Exterior = Vrillekian Royal Castle [Grand Courtyard]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Episode 4: A Princess Named Sha-Nor Evera-Une… Let's see, how to start? Well, I suppose the best place to start is at the beginning, back on my homeworld, Planet Vrillekia of Universe 774. It all started the day of my 18th birthday in the year 278 of the Seventh Age. I was so scared, but even so, I could not have foreseen in my wildest dreams or most twisted nightmares just how much the events of that day would change my life forever. Allow me to set the scene...
We are standing in the magnificent, beautiful courtyard of the royal castle, soft lavender grass beneath us and a magnificent, clear pink sky above us. I still remember how proud I was to be presented that day as I walked out to greet my people. I am adorned with my golden diadem, bangles and rings and my white gown made of the finest diaphanous silk that contrasts so well with my long black hair and olive skin. I was one attractive princess if I do say so myself.
Royal-Proclaimer:
Presenting Her Most Serene and Illustrious Highness, Princess Sha-Nor Evera-Une, of the noble Kemrlotian Dynasty, sovereign heir to the hallowed Kingdom of Loraina!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I stride gracefully, as practised, toward the throne of my father. I curtsy to my parents, King Leo-Degra-Une and Queen Isha-Belliss-Une, before taking my rightful place in the seat of the heir apparent.
The assembled crowd cheers for me, and my heart brims with the warmth of their love and adoration. I would by no means suggest that I was ever a perfect princess or even a good one, but I always do my best. I would always strive to be clever and good-hearted, quick to make jokes and peace rather than create tension or sow the seeds of war. I would help feed the common people in times of famine, and plead their cases before my father and mother as the duty of my station demanded.
I always sought to inspire morale among those who must fight and compassion among those who make law and enforce justice. Afterall, such are the duties of a princess. I watch as my father stands. His arms open wide, as if to embrace the assembled lords, ladies, and peasantry.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
Hearken, ye noble lords and gentlefolk! Let it be proclaimed:
Welcome, one and all, to the glorious Tournament of the Heir's Ascension!
May honor be upheld, may skill be tested, and may destiny be forged upon this field of valor!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Their thunderous applause sends waves of joy through my heart. I wave at the crowd with a bright, beaming smile as a good princess does.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
Let all assembled bear witness!
Upon this day, gallant knights of noble blood shall strive in honorable contest, vying for the hand of my fair daughter, the royal princess. And when valor hath been tested and fate hath spoken, we shall partake in feast and revelry, rejoicing in merriment and song!
Now, without further delay, let the tournament commence!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Sitting next to me up in the royal-court observation box is one of my newest and, dare I say, favourite ladies-in-waiting, though she only joined our court a little more than three-score days and ten, we have become fast friends and dearest confidants. I must confess that from the first moment I stared into her beautiful verdant eyes, I was stricken. I stare at her transfixed as my father retakes his seat. Her hair is shimmering gold, flowing radiantly in the ethereal pink of the flaming twilight. She takes me captive with her smile as my heart erupts into butterfly showers. Her name is Lady Jenshie Awick-Vall. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady-in-waiting.
By the enthralling spell of her smile, she enchants me as if by the divine power of Ainrose herself, causing my heart to erupt with butterfly showers. Among the constant bombardment of noise and savagery that is the minds of others, she grants me a mental sanctuary, silence unlike any I have ever experienced. So silent is her mind, and so focused is her control over her own thoughts, that when our minds touch, I am greeted with welcome peace and blessed stillness.
She speaks to me in my mind.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Looking as breathtaking as always, my lady befitting such a grand and important day. I take it, Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot, is your preferred champion of this noble tournament. A fine husband he would be, unless there is perhaps someone else who has stolen thine heart? [warm sensual tone that becomes more of a seductive tease or prodding towards the end]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
She smiles at me naughtily, as if daring me to proclaim the love that already burneth in my heart for her. A love forbidden. A love unspoken, yet raging like a storm that dares not break. To utter it aloud would be to summon ruin. To court it would be to court death. Fear's blade buries itself deep in my breasts and twists.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Yes, he is my preferred champion, and yes, he would make a fine husband… any girl should be thrilled… I mean, I would be… [trying to sound like you mean it when really you know deep down it is a lie]
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Right, well, you know you could just use your secret powers and mind control his opponents to help him win. [playful teasing tone]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
By the gods, how could you even suggest something so unethical? Be you a child of Lughki? [shocked but amused tone]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I playfully jostle the laughing girl next to me as I giggle at the absurdness of her suggestions.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
Sha-Nor! Cease your uncouth guffawing and pay attention! One of these noble knights is going to become your husband!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
My father's scoldings remind me of myself and my station, driving the blade in my heart deeper and bringing bitter darkness to the spark of joy Jenshie sets ablaze in me. A blazing passion, I know he would reject, despise. My mother glares at me from opposite my father's throne. So I stow my smile and hide myself once more, casting a half-hearted smirk at Jenshie. I try to hide the chaos ripping me apart inside, but I know she sees it anyway. No matter how I try, she always sees it… the broken wicked me inside… the sinful me… The me I can never be.
Royal-Proclaimer:
THIS TOURNAMENT, BY ORDER OF THE KING, SHALL NOW COMMENCE. WE SHALL OPEN WITH THE ART OF JOUSTING. LET LORD ALT-HEERA LOOM AND LORD GWETH-IVAR ZANE MOVE TO STARTING POSITIONS AND MAKE READY!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I obey my father and turn my attention to the match. My eyes stare down at the two knights bravely jousting to prove their skill, but it does nothing for me. I force my gaze to hold lest my eyes cast themselves back to the true source of my passion… my desperate need. She turns her sight to the match as well. But then I feel it, her subtly sneaking her fingertips against my hand nearest her. I hate how it makes me feel… the delicate connection of her fingers against my skin sets fire to my blood.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
I know you're hurting inside, but you are not alone… You are never alone. And I will always be here for you. You're not broken, you're not evil, and you are not a monster. You do not deserve their hate.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
She reassures me in my mind, her words drawing tears that burn the back of my eyes. I want to believe her, but how can I… these thoughts… these feelings for her. They hurt so much inside me. The law, my father's law, is clear.
I watch match after match in silence, darkness building in my heart, held at bay only by the gentle touch of her fingers. Each match… each rise and fall of champions brings closer a final victor, a future husband… my fate.
The tears burn more and more with each defeat and victory, but I dare not let them fall, but I know she sees them. She knows we are being watched by my father and others. She knows the laws just as I do.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
It's okay, you are going to get through this. You are strong and you are beautiful and you are not alone. I am here and I am not going anywhere.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Her mental assurance lights a spark in the dark of my heart as the last match comes to an end and the final champion stands on the field of valor triumphant. The champion casts his eyes to me, and it is none other than Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot… A fine man… one my father speaks highly of and admires greatly…
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Lucky me… [very heavy and mournful tone]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot stares up at me and bows. I bow back as is expected… as I know I should. This man is to be my future… my life… my whole world. I try to be happy, but the blade drives deeper, and at last the tears fall.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
No… not now. I can't cry. Not with everyone watching… not with my father watching. I hate this… I hate me…
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Don't you dare even think that, my princess. You are not the problem here. None of this is your fault. I will find a way through this for you. I promise. I will find a way to change your fate. Just be strong a little longer… for me… for us.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
For us… She says, for us… She always knows just what to say to save me from the edge. I heed her words, and my tears cease. I gird myself, regaining my composure and take my seat beside her once more as my father stands to speak.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
CHAMPIONS! HEROES! HONOUR TO THEE FOR THE COURAGE YOU HAVE SHOWN TODAY! BY BLADE AND WIT! BY VALOR AND MIGHT YOU HAVE PROVED YOUR WORTH AND NOW STANDING TRIUMPHANT WE HAVE OUR WINNER WHO THROUGH SKILL AND MASTERY NOW CLAIMS NOT ONLY THE GLORY OF HIS VICTORY BUT THE HAND OF MY DAUGHTER, PRINCESS SHA-NOR!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
The crowd cheers as my father gestures for me to stand. I obey and present myself to the people, a false smile, hand waving… heart bleeding.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Be strong and go along for now. I will return, I promise. I will set you free.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Return? Wait, no, where is she going?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Anxiety erupts in me once again as I peek out of the corner of my eye to find Lady Jenshie has vanished. Confusion bubbles inside me as I am at last allowed to return to my seat.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
NOW NOBLES, CHAMPIONS, LORDS AND LADIES! IT IS TIME FOR US TO BID THE CROWDS OF LOYAL SUBJECTS FAIRWELL AND PROCEED INTO THE DINING HALL FOR THE GRAND FEAST!
Interior = Vrillekian Royal Castle [Grand Banquet Hall]
King Leo-Degra-Une:
Magnificent performances out there today, Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot, truly Magnificent. Would you not agree, my dear Sha-Nor?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Presses my father while leering me daggers behind his faux warm eyes as he gestures to the knight seated next to me at the banquet table… A knight whom I am now destined to spend the rest of my life with as his loving, subordinate wife. I do my best to smile and nod as my stomach grows more and more nauseous at the very idea of such a union with each passing moment.
I hate this… I hate me. Why do I have to feel this way? Why can't I just be normal? Oh, where did Jenshie go? I need her.
Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot:
Too kind, my king! Too kind! You see, it is all about good breeding. Skill and courage matter for a knight, of course, but the most important thing is natural superiority. It all begins with pedigree, and mine is far beyond the common gene slob of lesser nobles.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
He shoots me a sideways glance as he says the word 'breeding', it makes my skin crawl and my guts squirm, but I force a smile. I can feel my father's eyes upon me, and I know what he expects of me, so I force the mask… the mask I created long ago… the mask I taught myself to never take off even if it slips or cracks.
Queen Isha-Bellis-Une:
Oh my, then what a lucky girl our daughter is to have a future husband of such fine breeding. Don't you feel lucky, darling?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Serpents of despair and disgust coil around my heart, crushing it. I feel so sick… I can't stand it… I want it to end. Death is infinitely preferable to this wretched future they so gleefully chart for me. My heart cries out in agony for Jenshie to return.
I can't do this without her. I just can't.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Yes, lucky. I feel very lucky. [trying desperately to sound like you mean, though nothing could be further from the truth]
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I lie, the words ripping at my soul. My parents leer at me for the rest of the feast, my dreadful sorrow showing through to them in tiny ways, though I fight to hide it. With the feast over, the time for the Grand Dance begins. Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot grabs my hand and drags me toward the dance floor. The touch of his hand and the nasty gleam in his eyes as he looks at me makes me retch inside, but I force it down. He holds me close to him, leading me, spinning me as the room watches. I feel like doomed prey in the arms of a predator as he presses himself against me, inhaling my scent. My mind pleads for him to stop as my lips smile. Through my telepathy, I see his wicked thoughts, his monstrous intentions for me… gruesome things… disgusting things. I close my eyes and try to be somewhere else, anywhere else.
Please, just leave me alone, I don't like you, I don't want you, this isn't love. Why is this happening? Why me? I love Jenshie. I want Jenshie, I need her. Save me, Jenshie, please, save me.
Then I suddenly feel as he spins, one of my hands slips from him and is caught by the hand of another, someone with a warm and tender touch. A touch I know. I open my eyes to find Jenshie standing there, my hand in hers. She is garbed in the most splendid nobleman's suit I have ever seen.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Not too late to cut in, is it, my love?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
She shoots me a wink and smirk as she lovingly but firmly pulls me free from Lah-Rence Va-Lot. She holds my body sensually against hers. Stunned gasps wash over the gathered nobles.
The room watches in disgust, and my parents glare in horror as we proceed with the dance that Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot started.
You came back! You really came back! [a tone of extreme relief and sincere love]
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
I said I would be, and this time I'm never leaving you again. I'm here to take you away to some place we can be together forever, just like I promised. All I need is for you to trust me, no matter what comes next, okay?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I'm yours, no matter what happens.
My heart flutters at her gentle touch as my heart beats in rhythm with hers. I can feel her strength, her need, her longing and my cheeks blush.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
As I am yours, now and forever.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Her scent washes over me, igniting my passion as she gracefully leads me around the dance floor until, at last, the moment comes. She smiles, and pulls me into the most wonderful and sincere kiss I could possibly imagine…. A kiss of true love. Here it is, the happiest moment of my life, all I've ever wanted… here now with her.
The moment is suddenly shattered as enraged and fuming Sir Lah-Rence advances upon us, but Jenshie turns to him, glaring, blade drawn in fearsome warning. My parents leer down at me with unadulterated disgust. The furious knight stops and turns his gaze to my father. It's so strange, the shame those stares used to invoke in me is gone; instead, I feel… safe, secure, loved in Jenshie's protective embrace.
Sir Lah-Rence Va-Lot:
ARE WE REALLY JUST GOING TO LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THESE! YOU ALL SAW WHAT THESE DISGUSTING FREAKS JUST DID!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Angry and horrified murmurs waft from the gathered assembly of appalled gentry. My father lifts his hand, causing all the guards and knights in the room to surround us, weapons drawn. My father stands, and I can see the hatred burning in his eyes… hatred for who I am… Hatred for me. The child inside me wants to cower, but then Jenshie squeezes my hand reassuringly, beckoning me… empowering me to not be afraid. To stand tall and trust in her, and so I do. I meet my father's hatred with defiance.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
You dare disgrace this family. You dare dishonour your lineage with such vile, disgusting displays. I thought I stamped these wicked tendencies out of you when you were a child. I knew I should have been harder on you. That was my failure, and now I have no choice. You're sinful nature has sealed your doom.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Yeah, I'm afraid Leo, may I call you Leo because fuck the whole king shit! I hate to disappoint you, but you're not going to hurt me, and you most certainly are not going to hurt MY beloved princess. You see, we're leaving and we're never coming back. I'm going to take her away to a new world… a better world where no one and nothing can hurt her ever again.
Queen Isha-Bellis-Une:
Sha-nor. My daughter, my precious girl. How could you do this?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
My whole life, I have been scared of you, of father, of who I am. But I'm not afraid anymore. There is nothing wrong with me, I'm going with the woman I love. The world seems to hold its breath as it awaits what comes next.
King Leo-Degra-Une:
Seize them! And may their blood be upon their own heads!
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
The world surges back into motion as all the guards move upon us at once, but with lightning speed, Jenshie pulls some sort of small stone bearing a strange glyph. She throws the stone into the air, which shimmers and erupts into a dazzling shower of gold light. The light tendrils around each of the guards chaining them in place. She takes me by the hand and together we bolt straight toward the window that leads out onto the grand balcony. Fear nips at my heart as we close in on the railing with no sign of stopping.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Trust me…
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Her words ripple through my banishing all trace of fear as together we leap over the railing and begin to plummet towards the deadly ground below. She once again pulls an engraved stone from her clothes and shatters it against her chest, causing her to suddenly stop falling as she swings me into her arms and begins to carry me bridal style. Together we fly gracefully through the air far from the royal castle and over the great outer-walls of the royal city. I cling lovingly to her as we gently descend lower and lower towards the wild woods far beyond the city, eventually descending through the canopy of the trees and coming to graceful rest upon the soft lavender grass below.
We did it! We're out of the city!
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Yes, but they will give chase, and soon they will be upon us.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Then what are we going to do?
I ask her as she snaps her fingers, summoning a silver dagger into her right hand.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Don't worry, my love. Like I said, we are going to a better world where they can't follow, but the next step to get there may be a little scary and it may not make sense but I will be with you the whole time, I just need you to keep trusting in me and I promise you will be okay.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I nod, not really understanding, as she suddenly pulls me into a hungry, passionate kiss. My heart swoons, my cheeks flush, and my passion burns as I wrap my fingers into her hair lovingly, only to feel something sharp and warm strike deep into my chest and into my heart. I scream into her mouth, but she continues to hold me firmly in place. Our lips still locked, I see her snap her fingers again, and the dagger vanishes, replaced by a glowing silver chalice, which she places under my weeping wound to catch my spilling blood.
Lady-in-Waiting Jenshie Awick-Vall [Jenny Awake]:
Don't be afraid, Princess. Don't be afraid. It'll all make sense soon. I love you.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
She whispers in my mind as the world goes cold, my body numbs, and darkness overtakes my mind. I feel myself slip into the vast void of nothingness, endless and vast, until it happens. Entropy gives way to frantic motion, darkness burns to light as I feel myself shoot forward like an arrow shattering worlds and realities, chaos and infinity merge. Through fire and water, I fall until erupting back into stillness as I find myself now standing in a strange manor unlike any I have ever seen.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
What just happened? Am I dead? Gods and goddesses, what sorcery is this? Where am I? [frantic and confused]
Jenny Awake
It's okay, my love. It's okay. You're not dead. I'm here.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
I feel her loving arms wrap around me, calming my mind and steadying my heart. She pulls away slightly and gestures to my chest, my grievous wound to be gone.
Jenny Awake
See, no wound. You're okay. You're finally home with us, your sisters, your true family that loves you for who you are, for all that you are.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Us? Sisters? Wha…?
She steps aside, revealing to me three women loitering nearby, watching us.
The other girls all smile and wave at me. Their thoughts and feelings gently prodding at my mind. Knocking to be let in. Through my telepathy, I feel the love and warmth they all feel for me… the warmth and love she feels for me. I can feel how much they want to welcome me, but they're scared I'll feel even more overwhelmed than I already do. I look at Jenshie and then back at the others. My mind buzzes with questions.
Who? What? Who are these girls? Where am I? What manner of magic is this?
Jenny Awake
Sweety, sweety. It's okay.
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
Jenshie pulls me into another tender embrace as she plants a soothing little kiss on my forehead. She beams that perfect smile.
Jenny Awake
Just take a second and breathe. I know you are confused and a little scared, but everyone here loves you as I love you, and no one is going to hurt you ever again. You're safe here, you're home…
Now, if you would like to join us all in the kitchen for a nice cup of tea, we will sit down, relax, and everything will be explained to you. Okay?
Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
The other girls all nod in agreement as they continue to smile at me lovingly. Confused and unsure, I focus on the warm and tender touch of Jenshie's hand.
Jenny Awake
Come on, little star-bloom. Everything's going to be okay.
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Princess Sha-Nor [Jenny Everyone]:
The character of Jenny Nowhere is available for use by anyone, with only one condition. This paragraph must be included in any publication involving Jenny Nowhere, in order that others may use this property as they wish. All rights reversed.
The character of Jenny Somewhere is available for use by anyone, with only one condition. This paragraph must be included in any publication involving Jenny Somewhere, in order that others may use this property as they wish. All rights reversed.