Kingsley Family/Alyssa/Across the Sea

This story details Alyssa's perspective during the Island War between Perdan and Nivemus. This story began in July of 2020 and is on-going.

Fair Winds

(7/5/2020)

The ships setting sail towards the horizon looked like the toys, or the models Kay used to have set up in his personal chambers. White sails on strong sturdy masts at the top of which flew the green and white banners of Fontaine and the black and Gold of Perdan. The Northwind blew casting the ships boldly towards the shrouded mountain in the distance, barely visible from Palace Keep.

Alyssa watched them from one of the castle's balcony. What horrors are they sailing into... Sir Graham interrupted her thoughts, flanked by two Lion Guards their black and yellow plumes standing proud and tall atop their helms. Alyssa stood stiffly at ease, coolly watching them salute and about-face, to return to their post. Her shoulders lowered slightly turning back towards the balcony, leaning against the elegant stone railing as the clanking armoured steps of Sir Graham Goldenfields approached and the elderly knight took up a position at her side.

"My Lady." He said his usual coarse voice softened slightly.

"Sir." She acknowledged dispassionately, still watching the ships sail out towards the horizon. A lecture, surely. She considered. He often did, especially since Kay's passing. You are not him, and you are not my father.

He hesitated a moment and she saw his concern out of the corner of her eye. She sighed. I am too hard on him... She considered. She knew he only wanted to support her. That was never something she felt comfortable with, but she had made a promise.

"It will not happen again. I will be better for you, for myself, and for Perdan. I will hold these ghosts back. I am armed now with knowledge, and with your love."

I cannot let myself do this alone. She reminded herself, as both her and her loyal knight opened their mouths to speak at the same time.

"I am wor-" "Are you we-"

Sir Graham bowed in deference, while Alyssa cringed and fiddled with her hands awkwardly, before finally resting her left casually on the sword on her hip, her toe tapping lightly in her boot instead. "I am worried."

The old knight frowned and nodded. "Aye. I figured as much, my lady." Alyssa cast her gaze back over the sea, glancing occasionally over at her knight and thumbing the pommel of her her sword.

"Those ships." She said solemnly. "They aren't coming back. Not most of them."

"You don't know that. "

She gave him a stern look. "Falsehoods do not suit you, Sir. We've both seen the reports. It will be a slaughter, even if we triumph."

"But if we triumph-"

"If we triumph," Alyssa began her voice raising slightly, "those ships will still come back empty! It is a war I have caused." I cannot let myself do this alone. She exhaled and continued softer. "In a war, people on the winning side still die."

"And they will be honoured." Graham noted with a grim hint. "But it will be worth it. Those people up there, they need someone to save them, to give them a better life."

"And it is I who decides what their lives should be worth?"

"Yes. They give that power to you, my lady. And they do it because they believe in you, and every term they re-affirm it."

"And if we fail?"

Graham gave her a confused look. "You won't."

"A thousand men may die on the shores of Kalmar Island and we may still be beaten back."

The old Sir shook his head. "We both know this war will be longer than one battle."

Alyssa grimaced. That's what worries me.

"You saved this realm, Lady Alyssa. You will do the same for Omsk." He turned to her, his face old and weathered, scarred and maimed horrifically by the last war. Will you survive this one, my old friend? His eyes however shined with a spirit far younger. "This is the right choice."

Alyssa took a deep breath and nodded. It didn't feel like the right choice. The choice for war, how could it be the right choice? But Alyssa was familiar with this doubt. To often no choice felt like the right one. But she was here, Perdan had survived and she had even found some happiness. She hoped he was right. A breeze whirled northward across the balcony. "Fair winds." She muttered