[fiddle] The Realm of Uskos

"No longer are you to display skills others would see as an amateur, nor are you to show lack of knowledge of the weapon!"

The wails of his dearly beloved had screeched into his ears as a Massive hammer came crashing down on the weapon he had just moments ago.

"You are now declared master of your own! So help your soul!"

Two more heavy swings had crashed on the weapon's handle, some parts flattening near a width of a blade's, some shattering entirely. All of this was too agonizing for him to witness. The culprit swinging the hammer had leaned upon the handle, panting as he tried to catch is breath.

"Gods this hammer is damned heavy." he muttered, glaring at the blunt head of the weapon.

"I believe the weapon is beyond a state of repair." a young voice  uttered nonchalantly, unamused at the witness of his very own tarnished beyond recognition. 

The man wielding the hammer gave him a smile before raising the blunt weapon over his shoulder once again, letting the full weight come crashing down on the Head of the Axe, puncturing through the metal. He let his grip of the hammer loose, dropping it on the grass as he fell back to take a seat. The dissatisfied man let out a sigh, tossing him a flask, recoiling his arms back to a cross.

"I understand ridding of the former weapon to prevent clones, but did I really need to be here to witness it?" Aizen asked, the loss of a weapon he had trained with for years now only useful as scraps.

"Of course! It is per tradition of the sentinels to see the trainers tarnished. It helps us realize our connection of such weaponry, and too does it give us a brand new slate to work with." The man on the ground replied, opening the flask as he devoured the water inside in seconds.

"You've got the luxury of knowing you have a brand new weapon waiting for you in the ceremony, so consider yourself lucky! Most of the other sentinels don't even know they have a new weapon, and it takes a week before they're granted a new one."

 Hennrick stood up from where he sat, and approached the soon-to-be knighted man, leaving a hand on his shoulder.

"Congratulations! You are no longer a warrior in training. Wear your title as a true sentinel proudly, son."

Aizen smiled back, thanking him for his mentorship and guidance; he knew exactly how privileged and honored he was to be trained by one of the famous houses within Exali. Before another word could be said, their moment had been interrupted by a royal messenger, sprinting and stopping just near them.

"The Accolade will begin soon, Aeyethen! Si Avri, Nito! your moment to be knighted draws near." he exclaimed! bowing his head as he announced the news.

Hennrick gestured for him to go, informing him that he would come back to Nylm Thalas with the family a week from now, and that he would be taking hold of the scrapped weapon. Aizen had said his farewells to his former mentor, now preparing to turn into a new chapter as he began to follow the messenger back to the main courtyard.




The front of the Castle had been surrounded by close relatives, friends, and soldiers alike for those to participate in the ceremony. Upon being spotted, those handful of soldiers who he was fond of approached him, wishing much blessings upon him. In total, a group of six had come, congratulating him on his promotion.

"Brothers and Sisters! the ghost of Nym Thalas is knighted! Who would've thought?!" Varius, a very tall and broad man announced bombastically

"Gods, we needn't use that title anymore, Vari!" Another feminine voice replied, pushing through the small crowd to see her friend on his big day. A red headed soldier, standing a few inches below him had given him a bright smile, telling of her sweetest wishes on his days being a Knight.

"Those royal embellishments are everything you don't want, are they Aeyeth?" Lyra, one of his longest known comrades teased.

"I wouldn't want it, but others around me wear the same, if not similar. Anywho, I assume looking well once in a while does not hold much villainy for the soul." he replied.

"Worry not, the new armor suits you well. You look dashing." she cooed, giving a heartfelt embrace. Aizen made sure to thank her generously, embracing her back to accept that mutual bond between friends.

"Oh, don't kid yourself Lyra! We all know even with the fancy armor, once his hours escorting a royal is over, the first thing Aeyethen's gonna do is fuck off!" Varius joked, receiving mutual laughter from the group.

Before any more could be said, Two figures had began to walk down the staircases leading towards the castle, calling for attention within the courtyard.




"Hear ye, Hear ye! Family, friends, and those that bare mutual arms hear the call! Let your beloved step forth to be knighted!" Cassius, their captain called out. The sea of people had began to back away, forming a near perfect circle as the chosen few had approached the two commanding figures in the center. The eight soldiers that had looked similar to one another stood shoulder to shoulder ,standing in attention, holding their helmets on the side.

Cassius cleared his throat before giving his last words to the handful of gentlemen.

"It has been an honor to be your Captain and leader. You have done the soldiers that have been and are well. Remember to keep eyes forwards; a Knight must carry confidence in all he does. Our swords are now yours to lead, should the need arise. I now pass my authority over you to your new advisor, Knight Commander Cithra Anfield. She will deal with future matters with your service. Commander, the floor is yours."

Cithra Took her helmet off, shining a subtle smile to those new knights in front of her before she spoke.

"Gentlemen, what an honor is it to be your Commander. Present yourselves with confidently, for your day is now. Helmets on."

The Commander Cithra had fashioned her helmet on again, calling to the guards in the front guarding the entrance to the castle to open the doors. The others followed in their new leader's example, putting on their respective helmets, following their new Captain as she began to climb up the steps towards the door. There, a Maid waited for their arrival, clearing her throat and speaking with a joyful tone.

"Remember these instructions well: Commander Anfield will lead you into the throne room. The first two pillars that greet you on both sides of the room will be your first line not to cross till announced to come forth, gentlemen. Once you are called by the King, you walk in the center towards the throne, stop before even stepping foot on the very first step of the staircase, and take off your helmet and leave it on the floor till you are beknighted. You will swear your allegiance to the King and the Kingdom, and bow. If the king asks you any questions, do your best to answer with grace. Once His Majesty is satisfied, you will approach up the stairs, and on the second last step, you will bow and wait till the King knights you. From there, you will thank him well, and step down, take your helmet, and stand in a horizontal line left to right, from first to last. Your indicators for that will be the last sets of pillars, where in front of you will be Commander and the Royal family. From there, you will remain bowing with your helmet on the side, presented with your new weapons. You will neither look up or rise from your kneel till called upon to rise by the king. Any questions?"

All of them shook heads to the Maid's delight.

"Very well! The order in which you will be called upon is as follows: Yhoven Seethdrake, Darius Astarti, Silva Covanus, Garrius Sven, Rokko Ivaldi, Marrus Scoth, Vanus Archone, and last but not least, Aeyethen Venevier. With all that set, I wish you luck."




As the Doors began to slowly crack open, the subtle top of a Knight's head poked through from the sharp horizon, from the king's seat, not a second later had the knights began to walk in unison within the grand throne room. climbing up the top of the stairs was Cithra, and behind her two lines of four decorated Knights stood side by side, following her lead. The two lines had stopped right at the entrance of the Throne room, with Cithra approaching the Royal family by herself. Upon reaching the very front steps climbing to the King's seat, Cithra stopped, taking her helmet off and Kneeling gracefully before the royal family.

"My King, I come forth to you as you have called. Those most Noble of the day second to you I have gathered, and I present you to them with much grace." Cithra stated, being called to rise by the king, standing near the side of the steps, as she prepares to present each new Knight with their new arms, upon being beknighted.

A royal messenger had began to gracefully open a scroll, reading a speech right before the names of the new Knights were to be called out.

"Marrus Scoth, come forth, and greet your King!" The Messenger called out with much enthusiasm, though to the dismay of Aizen. The weight of the situation hadn't really settled with him until the very near moment that he was to be called upon. The Crowd had stayed silent, with only the echoing footsteps and voices of those allowed to talk filling the scarce atmosphere of any sounds. 

"Vanus Archone, come forth, and greet your King!" Another call was made, with the knight whispering to himself something that Aizen couldn't make of. 

'Oh, gods. I mustn't panic now.'

In what felt only like seconds, after a few minutes, his named was called up, jolting his senses awake, instinctively walking through the middle of the court. Aizen walked in the middle decorated elegantly by a carpet colored the same of that the kingdom's flag. Passing the now-crowned new knights, Aizen took the last step in the front of the small staircase, taking off his helmet and Kneeling before the King.

"You have been deemed worthy for this high estate by your peers. Do you now swear by all that you hold sacred, true, holy that you will honor and defend the Crown and the kingdom of Nylm Thalas? That you will conduct yourself in all matters as befits a Peer, drawing your sword only for just cause?" 

"Grace to you, my King. I swear by The sword that carries your bidding, My Lord, and the shield to protect all of your kingdom. My loyalty, I offer to you till death parts my service to the Crown, Your Highness."

"Come forth, Dear Soldier, and claim your new title."

Aizen approached closer, climbing up the stairs and kneeling once again, Kneeling still.

"A bird to represent yourself? Of what kind is it, Aeyethen Venevier?" asked the king.

"An Garnet Jay, Your Majesty."

"My! A seldom seen bird. Are you from Exali?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Under one of the famous houses, too! I remember you, son of Exali. How proud and glad to see you well grown, and to be knighted no less. Very well."

With the king satisfied, he held his sword high, tapping on all three points of the valiant fighter.

"Then having sworn these solemn oaths, know that we, Jander and Ayda Faenorin, King and Queen of Nylm Thalas, do dub you once for honor, twice for duty, thrice for chivalry. I announce thee, Sir Venevier, the Red Jay of Exali. Go now, Son of Exali, and claim the new weapon as gift from the Kingdom."

Aizen bowed his head once more, thanking the king before parting, picking his helmet up as he walked forth his position, concluding the beknighting.

"I now present each of you a Weapon bestowed and handmade for your use, Knights of Nylm Thalas!" Cithra announced, with servants within the house presenting forth their weapons on the ground before them. 

Aizen was pleased to see how elegant the craftsmanship of his new weapon was. He knew just how unique it was; the combined efforts of the ancient blacksmiths within Nylm Thalas and the innovative weapon makers of Exali was symbolic. A Weapon produced from Unity. The Axe had an asymmetrical design, but nothing he hadn't trained for unable to wield.

"Take your weapons, Noble Knights of the court! 

"Go forth now, and greet your peers!" The king Announced, where knights, nobles, and invited guests alike had began to clap. At the back of the crowd, trumpets sounded. 

'The worst has passed, finally.' Thought Aizen, letting out a sigh of relief. The other knights that have also been recently been knighted were about to congratulate him mutually but were interrupted by a call of attention from the King Once again.

"I have need of a knight for my youngest treasure, of who will volunteer?" The king asked. The crowd began to talk amongst themselves, with Elysian being brought to the limelight by her father's gesture.

'Oh, Gods.'

"Aeyethen Venevier, approach!" Aizen, spiked with nervousness yet not letting a second of it show approached the general and the princess.

"Yes, Your Grace?" Aizen asked as he doubled back to the very bottom of the staircase, sharing in attention with the Princess.

"I believe you to be a fit choice for this duty. Do you accept?" King Jander asked, though Aizen took a moment before he answered.

"It would be my honor, My Lord" Aizen replied instinctively, to the many whispers and surprise of the crowds around them. 

'What have I just agreed to.'

"Sir Venevier? Would you like for me to hold your helmet for the party?" a butler asked, though Aizen was still dazed at the events that just transpired. The conditions weren't even stated; was it just to watch the princess for today? a few, a week? till he perishes? Was he now just a bodyguard for a royal figure?

"Sir, are you well?" another question was asked, finally he woke up from his own head, apologizing to the butler and handing him the helmet. Another butler offered a glass of wine, in which he took one of.

"Sir Venevier!" One of the new knights called, gesturing him to join the rest of the Knights, gathered in a circle. Aizen joined them, holding out a glass to join the others' in the middle.

"A celebration, and a Toast! To Brotherhood!" one announced, rephrased in unison back, toasting and drinking the glass clean. Some Knights had wished an early farewell, breaking off from the group, mingling with the nobles and knights surrounding them, enjoying the party. In total, there were four, left to talk amongst themselves, yet the king's attention to him brought great interest for his fellow knights.

"Not even a week and you've already jumped ship for a Princess? How bold of you, Aeyethen!" On exclaimed, giving him a gentle shoulder nudge, Aizen nervously joining them in the laughter.

"Worry not; I've heard it's of little difference between this and guarding nobles. Though I've heard Princess Elysian can be quite a handful, despite her elegant appearance. You may come across potential husbands quite oft." Another whispered, as not to raise any concern to the people around them.

"You'll be paired together often. Look good, but don't talk to other women that aren't related to you in front of her either, or you'll get an earful." The last one spoke out, nonchalantly.

"Ah, you're all worrying him already, he'll be just fine. At least he needs to be. Think fast, Venevier." 

The Knight gestured behind Aizen, and to his surprise, Princess Elysian was readily approaching them parting the crowd with her pressence, though her expression had neither disgust nor joy, which worried him.

"We wish you the gods' luck, Aeyethen." one of them whispered before parting ways with him, disappearing into the crowd. 

Elysian had stopped in front of him, holding out her hand, referring to him of his new title with much hidden suspicion. Aizen had fallen back to etiquette that he had never thought he would need to, kneeling to her. Most Knights infatuated by a princess, or perhaps in hopes to show affection are slow and romantic when kissing the hand, though Aizen could already tell his presence was anything but welcome. Cupping her fingers very gently with his hands and a swift peck was all that necessary.

"Lady Elysian, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Elysian was polite in congratulating him on his be knighting, yet he didn't need to think carefully with the way that she paced herself to see that his company wasn't too welcome. Such a case was expected; as much as safety was a concern to any persons, having a guard in company often had much disadvantages for freedom and privacy, not that he wouldn't be respectful of it. Elysian had left him as quickly as she approached, wishing him a brief adieu, passing through the double doors that had lead to a grand hallway, leading to even more doors. Aizen was left empty-handed with both a good impression and a wine glass, occupied much with a drip of disappointment he couldn't put his finger on.

The Knight was gentle and polite to replace his empty glass of wine with a new one, seeking and approaching a sparsely populated area of the throne room, where he would post himself. He figured leaving the party was neither a luxury nor an option considering his new task, added to the fact that people would know, and it would be looked down upon. Being rude was the last act he wanted to give off to such nobles who had spent some of their time to celebrate, though it was no hidden fact that they were just here for the party after the ceremony. Aizen had been approached by a few nobles occasionally to congratulate him, and he would thank them, make small talk, though nothing more. Eventually he found himself alone with no company, a glass of high quality wine, and nothing but time. 

Normally, he would be very strict to himself when it comes to indulgence, especially for anything that would affect his psyche. Though he figured today was a special occasions, perhaps being a hairpin touch of intoxication couldn't hurt him for now. 

Just before he could even set lips on the rim of the wine glass, Aizen heard footsteps marching their way behind him; the subtle clinks of metal from multiple people gave clues to who it was before he would even bother to turn around and see. The footsteps stopped, and a silence ensued, before he heard voices mumbling, despite the loud white noise of the conversations and the music.

"What the hell makes you so special, Venevier? Tch, picking someone new to guard Princess Elysian." 

"And whom do I have the pleasure of making acquaintances with tonight?" Aizen responded in a nonchalant manner, turning enough to see just from the view to the side, but nothing more. It was another Knight, accompanied by two other colleagues of equal rank. The man carried himself highly, announced by his glare that held a blaze of haughtiness that much more common people so detested.

"Apologies, Sir Venevier. I am Sir Gwethiel, First of the Glorious Commanders in charge of defending the Great Walls of the nation. To my Left is Dame Savlovien, she is second in command, and to my right is Sir Mer'vhiri, third to complete the three sides of the walls."

Gwentiel was blonde, with hair cared for in such a posh manner, not even a spec of dust could be made from it. Dame Savlovien was very long haired, with an elegant but uniform brunette ponytail that was to the texture of silk threads, also posh. The last of the trio, Sir Mer'vhiri was a touch bit more tan, though his distinct difference from the other two was height. Among the four of them, he was the tallest; his presence alone gave more grounds to be cautious around this group.

"We will be observing you with great interest, Sir Venevier. If so much as a cut dares harms Our Lady Elysian we will not hesitate to have the king question your capabilities. We will be critical if it has anything to do with your mistakes; neither your fancy weapon nor connections will save you from the standards of the Knight's Code."

With that being said, the Trio walked off, dismissive of his presence as they put up a smiling face as they disappeared in the sea of people. Aizen kissed his teeth, his mood sullied from the hostile encounter with the haughty group. Instinctively Aizen downed another glass; his sour mood just wanted to let this night pass as quickly as possible.

'Gods, this is going to be a chore of a day.' 

Aizen had seen the afternoon and the evening through the same windows as the day progressed. He had been standing around a general area to pass the time, and before he could even realize it, he found himself a touch bit intoxicated from the surprising volume of wine he consumed. After the fifth glass, he found it a waste now to fight against the wave; taking some liberty to enjoy the various foods that was on offer in the buffet. The culinary tour he took around the lined tables had helped to elevate the experience; various flavors from such high quality cooking cracked open a new interest in the Knight's otherwise regimented life. If life could provide such opportunities, Aizen wouldn't hesitate to tour the world in search of new flavors to discover.

As Evening was just near to give way for the night, the young man found himself especially well mellowed; a soft expression with eyes comfortably lax, Aizen wouldn't even deny being tipsy, though he knew enough he wasn't down right wasted. The foreign sensation of being this calm was very much enjoyable in the right circumstances, though he noted just how much it took to get him to this level.

'Thank goodness,' he thought to himself, 'I can at least hold my liquor quite well for someone who's been drinking for a while.'

Throughout the six hours that had elapsed since the celebration began, Aizen had only drank a mere four glasses of wine.

He thought it fitting to replenish with another glass whilst listening to a conversation between two noblemen, debating about the difference in wines bein served. Aizen was thankful for the drinks then, for even in such a state the most benign topics can be interesting to listen to.

While sipping from the glass, he swore he could hear someone behind him, though he heeded it no mind, not until the person behind him spoke out his name. The voice immediately became familiar, which brought about a tremble from the back of his spine. Instinctively, he turned around, looking towards the royal talking to him.

Elysian spoke of something else afterwards, though Aizen wasn't able to make up of what she said, confusing him as she laughed to herself. Before the Young Knight could even peep a single word, Elysian asked for his company as she wished to walk away from the party. She walked on, though he took a moment to even realize what she wanted. Elysian gestured for him to follow out the doors, leading some place else. Aizen downed his last glass for the night, letting out a small, nervous hiccup.

Oh, how he wishes that she won't begin to rip him apart with words of distaste.

Aizen was relieved to find that the Princess herself had only called him to have a short conversation, though throughout all of it he spoke not a word, instead he just listened. Elysian ensured him her anger was of not his doing, and spoke of their circumstance. She further informed him of her personal views in contrast to what her duty entailed, and at times she wouldn't necessarily be the most pleasant person for him to protect, not that he would have a choice to decide whether he was feeling on protecting her. 

Elysian approached her, with an expression that was difficult for him to read; she neither looked happy, sad, innocent, nor dangerous. She lifted her hands from the side, elegant to hold the new necklace he was bestowed with, fixing it so that it rested on the very center once more. She looked up at him, which caught his attention, telling him that she wished to be left alone and that he was able to go back to the party and continue to his activities prior. She turned back to the balcony, leaving him to his own choice.

"If you do not mind My Lady, but I believe I've had my fill in the party. The temptation to indulge in any more cups of wine may be a touch bit too tempting for myself as I am now, so I will be on watch for as long as you wish to be outside. You have my word, I will not intrude. I will be inside, right next to the door, should you need me." Aizen responded, shinning a small but genuine smile towards her direction, unbeknownst to her knowledge. With having no to remain, Aizen had gone back inside, closing the door behind him.

He stepped to the side, right next the double doors and leaned back, relieved that ultimately, he wasn't dealt a bad hand. She wasn't the ruthless Princess others have rumored her to be as, but she was neither friendly nor warm to be courteous. Elysian was upfront and direct with her own desires, and he knew a slip up against anything she wants and he would definitely receive an earful.

.....

Aizen was only able to rest for a few minutes in the silence of the hallway, the dim lights of the chandeliers that hung from the ceiling being the only lights aside from the rising moon that would fill in the otherwise dark room. One of the doors that had led to the connecting hall that he stood guard at opened, instinctively, he looked to find a famous figure approaching him. The famous General during a great conflict decades ago had his sights on Aizen, Arlen, the eldest born from the Faenorin family had held a friendly smile, greeting him as he got closer.

"General, good evening!" Aizen greeted, offering a salute, placing a left fist onto his right shoulder. Arlen waved him, informing him not to mind the formalities; no one was around to see them anywho.

"Sir Venevier, I wish to congratulate you truly. Welcome to the ranks."

"Thank you General. Are you here to discuss with Lady Elysian? Shall I inform her of your pressence?" Aizen asked, though Arlen declined politely.

"I was just here on a whim, passing by."

"Ah, then, I bid a farewell General." Aizen responded, though Arlen kept an eye on him for a short while before speaking again.

"You've got some characteristics that remind me of two dear friends I had past ages ago. Are you perhaps from Exali, Venevier?"

"Yes sire, are you familiar of the kingdom?"

"Very. Though it's been quite a long time since I've last visited. Lucky to have you to be the appointed knight for my dear sister. I trust you'll be at her side till the world's end?"

"as I was tasked to,  Sire."

Arlen smirked, to Aizen's confusion.

" Think of her as more than a task, brother Venevier; it makes both your lives so much more fruitful!" Arlen replied as he began to walk away, though this cryptic tip further threw him into more confusion.

"Oh, and before I leave, I was never here to begin with, if anyone asks you."

Aizen hadn't much time to contemplate of Arlen's words, his vigilance bolstered by the abrupt creaking of the door right next to him. Princess Elysian peaked through the door, scouting to the left and right of the hallway before laying sights on him. She wished for him to accompany her, wanting to be elsewhere, harboring a gleeful look. Before the young Knight could even utter a sound she was already on her way down the hallway, turning to a staircase leading down to a lower floor.

Aizen followed, though for every corner or turn he reached she was near to the next step of her escape. Her lead had placed them outside the left wing of the castle, right next to the horse stables. There, Elysian covered herself with an unassuming Cloak, wrapping an elegant tie with the two strings near the neck. She made her way to a corner of a castle, though to his suspicion.

Elysian cooed out only a word for him to follow, climbing onto the deceptively scalable walls. Aizen turned his gaze elsewhere as she gained height, both out of respect for himself and her, and to keep an eye out for anyone who may catch them sneaking out. Once he felt it was safe to look back, he did so, seeing no sight of her. Aizen mimicked the first few points of the steps she took, surprised just how easy it was to climb up the wall.

Perhaps he should take note of this area; for the sake of the Castle's Security.

Aizen reached the summit of the wall, catching a glimpse of Elysian, who was waving at him to climb down. Once he had reached the bottom, Elysian gave him a mischievous smile. She pulled the hood over her head and travelled to the main courtyard of the city, where much music and celebration had been taking place. This sort of party was very foreign to Aizen; neither the kingdom of Exali nor the parties within castle had this liveliness to it. Common folk of different walks of life coming together in a common celebration.

Aizen could see Elysian had a bright smiled across her face whenever she turned to one side or the other. The expression brought a calm relief to Aizen; her being joyful was more suitable than the cold, expression she gave off during the party within the castle. He was certain, such rumors about Elysian were misunderstandings; her heart wished to experience the world outside the castle.

Despite not being of common goals, he could sympathize with her desires. Not everyone was ready to think about commitment when they still had a goal or two to seek out first.

As the two sailed through the sea of people Aizen's watch over Elysian became more close; the close proximity of people passing them by quickly drew much concern. If she were to travel too far off from his reach he could do very little to prevent the inevitable. Though even while near her he was still worrisome; Elysian being hurt would result in such dishonor not only for himself, but of his peers.

All of this worrying had been pulled back on a leash by Elysian , turning around to shine yet Her smile again. She cooed for him to be more lax, like everyone else around them, she was just here to enjoy the festivities. Aizen's slight disconcerting expression dropped, rising up again to a very light smile, though with worrisome eyes still gazing back.

"I'm in no position to prevent you from taking joy in the short moments life offers. All I ask is that you remain vigilant, and be careful, My Liege!"

Aizen further closed his eyes, taking a moderate breath, soon after exhaling, opening his eyes once more, brightening his expression a touch bit more.

"Go on forth, My Liege! Savour the opportunity you have tonight! I will keep my watch on you passive unless something of concern rises."

Aizen turned to a table nearby, grabbing a pint of ale for himself, holding it just above his head while locking eyes with Elysian.

"I'll have a little moment to enjoy myself as well, so worry not!"