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“Go! Go! Go! Go!” Adel and Lex shout as they frenziedly watch Amalia down an entire barrel of mead.
Amalia eventually drops the barrel back onto the ground, shaking the table beside them, and wipes her lips with her arm.
Adel and Lex lean over and peer into the barrel. “With The Father as my witness…” Adel says. “She actually drank the whole thing!”
Magellan cheers and claps like a drunken sailor on the other end of the table, while Railanor and Galadmir sit aghast at Amalia's drinking prowess.
“Do you even feel drunk, Amalia?” Lex asks.
“You've seen how much I eat,” Amalia says. “It'll take at least two and a half of these to get me really drunk.”
“I could only dream of a will that strong…” Adel mutters as he sips his ale from his own mug.
“I try not to drink too often anyway,” Amalia explains. “It's not exactly great for the muscles. I only came out tonight since the end of the war is nigh.”
“If that's not a cause to celebrate, then I don't know what is.” Magellan holds his own mug in the air. “Zenoira is about to be pushed back into the dirt it rose up from! The whole damn continent deserves a few drinks after everything they've put us through.”
“Don't get ahead of yourself,” Railanor warns. “This war isn't over yet.”
“Railanor is right,” Galadmir adds. “We still need to march to all the sanctuaries before charging on Gran Corrine. Who knows what traps and schemes Zenoira may still have prepared for us. The toughest battles may yet be in store.”
“We crushed everything else those scum threw at us,” Magellan replies. “I have full confidence Prince Alain will lead us right to victory.”
“I'll drink to that!” Adel shouts, looking for just another excuse to swig his ale. His cheeks grow ever redder from the alcohol flowing through him.
“I would never doubt our Prince,” Railanor replies. “But we must err on the side of caution. Premature celebration and drinking in excess could hinder his plans.”
Adel lowers his mug to see everyone's eyes on him. “…why are you all looking at me?” He asks while Lex, Magellan, and Amalia all release hearty laughs.
“By the way.” Lex turns his attention towards the two Elheim citizens seated beside each other. “Why are you guys here with us then? Not that I mind at all, I just didn't take either of you for the drinking type,” He says while staring at their two modest glasses of the tavern's cheapest wine.
“To tell you the truth,” Galadmir says. “Her lady Terras informed us we'd be marching with your unit tomorrow, and suggested we join you this evening to help build morale before our next battle.”
“And I'll admit,” Railanor adds. “Observing your inebriated antics has been rather amusing. I certainly don't regret coming out tonight.”
Lex shrugs. “Well the more the merrier, I'm happy to have you.” Lex leans towards them and holds his mug in the air, which the two elves happily, but lightly, cheer with their glasses.
“Be that as it may,” Railanor continues. “We still mustn't overdo it. Our next move is still undetermined until The Prince performs the rite. As far as I've heard, he still hasn't.”
“Oh yeah. We can't go to the sanctuaries until he gives that ring to someone, right?” Amalia asks.
Adel nods. “Yup, and he has to give it to the person he trusts most, so it's a big decision.”
“‘Trust’ may be the word in the texts,” Galadmir interjects. “But the future king of Cornia giving a ring to someone he cherishes. For all intents and purposes, that is a proposal in all things but name.”
“That's basically what everyone's saying,” Magellan agrees. “Speaking of which…” Magellan's eyes begin to shift all around the tavern looking for any eavesdroppers. His sudden suspicious movements grab the whole table's attention. “Give it to me straight guys, what are the odds Alain will give the ring to Liza?”
Lex and Amalia look at Magellan confused while the rest of the table gasps at his question. “Wait a second…” Lex says. “Do you know something we don't?”
Magellan sighs. “Liza's gonna strangle me for telling, but between us… she kinda has a thing for The Prince.”
“Oh, I wouldn't have guessed,” Galadmir says.
“But she hasn't tried anything ‘cause she thinks because she's all rough around the edges, like the rest of us Desert Kids, that Alain wouldn't be interested in her,” Magellan explains further.
“I highly doubt Alain would care about that,” Lex says. “He may be royalty, but he might be the most open minded individual I've ever met.”
“So you think he might be into her back?” Magellan quickly replies in a surprisingly excited tone.
Adel tilts his head, taken aback at Magellan's interest in his sister's love life. “Magellan, did you want Alain to give Liza the ring?”
“W-Well, I mean…” Magellan mutters, the embarrassment sinking in. “I'm not exactly thrilled about the idea of my sister getting married or anything, but if I had to choose someone for the job, Alain isn't a bad pick. I have no doubt he'd do right by her, plus, if she was Queen of Cornia, I'm sure she'll convince him to help take care of the desert. Maybe I could even move to Gran Corrine. We could finally live the good life.”
“Sounds almost like you want Alain to give you the ring,” Amalia snickers.
“It ain't like that!” Magellan utters, getting a laugh out of the others. “I still want my sister to be happy, y'know.”
“No worries, I get it,” Lex reassures. “I think Liza is a real delight to be around, but if I'm honest, I can’t see Alain giving her the ring. I mean no disrespect by that, but I think he’s got his eye on someone else.”
“Heh, well, maybe it is just wishful thinking.” Magellan takes another swig of his mead. “But if that’s the case, who do you think he’s giving the ring to then?”
“Heh, well, as Prince Alain's best friend and the one here who's known him the longest,” Lex brags. “He's definitely giving the ring to Scarlett.”
“I know he was super concerned when she was kidnapped,” Adel chimes in. “But how can you be so sure?”
“Simple.” Lex speaks with utmost confidence. “They've been friends since childhood, they care deeply for each other, they spend tons of time together, Scarlett has shown her dedication to him time and time again. I’ve known them both forever, I always figured it’d end this way.”
Magellan glances around the table to see if anyone else is thinking what he's thinking. “…Doesn't all of that also apply to Chloe?”
Lex raises his index finger to retort, but nothing comes out. “…huh, I hadn't thought of that.”
“And isn't Scarlett going to become the next Pontifex?” Galadmir asks. “Taking the ring and choosing to stay in Cornia would cause conflict for the church, would it not?”
“Chloe is already sworn as a knight of Cornia,” Adel adds. “She's likely already to be by his side for the rest of their days. She’d make even more sense than Scarlett.”
“Plus Chloe is a fantastic cook,” Amalia adds. “I've heard less than favorable things about Scarlett's cooking.”
“Don't remind me…” Adel mutters as his stomach gurgles beneath his drunken haze.
“Okay, okay, let's not jump to conclusions…” Lex begins to ponder how his friendship quartet may crumble either way.
“Don't wanna be left alone? Ay, Lex?” Magellan chuckles.
“Whoever Alain picks I'd support it!” Lex blurts out while the rest of the table has a laugh. “Any other guesses?”
“Do you think Prince Alain has it in him to resist Melisandre?” Adel asks.
“Man, Alain is a much stronger man than me,” Magellan says. “If I had a noble lady as pretty as Melisandre constantly throwing herself at me, I'd crumble in no time.”
“That woman desperately needs to learn some decorum.” Railanor refuses to mince words. “Just a few nights ago, I swear I witnessed her trying to sneak a peak at him while he was in a bathhouse.”
“Did she see him?” Adel asks without missing a beat.
“I called out to her and then she ran off into the darkness,” Railanor explains. “Then spent the next day denying it when I asked her about it.”
“My man…” Lex utters under his breath, proud to call Alain his best friend.
“This might be a far-fetched thought,” Magellan says. “But have you guys seen the way Ochlys looks at Alain?”
“Nonsense,” Amelia replies. “Ochlys and Sharon are inseparable… right?”
“See that's how I always saw it, but, not too long ago, I saw Alain and Ochlys walking together outside camp.” Magellan leans forward as he speaks, the rest of the table giving him their full attention. “I had some off time, so I was just taking a nap by a tree, trying to get some sun since I miss home sometimes, and I saw the two of them just taking a walk together. I was able to hear their conversation a little bit. Color me foolish, but I don't believe I've ever heard Alain flirt and tease as much before. He sounded so casual and playful, and Ochlys, even if she tries to hide it, was eating it all up.”
“You're kidding.” Galadmir can't believe her ears.
“Oh man, leave it to The Prince to get an Angel to fall for him,” Adel mutters. “Even if Ochlys is mean sometimes.”
“You know…” Lex mutters, as if something sparked in the back of his mind. “Funny you mentioned Ochlys and Sharon, because, to be honest, I actually would have guessed Prince Alain may give the ring to Sharon.”
“How do you figure?” Amalia asks.
“I mean, Alain is always accompanying her to the cemeteries, they also have grown real close since she joined us, and the way they smile at each other, it's like something from a storybook,” Lex explains. “I'm not even sure Ochlys makes Sharon smile like that. Honestly, if I wasn't so certain Alain would choose Scarlett, Sharon would have been my pick.”
Magellan's eyes widen, as if he just received a sinister revelation from The Father above. “You don't think… he could be with the both of them, could he?”
“BOTH OF THEM!?!?” Adel squeals. “Oh Alain, you dog! You lucky, lucky dog!” Adel hysterically pounds his fist on the table. The vibration would make the ale in his mug shake if he hadn't already finished a whole pitcher.
“He can only give The Ring of The Maiden to one person, you nitwit!” Galadmir scolds.
“With behavior like that, it's any wonder why none of you have taken a wife yet,” Railanor says.
“Seriously,” Amalia adds.
“Alright then.” Lex shifts his attention to the two elves. “You guys haven't suggested anyone. Who do you think Alain will give the ring to?”
Galadmir snickers. “I'll admit, your blind speculation has been a bit entertaining.”
“Blind?” Magellan mutters. “You must be pretty confident.”
“Certainly.” Galadmir crosses her arms. “I do not mean to offend, nor to besmirch anyone you've mentioned, but the answer is quite obvious.”
“Agreed,” Railanor says. “There's always only been one choice.”
“Ter Eltolin-”
“Ter Rosalin-”
The entire table goes silent as Galadmir and Railanor both lock eyes.
“I feel like a shiver just ran down my spine…” Adel mumbles under his breath.
“Strange, Galadmir,” Railanor says in an eerily calm tone. “It sounded like you were going to say Ter Eltolinde is the best choice to receive The Ring of The Maiden.”
“You are not mistaken.” Galadmir takes a sip of her wine. “Ter Eltolinde is, bar none, Prince Alain’s best choice for the ring. She’s already an established matriarch were she to be chosen as his queen, she has proven herself on the battlefield time and time again, and is the most graceful woman in all of Fevrith.”
“Hm.” Railanor looks unconvinced. “While I cannot deny that Ter Eltolinde is the picture of grace and elegance, anyone can see Ter Rosalinde is the proper choice for the ring. No one makes Prince Alain flustered like her, he’s clearly smitten, as any man would be. While perhaps not as effortlessly graceful, she has the tactical knowhow and the charm to make a fine queen for Cornia. Not a soul can light up a room like Rosalinde, and her beauty is unparalleled.”
“Ter Rosalinde does possess many admirable qualities, but I still find that she is outshined by Ter Eltolinde where it matters most.” Galadmir’s tone remains rather haughty.
“Hmph, Elf or Dark Elf, Ter Rosalinde is an inspiration to our kind everywhere.” Railanor slightly raises her voice.
“Ter Eltolinde fought off those heathens who possessed her body and ran them out of Elheim.” Galadmir raises her voice even higher.
“Uh, guys?” Adel mutters.
Railanor gets to her feet. “Ter Rosalinde led the very charge alongside Prince Alain that liberated her body from said heathens!”
Galadmir stands just the same. “Ter Eltolinde is the proper ruler of Elheim, making her the better suited and more experienced one to hold The Ring of The Maiden!”
“Let’s just all take a breather now…” Magellan mumbles.
“Ter Rosalinde is the superior warrior!” Railanor shouts, grabbing the attention of the other tavern patrons. “It’s only right she takes the fight to Galerius with the ring!”
“That right only belongs to Ter Eltolinde!” Galadmir shouts back. “She has confided in me, I’m certain it is she whom Prince Alain loves!”
“That’s it, do you want to take this outside!?” Railanor reaches for the sword at her hip.
“Ladies, please stop!” Lex shouts, breaking through the two elves’s argument. The pair both turn their attention to the worried Lex. “I think I speak for everyone here when I say that both Rosalinde and Eltolinde would be perfect candidates for The Ring of The Maiden, and no one would blame Alain for falling for either of them. They’re both spectacular women.”
“Hmm.” Lex’s words slowly bring Galadmir back to her senses. “Perhaps we are being a bit too hasty.”
“Maybe so…” Railanor relinquishes her grasp on her blade, trying to hide the embarrassment of being so worked up. “The decision is Prince Alain’s alone afterall. I trust he would know who was best suited for it.”
“Right right,” Galadmir agrees. “He has yet to steer us wrong. I have full trust and faith in our prince.”
The two women take deep breaths and return to the table, however Railanor sits on the opposite side of Magellan instead, leaving him between the two elves who are still locking eyes. Magellan hadn’t expected to be caught in between a potential elven catfight on this day, however, he didn’t seem to mind.
“Hey, Amalia.” Lex turns to the largest person in the room. “I just realized we never heard your prediction.”
“Eh?” Amalia mutters. “I guess, I was just kinda enjoying the theories is all.”
“But you gotta have a guess, right?” Magellan asks. “I know you haven’t been with us that long, but you’ve gotta have some idea.”
“Travis.” Amalia answers without any hesitation.
The rest of the table sat stunned, both from her answer, and how quickly she came up with it.
“Wait, wait really?” Adel mutters.
“Is that strange?” Amalia asks.
“I… suppose not,” Lex says. “It just hadn’t crossed my mind to suggest that Alain may give the ring to a man.”
“Do you think there’s a chance Alain swings that way?” Magellan asks.
“H-How should I know!?” Lex mutters.
“Well if anyone would, it would be you,” Galadmir says.
Amalia sighs. “Look, the ring is theoretically about trust, yeah? In my experience, there are few that a Lord trusts more than his personal spy. As far as a proposal is concerned, it’s more common than you may think. Many men in my home village lay beside another man at night. Those two seem to have a very tight knit relationship. They’re both tough and not too hard on the eyes either. I’m no gambler, but those odds are higher than zero.”
“Heh, you think you know a guy.” Adel rubs his chin.
“Well, guess Alain really can go in any direction with this,” Magellan states. “The ring is supposed to give some power to the wearer too, yeah? He knows what he’s doing, he’ll give it to the right person. Man, woman, Elf, Bestral, Angel, or whoever else.”
“At the very least I’m sure we can all agree on that,” Galadmir says.
“Here here!” Lex raises his drink, as does the rest of the table in cheers.
After tapping their drinks, everyone lowers their arms only to be startled by the sudden appearance of Tatiana standing beside their table.
“Ah!” Adel shrieks at the surprise arrival of the gloomy cleric.
Tatiana scowls at the drunken knight, her fatigued eyes dripping with disdain and a clear lack of patience. Once finished leering at Adel, she turns her attention to Lex. “Prince Alain is asking for you. He wishes to rediscuss the battle formation for tomorrow's expedition.”
“O-Okay, I'll be there soon…” Lex mutters.
Without another word, Tatiana turns her back to the group and begins heading for the tavern's exit, leaving everyone with the wind removed from their sails.
“Geez,” Magellan mutters under his breath, side-eyeing Tatiana. “Well I know one person definitely not getting the ring.”
Magellan takes another swig of his ale, right as Tatiana reaches the exit door. She stops for a brief moment to scratch her shoulder, and she scratches long enough for Magellan to notice something very shiny resting on her finger. Magellan's eyes shoot open as he spits his drink all over the table right as Tatiana leaves.
“HAVE YOU NO CLASS!?” Railanor shouts, almost instinctively reaching for her sword again after Magellan's mess startles everyone.
Magellan ignores Railanor's annoyance and wipes his mouth with his sleeve. “Guys… how many of you have actually seen The Ring of The Maiden?”
Once everyone realizes Magellan isn't going to apologize, they all look at each other with similar thoughts. “Pretty sure Alain has let us all take a look at it at least once,” Lex explains while the others nod in agreement.
“Alright because…” Magellan looks back. Tatiana was already long gone, but he knows what he saw. “I swear I just saw it on Tatiana's finger.”
The table all exchanged glances one more time.
“WHAT!?!?”