AMTP

Suggested Audio A Royal Visit

The air in the town below is melancholic and tears dust the eyes of many citizens as teens pour out from every nook and cranny, all of them meandering forward like trailing ants leaving their colony. An uneasy mixture of pride and sorrow permeate the air, contrasted by vibrant banners and flags fluttering in the morning breeze. Some celebrate this momentous day, recruits carrying themselves with pride despite their tears. Even from the poorest, most wretched alleys of the city, teens trudge forward with determination to make something of themselves -to prove themselves- whiel other are listless and gaunt. Tia's peers are laden with baggage, meandering forward on horseback, while most citizens make the trek on foot with nothing more than a small pack of belongings--some with nothing at all! The capital fades behind Tia as this strange exodus, slowly flowing west along rural roads. After an hour at a steady pace, another seeming city emerges on the horizon. Stern walls steadily stretch skyward, skirted by the river farther north. They pass one set of walls before continuing through a pasture. Mounts and creatures Tia had never seen or heard about meander the fields alongside the horses. Soldiers are stationed above them on parapets at segments along the walls or pace behind battlements. As they approach the second set of walls, staff wait near the gates drawing in mounted recruits.

You can leave your horse here! an amiable woman calls to Tia We'll care for them and, if you give me your name, we'll have your belongings taken to where you'll be lodging?

Tia blinks, hesitating at first before sliding off the saddle. She glances to the stable where staff were busy untacking and marking the horses before setting them loose. Tia pats Angel once before handing over the reigns.

And your name? the staff questions again, looking Angel over

Tia… Minx Tia answers reluctantly

The woman's eyes shoot back to her, wide, and she stumbles over her words.

I-I see she finally responds I'll see to your belongings myself, my Lady! She gives Tia a small head bow and Tia shifts uncomfortably, giving the woman an awkward, forced smile before merging with the flow of the crowd again.

Tia passes under the looming wall and portcullis, feeling unnerved as the guards watch them like prey wandering into a trap. Like those around her, Tia gawks about the compound. The architecture reminds her of the capital but far less eccentric and constructed of more practical materials. Far to her left, a uniform structure resembling a school rises beyond three obstacle courses and windows stack along its walls, rising up to three floors. Far more eccentric and peculiar, a seeming second school entirely is constructed atop this building while towers are enchanted to hover overhead, looming and mysterious. The three obstacle courses are much like those she encountered during assessments yet they stretch much farther than the colosseum had allowed. Recruits are testing themselves as Tia continues past, seeming to want to show off in front of the new arrivals.

Staff in yellow uniforms block the path leading to the center of the compound, redirecting the children along a path skirting the wall instead. Next they encounter a wide-reaching field divided up by glowing lines with racks of weapons waiting in between them. Some fields are small, hosting sparring matches between individual recruits, while larger scale matches take place in fields twice the size of these or more. Two of the largest fields are designed for aerial and aquatic battles, elaborately arranged with all manner of fixtures, cover and perches. Once they've travelled most of the way north along the wall, the recruits are directed west once more, passing by an archery range. Various distances are marked and targets wait along the wall, both magic and arrows flung in their direction.

Finally, they arrive at an amphitheater dug down into the earth. The northern end of the structure is cut off by the wall where a stage emerges. The seats themselves are of stone and earth, damp moss pressed into the cracks. Those before Tia descend into the seats below, carefully directed by staff. They manage the flow of people steadily, Tia directed to the western end before settling in. She watches as the rows fill up loosely, the staff setting aside an empty section on the east side. The capacity of the amphitheater is far from filled and Tia wonders just how many people these stands could accommodate. Tia had left the capital later than many of her peers, reluctant to depart, and the sun is nearly centered in the sky. There were far more people here than she had seen during assessments and they cluster together into large groups. She is relieved to be surrounded by average people for the first time in more than a month but she also feels suddenly isolated and exposed. Tia realizes she couldn't possibly find Albert amid this crowd and her mind races with questions. Would she see him at all in this place? Was he still her tutor? Was he really a friend or was he unable to rebuke her due to her station? Doubts swarm as teens call out to each other, slowly rearranging themselves near familiar faces. She hears them chatter and laugh and finds herself scratching Duff's head to comfort herself, still concealed in her cloak. These interactions are still so foreign to Tia, listening to them joke or chatter about their journey here. That familiar loneliness grows in her chest, buzzing as though a beehive called the cavity home.

On the outside looking in… again Tia's tone is melancholic, unable to stifle her sorrow or resentment

Tia Duff states You are surrounded by humans.

And…? Tia questions with a scowl

Friends. Enemies. Lovers. Duff lists off Each human here has that potential.

Tia scans the crowd again, trying to glean that potential. She re-observes how they interact with each other, trying to imagine how she might insert herself, but many of these exchanges are still a mystery to her.

I don't know how any of this works… Tia mutters breathily

The sun rises to the center of the sky and a loud bell tolls from the northern wall above them, droning twelve times. As the last toll fades, Tia notices all new arrivals being directed into the east section of the arena despite spaces left elsewhere. Staff in an array of colored uniforms line up along the back of the stage and the recruits begin to quiet in curiosity. One particular woman steps forward, appearing close to Allen in age as a few grey strands of hair are wrangled away neatly with the rest of her otherwise auburn curls. It is secured tightly together but let loose into a springy cascade behind her head. Her skin has a cool olive tone, causing her stark white uniform to appear even brighter. She stands before them with impeccable posture, her eyes scanning over the waiting crowd and seeming to graze each and every one of them before she speaks.

I will be the first today to welcome you to the Accian Military Training Program, AMTP! she begins, her firm voice easily echoing up the amphitheater My name is Beatrice Schwartz but you will refer to me as the Marshal. I am immensely proud to lead and welcome you to this program. Beatrice begins pacing the stage as she speaks Our ancestors created this structure and this tradition more than two centuries ago to pursue a dream—a dream of unifying all people under this beloved kingdom!

Why do you humans always- Duff grumbles but Tia hushes him, despite her own trepidation

When I say all of us I truly mean all of us Beatrice inflects her words with excitement Every child deserves the wonderful opportunities this program has to offer! Now, I understand today has been an emotional and trying day... her voice drops in faux sympathy Leaving your homes and your families behind is no small matter. But this is a trial every Accian citizen must face. Let me assure you that this sacrifice can yield amazing opportunities for each an every one of you!

Tia glances around, mystified to see a growing determination on the faces of the crowd. She can sense a strange buzz in the air and shifts uncomfortably with a growing frown.

Royal, noble or common, this program is a unifying force! Beatrice continues Many of you are already aware of this but for the sake of clarity I will iterate it: when one serves the kingdom, we all do so equally. If you can prove your worth, your skills, on the battlefield the kingdom will open up before you—any future is possible!

The buzzing sensation intensifies in a way Tia is wholly unfamiliar with. Her peers burgeon with hope and pride while Tia only experiences a rising unease.

Our nobility are a testament to that! Beatrice states Their mothers and fathers come from a variety of backgrounds, Accian or otherwise, ranging from farmers, fisherman or even down to the lowliest street urchin. I can also count myself among them, my own father a simple hunter from Alkelbulan! Beatrice shares proudly Governors, merchants, artisans. Our recruits have propelled their careers with the skills they procured in service—skills they gained right here in this program!

Beatrice's eyes carefully rake over the crowd, gauging their reactions. Tia finds most around her buzzing, their excitement drastically out of proportion in response to her speech, but is relieved to see a few like her standing out here and there. Beatrice seems to lock onto several of them before she continues her speech.

So now, let me urge you to take your fates into your own hands! Beatrice announces While attending this program, you will be given opportunity after opportunity to better prepare yourself for service. Every recruit here will have access to the same tools and knowledge needed to excel, tools needed to better yourselves!

As Beatrice paces the stage, those behind her still and rigid like dolls. Standing at attention, their gazes are fixed on some invisible mark before them. Unfamiliar with military culture, Tia finds it unnatural and unsettling, running fingers through her hair with a discomfited expression.

Your time here will be difficult Beatrice admits with a frown Our orders and rules must be respected without question! But if you work to better yourselves, you will serve both this kingdom as well as your own futures!

Why is everyone so worked up? Tia finally decides to question

Mental magic Duff drones Her kaithur lets her control the aspirations and ambitions of those around her.

Tia squints at Beatrice, her eyes catching on the woman's gloves and how she conceals them behind her back. None in the crowd would notice her magic form being activated.

Why isn't it affecting me? Tia asks

Can't alter what isn't there! Duff teases, his enigmatic laughter perplexing Tia further

In this program, beginning immediately, we have a system set in place to reward your efforts Beatrice continues with a smile Those obedient and hard working recruits who excel and achieve will earn credits. These are a recognized currency not only within our compounds but in many of the larger cities we will travel through! In fact, in recognition of your compliance, each of you who arrived here by he appointed time are awarded two hundred credits!

A wave of excited and astounded whispers wash over the crowd. Then the marshal pivots to the portion of the crowd set aside for late arrivals, her face morphing into a cold expression.

And as for those who choose to squander these opportunities or rebel against our practices... Beatrice continues in a distasteful tone There will be consequences.

A tense hush lingers over the amphitheater in anticipation. The crowd seems to hold their breath as she leers at these unfortunate cohorts, frozen in unexpected fright.

But these consequences are reasonable Beatrice congratulates them in a high tone, as if granting them mercy Those who have arrived late today will earn no credits during their first week here Beatrice turns to the rest of the crowd again while those penalized let their loss sink in I expect all rules and instructions to be followed to the letter and without resistance! If you desire respect, you must illustrate the same to our staff, to your peers and to yourself. With all of this in mind, I leave you in the capable hands of Mr. Casimiro Vela, head of the Administration Department .

Beatrice recedes to a back corner of the stage, receiving a polite applause. Casimiro steps forward in her place, bowing his head once into their clapping and waiting for the amphitheater to quiet down before speaking. Casimiro is leggy and skeletal, his eyes shielded behind round glasses. He clears his throat before speaking.

Good afternoon all! Casimiro greets them dispassionately, little emotion in his voice And welcome to the program. Most ought to be familiar with our purpose and know what to expect. However, in the interest of equity, I will go over some details of the program now. As the Marshall has stated...

He pauses to readjust his glasses and his eyes sweep the crowd

AMTP is designed to train and prepare recruits for service, as efficiently as possible, over the course of two years. Casimiro expounds clearly In addition to training, the Procession will be travelling from compound to compound throughout the reaches of our kingdom. Each individual training program is carefully tailored to sharpen your unique skills and potential but the base requirements of these programs mirror the ten divisions within the Accian Military: infantry, aerial, aquatic, ranged, mobile, enhancement, control, command, special and medical. Mages train separately within their own system.

Why is it always ten...? Duff hisses, unexpectedly spiteful

Each of these have different requisits and some of you can or will fall under more than one division. Casimiro continues methodically, his tone ever dry Individual schedules will reflect division placement but leave opportunity for specialized courses. Today or tommorrow morning, new recruits will be called to the administration office to solidify this schedule. Another mainstay is the ten man units you have been divided into. We will announce these at the conclusion of this orientation.

You're right Tia marvels, giving a sniff of laughter Ten again!

Unit-mates will train and live with each other, learning to fight co-operatively. Units are formed based on performances during assessments, carefully designed to compliment the abilities of each recruit. In fact, it is likely these units will remain intact in service! Unlike Beatrice, Casimiro is immobile and rigid as he speaks While these units and schedules can be subject to change, we do not make these changes lightly or according to whim. If you have any valid concerns Casimiro sounds, his brows popping over his lenses You can speak with your administrator when necessary; but let me state it for you all once—do not waste their time or your own! While training with us, you will gain many skills. Our goal is to maximize your potential. I look forward to seeing the results of that potential!

Like the Marshall, Casimiro steps backwards as the amphitheater echoes with polite applause and the next staff steps forward. The woman is taller than average and has a thick figure. Her sharp blue eyes scan the crowd contrasted by raven hair which is secured into two buns.

I am Modeste Aydem, head of security. the woman states, naturally curt And I will keep this simple. There are a number of actions which will not be tolerated within the program. Unsanctioned fights, sexual encounters, pregnancy, insubordination and desertion! Tia blinks into the woman's bluntness When we travel through other lands, you will respect the local laws! Both the staff and mage quarters are off limits. Finally, while we allow recruits to come and go from the compound, you must follow the proper procedure. You will be marked with an Imprint before-

What's an imprint? Tia questions quickly

A mark placed onto other people using kaithur. Duff answers The caster can track those marked wherever they go, regardless of distance. Another nasty trick...

If you miss any scheduled courses while outside the compound, you will be tracked and penalized. If you resist, we won't hesitate to use lethal force! Modeste emphasizes and Tia shivers with her own familiarity with such treatment

Shit... Tia gripes, having missed the full explanation

Security staff are stationed throughout the compound, atop the walls and within watch towers--we are always watching! Above all, do not oppose or resist security staff for any reason! Modeste continues, her tone grave We are authorized by the crown to do whatever is necessary to turn you into proper soldiers, whether that means protecting you or enforcing order. Penalties range from lost credits, to service as General Staff, extra exercises or even more severe consequences such as confinement, physical discipline and in worst cases, execution. a terrible silence hangs in the air, leaving them all feeling heavy As the Marshall stated, we expect these rules to be followed to the letter!

She maintains her stern expression as she looks over the audience before stepping back

That took a serious turn. Duff comments, garnering a slow nod from Tia as the next staff comes forward

A rather dimunitive man stands before them in a brown and yellow uniform. He clears his voice before speaking and his expression leaves an amiable impression.

Good afternoon! he greets them cheerfully My name is Ezra Freidman and I head the General Staff and Aides. I know all of you have had a long journey and already have a lot to digest. he chirps with as much empathy as he can express So I'm just going to cover a few small tidbits that may help you understand your new home a little better!

I don't think those two could be more different from each other! Tia's words are laced with amusement, Duff humming agreement

First, you'll notice our uniforms! Their colors differ by department. Ezra continues, gesturing towards his own Blue for instructors, black for security, green for administrators, red for medical, yellow for aides and brown for general staff. Some of us general staff have accents on our clothes as well, indicating how we specialize. Meanwhile any mages you see wear... disticintly recognizable cloaks.

Tia's eyes graze each of the staff across the stage, trying to commit these alternate colors to memory.

You will be interacting with aides more than any others staff, summoning or guiding you to where you need to be, taking down notes of your progress or just generally helping out where needed. Ezra explains Meanwhile, General staff run the stables, the mess hall and the commissary. With that, I simply ask you treat our staff with respect and wish you all the best as you settle in!

---

Previous Scene Next Scene