’ll need to be their best to get anything like that from me. Surely after all these years, you know this by now. Unless, you’re having some regrets…?” With her piece said, Stelle gives a stretch before giving a grin to the people whispering behind her back, who quickly become silent.
With a laugh, Himeko patted Stelle’s knee, “You’re still as charming and unique as ever. I never regretted adopting you into the royal line and making you the heir. It’s the way of this Kingdom, after all.” With a gesture, one of Himeko’s handmaidens arrived and helped her to her feet. Before leaving, she kissed Stelle on the crown of her head. “Best hurry to the jousting grounds. There’s definitely someone you’ll be interested in there.”
“Oh…?” Stelle sat up, eyes sharpening, fully intrigued for the first time. Frustratingly though, Himeko only offered another laugh and smile, before she was led away to another part of the fairgrounds to be a proper royal host. She HAD to see this mystery person.
Doing her best to appear nonchalant, Stelle slowly stood before gesturing to her own servants to lead the way. Some of the crowd, seeing her leave, began to migrate to the next venue. The fights would continue here into the next round, but Stelle had a duty to oversee many. Her trusted Lady-in-Waiting ensured she had a clear path. Honestly, she couldn’t wait to spar with her after this was all over and discuss everything. It would certainly be more exciting than what she’s had to do so far.
However, maybe this special contender would change that opinion.
—
As the jousting field was prepared, Stelle looked over the few preparation tents of the remaining competitors from her new pavilion. Unlike the other tournaments, the joust had very few able competitors left - only the elite few remained. She saw the ones she expected - the Kingdom of Qilpoth had sent their elite Stoneheart Knights, the Empire of Ena had sent a member of the Order of the Grand Choir, plus more of all the usual expected peoples. However, something certainly was curious - an oddity.
There appeared to be a mercenary company’s tent. One Stelle didn’t immediately recognize. Even if this mystery person didn’t deliver, seeing something new like that caught her attention. Normally, unknown mercenary companies weren’t anything to get excited about. Newly formed ones popped up every day to offer their blades, especially with how often the Yaoshi Blessed League went to war with the Allied Empires of Lan.
However, this company proudly displayed an impressive amount of campaign distinctions - awarded for great service. They were NOT a new company whatsoever. Stelle decided to find out more about them, if only to ask her instructors about it later. A mercenary company that was that long lasting and distinguished was incredibly rare.
Stelle was pulled from her musings as, finally, the grounds were ready and the announcer took the field. Himeko really pulled out all the stops getting a HooH arbiter to judge these finals competitions, huh. As they went through the initial rounds, Stelle was more certain this mysterious mercenary company would have who she was searching for. The knights skills so far were impressive, yes, but nothing she would call “interesting” over the normal standards. As someone who routinely bested the greatest knights every kingdom had to offer in combat, something special would certainly need to be shown.
“And for this next round, the great Kingdom of Qilpoth fields Stoneheart Knight Aventurine. Known to all for the mighty bulwark that all can rely upon.”
With a roar from the crowd, a man stepped forward on one side of the field. Looking him over, Stelle couldn’t help but give a low whistle in appreciation: that was some of the highest quality steel Stelle had ever seen, alongside probably one of the most beautiful warsteeds. Even an average knight would have an advantage on the field with that kind of equipment. Unluckily for whoever his opponent was, Stelle knew his skills could match his tools.
“His opponent, from the elite mercenary company Stellaron Hunters is better known to all opponents that lived to tell the tale as the Molten Knight! The last remnant of the Iron Cavalry of the lost Empire of Glamoth!”
Stelle’s eyes widened as her mouth opened subconsciously. THE Iron Cavalry? Joining her disbelief was the murmurings of the entire crowd, and the exclamations of her own peers behind her. The Empire of Glamoth was known as the most powerful martial state in the realm. Undefeated in all conflicts, thanks to the peerless might of their Iron Cavalry. Until, one day, an unknown enemy sacked the entire Empire - leaving it as ashes. No survivors.
Except, apparently, for one.
He cut an imposing figure - armor made from an unknown material, unique plating designs lost during the fall of the Glamoth Empire, with steps thumping deeply against the ground with every step. A behemoth of a person. The white warsteed in similar armor was just as foreboding as it huffed in challenge at the opponents.
“Knights! You will face one another, and we will be using standard Seven Kingdom’s tournament rules. You will start with the lance, and should your opponent remain mounted, may choose any other weapon afterwards for your follow up charge. Even if you fail to retrieve a weapon, you must complete the next charge. This will repeat until one opponent is dismounted. The first charge will begin once the fired arrow hits the target. Do both of you understand these rules?”
“Naturally, of course.” The words came out almost as an arrogant sneer from Aventurine’s mouth. Stelle could tell from the posture that he was on edge though - natural for anyone who had to face a legend. He wasn’t stupid after all, but he still had to maintain his dignity.
“Yes.” The deep voice rumbled from beneath the iron giant of Glamoth. A shudder passed through Stelle as it reverberated in her ears. Wow.
“The princess is in attendance for this match! As the other combatants before, make your oaths before her highness.”
With a flourish, Aventurine gave a dignified salute towards her before stating “My lady, on my honor and for yours, I will defeat all challengers who oppose me. I will claim victory on behalf of both my great Kingdom, but for your glory. If I win this tournament, I pray you will grant me favor.”
As with the other knights who have fought so far in the joust, the oath was met with the clapping and approval of the crowd. A fitting and expected one of such a noble and renowned knight. Unlike him though, the Molten Knight did not immediately follow up with his own. Instead, he looked…right at Stelle.
And Stared.
Stelle was used to such scrutiny - both as a princess in court, and also on the battlefield as a fighter. This however was almost on a whole new level of intensity. She refused to give in though and stared right back. It may have gone on for quite some time if the arbiter did not step in.
“Ser Knight. Your oath so we may begin.”
“...I will prove my strength to all. I will win and claim victory - for my own sake and no one else. Once I win this tournament…” With that statement, the Molten Knight pointed directly at Stelle. “I claim the right of combat against you, princess.”
An immediate clamour. Jeers poured down from the crowd as such a vile thing was mocked. To think someone would dare have the nerve to claim such a thing against a monarch, especially on their nameday. The absurdity.
However, unlike all other oaths throughout the day, Stelle agreed.
“Interesting. If you win, you shall have it.”
Silence descends.
With a nod, the Molten Knight takes his position at the start of the pitch, as Aventurine determinedly takes his own.
While other rounds had plenty of excited murmurs, the resounding quiet continued pervading the staredown. Shifts in grip as they held the reigns, small movements as they hefted the lance closer into better positioning. After what felt like an eternity, the designated archer fired a round into the center of the pitch, striking the target.
And immediately, both knights rushed forward.
The thundering gallop was all that was heard, as both raced at full speed towards one another. Aventurine leaned in close towards his steed to offer a better defence as he lowered the lance. It wasn’t his preferred weapon, but against lesser opponents, it would be enough. He knew for certain though it wouldn’t be the thing that dismounted his opponent, so he had to ensure he stayed on his own mount.
Conversely, the Molten Knight charged without any change in defensive posture - instead, shifting their grip for maximum striking force. A full offense. A sickening crack echoed in the field as both lances struck true - Aventurine’s immediately shattering against the unusual armor of his opponent, while the same was true of the Molten Knight’s as his positioning caused a glancing blow. Even glancing, the power behind the strike almost threw Aventurine from his mount. Terrifying. More so was seeing how unaffected his opponent was; most people after taking such a direct hit would have fallen or at least slowed. However, the Molten Knight continued on as if he didn’t receive such a staggering strike.
As Aventurine rounded the pitch to grab his next weapon of choice and the one he specialized in - the war axe. Beginning his charge and calculating the swing, he came up short when he realized his opponent….didn’t have a weapon. Did they miss picking one up? Well, he was certainly going to capitalize on the free attack he was given.
As they passed once again, Aventurine swung with all his might at what he calculated to be the most forceful point…only to gasp in shock as something struck him in the chest harder than anything he’d ever been hit by before, causing him to be flung from his saddle. Sitting up in a daze and disbelief, he looked down at where he was struck. His armor was completely caved in near his chest; he was lucky the blow didn’t crush his lungs.
The long silence was broken by loud cheers. As they approached his fallen form, Aventurine looked at his opponent for the weapon he missed. And yet, he still did not see one. Which meant that…
“Don’t tell me that you PUNCHED me with that much force?” Mighty Aeons above, the strength that would take. His opponent hopped off their warsteed, before offering them a hand up. Ah, at least they were SOMEWHAT honorable.
“Easy enough to do when you leave yourself so exposed.” While the tone was hard to discern, Aventurine thought he heard some level of amusement. Which only added to his own embarrassment. Him, the most stalwart of defenders having his defence breached through carelessness.
“I concede to you, Molten Knight. The tales of your prowess on the battlefield were not merely stories I see.” With a bow to his opponent, and a salute to Stelle, Aventurine walked off in defeat towards his kingdom’s tent.
Stelle couldn’t help but be impressed. That was the most interesting way she’d ever seen a joust won. Her own strength was impressive; she was incredibly confident in overpowering most men and women, but that felt like a whole other level. Alright, Himeko, you were right. This person is definitely interesting.
—
Round after round, the result remained the same. Even though each knight was an elite fighter in their own right, none could stand up to the overwhelming force of the Molten Knight. In the end, they were all that remained. The victor over all other fighters of the joust.
So, with the other two victors in the other tournaments, they stood in front of the royal stand. Stelle sitting on her throne, Himeko to her right, and her attendants behind her. People of all nations seated to await her judgement.
“Champions! Through your skills and prowess, you have proven yourselves to be the worthy victors of your various fields. Lady March of the Kingdom of Akivili, I commend you for your aim held true. Lord Argenti of the Wandering Order of Beauty, you have bested all in melee combat with your majesty. Ser Molten Knight, you have claimed victory for yourself.” While she may not LIKE giving these ‘royal speeches,’ Stelle must say she did a damned good job when she needed to do one. “Now, state your boon. As my champions, I will grant you one if it is within my power.” With that, she pointed at March.
“Well, um!” March looked a bit nervous, and Stelle could understand why. She was a complete underdog - an unknown coming out on top of many trained soldiers. That kind of unknown talent is something that the Kingdom of Akivili prided itself on - “anyone can achieve greatness”. A shame Stelle couldn’t see that, she would have loved it. “Can I visit the palace? I would love that! Oh! Or maybe I could be a retainer and hang out? Royal playmate? I don’t know if there’s a good royal word for it.”
Oh, Stelle liked her! That was bold, and the aghast sounds of the other members of royalty made her grin. “It shall be done, my lady. Please, talk to my advisor and things will be taken care of.”
“Now, Lord Argenti?”
With a flourish and bow, Argenti replied, “Your highness, winning and showing the might of Beauty is all I truly desired. I need not have another boon, for this stage has allowed me to do all I ever wanted.”
“Oh, uh, sure. Glad we could…provide. Alright, that was easy. Now, Molten Knight, I have heard your oath. I assume your desire has not changed?”
“No. I have heard of your might, princess. The Kingdoms speak of the mightiest warrior being a princess of this kingdom. You. I would fight you for that title of strongest. Should I win, I will be satisfied at finally redeeming my tarnished order.”
“Oh? And what if I win?”
“Then I am not fit to wield my blade for myself any longer, and will die in disgrace.” The answer was swift. Final. Stelle couldn’t have that though.
“I don’t think so, if I win, your life is mine to do with as I see fit.” Stelle’s statement gave the Molten Knight pause, before they nodded.
“Agreed. I would be dead either way.”
“Then, let us agree on a date and time. Please, discuss with my Lady in Waiting and I will meet you on the field of battle.”
With that shocking discussion, Stelle bade her people goodbye, thanked them for coming to celebrate her nameday, and left as an excited fervor overtook the crowd. She had some practice to do.