double dungeons & dragon's curse.
Β Β Β As focused as she had been on progressing her magical studies, a process that had only accelerated after her transfer into the Black Eagles house, her swordplay had gone through a touch of neglect as a result, something that Celica absolutely intended to remedy once she found the time. Without Saber or one of the other mercenary men around to spar with, it had become much easier to slip out of her usual routine.
Β Β Β And so when aΒ βfantasticalβ training experience started being advertised on every inch of the monastery grounds, Celica couldnβt help but give into curiosity, setting some time out in the day to gear up and head over to the training grounds. Though Beloved Zofia sat sheathed at her hipβfor she felt anxious when her precious blade wasnβt nearβshe planned to use the iron sword she brought along, not wanting to give herself an advantage over the other trainees.
Β Β Β But she doesnβt expect to walk inside to lukewarm chatter rather than the sounds of battle, blinking as a jangling woman dressed in glimmering accessories and colorful, sheer fabric suddenly bounds up to her, asking what part she planned to play in the βgameβ. The Zofian blinks. Game? βAhβ¦ Iβ¦β Celica fumbles for a response, βI thought we were to train. Is this supposed to be a contest ofβ¦ sport?βΒ
Β Β Β Carnelian hues stray from the girlβs face, spotting Caeda standing not too far behind her. She looks the same as Celica feelsβbemused, and slightly out of place.
Β Β Β Β βNo, silly!β The girl laughs, pulling Celicaβs attention back to her. Sheβs seemingly unfazed by the misunderstanding.Β βThis is Double Dungeons and Dragonβs Curse! Our live-action roleplay campaign, because thatβs the BEST way to play.β
Β Β Β Celica stares at her blankly. Sighing, the girl adds,Β βThe story weβre going to play out? About the dragon hunt? Iβm Gisela, but my characterβs name is Alfyn.β She gestures to Caeda,Β βSheβs going to be Karasi. Our hot, yet mysterious myrmidon only going on this journey to collect the dragonβs bounty. And youβ¦β Gisela looks the queen up and down, humming to herself,Β βMaia! A traveling mercenary Karasi meets at a tavern. You two strike up a snarky rapport, and you, Maia, decide to lend your sword to Karasiβs cause!β
Β Β Β Β βUmβ¦β Gisela takes Celica by the shoulders and begins to usher her towards the clothing trunk, leaving the Zofian scrambling to grasp the situation,Β βW-wait, so, I just drop everything Iβm doing to risk my life for this stranger Iβve come upon?β
Β Β Β βItβs because of the unspoken connection between you two! Also, you think tagging along will help you find clues to your missing brother.β With a firm pat to the shoulders, Gisela steps away from Celica, eagerly gesturing toward the clothing box,Β βNow come on, get dressed, you two! The gameβs going to start soon!β
Β Β Β Gisela goes to check on a few other players, and Celica smiles weakly at Caeda.Β ββ¦So, theyβve gotten you, too?β
To Caedaβs great relief, Celica seems just as lost in the whole affair as she is.
Β Β Β Β Thereβs those words again: Double Dungeons and Dragonβs Curse. Caeda knows what those words mean, but with the way Gisela says them, it is incomprehensible, as if she is speaking another language. It seems the concept of simplicity did not exist within the walls of Garreg Mach.
Β Β Β Β βBeg pardon, but I merely wish to understand the premise behind this β er β Double Dungeons and Dragonβs Curse. We are toβ¦ act out this dragon hunt?β
Β Β Β Β Gisela rolls her eyes. βDuh! Thatβs what I just said.β
Β Β Β Β Caeda nods. βI seeβ¦ so it is like a form of play-acting?β
Β Β Β Β βWellβ¦ kinda. But itβs totally different in so many ways β youβll see! Go on, hurry, get changed. Weβre starting soon!β
Β Β Β Β And with that, their eager showrunner practically pushes the two princesses over to the trunk full of costumes and leaves them to decide how to fashion themselves for their newly appointed roles on their own.
Β Β Β Β βIndeed, I could not get in a word edgewise. Itβs astounding how much energy she has for thisβ Caeda pulls out a long black cloak and holds it up. βMaia, the traveling mercenaryβ¦ what a charming role sheβs given you.β Caeda draws the cloak around herself. βI, Karasi, thank you for your companionshipβ¦!β
Β Β Β Β The last words had barely left her lips before the Talysian bursts into laughter. She draws her cape tighter around her, stifling her giggles.
Β Β Β Β βForgive me β I believe I am to be dark and broodingβ¦ it is so hard to β step into character β as they say. How do you feel about it all? I imagine the role of mercenary must be at least a little different from princess.β