50 Fate of the Arcane Watch
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Deep in a forest somewhere in Stormfall, a small camp began to fill with stragglers.
They seem to have come from a huge battle, and they were dragging a large mechanism behind them. The wounded were immediately guided to one of the tents to be tended to, while a group of hooded figures walked with two prominent people.
"On behalf of what's left of the Arcane Watch, I, High Magistrate Thoran, would like to thank you, for saving us back there. Had it not been for your efforts, the Watch may as well be history. If it's not too rude, may I know your name?"
"I'm Leia. Leia Althemor."
The High Magistrate's eyes slightly grew wide at the mention of the name. 'So this woman is the daughter of the Lord Magistrate.' He mused, and nodded.
"High Magistrate, I am grateful for your words, but I am not the one you should be thankful for.", Leia continued. Seeing Thoran's confused look, she explained, "The credit goes to our leader, Sister Liz. It was through her encouragements and wit that we are all standing here today."
Thoran nodded again, indicating he understood. "Well, If that's the case, Lady Althemor, I would like to speak with her personally, and extend my gratitude…if it is possible." He tried his best to be careful with his words.
The young woman somewhat frowned at the mention of formality in her name, but she smiled all the same. "Just Leia will be fine, High Magistrate. Right this way."
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Sister Liz was deep in thought and pacing around the main tent, when the flap opened slightly.
"I apologize for the intrusion, Sister.", Leia started. "There's someone here to see you."
Sister Liz broke off from her daze and smiled. "No harm done, Sister. Show them in." She motioned her hands outward to welcome her visitor.
Sister Leia entered the tent along with a gruff looking man, and Sister Liz greeted them with warm words. "Kindly bear with the ambience. This is the best I can come up with." She chuckled a bit, and added, "I'm Sister Liz, the acting leader of this small group. To whom do I owe the please of this visit?"
"This is High Magistrate Thoran.", Sister Leia offered, and motioned the man to proceed.
Thoran bowed slightly, and spoke in most sincerity, "I am honored, Sister Liz. On behalf of the Arcane Watch, I express our deepest gratitude for all you have done."
"We did what must be done, High Magistrate." Sister Liz assured. "I'm sure you already know the relation between Sister Leia and the Lord Magistrate. From what Sister Leia's told me, the survival of the Arcane Watch is essential if the world was to be saved from a catastrophic event."
"Indeed, Sister." High Magistrate Thoran appreciated Sister Liz's straightforward attitude. "In fact, that's what I wanted to discuss with you. I'm afraid time is not a luxury and a lot needs to be done."
"Those are dire words, High Magistrate. But I think it wouldn't hurt to discussing this over a cup of tea. Is that fine?" Sister Liz was always one to set the mood.
High Magistrate Thoran was once again amazed about how calm Sister Liz was. The almost care-free demeanor somewhat reminded him of Lord Magistrate Juron Althemor. He allowed himself to smile for a bit.
As if Sister Liz read his mind from his expression, she spoke again in kind words. "I'm sure they'll be all right, High Magistrate. I've already set the best doctors and healers I have to attend to their needs. Now, come. We have a lot to discuss."
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Sister Liz, High Magistrate Thoran, and Leia Althemor settled down, each holding a hot cup of tea, and gathered around a small table.
"The Arcane Watch, as we all know, was an organization formed to regulate anything that has to do with the arcane, and in the case of magical complications and problems, the Watch will be the first to step up to take care of it.", Thoran began.
"Recently, we had been sensing a lot of disturbances in the magical leylines. There was this prediction, the 'Rapture Event' stating that there will soon be a second Arcane Surge, possibly even more powerful than the previous. With the world not yet recovered from the first Surge, another one would inevitably be the end for all of us.
Now, these disturbances, unlike the natural ones, were caused by something-or someone, unknown to the Watch. This led us to consider it as forerunners to this upcoming 'Rapture Event'. Therefore, our Lord Magistrate took it upon himself to devise a plan to prevent it. But before we could even execute it, an uprising happened among the ranks of the Watch, which brings us to where we are now."
