dagda

Hey? M... Madam Dagda?

You still want us to keep calling you that, right...? I'm here to apologize for the scrap yesterday. Hannah's too embarrassed to come herself, but she did help pick out these clothes and all.

Um, that whole malarkey yesterday, that's just how the Glasgow Gang does nice-to-meet-yous. If we're not all in agreement, then we let fists do the talking first. I've not got anything against you in actuality, love!

So, want to give these clothes a peep?

I'm sorry, Madam Morgan, but I don't think I should be here or be party to these. It's not in accordance with etiquette.

The principal source of any friction with me was Madam Indra. There's no need for any apologies from you.

And these clothes are hardly suitable given my current standing and circumstances. I won't be wearing them, and I won't be forsaking my rescue of Her Royal Highness.

Wait, pause it with the 'etiquette' and the 'standing' and whatever. You're just going to turn these down, out of hand?

Madam Morgan, I really apologize, but I shouldn't...

One sec!

Look, we're giving you this to say sorry! It's a whole outfit, all brand-new! The least you could do is look first before you decide!

...Nh! ...Ah...

This... I...

Ahem! Madam Morgan... it's the duty of we Knights of the Tower that we support Her Royal Highness in Her accession to the throne. My mentor has consistently impressed the matter of the vacant throne on me, that it rests barren.

It's a mission and a responsibility I take incredibly seriously, and I'm very thankful for your help these past few days, but...

Oh, stuff this and stuff you and STUFF YER MOUTH! You like it, I can tell! So put it ON!

Guh!

It's not right for a Knight of the Tower to—

Wait, just one moment...!

—Well!

*cough*...

Ha-ha-HA! Now that looks bang-up on you.

Well, thank you. Now that I've tried on your gift, I think I should change back into my original clothing.

Let me root around... Got a trimmer here! I can do up your eyebrows one sec.

Wait, I don't—

Stop blinking! I'm just trimming your brows, love, calm down! I've got my studs here too, if you want me to pierce you up? I'm telling you, earrings would go smashing with this outfit!

Once we're all done here, you'll be a member of the Glasgow Gang just like us!

I—

FINE! If you hate it, then I'll bloody take it off for you!

Vina gave me half an earful yesterday and I'll admit she talked some real sense, but if you're dead set against us, then let's go for round two! Let our fists do the talking!

Eyy-up—

No!

Flip's sakes, what now?

I'm keeping it on!

Thank you, Madam Morgan. I do love this outfit, and these earrings.

Also... could you help fix up my brows for me...? I'll try not to blink.

Wait, so you <i>accept</i> Indra's apology?

I do.

I knew it! You were never narked at us really!

Hannah's just loud-mouthed and cocky in spades. If you went serious one-on-one, she'd never beat you.

'Scuse me?!

Dagda... Madam Dagda, that is, you might want to slow down too. You just arrived and all—Vina's still thinking it over herself.

And I mean, Hannah too. You spouted all that 'protect the honor of Victoria' guff at her and you could see the dynamite go off inside her, but she doesn't hold it against you. She'd just rather kick any noble in the gonads, that's all.

Hmph!

Madam Morgan, I feel we can refrain from keeping our distance. You can simply call me Dagda.

And Hannah? Can she call you that too?

She... can, I... suppose.

Here, you can have these earrings now.

Looking good, right fit! You were made for this style! Shame Vina's not a patch on you.

She's dressed like the arse-end of Bottom Alley right now. How about sometime we give her a makeover like yours?

Ah... If it would be for Her Highness...!

Adhering by your counsel, I have found Her Royal Highness Alexandrina. However, it shocked me to find that she did not wish to leave her present companions, to travel with me.

Your teachings are still writ in my head. It was every one of you that broke the capture and delivered me out... (The text is struck through.)

(Fresh handwriting follows.)

Her Highness's present companions are a cohort of gang members, with Her as their leader.

Madams Indra and Morgan have given me new uniform, the latter of whom also gifted me her earrings. They say that from today forth, I may consider myself too a member of the Glasgow Gang.

I'm reminded of the time Master Bailey first taught me makeup, as well as her taking me to see the fashion show in secret. I had all but forgotten those memories.

Yet I have not forgotten the vacant throne I am entrusted with, being that I cannot let the Knights fall in further disgrace. I know I can never accomplish this alone no matter what, but this purpose has brought me to this day, and is what I exist for.

I will see our liege back, and Victoria's throne will be vacant no more.

Bloody Morgan had me on! I just knew it, I could see her dying to laugh when she agreed! Stunk of evil, that!

I don't think I should be teaching a class right now, though. I wanted to prepare a little before we return, plus I never hang around the Training Room in the first place...

Gonna do Vina's work, then? Talk with the Doctor about heading back to Londinium?

What talks are they even having? We're heading back, full stop. As a Knight of the Tower, don't you think I should be elsewhere...?

Cork it! You're here, with me, so let's try these lot on for size! Now no more chatter!

...Indra?

(Jackie, is Instructor Indra always this testy?)

(I think some stuff happened in Victoria...)

Gah! Whatever, you bloody lot don't know how long the story is. Here's the deal! We're going, so today's the last chance you get to fight us!

Our little girl here can explain the rest to you. I... am DONE talking now!

Ahem. Er... I'll be your opponent for today.

Right. You can call me Dagda.

I'm not too sure what you've been doing before, so we'll go through some daily exercises for today. I'd like all to follow along properly, if you'd please.

Now then... let's begin.

Based on my experiences being trained, you'll first want a grasp on your swimming, lancing and fencing skills, as well as learning how to wipe off your weapons, and fight in coordination.

Er, I'll demonstrate them to you one by one now... no, wait. You don't need to be studying this...

I'm imagining—you're here to learn how to engage in practical combat.

Indra, can you help me one second? I want us to demonstrate for them how I used to spar in training.

You're on!

This is your first training session, Isabelle Montague. Before you formally begin training as a Knight of the Tower, I want you to always keep this in mind—

Victoria's throne will not be vacant forever.

Yes, Master!

...My mother instructed me that we nobles should be the pride of Victoria.

But more than that pride, it's duty I hope to succeed. Though the Palace stands empty, the honor I protect is all the same! Disgrace will never fall on our name again!

Now watch and bloody learn!

Hngh—!

(Abdomen, face, both exposed points...)

(I'll focus on them...)

Isabelle Montague—

Dark be the lights of the Palace. It falls to me, upon this hour, to anoint thee as a Knight of the Tower.

Yes, Master!

You have wiped clean your weapon. Do you swear here and now, that you will uphold the peace?

I swear.

Do you swear here and now, that you will relinquish your personal greed, that you will inherit the spirit and honor of the Knights of the Tower, that you will pledge fealty to the Kingdom?

I swear.

Do you swear here and now, that you will devote the remainder of your life to protecting Victoria, to protecting this nation?

I swear!

Your oath is made.

Isabelle Montague, no longer are you apprentice under the Tower. You are now a Knight of the Tower, in all trueness and formality.

Whoa! That one was crazy!

Wow, she almost sent Instructor Indra flying... Is Instructor Dagda just this powerful?