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Memories	By : Asirainis Category: +A through F > Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior Views: 1615 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Quest VIII, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Memories
Chapter Eighteen: Argonia and the Spoilt Prince
They all pocketed their bells as they went outside to bid farewell to Tom. Airlia summoned the power of Zoom to take them to Argonia. When they arrived, King Trode looked at the group, "Undoubtedly you will meet King Clavius and Prince Charmles because the magic mirror is a royal treasure of Argonia. When you do, you must keep the current condition of the Princess and I absolutely secret! If anyone enquires as to the purpose of your travels, tell them you are hunting the villain known as Dhoulmagus and nothing more." Airlia nodded as they all swore to agreement. When they went inside the gates of the exterior castle walls, they saw a magnificent castle with a sprawling town. The houses were stucco with wood enhancing the durability of the homes and businesses. The kingdom had paved roads as they walked towards the towering castle in the back.
The castle was easily four or five stories tall as they saw a waterfall from the castle pouring into a river down below that divided the town in half. Bridges joined the two halves as did one island with a bridge on either side of it. Crossing one of the bridges, they continued towards the back as she saw that even the high roads were made use of to provide the townspeople with more space. A giant house lay on the right half of the town along the upper ridge. Along the left side, there wasn't much, but there was a church of pure white stone made that sprawled at least two or three stories tall. She gazed at it in awe before they went closer to the castle. They saw yet another big building, as tall as the church as someone chuckled near them. A merchant smiled at them before saying, "Ah that's our building usually reserved for special occasions, like huge gatherings, celebrations and the like. Glad someone else can admire it because the poor building hasn't been used in years since the king's coronation." Airlia smiled as she nodded.
They finally approached the castle as Draco opened the door, allowing them inside. Airlia smiled as she took in the huge castle. Servants, both guards and maids alike were everywhere with the occasional shop keeper. To the right of the huge staircase leading up was a beautiful fountain carved from stone. Three maidens sat at it, each at a different height, pouring water into the fountain. The highest maiden poured water into a different fountain from the other two. Various colored stones were used in the making of this castle as she gazed around. Sandstone was used for stairs and walls, while a darker color was used for decorative pieces along the walls. The regular floor was a standard brick red while the floor near the fountain was a green stone. However, the red carpet led to the stairs as they followed it up to the second floor.
Once they were on the second floor, Airlia looked left at a painting. A slim boy was dressed there in a green hat with a feather sticking out of it. He wore a green jacket with gold trim down the front, showing a white shirt. On the arms he had brown shoulder patches and cuffs with the edges of his white shirt flaring at the wrist. He had a white bib sticking out near his neck. He wore brown shorts that went to his knees followed by his white slacks. He had a dagger at his waist as he stood proudly.
She gazed at his blonde curls and proud smile as she felt her heart wrench. It couldn't be!
Alistair looked at her, "What is the matter?"
She pointed at the picture. "That picture, that's similar to the outfit the man in one of my nightmares, was wearing when he was killed! The man, wasn't that one, he had darker hair though." He frowned as he studied the picture, knowing exactly who she was talking about. How could she know that this kingdom had a missing prince?
She turned away from the picture, frightened. They followed the red carpet as it turned left as she saw another man in a giant painting. She had to strangle her gasp as she studied him. He was tall, wearing a long green and gold jacket that went to his knees with white pants that cuffed into his boots. His shirt was green with a thin white ruff going around his entire neck save the bib going down the front being that of an orangey-red. He wore gloves on his hands with a stern, but proud expression on his face. His hair that they could see under the green hat was also blonde that curled at the base, likely because of the ruff. He had a moustache and brown eyes. Angelo turned to her, "Is this like the one from your nightmare?"
She nodded, "Its close enough to tell me he was likely from here, but it's still different in its own way. It is closer to the boy's painting, but the boy was a man who bears a resemblance to the man in this painting." Angelo put a hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it.
They continued to walk onwards to the giant pair of doors. The guard stationed just outside the door looked at them with a smile, "The esteemed King Clavius is just beyond these doors. Please maintain proper decorum when speaking with him."
Airlia smiled, "Of course. Thank you so much." He blushed slightly as he opened the door for them. Going inside the throne room, they saw several waterfalls on either side of the throne room flowing into the castle, and a man sitting on the throne in the distance speaking with his chancellor. She saw two flickering fire pits, one on either side of the large throne that had a red and brown draping around it, encasing the throne almost in a shroud. The throne itself was unusual – it was wide, as if for two people, much like Ascantha's throne was, but not like Trodain's throne. Walking calmly as they sought to get the needed item for their quest, Airlia tried to hide her panic.
They arrived before a man dressed in the same uniform as the picture, with dirty blonde hair. He was speaking to someone as he stood up quickly. He was staring at Airlia and Draco as his face paled to a deathly white. The chancellor turned as his teal garment with gold trim moved with him as looked at his king, "Are you feeling alright Your Majesty?" He wore a white robe under his uniform with a gold pendant on his collar. His hat matched his uniform, like every other chancellor or minister that they've met up to that point.
He turned to see the group as he looked back at his king, "Did those travelers cause you some trouble?" He waved the chancellor away as he looked at them.
He was sure that the two before him had felt the same pull that he did. "No, no. I'm fine. Two of them reminded me of someone. But I must be mistaken."
Airlia winced as she realized he had felt it too. That pull! Draco frowned as he said, "We've come to request permission to borrow the magic mirror of Argonia…"
He didn't get to say anything else as the King rounded on him, "The magic mirror!? But it's a precious royal heirloom. Why on earth do you require it!? Explain yourself!"
Taking a breath, Draco tried to explain it hopefully to the king's satisfaction while leaving out Trodain's situation. "Your Majesty, I'm sorry but we need to borrow the magic mirror. We're after a murdering thief who is hiding in the dark ruins. We need the mirror to destroy the darkness, which would allow us to deal with the threat."
The king seemed to think it over as he realized he could solve another problem with their help. Smiling, he explained to them, "I understand. However, as I have said, the magic mirror is a treasure of the royal family. I cannot simply give it to you. However, if what you say is true, what you must have survived a great many ordeals on your travels. That means your fighting skills must be on par with those of my soldiers."
Soon as the minister started to speak up, the king held his hand out to silence him. "Well surmised Chancellor. Listen to me carefully. I rule with a fair hand. But I cannot grant every request that is made of me. However, if the royal family owes someone a debt of gratitude, I consider it my duty to fulfil it. You need the magic mirror. Then accept my request. If you complete the task I set forth for you, you may have the mirror." He clapped his hands together, "Summon the Prince."
A scholar came forth, "At once, Your Majesty."
He departed quickly to find the prince as the king supplied, "The request concerns my son, Prince Charmles." Airlia tilted her head to the side, an uneasy feeling filling her stomach. The king held his left hand aloft, explaining, "To become the King of Argonia, one must undertake a special initiation ceremony. There is some risk to life and limb. And the Prince is unwilling to do it. As a father, the thought of putting my own son in danger pains me. But he must pass the initiation if he is to succeed me to the throne. It is the tradition of our kingdom. I was considering sending a detail of royal soldiers to protect him during the rite. However, I fear it will ruin his reputation. So my request is this: you outsiders will accompany my son to the royal hunting ground. Naturally, this would remain completely confidential. It is vital that everyone believes my son passed the initiation on his own."
At that moment, the scholar returned, his face pale and frightened as he said, "Y-Your Majesty! Prince Charmles is…"
The king gave an exasperated sigh as he said, "What is it this time…?" The man continued as he worried himself, "The Prince has run off again! I'm extremely sorry, Your Majesty! This is all my fault!"
He began to beg for mercy as the king screamed at him, "You incompetent fool! Please, pardon my outburst, everyone. But we cannot continue this discussion without my son." As they turned to leave the king called out to the girl, "Pardon me, dear lady…"
Airlia turned to him, "Me Your Majesty?"
She asked as he nodded, "Please, you need not address me as Your Majesty – King Clavius would be fine."
She nodded, "I'm Airlia, daughter of former Abbot Francisco."
He nodded. "Would you please remain here while they search for Prince Charmles?"
She turned to the others with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry."
They nodded as they left, leaving her with the King and the Chancellor. She turned towards the Chancellor and the king as he waved everyone out of his throne room. "You remind me of someone my dear. Someone who was very dear to me, so I would like to talk with you from time to time in private and see if I can figure out why you remind me of him so much." Airlia nodded as she hedged on not speaking on her dreams in fear of being mocked, ridiculed or worse. He snapped his fingers and the Chancellor came back in. "Send for Elsie please." The man nodded as he rushed off to find Elsie.
A moment later, he returned with a petit woman who was just under Airlia's height with golden curls and breathtaking sapphire eyes, with a slim blue dress with green trim on her. Her face was heart shaped with rosy red lips. She curtseyed to the king. "King Clavius, always a pleasure to see you Your Majesty."
He smiled, "Elsie, this is a new friend. Her name is Airlia. Please, give her something more appropriate for walking around in a castle would you? Please ensure it is in the proper shade of green."
She smiled with a nod before turning to the brunette, "Right this way Airlia. I have a few things already made that may only need a few tweaks to fit your slender form." Airlia nodded as she was led back the way they came towards the stairs leading down to the main floor. However, rather than going down, she led the girl upstairs. They were along the back wall of the third floor as Elsie said, "Almost there my lady, I assure you."
Airlia shook her head, "Please, I'm not a noble lady, you can call me Airlia. I won't bite, I promise."
Elsie giggled behind her hand. "Ah but not just anyone catches favor with King Clavius. He is a tough, but fair ruler of Argonia. This way, please…"
She led them to the back wall where a door resided near the corner. Opening it, she saw it was a large bedroom with a screen to get changed behind. Once they were both inside, Elsie closed the door before she went to a dresser and pulled out a dress so vibrant in green that it seemed to shimmer. "I call this the shimmering dress. With all of the monsters out there, I want you to have something that can protect you since the King cares about you very much. He's never asked me to do something like this before. Anyway, give it a try and knock on the door when it's on so I can come in and adjust it for you." Airlia smiled with a nod as Elsie left the room. Airlia removed her leather dress as she touched the green garment with reverence.
It was breathtaking as she slipped it over her head. With it in place, she saw it went over her birthmark and the green went well with her hair and eye color as she went to mirror to look at it on her. The sleeves went from just below the shoulder to her wrists, flaring out at the cuff. The straps white in color and while they were thick, it was comfortable as it sat on her shoulders. The bustier was tight, but not uncomfortable as she gazed at the emerald set in the center just between her breasts surrounded by a copper design to keep it in place. At the cuffs was a darker forest green length that also went around the durable shell of the bustier along the edge. The main shell of the bustier was a shimmering white fabric, matching the cuffs. The skirt went to just above her ankles and like everything else except for her torso was set in an emerald green that was the same color as King Clavius's uniform. Satisfied with her look, she went to the door and knocked on it, telling Elsie she was ready.
Elsie came in to see her in the gown and realized instantly what the King saw too. She looked so much like the lost Crowned Prince Eltrio that it was frightening. She came over to see where it needed to be tucked and sighed. "Incredible! This gown fits you like a glove and accents you in just the right places. I'm going to note the size down for future reference in case you ever need to have me make a gown." She quickly jotted it in her little book and tucked it back into a pocket in her dress. "Let's take you to see the King. I'm sure he will be happy to see you better dressed."
Airlia blushed as she nodded. They went back to the main hall to see the King railing at his son. Airlia looked on in observation as she noted to Elsie, "Think you can make one for my friend, Jessica? She's over there." She indicated the bustier woman with pigtail auburn hair, "Think my size with another inch in height, with a larger bosom than mine? Probably the next size up for the bustier should do it."
Elsie nodded, "I'll get on it straight away, should I do it in gold to offset her hair and eye color?"
Airlia nodded, "I think that would be amazing on her Elsie. Thank you." King Clavius realized they had come back down as he stared at Airlia for a moment before blinking. The resemblance was uncanny. Turning back to his son, he continued…
"Listen carefully, Charmles. Enough is enough. I am aware of you aversion to the initiation, but it remains your duty to complete it. You won't be able to marry Princess Medea until you prove your worth!" He turned away, angry and frightened. She gazed at Charmles and wasn't impressed with what she saw. The boy was heavyset, wearing the uniform she saw in the picture of the younger boy across from King Clavius's picture except for the fact that he had a small red drape around the shoulders, his jacket had red cuffs and his pants were a darker red instead of brown.
She thought about how this brat was supposed to marry Princess Medea and her heart broke. The prince threw a tantrum at the thought of going after lizards as he spoke as his thick snobby childish accented voice came piercing the silence, "Well, I don't care about getting married anyway."
King Clavius shook his head as he said, "You're making a mistake, Charmles. I hear Princess Medea is, well…"
He indicated Jessica's form as he began to describe her, "Va! Va! Vooom!" After Charmles saw the description, he began to blush and drool. His father continued, "You understand what I'm saying?"
Charmles blushed as he ogled Jessica, much to the irritation of Alistair and Angelo. Airlia closed her eyes to shake her head, "Men…" She muttered under her breath making Elsie giggle.
"Agreed my lady." Airlia looked at Elsie as she nodded, "Sorry Airlia. I'm just not used to being so informal with anyone…"
Airlia smiled as she turned from Elsie to see that Jessica was seething with rage as she muttered, "You can leave me out of this, thank you!"
King Clavius cleared his throat as he continued, "Ahem. Anyway, my son. Do you realize what people say about you behind your back? This is your chance to prove yourself! To show the world you are a man. These people can assure your safety. Well, Charmles, do you accept?"
Charmles seemed to think as he muttered to himself, "Yes? … No… I don't know what I should do…"
King Clavius leaped on it instantly, "I heard a 'yes!' That's my Prince! I'll ensure that everyone believes you're doing it on your own. You will leave now, hide yourself in the wagon at the city gates, and await your bodyguards. I would like Airlia to remain behind while you do this everyone."
Angelo and Alistair quickly leapt at it, eager to ensure she could get some rest. "That would be incredible King Clavius. Please, make sure she gets enough rest."
He nodded, "I promise that. I can see the exhaustion from here."
He turned back to his son with his left arm stretched out in excitement towards the short chancellor, "Chancellor! Accompany Charmles to the gate. The Prince is leaving for his initiation! Summon the royal guards! The Prince must have a fittingly ostentatious send-off! Remember, he is leaving on his own!"
The chancellor nodded, "It shall be as you wish, Your Majesty." The chancellor grabbed the back of Charmles's jacket and began dragging him towards the doorway as he protested loudly. But somehow, no matter how hard he thrashed, the chancellor's grip just seemed to tighten.
King Clavius turned to Draco and the others, "Off at last. I wish you luck. And remember Draco: your mission is top secret. Charmles will explain the details of the initiation himself. Fulfil my request, and you have my word that the magic mirror shall be yours." Draco nodded as they bid farewell to the king, then to Airlia before leaving. King Clavius turned to Airlia, staring for a moment more before he spoke…
"You bear such a striking resemblance to my missing brother, Eltrio." Airlia bit the inside of her cheek to remind herself to keep her emotions in check. She didn't know the man's name in her dreams, but it couldn't be a coincidence that he resembled the man before her who had a missing brother… She shook her head as she said, "Unfortunately King Clavius, I wouldn't know. I was adopted when I was an infant."
He nodded, "Pity my dear. Why not go and rest. Elsie, can she sleep in the room you had her in earlier?"
Elsie nodded, "Of course King Clavius. Airlia, follow me my dear." She nodded as she went back up to that room. Elsie dug through her belongings. "Here are a few other necessities you may need. Some garters, some leggings for if you're around kings again, some underthings and a new pair of leather loafers as those look worn to the sole."
Airlia smiled as she packed the items. "Thank you Elsie. I appreciate it." She smiled as she watched Airlia get into bed. The girl was out before the blonde even left.
Gazing in sympathy at the slumbering woman, Elsie whispered to no one in particular, "Poor thing, you're as exhausted as badly as your shoes aren't you?"
Morning came quickly as Airlia got up. She hadn't had such a sound night of sleep like that since that slumber she had in the Moonshadow Clan's realm. She stretched before she put on the second pair of loafers that she had. Turning to the bin in the room, she discarded the old, worn loafers. Standing up she worked out the remaining kinks before she went downstairs to find the King having meal with his servants just off the kitchen on the first floor along the back of the castle. He smiled as he saw her enter the room, "Come and join us Airlia." She smiled as she sat down at the empty chair near Elsie. Breakfast passed quickly and quietly as they ate their fill of the meal. Suddenly they heard cheering from outside the castle as Airlia looked at King Clavius.
He chuckled as he explained, "It seems that the bazaar has finally opened. Why not go, and see what they have down there Airlia? There is much that is not found in the normal markets anywhere that is to be found there."
She smiled as she nodded. "I'd like that very much, King Clavius." He smiled at her response.
He grabbed a pouch from his waist, "Take this will you Airlia?" She got up and came over to grab the pouch, hiding her amazement at the weight of the bag.
Curtsying to him, she left as she went outside of the castle to see several stalls now set up amongst the area that had not been there previously. She started to look around as she wondered how much longer until she would be reunited with her friends. Suddenly the irritating voice of the prince could be heard as she gazed towards the gate. Smiling, she saw them as she ran over to the group, embracing Angelo as she said, "You're back! I'm so glad to see you all!"
They looked at her and couldn't help but gape at how she looked in the green shimmering dress. "I was just told about the bazaar and went to go look around. Care to join me?"
They nodded as Charmles said, "Well, I'm going to do a little shopping before I go back to the castle at any rate. Dis-missed!"
He fled from the group quickly as Airlia rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry you had to deal with the annoyance."
They nodded as Jessica giggled, "Yeah he was really bad." She sobered up as she explained the harassment Medea endured, making Airlia glare at the retreating prince darkly. "Brat."
They nodded in agreement of her curt assessment. Airlia went over to the first stall, and grabbed a few rubies of protection. "This will help bolster your defense." Airlia picked out a few other items that felt like they were good for alchemy before paying the named sum.
She put it in the bag as they gazed at her. "King Clavius apparently has taken a shining to me a bit. It seems that I remind him of his lost brother, Eltrio."
They nodded as Alistair asked, "Is he from your dreams?"
She nodded as she looked at them with a troubled expression on her face, "I can't say it until I have proof of if it is indeed him…" They nodded in agreement as she continued, "Apparently he feels better when I'm around, so I can't help that…" They nodded as they went to the weapons clerk and upgraded their weapons, ensuring they would have the best gear to go after this beast, Dhoulmagus. They didn't want Airlia to go because of the simple fact that they didn't know if he would try to use her against them during the fight. Airlia knew what they were thinking, voicing the unsaid concerns, "I know if I go there, he might paralyze me… or worse."
They nodded in agreement. "I wanted to visit my father at Savella when this is over, so that would give me an excuse to be out of your hair for the moment. Yes, I'll have to suffer Marcello and Rolo, but it'll be okay."
Draco smiled warmly at her, "We'll hurry as fast as we can to get you out of there Airlia."
She nodded as she said, "I would like that very much guys. However, I may end up leaving there first and come here. So it'll be better to check here for me instead of Savella."
Once they finished shopping at the weapons and the armor shop, they saw Charmles on the hill. A tall, shady looking man was next to him, making them grit their teeth. When they went up the stairs, they went to him as Charmles glared at the girl in green. He didn't like her, nor how his father had taken to her. Ignoring him, they observed the shady man… He was dressed in a blue tunic and pants that were ripped in various areas. His overshirt was tattered and his left sleeve was almost removed entirely! Barefoot and dingy, the group didn't even want to know what the boy was doing with such a person, but they had a sinking feeling they would find out shortly. Shrugging, Charmles grinned, "Ah, there you are! And you've arrived just in time…" He turned around to show a huge red stone.
"Without further ado, allow me to present my new Argon heart!" Airlia raised an eyebrow as she saw the large red stone in his hands, irritated that he would do something like that to his father. "The biggest you ever saw!" He hoisted it up as he said, "I mean, you've seen a real Argon heart for yourselves. You can tell this is no fake." She turned away from him, as she tuned him out and began to walk down the stairs away from Charmles. She wouldn't reveal it to Clavius no matter how it pained her. She looked up at the castle, saddened to think of betraying such a noble king and saw him staring at the group as a smirk spread over her face. He already knew! Somehow the thought eased her conscious. The obese prince ran past her, pushing her over the last few steps as the others quickly came to catch up with her.
Angelo was at her side as he helped pull her up. "Are you alright?"
She nodded as she moved, hiding her slight twinge of her ankle. "I'm fine, thanks… Let's go get the mirror and move on." She set a quiet heal spell on her ankle to alleviate the pain there as she continued to walk.
They nodded as they went inside the castle and back to the throne room on the second floor. Upon arrival, they heard the Chancellor call out, "Prince Charmles! Please show us the Argon heart you obtained." Airlia felt the urge to gag as she quickly hid it.
She ignored how everyone was fawning over the heart as she waited for the lot to clear out. "Prince Charmles! Present the Argon heart, symbol of your bravery and worthiness, to King Clavius!"
He held his hand up, apparently fed up with the façade before him. "No. Wait." He stood up, the ruff at his neck bouncing with movement. He walked over to the boy as he spoke seriously, "Charmles. Do you swear before the Almighty Goddess that you obtained this Argon heart from an Argon lizard slain by your own hand?"
He stammered before responding, "Of course, father!"
The King continued, unabashed by his questions for his son, "Because, even if, for example, you were assisted by others in battle, I would still recognize your claim to the throne. But if you obtained it by any other means, I could not recognize you right to the throne. Is that perfectly clear?"
Charmles fisted his hands, not liking where this was going as he spoke, "Yes! Of course! I fought the lizard with my own hands. And a frightful beast it was too!"
The King dropped his hands to his sides, defeated by the fact that his own son was lying to him. "Very well. Then I congratulate you. I accept this Argon heart as proof of your true character." Defeated, he walked away to the windows as Airlia and the others joined him. It pained her to see him in such silent agony… She couldn't lie to the man who had shown her such compassion and care in the last two days about his son. Nodding to the others, they walked over to the tall man. His face showed the events of that day aged him several years seemingly in just minutes. He demanded of Draco and the others, "I saw my son take an Argon heart from one of the merchants. Did you even take him to the royal hunting ground? I saw everything from up here, even his pushing Airlia like that. You must tell me the truth. Out with it!"
Draco nodded, "We did Your Majesty. We hunted three Argon lizards the first day, and he wasn't satisfied with the grape sized jewels they bore. The second day we found a large lizard and defeated that one for this jewel."
He pulled out the large jewel as he sighed. "I see… So this is the Argon heart he obtained with your help."
Draco nodded, "He even went so far as to beat my horse for her refusal to let him ride her. She's a gentle mare who can't take heavy loads like that. The wagon displaces the weight, making it easier for her."
He nodded, "I was afraid of that. Thank you. I just wish to know why he didn't simply show this one to me? I would not have cared about the size. I fear this means Charmles is far too immature to take the throne… or a wife. However, that is a matter between Charmles and myself. You did a fine job taking him to the royal hunting ground. The vault has been opened. I've already instructed the guards to admit you for the mirror. I will take this Argon heart to hold Charmles for his actions towards someday. I will find this useful when I need to remind Charmles of his foolhardiness. And I would like Airlia to remain here when you go after that fiend. She is far too delicate to go into such dangerous areas."
Airlia shook her head, "I actually had planned a visit to my father over at Savella Cathedral. He was visiting an old family friend there. Perhaps the two of us will come back here and see you after the visit."
He smiled at her, "I would like that. I think Elsie would too. You've won her over somehow and I know how hard she is to befriend."
Airlia smiled at him in gratitude. "Good bye King Clavius."
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Memories