Side Note

Hi, it's me, stuck in a room with a terrible atmosphere, Madeleine here. Mel and I are in Merida's room for our typical meeting about the next Sacred Power, but something is extremely different this time. Ever since yesterday's events, Merida has had a terrible look on her face. I don't really know the deal about it, but maybe she'll explain it here.

"I will be explaining it. There are… things… in this world that I cannot see, like the Void, where you temporarily went to Madeleine."

"Did I tell you guys that?"

"No, I merely caught wind of it from your constant mumblings. There is nary a moment with you that is silent."

"That's good to know."

"I digress, so let me continue about that… anomaly. I can easily see it. In fact, I am observing it at this moment."

"So, what's the big deal?"

"All I can see is its shape. Nothing more, nothing less. Its thoughts, abilities, and anything about it eludes my sight, other than its shape. That is not what frightens me about it, however."

"What frightens you about it?" I really love this buildup.

"It stares back at me." Oh. I expected worse. I look over to Mel, and it seems she's a bit more horrified by this. She's shaking in her boots. "That is enough about that. I feel incredibly uncomfortable discussing that thing. Instead, I shall be talking about where I will be sending you to, Madeleine."

"You make it sound like I'm not going with Mel."

"You're not." 

"What? Why?" I looked to Mel to see if she was also going to outrage, only to see her letting out a sigh of relief. Eh? Am I secretly being sent to somewhere dangerous?

"I would not worry, Madeleine. The tribe I'll be sending you to is respectful of maids."

"Who in their right mind would respect maids?"

"I believe they can answer that question themselves. Now, before I send you off, I will be giving you two objectives. The first is the usual, finding the Sacred Power holders for your goal. There are three Sacred Power holders in that elf tribe. The first is the chief, who will surely greet you. I recommend asking her about the other two."

"Okay, got it."

"The second goal is to talk to their tribal magician."

"Why?"

"They have access to ancient magic that can protect you from creatures like that… thing from yesterday."

"What makes you think I can learn ancient magic? You do know not everyone who can do magic can do anci-"

"I have an acquaintance at your alma mater. I know your capabilities."

"Hahaha… fine." 

"The tribe you will be going to is the Patras tribe. They live south of us. You will be taking the dragon. Just keep flying southward. You should be able to see the tribe's home at some point. Be sure to not mention me, however."

"Dragon? Yay!"

"You may go. Mel, please stay here for one more moment. We have something to discuss."

"Alright." Out of the room, I ran. I get to go on an adventure with the dragon!

So Mayfield and I landed. On our way here, I came up with a name for the dragon. I shortened it to May, though. Cute name, right? Anyways, the tribe were shooting some rocks at us with weird rock sticks in their hand, so I tried to retaliate by standing on May to throw some daggers. As soon as they saw me, though, the attacks stopped. As May was going down, I could see all but two of the elves were knelt down. Really weird. Usually, I'm the one kneeling. One of the standing elves, wearing a cloak and holding a staff, whispered something to the other elf, then knelt down.

Guess I'll jump off May and approach the standing elf. I'd describe her looks, but… it's just an elf in tribal clothing. The tribal dress does seem more decorated than the rest, so I guess she's the chief. I'd rather talk about May's looks, though. Those white, luxurious scales. So nice. Oh yeah, the elf.

"We welcome you, oh great maid." She knelt down on one knee.

I like the flipping of roles. I could get used to this. Still curious, though. "Why are you kneeling?"

"The Patras tribe had long stood tall as Queens of Combat for centuries until decades ago when the founder of that Maid School bested our entire tribe in combat on her lonesome. Since then, we shall bow to her and any student of hers. Our tribe's magician also sensed your magic, magic that surpasses even hers."

"There are so many questions I could ask… but whatever, I don't care. Questions are Mel's thing, and she isn't here. So please, stand."

"Understood." She stood up in front of me, giving me a clear view of her eyes. Emerald, huh.

Oh, that explains all the stone sticks. They're not sticks, they're guns! Really weird, shaped guns, though.

"What brings you to our tribe?"

"Oh, just looking for Sacred Power holders. Also, to learn some ancient protective magic, someone told me you guys had it."

"Why would someone such as you need protection power?"

"Dunno. I was just told to learn it because of some random stranger I met yesterday. Huge grin, colourful suit, and a cute hamster in its pocket."

"Ah, that ancient menace. He appeared one day, walking across the gap that separates the edge of our world and the endless abyss. We shall teach you our magic if you have contacted him. I do have a question, who told you of our magic?"

"Oh, Merida."

Her eyes suddenly flared up. "THE SEER!!!" And suddenly, I was knocked out.

Character profile: Leaf Patras

Sacred power: Sticks and Stones

Number of people in the tribe who haven't tried to marry her: 3

Description: The chief of the Patras tribe. The Patras tribe went into a civil war when Leaf was born, so when she grew up, the tribe's numbers were low and there was no one to lead. Leaf quickly gained power, arming her friends and showing the others her power. She promised that as long as she were chief, the tribe would prosper, as she could arm them with limitless weapons and that resources and time needed to make weapons could be used to enhance day to day life instead. Although many elders objected, the vast majority of the remaining tribe gathered behind Leaf. Leaf secretly owns a maid dress, and wears it in private.

Chapter namesake: The rock band Queens of the Stone Age