Faithful meeting.
Roughly a year had passed since Lucina met Arthas and Jaina, and the princess had since fully recovered from her failed mission. During this time she had continued to train and became stronger and stronger with time. Still, she was yet to achieve her life long goal. But for now, she was focused on her training and becoming stronger. She still was not fond of the idea of leading her kingdom one day, but she knew she would have to, since her father would not be around forever... and Lucina dreaded the day when her father would pass away. Chrom was aware of this fact too, and he knew that Lucina would need to get some more actual experience. And he knew just the way she could get it. He had just received a message that requested his aid in dealing with an situation in Quel'Thalas. Normally the elves preferred to handle their problems themselves, but according to the message, the situation was something Ylisse had more experience with.
Chrom was waiting in his room until he heard a knock on his door "Enter".
Lucina stepped inside "You wanted to see me father?".
"Yes, Lucina. Please take a seat" Chrom motioned to a chair, after Lucina sat down he began to explain why he had summoned her "How is your training going?".
"Well, they tell me that I am improving everyday" Lucina answered.
"Good to hear. Because I have received an request that I need you to handle" Chrom said.
"A request?" Lucina asked.
Chrom nods "A request from Quel'Thalas".
That gained Lucina's full atention "Quel'Thalas?! You mean the home land of the high eleves?".
Chrom nods "Indeed. But first. How much do you know about them an their culture?".
Lucina looked away "Not much... I tried reading books, but they did not provide much valid info... and I fell asleep after page 5".
Chrom shook his head with an amused smile "Of course, well I have been there myself and I met someone who was able to tell me about it".
"You mean mother?" Lucina asked, she did not know her mother, but she knew by now that her mother was an elf... given the fact her ears where pointier than most humans.
Chrom gave a slow nod "Yes... her. In fact, that is the main reason I am sending you. Because your mother will be the one who will help you on your quest".
Lucina looked shocked before she looked down, her eyes closed. After a few moments of silence she finally looked back up "So... after all these years. You are finally going to let me see her?".
Chrom closed his eyes and sighed "It was never that simple, Lucina".
"Then explain it to me! You always told me she was a complicated woman, so can you just come clean and tell me what's so complicated with her? Is it the fact she's an elf that made things hard?" Lucina all but demanded.
"Lucina, calm down and let me talk" Chrom ordered sharply, Lucina obeyed, but she made it clear she was done with his excuses "Like I've said many times, you mother, is a complicated woman. But she has a reason for that. She has a very important position in Quel'Thalas".
"And that is?" Lucina asked.
"She is a Ranger-General of Silvermoon. A unique title given to the commander of the Farstriders, the High elf rangers of Quel'Thalas. he ranger-general is also the commander of all of Quel'Thalas' army forces. So a title like that leaves very little time for your mother to spend time with a family from a different kingdom" Chrom explained
Lucina let this sink in before she asked "Then couldn't she at least sent a letter? Or at the very least a sign that she acknowledged my existence?".
"Listen Lucina, I can't speak for her. You will just have to ask her yourself when you meet her. You will leave shortly and I am sending one soldier with you" Chrom said.
"Just one?" Lucina asked.
"The trip to Quel'Thalas is long and dangerous. But I am not going to make the mistake of sending a small and inexperienced group with you this time. I will send the best warrior we have, she will be able to help you get there and back" Chrom explained.
"Then who are you sending with me?" Lucina asked.
"Hello Lucina, it's so nice to see you again" Said a red head woman who was already waiting for Lucina with two horses ready.
Lucina's mouth was wide open when she saw who would be her guardian "Cordelia!?".
Cordelia was a member of the Royal Knights and her duty is to protect the royal family. During her days as a recruit, it was apparent that she was a prodigy in nearly everything she attempted to do. After joining the Royal Knights, she quickly became a legend to the people, said to being able to bring down hordes of enemies all by herself. Though she is rather modest and does not like when she is praised to much out of fear that it could invoke jealousy in her fellow knights.
Still, Lucina and Cordelia had become pretty good friends from all the years they've known each other. They talk from time to time, whenever both of them have some free time, and no busy with their duties. They bonded well due to both having... a similar problem than only women would understand.
Cordelia smiled at the surprised princess "It really has been a long time, hasn't it, Lucina?".
"It has... I never expected that the guardian dad assigned to me would make the best warrior in the kingdom" Lucina said.
"I am honored you think so. I promised him to make sure you make it to Quel'Thalas safely" Cordelia confirmed.
"I am honored for that, but don't think you will be doing all the work, I can take care of myself just fine" Lucina said.
Cordelia chuckled "I harbor no doubt about that. But even legendary warriors needs help from their comrades from time to time".
Lucina smiled a little at that "That is true. Well let's mount our horses and be of. We are in for a long trip".
Coredlia nods and they began to get ready for their trip. While they were doing that, Fredrick had arrived to check on them "Do you have everything you need?".
"I think we do" Lucina answered.
"Food?" Fredrick asked.
"Yes" Lucina confirmed.
Fredrick "Extra clothes?".
Cordelia "Yes".
Fredrick "Are your weapons still sharp?".
"Yes" Lucina answered, trying not to sound annoyed.
"I knitted some new scarfs for you both in case-" Fredrick began until Cordelia stopped him.
"Fredrick, we got everything we need. You don't have to worry about us" She said, half amused.
"Sorry. Just doing my duty as an retainer" Fredrick said.
"Well, while we're gone, your duty is to keep an eye on dad" Lucina said.
"Do not worry Princess Lucina. Your father will be safe and sound when you return" Fredrick assured.
"Good to know. See you when we get back Fredrick. Let's go Cordelia" Lucina ordered as they finally began their trip.
On the way Cordelia asked "I've never been to Quel'Thalas. Do you know the history behind it?".
"I only know what dad told me. After being exiled by their old people for refusing to give up magic, the surviving highborne, led by Dath'Remar, left Kalimdor behind them and challenged the storms of the Maelstrom. Their fleets wandered the wreckage of the world for many long years, until they eventually found land across the sea. Dath'Remar, who already had the name Sunstrider sought out places of considerable ley power upon which to build a new homeland for his people. His fleet finally landed on the beaches of the kingdom men would later call Lordaeron. Forging inland, the high elves founded a settlement within the tranquil Tirisfal Glades. After a few years, many of them began to go mad. It was theorized that something evil slept beneath that particular part of the world - and was later proven to be the C'thraxxi |Zakajz the Corruptor in Legion. The high elves packed up their encampment and moved northward towards another land rich with ley energies" Lucina began to explain.
"Sounds like they went through a lot" Cordelia mused.
"As the high elves crossed the rugged, mountainous lands of Lordaeron, their journey became more perilous. Since they were effectively cut off from the life-giving energies of the Well of Eternity, many of them fell ill from the frigid climate or died from starvation. The most disconcerting change, however, was the fact that they were no longer immortal or immune to the elements. They also shrank somewhat in height, and their skin lost its characteristic violet hue. Despite their hardships, they encountered many wondrous creatures that had never been seen in Kalimdor. They also found tribes of primitive humans who hunted throughout the ancient forestlands. However, the greatest threat they encountered were the voracious and cunning forest trolls of Zul'Aman. These moss-skinned trolls could regenerate lost limbs and heal grievous physical injuries, and they proved to be a barbaric race. The Amani empire stretched across most of northern Lordaeron, and the trolls fought hard to keep unwanted strangers from their borders. The elves developed a deep loathing for the vicious trolls and killed them on sight whenever they were encountered. After many long years, the high elves finally found a land that was reminiscent of the forests of Kalimdor. Deep within the northern woods of the continent, they founded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas and vowed to create a mighty empire which would dwarf that of their kaldorei cousins. Unfortunately they soon learned that Quel'Thalas was founded upon an ancient troll city that the trolls still held to be sacred. Almost immediately, the trolls began to attack the elven settlements in mass. Lucina continued.
"What happened then?" Cordelia asked.
"The elves, unwilling to give up their new land, utilized the magics which they had gleaned from the Well of Eternity and kept the savage trolls at bay. Under Dath'Remar's leadership, they were able to defeat the Amani warbands that outnumbered them ten to one. Some elves, wary of the Kaldorei's ancient warnings, felt that their use of magic might possibly draw the attention of the banished Burning Legion. Therefore, they decided to mask their lands within a protective barrier which would still allow them to work their enchantments. They constructed a series of monolithic Runestones at various points around Quel'Thalas which marked the boundaries of the magic barrier. The Runestones not only masked the elves' magic from extra-dimensional threats, but helped to frighten away the superstitious troll warbands as well" Lucina answered.
Cordelia continued to listen, amazed by the details that Lucina brought in to her explanation.
"As time wore on, Quel'Thalas became a shining monument to the high elves' efforts and magical prowess. Its beauteous palaces were crafted in the same architectural style as the ancient halls of Kalimdor, yet they were interwoven with the natural topography of the land. Quel'Thalas had become the shining jewel that the elves had longed to create. The Convocation of Silvermoon was founded as the ruling power over Quel'Thalas, though the Sunstrider Dynasty maintained a modicum of political power. Comprised of seven of the greatest high elf lords, the Convocation worked to secure the safety of the elven lands and people. Surrounded by their protective barrier, the high elves remained unmoved by the old warnings of the Kaldorei and continued to use magic flagrantly in almost all aspects of their lives. For nearly four thousand years the high elves lived peacefully within the secluded safety of their kingdom. Nevertheless, the vindictive trolls were not so easily defeated. They plotted and schemed in the depths of the forests and waited for the numbers of their warbands to grow. Finally, a mighty troll army charged out from the shadowy forests and once again laid siege to the shining spires of Quel'Thalas. And that is all I know, other than they won the Troll Wars. But those creatures never left them alone" Lucina finished.
"What an fascinating history. I hope they can tell us more when we get there" Cordelia said.
"I am not really interested in their history at the moment. I am only on this quest because the person I've been wanting to meet all my life will be there" Lucina said, her eyes sharp.
Cordelia understood right away "Your mother...".
Lucina took a deep breath "Yes, at last I will have answers and know the real truth about the other half of my blood line".
Cordelia said nothing. She could tell Lucina had mixed emotions about meeting the mother who had been absent from her life for so long. She only hoped Lucina would be able to control herself when she sees her. Being apart from a parent for your whole life was not an easy thing to go through. Lucina had done many reckless things in hope of finding her mother, once almost being killed for it. When it became clear she would not stop until she finds her mother, Chrom had made sure she got the best training possible, so she would be ready to find her when the time is right. And after Chrom got the request from Quel'Thalas that they needed help, he jumped at the chance to send Lucina since he knew her mother would be there. Cordelia had been informed that's also the reason why Chrom made her Lucina's body guard, since she is among the few true friends Lucina has.
It took roughly 2 days to reach the forest of the elves. Lucina and Cordelia made their way inside. They had a small idea of where to find the elves that where sent to greet them. When they got rather deep within the forest, an arrow hit a tree right in front of Lucina's face, almost making her fall of her horse.
"Not a step further. Identify yourselves" Came a female voice.
Lucina removed her hood to reveal her face "I am Lucina, Princess of Ylisse. And this is my guardian, Cordelia. We have been sent here in answer of your call for aid".
"Lucina...?" The woman all but whispered as she stepped out of the trees, revealing to be an elf "We were never told that our leader's daughter would be the one Ylisse would send. But I am sure she will be happy to see you".
Lucina was silent for a moment "Take us to her... please".
"Of course. Come with me" The elf said as she began leading the two women towards the camp.
The closer they got to the camp, the more tense Lucina became. She was debating on how she would react when she finally sees her. She just didn't know at the moment. All she could do was to just wait and see what happens. When they finally reached the camp, Lucina and Cordelia got of their horses and walked to the biggest tent in the camp, that must belong to the one Lucina was here for.
The elf turned around to face them "Wait out here. I will go and get her".
When the elf went inside the tent, Cordelia looked at Lucina "Are you alright?".
"I... don't know... I just don't know" Lucina answered.
Inside the tent, the leader of the camp was making new arrows, until the elf from before entered "My Lady. The aid from Ylisse has arrived".
"Bring them to the meeting room. I will see them shortly and we can go over the situation" The leader said.
"My Lady... I think it's best if you see them now" The Elf said.
The Leader looked at her "Why? What's so special about them?".
"One of them... is your daughter, My Lady" The elf said.
The leader got wide eyes before looking down 'He sent her?... Damn it Chrom! Could you not have given me a warning first?'.
Outside the tent, Lucina was still waiting, until the elf walked out of the tent and moved aside so The Leader could come out. The moment she did, she locked eyes with Lucina. Both just stared at each other, both trying to think of something to say. Cordelia looked between them, a little concerned by what would happen. This was a very tense stand of, and no one could tell what was about to happen.
Finally, Lucina broke the tense silence "Mother...".
"Lucina..." The Leader said silently. After another moment of silence she took a step back "Join me inside... we have a lot to talk about".
When The Leader went inside Lucina looked at Cordelia "Wait out here... this is something I must do alone".
"Of course my Lady" Cordelia said.
Lucina took a deep breath before walking in to the tent.
Inside, The Leader's back was facing her. Once again there was another tense silence as both Lucina and her mother just didn't know what to say at the moment. Both took a little time to gather themselves as much as they could, all to avoid unnecessary problems. Something that would be easier said than done.
"I knew this day would come... but I never expected it would happen like this" The mother finally spoke.
"I never knew what to expect" Lucina said, still struggling with her emotions.
The Leader sighed and turned around and removed her hood "Well... it's time we had our talk... it's been to long already".
Now Lucina could get a good look at who her mother was... and her mother is: Sylvanas Windrunner.
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A shorter chapter because I wanted to leave an impact now that I finally reveal who Lucina's mother is. Been waiting to write this for a long time now.
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Tell me what you think.