The challenge
Everyone knew how it had begun. But not many remembered when it had begun. King (make your own name), powerful mage and warlord, had created it. Betrayal was something he could not tolerate. For even though he could be cruel, and strict, he also had honor. Many said that his magic was at fault for the curse that was placed on the land. It was his magic that lengthened his life span, and it was this what caused him grief to the point of becoming a cold hearted man. Because while he continued living, everyone else around him died and he could not do anything to stop that. Loved ones grew old and death claimed them, and he could only stand by and watch. As the years passed, his heart grew cold and bitter, and refrained from forming any type of attachment to anyone. He avoided spending more than the necessary time with his subjects and court, and as time passed, he was seen less and less. Until one day he decided to appoint a governor to handle the responsibilities of the kingdom, and his court was moved to a different place. The governor he appointed was to report to him what was being done, and his court were to help him govern. Then he shut himself in his castle with a handful of servants, and didn't show himself unless it was necessary. He devoted his energy and heart to mastering the magical arts, even to the point that he learned the dark arts as well. The people could sense he was growing very powerful and feared him. They feared him so much, that a mob, led by some dignataries in the court and the governor, stormed into the castle to overthrow him. The King easily defeated them, using his powers. And those who survived, he executed, including the governor. The treason that was committed against him hurt him deeply though he did not acknowledge it. His heart filled with more anger and bitterness, which led him to cast a curse over the land. No one that was born there could leave. They had such a tight bond to the land, that if they left, it would make them sick and they had to come back. He also created a labyrinth around his castle and filled it with traps, and dangerous creatures born of his dark magic. He also created his own army of dark creatures to guard the castle and the kingdom. Then he made a decree: that every year a runner, a tribute, would be chosen to run the labyrinth. And if the runner reached the center and entered his castle, he would lift off the curse of the land and remove the labyrinth's challenge.
Every year, for fifty years, a runner went into the enchanted maze and never came back. They all perished in there. But that changed when in the 29th year of the labyrinth, a hope for the people was born. A girl with magical powers was born to the new governor. Lady Rivendell had a dream in which she was told of her baby's magical abilities and that the girl would be able to leave the land with no harm. Lady Rivendell died in childbirth, but not before she told her husband of her dream. Lord Rivendell was skeptical at first, but when he witness his daughter's magic at the age of 2, he knew he had to protect her at all costs. Lord Rivendell's brother, who lived outside the kingdom, came to visit him when the girl was 6 years old. And so, her uncle took her with him when his visit was over, and took the girl to be Lady Morgan's apprentice. Lady Morgan was a very strong sorceress, whose powers, it was said, rivaled those of King (your name). And so, for 15 years the girl lived with Lady Morgan and she learned and perfected her magic. Lady Morgan taught her everything she needed to know, and was proud of the strong and wise young woman she had become.
It was then that she returned to her home land. Her father was still the governor. The kingdom was prosperous and even though there was a heavy aura in the air, the people tried to be happy. Valeria Rivendell, the governor's daughter, was quickly loved by the people. She was not only admired for her wisdom and strength, but also for her kindness and bravery. She dedicated time in helping the healers in the city's infirmaries and also taught children how to read and write. She practiced sword play and archery with the young men, and though she was not the best at it, she was good enough. Lady Morgan had trained her in battle skills so she would not rely only on her magic to defend herself.
That year, when the time of choosing of the runner came, she volunteered herself. Usually, young men's and young women's names from ages 18 to 45 were cast in a box and his Majesty himself came to draw the name. He always showed up dressed up in black, looking very regal, powerful and intimidating. When the people were gathered in the city's public square and his Majesty made his spectacular entrance, Valeria walked to the front and stood before the King and asked him to allow her to run the Labyrinth.
'Whats this? A volunteer? This is truly amusing...but nonetheless intriguing...what is your name?' He asked looking at her with malice.
Valeria was not afraid and said respectfully as she bowed, 'Valeria Rivendell, my Lord...'
'You are Lord Rivendell's daughter...' He said evenly, and as he studied her carefully, he sensed her magic powers and realized that this had been kept from him.
Betrayal and anger surged in his heart, and dark thoughts of punishments for his governor ran through his mind.
Valeria could only guess why he had gone so deadly quiet, and so she said 'Forgive a father's love for his daughter. Fear makes us do things for those we love, my Lord...'
The King laughed bitterly and said 'Love? Love is useless. It does not guarantee loyalty nor happiness...and because I am the creator of the challenge, if you volunteer to run the labyrinth, you will have to do so without your powers...'
'Very well, in that case I would like to up the stakes, your Majesty...' She said unflinching and respectfully.
The King noticed no trace of fear in her and was mildly impressed. Never had he seen someone so young display such confidence, determination and respect before him. For she spoke to him as if he was her equal, and though there was firmness and determination im her tone, she was not defiant nor disrespectful. Intrigued with what she had to say, he nodded and said 'Speak young one and I shall consider...'
'If I win the challenge, not only you will lift off the curse on the land and the labyrinth. You will pardon my father and abdicate your throne and create a council to rule over the people...' She said seriously.
The King laughed and said mocking her 'what kind of trickery is this? Do you seriously think I would agree to that? And what makes you think you will succeed when many others before you have failed?'
She held his gaze without fear and said with a challenging tone 'If you think I will fail, then you have nothing to lose if you agree to my terms, my Lord'
'I am the Lord of this kingdom, and I make the rules of this challenge, do not forget your place!' He snarled 'I do not have to agree to anything!'
'True, you don't have to, but you are an honorable man, are you not?' She said evenly as she bowed her head.
Never had the King experienced such an encounter with anyone, and so, he decided to agree to her terms. He was intrigued by this young woman and felt drawn to the fire in her eyes.
'Very well. I will agree to your terms. It's such a pity, that such a lovely woman will be wasted...' He said smirking as he brushed his knuckles against her cheek.
She felt herself shudder lightly, and almost lost composure, she had the urge to lash out at him for daring to touch her so familiarly. However, she contained herself and looked up at him, and offered her hand to him for a hand shake.
The King was impressed at how formal she was being, for she wanted to seal the agreement formally. So he removed his leather glove and shook her hand. As soon they shook hands, a scar in the shape of a star appeared on their hands. The scars would disappear once the agreement was ended. Valeria felt her magic taken away as he released her hand.
Looking at her condescendingly, he said 'Good luck, girl. You will need it. You have 13 hours to complete the Labyrinth' and then he vanished.
Valeria felt a bit drained at having her powers taken away. However, determined to win, she packed a travel bag with essentials, armed herself with a sword, dagger, bow and arrows, and stood before the Labyrinth gates.
'Why Valeria? Why have you done this? I didnt risk my life for nothing! You didnt have to do this!' His father pleaded.
She hugged him gently and said 'I have to do this. Someone needs to end this, and that will be me. I love you father...'
And with those parting words, she released him and turned to face the Labyrinth's entrance. The gates opened for her, groaning loudly. She stepped into them and then they closed behind her.
'Well, come on feet...' She murmured as she started to walk.
(( yes I stole some ideas from the Labyrinth. I couldnt help it! So the King is supposed to keep tabs on her progress and make it more challenging for her to complete her task. I want this to become a romance eventually, but lets make it fun and throw a lot of angst in there. Name the king please. Send me a pm if youre interested to rp))
Jade_NightWarrior Community Member 
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