Houses
It's finally the day! |
The Minx crest is carefully gilded onto it's surface, one of Evelyn's many commissions. Allen stands in an awkward silence to the side, regret never leaving his stern expression. The silence between them had begun to weigh on Tia. Never before had her father gone this silent for this long, no matter how angry Tia might have been. She had been too preoccupied with training but mostly, she was unsure how to bridge the gap.
Now, you still have another week left in the capital |
But today is still extremely important—a day every Accian prepares for diligently! |
What are assessments exactly? |
Today your magical, physical and martial abilities will be tested and observed |
Scholars and strategists hired by the crown will pour over the results and determine your division placement, your unit-mates and most of your training schedule. |
More training? |
Yes |
The next two years of your life will consist of training, drills and travel. |
Years?? |
Tia's eyes drift to her father, the severity of their impending separation striking her, but he cant meet her gaze. They file into the carriage while Tia digests the implications.
All of that isn't the focus today |
Today's assessment is extremely important! |
The very expectations placed upon you as a recruit are determined by your performance. |
Tia swallows the lump in her throat listening to Evelyn. Allen looks as if he has something to add, looking between the two of them with an open mouth, but his shoulders drop and he leers out the window again.
All of the noble families will be present as well |
Assessments in the capital often attract high profile observers. They enjoy keeping tabs on promising new recruits as well as measuring the power balance between the Ten Houses. |
Power balance? |
This draws Allen's attention back to the two of them, monitoring the course of the conversation carefully.
The Ten Houses |
Are granted lands and power by the royal family and all other nobility falls under the influence of one of these Houses. The lesser nobility are granted lands and titles by us and govern those territories under our guidance or in our stead. |
And there is some kind of competition between us? |
Yes |
While we are of the same kingdom now, our ancestors were constantly competing and even warring over lands, power and influence. The valley in particular has always been extremely fertile, blessed by Oril herself! The king's ancestor reunited us under one nation more than two hundred years ago. However... |
It is still in our nature to compete and scheme for the king's favor. It is important that we push each other to remain strong and wise—to show we still deserve our position! |
Allen poorly stifles a scoff listening to her validation of Accian politics and she squints at him
So today they'll be judging you and dad... by my performance? |
Well, all those under our House will be representing the Minx name |
But as the sole heir your performance is still extremely important, yes. Your failure means opportunity for the other Houses. |
Allen is scowling at his mother by the end of her explanation.
Tia |
Your first priority today should be your own well-being. You are your own person before you are a Minx or a house heir. However you perform, your grandmother and I can handle the rest. |
Evelyn gives a sharp sigh but, upon glancing at her anxious grandchild, her anger melts away.
Allen is right |
Allen blinks and eyes his mother with exaggerated disbelief
Wow |
I never thought I'd hear those words, can I hear that again? |
Tia finds herself laughing and a smile graces Allen's face for the first time in days. The carriage jerks to a stop and a man announces their arrival. They all take a deep breath, check they are presentable and exit the carriage. The colosseum is packed, adding to Tia's buzzing nerves. Despite this, she is rather comfortable in her athletic attire. Tia could see her family sitting in one of ten balconies overlooking the arena, situated around one larger suite for the royal family. Tia smiles and says hello to other recruits but receives only plastic smiles or blatant trepidation. She did at least enjoy the anonymity she never realized she would come to miss. Most of the others teens seem familiar with each other and Tia feels appraising eyes on her as they whisper, attempting to identify her quietly but overlooking the sensitivity of her feline ears. It seems there were plenty here who did not attend her introduction or perhaps didn't recognize her without the full minx form or elaborate gown. Tia exposes only her ears and yellow markings today, for the sake of practicality. Those around Tia clot into small groups but give her a wide berth.
You seem relieved
Duff comments and Tia's face falls into a pleasant smile
It's the first time since I stepped off of that boat that I've felt like a regular person.
Tia explains
Duff hums in agreement but otherwise remains silent, seeming fairly distracted today as he peers over the crowded colosseum. Tia scans the floor of the arena herself. A meager raised platform waits in the center and a mysterious orb sits to one side with markings all around it. Directly off stage a number of containers are lain about, stuffed with various odd plants, minerals and preserved animal remains. This leads to a set of three obstacle courses, one terrestrial, one aquatic and the last aerial, followed by racks with an assortment of weapons. Two different stretches of the arena lay beyond this, one possessing an archery range with straw men at the end and the other a field marked with white lines to indicating its intended boundaries. The very last section contains a maze of some sort with various traps throughout. All of these are spread out sequentially around the center stage and a set of lanes wrap along the walls of the arena. Tia also heard from her grandmother that, for those who applied, there is a written test to assess their knowledge and any of those that wish to be healers are tested in the town below, treating commoners' injuries and ailments. Tia turns her eyes up to the royal family's seating. A large platform protrudes out, lavishly furnished and catered to by servants. Tia couldn't see the king well but he sits alone until another man emerges and stands to his side. She quickly recognizes him as Ghislaine. Tia is surprised to not see Aldric or Abigail present.
Look, sire! |
Ghislaine points to the rim of the colosseum opposite to them. Ambrose squints, his eyes narrowing onto a raven perched there as it peers down into the collection of teenagers.
Is that...? |
Ambrose rises to his feet, stepping swiftly to the railing and observing the creature more closely. The raven turns its face to him in response, regarding Ambrose with a beady eye. Ambrose rushes to shift his gaze down, peering at the children below, but isn't quick enough. The raven studies him cautiously, hopping from one side to the other. When he seems certain all eyes have been averted, Duff shrinks down into the form of a mouse and skitters down into the arena. Ambrose looks again, seeing the black puff of Duff's fur disappear down the wall and out of sight.
Damn! |
We could never catch him, sire. But... |
Now its certain she is here! |
Ambrose hums once, scanning those below before regaining his composure
So, she is only a child... |
A man steps onto the platform below. Swirling teal markings race across his neck and his clothing bears similarly tinted accents. When he speaks, his voice grows unnaturally loud, reaching to every part of the colosseum.
Welcome, Lords and Ladies, to our annual assessments! My name is Felix |
And I'm honored to be guiding our beloved children as they begin their journey towards service! |
It is his majesty's honor to select the first House! |
The colosseum hushes all at once as Ambrose prolongs the suspense, looking over the crowd in contemplation.
His announcement sends the crowd into vigorous applause as his voice echoes throughout the arena. Those of house Stahlmann around Tia begin to rise and make their way down the stairs. Tia watches as they go, unable to recognize any peer aside from Andrea. Then, she spots Albert seeming to send off one of those descending.
Albert! |
Albert jumps and peeks in her direction, surprised any would call out to him here. Tia is grateful to see familiarity in his eyes as a mild smile pulls into place. She rises and approaches him.
Mind if I sit with you? |
U-um... |
Yes, by all means! |
Tia plops beside him with a relieved but exuberant sigh, her casual nature still boggling Albert.
I'm surprised to see you here! |
I thought you must've been older than me to be a tutor! |
This seems to garner some embarrassment but he laughs
No, it's my year as well |
But now I understand why her Grace was so urgent about your lessons! |
Tia's face is grim as she nods, lips pressed together
Yeah. Dad didn't even tell me about all of this himself |
I found out on my own. |
Really? |
In my readings, his Grace seemed to have such a keen mind... |
My dad? |
A keen comedian maybe... or actually no, his jokes are pretty bad. |
Comedian? |
I-I don't think I can even imagine that...! |
I'm starting to feel like I don't even know him... |
I-I only know about his military career |
My friend though, she's always admired him! She been needling me to... uh... |
To...? |
Relax, Albert |
You gotta stop acting like I'm gonna bite your head off at any moment! |
Albert's shoulders drop as he finally relaxes, seemingly put at ease by her teasing
If she's a fan of his, I'm sure my dad would get a kick out of meeting her! |
Albert grins authentically for the first time and laughs with her.
Thank you for your patience |
We'll be starting today with Lady Andrea Stahlmann herself, daughter of Duke Gunther Stahlmann! What form do you have Lady Andrea? |
Andrea oozes pride as he speaks and is quick to reveal her form when prompted. As she does, Felix gestures and a larger illusion mimicking Andrea hovers over their heads for all to see. A brilliant silver sheen overtakes her body, every inch of her seeming to convert into metal down to her hair and the whites of her eyes. Once her transformation is complete, Andrea flexes and an array of metal blades emerge across her body at both her various joints and from her hands.
Martor's Body and Blade! |
What magic is that? |
From what I've heard, Andrea manifests aluminum. She is able to turn any or all parts of her body into aluminum and can even generate blades of the same from her body. |
As Albert explains, Andrea's eyes catch on Tia and her eyes narrow before continuing forward. They watch as she approaches the mysterious orb and hovers her hands over. There is no reaction.
That device measure one's magic potential |
Outside of racial magic, that is. Mages are rare… but true magic is extremely valuable. |
Andrea makes her way through the first section of the arena, paying no attention to its contents, and steps up to the obstacle course. Upon approval from the staff, she moves through with zero hesitation. Tia is astounded watching her move so smoothly through the course. Her natural athleticism is apparent and she doesn't even sweat or lose breath. She rarely pauses, easily supporting her weight with the durability of metal fortifying small portions of her body when helpful or even cutting into sections of wood with her blades to alter her momentum. Tia is blown away at Andrea's precision and her own anxiety begins to accumulate knowing she could never compete. Albert catches Tia biting at her nails.
Her family invested a lot in her |
Many of the house heirs received especially extreme training due to their proximity in age to the prince. Don't feel too bad, most of us can't compare. |
I know... |
But everyone expects me to be like her. |
Do you... even want to? |
W-wanna be like her? |
Tia shifts her attention to Leon in the front row, regarding Andrea's performance with harsh appraisal. Disgust passes over his expression at her slightest error.
Definitely not! |
Feel free to give me a slap if I'm ever anywhere near as arrogant as that rooster! |
What about you, how do you think you'll do? |
Me? |
Worse than you, probably! I'll be lucky not to trip down the stairs just getting down there. |
They snicker at each other as another recruit steps onto the platform.
We've got an unexpected addition to the Stahlmann house next |
Tia blinks and squints, surprised to see a familiar face.
Felix pauses to listen to the name again
Murmurs circulate through the crowd before a polite applause. Euan wears a steady smile as he appraises the crowd but, as his eyes land on Tia, the smile morphs into a grin.
Euan Mac... |
Euan MacFheargus, nephew of General Martin Stahlmann himself! |
Murmurs circulate through the crowd before a polite applause. Euan wears a steady smile as he appraises the crowd but, as his eyes land on Tia, the smile morphs into a grin.
Is he smiling... at you? |
We sort of know each other... |
What form can we expect from you today, Euan? |
Corrust's Touch |
An' Azowyr's Step. |
Felix and the audience are left in reverent disbelief, even Albert. Into their silence, Euan activates his form and charcoal gray markings swallow up Euan's hands to his forearms. His eyes go dark, his irises grey and sclera black, and the skin surrounding his eyes take on more charcoal swirls akin to a mask. Bright orange flame patterns spread from his fingertips and battle the charcoal stains to his wrists, matched only by his ginger hair. In fact, his hair takes on a similar orange glow to his hands, resembling a flickering fire. Before anything else can be said, Euan backs up and steps off into the dim shadow of the stage. As he does, he seems to slip into it until he disappears entirely. Murmurs circle the arena but, not a moment later, he leaps out of Felix's shadow and lands back in place with some effort. Euan's theatrics are met with clamorous applause and he soaks it in before continuing forward. Like Andrea, he garners no reaction from the orb and, while not as graceful or speedy, he makes his way through the obstacle course with minimal struggle despite noticeably sweating.
More nobles present themselves and follow after them through the tests. Two seem to produce a reaction from the orb while others use the provided ingredients to cast material magic spells. Andrea enters the last portion of her test—the marked field. A staff waits at the other end with hands stained by auburn and russet patterns. She motions as if pulling up and shaping something before her. In response, human shaped figures begin to rise from the earth of the arena. Andrea doesn't bother with any of the weapons provided, reveling in tearing the mud-men apart with her own blades. She fights unflinching and unimpeded by their attacks, crashing over her metallic body with little effect. She continues for some time before they call the match. Andrea pauses only to wipe the dirt off of herself before letting her form fade. Euan, just after her, takes up two long daggers, a hand crossbow and a mysterious bag. Another staff steps next to Euan at the edge of the field. They converse briefly before he nods in understanding. Felix pauses introducing new recruits to focus on his fight.
More nobles present themselves and follow after them through the tests. Two seem to produce a reaction from the orb while others use the provided ingredients to cast material magic spells. Andrea enters the last portion of her test—the marked field. A staff waits at the other end with hands stained by auburn and russet patterns. She motions as if pulling up and shaping something before her. In response, human shaped figures begin to rise from the earth of the arena. Andrea doesn't bother with any of the weapons provided, reveling in tearing the mud-men apart with her own blades. She fights unflinching and unimpeded by their attacks, crashing over her metallic body with little effect. She continues for some time before they call the match. Andrea pauses only to wipe the dirt off of herself before letting her form fade. Euan, just after her, takes up two long daggers, a hand crossbow and a mysterious bag. Another staff steps next to Euan at the edge of the field. They converse briefly before he nods in understanding. Felix pauses introducing new recruits to focus on his fight.
It seems Euan will be given a chance to show how well he can utilize his unique abilities in battle! |
Staff will be summoning and moving shadows for Euan at random. Let's see what this young man can do! |
Euan cracks his neck before he steps into the field, an eager smirk never leaving his expression. Dark pockets streak and stretch across the field, both in the air and along the ground. The shadows meander about steadily but sporadically and the other staff begins manifesting mud-people. These charge at him once formed. Euan pours tiny metal beads into his palm from his bag and drops them on the ground before him. As the opponents are about to bear down on him, Euan leaps into a passing shadow and vanishes He reappears on the other side of the field and his opponents scramble to turn about. Euan gestures at them and his orange marks flash brightly. Simultaneously, the beads he dropped burst and pockets of fire swallow up the dummies. The crowd clamors and the staff quickly begins crafting a larger number of enemies directly around Euan. He touches one dummy before sprinting into another shadow.
Euan emerges in the center of the arena and immediately sets off another weaker blast , blowing chunks of hot mud about. More emerge from the earth, the caster waving about frenetically. Euan takes aim with his crossbow next, tapping the bolt with a swift touch before shooting at the emerging dummies. The crossbow bolt thunks into the chest of one opponent and, as they charge closer to him, Euan sets off a small blast which tears the others apart with the pieces of their cohort. Two dummies make it through the blast and the first swings a sword down on Euan. He blocks it's attack with the hilt of his dagger and sinks the second rapidly in and out of its torso. The second dummy swings down a great axe. Euan steps to the side, throwing the "dead" dummy in the way of the strike. As it stumbles and tries to reclaim its weapon, Euan tackles them into a shadow.
The staff crafts ten more in his absence and they spread out evenly across the field. In blinding succession, Euan pops in and out slitting throats, shanking torsos and stealthily dropping more metal balls as he moves. He drops the "body" of the dummy he spirited away before setting off all of his planted bombs at once, including his "captive", causing his hands to gleam intensely as he does. The air of the arena pulses as fire and mud fly chaotically. The arena is quiet as the dust settles and Euan appears in the center, squatted down and panting with his form faded. Both staff cease their manipulations upon seeing his exhaustion and he takes his time to catch his breath, pallid and sluggish. The crowd bursts into applause nonetheless and he gives a tired smile and wave before trudging out of sight. Finally, after the rest of the recruits exhibit their skills, Ifani steps forward and Albert grows keenly attentive.
Euan emerges in the center of the arena and immediately sets off another weaker blast , blowing chunks of hot mud about. More emerge from the earth, the caster waving about frenetically. Euan takes aim with his crossbow next, tapping the bolt with a swift touch before shooting at the emerging dummies. The crossbow bolt thunks into the chest of one opponent and, as they charge closer to him, Euan sets off a small blast which tears the others apart with the pieces of their cohort. Two dummies make it through the blast and the first swings a sword down on Euan. He blocks it's attack with the hilt of his dagger and sinks the second rapidly in and out of its torso. The second dummy swings down a great axe. Euan steps to the side, throwing the "dead" dummy in the way of the strike. As it stumbles and tries to reclaim its weapon, Euan tackles them into a shadow.
The staff crafts ten more in his absence and they spread out evenly across the field. In blinding succession, Euan pops in and out slitting throats, shanking torsos and stealthily dropping more metal balls as he moves. He drops the "body" of the dummy he spirited away before setting off all of his planted bombs at once, including his "captive", causing his hands to gleam intensely as he does. The air of the arena pulses as fire and mud fly chaotically. The arena is quiet as the dust settles and Euan appears in the center, squatted down and panting with his form faded. Both staff cease their manipulations upon seeing his exhaustion and he takes his time to catch his breath, pallid and sluggish. The crowd bursts into applause nonetheless and he gives a tired smile and wave before trudging out of sight. Finally, after the rest of the recruits exhibit their skills, Ifani steps forward and Albert grows keenly attentive.
Last up, we have Lady Ifani Brandt, daughter of Baroness Clarissa Brandt! |
Before he can ask, Ifani's skin shines metallic with a grayer hue than Andrea followed by a searing orange glow overtaking her body.
Is she... related to Andrea? |
No, not at all |
But Ifani's mother is from the same region of the valley as Andrea's family and is a member of the Stahlmann House. She has Martor's Skin instead of Body, meaning she can convert just her skin into metal. But a layer of tungsten carbide paired with Emryl's Skin is still astonishingly effective! Together, she can rapidly generate extreme temperatures and inflict severe burns. Not that that's all she uses it for... |
Tia watches her pass through the obstacle course as Albert brags and describes Ifani's abilities and techniques. To her surprise, Ifani moves through the ground course far more seamlessly than even Andrea, almost mechanically, and makes minimal use of her magic as she does so. When she arrives at the battlefield, she arms herself with only one simple broadsword. Ifani fights efficiently with sharp and precise motion—not a single movement is wasted and she is totally at home amid battle. She even utilizes the movements of her opponents against them. The mud-people bake instantly when they make contact with her scathing armor, Albert mentioning her skin could reach more than six thousand degrees without melting! It was apparent to even Tia's amateur eyes that Ifani's swordsmanship far surpasses the head of her House or any else who had performed so far. The fighting goes on without pause even as the mud-people greatly outnumber her, Ifani pacing herself cautiously. She makes sparing use of her magic as well, furthering her endurance.
She's amazing! |
You should see her fight real people! |
Wow! |
What a performance! A strong finish to wrap things up for the Stahlmann House this year |
Next up, we have the Minx House! |
Tia locks up, even her breath catching. A bulk of participants around them rise and begin making their way down into her hesitation.
Tia? |
Tia gives a nervous laugh and rises.
Good luck! |
You too! |
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