The Dawn of the New World

Lady Jiang did not utter a single word of complaint or protest in any way while her magic which was akin to another limb was repeatedly set alight and cut apart. She could feel every thrust, every splinter separate from the branches, and every spark burn away what little of her was left within them.

Princess Helena, Princess Inara, and Uri were standing behind her.

Uri was holding onto two lanterns that seemed a little too big for his frame. Every time a gust of wind passed anywhere near him he would sway back and forth, trying to keep his balance.

With pursed lips, he threw bitter glances towards Princess Inara who was standing in front of him. The area around one of his eyes had turned black and swollen after receiving an unwarranted punch from the Princess.

It was almost like she could feel him glaring at her since she turned around unexpectedly and ended up looking right into his eyes. Flustered, Uri quickly averted his gaze, pretending to look at the fight below.

Princess Inara scoffed, "Little twerp," she muttered turning back around. Her gaze landed on Lady Jiang's back. She noticed her muscles that quivered every time the feline demihuman guards attacked and for some reason, her mood worsened.

'I won't fall for your tricks,' she mused inwardly.

Princess Helena noticed her sour expression and gently nudged her elbow.

"Behave, sister," she whispered before walking up to Lady Jiang.

"I think that should be enough, no?"

Her voice woke Lady Jiang from her focused state as she opened her eyes and looked to the side.

"I can still go on...." she tried to meekly protest but seeing Princess Helena's smiling face, her voice trailed off near the end. She nodded and obediently moved back with a lowered head.

In front of Princess Helena, there was nothing she could do. Not only was Princess Helena older than her but her calm and collected demeanor and the unquestionable aura she had cultivated after serving as Hallvard Clan's youngest priestess for years left little room for negotiation.

"Let me take that, thank you for the help little brother," she said while patting Uri on the head before taking of the duck-blood lanterns for herself. Uri pouted in return.

"I'm not little! Ms. Jiang is just a tiny bit taller than me! Look, if I stand on tippy toes I can also be just as tall as you!" he hopped up and down like a rabbit, making Lady Jiang giggle gleefully.

Lady Jiang herself didn't look older than 15-16 at most but her small face and the bit of baby fat that created dimples every time she laughed made her look even younger and more innocent than she perhaps actually was.

She kept the lantern close for warmth. The single layer of black pants and shirt that she had on was barely enough to protect her from the cold night, let alone the chilly wind that brushed past her every few minutes, making her shiver.

Uri saw her entire frame shaking from head to toe and quickly brought the other lantern closer as well for some extra warmth, but these lanterns were not meant to warm the body and did very little in that regard.

Princess Inara overheard their conversation and threw an emotionless glance towards her saying, "Maybe Lady Jiang should head back. As 'helpful' as your magics are, there is little need for them here. So far all you have done is slow us down."

Uri reacted before Lady Jiang could do anything. He jumped to her defense, quite literally.

"Princess, that is not true! If not for Lady Jiang we-" Princess Inara's eyes became cold seeing him. She was about to draw her shortsword when Uri was stopped by Lady Jiang herself who quickly placed her hand over his mouth to shut him up and gave a light, elegant bow from the waist.

"I'm sorry sister Inara. I am still not used to the cold here. I apologize if I caused you any trouble but your grandmother told me to come here herself. I'm sure neither of us wants to disappoint her, correct?" she finished with a smile that was not a smile, stopping Inara in her tracks.

"Whatever....human trash," Princess Inara looked away while mumbling the words loud enough that they were heard by everyone on the hill.