Chapter Two
Entry Two of Djinni studies
My research continues. As I scan through these pages of anecdotal experiences, there seems to be common themes between them. Being of the djinni's appearance, and how when she grants these wishes, she requires payment. Most odd that a being bound to servitude would seek reimbursement. And yet, she does. To much success. No details have been given as to what these reimbursements have been, aside from the description of constant fear as she has snake like features. And then, somehow their perception is shifted drastically after they've made their reimbursement to her. General contentment, at that. How bizarre.
For the sake of research, now I am compelled to summon this 'djinni.' I now need to know as to what she exactly looks like, and what her limits are, as well as what her parameters of reimbursement are. However, there is the issue of everyone else.
If it had been just me summoning her without consequence, then there would be no issues, and I would only have to pay the price. However, being around the Shepherds is a much more precarious matter. The objections to the summoning will be immense, I am well aware. But I need to ensure that this is handled delicately. I must speak to Chrom, without Frederick, Robin, or Lucina around. Perhaps I can sway him without their influence making him hesitant. I never imagined me thinking this, ever, but fingers crossed.
The mage had gently pulled aside the prince, as the latter had just come back from defense training with Frederick. Miriel taking extra precautions to make sure that Frederick was thoroughly distracted to allow for this extended period of time. Hence, the knight's grumbling as there was a trail of pebbles along the barracks that he began the arduous task of collecting.
"Mi'lord, if I may have a word with you?"
Chrom nodded as he followed Miriel to the interior of the fortress, away from most of the Shepherd's ears. "I do hope this will be quick. I am in desperate need for a bath," he wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Of course," she nodded. "I came to ask for your permission regarding a recent discovery I made. I feel it would be quite beneficial to not just me, but to all of the Shepherds."
The prince's breathing slowed as he regained his bearings from earlier. "Go on."
"In the fortress we conquered, I found in the library a pristine book. This book contains the means to," she cleared her throat, measuring his reaction. "Summon a demon to do our bidding.
Chrom's eyes widened. It wasn't that he trusted Miriel's judgement—after all, she had been instrumental in Robin's tactics in a few battles where she had given her input— but the mere thought of such an action, and not really knowing what would happen. Miriel could see the growing apprehension in Chrom's face. The furrowing of his eyebrows, how the edges of his lips pointed downward as he pursed them together. "Are you sure about this? I mean, you say it is a demon, yes?"
"Yes, however," she pulled out her notes at the very back of her book. "Should the demon ever get out of hand, if still in servitude, the demon would be immediately restrained by their own powers. The demon would not be able to harm us in the slightest if one of us is its master."
Miriel could interpret that the prince was not entirely convinced of this idea, but the spark of curiosity was there. "What would it take to summon it, exactly?"
"I would require the aid of another mage to draw the symbol, as it is quite intricate," she flipped to the notes about the magic symbol, itself. "Would it be rude to ask Robin, or Lissa for their aid in this?"
"I don't see why not," Chrom shrugged. "If it would aid us in some way during future battles, then by all means." He adjusted the pauldron, now feeling it to be uncharacteristically heavy suddenly.
"Thank you, Chrom. I shall take my leave, now. Enjoy your refreshment." Miriel curtsied before turning on her heels to leave, her steps quickening as she prepared to write once more.
That was, until she was greeted by a mass of silver armor.
"I see that you were the one that planted that mass of pebbles for me to pick up," the knight said coldly, glaring down at the mage. "But you were unsuccessful in attempting to sway my attention to what you were trying to convince Lord Chrom in doing."
"Frederick," Miriel said calmly. "I made my case upon the matter. I have even shown him proof via my notes. And he seems interes—"
"I will not permit this." he interrupted. "What you are attempting to summon is a risk none of us are willing to take, except for you. And the last thing we need is something turning coat on us that we will need to fight, and have no known way of defeating it." the knight's eyes narrowed, making the mage falter. She had not thought of that possibility. For every "absolute," there was always the potential for a variable. A 'wrench in the gears' as she had heard before. She regained her bearings, however, brown eyes meeting green ones in a steely gaze. "Should there be any issues, I will take care of them. The entirety of the responsibility falls upon my shoulders, as it is my will to do this."
Frederick was not moved by this sudden charge in resolve, but chose to walk past her, feeling it moot to argue with the mage further. "I am unsure if you understand the gravity of your suggestion, Miriel. But I pray to Naga that you are correct in your assumptions regarding this…thing you intend to summon."
Entry Two, cont.
Chrom was apprehensive about the idea, of course, but I was able to convince him to allow me this summon process. My greatest opposition was in Frederick, as he had overheard the conversation between the prince and I. I understand that his concern is to protect the royal family, but if these notes, and my research are correct, then Frederick's concerns are untenable. To say I have faith in my notes would be temerarious, but I do believe that this tome possesses the key to my next great discovery.
I must rest, now. I will need my head clear before I begin the process of drawing drafts of the summon.
-Miriel.
