A blinding flash, a boom that shakes the bedrock, and then…
Maribelle blinks.
Her eyes open to a field of smooth, dark stone stretching in every direction. Pale red light shimmers from above, flickering across an invisible dome. High atop a viewing platform carved into the jagged cliffs that rises around the arena, sits Vexena, Queen of The Demon Lands, lounging beside her General, Eris. Between them stands the tiny figure of Virelle, bouncing on her toes with a bright grin.
"Maribelle," Vexena's voice echoes, haughty and commanding, "do you require weapons or armor, or will you face my daughter with your bare hands?"
Maribelle frowns and shouts up, "I'm a spellsword. Something… appropriate."
Eris clicks her fingers. A flash of golden light engulfs Maribelle and when it fades, she finds herself clad in masterwork armor laced with pulsing runes. A gleaming sword hovers before her, vibrating with overwhelming magic.
