Maessha and Alara

The massive gates in Zorrla's throne room opened with a creak.

The solitary footsteps of the the dark elf princess echoed in the chamber devoid of any guards.

Maessha knelt before their Queen.

"You have called, mother?"

Zorrla's gaze was scrutinizing, discerning her daughter if she was ready. Victory is assured if Zorrla could somehow get Ellamir to participate once more but this experience should benefit Meassha much like it did her sister.

"The time for the next Festival of Glory is upon us. You shall honor Nellith by winning it." Zorrla declared.

In her surprise, Maessha tried to contain her gasp. She did not care much about Nellith but the thought of representing their race was the one that brought elation to her.

"Truly!? I won't despite the I shall carry the dark elves to victory."

A cruel smirked adorned Zorrla's lips. The queen warned, "Make sure of it. I wouldn't want you to experience the same fate Ellamir had gone through."

The Queen's concern was nothing but a threat in masquerade. If Zorrla submitted Maessha to the same humiliation that her sister had gone through, Maessha would steel herself to endure it for her sister was strong enough to rise above it. Maessha must be as well for the sake of her promise to look after their mother.

"While we are discussing Ellamir, did you know that your sister already has a child?"

A news as explosive as a Hagall rune was suddenly dropped into Maessha's lap. She was not one for hysterics but the smoking hot revelation made her stood up, questioning if she heard her mother correctly.

"I apologize, mother, but could you please repeat that!?"

"Your sister has a daughter. You are now an aunt and I, a grandmother. Isn't it so exciting? Kyahahaha!"

How Zorrla's laughter rung made it sound like she was planning something sinister to the child. The reason why her sister had not informed her so was now strikingly obvious for Maessha.

"Mother, I beg of you. Let us leave sister and this daughter of her be."

Zorrla's laughter faded. This daughter of hers dare to order her!?

"What if I don't want to? Whatever will you do about it, my dear Maessha?" Zorrla crossed her legs upon her throne as she voiced her taunt. A wicked smile marred Zorrla's lips. If her daughter was now showing some spine, Zorrla hoped it won't snap under pressure. "Will you...kill me?"

Beads of sweat started to appear in Maessha's brow. With the Queen's drider armor, Zorrla could crush Maessha from where she stood and they both knew it. Her heart pounding as loud as an ogre's footsteps, thrashing inside her chest. Maessha deflected her mother's murderous gaze with a resolute stare.

"I made an oath to keep watch over you, mother. If that is what it would take. If you would force my hand...then my magic shall eviscerate you." Maessha declared. Her gentle nature cast aside in order to uphold her promise to Ellamir.

The Queen's mad cackling filled the entire chamber. The tiny spark inside of Maessha is growing! If Zorrla nurtured it, it might just burn as bright as pyre capable of burning her just like her Ellamir could! If Zorrla played her cards correctly, Maessha could become her next heir.

"Splendid answer! Fortunately for you, I am simply interested in meeting this granddaughter of mine. Go to Elaria in advance before the festival. Tell your sister that her beloved mother is about to pay her a visit! Kyahahaha!"

Maessha gulped. This is not going to end well.

+++

Inside the amazonian training ground, Alara's graceful but powerful spearplay withstood the assault of her battle sisters. Two charged at her with swords drawn, coming at the frost giant with the intent to fully maim their future ruler. Such hostility was warranted, because even as they were not holding back, they were unable to lay a single finger on Alara.

With a side-step, Alara evaded her sister's slash, slamming the butt of her spear into the back of the amazoness' knee, forcing the amazoness to bend even before Alara's coronation.

The other was now charging at Alara with her sword thrust forward, ready to impale. Alara's spear locked weapons with her, before using the amazoness' own momentum against her. As her battle sister tried to push through her defense, Alara pulled back her spear, making the woman fall forward. Hastening her battle sister's downfall, Alara's toned legs kicked her back, sending her plummeting into the ground.

This brutal training continued until all ten of Alara's battle sisters were all gasping for air due to exhaustion while the blue woman was looking like she had just finished warming up. They were utterly no match against their future queen. Still, for their tenacity that they exhibited, Alara would give them praise.

"Well done, sisters. The swordplay you all exhibited was exquisite, to say the least. I look forward to our next sparring session."

The slow clap that echoed in the entire arena prompted Alara to turn her head at its source. It was from the current queen, Ysbeil, sitting cross legged on one of the spectator seats.

"I could sense that you are aching for more, shall I call on another batch to satisfy your battle hunger?"

Alara gripped her spear. As the future Queen, she cannot engage in wanton fights. Ah, if only her blood sister was still here, her skill with the sword will no doubt scratch her itch for battle that her sparring partners could not. It's like she can invite Antani over since she has her own family now. Through Antani's letters, Alari discovered the joy of being an aunt. One of these, Alara must see this lovely niece of hers.

"This is enough, Mother." Alara answered with a satisfied smile. "You don't usually watch me spar, for what reason have you come here?"

"Elaria's festival is upon us. I will be sending you as the representative for the Amazons."

The first thing that rushed through Alara's mind was the opportunity to meet her niece at last. The second was how easy of a sweep it's going to be for the Amazons.

"Why me, mother? I am honored but…there are other sisters who deserve to shine."

"It's a request from our goddess herself. A whim perhaps but we must tend to it nonetheless. Do you wish not to? Perhaps I can convince our goddess otherwise."

"No, if Artemis wills it, I shall obey." The smile adorning Alara's face widened. "Then this means we can finally see Ellani."

Not one to show her emotions on her sleeves, Queen Ysbeil's weak smile was enough to tell Alara that her mother was equally as excited as her. Their duties in the island forbade them from overseeing her birth, this joyous meeting is one they would relish.

"Indeed. I shall send you there first so you can take part in festivities and tell Antani that her mother is excited to see little Ellani."