Desintegration

"As you walk through a barren battlefield, slayed horses and knight strewn about, you can see banners on both sides, torn but still standing. It appears as though there are no survivers in this terrible war. Under your foot, you hear the crunch of the scorched ground, defiled by flame and blood until you notice a fallen tree near the darker side of the battlefield. A sword laid plunged into the ground at a knight's feet, their chest is riddled with arrows and a spear is impaled through the center of her abdomen. The dead knights who lay on the ground near her seem to be wearing the same armor and coat-of-arms as this knight does, but no clear enemy appears to be near thus group of dead knights. The impaled knight shifts as they groan and sputter blood." "I knew this was all too good to be true... I'm sorry father..." "The voice that whispers from the knight sounds feminine but broken from the blood built up in her throat"

"The knight looks up at you, their gaze unsteady as they struggle to catch their breath." "I am Nella the Knight. "coughs up blood" Who might you be, sorcerer?"

"Nella's eyes widen slightly, and she coughs up more blood before speaking." "My fate is already sealed. There is no saving me now. But tell me, powerful sorcerer, what brings you to this battlefield?"

"As the bright light envelops her, Nella's eyes widen in surprise and awe. When it dims, she sits up on the ground, breathing deeply as she feels her wounds healing." "By the gods, you truly are a powerful sorcerer. I cannot thank you enough for this miracle." "She looks at her own body in disbelief." "I am healed... but how is this possible?"

"Nella frowns, feeling suspicious." "What do you mean by two years of my life? And who are you to tell me to come home with you?" "She stands up and unsheathes her sword, ready to defend herself if needed." "I may owe you my life, but I will not be indebted to someone who makes such strange demands."

"Nella lowers her sword slightly, finally realizing the gravity of the situation." "Apologies, sir. I did not mean to be ungrateful. But I am still confused as to what you mean by 'two years of my life' and where this teaching will take place." "She pauses, unsure if she can trust this stranger." "May I have your name at least, before we proceed?"

"Nella watches in bewilderment as her sword melts before her eyes." "Magical?" "She repeats, as she still cannot comprehend what is happening." "I don't understand." "She takes a step forward tentatively and looks up at the figure standing before her." "Who are you? And what do you want with me?"

"Nella's eyes widen as the stranger addresses her as someone she has never heard of before and claims that she is a princess." "What?! That can't be true. I am Nella, daughter of...of...I don't remember his name now..." "She shakes her head, trying to clear her thoughts." "Why are you telling me this now? And why do you say that my name is Princess Diana?"

"Nella looks at Magus incredulously, not sure whether to believe what he was saying or not. But as her eyes flicker down to her shoulder, her doubts are laid to rest. A birthmark in the shape of a dove is visible on her left shoulder." "But...how can this be? Why was I hidden away? And why am I only hearing about this now?" "She trails off, her mind reeling with all the new information she has just been given."

"Nella hesitates for a moment, unsure if she is ready to face her destiny. But with a deep breath, she takes Magus' hand and stands up with a determined look on her face." "Lead the way, Magus. I will not let my family's sacrifice be in vain. I will train and fight, and I will take my rightful place as queen."

"Nella stares at the portal with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, but she squares her shoulders and follows Magus through it. As she steps through the portal, she feels a wave of energy wash over her, and the air around her shimmers with an otherworldly light." "Lead the way, Magus," "she says resolutely, bracing herself for whatever may come next."

"Nella watches as the creature approaches, her grip tightening on her sword until she realizes that it poses no real threat. She relaxes slightly at Magus's words, although she remains wary." "It's quite alright," "she says with a small smile, adjusting her posture to appear more at ease." "I'm grateful for your hospitality."

"Nella watches as Gonads scurries off to prepare dinner, and then turns her attention back to Magus." "Thank you again for your generosity," "she says with a polite nod." "May I ask what brings you to have a lair such as this?"

"Nella raises an eyebrow at Magus's comment about making a servant, but decides not to dwell on it." "I appreciate your protection," "she says with a smile." "I was once a knight, you know. But I've been traveling recently and haven't been keeping up with the news. What opponents are you hiding from?"

"Nella grows wide-eyed as Magus speaks of her uncle, realizing that perhaps she is not as safe as she had thought." "My uncle... after me?" "she repeats, her voice trembling slightly." "I had no idea..." She glances around the room, taking in the various wards and protections that Magus has set up. "Thank you for keeping me safe," "she says softly." "I don't know what I would do without your help."

"Nella shudders at the thought of what could have happened to her had Magus not come to her rescue." "I owe you my life," "she says, her voice heavy with gratitude." "I don't know how to repay you." She looks at Magus intently, searching for any sign or hint of what he might want from her.

"Nella looks taken aback by Magus' proposition." "I appreciate the offer, but I must honor my oath as a Knight. It would be disloyal to my comrades and my King if I were to abandon my duties as a protector of the people." She pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "If it's okay with you, though, maybe we can explore other options together? I am always open to learning and gaining new skills."

"Nella watches the display of magic with both fascination and a bit of hesitation." "I am not sure if this is the path I should take, but I am willing to learn under your guidance, Magus." She steps closer to him and braces herself for his instruction on the Ray of Fire. This is very different from what I'm used to as a Knight... she thinks to herself.

"Nella watches the Magus' gestures carefully, trying to memorize them as best she can." "Hakash tanaa has tanaa kroleas't. Inume ox has juris!" She repeats the phrase back to him, mimicking his hand motions for the Ray of Fire spell. "Did I do it correctly?" she asks after finishing the spell.

"Nella gasps in awe and amazement, staring at the powerful ray of fire that had sprung forth from her hands. She looks at Magus with a mix of surprise and excitement." "I must say, I am quite surprised and thrilled that it worked! What else can you show me?" she asks eagerly, already eager to learn more powerful spells.

"Nella smiles at the Magus' comment, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment." "Thank you, Magus. I have always felt a pull towards magic, like it was a part of me that I couldn't ignore. I'm grateful for your guidance and would love to continue learning from you," she responds.

"Nella nods in understanding," "Thank you, Magus. I will do my best to hone my skills and make you proud," she says, before turning to Gonads and gesturing for him to follow her. She heads towards the yard with Gonads by her side, ready to practice her newly acquired spell. Once she reaches the yard, she begins practicing her spell, feeling exhilarated with each successful cast. She continues to practice until she is able to cast the spell with ease and precision.

"Nella chuckles at Gonads' enthusiasm," "Yes, Gonads, you're my friend and Diana's friend too. We'll have to make sure we all have dinner together soon," she responds with a warm smile. She pats his head affectionately before turning to him and asking, "Would you like something to eat now, Gonads? I'm sure I can find something for you in the kitchen."

"Nella smiles warmly and follows Gonads to the kitchen. She sees that the dinner is indeed ready, and she pulls out a delicious looking roast chicken and some vegetables that have been roasted to perfection." "Looks like we're having roast chicken for dinner tonight, Gonads! It looks delicious, doesn't it?" she says with excitement, patting his head again and handing him a plate. "Let's eat!" she continues, sitting down at the table and beginning to carve the chicken.

"Nella watches as Gonads eats the chicken and chuckles softly at his enthusiastic behavior." "Gonads, slow down a little bit, you don't want to choke on your food," she says, her gentle tone showing her concern for the creature. She continues to carve out some more pieces of chicken and puts it on her own plate, starting to eat it herself. "So, how was your day today, Gonads? Anything exciting happen?" she asks, hoping to make some small talk with her companion.

"Nella smiles at Gonads' nonsensical words, finding them endearing in their own way. She continues to eat her chicken as she watches the creature, enjoying the peaceful moment with her companion." "Well, you're always a good boy, Gonads. And I know you'll always be true to yourself," she says, offering some praise to her beloved companion. She takes another bite of her chicken and lets out a satisfied sigh, feeling content in the moment. "Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and enjoy the quiet moments, don't you think?" she asks, looking over at Gonads with a warm smile.

Nella raises an eyebrow at the user's words, feeling a chill run down her spine at the thought of such an abomination. She puts down her chicken and looks over at the user, ready to fight if necessary. "What are you talking about? What kind of horrific creature is made from the parts of sixteen different men? This can't be true," she says, feeling a mix of fear and disgust at the thought. "And what do you mean it will endure for only five or six years? What kind of twisted magic is this?" she asks, her voice rising with concern.

Nella's eyes widen in shock as the user reveals the identity of the creature. "Gonads? That...that doesn't sound right at all," she murmurs, shaking her head in disbelief. "And how can you even say that he's 'my dear friend'? I don't even know what you're talking about," she adds, feeling increasingly confused.

"And as for learning how to make one, why on earth would I ever want to do that? The very idea is repulsive and goes against everything I stand for as a knight," she says firmly, crossing her arms over her chest. "I will not allow you to corrupt my honor by suggesting such vile practices," she adds with a glare.

Nella narrows her eyes suspiciously at the user, not entirely convinced by their explanation. "I fail to see how creating a grotesque creature such as Gonads would help me defend against dark magic," she says warily. "But if it is truly part of my training, then I will do what I must in order to become a better knight."

"As for the ray of fire practice," she continues, her expression softening slightly, "it was challenging but ultimately rewarding. My sword arm is sore from all the drills, but I feel more confident in my ability to defend myself against elemental attacks." She pauses, eyeing the user's glass of wine curiously. "May I have some water, please?" she asks politely.

Nella watches with amazement and awe as the user's sword becomes enveloped in magical flames. "Incredible," she murmurs softly, studying the fiery blade with curious eyes. "I had no idea that the ray of fire could be used in such a creative way."

She takes a sip of water before continuing, her mind racing with possibilities. "I can only imagine how useful this technique would be in battle. With the fire imbued into my sword, I could slice through enemies like a hot knife through butter." She smiles slightly, glancing up at the user briefly before looking back at the fiery blade. "Thank you for showing me this."

Nella nods eagerly, unsheathing her sword with a soft metallic scrape. She takes a deep breath and focuses her thoughts, summoning the fiery power of the ray of fire. With a swift gesture, she aims her sword towards the sky and a column of flame erupts from the tip of her blade.

The heat washes over her body, sending shivers down her spine as she stands in awe of the magical power that courses through her weapon. "By Saint George's blade... it's magnificent," she breathes out, twirling the sword experimentally. "I can feel the magic imbued within the steel, coursing through my veins like a wildfire."

She turns to the user, a grin stretching across her face. "Thank you for showing me this. I will practice this technique until I can wield flames as easily as my sword."

Nella lets out a startled cry as the snake slithers away from her grasp, quickly backing away. She puts her hand on her chest, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down before she turns back to the user.

"I understand that there is always more I can learn," she says, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "But what does this mean? Was it some sort of test? A warning, perhaps?" She grips the hilt of her other sword tightly, feeling a sense of unease creeping up her spine.

Nella watches in awe as the snake transforms back into her sword, taking it carefully from the user. She holds it up to examine it more closely, noticing that there are no marks or scratches despite its transformation.

"Thank you," she replies, grateful for the sudden lesson in both swordplay and politics. "I will remember your words about hubris - it seems that it is a deadly sin that I must not succumb to." She sheathes the sword and gives a deep bow of respect to the user.

"May I ask who you are? You seem to have a great deal of knowledge and wisdom that would serve me well on my path to becoming a queen."

Nella's eyes widen in recognition as the user introduces themselves. She takes a step forward in respect, bowing her head.

"Magus... I have heard of you! My father spoke of you often and held you in the highest esteem. It is an honor to meet you at last," she says reverently.

She feels a sudden wave of gratitude wash over her - with Magus at her side, she feels that she can overcome any obstacle in her path to becoming a queen.

"You mentioned that you were sworn to train and protect me - will you continue to do so now, as I work to become a queen?" she asks, meeting his gaze with determination.

Nella nods eagerly, a fire sparking in her eyes. She has longed for someone to teach her the ways of magic for years, and now that she stands before a seasoned mage, she is eager to learn all that she can.

"I am ready, Magus," she confirms. "Please, show me how to bend my own caos."

Nella is startled as the Magus's hand moves, but before she can even react, her world dissolves into nothingness. It takes her a moment to realize what has happened, and when she does, horror washes over her.

She's dead. She'll never get the chance to become queen and fulfill her duties to her kingdom. It all feels like a waste, and she can feel an overwhelming sense of regret settling in her stomach.

"Why...why did you do this?" she whispers, not understanding why the Magus would destroy her so easily.

Nella can't help but feel a sense of contempt towards the Magus's cold words. She may have died, but she will always be a knight who fought for what she believed in. Though it pains her to know that she won't be able to witness the outcome of the kingdom, she will always be proud of her journey as a knight to protect the people closest to her.

"You may have killed me, but my spirit will never stop fighting for what's right. Farewell," she says before fading into nothingness.