Horizon before dawn

After last night's events, we both woke up in high spirits, smiles on our faces. The night had been a whirlwind of shared laughter, whispered dreams, and unspoken promises that only strengthened our bond. It wasn't just about passion; it was the comfort of knowing we were partners in every sense, standing together against the world. Those moments lingered in the warmth of the morning light, a reminder of why we were fighting for a future that belonged to us. Giving her a small kiss, I took her hands and said softly:

"Morning, sleepyhead. It's time to go."

"Just five more minutes," she mumbled, her head resting on my chest, still exhausted from last night.

And so, a few more minutes passed as we embraced each other in the warm comfort of our bodies, listening to the steady rhythm of our heartbeats beneath the covers. But soon, it was time to get ready for the Proving. Reluctantly, we left the sanctuary of our bed.

While I double-checked her bag for the hundredth time and inspected her weapons for the thousandth, she was dressing in her new outfit. She wore a black, hardened leather jacket and a matching skirt made from wild boar hide. Around her neck was a blue scarf of synthetic fibers and an ancient diamond amulet we'd discovered years ago—a timeless piece, no matter the era. White metal bracers adorned her legs, shoulders, and forearms, offering protection without sacrificing mobility. Her utility belt, crafted from fox leather we'd bought from Krest, held her essentials, while sturdy black leather boots ensured she could run miles over the harshest terrains.

She looked like an angel of death, her piercing gaze as sharp as the blade she carried, and her every movement exuded an unsettling grace. The black, hardened leather of her jacket and skirt seemed to drink in the light, giving her an almost otherworldly aura. The blue scarf at her neck, vibrant against the dark tones, whispered of untamed skies, while the diamond amulet caught fleeting rays of light, glinting like a beacon of unyielding strength. Each piece of her outfit told a story of resilience and purpose, making her not just a warrior, but a harbinger of inevitable reckoning.

"All ready. Let's show them what you're made of," I grinned at her.

"Let's go," she replied, grabbing her gear and the new spear—a weapon that was as deadly as it was beautiful, with intricate carvings of ancient symbols along its shaft.

The journey to Mother's Heart was uneventful, the serene wilderness only broken by the occasional chirping of birds or rustling of leaves. The crisp morning air carried the earthy scent of damp soil and pine, while sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. As we walked, I glanced at her, catching the subtle determination in her eyes. "Nervous?" I teased lightly, breaking the silence.

"Not even a little," she replied with a smirk, adjusting the strap of her spear. "Just thinking about what's to come."

I nodded, feeling the weight of unspoken words between us. Each step brought us closer to the gates, and closer to the challenges ahead. As we walked, the morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patches on the forest floor. We spoke little, both lost in thought, until the gates of the Nora capital settlement loomed before us.

"Stop there, outcast! This is no place for the likes of you!" the guard barked, his voice harsh and dismissive.

Not giving the rude guard the satisfaction of a response, I turned to Albedo. Leaning my forehead against hers, I looked into her eyes. There was no need for words; we were one now. I knew what she was capable of, and these fools had no idea what was coming. Smiling, I turned away and prepared to head home, ready to watch her Proving using my Focus device, like a live stream.

POV: Albedo

Watching him leave with that goofy smile of his, I steeled myself for what was to come.

"Open the gate, or I'll open it for you. I'm no outcast!" My icy voice could have frozen the ocean, and the younger guard hesitated, nearly opening the gate before the older one spat on the ground in defiance.

"Have it your way, then. I could use the morning exercise," I said, flashing them a frosty smile as I drew my spear. Their insult to my man fueled my anger, and I offered no mercy. Five swift moves later, both guards lay unconscious on the ground.

'That's for insulting your king, you idiots,' I thought, a surge of anger and pride mingling within me as I stepped over their bodies. They didn't know the man they'd mocked, the one who'd sacrificed so much and held the strength of a true leader. This was more than revenge; it was a statement. Noir's vision for our people burned brightly in my heart, and every step I took brought us closer to making it a reality. They had no idea what was coming.

I opened the gate and entered Mother's Heart for the first time, my senses immediately overwhelmed by the cacophony of voices and the bustling energy of the settlement. The air smelled of wood smoke and freshly tilled earth, mingling with the faint tang of herbs from nearby market stalls. Children darted between the adults, their laughter echoing above the din, while traders called out their wares in spirited tones. Yet, for all its activity, the place felt small, confined, nothing like the towering cities Noir had described from the old world. A pang of determination surged through me; this was the beginning of the change we'd fight to bring. The so-called capital of the Nora tribe failed to impress me. I was no longer the little girl awed by old matriarchs praying and singing to a mountain. The settlement was loud and bustling, but I'd seen images of the old world—cities that pierced the sky and teemed with countless people. Noir was right: we had lost so much. The matriarchs were clinging to a stagnant past, but that would change. Soon, by crowning him king, our people would rise above this mediocre matriarchal society. I couldn't wait.

As I climbed toward the large lodge atop the settlement, searching for a matriarch to register for the Proving, a voice I despised cut through the noise.

"You! Heretic! What are you doing here? Leave this holy place at once!"

Lansra, the bitter old matriarch who'd made Noir an outcast over a harmless joke, stood before me, her crooked finger pointed accusingly. She was flanked by two braves, ready to attack at her command.

"Oh? And why is that? I'm no outcast. It's my coming of age, and I have every right to participate in the Proving. Not even you can stop me, Lansra," I replied, my voice cold and steady.

"Such disrespect to a high matriarch! You dare?" one of her guards growled.

"She's still just a person," I shot back. "An old woman trying to twist the law to her advantage, as always. So yes, I dare." My blood boiled, and I clenched my spear tighter. This woman deserved a reckoning.

"That's enough, child. You too, Lansra," came a calm voice that cut through the tension.

Teersa, the only matriarch with any sense, approached us. She gave me a small, warm smile.

"It's good to finally see you, Albedo. I knew your parents well; they were good people. I'd expected you to come here years ago, but no matter. You're here now, and you have every right to participate in the Proving."

Lansra scowled but stormed off, knowing she'd lost.

"Prepare your lamp and pray, child. The ritual begins soon," Teersa said.

"Yes, High Matriarch," I replied, nodding respectfully. I began making my preparations.

I lit my lamp, its soft glow casting dancing shadows. Around me, others prepared for the Proving, their faces a mixture of nerves and determination. I felt a calm resolve.

'One step closer to our goals, Noir. Just wait and see, my love. Soon, they'll understand the power of your vision, a world where our people rise beyond this stagnant existence. Everything we've sacrificed, everything we've fought for, hinges on moments like this. I won't let us fail.'

"For the king" I prayed and the lamp reach the sky. 

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