Reality overload

The noise of everything faded behind us as Halden and I stepped down the long stone walkway, leaving them and the geld behind. My new night‑black hair swayed against my back, heavier than I expected, catching the faint breeze like a living shadow.

Halden walked beside me, tail flicking nervously. “You okay?”

I looked down at the armor my mother had given me—deep blue plates, ice crystal edges glowing faintly, runes pulsing like a heartbeat. It felt unreal. Divine, and beautiful.

“I… can’t stop staring at it,” I admitted. “She made this. For me.”

Halden smiled softly. “It suits you.”

I touched the armored, fingers brushing the cold, smooth plates. “It’s perfect. I just… don’t know how to take it off….”

Halden blinked. “Wait. You didn’t ask her?”

“I was a little distracted by the whole ‘pillar of divine light’ thing.”

Halden snorted. “Pffft…”

I sighed and thought, I need it off. I need my dress back.

The armor answered.

It dissolved.

A soft shimmer ran across the plates, turning them to mist. The black metal melted into light, sliding off my body like water evaporating. In a heartbeat, the armor vanished completely, and my coronation dress shimmered back into place, light blue silk settling around my legs.

Halden stopped walking. “Zora. You just…your armor just…”

“I didn’t do anything,” I whispered.

Halden stared. “You thought it.”

I nodded slowly. “I think… it listens.”

Halden exhaled, long and low. “Gods….That’s… that’s actually really cool!!!”

I laughed under my breath.

But inside, something warm settled in my chest.

My mother made this.

It responds to me.

It’s part of me.

Halden nudged my arm. “Try calling it back.”

I swallowed.

And thought I Armor.

We hadn't made it ten steps down the path before I had called it no less that five times already, but I got curious again.

“Okay… one more time.”

Halden groaned. “Zora, please, you’re gonna—”

Armor.

Night surged up my body like a dramatic special effect. Plates snapped into place, skirt flowing like midnight, runes pulsing.

Halden flinched. “You‘re gonna wear it out.”

I grinned.

Dress.

The armor dissolved instantly, leaving me in my coronation gown.

Halden blinked. “Okay, that’s actually kind of cool.”

I nodded proudly.

Armor.

It slammed back on.

Halden sighed. “Zora—”

Dress.

Gone again.

Halden dragged her hands down her face. “You’re gonna break it.”

It's magic how can you break it

Armor.

Back on.

Halden threw her arms up. “STOP DOING THAT.”

I opened my mouth to argue—

And something small and round dropped out of the sky.

Bonk….

Right on my head.

I froze. “Ouch! What was that?”

(I think these chibi ones are just too cute!!!)

Halden stared. “Did… did someone just throw a rock at you?”

I picked up the pebble.

It was warm.

And still glowing.

A tiny curl of golden flame flickered on its surface like a signature.

Halden whispered, “Zora… your mom just bonked you.”

I looked up at the sky. “Mother, I was just testing it!”

Another pebble fell.

Bonk.

Halden wheezed. “She’s not even here and she’s still parenting you.”

“OWW…”I rubbed my head. “Okay… okay, Fine. I’ll stop.”

Halden nodded firmly. “Good.”

I paused. Trying not to step on my gown 

Halden paused beside me, her red and white Miko outfit equally frustrating. Long sleeves that fluttered with every movement. Her tail flicked beneath the hem, clearly annoyed.

"We cannot meet a swordmaster dressed like this," Halden said, tugging at her sash.

I sighed. "Yeah. Wanna go change first?”

"Yup, like now." Halden said

Decision made we headed back to the elders house. When we reached it, two maids stood waiting at the door, hands folded neatly, posture perfect.

They bowed. "Your Majesty, Lady Halden. We were told by lady Charlie you might needed assistance changing."

I lifted my hands defensively. "W-Wait...I can do it myself."

Both maids exchanged a look...a silent, polite no, you absolutely cannot.

One stepped forward. "Your Majesty...this gown requires at least three people to remove safely. The enchantments tighten if handled incorrectly."

Halden snorted. "Charlie said they had to lift your arms earlier."

"I was sleepy," I muttered.

The maids bustled us into the sunlit changing room without warning, tugging at my clothes before I could protest. I stood there half-dressed, gown slipping off one shoulder, when I caught sight of Halden on the other side of the room. 

The maids were already peeling her top away, exposing smooth skin and the curve of her chest. 

My face went nuclear winter. 

I whipped my head away so fast my neck cracked, staring hard at the wall while old instincts screamed at me to look anywhere else. Cold crawled up my neck. 

I used to be a guy! This felt way too intimate.

Halden tilted her head, fox ears flicking. "Zora? Why are you acting like that? We're both girls here."

"N-nothing!" I squeaked, voice pitching higher than I meant. I waved a hand like it was no big deal, trying to laugh it off.

 "Just... uh... dust in my eye!" I said looking at the wall like it was the best architecture I'd ever seen.

Halden shrugged, still looking puzzled. "Dust..?" Then her nose scrunched. 

"Ah—CHOO!"

Magic sparkled....and Pop. 

Another Halden appeared, identical except for the wicked little grin stretching across her face. The clone's eyes locked straight onto me, still clutching my half-removed gown .

"Oho? What's this?" the clone purred, zipping behind me in a blur. 

Her arms slid around my waist, hands shooting up to cup my chest through the thin undershirt. She gave them a squeeze, fingers sinking in with playful enthusiasm. 

"These are very nice~ So soft and warm!"

I yelped, body jerking like I'd been shocked. 

My hands flew up on reflex, trying to push her away, cheeks frosting so hard I thought I'd freeze the air. 

The clone kneaded again, thumbs brushing over the very sesitive peaks, and a tiny involuntary whimper slipped out before I could stop it. 

“Aaahnn…”

I froze covering my mouth. Like it could erase the sound I had just made. I sounded exactly like some flustered shy girl. I didn't even know that sound could come out of me.

Halden's ears flattened. She slapped both hands over her cherry red face. "No no no...get off her! I'm so sorry, Zora! She's all my worst impulses!"

The clone just giggled, giving one last teasing grope. "But I'm just comparing...plus they feel so good! Look how frosty she gets."

I made a strangled noise and yanked my tunic down the second the clone let go, spinning away like a frightened foal, while my heart hammered. 

The maids had already slipped out, leaving us alone with the mischievous duplicate sitting cross-legged on the floor, tail flicking like she'd won a prize.

Halden pointed at her clone like she was scolding a pet. "No more touching. No more comments."

The clone smiled innocently. "Understood."

A beat.

"But Zora is just really cute though." she said while groping the air.

"OUT," Halden barked, face buried in her hands.

She slunk out of the room like a child caught being bad.

We finished pulling on our tunics in heavy silence, the air between us thick enough to choke on. My fingers fumbled with the laces at my side, still feeling phantom pressure where the clone had grabbed me. 

Halden kept her back turned the whole time, ears pinned flat, tail curled tight around one leg like she was trying to disappear. Neither of us said a word. The clone had vanished after Halden's order, but the memory of those hands lingered, making every breath feel too loud.

My thoughts going to Lucas without my permission. How would his hand feel…?

‘WAIT…. What the hell am I thinking!!!!’ I though horrified.

I shook my head vigorously trying to disodle the betraying thoughts.

Once we were both decent, Halden cleared her throat. "Ready?" Her voice came out small.

"Y-yeah," I muttered, staring at the floor.

We slipped out of the changing room together, the late-morning sun hitting us like a spotlight as we walked the road toward the armory. 

My steps felt stiff. Halden's tail kept flicking in nervous little jerks beside me. Every time our shoulders brushed, I flinched and she jumped. 

The walk stretched on in awkward quiet, the only sounds our boots on stone and the distant clang of hammers ahead.

Halden glanced sideways once, cheeks still pink. "Sorry again... about her."

I just nodded, unable to meet her eyes, the ghost of that squeeze still burning across my chest. Those thoughts still in my head.

We stepped onto the main path leading toward the armory. The stone walkway was warm underfoot, sun reflecting off pale tiles. The air smelled faintly of metal and oil from the forge nearby, mixed with the crisp scent of the training fields.

Birds chattered in the trees.

A breeze tugged at my braid.

Everything felt...ok now.

Except we weren't alone.

Halden's ears twitched. "We're being followed."

I froze. "Samira?"

"No. Smaller."

We kept walking, pretending not to notice.

Behind us...far behind us, but not far enough, two tiny figures peeked around a corner.

Mira.

And Elias.

Mira's bright blue dress was impossible to miss, even when she tried to flatten herself against a wall like a spy. Elias, in his little vest and boots, crouched beside her.

Halden whispered, "They're terrible at sneaking."

"I know," I whispered back.

We kept walking.

Mira darted behind a barrel.

Elias dove behind a bush.

The bush rustled violently.

Halden didn't turn around, but her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.

I whispered, "Should we say something?"

"No," Halden said. "Let's see how long it takes them to think they're invisible."

We walked a little farther.

Mira tip‑toed behind a tree, hands raised like she was sneaking through a cartoon. Elias followed, trying to mimic her, but his boots kept crunching loudly against the leaves.

Halden murmured, "They're going to follow us all the way to the armory."

"Should we stop them?"

Halden shrugged. "They're harmless. And excited. Let them think they're stealthy."

We reached the long stone path leading to the armory. The building loomed ahead...tall, reinforced, runes carved into the archway. The faint metallic scent grew stronger, mixed with heated air drifting from inside.

I slowed.

Halden glanced at me. "Nervous?"

"A little."

"Understandable."

Behind us, Mira and Elias peeked around the corner again.

Mira whispered loudly...too loudly...."Are they going inside?!"

Elias whispered even louder, "We have to follow them!"

Halden sighed. "They're coming."

I turned just enough to see them sprinting toward us...tiny feet pattering, Mira's dress fluttering, Elias's in the lead.

They skidded to a stop behind us, panting.

Mira straightened, trying to look dignified. "We were... um... just walking."

Elias nodded vigorously. "Yes. Walking. Not following."

Halden raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

I smiled. "You two want to come to the armory?"

Mira gasped. Elias's ears perked.

"Yes!" they both said at once.

Halden sighed, but she was smiling. "Fine. But stay behind us. And do NOT.. touch anything sharp."

Mira saluted. Elias copied her.

We stepped into the armory...me, Halden, and two very excited, very terrible spies trailing behind us.

The smell hit instantly...metal, oil, old fires, and the faint mineral tang of cooling steel. Racks of weapons lined the walls, each blade shimmering dully. Armor sets stood on stands like silent guardians.

And at the center of it all...

A dwarf.

Broad‑shouldered. Thick‑armed. Beard braided with silver rings. Soot dusting his cheeks. Hammer in hand. Eyes sharp and warm.

He looked up.

And froze.

Then the hammer slipped from his fingers and clattered onto the workbench.

"By the Forgefather's beard! Y-Yer Queen Zora," he said, bowing so fast his beard hit the floor. "Geld said ye'd be comin', I saw her coranashin’ what a sight to behold!”

I flinched. "Please don't bow. Stand up its just Zora. I was a normal person just yesterday!"

He straightened, clearing his throat. "Aye. Zora, then." he looked relieved.

Halden stepped forward. "We're here for training gear."

The dwarf nodded, puffing his chest proudly. "Name's Bromir Ironhand, master smith o' Hilguard."

‘What is is with this small city having so many things?’ I thought once more to myself. ‘It would be one thing if it was a major hub, I get that, and it's only a half day walk from the royal capital, but still.

My thoughts were interrupted by Elias 

He waved, "Hey bromir."

Mira waved even more, "How are you bromir."

Bromir's beard twitched in amusement. "Well... if it isn't my two favorite scoundrels. Out for a bit of entertainment today are we.

Mira perked up. " We're accompanying the queen on official business today, very important stuff!"

"Is tha so, well good work always deserves ah reward."  Bromir wiped his hands on a cloth, then looked down at the two tiny spies who had followed us all the way to the armory. 

Bromir reached under his workbench and pulled out two small wooden swords, polished smooth, rune‑etched just enough to sparkle in the sunlight.

"For ye," he said, handing one to each child. 

"Just made these beauties this mornin' careful now they ar enchanted wif powerful magic yer wanna handle them with care now."

They held the swords with both hands, reverently.

Elias and Mira lit up. 

"Those swords come with a lot o' responsibility... ah charge ye with tha protection of yon wee Queeny. Think ya can handle tha?"

"We'll do our best!" Mira declared, voice bright and fierce.

Elias nodded hard. "We'll protect the queen!"

Halden smiled. pausing long enough to look proud.

I felt something warm bloom in my chest.

So I straightened my posture, lifted my chin, and let my voice drop into what I thought a  queenly tone.

"Very well," I said, placing a hand over my heart. "As Queen Zora of Elyndor..."

Both kids gasped.

I extended my hand over their heads...dramatic, slow, ceremonial.

"I hereby dub thee..."

Mira's eyes went huge.

Elias's tail wagged so hard it was a blur.

"...my Royal Junior Guardians."

They squealed.

Mira nearly dropped her sword. Elias almost fell over. Both scrambled to kneel, wooden blades held upright like they were being knighted for real.

"We accept!" Mira shouted.

"We'll protect you with our lives!" Elias added, way too intense for a six‑year‑old.

Halden snorted. "Okay, maybe not your lives."

Elias saluted dramatically. "Long live the queen!"

Mira echoed it instantly.

And just like that, I had two tiny, over‑excited, wooden‑sword‑wielding bodyguards.

Bromir watched the whole thing with his thick arms crossed, beard rings glinting. His expression softened into something warm and proud.

"Aye," he said, voice rumbling like a forge. "That's good. That's real good."

He nodded once, satisfied.

"Queen's got spirit," he added. "And ye two..." he pointed at Elias and Mira "...ye've got heart. That's worth more'n steel."

Bromir chuckled, then slapped his hands together. "Right then! Enough ceremony. Ye need proper gear."

He turned toward the back of the armory, boots thudding on the stone floor. The smell of leather and oil grew stronger as he passed racks of weapons and armor stands.

"I'll fetch yer training leathers," he called over his shoulder. "Made 'em meself. Sturdy, flexible, and enchanted so ye don't tear 'em when ye fall on yer arse."

Halden sneezed.

I groaned.

The clone whispered, "this cuties gonna fall on her arse."

Bromir disappeared behind a row of armor stands, rummaging through a reinforced chest, muttering proudly to himself.

"Okay. Seriously. Where did she even pop up from?" I asked.

Halden winced. "My sneeze."

I pointed at the clone, who was sitting cross‑legged on a crate, swinging her tail and kicking her feet like she was waiting for recess.

"That—" I said, gesturing wildly, "—is not a normal sneeze outcome!"

The clone waved. "Hi Zoraaa~"

I flinched. The memory from earlier still hot in my mind. 

"Don't 'Zoraaa~' me!" I pointed

Halden rubbed her temples. "I know. I know. I'm sorry. She just... happens."

The clone hopped off the crate and padded over, leaning in way too close, eyes sparkling with mischief, but was cut off.

"Right then!" Bromir barked proudly. "Got yer leathers….” He paused for a heartbeat. “Oh there are two of ya now, whelp, not gonna think bout that moving on.”

He set them down on a wide table with a satisfying thump. The armor was beautiful, dark brown leather reinforced with rune‑stitched seams, flexible enough to move in but sturdy enough to take a hit.

“These will adjust to yer size ta fit perfectly. Tha piece of enchantin’ was a bit on tha difficult side. But it should work just fine.”

Halden stepped forward, ears perked. "These look incredible."

Bromir puffed his chest. "Made 'em meself. Enchanted for durability, comfort, and protection. Won't pinch, won't tear, won't chafe."

I reached out and touched the chest piece. It was warm, like it remembered the crafters hands.

Bromir lifted the tunic, letting the sunlight catch the runes. "It'll adapt to yer magic. And to yer movements. Ye'll be able to swing, dodge, roll, or blast without worry."

I ran my fingers over the fabric. Cool. Smooth. Alive.

"Where do I change?" I asked excitedly.

Bromir pointed to a curtained alcove. "Right there. Take yer time. Don't rush. Magic likes patience."

I stepped inside, slipping into the training attire. The leather hugged my form without restricting movement. The braid the maid did stayed perfectly in place, not a single strand falling forward.

I stepped out.

Halden smiled. "You look ready."

Elias gasped. "She looks like a warrior!"

Mira bounced. "She looks like a QUEEN warrior!"

Bromir grinned, beard twitching. "Aye. Ye look ready ta knock a troll on its arse."

I laughed nervously. "I hope not today."

Her lil miss foxy, you have a set to why doncha go and try em on.

"Ok! I'll go change into mine aswell!!" she said as she slipped behind the alcove. After a while she came out looking like she was ready to fight an army.

A deep green tunic with silver stitching, trousers with a slit and rune‑reinforced hem for her tail. The arm wraps embroidered with fox‑fire motifs, and the chest wrap lined with soft fur

Halden gushed. "This is... beautiful."

Bromir puffed his chest. "Made it meself. Spirit‑folk deserve proper craftsmanship."

Elias whispered, "He likes Halden more."

Mira whispered, "He REALLY likes Halden more."

"Thank you," she said softly.

Bromir's beard twitched again—this time in pride. "Aye. Yer welcome. Tail slit's enchanted. Adjusts to you."

Bromir stared like he'd just witnessed divine craftsmanship.

"Perfect," he said. "Absolutely perfect. Ye look ready to outrun a storm."

Halden smiled shyly. "It feels... right."

Elias gasped. "She looks like a forest warrior!"

Mira bounced. "She looks like a SPIRIT guardian!"

Halden's ears flicked, embarrassed but pleased.

Bromir nodded once, solemn. "Now then ye two," he said, pointing at me and Halden, "go meet Samira. She'll be waitin'."

My stomach flipped.

Halden nudged me. "We've got this."

I exhaled. "Yeah. We do."

And together me, Halden, the clone, Elias, and Mira stepped out of the armory, sunlight bright on our new training clothes, heading toward the swordmaster.

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