The Chronicles of a Fallen Star

Ayla sat across from Ta’huka, her eyes glancing occasionally at the book open between them. They were in a cozy nook of the palace library, the late morning sun casting a warm glow over the rows of ancient tomes and scrolls. Ta’huka was explaining his healing abilities, a soft smile playing on his lips as he spoke about the spirits he called forth.

"It's a static spell, but its strength is significant," Ta’huka said, his tone reverent. "The spirits come to aid those in need, mending wounds and restoring vitality."

Ayla considered his words carefully, her mind already calculating the potential benefits of his abilities in their team dynamics. “You would make an excellent addition to our team,” she said thoughtfully. “We’re pretty offensive-heavy at the moment, and having someone with strong healing abilities would balance us out perfectly.”

Ta’huka nodded, looking pleased. “I’m glad to hear that. I’m eager to contribute in any way I can.”

They both leaned over the book again, discussing spells and skill sets when the library door swung open. Paola and Jester entered, Paola’s eyes bright with excitement.

“Guess who’s ready for another round of sparring?” Paola announced with a grin, her voice carrying across the room.

Ta’huka laughed, his expression matching Paola’s enthusiasm. “Is that a challenge? I’m as ready as you are.”

Ayla looked up, smiling at the banter but feeling a protective instinct kick in. “That’s enough for the first half of the day,” she said, her tone light but firm. “I don’t want Paola hitting her head one too many times before meeting with Lady Marcelline this evening.”

Paola smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. “Maybe I should. Might make the meeting more interesting.”

Ayla blinked in surprise at Paola’s comment, not expecting such a cheeky retort. Before she could respond, the door opened again, and Gwenore entered, her expression curt as usual.

“Ayla,” Gwenore called, her voice brisk. “Lady Marcelline has returned early and would like to see you.”

Ayla felt a wave of anxiety but maintained her composure. She swallowed, then stood and bowed slightly to Paola, Jester, and Ta’huka. “I’ll be back soon.”

She walked over to Gwenore, who gave her a brief nod before leading the way. They walked in silence through the corridors, the weight of the upcoming meeting heavy on Ayla’s mind. She glanced at Gwenore, wondering if she knew what this was about, but the woman’s expression was unreadable.

As they reached the door to Lady Marcelline’s office, Ayla took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever awaited inside. The ornate door loomed before her, a symbol of power and authority. With a final, calming breath, she stepped forward, ready to face her mentor.

Gwenore entered Lady Marcelline's office, the air heavy with anticipation. Lady Marcelline sat at her desk, her expression calm and composed, but Ayla noticed a subtle tension in her eyes. The room was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the tall windows, casting intricate patterns on the floor. The shelves were lined with books and artifacts, each carefully arranged, reflecting Marcelline’s meticulous nature.

"Ayla, please, sit," Lady Marcelline said, motioning to the chair in front of her desk.

Ayla’s heart pounded in her chest as she took her seat. What she hadn't expected to see was the necklace. Above Lady Marcelline's robes, the hourglass necklace lay in plain sight, its sands unmoving. Ayla’s stomach dropped. The hourglass was a powerful artifact, one she had hoped would not be part of this conversation. It hadn't flipped yet, but Marcelline saw her notice it and tilted her head slightly, a knowing look in her eyes.

Ayla fought to calm herself. She was a Sword Maiden, trained to face danger with composure. Yet, her feelings for Paola had made her reckless. She hadn’t thought this through, hadn’t planned for this. She needed to focus, to see how this conversation would unfold.

Lady Marcelline’s voice was gentle but carried an undertone of authority. "How have you been, Ayla? And how is Paola?"

Ayla forced a smile. "We've been good, my Lady. I’m grateful for the opportunities you've given us."

Marcelline waved a hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. Now, I would like you to go over your detailed report."

Ayla's heart skipped a beat. She had prepared for this but knew she had to tread carefully. "Of course, my Lady. After the Cave Hounds attacked the carriage, I was separated from the group. I managed to cross the bridge and survived on my own for several days."

Lady Marcelline nodded, her eyes drifting down to some papers on her desk, but Ayla could feel the intensity of her attention.

"Continue," Marcelline said, her tone even.

"I saw the fallen stars while I was traversing the mountains. It was then that I found Paola. I initially suspected her to be a Fallen Star, but she claimed to be from the Solaria province, far to the east."

Marcelline’s eyes flickered. "You found her naked, did you not?" she asked, her fingers tracing the hourglass necklace.

Ayla nodded. "Yes, my Lady. She was without any gear."

Marcelline's expression remained inscrutable as she flipped the hourglass. The action was clear—she did not believe Ayla. The sands began to fall, compelling Ayla to speak the truth. To most, the hourglass’s effect was imperceptible, but Ayla, raised by Marcelline, knew its power well. This was a Diamond Tier artifact, one of three that Marcelline owned. Two had been in her family for generations, and the third was a recent acquisition. She was on the verge of obtaining a fourth if she could acquire Paola’s slippers.

Ayla felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. The sand fell, and she knew she could no longer hide anything. Marcelline’s gaze could gently crush you, like a pillow while you slept.

"Tell me again about Paola," Marcelline said, her voice soft but demanding.

Ayla took a deep breath. "I found her after the stars fell. She was confused, disoriented. She told me she was from Solaria and that something had gone wrong with a summoning."

Marcelline’s eyes bore into her. "And you believe her?"

Ayla hesitated. "I believe she believes what she told me, my Lady."

Marcelline leaned back, her fingers still tracing the hourglass. "Interesting. And what of her abilities? How has she adapted?"

Ayla chose her words carefully. "Paola has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. She has learned quickly and is eager to contribute."

Marcelline nodded slowly, as if weighing Ayla's words. "And her relationship with you? Describe it."

Ayla felt her throat tighten. "We have become close, my Lady. She has proven to be a loyal companion."

Marcelline's eyes narrowed. "Loyalty is important. But tell me, do you think her presence is beneficial to our cause?"

Ayla swallowed hard. "I do, my Lady. She has unique abilities that could be valuable."

The sand continued to fall, and Ayla knew she was walking a tightrope. Marcelline’s questions were probing deeper, and she had to stay vigilant.

"Unique abilities?" Marcelline repeated, her tone intrigued. "Elaborate."

Ayla took a steadying breath. "Paola has a trait called the Nudist trait. It enhances her abilities when she is not wearing much armor."

Marcelline raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. And how did you discover this?"

Ayla’s mind raced. "Through observation and her own admissions, my Lady. She was open about it."

Marcelline's gaze didn't waver. "And her background? What else do you know?"

Ayla felt the pressure mounting. "She has mentioned her family and her life in Solaria. It aligns with what I know of the province."

Marcelline tapped her fingers on the desk, her eyes never leaving Ayla. "And you are certain she is not hiding anything?"

Ayla's heart pounded. She had to be careful. "I believe she is honest about what she knows, my Lady."

The sands continued to fall, a relentless reminder of the truth that could not be hidden. Marcelline’s expression remained unreadable, but Ayla could feel the scrutiny intensifying.

"And you?" Marcelline asked, her voice almost a whisper. "Are you hiding anything from me, Ayla?"

Ayla's pulse quickened. "No, my Lady. I have always been loyal to you."

Marcelline leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Loyalty is a precious thing, Ayla. But it must be unwavering."

Ayla felt a chill run down her spine. "I understand, my Lady. I will not betray your trust."

Marcelline's gaze softened, but only slightly. "Good. Because I would hate to see you make a mistake."

Ayla nodded, trying to keep her composure. "I will not, my Lady."

The hourglass continued to empty, the sands a silent testament to the truth. Marcelline watched Ayla closely, her eyes piercing and unrelenting.

"One last question," Lady Marcelline said, her voice remaining calm yet carrying an unmistakable undercurrent of intensity. Her gaze was fixed firmly on Ayla, scrutinizing every nuance of her expression. "You claim Paola is from the Solaria province and that she is an asset to us. But why, then, do you seem so apprehensive about the Sands of Truth?"

Ayla felt a shiver run down her spine. She had been navigating Lady Marcelline’s probing questions with carefully chosen words, but this direct challenge caught her off guard. She took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm.

"My Lady, I am not apprehensive about the Sands of Truth themselves," Ayla began, her voice steady. "What concerns me is the implication that such measures are necessary at all. I have always considered you a mother figure, someone who has claimed me as kin. If you truly trust me, as you have always said, why would such an artifact need to be used on me?"

Marcelline’s eyes narrowed slightly, the faintest crack appearing in her composed demeanor. Ayla pressed on, her words carrying the weight of genuine hurt. "Are the ways you move so sinful that you cannot even trust your own kin? Is there something so fundamentally wrong with your own methods that you must resort to this?"

The room fell into a heavy silence. Ayla’s words hung in the air, and for the first time, Marcelline's mask seemed to falter. It was brief, a flicker of emotion that was quickly suppressed, but Ayla saw it. Under the influence of the Sands of Truth, Marcelline knew Ayla meant every word.

Marcelline remained silent for a long moment, her gaze still locked on Ayla. Then, with a deliberate motion, she reached out and flipped the hourglass back over, stopping the sands from falling. The pressure of the truth spell lifted, and Ayla felt a slight relief.

"Perhaps," Marcelline said softly, her voice carrying a hint of regret, "I have lost my way a little." Her gaze softened, and Ayla felt her heart break a little. Maybe she had been too harsh in her thoughts about Lady Marcelline. Yet, the very necklace Marcelline wore had once belonged to a Fallen Star. What had become of that person? Who were they?

Ayla steeled herself, keeping her composure. Lady Marcelline reached into her desk and pulled out a scroll, tied with a neat red ribbon. She placed it on the desk in front of Ayla.

"This," Marcelline said, her tone shifting back to business, "will be your team’s next mission. I expect a thorough execution." She smirked slightly, a touch of the old Marcelline returning. "I've heard from Jester that Paola is progressing quickly. I trust she will be up to the task."

Ayla nodded, taking the scroll. "Thank you, my Lady. We will not disappoint you."

"See that you don’t," Marcelline replied, her voice firm but not unkind. "You are dismissed. Send Paola in next. Gwenore will accompany you back."

Ayla bowed deeply. "Yes, my Lady." She turned and left the room, her mind racing with the implications of the conversation. As the door closed behind her, Gwenore was waiting, her expression as impassive as ever.

"Come," Gwenore said curtly, motioning for Ayla to follow. They walked side by side through the palace corridors, the silence between them heavy with unspoken thoughts. Ayla's heart still pounded from the confrontation, but she knew she had to stay focused.

They reached the door to the training courtyard, and Gwenore opened it, allowing Ayla to step through. Paola and Jester were there, the former looking eager and the latter offering a supportive nod. Ta’huka stood nearby, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the intensity of Ayla’s recent experience.

"Ayla," Paola called out, a bright smile on her face. "How did it go?"

Ayla forced a smile, though her mind was still reeling. "It was... enlightening. Lady Marcelline wants to see you next."

Paola's enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but she nodded. "Alright. I'll be back soon."

As Paola walked past her, Ayla reached out and squeezed her hand briefly. "Be careful," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Paola nodded, understanding the weight behind Ayla's words. She followed Gwenore back toward Lady Marcelline’s office, her steps steady but her mind racing with anticipation. Ayla watched them go, a deep sense of unease settling over her. She turned back to Jester and Ta’huka, her mind already shifting to the mission at hand. The scroll in her hand felt heavy, a symbol of the responsibility she now bore.

Jester, oblivious to her turmoil, started talking. "You know, Ayla, Paola is really getting used to Valarian culture after only being a farmhand. It's impressive, don't you think?"

Ta’huka nodded in agreement, his spirits high as ever. "She's got incredible enthusiasm. It's refreshing to see someone so eager to learn and adapt."

Ayla forced a smile, her mind in turmoil. She had just realized Paola had walked into Lady Marcelline's office, completely unaware of the Sands of Truth that would soon be used on her. Paola had no idea what was coming.

Jester continued, his excitement clear. “I’ve never had a chance to teach someone like this before. It’s invigorating to see her progress. She’s a natural.”

Ta’huka matched his energy. “And to be on a team with such powerful women! It’s an honor, truly. I’m excited for what we can accomplish together.”

Ayla's mind, however, kept wandering back to the office, to the image of the falling sand and Paola unknowingly revealing the truth. The fine line of lies Ayla had been walking was about to be cut. She felt a wave of panic rising, but she knew she couldn't trust Jester and Ta’huka with her fears.

She knew she couldn’t trust Jester and Ta’huka with her fears. Instead, she smiled, hiding her anxiety behind a mask of calm. “Yes, Paola is exceptional,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “We’re lucky to have her.”

Her mind raced, desperately trying to think of what to do next. She couldn’t stop the inevitable, but she needed to be ready for whatever came next. As she stood there, pretending to share in the excitement, her thoughts were consumed by one pressing question: How would she protect Paola and keep their secrets safe?

***

Gwenore now walked down the same halls with Paola, who walked with a sense of eagerness but also hesitation, as if she was trying to take in everything around her but knew she couldn't afford to slow down too much. Paola felt... good? Since meeting their new team member, Ta’huka, she felt as though things were starting to look up. Maybe these slippers really were lucky.

She would stick to the story. They had planned it out thoroughly. Paola's story was her own, only adapted to this world. Instead of Earth, she was from Solaria. Ayla had assured her it would work if she simplified it as much as possible. Be a farm hand, she had told Paola. Curious and excited to see the world.

Gwenore's presence beside her was a silent reminder of the gravity of this meeting. Paola took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as they approached the office. Just as Gwenore had done for Ayla, she opened the door for Paola.

Lady Marcelline sat at her desk, her grey hair framing her face. Her blue eyes gave a gentle gaze as she welcomed Paola in and gestured for her to take a seat. Paola did as she was told, sitting before Lady Marcelline with nervousness written all over her face.

Lady Marcelline’s blue eyes were warm, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she observed Paola. "So, Paola, how are you finding Valarian? I hope it hasn't been too overwhelming for you."

Paola felt her nerves ease just slightly under Marcelline’s friendly demeanor. She took a deep breath before answering, her excitement for the city bubbling to the surface. "Valarian is incredible. The capital is like nothing I've ever seen before. The Leviathan's Ribs are just... amazing, and the way the city is built, it's beautiful. I've never seen anything like it."

Marcelline nodded, her smile widening. "Ah, the Leviathan's Ribs. They are indeed a sight to behold. It's one of my favorite parts of the city as well. The heritage for the sea, even though we're so far from the ocean, is what makes this place truly unique." She laughed, a joyful sound that made Paola feel slightly more at ease yet somehow more unsettled.

Marcelline’s demeanor was playful, much more so than Paola had expected, and it was disarming. The Lady continued, "Ayla speaks very highly of you. She seems quite impressed with how quickly you've adapted."

Paola's defenses lowered just a bit at the compliment. She smiled nervously, feeling a strange sense of pride. "Ayla has been really great. She’s taught me so much about this world and has been so patient with me."

Lady Marcelline’s laughter filled the room again, and as she laughed, her hand moved to her necklace, flipping the hourglass. Paola didn't notice the subtle movement, but she felt a slight shift in the air, like a cool breeze had brushed past her neck and then vanished.

Marcelline's jovial mood didn't waver as she leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Paola, I hear you’ve been delighting the staff with your cooking. Where did you learn such wonderful skills?"

Paola’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn't meant to draw so much attention to herself with her cooking. She answered without thinking, "I learned it from my parents. I had to stay home alone a lot while my older siblings worked, so I picked up cooking out of necessity."

Marcelline nodded, her expression kind and understanding. "That’s wonderful. It must have been hard, though. Do you miss being home?"

Paola hesitated, her thoughts drifting back to her family. "Yes, I miss it more than anything. I just want to go home and tell them that I’m okay."

Lady Marcelline’s gaze softened, and she asked casually, "Has Jester been unable to send a message for you? Surely he could manage that."

Paola’s heart raced. She answered without thinking, feeling an inexplicable trust toward Marcelline. "No, he couldn’t. He said it was too far."

Marcelline's demeanor shifted ever so slightly, her eyes narrowing with a hint of suspicion. "Too far, you say? Jester not being able to send a measly message to Solaria? I only employ the best, and if he can't manage such a simple task, then what good is he?"

Paola felt a cold sweat forming on her brow. Marcelline’s friendly tone remained, but her gaze hardened. "Tell me, Paola, if Jester truly isn’t up to the task, then why not? What reason did he give?"

Paola’s voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "He said it was too far."

"Speak up," Marcelline commanded, her voice still sweet but with an edge that made Paola’s heart pound harder.

"It was too far," Paola repeated, her voice louder but filled with fear.

Marcelline’s eyes were like ice. "What do you mean by that? I've had Jester send messages all over the world. Where exactly was this message supposed to be sent?"

Paola’s mind raced, trying to think of a way to dodge the question, but she found herself unable to lie. "Earth," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Speak clearly, Paola," Marcelline said, her tone sharp and unforgiving.

"Earth," Paola repeated, louder this time. "He said it was too far because the message was supposed to be sent to Earth."

Marcelline’s expression became unreadable. She sat back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Paola’s. The silence stretched on, becoming unbearable for Paola, who could only stare back, her mind a whirlwind of panic and confusion.

Marcelline sat in silence for a long time. Much longer than Paola felt comfortable with. The room seemed to shrink, the air growing heavier with each passing second. Finally, Marcelline smiled, a serene expression that did little to ease Paola’s growing panic. "I appreciate your honesty, Paola," she said, her voice gentle but firm.

Paola felt a cold sweat forming on her brow, her heart hammering in her chest. She tried to steady her breathing, but the calm facade of Lady Marcelline only heightened her anxiety.

Marcelline's eyes bore into her, and she asked, "This Earth you mentioned, it's a different planet, isn't it? It's not the name of some unknown province, correct?"

Paola nodded, unable to hide anything. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "Yes, it's a different planet."

Paola was panicking. She could feel herself digging into a hole and had no idea why. The plan to keep quiet about Solaria was gone. Everything was gone. She screamed internally, Why am I revealing all this?

Marcelline seemed to be watching Paola closely, observing as she teetered on the verge of crumbling before her. The Lady’s calm, almost maternal demeanor was both comforting and terrifying.

Marcelline continued, her tone sympathetic, "It must be hard to be this far from home."

Paola nodded again, feeling a lump forming in her throat. "Yes, it is. It's... it's been really hard."

Marcelline leaned forward slightly, her gaze never wavering. "Has Jester been able to tell you anything about this Earth or send a message?"

Paola's voice was barely a whisper, her emotions boiling over. "I... I died on Earth. And for some fucking reason, I got turned into a fallen star and shoved into this shit show."

The truth spilled out, raw and unfiltered. Paola’s eyes widened in horror at her own words. "I’m sorry," she blurted out immediately, her face flushing with embarrassment.

Marcelline waved it off, her smile unwavering. "It's quite alright, Paola. I can only imagine how difficult this has been for you."

The kindness in her voice made Paola feel even worse, a sickening dread settling in her stomach. Marcelline’s sweetness felt like a trap, one she had walked into blindly.

Marcelline continued, her tone light and conversational. "I’ve given Ayla a mission for you and your team. I trust you’ll do your best."

Paola nodded numbly, feeling as if the ground was slipping away beneath her feet. "Yes, Lady Marcelline."

Marcelline’s eyes softened, her smile almost affectionate. "You may go now, Paola. Thank you for your honesty."

Paola stood, her legs unsteady as she made her way to the door. As she stepped out into the hallway, a sickening feeling overcame her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and utterly lost. The sense of dread gnawed at her, knowing she had revealed too much, and the consequences of her words loomed ominously in the background.

Gwenore was waiting for her, a stoic expression on her face. Paola tried to steady her breathing, forcing a small nod as if to reassure herself. As they walked back through the hallways, Paola couldn’t shake the overwhelming fear that things were about to become much more complicated. That conversation was short, but the damage was done.