Sound the chimes, unleash their reigns; must there be a chance to succeed; then let it be now, the day we embarked on our journey to share in our blood. Lest there be death, let it come all, and have us bask in our shared glory as we journey to the center of the world.

A tablet nailed wall hung from above, a message chiseled in stone to all who need it. They were making this a larger event than she had thought. Stories were being shared of group experiences of the dangerous depths of the Valley, the smell, the foul waft of a gargantuan beast's breath coming from below, filling every crevice it could find. The rock shifting on its own will wishing nothing but human flesh to come within its gullet and become food for the insects that call it home. All to say, they came back to tell the tale, just like they were. In the end, all of them had a story that was a promise.

“I forbid all from leaving for the afterlife, you hear me!” A man stomped his foot on a stool as the crowd around him cheered. He raised a flag, as high as he possibly could, waving along, a laugh so hardy it managed to overshadow the others. Failure could only be considered a fools reward; only those not willing to put down their lives would receive it.

Around this group of adrenaline-pumping machines were what Elizabeth considered the fools the man spoke of. Scared, their gazes averted, their hand more interesting than what was around them, counting their time left in this world always land on ten. This was what she believed was the true emotion they should have all been feeling. However, she understood what having the right mindset did for people; it could go both ways, or they could all perish.

No one knew the point of the Valley, or why exactly the beings that live there had decided to call it home. Perhaps a seal was placed, forbidding them to ever leave; an ancient sorcerer leaving its mark on the world. Or, were they ready for the idea that it simply wasn’t their time to show themselves, and the Stehnam were the first inklings of truth?

All nonsense, they’d never find the truth; some things should remain as is, but that was against human nature. That was against the nature of Tenisin itself, and they would enter its depths, but not yet. For now was the time for preparation.

They came in droves, employees of the Capital bringing out their supply of swords and armor, all brandishing their distinct color of wood.

Green Wood: Granted the power of life, used to kill enemies with the ability of regeneration.

Red Wood: Granted the power of fire, a multipurpose tool used for combat and evasion. Everyone would receive one form of it.

White Wood: Granted the power of light, while combat was possible, its main use was diverting attention. Once contact with flesh was maintained, a glowing flame would engulf the sword, but was harmless. Its light was like the moon’s gaze turned to form.

Black Wood: Granted the power of Corruption. It prevented the power of those who wield the blight of healing, a sickness that resides only in the Valley, which, while preventing any and all death in return indescribable pain that's said to drive people to insanity. It's said that upon entering the Valley, you can hear victims of the blight still in the state of torment.

Elizabeth took the white sword and secured it along her waist while Schwartz stayed at his seat lost in whatever thoughts plagued him. Tapping his shoulder didn't do much, his response being only a low grumble that was enough to shoo her away. Until something else caught her attention.

From within a crowd, a loud crash shook the ground and the Capital grew silent. Sliding across the ground were the wooden swords and the growing groan of the one at the center of the commotion. Pushing the people aside, Elizabeth was able to catch a look.

“Get off me!” A man hung on the legs of a woman, his body limp, and lanky.

Her shoe struck his core, raising his body up with each strike a gush of blood and saliva bursting out each time yet he wouldn't let go. His face was covered in a thick layer of filth that rubbed across her legs, dark wet streaks forming as his tears mixed.

“You mustn't go, my lady. You will die, they all will die!”

“I said, let go!” In a fit of rage the woman grabbed the man by his hair pulling it back until his face faced the ceiling. Rolling her left shoulder back, she closed her hand into a fist twisting her entire core to strike his face with a sickening crunch.

“Bleh,” the man groaned in pain, a gush of blood oozing from his nose but through labored breaths he was able to speak.

“I will not, not until you reconsider. This journey will end in disaster, you've listened for this long, why doubt me—

Rolling back her shoulder again, he gritted her teeth and using all her strength her fist landed across the side of his head and his body froze everybody around winced in a shared pain.

“Disgusting,” the woman threw his hands away, rolling him his side while she turned to the group around her.

“Listen here! My name is Valerie Tennescent, and I declare the head of the Stehnam as my own! She pointed toward the sky. “And if any may get in my way, let them be struck down by my authority!” a shining crest rested on her head as the Capitals light embellished an already fine piece.

Strange way to introduce yourself? Is she important around here?

Stay away, that's all she got out of the spectacular Valerie Tennescent. Her distaste was written all over her face.

It was at that moment she noticed a piercing gaze next to her, and she froze. Shit, did I do something wrong? Was this woman so important that dirty looks weren’t allowed? That couldn’t be it, and she knew it, but still….

Wanting to avoid any and all conflict, she took a sharp turn and attempted to flee, but was stopped. Their hand grasped her shoulder.

“Excuse me, I think you might have the wrong person,” she gave off a nervous chuckle as she removed their hand.

“Your name is Elizabeth, isn't it?”

She stayed completely still, trying her best to keep in the surging emotion from within her. Staring into nothingness, attempting to grasp anything to prevent her body from reacting, these precious moments were dwindling; she needed to say something.

“No, what makes you say that?” A pathetic response, from the very beginning, it was a fruitless effort. Elizabeth was horrible at lying, unlike Shane, it didn't come naturally for her.

“You don't have to turn around. After this, you can pretend I don't exist. The time's not right anyway.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You're planning on going on the expedition, and that's fine, but there's something you need to know before going.”

Who is this guy? How does he know about me?

Elizabeth stayed quiet and waited for him to continue. Now that she was already caught, she needed to gather any information she could find. Prolong the conversation, that was the priority.

“The expedition is being played as a means of getting to you.”

“Huh,” Elizabeth attempted to look back, but was stopped by him.

“Listen, more people than you realize know about your connection. They were able to figure out where you'd be, and now there's only a matter of time until you meet the wrong person.”

“How do I know you're not one of them?”

“Damn it, don't make me go through this again. It's a heads-up that's all. What you do after this is up to you; you're on an even playing field now. Use it to your advantage.” She felt his grip lessen.

“Wait!” she reached behind and grabbed his hand, still turned away.

“What do you mean by connection? What do you know?”

“I’m not crazy enough to say it here. Either you take what I say at face value or don't.”

“Don’t give me that. You're bold enough to come up to me in front of this crowd; you can tell me more than that.”

“Look around you.”

Since she was so focused on their conversation, she hadn't realized that the entirety of the Capital had grown silent.

“What's going on?”

“It’s got nothing to do with being bold. I'm a coward that'd use a spell rather than the latter, and from now on, you should do the same.”

“What's the point in helping me then?”

“Don’t think you're so special. I saw an unfair situation, and I wanted to do something about it. All I hope is that this wasn't wasted effort.”

“If you'd tell me what I should do, you wouldn't have to worry about that.”

“You know what you have to do, Elizabeth. The question is if you're ready for it. Today is your first test, I hope you don't disappoint us.”

In the blink of an eye, his hand disappeared, and the voices around him returned. Immediately, she scanned anyone around, hoping to see at least a glimpse of the man, but there was nothing; not a sign of him.

Never thought I'd say I missed Diedmon’s Roue

Every direction pointed to the Valley being the only choice she had at the moment. It was as if something had already set it in place so that this was always the result.

I'm probably not far off either. He said, person, is it wrong to think only one of them knows who I am? Even then, that complicates things; that's not to mention what he knows about our connection. Depending on how this ability works, returning to a specific point could ruin everything. I don't think the eye would allow a loop, but who's to say? I need to change my approach.

Using the same method as she had been wasn't working. A low profile in this situation would only cause more problems; in this building, she had an opportunity to align herself. Like-minded individuals, how exactly they aligned didn't matter.

The way Valerie said her name made it clear that, among the people of Tenisin at least, she was well known. Marking her territory in a way, no one else was going to mess with them, she wanted to get involved with them in some way.

Elizabeth puffed up her chest and burst into the clearing, where Valerie still stood and in response raised her fist.

“Wow, I'm not looking to fight” she raised her hands and took a step back. I'm not going down without a fight.

“What does a bottom feeder want with me? If it's a spot in my family you desire th—-

“No, no, no,” she swatted her hand back and forth. “I have more problems in my hands than to be involved with your family. My business is with you in particular.

Valerie’s eye began to twitch, clearly unsure of how to handle her.

“Then what's the meaning of this?” She threw back the strands of hair around her face and crossed her arms.

“Well, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on your little declaration back there,” Elizabeth clapped her hands and smiled. “I'd like to help you in particular, you see. I think I'll be a valuable asset.”

Valerie snickered and turned away her head.

“To do business with me is to do business with my family. What you’re asking is one in the same”.

Elizabeth extended her hand and wagged her finger, clicking her tongue completely shutting her down.

“No, I don't think so. What I'm asking is to help you in particular, whether it helps your family doesn't mean much to me. I have information about the Stehnam and I think you'll be my best option in slaying it.”

Valerie’s brows perked up and a smile crept its way into her face. Her interests were leaked, it was working. Valerie seemed more reasonable than Elizabeth expected which begged to question what this display was.

“Information you say? Of a monster no one has heard of as well. I doubt you'd be of much use but to be as bold as to declare such a thing in my presence…” one of her hands landed on her hip while the other she snapped. Two men rushed from behind her and carried the disheveled man away. By then the crowd had already dispersed and they were left to their own devices.

“I cannot accept your offer without counsel, however. Not to mention being granted help after my boisterous declaration would seem like a bad look for someone of my position, but very well. Why don't we discuss the nature of our agreement elsewhere?”

“Where do you have in mind?”

She put her hand on her mouth and laughed.

“And here I thought you were well informed. Allow me to share my position then.”

Valerie spread out her arms and raised her head toward the ceiling, puffing her chest out. With the stomp of her boot she demanded an audience.

“Heir to the Tennescent family, Valerie Tennescent, the true ruler of Toblitche. I welcome you, loyal servant, to a meeting with the Queen. All belong to us”.