Final Fantasy: The Steam Wars

[IejirKothar]

The Yastan Kingdom

The early morning sun rose lazily just behind the Castles highest towers. Normally there would be almost no commotion to interrupt the serenity of the scene, but this was no ordinary morning. Today was the first proving of the year and preparations were well underway. It was only one of four days in a year that the fortress opened its doors to the merchants and migrant tribes the kingdoms citizens had formed in the wake of the Magic Wars. It was a hard life living in the wastes but thanks to not being tied down a single settlement taxes were low and the king and queen often sent soldiers out to guard the few permanent settlements the people were able to build.

The only non royalty permitted to live within the fortresses walls were mages in-service to the courts and the royal army. Both position highly coveted by the lowfolk.
Which is why these provings are so important for the country. It's how the soldiers keep their numbers up and how the low folk support their families.
While only a few are actually chosen in the end participation is free and rewards are offered to the to applicants regardless if they are chosen.

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From the high tower of the castle Prince Kierran watched the festival set up and pondered the recent events in the castle. War ministers were coming in and out of his fathers offices day and night bringing news of border skirmishes with The Imperium and the Empire both. In his youth he'd once believed they could all work together to heal the damage they had wrought on the world but time had tempered his naivity,now he had his eyes set on conquest and he'd been told his new fiance had a very special trait. One he could take advantage of and finally bring an end to the fighting.
Reaching behind him Kierran lifted his dark purple cape from the table and fastened it over his left shoulder the girl would be arriving soon and he simply had to be presentable.

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A young man with ash colored Hair raced through the commotion of the laborers setting up for the festival. On his back was a large sword covered in an oiled tarp to protect it from the dessert sands.
Rafe was one of the many nomads who had come to join the Royal army and thanks to his newest find in one of the battlefields on the border he knew he had an edge even if it currently only had three shells. The shells were all he could find that still had power. Fire, Wind, and a barrier. He wasn't even sure how strong they were just what type of power the shells contained.
Rafe came to a halt at a large door leading to a small long house, where all applicant came to wait their turn in the lists.

[Malyka]

Anastasia stared out, and saw the car, coming closer to the castle. for a moment she closed her eyes and there was a small sigh and she looked at her hands, and a little ball of energy appeared, and she stared at it.

Her magic had brought her to this, she was forced to get engaged with the prince, something she rather did not want, but on the other hand, with his help, she could bring the good of magic back to this world.

For a moment she was shocked when the car came to a standstill, and the door opened, she looked at the guard and stepped out hesitantly and walked with the guard into the castle, for a moment she stopped and looked at the castle, then looked at the guard and walked back again, into the castle. She did not feel comfortable at all, a few servants stared at her and walked quickly, once at the enormous doors of the throne room she stopped and stared at the doors, and put her hand on her chest, and saw how the doors opened

[AngelDellaNotte]

Twelve years of living in the south and she hadn't gotten used to all the technology. The first time she had rode in a car she had been terrified. The years hadn't improved much, she was still uneasy riding in them but could now mask her feelings. That first time she had a death grip on the door handle and had been scolded by her tutor. Now she had her hand on the hilt of her sword though her knuckles were still white. Trying to take her mind off the car she looked across the car to Anastasia who was playing with a ball of magic. Anastasia amazed her with how easy she could control magic. Her whole life she had been told magic was being kept from them by the gods but it wasn't never explained why. It didn't make sense that Anastasia could do it with such ease. The gesture said so much without any words being spoken. Anastasia was nervous or uneasy most likely with why they were here. She was set to marry a prince that Kaede didn't know much about but what little she had been able to find out she didn't like the guy. She hadn't said anything to Anastasia about it as it wasn't her place. She was here for her safety not to offer advise. Should the prince try to harm her then she would step in.

The car pulled to a stop and a guard opened the door assisting Anastasia from the car. Kaede let out a low growl she liked to exit the car first to ensure everything was safe. Today she was forced to exit last, playing catch up. She attempted to scan the area but this guard started leading the princess away. Kaede was forced to quickly follow suit with her head on a swivel and her hand still on her sword. She was out of place among all the other guards with their modern weapons though she did see a sword from time to time. Inside the castle Anastasia stopped at the doors to the throne room seeming frozen. She stepped forward toward the princess and lightly placed a reassuring hand on her back gently urging her forward.

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

Cassiel watched the mage through the window of a grungy bar. He was polishing a glass and narrowed his eyes. "Feckin' mages. Thar's a reason they've gone all but extinct, an' I for one, am glad." he muttered under his breath. He went back to serving patrons, though he was curious. He took off his apron, and whistled loudly. "Alright, ev'ryone out! A've got stuff to do. A'll be back soon." he waved his hand dismissively as the drinkers grumbled, then went to the back room. He pulled on his cloak, and slipped out a window. He scaled the small bar's wall, and scampered onto the roof. He leapt to a nearby building, and climbed that too. He sat on the ledge with a small spyglass, watching the mage and what, her keeper? He wondered what she was doing, not for the last time.

[IejirKothar]

(quick note AngelDellaNotte; The world is still very medival I feel like you might be confusing Diesel punk (mad max) with SteamPunk (think, Lost Exille) The tech is still very new and things like Cars and guns are very crude so swords, spears and such are still the standard.))

Kierran Stood in the center of a large reception hall holding two glasses of watered wine. He felt it appropriate to greet his bride to be with some refreshment after her journey through the dessert and he'd chosen this room since it would have a good view of the proving grounds as well as the festival itself.
"I am the crowned prince, My name is Kierran." He started pausing as he noticed there were two women entering the chamber. "....Oh, my apologies I was only expecting one guest today. Would you mind introducing us Lady Anastasia?" Kierran asked while appraising Kaede openly, taking her measure and taking his time to evaluate this unforeseen development.
However he never let it trip him as he walked over to Anastasia with practiced posture and offered her the spare glass.
"I must apologize but there are no other glasses as I had expected it to be just the two of us until after the festival." He said to the wild looking woman who had accompanied his bride.

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Down in the dark of the lists Rafe peered up at the castle through one of the breaks in the hastily constructed wooden shelter. He had heard there was a special visitor this year and thought he might catch a glimpse but so far no one had shown up. Letting his gaze fall Rafe saw a strange man climbing out of the window of a local bar and climb to its roof holding what looked like a small spy glass.
"What the?" Rafe muttered wondering why a thief would be out and about so early in the morning with the sun rising high. "Well whatever, the fights don't start for a while and maybe I can make my name known a bit early."
Rafe thought pushing back through the fighters waiting in line to head after this strange man.

[Malyka]

A day before leaving

Anastasia stared at the priests who were busy with the gardens, and just shook her hand and used her magic to land on a beautiful but small follower on her hand, and she stared at it and stroked her little breast with a finger. the bird, and then looked over her shoulder at the guard in the corner, which she had from the very beginning, they were perhaps the same age, yet she had a lot to her guard, and she smiled a moment and looked at the little creature again. "I do not understand that my father agreed to marry that prince," she said softly and watched as the follower flew away and sighed for a moment, staring at the sky, lifting a piece of her dress and starting to walk and nodded friendly to the priest's.

She was accustomed to the fact that it was often very quiet, because some of the priests had taken an oath not to speak, not until the magic was fully restored, but they were always close to her, to possibly assist her, if anything happened, but they also knew that her Guard would fight for her life

She always liked being in the gardens, it reminded her of home. Granted it wasn't the same it was nature. Kaede didn't like always being trapped in the tall buildings that were common down south. Most often when they went outside it was into the city which was a sea of buildings with a few trees and bushes thrown around mostly for decoration. It wasn't natural. She watched the princess with a smile on her face. Anastasia was a good person she could see that and was glad that she was bound to someone like her. It would have been hard if she hadn't so perfect. Her attention shifted to the priests, they were different than the priests back home but like the garden they were familiar and made her feel at ease.

For a moment she heard her name and she sighed, and plucked a piece of hair behind her ear, and then walked over to the young woman who accompanied her, to her father for once, she sat down, and in silence they began to eat the only voice she heard was a priest who read one of the old books, something that was very common at every time, but she knew that this was her last time with her father, because she would leave in the morning, to her fiancé, a man she did not know, only from stories, and had never seen.

During the meal she sat there eating quietly. When she first came here she never ate with her charge both her and tutor would eat with the other servants. It tutor had said it wasn't proper but as soon as Kaede's training was done Anastasia had insisted that she join her. Still she rarely spoke unless spoken to unless it was just the two of them. When it was it felt like just two friends sharing a meal and not a princess and her bodyguard.

After the dinner she also stood, and to her surprise also her father, who walked up to her and lay his hand on her cheek, stared at her and gave a tender kiss on her forehead, and then walked away, she sighed for a moment. looked at her personal guard. "Do you really think this is best for everyone?" she asked and walked up to her, staring at her, "Do you promise to protect me at all times?"

"It isn't my place to say." Kaede said, her words going against how she felt. She wanted to tell Anastasia she couldn't marry a man she didn't know and didn't love. However as a guardian it wasn't her job to advise but to protect. Without really thinking she reached out lightly touching Anastasia's arms to comfort her. Then moving onto to the next question, a question she could answer with her own feelings and not her duty. This was a time when her duty and her feelings were the same. "With my life, your highness. You never have need to fear I will always be by your side."

for a moment she sighed, and looked at her again "I do not know if I can do this, marry someone unknown" she said and walked towards her departure and saw her stuff packed up and she sat down "Come drink tea with me" she said friendly, and asked one of the priests to bring tea

She nodded then sat across from Anastasia no doubt looking strange sitting at the dainty table in her leather armor, furs and a sword at her side. The priests brought over a delicate tea set and set it before them. They served the princess first then Kaede. She lifted her cup and took a sip letting the bitter liquid touch her tongue and savored it for a moment. The tea was a Kytan blend She smiled at the priest and nodded her thanks to him. He was one of the silent priests, he nodded and walked off with return smile. "Following your duty is never easy. It is a choice each of us need to make." Kaede said.

she laughed for a moment, and tried to hide it, holding her hand over her mouth, and took a sip of her tea and stared at her, and put her cup down and stood up and went to the window and stared outside. "I'm going to miss it here" she said calmly

The next day the bothe left the home, for a whole new live

For a moment she felt how Kaede pressed her into the room, and she stared at the prince, and strangled before him, and glanced at the floor, as he walked towards her, she looked at him, took the glass, and smiled. a little bit out of politeness, and then looked at Kaede "Sorry, but this is my personal guard, she is at all times on the side" she said calmly and took a small sip of the water, and looked outside to the festival and smiled "I have never seen a festival like this", she said and looked back at the prince and felt a little shiver down her back, feeling that it was colder here, like the place where she lived

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

He watched as the Very Formal Man was put off by the mage's keeper, but quickly regained his cool demeanor. He laughed. "Feckin' royal bastard." he took a swig from his his hip flask, and continued watching. Though he couldn't hear them, he was quite good at reading lips, and got a pretty good idea of what was going on. The royal bastard was marrying the mage, and from the look of her, she was not happy about it. He watched with great interest, not even noticing someone watching him. He wondered if he could get inside. Probably not, but... He decided against it when he remembered the gaurds had guns. Or was it crossbows. He couldn't remember. "A wonder if tha gaurd feels useless. Ta mage is a mage." He thought aloud.

[IejirKothar]

Kierran grinned slightly at the awkward explanation and her guarded behavior. "I don't blame your nerves. Arranged marriages are far more often arranged for matters of state rather than over matters of the heart. Your gift is a rare mystery and if it wasn't My family then surely the Empire would have sent for you or, gods forbid, the Imperium." He explained gesturing out to the festival. "And this is as much for your benefit as it is for outs, Today is the proving festival. A chance for anyone to join the royal army and rise above their meager stations in life. My predecessors began this practice some time during the magic wars, if our histories are accurate. Our armies ranks needed to be bolstered and the displaced commoners who had lost their homes needed new lives." He explained watching the festival start coming to life around them. "To be honest Lady Anastasia, your power may very well save us all by ending this stagnant war. With you aligned with our kingdom we'll have a much stronger position in peace talks with the Empire.... and I'm afraid you'll become a brilliant standard for the soldiers to fight for against the Imperium... we've never heard back from any of our messengers send over their borders.

[Malyka]

For a moment she looked over her shoulder at the prince, his eyes in his eyes had something, he looked for power for her feeling. but on the other hand, he would certainly care a lot for his people. she looked out again "As long as no people will lead my magic, I want to help people, I want peace in the world, and have restored magic," she said calmly and turned to the prince.

"I do not know how I can help you with my magic, my prince, but promise me, do not make false use of my gifts," she said, stepping closer and staring at him with her clear eyes, and she stroked tenderly. with her soft hand over his cheek

[IejirKothar]

"Abusing your power isn't something I intend to do Anastasia. Honestly I'd prefer to settle things peacefully as well. But the Imperium have gone beyond reason I'm afraid." He said turning to look out at the horizon. "They seem to think that Magic fading away is the gods will, and have actively begun to hunt down mages in their own lands. My generals report that their soldiers single out any mages among our troops when they can." He said before standing straighter. "Wanting to resolve things peacefully is a noble goal my lady, but as the leader of my people I have to view things a bit more practically. But I'm not going to force you to use your powers on the front lines, I'm sure there are more constructive ways your powers can be used hear in the capitol."

[Malyka]

Anastasia stared at the prince and stepped away from him, and was pleased with his kind words, however, she had a strange feeling inside, that he was partly looking for power, she looked away and walked to a table and put her glass down, and looked through the room for a moment, and was amazed at how beautiful the room was, yet she missed the priest's and her place, but she knew that this was the best thing to save the world and magic in the world.

Anastasia looked at Keade for a moment and smiled gently "Why do not you rest Keade, I assume I am in good hands with the prince" she said calmly and looked at the prince again and nodded friendly to him "I assume you show me my temporary stay before we are married "

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

"Ugh. Of course. Ta feckin' prince wants her for her power. Nobles. No sense of romance. Jus' power." He slipped down the side of the building, and into the jostling crowd below. He made his way towards the castle sideways, careful to appear as only if he was interested in buying wares. He made his way, albeit a bit slowly, until he was near a less crowded alleyway.He ducked inside, thinking about whether he wanted to do this. The answer was yes.

[AngelDellaNotte]

Listening to the prince confirmed Kaede's prediction of him and she wasn't liking what she was hearing. The prince only wanted to use Anastasia. She would have to keep a close eye on him, though she wouldn't act unless he threaten the princess or Anastasia asked her to intervene. Staying several steps behind the royal couple Kaede remained silent as was her usual position, Anastasia used to her presence always there though Kaede wondered if it made the prince uncomfortable and smirked to herself hoping it was. Better that he knew that Anastasia wouldn't be an easy target for his Machiavellian maneuvers. She paused when Anastasia addressed her and almost stated that she was fine at her post but could sense that the princess wasn't asking her but rather politely dismissing her. "Thank you, your highness." Kaede said, bowing to Anastasia then nodding to the prince before leaving.

She found herself wondering in the market instead of taking a rest. They would be living here if everything worked out with the prince and princess so it would be wise to get the lay of the land. She knew Anastasia would be safe in the castle and felt now would be a good time to learn the market. Not to mention with the festival going on she would blend more in the crowds. No doubt there would be some wondering who this tattooed woman was they wouldn't linger long on her thinking her just another traveler and she was sure very few would realize her markings weren't tattoos. Going from stall to stall Kaede was more focused on the people there than their wares, though she did look at the buildings and alleys for if Anastasia ever wanted to visit. It was best to always have an escape plan that wasn't made on the fly. Glancing down an alley that was almost deserted she noticed it lead toward the castle. A figure in the alley caught her eye though she wasn't sure why. She felt something was amiss and decided to follow the figure being sure to stay a safe distance from them.

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

Cassiel made his way to the end of the alley and looked up. "Hrm." If he... then he could... but what if... eh. That'd just be a risk he was willing to take. He backed up, and took a running leap at the wall of the shop on the right. He kicked off, touched breifly on the back of the alley, then landed on the roof of the building to the left. He immediately crouched, and scampered toward the castle. He made his way to an ajar window, and crawled inside. He landed on a rafter of the castle, and stealthily, he crept towards the prince, until he was right above the pair. "Damn." he whispered. He had just got the end of the conversation. He decided it was best to follow the mage, so as to gather the most information possible. Wherever the mage was, news was bound to follow.

[IejirKothar]

As Cassiel made hi way up to the roofs again Rafe was stuggling to catch up with him in the alleyway only to lose him when he was unable to climb as well as the thief. "Damn, how the hells did he do that!?" He complained trying to find what ever handholds Cassiel had used.

Kierrian nodded warmly taking Anastassia by her arm and guiding her from the room. "I know the idea of going to war is distasteful, but if you'd seen the damage done to our people and what the Imperium has done to anyone they catch with any magical talent at all.... it's frightful to think of." He said actually turning slightly pale. "I do believe the Empire will be more amenable to talking to us, the only issue is the cast system they have, anyone without magical talent is apparently not a full citizen under their laws.
So you see, you put our kingdom in a very strong position as the queen to be, With your aid we can enlist the Empire's army and joined with our own bring the Imperium to heel to answer for all they've done in the name of their gods." He explained again trying to appeal to her sense of reason. He knew what he was talking about was morally gray at best. But his duty was to his people and kingdom before his heart.

On his way out of the Alley way Rafe was considering returning to the lists and trying his luck with the tournament. His distracted thoughts and feet caused him to walk straight into an exploring Kaede however.
Shocked by the act of walking into another body, one that didn't instantly try to evade him and thus allowed them both to keep on their feet in the busy market street.
"Hey, watch where you're.... What?" Rafe began only to be distracted by the womans odd tattoos.
"Oh, that explains it all. A foreigner. This your first time this deep into the kingdom? we're having the proving today so you definitely picked a great time."

[Malyka]

She put her hand gently, on his arm, and listened to his words, while she looks at him, "Every human being is equal, magic or no magic, the empire, only thinking of power, and does not see how much damage they cause. to this world, "she said calmly and glanced at the ground, and for a moment thought of her father's words, and then she looked at the prince with her clear eyes." I do everything to help my prince "she said, and she smiled calmly.

Anastasia, looked around her, it was much bigger here than the monastery where she lived, the only difference, was that it was often very quiet in the monastery, and you often heard only the song of the monks, she looked some outside and kept calmly walking beside her fiancé, her future husband, whom she had never met before. she looked at him again and smiled again. "When will our wedding take place?" she asked hesitantly

[AngelDellaNotte]

Watching the figure jump on the roof, for a moment she thought about jumping up and following him. The roof could lead to the palace but it could also lead him a hundred other places. It took a bit of convincing of herself but finally convinced herself to let the Prince's guards protect Anastasia. She had been given sometime off and while she wasn't exactly relaxing she would do the best she could. Unsure of where to go next she stood there until someone ran into her. Kaede's first reaction was to draw a weapon. One hand fell on her sword while the other moved to her knife. She didn't draw the sword but she did the knife holding it close to her arm and concealed. The man accused her of not watching where she was going. "You ran into me. I was standing still." Kaede said, eying the man with her dagger still at the ready. He didn't look like a threat but she held her guard. "The proving what is that?"

[IejirKothar]

"Wow you must really be from out of town" Rafe said ignoring her guarded stance and drawn knife. He supposed that was a pretty normal reaction given how they met and figured as soon as she found out she wasn't in danger she'd put it away. "The proving is an event we hold here in the capital once a season, it's basically how the lowborn can show their talents and join the army. The constant fighting makes the demand for soldiers pretty high, and to avoid having those unsuited to it picked the proving fills their ranks, but there's also a chance for an instant promotion if you are capable. So applicants are pitted against one another and against champions chosen by the crown." Rafe said grinning with ambition.
"And this time I have an edge." He told her as he drew his sword. "I found this weapon abandoned on an old battlefield, it's a Caster. I even found three shells with it." He told Kaede conspiratorially before sheathing the weapon.


The prince smiled at her question as he moved toward the outward balcony. "It's not immanent if that's what you're worried about. Legally we already are to be the next king and queen, but the ceremony is still being planned out. I had intended it to be the event that brings an end to the war, something to ease the anguish that this long war has caused." He told her as he gazed out over the Proving grounds. "You also have quite the splendid view of the festivities from here. Have you ever witnessed a proving?"

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

Cassiel stifled a laugh at the mention of the provings. Mindless people fighting so they could go get themselves killed. That was not for him, thank you very much. The rest was pretty mundane, talking of weddings, and how shitty the Imperium was. But it did touch his mind that what the prince was doing was not that morally great, but he didn't care. He creapt along the wooden rafter, before finally sitting down, his legs dangling. The light from the windows below him would make him hard to see. He pulled out a small loaf of bread he had snagged on the way here, and broke it open. He ate it in three bites. He was pretty hungry. The barkeep's salary he made wasn't a lot, though he got by. Although, a loaf here and there was pretty great. He noticed a rat staring at him from the corner. "Scram." he whispered.

[Malyka]

She walked onto the balcony and stared out and closed her eyes for a moment, feeling a gentle breeze of wind touching her skin, she put her hands on the beautiful stone railing of the balcony and opened her eyes and stared at the beautiful view.

Anastasia looked at the prince for a moment when he asked her something, and then looked at her hands for a moment and sighed, "I must honestly say that I never experienced that," she said calmly, staring back into the distance, and did once raised her hand and showed a beautiful glow of energy to the prince, and then turned towards him and took his hand and placed the little ball of energy on his hand, "My father has always told me that I am unique , and born to help people, must honestly say that I do not find myself unique, but just normal "she spoke calmly and looked at the prince, and smiled" May the gods be with us and guide us "she spoke with a warm voice

[Yggdrasil_Hugger]

He scoffed internally. Yeah right. I didn't sign up for mushy stuff. I signed up for information. He scooted over, to get a better view and better acoutics. As he shifted his weight, his flask fell from his belt. He watched, in slow-motion, as he flask dropped from the inside of his cloak, hit the wooden rafter, bounced, and hit the floor. There was a loud clatter as it slammed onto the stone floor. His heart stopped. "SHIT!" he hissed through clenched teeth.