Narrator: Starla gazed out from a hilltop and took in the sunny day as a breeze danced in the air.
The scholar in blue approached the hilltop.
Sarinya: It's time.
We need to go.
Nervous?
Starla: No.
Saryina: Scared then?
It’s just a ceremony.
Starla: Elite Guard is a huge step up.
What if I'm not strong enough?
Sarinya: You’ve been honing your skills since the nursery.
You’re strong enough for anything.
Starla: Maybe.
Maybe not.
Saryina: Well I believe in you, at least.
Starla: Thanks, little one.
Yatto jiyuu! Hajimeru jikan da! (Free at last! Time to begin!)
Shoumi de natsuin. Konkai ha katsu zo! (Signed and sealed. This time we will win!)
Episode One: Elite Guard Starla
Narrator: The celebrations took place without issue.
They were a joyous occasion for all, with Starla’s promotion being the sole new elite induction.
In the castle's war room, Elite Guard Slistrela continued informing Starla of her new role.
Slistrela: This would be our central base of operations and where we’d adjourn for instruction.
Additionally,
a smaller armory with spare equipment is in the back should you require anything.
Brigesto: Now listen up, recruit our task is an extremely important one.
This is no walk in the orchard where we can afford to prance around and pick some apples and smell the roses.
Princess Faliya and her advisers are always our top priority, alright?
Think only of their protection. At all times.
Slistrela: I secure the perimeter and keep a lookout on our surroundings.
Brigo here tends to remain within arm’s reach of the retinue.
I’m sure you can fulfill your own niche position as you adjust to operating with the team.
Brigesto: It’s Brigesto!
Don’t give the novice any ideas of insubordination, you miscreant!
Slistrela: Ah! Of course!
My sincerest apologies, great and stalwart commander Brigesto!
If you need anything clarified or have questions of our objective,
Brigo will surely know all, Star.
Ask him. The big chief.
Starla: Any members of Princess Faliya’s train who I should know specifically
or who require special attention?
Slistrela: Not in particular. They are mostly aristocrats, scholars, and other such nobles.
I am not one to care of their details, I am simply here to serve as eyes and ears to the crown.
Brigesto: I know not what kind of training you come from, rook,
but here we have no room for error or the slightest lapse in judgment.
The strength of a kingdom lies in our hands.
Slistrela: And lest you forget, Star, we cannot afford a single misstep.
The fate of a nation rests upon our diligence.
Starla: Ah, yes! Thank you for informing me!
Sarinya: Hey, Star!
I see you’re getting to know Brigo and Slis!
Brigesto: What did you call me, kid?!
Slistrela: Pardon, but I’ve some matters to attend to.
I’ll take my leave.
Sarinya: See ya later, Slis!
Starla: Hello, Sarinya.
Do you travel with the princess’ retinue as well?
Sarinya: Sometimes. The elder sage is called upon at times and I follow along.
The library here has lots for us to study.
Starla: And you know Slistrela and Brigesto too?
Sarinya: They’re always somewhere around when the sage advises the royals.
I told Slis lots about you so she could recommend you for Elite Guard.
So you two know each other?
Yes. Both raised at the nursery during our youth.
Brigesto: I see.
Well we haven’t the time to dally--
Come Starla, you must prepare for your sentry duty tomorrow morning.
Starla: He seems... fun?
Sarinya: Maybe he’s trying to test your mettle.
But at least it’s not too bad so far, right?
Starla: An early morning assignment... sounds grand.
We’ll just have to take an early night.
Sarinya: Wait! Before I forget!
I made this for you, Star!
I’ve finally been able to craft a unique charm!
Starla: Wow, it’s pretty!
How does it glimmer like that?
Sarinya: Umm...
I can’t say. It was not my intention,
but I like what I forged with what little skill I have.
Starla: I think it’s amazing. Thank you, love.
Sarinya: I was able to make two.
I suppose we can wear the pair and
that way a part of me will always be with you.
Starla: Thank--
Brigesto: Starla! We haven’t got all day!
Starla: I foresee it will take all my discipline to keep from
ending that guard.
Sarinya: Shush, you knave, he’ll hear you.
I’ll have our warm meal and bed ready for you when you’re done here.
Try not to skewer him, Star.
No promises. I’ll see you tonight.
Starla: “The warm and sweet tea of the town.”
Why town?
That won’t even rhyme.
Stupid.
Hmm.
“The sweet biscuit that fuels my strength.”
Would she like it if I called her “biscuit”?
Sounds more like the name of a dog.
What if I--
“The warm and sweet tea that fuels my strength.”
Hey! I like that!
Halt!
Elite Guard!
Shaman: O brave youth...
Starla: Who are you?
Shaman: Lo, my name is of no use.
Heed, young and noble Starla,
for I must divulge to you some vital knowledge.
Starla: How can I be certain you are no danger to me?
Shaman: You cannot, my dearest youth.
Starla: Whatever it is you wish to tell me, you can say it to a room of nobles.
Come tell your message to our court.
Shaman: Impossible!
Starla: Then I cannot trust you.
Shaman: No one in this earthly place shall we ever know or trust.
This I must reveal to you, you alone will understand.
Starla: I do not believe you can offer me wisdom, shaman.
One who conceals himself in the darkness of the forest cannot sway me.
Shaman: Hold, rash hero!
Take my words, perchance they would be of great use to you.
It is easy to be brave behind castle walls,
but vicious fiends yet slither twixt the gaps neglected.
My vision into the castle has become ever shrouded.
I fear machinations are astir.
Be wary. Be wary, young fighter,
of those from this plane and beyond, for I sense the Gates of Disorder have burst agape.
Hold your ground, Elite Guard, and let not deception and temptation rule you.
Please be strong and fulfill that which is in you.
Starla: Brigesto!
Princess!
SRT by Sophia "Zies" Knight
https://ziesgg.com/machi