Helianthia - Pearlescentmoon + Reader

A/N: N/A
TW: Weapons
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Per tradition, the Smallholding's ruler is chosen in combat.

Though, could it be called tradition if it has only happened thrice before? If it had been so little time that you could remember when the Smallholding still belonged to Mythland?

It hadn't been long since the First Farming Queen and revolutionary leader had passed on; just under a decade ago. Since then, the stones had fallen every other year in favor of a new leader. And, in honor way the First had been chosen to rule, in an honorable duel against her co-leader of the revolution, there was the tournament.

This year, the participants had consisted of 32 of the land's best and brightest, skilled individuals of all ages and standings of life.

This had been your first year competing; though you could have participated earlier, your family wouldn't have allowed it, and to be honest, you hadn't been sure you'd be ready.

But this year, you had entered, and you had risen through the ranks swiftly.

And, now, after careful training, fierce battling, and wits as sharp a scythe... you had made it to the finals.

"Now remember, your opponent will have access to all sorts of weapons, and of them, she's most likely to have chosen a sword or axe," started your mentor, Holly. A captain in the kingdom's steadily-growing guard, you'd been fortunate to meet her when she was still a student of Mythland, back when the worst of your worries were the construction-paper art pieces you had made with your parents.

She had come to visit your family's bookstore, and she quickly became endeared to your curious nature. You, in turn, were enamored by her quick wit,

She'd lived with your family after the Revolution began, with the Smallholding wanting to reclaim their land from Mythland. And, when the war had been won, she repaid the favor by taking care of you and the other children of your family, teaching you the important things, like soap-making and swordplay.

You were close with her. So much that she became like a sister to you, and you like family to her.

"What do you know of your opponent?"

You shrug, blinking out of your reminiscing. "Not much. From what I've seen, she makes good use of her wings, despite being unable to fly."

Your hands shake a bit at the thought of your opponent. You'd only had the chance to catch one of her matches, but she had been terrifying. So quick. She was one of the youngest participants, and yet...

Holly notices your tightened grip. She sits down on the box next to you, nodding thoughtfully.

"She's been training well, from what I've seen."

She places a hand on your shoulder, looking you in the eyes.

"But remember; so have you."

You smile, pulling Holly into a hug with one of your arms.

You really couldn't have made it this far without her. Not without your family either, eagerly supporting you and coming by to watch whenever they weren't swamped with work. They'd be out there, in the audience, widened eyes and good-luck soap pressed into their hands.

Speaking of which.

You fiddle with the strings of a leather-wrapped package you'd been carrying, and present an olive-dyed bar of soap carved with the pattern of a wreath to Holly. Her eyes widen in surprise, and she admires it, wordlessly rubbing her hands along its smooth edges before smiling at you. You grin back.

"Thank you so much for all your help, Holly. I can't even begin to-"

The low song of a horn sounds outside, cutting you off, and the wooden doors of the training room begin to swing open. You stand, swiftly grab your diamond axe and a bow from the weapons rack. Quietly, you take in a deep breath.

This was it.

Holly pockets the soap in her bag, squinting at the bright sunlight seeping through the widening doors. You watch her with a smile, and take another breath, filling your lungs with dust and oxygen.

"Now, remember; go for her shield, and then her legs, if you can. Your opponent's a fast runner, and she's small, so if you can make use of your bow, do so."

You strap your weapons along your back, and grab a shield, taking note of Holly's instructions. You strap it onto your arm and close your eyes, feeling the warmth of the midday sun on your face.

"Don't forget to keep your shield raised, and keep her at a distance. Oh, and..."

You open your eyes, balancing your shield on your arm. "Yeah?"

Holly hugs your face and kisses your forehead. You feel her braids spill over the side of your face. "Remember, whatever happens, we're so, so proud of you."

The doors move to a stop, standing wide open. You stay in Holly's arms for a little bit longer, smiling.

After what feels like seconds and centuries, you pull away, shielding your eyes from the blinding sun.

It would be rude to keep your opponent waiting.