A Whole New World: A Rogue Princess Story

[Valhalla Erikson]

A Whole New World
By Valhalla Erikson

Ragna

I stood by the window of my chamber that cool night and gazed out of it into the vast expanse stretching beyond the castle walls. Set long above them in the clear heavens, the flickering lights of the citadel festival reached out to me like a galaxy, twinkling in the dark. Very faintly, upon the wind, I could hear the echoes of laughter and music, and my heart ached.



The citadel was alive, free. It was like another world, where people danced in the open sky with abandon, not caring at all about the world. And there I was, with the title of princess shackling me in, not allowing me to live the life I wanted.



As I stood aside, watching the festival, my mind was running with thoughts. The weight of it had become so heavy with time. My curiosity had caught ablaze with an unending flame. I had to know what it was like, to be something so vibrant and yet so real.



It was with determined breath that I turned from the window before I crossed the wardrobe. My hands shook with anticipation as I laid them on the doors and opened them, reaching for the clothes I had hidden away—clothes I had worn during my rare, secret outings into the world beyond the castle.



The fabric felt rough against my skin compared to the smooth silks and velvets I was used to. The clothing that was worn by the people who lived such different lives from my own, was plain and simple. However, as my fingers reached the rough cloth, I was filled with excitement. At least, for a few hours, this was my pass to freedom.



Dressing in such plain attire, I felt a sense of freedom. I was no longer Princess Ragna, connected to duty and loyalties. I was just a girl ready to discover the world beyond her grand castle.



A soft whine caught my attention, and I turned back to see Renfri, my loyal wolf, stretched on my bed with an expression that could only be described as concerned. Whatever piercing gaze he leveled at me asked, Are you sure about this?



I chuckled and went over to him, scratching behind his ears. “Don't worry, Renfri,” I pacified him with a whisper, soft and low. “I only want to take a small peek; I will be back sooner than you may think.”


Renfri huffed in response, his tail lightening against the bed's surface. He was used to my insensible nature, but that didn't mean that he had to approve of it. Despite being my many-year companion, my protector, he had always been by my side, no matter what.



I put my hair up into a bun and secured it tightly before slipping on a plain hooded cloak. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I held the small hand mirror up to my face. The reflection looking back at me wasn't quite the same.



The princess with all the flowing gowns and perfectly fixed hair was nowhere to be seen. She was replaced with a girl who allowed herself to look somewhat like a mere mortal, not royalty.



Perfect. I was all ready to go, but as soon as I started for the door, he made a noise again—this soft, whimpering sound that tore me up inside. I dropped to my knees beside him and patted his great, muscular back. “You can't come this time, Renfri,” I said, much regret ringing in my voice. “I promise I'll be home by midnight. Please don't be mad.”



He gave a low growl, more a grumble, really than any real threat point. I leaned down and kissed the top of his head, feeling the warmth of his fur beneath my lips. “I'll be back soon,” I whispered more to myself than to him.



With a final glance at my faithful friend, I headed toward the door, opening it barely enough to squint through. The hall was empty; the castle was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of voices and, now and then, a musty stone wall that creaked. I drew a deep breath and stepped out, closing the door behind me as quietly as I could.

[superkamiguy1]

Aug 16, 2024 5:28:57 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

A Whole New World
By Valhalla Erikson

Ragna

I stood by the window of my chamber that cool night and gazed out of it into the vast expanse stretching beyond the castle walls. Set long above them in the clear heavens, the flickering lights of the citadel festival reached out to me like a galaxy, twinkling in the dark. Very faintly, upon the wind, I could hear the echoes of laughter and music, and my heart ached.

The citadel was alive, free. It was like another world, where people danced in the open sky with abandon, not caring at all about the world. And there I was, with the title of princess shackling me in, not allowing me to live the life I wanted.

As I stood aside, watching the festival, my mind was running with thoughts. The weight of it had become so heavy with time. My curiosity had caught ablaze with an unending flame. I had to know what it was like, to be something so vibrant and yet so real.

It was with determined breath that I turned from the window before I crossed the wardrobe. My hands shook with anticipation as I laid them on the doors and opened them, reaching for the clothes I had hidden away—clothes I had worn during my rare, secret outings into the world beyond the castle.

The fabric felt rough against my skin compared to the smooth silks and velvets I was used to. The clothing that was worn by the people who lived such different lives from my own, was plain and simple. However, as my fingers reached the rough cloth, I was filled with excitement. At least, for a few hours, this was my pass to freedom.

Dressing in such plain attire, I felt a sense of freedom. I was no longer Princess Ragna, connected to duty and loyalties. I was just a girl ready to discover the world beyond her grand castle.

A soft whine caught my attention, and I turned back to see Renfri, my loyal wolf, stretched on my bed with an expression that could only be described as concerned. Whatever piercing gaze he leveled at me asked, Are you sure about this?

I chuckled and went over to him, scratching behind his ears. “Don't worry, Renfri,” I pacified him with a whisper, soft and low. “I only want to take a small peek; I will be back sooner than you may think.”

Renfri huffed in response, his tail lightening against the bed's surface. He was used to my insensible nature, but that didn't mean that he had to approve of it. Despite being my many-year companion, my protector, he had always been by my side, no matter what.

I put my hair up into a bun and secured it tightly before slipping on a plain hooded cloak. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I held the small hand mirror up to my face. The reflection looking back at me wasn't quite the same.

The princess with all the flowing gowns and perfectly fixed hair was nowhere to be seen. She was replaced with a girl who allowed herself to look somewhat like a mere mortal, not royalty.

Perfect. I was all ready to go, but as soon as I started for the door, he made a noise again—this soft, whimpering sound that tore me up inside. I dropped to my knees beside him and patted his great, muscular back. “You can't come this time, Renfri,” I said, much regret ringing in my voice. “I promise I'll be home by midnight. Please don't be mad.”

He gave a low growl, more a grumble, really than any real threat point. I leaned down and kissed the top of his head, feeling the warmth of his fur beneath my lips. “I'll be back soon,” I whispered more to myself than to him.

With a final glance at my faithful friend, I headed toward the door, opening it barely enough to squint through. The hall was empty; the castle was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of voices and, now and then, a musty stone wall that creaked. I drew a deep breath and stepped out, closing the door behind me as quietly as I could.

Fantastic opening and it's so great to see Ragna back again! This is the story with the reset world right? You did an awesome job setting it up! This right here is how you set up a Fantasy World! No Isekai nonsense necessary! 

[Valhalla Erikson]

Movements sped up, steps sounded light in the comfort of previously trodden hallways. The heart within thudded in the chest of the body, not in fear but in the thrill of the deed to be done. Getting caught was simply out of the question; there was no way to explain this to anyone without showing the heart's inner feelings.

The sound of footsteps approaching made me freeze for a split second. I leaned up against the cold stone wall and held my breath as two voices came by. They were in deep conversation and much involved to take notice of me. It was not until they had passed on, their voices fading away into the distance, that I slipped out of my hiding place and continued on my way.

When I finally got to the back garden, relief washed over me. It was only here, the only place inside these castle walls, that I could truly breathe free, truly let me be me. The garden was massive, filled with flowers and trees that had been well taken care of for generations. But then, I wasn't here to visit this garden.

I was here to sneak out.

I rushed to the far end of the garden, deep in shadow, the air much cooler. Beyond was an ancient servant's entrance, hiding behind the tall grouping of bushes. That was my secret way out. That was my escape route.

I shoulder-opened the door and stepped inside, whistling softly through my fingers. Almost a second later, I heard the gruff sound of hooves hit perforated on grass and I felt my heart swell. My white horse walked out from the darkness. She nickers softly, nuzzling my hand as I run it through her mane.

“Good girl,” I murmured, smiling as I swung onto her.

The hours and days of training her had worked a treat. She was as loyal as Renfir and as hungry for it as any adventure.

Pulling the hood over my head, I nudged her onwards, setting her nose away from the castle and towards the Citadel.

[Valhalla Erikson]

The citadel was full of excitement. My eyes went turning wherever with decoration in the form of bright banners and colorful streamers that seemed to crisscross above narrow streets gently swaying in the breeze. The lights dazzled. I blinked several times to adjust my sight. They strung across stalls and hung from rooftops, casting a golden glow that turned everything it touched into something magical.

A smile crawled up my face as I wandered deeper into the festival. The crowd's energy was infectious; I felt myself being swept along with the joy that surrounded me. I couldn't help but wonder why the castle forbade me from experiencing this. So far, there seemed to be nothing dangerous about it. Everyone seemed so kind, and the air was so filled with laughter and music. I felt free for the first time, and this freedom was so exhilaratingly foreign.

The weather was perfect, too—just warm enough, with a soft breeze blowing that carried the sweet scent of flowers in bloom. The sun was dipping lower in the sky, painting the horizon in shades of purple and pink that looked like something out of a dream. Everything about this moment was beautiful, and I wanted to savor it.

I weaved through the sea of people, my nose picking up on an inviting smell of food.

I followed the smell with my mouth watering at the sight of a stall where a man was grilling what appeared to be skewers of meat over an open flame. Barbecue? A thought that tasted me with something so basic yet delicious made me feel giddy.

Meals had always been a big affair in the castle, properly done with the royal chefs. But I'd never been allowed to eat this sort of street food. It seemed … improper according to the rigid rules of the court. But here, no one knew who I was, and I was free to break a few rules. I handed over a few coins, eagerly taking the skewer from the vendor's hand.

That first bite—wow. Smokiness of the meat, just a little char on the outside and juicy tenderness within, all just right. I savored every bite, trying to make it last as long as possible. So interesting how something so simple brought such joy.

After I finished eating, I continued to walk around the festival as there were simply too many other things vying for my attention. The sounds from a group of musicians playing some very lively tunes near one of the more significant open squares drew people around to clap and dance to the music. I found myself moving to the music without knowing it, my foot tapping almost involuntarily to the rhythm. It was impossible not to smile at the scene that unraveled before me, as everyone seemed so full of life and was beaming with happiness.

[superkamiguy1]

Aug 25, 2024 17:57:54 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Movements sped up, steps sounded light in the comfort of previously trodden hallways. The heart within thudded in the chest of the body, not in fear but in the thrill of the deed to be done. Getting caught was simply out of the question; there was no way to explain this to anyone without showing the heart's inner feelings.

The sound of footsteps approaching made me freeze for a split second. I leaned up against the cold stone wall and held my breath as two voices came by. They were in deep conversation and much involved to take notice of me. It was not until they had passed on, their voices fading away into the distance, that I slipped out of my hiding place and continued on my way.

When I finally got to the back garden, relief washed over me. It was only here, the only place inside these castle walls, that I could truly breathe free, truly let me be me. The garden was massive, filled with flowers and trees that had been well taken care of for generations. But then, I wasn't here to visit this garden.

I was here to sneak out.

I rushed to the far end of the garden, deep in shadow, the air much cooler. Beyond was an ancient servant's entrance, hiding behind the tall grouping of bushes. That was my secret way out. That was my escape route.

I shoulder-opened the door and stepped inside, whistling softly through my fingers. Almost a second later, I heard the gruff sound of hooves hit perforated on grass and I felt my heart swell. My white horse walked out from the darkness. She nickers softly, nuzzling my hand as I run it through her mane.

“Good girl,” I murmured, smiling as I swung onto her.

The hours and days of training her had worked a treat. She was as loyal as Renfir and as hungry for it as any adventure.

Pulling the hood over my head, I nudged her onwards, setting her nose away from the castle and towards the Citadel.



The citadel was full of excitement. My eyes went turning wherever with decoration in the form of bright banners and colorful streamers that seemed to crisscross above narrow streets gently swaying in the breeze. The lights dazzled. I blinked several times to adjust my sight. They strung across stalls and hung from rooftops, casting a golden glow that turned everything it touched into something magical.

A smile crawled up my face as I wandered deeper into the festival. The crowd's energy was infectious; I felt myself being swept along with the joy that surrounded me. I couldn't help but wonder why the castle forbade me from experiencing this. So far, there seemed to be nothing dangerous about it. Everyone seemed so kind, and the air was so filled with laughter and music. I felt free for the first time, and this freedom was so exhilaratingly foreign.

The weather was perfect, too—just warm enough, with a soft breeze blowing that carried the sweet scent of flowers in bloom. The sun was dipping lower in the sky, painting the horizon in shades of purple and pink that looked like something out of a dream. Everything about this moment was beautiful, and I wanted to savor it.

I weaved through the sea of people, my nose picking up on an inviting smell of food.

I followed the smell with my mouth watering at the sight of a stall where a man was grilling what appeared to be skewers of meat over an open flame. Barbecue? A thought that tasted me with something so basic yet delicious made me feel giddy.

Meals had always been a big affair in the castle, properly done with the royal chefs. But I'd never been allowed to eat this sort of street food. It seemed … improper according to the rigid rules of the court. But here, no one knew who I was, and I was free to break a few rules. I handed over a few coins, eagerly taking the skewer from the vendor's hand.

That first bite—wow. Smokiness of the meat, just a little char on the outside and juicy tenderness within, all just right. I savored every bite, trying to make it last as long as possible. So interesting how something so simple brought such joy.

After I finished eating, I continued to walk around the festival as there were simply too many other things vying for my attention. The sounds from a group of musicians playing some very lively tunes near one of the more significant open squares drew people around to clap and dance to the music. I found myself moving to the music without knowing it, my foot tapping almost involuntarily to the rhythm. It was impossible not to smile at the scene that unraveled before me, as everyone seemed so full of life and was beaming with happiness.

A masterful escape! Our Princess is a true escape artist! Glad to see she's stepping out and enjoying herself out there! Savor your wonderful meal your highness! You have the whole world at your feet now! Both good and bad and everything in between! The Festival is only the first step in your coming exploration of the world before you!

[Valhalla Erikson]

Bjorn

A few hours ago….

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its relentless, golden heat over the training grounds. Sweat dripped down the back of my neck, but I barely noticed it anymore. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, the familiar weight comforting in my hand. My latest opponent stood a few paces away, his bright amber eyes narrowed in concentration. Leif’s white fur shimmered under the sunlight, the black stripes along his ribs barely visible under his training tunic, but I could see the hesitation in his stance. He wasn’t ready. He knew it. I knew it. Hell, everyone watching probably knew it.

But here we were.

I smirked, barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "You’re not thinking about running again, are you, Leif?"

He flicked his tail in irritation, his ears flattening for a second. "Only if you give me a head start."

"Not sure that would help."

He raised his training sword, trying to mask his nerves with a bravado that wasn’t fooling anyone. "You never know. Cats are faster than you think."

"True. But you’re not running on all fours, are you?"

Leif grinned at that, showing the tiniest hint of his sharp canines. "I could try."

I snorted, stepping forward, blade at the ready. "If you do, I’ll bring out the leash."

Leif groaned. "One day, Bjorn. One day, you’re going to choke on one of those jokes."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But not today."

With that, I lunged. Leif's reflexes were quick—credit where it’s due—but quick didn’t mean precise. His parry was a fraction too slow, and I twisted around his defense, slashing the flat of my blade toward his side. He blocked, but the force staggered him, and I was already moving, sidestepping his return strike. The kid had heart, though; he wasn’t backing down.

Good. I’d taught him that.

We danced across the training grounds, the clash of steel ringing out in the oppressive heat. His footwork was sloppy today, like he hadn’t slept well or was distracted. Slender as he was, Leif always had to rely on agility to keep up with me, but right now he was a second behind every move. His shield came up a moment too late, and I saw my opening.

With a spin, I brought my blade down in a wide arc. The edge of my sword met his with a sharp clang, disarming him with a swift, upward strike. His sword went flying, and before he could even recover, I stepped in close, pressing the tip of my blade against his throat. The white fur around his neck shifted with the rapid rise and fall of his chest.

For a second, I thought about finishing the mock fight. Just ending it right there. But I didn’t. Instead, I stepped back and sheathed my sword, the dry rustle of metal sliding into leather the only sound for a moment.

Leif collapsed onto the ground, breathless, his tail curling protectively around his legs. His eyes were wide, flicking between me and his discarded sword. "You didn’t have to go that hard, you know," he said between pants.

I extended a hand to him, eyebrow raised. "Didn't I?"

He hesitated for a moment before taking my hand. His grip was firm, though I could feel the tremor in his muscles from the exertion. I pulled him to his feet without a word, watching him steady himself.

Leif let out a long, frustrated sigh as he dusted off his tunic, giving me a sideways glance. "You enjoy this too much."

"Not really. I’m just better than you."

"Yeah, I noticed," he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

I let a faint smirk cross my face. "That’s what happens when you spend all night chasing mice instead of training."

He shot me a flat look. "I don’t chase mice."

"Sure. Keep telling yourself that."

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair, making the fur stand up awkwardly. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be my mentor, you could try being more encouraging."

I shrugged, picking up his sword and tossing it back to him. "Encouragement isn’t going to keep you alive. If you want flattery, find someone else."

Leif caught the sword and sheathed it, his expression softening a little. Despite the banter, there was a moment where he hesitated, his ears flicking toward me. "You think I’m improving, though, right?"

The question caught me off guard, though I didn’t show it. Leif wasn’t the type to fish for compliments. Not usually.

I stared at him for a moment before finally giving a small nod. "Yeah. You’re not terrible."

He blinked, then laughed—a short, bright sound that felt a little too loud for the somberness of the training grounds. "Wow. High praise."

"Don’t get used to it, Kitten."

Lief



Bjorn




Note: Well. Amaya and Hawk will be posting some....nifty art about these two that's for sure

[superkamiguy1]

Sept 21, 2024 11:18:47 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Bjorn

A few hours ago….

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its relentless, golden heat over the training grounds. Sweat dripped down the back of my neck, but I barely noticed it anymore. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, the familiar weight comforting in my hand. My latest opponent stood a few paces away, his bright amber eyes narrowed in concentration. Leif’s white fur shimmered under the sunlight, the black stripes along his ribs barely visible under his training tunic, but I could see the hesitation in his stance. He wasn’t ready. He knew it. I knew it. Hell, everyone watching probably knew it.

But here we were.

I smirked, barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "You’re not thinking about running again, are you, Leif?"

He flicked his tail in irritation, his ears flattening for a second. "Only if you give me a head start."

"Not sure that would help."

He raised his training sword, trying to mask his nerves with a bravado that wasn’t fooling anyone. "You never know. Cats are faster than you think."

"True. But you’re not running on all fours, are you?"

Leif grinned at that, showing the tiniest hint of his sharp canines. "I could try."

I snorted, stepping forward, blade at the ready. "If you do, I’ll bring out the leash."

Leif groaned. "One day, Bjorn. One day, you’re going to choke on one of those jokes."

I shrugged. "Maybe. But not today."

With that, I lunged. Leif's reflexes were quick—credit where it’s due—but quick didn’t mean precise. His parry was a fraction too slow, and I twisted around his defense, slashing the flat of my blade toward his side. He blocked, but the force staggered him, and I was already moving, sidestepping his return strike. The kid had heart, though; he wasn’t backing down.

Good. I’d taught him that.

We danced across the training grounds, the clash of steel ringing out in the oppressive heat. His footwork was sloppy today, like he hadn’t slept well or was distracted. Slender as he was, Leif always had to rely on agility to keep up with me, but right now he was a second behind every move. His shield came up a moment too late, and I saw my opening.

With a spin, I brought my blade down in a wide arc. The edge of my sword met his with a sharp clang, disarming him with a swift, upward strike. His sword went flying, and before he could even recover, I stepped in close, pressing the tip of my blade against his throat. The white fur around his neck shifted with the rapid rise and fall of his chest.

For a second, I thought about finishing the mock fight. Just ending it right there. But I didn’t. Instead, I stepped back and sheathed my sword, the dry rustle of metal sliding into leather the only sound for a moment.

Leif collapsed onto the ground, breathless, his tail curling protectively around his legs. His eyes were wide, flicking between me and his discarded sword. "You didn’t have to go that hard, you know," he said between pants.

I extended a hand to him, eyebrow raised. "Didn't I?"

He hesitated for a moment before taking my hand. His grip was firm, though I could feel the tremor in his muscles from the exertion. I pulled him to his feet without a word, watching him steady himself.

Leif let out a long, frustrated sigh as he dusted off his tunic, giving me a sideways glance. "You enjoy this too much."

"Not really. I’m just better than you."

"Yeah, I noticed," he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

I let a faint smirk cross my face. "That’s what happens when you spend all night chasing mice instead of training."

He shot me a flat look. "I don’t chase mice."

"Sure. Keep telling yourself that."

He sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair, making the fur stand up awkwardly. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be my mentor, you could try being more encouraging."

I shrugged, picking up his sword and tossing it back to him. "Encouragement isn’t going to keep you alive. If you want flattery, find someone else."

Leif caught the sword and sheathed it, his expression softening a little. Despite the banter, there was a moment where he hesitated, his ears flicking toward me. "You think I’m improving, though, right?"

The question caught me off guard, though I didn’t show it. Leif wasn’t the type to fish for compliments. Not usually.

I stared at him for a moment before finally giving a small nod. "Yeah. You’re not terrible."

He blinked, then laughed—a short, bright sound that felt a little too loud for the somberness of the training grounds. "Wow. High praise."

"Don’t get used to it, Kitten."

Lief



Bjorn




Note: Well. Amaya and Hawk will be posting some....nifty art about these two that's for sure

Who's a good kitty? HE Is! 

Leif: "Citation Needed."

-

Seriously though, some fantastic introductions! A CatBoi is a great addition to any fantasy story and I'm enjoying his interactions with Bjorn. A classic fantasy duo those two! They have some good energy together and their sparring match was fun for how short it was. They're going to be a great pair of characters moving forward in the story! 

Amaya and Hawk are definitely going to be having all kinds of fun with the designs and characterization of the duo!  

In their defense though? They're both pretty.